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Fiji Police investigate how bullets found in aeroplane missed in Tonga airport’s security screening

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police in Fiji are investigating the discovery of bullets in a Fiji Airways aircraft that arrived from Tonga at Fiji airport on Thursday.

Fua’amotu International Airport

Fiji Times reported that it is believed the bullets were inside the carry-on baggage of a passenger who left them on board when disembarking.

The paper did not provide further details about the flight number and whether the passenger had been located.

“Police have confirmed the discovery of bullets on a Fiji Airways aircraft that arrived from Tonga yesterday morning”, it said.

It mentioned that Fijian Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed “the discovery and said investigations were ongoing.”

“Investigations are also looking into how security checks at the Tongatapu Fua’amotu International Airport failed to detect the bullets inside the passenger’s carry-on bag”.

According to international aviation regulations, any form of ammunition is strictly prohibited in passenger aircraft carry-on luggage.

This rule is in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew members.

Tongan authorities could not be reached for comment.

Gov’t to notify overseas country about Tongan prison officer allegedly involved in drug-related activities but who has since left the kingdom

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan government authority says it will inform its international counterpart following the departure of a prison officer from the kingdom who had been purportedly involved in drug-related activities.

Hu’atolitoli prison. Photo/HM Prisons

The revelation comes amid a major investigation into the Prison authorities’ alleged involvement in “accepting bribery and aiding and abetting trafficking illicit drugs into prisons”. 

“This is a grave violation of the good order security of prison”, His Majesty’s Prisons at Hu‘atolitoli said on Thursday.

However, it provided no further details about the overseas country to which the officer had travelled.

The statement only identified the suspect as “Prison A”.

It also identified another suspect still in Tonga as “Recruit Officer B”.

It said both “Prison A” and “Recruit Officer B” were suspended on September 6.

The suspension of the two officers follows the suspension of another Recruit Prison Officer in August after an illicit drug and utensil had been found in a vehicle at the Hu’atolitoli Prison compound.

It is understood the Recruit Prison Officer has been charged and is currently facing court hearings.  

“We understand that Prison Officer A is currently overseas, and we intend to report our findings to the relevant Immigration Office in our effort to provide for the public safety Of Tonga’s Country partners”, the statement read.

“We also handed over our internal investigation last month regarding Recruit Prison Officer B to Tonga Police for further criminal investigation.

“We are still investigating other prison officers who are suspected of illicit drug offences”. 

Teen arrested for ‘smishing scam’ using technology never before seen in New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

A teenager has been arrested after police disrupted a “sophisticated smishing scam” using technology never seen in New Zealand before.

A sophisticated smishing scam using technology never before seen in New Zealand has been disrupted in a coordinated, multi-agency effort, preventing widescale financial losses.

An example of the scam text. Photo: Supplied / Police

In a statement, police said the Department of Internal Affairs was made aware of the scam in July.

Multiple agencies, including Australia’s cybercrime team, soon launched Operation Orca.

Police described smishing – a form of phishing – as when a device known as an SMS Blaster is used as a fake cell tower and tricks nearby cellphones to connect to its fraudulent network.

The SMS Blaster can then send texts, claiming to be from banks to try get people to share their personal information like passwords and credit card details.

Police executed a search warrant at an address in central Auckland on 23 August where they arrested a 19-year-old man and seized a smishing device.

A sophisticated smishing scam using technology never before seen in New Zealand has been disrupted in a coordinated, multi-agency effort, preventing widescale financial losses.

The SMS Blaster was found by police in a vehicle. Photo: Supplied / Police

Detective Superintendent Greg Williams said this was the first case ever of such a device being used in New Zealand.

“By working together, we have been able to counter this technology, locate the alleged offender and prevent what could have been large-scale financial losses for many New Zealanders.

“The device in question is believed to have sent thousands of scam text messages, including around 700 in one night.

“The text claimed the recipient’s bank account was being checked for fraudulent funds and urged them to click a verification link.”

Williams said about 120 people are known to have been affected by this scam but no one has lost any money.

“Cyber-enabled scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, with unscrupulous fraudsters stopping at nothing in their attempts to swindle innocent people out of their hard-earned money,” he said.

