Joshua was expected to seek a rematch but has stepped aside, paving the way for Parker to challenge for one of the four world titles not held by Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker’s last fight was in Riyadh in March when he beat China’s Zhilei Zhang to claim the interim WBO heavyweight title.
Parker won the WBO in December 2016 when he narrowly outscored Mexican Andy Ruiz in Auckland. He defended the title twice in 2017 but lost it to Joshua in 2018 in Cardiff, with Joshua’s unanimous point victory unifying the heavyweight category at the time.
A person is dead after a serious crash involving a bus and a car north of Tirau on State Highway 1.
The scene of a crash on SH1, north of Tīrau. Photo: RNZ / Natalie Akoorie
Hato Hone St John says it sent 13 vehicles to respond to the accident and transported 13 patients, two in critical condition and four in serious condition, to Waikato, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland Hospitals by road and air.
The highway is closed for over 10 kilometres, between Tirau and Piarere Roundabout.
In a statement earlier, police said the two-vehicle crash happened near Paparamu Road in Piarere after 2pm on Wednesday.
“Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.”
An apparent conversation in Tongan between a cousin and a man facing a murder charge in Auckland’s suburb of Mt Roskill has been suggested as containing the motive for the killing.
A CCTV still from Richardson’s Bar and Restaurant in Mt Roskill, Auckland, shows Christopher Salt (left) and Tofimua Matagi playing darts together shortly before Salt fatally assaulted him. The footage has been played for jurors at Salt’s murder trial in the High Court at Auckland.
Christopher Tean Salt, 36, appeared earlier this month in Auckland High Court to defend his charge of the alleged murder of 25-year-old Tofimua Oneonepata Matagi.
He told a jury his intent that night was initially to serve as a peacemaker.
Prosecutors called the explanation ridiculous – a clear contradiction, they said, to the high-quality, graphic CCTV footage of the attack that has been played for jurors repeatedly since Salt’s trial began last week, the New Zealand Herald reported.
The footage showed Matagi never moved again of his own accord after the final head stomp, which was recorded at 10.56pm.
It said: “While rifling through Matagi’s clothes, Salt removed his wallet, placing it in Matagi’s baseball cap along with his passport and phone before walking out of the room with the items.
“He returned about four minutes later, going through Matagi’s pockets a second time before picking up the man’s darts scattered on the floor next to him and throwing them at the board one last time”.
An ambulance wouldn’t be called for almost an hour and 40 minutes, after Matagi’s friends eventually found him and yelled to the barman for help.
“Everything happened so fast, I just wanted to disarm him,” Salt told jurors, acknowledging that he found no gun.
“I kicked him and I stomped him because I didn’t want him to shoot me,” Salt repeatedly claimed from the witness box in the High Court at Auckland over the past two days. “I was worried about the gun – nothing else.”
Salt testified he had actually suggested a game of pool because his cousin, also in the smoking area, had told him in Tongan that he was about to give Matagi a beating. He said he didn’t know what had angered his cousin, who has since died so couldn’t give evidence of his own, but he thought it best to defuse the situation.
Matangi was new to Auckland, having previously lived in Australia and Niue, when he went to Richardson’s Bar and Restaurant for the first time with two workmates on the night of August 31 last year.
He met Salt, a self-described regular at the bar, in the smoking area before footage showed the two going to the otherwise empty game room.
After the Captain of the ill-fated vessel MV Princess Ashika, Viliami Makahokovalu Tuputupu, was jailed last week for knowingly taking excess passengers on MV Otuanga’ofa while his Certificate of Competency had expired, social media users took to the web to weigh in.
Viliami Makahokovalu Tuputupu. Photo/Provided
Some Facebook users mistakenly attributed the penalty to Tuputupu’s Princess Ashika court case in 2011.
“Is that Ashika case still on trial,” a commenter asked in Tongan.
“Why haven’t the top leaders of the former government been brought to justice?” another commenter asked. They believe former Prime Minister Feleti Sevele should face charges for his alleged involvement in approving the purchase of the “unseaworthy” ferry.
One commenter voiced his opinion that it is unlawful to impose penalties on an individual for the same offense multiple times, thinking that Tuputupu had been charged again for his role on MV Ashika.
