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TLA names new president as ‘Leitis in Waiting’ set to screen in New Zealand

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga Letis Association (TLA) has elected Polikalepo Kefu as its new president during its annual general meeting in Nuku’alofa on Tuesday 15.

Kefu has replaced Henry ‘Aho while Agbe Love Tu’inukuafe was elected as vice president.

Meanwhile, a new documentary Leitis in Waiting was expected to be screened in Auckland, this weekend.

The film follows the life of transgender Tongan Joleen Mataele also known as Joyey, who, along with other leitis, provides invaluable help to the royal family of the Kingdom, even while the country itself is subject to a rising tide of religious fundamentalism, Radio New Zealand reported.

“Appearing in the documentary and travelling with it is Lord Fusitu’a, a noble, a member of the Tongan parliament, and a champion of the rights of LGBT people and women. Leitis in Waiting will play in Auckland this weekend as part of the 13th International Documentary Film Festival, known as Doc Edge”, it said.

Mataele told the Sydney Morning Herald, that a leiti is born male, but “acts like a lady, lives like a lady, talks like a lady and dresses like a lady.”

She says they are generally accepted in jobs as caregivers, hair dressers, chefs and decorators, but that no one talks openly about sex. And, “when it comes to decision making,” she said, “we’re nowhere to be seen.”

TLA was established in 1992 with a focus on improving the rights and celebrating the contribution of Leitis in Tonga.

Tongatapu female teen appears in court charged with drinking and possessing hopi

By
Kalino Latu
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A 17-year-old female teenager appeared at a magistrate court last week after she was charged with drinking underage and unlawful possession of hopi.

The dangerous home brew spirit is prohibited by law to be manufactured or consumed.

Police arrested Tupou Pāhulu from Tatakamotonga after they were called to a report of drunken people on March 11.

Pāhulu pleaded not guilty, according to Taimi ‘o Tonga newspaper.

She was granted bail to reappear in court on June 20, the paper said.

Six new faces in ‘Ikale Tahi squad for Pacific Cup 2018

By
Kalino Latu
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The Highlanders number 8 Liukanasi Manu was one of six new faces included in the ‘Ikale Tahi squad for June’s Pacific Cup, alongside prop David Fe’ao (France), prop David Lolohea (Australia), prop Vunipola Fifita (Australia), winger Sione Fifita (New Zealand) and winger Viliami Lolohea (New Zealand).

Head coach Toutai Kefu has announced his Ikale Tahi 30 man squad on Monday.

TRU said this tournament is a key preparation step towards the World Cup in 2019.

This year the pre-tour training Camp will be held in Auckland, New Zealand on the May 24 -June 3, 2018. With the June Test Match schedule as follows:

  • June 9th: vs Georgia, Suva, Fiji
  • June 16th: vs Samoa, Suva, Fiji
  • June 23rd: vs Fiji, Nadi, Fiji

Siale Piutau will captain the side with the six uncapped players selected for the campaign.

Four new staff also join the team, among them former All Black Pita Alatini joins as Assistant Coach and former ‘Ikale Tahi captain ‘Inoke Afeaki joins the staff as Team Manager for the tour and will be assisted by Tony Alatini.

The team

Position Name Last Name Village CLUB
Prop Siegfried Fisi’ihoi Falaleu & ‘Utui (Vv) Stade Francais
Prop David Lolohea Ha’asini (Tt) West Harbour Pirates
Prop David Feao Kolovai (Tt) Narbonne
Hooker Sione Lea Vaimalo (Vv) Taranaki
Hooker Paula Ngauamo Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi & Kolofo’ou (Tt) Agen
Hooker Sefo Sakalia Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Nomuka (Hp) Rugby Steaua
Prop Siua Halanukonuka Hoi (Tt) Glasgow
Prop Vunipola Fifita Kala’au and Malapo (Tt) Souths Magpies
Prop Paea Fa’anunu Leimatu’a (Vv) Castres
Lock Sitiveni Mafi ‘Ahau (Tt) & Kolovai (Tt) Castres
Lock Leva Fifita Neiafu (Vv) Waikato
Lock Joe Tu’ineau Fasi Moe Afi (Tt) DAX
Lock Dan Faleafa Kolomotu’a & Kolovai (Tt) US Colomiers
Backrow Mike Faleafa Kolomotu’a & Kolovai (Tt) Perpignan
Backrow Valentino Mapapalangi Holonga & Ha’alalo (Tt) Leicester Tigers
Backrow Fotu Lokotui Longoteme (Tt) Counties Manukau
Backrow Maama Vaipulu Folaha (Tt) Castres
Backrow Nasi Manu Vaini & Ha’ateiho (Tt) Treviso
Halfback Sonatane Takulua Lapaha, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Niuatoputapu Newcastle Falcons
Halfback Suke Tuumotooa Houma (Tt) NEC Green Rockets
Flyhalf Kurt Morath Leimatu’a (Vv) Utah Warriors
Flyhalf Latiume Fosita Haveluloto (Tt) & Felemea (Hp) Counties Manukau
Flyhalf George Taina Vaini (Tt) Tonga A
Centre Siale Piutau Kolofo’ou & Folaha (Tt) Bristol Bears
Centre Nafi Tu’itavake Kolomotu’a (Tt) & Malapo (Tt) Northampton Saints
Wing Sione Fifita Hihifo (Hp) Counties Manukau
Wing Penikolo Latu Mataika (Vv) University of Waikato
Wing Cooper Vuna Houma (Tt) Bath
Wing Viliami Lolohea Navutoka (Tt) & Niuatoputapu Tasman
Fullback David Halaifonua Fatumu & Tukulalo, Houma (Vv) Gloucester

Supreme Court orders ruling against Governor of Vava’u to be set aside

By
Philip Cass
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The Supreme Court has set aside a judgement made against the Governor of Vava’u and the Tongan government.