“NZ Police recognise the life-changing impact of financial crime and will continue to work closely with partner agencies and private industries to keep New Zealanders safe.”

Banks said they are continuing to monitor customer transactions in real-time to minimise risk.

The teenager has been charged with interfering with a computer system and will next appear in Auckland District Court on 10 December.

Prices are up for parking tickets, but what can you do if you get stung?

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Parking penalties have jumped 70% throughout Aotearoa – but is it fair and can you pass the buck?

Recent staff moves have left Invercargill City Council shorthanded on the parking warden front.
Recent staff moves have left Invercargill City Council shorthanded on the parking warden front. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting)

Parking fines are up for the first time in 20 years and misbehaving parkers will now be facing stricter penalties across the board.

What used to be a $40 fine for not paying for parking in Wellington is now $70.

If you miscalculate how long you need the spot, those penalties are also increasing – going up to almost $100 if you really overstay your welcome.

We have all been guilty playing roulette when it comes to parking, but is the price of not paying worth the potential pay off?

Consumer NZ’s Vanessa Pratley has written about the ins and outs of parking fines, and said it was really hard to say whether the 70% increase was fair.

“Councils are free to set parking fines as they like, in the same way that they set rates.

“In the same vein, whether a 70% increase on fines is fair isn’t really a question we can answer without looking into the particular circumstances.”

Even if you get stung and think it’s unfair, it is unlikely you’ll be able to get out of it.

“You’re only likely to avoid a council parking fine if it was given erroneously,” Pratley said.

For example: “if the time was read incorrectly or the parking machines on the street weren’t properly functioning.

“If you’ve overstayed or haven’t paid when you should have, you won’t be able to get out of paying.”

She said there was always the option to appeal the fines, but how you do so, and on what grounds would change from council to council.

That being said, different rules apply to private operators like Wilson Parking.

Private parking breaches sit around the $65-$85 mark, often with additional charges if you don’t pay in time.

When you drive into these locations and park up, you automatically accept the terms and conditions of that parking lot (there should be at least one sign spelling those out).

Pratley said if you don’t pay, or you overstay, you’re in breach of the contract and liable to pay a fee, generally set out in advance.

But is a fee of $65 for a teeny bit of overstaying fair?

Pratley said no.

“The parking fee should be reasonably reflective of the actual loss suffered by the operator. Anything out of proportion to what’s reasonable is likely to be an unenforceable penalty.

“While fines can be set to deter people from breaching the contract, it’s still got to be reasonable.”

So for example, $65 for overstaying 10 minutes in a free supermarket car park – might not be considered reasonable.

‘Fair penalty’ assessment change

But in 2020 the law changed, which might alter your chances of getting off the hook.

“The law shifted from assessing whether a penalty was fair in light of the actual financial loss of the innocent party, in parking cases – the operator, to assessing whether the penalty is out of all proportion to the legitimate interests of the operator,” Pratley said.

“This changed the threshold against which fines imposed by operators are considered unreasonable or not, and therefore how the Disputes Tribunal decides cases like this.”

I.e. it has moved from how much did the supermarket lose while you were overstaying in their car park to a place that gives companies more power to enforce these rules when it comes to financial losses.

However, each adjudicator is different, and the Disputes Tribunal also does not have to follow its own precedent cases.

In short, the Tribunal is less forgiving than it used to be.

Despite all this, Pratley said it was still worth fighting a fine if it was unreasonable or erroneously given – especially if it was over $100.

But is it worth the fight?

In a recent case someone used a private car park with signage stating: “No Parking Private Property, this prompted a $95 fine.

The man disputed the fine and paid $2 of the fee instead. The Tribunal did not agree, and he was forced to pay up.

In another case, OX v QT Ltd, the Tribunal found that $95.00 was “more than sufficient” for 5 to 10 minutes parking.

If you decide to dispute the fee there is a cost of $59 to have the case heard at the tribunal if the claim is less than $2000.

Pratley said even if you win, you don’t get that fee back.