The commenters were referring to when Tuputupu went on trial in 2009 for the sinking of MV Ashika, which claimed 74 lives that same year.
In that case, Tuputupu gave evidence in court and said he knew the MV Princess Ashika was unseaworthy but sailed anyway. He said he relied on information given to him by the Marine and Ports Division, alleging that the vessel was not safe to operate, but he never believed it would sink on August 5.
Tuputupu, was handed a four-year jail term in 2011 after being convicted of manslaughter by negligence and of sending an unseaworthy ship to sea, but served only six months.
A Royal Commission inquiry into the sinking found the ferry was declared unseaworthy in 1985 and was never supposed to sail in deep water.
Nevertheless, the government-owned operator, the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia (SCP), bought the vessel from a Fijian firm in 2009.
Recent sentencing
Tuputupu was sentenced on November 18, 2024, and returned to Hu’atolitoli prison after he was found guilty of violating maritime regulations by setting sail with excessive passengers on board, significantly exceeding the vessel’s capacity.
He was convicted of two charges related to his role on the government’s MV Otuanga’ofa vessel.
One was regarding permission he gave as Master of the MV Otuanga’ofa to travel with 420 passengers instead of its limit of 400.
The other was after he operated the MV Otuanga’ofa without a proper certificate.
Tongan Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku is currently facing a new no-confidence vote following recent political tensions and concerns raised by the king.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku. Photo/Screenshot (Radio FM87.5)
The Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua, announced the no-confidence vote motion this morning.
It comes after Hu’akavameiliku survived a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence ballot against him in September 2023.
“The office of the lord speaker receives notice of intention to move a motion for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister”, a statement said.
“The Office of the Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly received on Saturday 23rd November 2024 a Notice of Intention to Move a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni.
“The Notice was submitted by the Representative of the People of Tongatapu 5, Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke, together with the Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister, which has been signed in support by 10 Members of Parliament including Dr Eke”.
The Office of the Legislative Assembly are carrying out tasks in respect of the motion as is required by clause 50B of the Constitution as well as the Rules of Procedures of the House.”
Although Hu’akavameiliku survived last year’s vote of no confidence, many issues from the more than 40 motions were believed to have not been resolved.
As we reported earlier this year King Tupou VI recently withdrew his confidence and consent against him.
We also reported last week that the king allegedly expressed concerns against the Minister of Lands’ handling of land issues.
Last year’s vote of no confidence against Hu’akavameiliku was also submitted by Dr Eke.
There are 26 seats in Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, comprising nine noble’s representatives, and 17 people’s representatives have 17.
The New Zealand Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, visits Lopeti, the security guard injured during the recent incident in Auckland on Thursday.
Security guard Lopeti is pictured with visitors to his hospital bedside this morning, including Police Minister Mark Mitchell, left, Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff-Thomas, second from right, and fellow Newmarket Security staff. Lopeti was critically injured when he was stabbed in the neck while working outside Westfield Newmarket mall in Auckland on Thursday. Photo / LinkedIn
It comes after a 24-year-old man was charged with aggravated wounding after a serious assault in Newmarket, police said.
The incident occurred on Broadway, near Westfield Mall, about 2.35pm, and left Lopeti in a critical condition.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, of Auckland City CIB, said security guards had approached a man when he produced a knife.
“One of the guards has sustained a serious stab injury to the neck as a result.
“At this point, we have established they were trying to engage with the man in relation to an earlier incident.”
Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff-Thomas said the victim was one of his staff members.
“Lopeti’s actions were truly heroic,” Knoff-Thomas wrote on LinkedIn.
“We shudder to think what could have happened if the knife-wielding offender wasn’t stopped.”
The minister reportedly visited the victim at the hospital and took the time to speak directly with him and his family.
Georgia’s rugby union team beat the Ikale Tahi by scoring three impressive tries, ultimately securing a solid 22-7 victory over Tonga.
The Georgian team established control early in the game and successfully maintained its momentum throughout the contest at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, this morning.