“It’s worth weighing up whether the fine is high enough to displace that filing fee.”

rnz.co.nz

Tonga gov’t warns against Fiji Lightspeed Pacific Starlink ‘misleading’ ads

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Ministry of Communication (MEIDECC) has labelled social media posts which appeared to have come from Lightspeed Pacific claiming it was “authorised” to resell Starlink products in the kingdom as “misleading” and “falsely” promoted.  

It comes after the government granted Starlink Pacific Islands LLC a provisional temporary permit to operate in the Kingdom for six months starting in July.

The Ministry’s Acting Director and Chief Engineer Stan ‘Ahio said only two companies are allowed to sell Starlink equipment in Tonga.

“We would like to clarify that the only authorized resellers for Starlink services in Tonga are” TokoWireless Ltd (Wantok) and Digicel Tonga Ltd.

“We urge the public to exercise caution when considering any purchases from Lightspeed Pacific”.

He said customers who purchased Starlink kits and equipment from Lightspeed Pacific could face activating service issues and potential confiscation at Tonga’s border without the possibility of returning them to the owner.

Mr Ahio told Kaniva News that Lightspeed Pacific advertisement’s claim that “Boost your internet with a Starlink Authorised Reseller in Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands” is allegedly misleading.

In Mr ‘Ahio’s view, the advertisement can be seen as Lightspeed Pacific being “an authorised reseller for Tonga,” which it is not.

Fiji company

The advertisement in question included a link to lightspeed.com.fj.

The company’s website claimed it has “Managed Services Provider (MSP) with a decade of experience in the Pacific Islands”.

It also said: “Lightspeed Fiji provides exceptional expertise in the deployment of satellite internet, managed services, and video streaming solutions in the Pacific region. With over 1000 satisfied managed services clients in Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, our primary focus is on ensuring uninterrupted online connectivity for our customers.”

The company’s website does not indicate that it is authorised to serve as a Starlink reseller for Tonga.

We are unable to independently verify if the advertisement on social media originates from lightspeed.com.fj.

Kaniva News has reached out to Lightspeed Pacific and lightspeed.com.fj but have not had a response.

Previous warning

Last month, the Ministry of Communication (MEIDECC) issued a warning about local companies and individuals selling Starlink satellites without the necessary licenses, labelling their activities as “illegal.”

The temporary permit provided to Starloink, which is expected to expire in December, includes several conditions to ensure compliance with government regulations.

One of the conditions of the permit is that Starlink is required to facilitate local payment methods for businesses in Tonga and to provide details of the terminals used in Tonga.

The company must also ensure it satisfies all tax obligations and is expected to facilitate local payment methods for businesses in Tonga.

“This temporary permit follows recent events where the government instructed Starlink to cease its services in Tonga due to illegal use of satellite terminals and disruptions caused by the undersea fibre cable outage to Vava’u and Ha’apai Islands since June 29th,” the MEIDECC’s chief executive Sione Pulotu ‘Akau’ola said in a statement at the time.

“The issuance of this permit aims to address public concerns while ensuring that operations are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, resorting to the connectivity outages in the outer islands, while the application for a full license is finalising.”

Warnings ratchet up with intense downpours forecast to hit

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Weather warnings around the North Island’s East Coast have ratcheted with intense downpours forecast to hit Tai Rāwhiti.

Weather warnings from MetService as of 12pm on October 2 2024.

There are numerous heavy rain warnings and watches in place across the country. Photo: Supplied / MetService

Severe thunderstorm watches are also in place for parts of the upper North Island.

Gisborne and the region north of Ruatoria was under a heavy rain watch on Wednesday, which has now been upgraded to an orange warning.

Up to 100mm of rain was expected to fall about the ranges, with lesser amounts closer to the coast.

The warning will remain in place from midnight until 6pm Thursday.

There was also a yellow strong wind watch north of Ruatoria and a yellow severe thunderstorm watch for Gisborne.

MetService warned streams and rivers may rise rapidly, along with surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions.

There was also a heavy rain warning in Taranaki, with up to 140mm of rain expected to fall.

“Almost all parts of the country can expect wet weather by the end of Friday, with heavy rain for some,” MetService said earlier.

Starting in Northland, there was a heavy rain watch in place from 10am until 1pm on Wednesday, with a moderate chance of being upgraded into a warning.

Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island from 8pm on Wednesday.

MetService said: “A series of active fronts preceded by a strong and moist northeast flow move onto northern parts of the North Island from this afternoon, reaching Auckland tonight. About Northland and Auckland (including Great Barrier Island), there is a moderate risk of some thunderstorms being severe between 8pm Wednesday and 5am Thursday, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. This risk should ease in Northland around 2am.

“Note, these downpours could occur with or without thunderstorms. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Some of these thunderstorms may also be squally, and produce strong wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h or possiblly stronger. Wind gusts of this strength can cause some damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous.”

There is also a thunderstorm watch for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne from 1am Thursday.

The Coromandel also has a heavy rain watch kicking in from 7pm Wednesday until early Thursday morning.

“Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.”

The Western Bay of Plenty should expect “periods of heavy rain” and “localised downpours” from 9pm through to the morning, with a high chance of levels reaching warning criteria.

MetService advised locals to clear gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

“The school holidays started out nice and bright, but things do take a turn today and into Thursday,” MetService meteorologist Mathapelo Makabulane told Morning Report on Wednesday.

“For the North Island, we’re also expecting things to get progressively wetter, especially in the northern half of the North Island and then eventually quite wet conditions for places like Northland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty into Thursday.”

Heavy rain and snow expected for parts of the country

In the south, heavy rain warnings were in place for Tasman, northwest of Motueka – with up to 160mm expected – and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, including the Rai Valley, where 110m might fall. Both areas could have their orange warnings upgraded to red.

“So today we’re expecting – especially for the South Island – some wet weather to start coming on, especially in those western parts,” Makabulane said. “But that does spread across the island even reaching the eastern parts, places like Canterbury, Otago later on this evening and into tomorrow….

“The heaviest rain is expected in the mountainous areas, but places away from the ranges can also expect quite wet weather.”

A heavy rain watch was in place for the Buller and Grey districts, with downpours particularly expected about the Paparoa Ranges.

Westland looks set for the heaviest rain nationwide, with up to 200mm expected about the ranges, and a bit less closer the coast.

“Peak rates of 15 to 20mm/h expected about the ranges from late Wednesday morning to early Wednesday evening.”

Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes could expect heavy snow above 700m.

“It seems like we’ve had quite a few snowfall events lately and yes, the latest one is expected for the inland part of Otago – so that includes the Southland, the Queenstown Lakes District as well, and we’re looking at that from this afternoon onwards into the evening as well,” Makabulane said.

North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha residents should expect heavy rain possibly exceeding warning criteria for a whopping 33 hours from 3am Thursday, with a high chance the situation will be upgraded to warning level.

And finally, the northern half of Southland should expect periods of heavy rain from 9am Thursday, with a chance it will last into the night and possibly upgraded to a warning.

“Once this band of rain moves through, the good news for the North Island is that things look like they clear up pretty quickly… All in all it looks like Friday, we could see some bright spots for most of the country,” Makabulane said.

‘Drive to the conditions’

Waka Kotahi / NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi warned school holiday travellers to take care, saying some might not expect snow on the roads this late in the year.

“We always do get a few short, sharp blasts,” said journey manager Tresca Forrester.

“Everything sort of happens today into the early hours of tomorrow. So if you are travelling, it would pay to just check probably two things: the MetService has really great forecasting and warnings in place… and also our journey planner,which is obviously the source of truth for 24/7 for our road closures, et cetera.

“At the moment every road is open except for the Milford Road [SH94], so that’s down to the Milford Sound there, and that is closed due to snow at the moment.”

Waka Kotahi warns drivers to take care amid heavy rain

It also remained “avalanche season” in that area, Forrester said.

“That actually is why the road is closed here this morning, and they’re expecting an update around sort of midday.”

In areas where rain was expected, she said to be aware of “small slips, rocks, things like that”.

“Drive to the conditions. – so if it is streaming down with rain, it’s just what you’re feeling comfortable and safe with, and just take it easy, you know? Take your time. You might have a car full of kids, but you know just stop into those awesome local cafes along the way and get a cuppa.”