This defeat for Tonga marks their ninth consecutive loss out of 10 games during their tour of Europe, raising significant concerns and increasing the pressure on coach Tevita Tuifua as he seeks to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Tonga’s only win was against Canada in the play-off for fifth spot in the Pacific Nations Cup in September.
Following the disappointing loss to the USA Eagles last week, the online fanbase experienced a wave of frustration and anger, leading to a backlash against the team.
Numerous supporters openly criticised the management and organisational structures of the Tonga Rugby Union.
Many voiced their concerns about the team’s performance, calling for a thorough review of the coaching strategies and player selection processes. The discontent highlights a growing sense of urgency among fans for a more robust framework to support rugby development in Tonga.
Tonga faces a significant challenge following their recent defeat to Georgia. They now focus on the critical qualification tests for the World Cup next year.
During this morning’s game against Georgia, online comments revealed significant agitation and frustration among Ikale Tahi fans.
Many supporters expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting missed opportunities, questionable plays, and defensive lapses that contributed to their discontent.
Some supporters, however, said that with vital matches approaching, the team must analyse its weaknesses, enhance its training, and refine its game plans to maximize its chances of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The pressure is on Tonga to rebound and demonstrate its capabilities on the international stage.
Due to its poor performance, Tonga’s ranking has dropped to 19th in the world, below Portugal.
Georgia scores 22 from three tries, two conversions and one penalty, while Tonga has only one try and conversion.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti said the findings from the annual snapshot highlighted “the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders”.
The research found 27 percent of all New Zealand children live in homes where there is food insecurity, up from 21 percent in the previous year.
22.3 per cent of Pasifika adults – an estimated 65,000 people – had a medical problem but did not visit a GP because of cost, in the past 12 months
65 per cent of Pasifika (estimated 189,000 adults) classified as obese
12.7 per cent of Pasifika adults (estimated 37,000 people) had an unmet need for mental health or addiction services in the past 12 months
20 per cent of Pacific adults (estimated 58,000 people) experienced high or very high psychological distress in the past four weeks [scoring 12 or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale]
81.9 per cent of Pasifika (estimated 238,000 people) said their health in general was good, very good or excellent
Nearly half of adults (44.9 percent) reported unmet need for dental care due to cost. Rates were worse for Māori, Pacific, disabled, people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods and those aged 25-54 years
Fewer than half of adults (46.6 percent) met physical activity guidelines [at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity in the past week – down from 50.9 percent five years ago]
One in 11 adults (9.1 percent) and 8.2 percent of children aged 2-14 years ate the recommended amount of vegetables
Dr Reti said he is committed to strengthening the health workforce, particularly by training more doctors and primary care specialists.
“We want people to be able to access primary care, so they’re not having to visit emergency departments in the first place, and we can reduce pressure on our hospital system.”
He said by growing the broader economy and driving down inflation, the government was working to make it easier for New Zealanders to afford GP visits and buy food.
“Health New Zealand has faced a particularly challenging time during this survey period. I am encouraged to see that overall, 85.4 percent of New Zealanders report being in good health, and I acknowledge Health NZ’s role in helping support that,” Dr Reti said.
“I will continue working with associate ministers and agencies to address the challenges this survey identifies, and capitalise on the successes.”
Tonga’s Ministry of Lands and Survey’s staff have been informed about a report hinting at the resignation of their Minister, Lord Tu‘i‘afitu.
King Tupou VI Photo/File photo
A leaked internal memo, seen by Kaniva News, purported to show a notice from the Ministry’s chief executive indicating that the king was allegedly no longer confident in the Minister’s handling of land issues.
The king’s concern follows a statement released by his Privy Council early this year, which showed a similar dissatisfaction from His Majesty King Tupou VI.
In that incident, the king told Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku that he had withdrawn his confidence and consent to his appointment as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces and Fekita ‘Utoikamanu as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
The Ministry’s memo, dated Monday 11, claimed the Minister was considering stepping down following concerns allegedly raised by King Tupou VI.
The Ministry’s Chief Executive Taniela Kula has confirmed to Kaniva News that the leaked internal memo was from him but has said nothing is “official yet” about the resignation.
The memo claimed the Minister was intending to tender his resignation to the Prime Minister.
It said the staff were told that the Acting Prime Minister had relayed the king’s concerns to Lord Tu’i’afitu.
It also alleged the Minister will no longer sign ministerial and working-related documents.
He will stop using the ministerial vehicle and will not be attending his office, the memo read.
The King can only revoke a Minister’s appointment if he has been advised by the Prime Minister according to Clause 51 of the Constitution.
Lord Tu’i’afitu
Kaniva comments:
When the king declared his lack of confidence in Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and Utoikamanu in February, the Acting Prime Minister immediately responded, citing the advice of the attorney-general, saying both Hu’akavameiliku and Utoikamanu would continue to serve in the portfolios.
However, the Prime Minister and ‘Utoikamanu finally resigned from their portfolios, apparently after intervention from the king’s nobility MPs in the House. Utoikamanu was reappointed as Minister of MEIDECC.
Since then, it appeared that His Majesty’s Armed Forces ministerial post has been left vacant. As we reported recently, the Crown Prince represented the Ministry in foreign meetings, which raised curiosity among members of the public, with many asking whether he has been appointed the Minister of Defence.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku appointed Lord Tu’i’āfitu as Cabinet Minister according to the constitution. It is unclear how he would be affected by the King’s decision since he is one of the king’s nobility members. There appears to be no clause in the Constitution allowing His Majesty to withdraw his appointment of any minister after their appointment.
If the king’s declaration was proven to be true, it would re-awake concerns raised as far back as 2017 about the role of the king’s counsellors.
The then Justice Minister Vuna Fā’otusia said decisions made by Parliament were sometimes vetoed by His Majesty because of advice from the Privy Council.
He said the members of the council were not chosen by the people.
It is about a decade since lawyer Peter Pursglove said that Tonga’s 2010 Constitution was the poorest among all Commonwealth countries. He made suggestions to improve it, but progress had been stalled.
Pursglove expressed concern about the role and the establishment of the Privy Council.
A Tongan scholar who was honoured in New Zealand a decade ago was laid to rest this afternoon at Makamaka Cemetery in her hometown of Ha’ateiho.
Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki. Photo/USP University
Dr ‘Ana Maui Ta’ufe’ulungaki, 78, a former Minister of Education in Tonga, died from an illness.
In 2014, she was honoured with the University of Auckland’s Distinguished Alumni Award at a special occasion in Auckland.
Several former Tongan students from Auckland University who attended the event may still recall the occasion when they unexpectedly stood up to surprise the guests, immediately following Taufe’ulungaki’s presentation and her departure from the podium.
They sang the hymn ‘Eiki ko e ‘Ofa ‘A’au to show support for Taufe’ulungaki. The performance received warm applause.
Taufe’ulungaki was graduated from the University of Auckland with a BA majoring in History between 1966 and 1968 before completing a MA in Leeds in 1978. She then went on to complete a PhD at the University of Birmingham in 1988.
“I am totally humbled as it is most unexpected but I am very honoured and proud that I can receive this award on behalf of all the pioneer Polynesian students who paved the way at Auckland University to ensure our of today can also achieve their dreams,” she said.
Dr Taufe’ulungaki came to New Zealand in 1964 and attended Epsom Girls Grammar School for two years before starting University in 1966.
It was a very different Campus back then. Dr Taufe’ulungaki says she was one of a small number of Pacific Islands’ students at the University at that time. There was very little Pacific cultural activity of any kind.
“I think it was the skill of survival! The academic programme was demanding for a young Pacific islander in those days, and being able simply to survive the three year BA programme was an achievement,” she said.
Dr Taufe’ulungaki said the time at the University of Auckland was tough, but it set her up for the rest of her formal study.
“I learned to cope on my own and to rely on my own inner resources. As far as I am concerned the three years at Auckland University were the toughest of my university career. My other studies for my masters’ and doctoral degrees in the UK were much easier to cope with. I had learned by then the art of studying and surviving for long periods away from my family and from the familiar context of my own country.”
“Focus on your goals and commit yourself to achieve them. No worthwhile goal is ever accomplished without hard work and personal sacrifice,” she said.