Touching tributes paid to Tongan police officer killed in car crash

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tributes have been paid to a young police officer who allegedly died in a car crash in Nuku’alofa last night.  

Ifalemi Tupola Mala’efo’ou. Photo/Supplied

The comments and reactions on various social media platforms and the prayers offered demonstrated a high level of respect and admiration for the victim, Ifalemi Tupola Mala’efo’ou.

Dozens of comments have been left on his siblings and parents’ Facebook posts about his death.

A relative wrote on ‘Ifalemi’s father’s Facebook that his death “slashes the very core of their mafutefua (heart)”, adding it had been a “very devastating moment to receive the news of his death”.

“More than anything, all of our thoughts have been with his parents and his family and friends.”

“He has been chosen from our heavenly father”, another commenter wrote in Tongan.

It is understood that his parents, Motelolo and Vāvātau Tupola Mala’efo’ou are currently in Fiji, attending an event related to their other son’s university education.

Tonga Police have yet to release a statement.

Police swarm Auckland motorway off ramp over fleeing driver

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Road spikes and the Eagle helicopter were used to stop a man accused of fleeing police this morning.

Police car on the street at night

Police are not commenting on the incident. Photo: 123RF

Police said the man would appear in court Wednesday charged with failing to stop and reckless driving, as well as unrelated arrest warrants.

They said an SUV was spotted on St Lukes Road in Mt Albert around 3.25am, and was signalled to stop due to “its manner of driving”.

Auckland City West Area Commander Inspector Alisse Robertson said the driver accelerated away at speed.

The vehicle was monitored by helicopter as it fled towards West Auckland and spikes were successfully deployed.

It eventually stopped on the Southern Motorway in Ōtāhuhu shortly before 5.30am.

“His actions put the community in harm’s way and it’s fortunate that this matter could be resolved safely,” Robertson said.

A 31-year-old man was taken into custody and would appear in Auckand District Court on Wednesday.

A female passenger was released without charge.

Shortly before 5am, RNZ reporters had seen more than 10 police vehicles blockading parts of State Highway 1, near Nelson Street and Gillies avenue.

Drunken Vava‘u machete attacker guilty of causing duo’s grievous bodily harm

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been convicted of inflicting serious bodily harm upon two men using a machete at a residence on Vava’u islands.

Tevita ‘Osaiasi Pepa Veikune Unaloto ki Pulotu Matangi denied causing grievous bodily harm to Mateaki Hafoka, 29, of Talau and Sikuvea Fifita, 26, of Longomapu when he assaulted them with a machete during a drunken altercation at a residence in Talau in October 2023.

However, Supreme Court Judge Petunia Tupou found him guilty of causing serious bodily harm on Monday.

The court was told that Matangi, Fifita, Hafoka,  Sione Toki, Lamipuli, and two girls were drinking alcohol outside Lamipuli’s house.  

Matangi and Toki were seen chatting nearby and got into a fight. Fifita stopped them before Toki and the girls left. Those that remained returned to drinking.

Shortly after, Matangi attacked Fifita before they fought. They were stopped by Hafoka. Matangi then went inside Lamipuli‟s house while Fifita was talking with Hafoka.

Fifita heard Hafoka saying something about a “helepelu” (machete). Fifita then ran toward a fence to hide. He saw Matangi coming toward him holding the machete up over his head.

When Matangi got to him, Fifita jumped up and tried to disarm him of the machete. He was struck by the machete before he could get a hold of Matangi‟s hands. He was unaware of his injuries at that point. When he realised he was injured, he ran down the path leading towards the main road where he collapsed. He woke up at the hospital the next morning.

The court was told that Hafoka was injured after he intervened to stop the attack before Matangi struck him with the machete “albeit by accident, causing his injuries”. 

A doctor’s report “describes the gravity of Hafoka’s injuries and emphasised that had he not been brought to the hospital it would have cost him his life”.

The Police took Hafoka and Fifita to the hospital, and while they were there, Matangi showed up. He told the police that he was there to receive treatment for the injuries apparently inflicted in the attack.

Fifita, who was lying in bed, saw Matangi and told the police that he was the one who allegedly injured them.

The court ruling indicated that Matangi had been arrested, but it did not specify the timeframe of the arrest.

The Prosecution called seven witnesses including those who were at the party.  

Witnesses describe the severity of the injuries  

The victims were taken to a hospital and received treatment before being evacuated to the main hospital in Tongatapu.

They continue to recover from their injuries, some of which are life-changing.

The owner of the house Lamipuli said he ran away from the scene because he was scared.

One of the police officers attending the scene told the court they found the two men with serious injuries and took them to the hospital.

“One was fainting but the one with the surname Fifita was still talking. He was asking for help as he was in pain”. 

The doctor described Hafoka’s conditions as he “was already weak, his blood pressure was down and there was not enough blood to keep him alive”.

Celebrity Treasure Island: Carmel Sepuloni leaves with no regrets

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Isra’a Emhai of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni says she’s happy to come out the other side of the reality TV show Celebrity Treasure Island without damaging her dignity.

Promo shot of Carmel Sepuloni on Celebrity Treasure Island.

Carmel Sepuloni on Celebrity Treasure Island. Photo: Supplied / TVNZ

Former Warriors player Wairangi Koopu was pitted against Sepuloni, who is the first active MP to be on the show, in an elimination battle on Monday night’s episode.

Koopu was victorious in the challenge, which saw the pair standing on blocks with their hands and ankles tied to one another in a variation of tug of war.

Sepuloni, who has been back as an MP for several months, says she knew she’d have to face off with Koopu but they’d agreed to go as hard as they could and it would be fair play.

“And to be honest, if I was going to go out to anyone, then I’d much rather lose to the strongest person in the team who I had a great deal of respect for. And so, I have no regrets about my time on there, or even the fact that I went out.”

The former deputy prime minister says she had no grand plans to be the final person but wanted to last there as along as she could.

“For me, it was about making sure I came out with my dignity intact, so I wanted to play with integrity, and I think I did … apart from like having a few jabs at people.

“I tried my hardest not to be the type of person that I might be embarrassed about later on when I was watching it back.”

Carmel Sepuloni on Celebrity Treasure Island.

Sepuloni says she’s enjoyed forming relationships on the show. Photo: Supplied / TVNZ

Even her children, who “religiously” watched the reality show over the years, didn’t know she took part until a couple of weeks before it aired, she says.

“We didn’t tell them [earlier] because they’d go and tell the world …

“They were really excited. I’m also really happy that they were not ashamed of their mother. They seem to be really okay and happy with how I performed and so it’s really nice when your kids are not cringing at you.”

One of her favourite parts of the experience was being able to disconnect from technology and forming relationships with people, she says.

“I have to say me and Spankie formed quite a close relationship and I’m going to catch up with Spankie soon, so that’ll be good,” she says, adding that she’s hoping to see Koopu and Gaby Solomona too.

“Even though we may not have got along with everyone the whole time, there’s a special connection that you form with people when you stay with them for that period of time.”

Carmel Sepuloni on Celebrity Treasure Island.

As she was departing, Sepuloni said she was humbled by the way her fellow contestants farewelled her with a Samoan song. Photo: Supplied / TVNZ

After having personal leave approved to be on the show earlier this year, Sepuloni was spotted in May going around Parliament on a scooter due to a leg injury she sustained on the TV show. It has mostly healed now but will take until about December for a full recovery, she says.

“I was limping around half the time that I was there and obviously not at full strength and so I felt a bit frustrated with that, which is why too I knew that when the time came, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world ’cause I could go and actually get the thing checked out properly.”

The response to her challenge with fellow contestant Gaby Solomona on episode eight, where they powered through and encouraged each other to finish their mission, has been overwhelming, she says.

“As we went along, it became much more apparent to me and Wairangi that we had this amazing group of young people that were contestants on the show as well, and we formed a really strong relationship with them.

“Then it became less about ourselves and more about supporting, protecting them and trying to get them through as far as we possibly could. And so, I think I left on that note last night and it was really important to me.”

As she was departing, Sepuloni said she was humbled by the way fellow contestants Bubbah, JP Foliaki and James Rolleston farewelled her with a Samoan song.

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