Lee Latu and ‘Isileli Latu claimed that the governor falsely and negligently represented to them that they would be granted a lease of Hinakauea beach for a tourism business.

As a result they incurred large costs that they sought to recover.  In their claim they argued that the government was vicariously liable for the negligence of the first defendant.

On March 14 this year the plaintiffs obtained judgment by default against the defendants with damages to be assessed.

The following month, the governor and the government applied to set the judgment aside.

Documents in support of that application were filed on April 20, setting out the basis of their defence.

In his summary of the case, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said he was satisfied the defence had set out the grounds for having the judgement set aside.

“The defendants have an arguable defence and deny that any misrepresentation was made to the plaintiffs.” Mr Juistice Paulsen said.

“There is nothing to suggest that the plaintiffs will suffer irreparable harm if the judgment is set aside.”

The Latus were awarded TP$500 costs in regard to the application.

The judge ordered them to file a reply to the defendants’ statement of defence  by June 13.

NZ high school offers vala faka-Tonga as part of its school uniform

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Hamilton’s Fraser High School in New Zealand has allowed vala faka-Tonga as part of its school uniform.

The item was introduced this year in recognition of the school’s Pasifika students – 178 of them – and after much consultation with the school’s Pasifika community, Fairfax media reported.

This means the Fijian sulu, and ie faitaga in Samoa were also part of the offer.

The Pacific islands’ students are wearing the cultural uniforms everyday and not as a token gesture, Fraser High School Pasifika Dean Junior Si’ilata told Stuff.

The plan was to keep the item simple and inclusive as there were students who hailed from as far away as Kiribati, Tahiti and Hawaii, among others.

“It helps embrace who we are and our culture. We don’t like being labelled as Pasifika students, like, we’re normal students – but we’re just dressed differently,” senior student Viliami Vea said.

“It’s about being conscious and respectful of different cultures.”

Police searching for missing Auckland woman

By
Kalino Latu
-

Counties Manukau Police are seeking the public’s assistance to help locate missing 66-year-old Elisapeta Soli.

Elisapeta was last seen leaving an address in Marvon Downs Avenue, Pakuranga around 10am yesterday.

Elisapeta speaks limited English and may be confused.

Police and her family have concerns for her welfare and we want to hear from anyone who has seen Elisapeta today or yesterday.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Counties Manukau Police on 09 263 2709

Niua MP fined $300 over campaign spending

By
Kalino Latu
-

Niua MP Vātau Hui was last week convicted and fined in the Fasi Lower Court after pleading guilty to failing to submit a report of his financial campaign expenses.

Magistrate ‘Elisapeta Langi fined him a total of $300.00.

The court was told an Electoral Commission investigation found MP Hui failed to report his campaign spending and it alerted Police to the offence.

General election candidates can spend up to a maximum of TOP$10,000 on election advertising and this was why they required by law to file a financial report after every election.

MP Hui unseated former MP and Minister of Internal Affairs Fe’ao Vakatā after the 2017 November snap election.

Arrest in Onehunga train station assault

By
Kalino Latu
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A 17-year-old Auckland man has been arrested in relation to a violent assault that occurred at the Onehunga train station on Saturday 19 May, 2018.

The offender allegedly assaulted the victim who was sitting down waiting for his train and robbed him of his wallet, phone and belt bag.

The victim received serious head injuries as a result of the assault.

Thanks to some good information from the public, Police were able to locate the offender and he was arrested without incident yesterday evening.

Police have also identified two other people who are helping us with our enquiries.

“This arrest is a good example of what can be achieved with assistance from the public.  This was a traumatic event for our victim and we would like to thank the community, as the information provided to us in this situation helped hold to account the person responsible for a serious assault.” said Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong.

Police are continuing to support the victim throughout his recovery.  We have also received numerous offers of support for the victim from the local South American community too.

A 17-year-old man has been charged with robbery by assault and aggravated wounding and will appear in the Auckland District Court today.

Mann Cup: Former internationals named for Tonga NZ Residents

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Former New Zealand and Mate Ma’a Tonga representatives Epalahame Lauaki and Tevita Latu headline the Tonga New Zealand Residents squad named to play Auckland on June 2 at Mount Smart Stadium.

In a decorated 11-year career which saw him play in both the NRL and UK Super League competitions, Lauaki was capped twice by the Kiwis and three times by his birth nation Tonga, while Latu amassed four Test caps between the two nations, with both players appearing at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Joining the pair in the wider squad for the inaugural Upright Access Mann Cup are a host of players who have come through the Vodafone Warriors’ system, with prop Daniel Palavi, winger Saula Solomona and halfback Eko Malu all bringing vast experience.

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Head coach Duane Mann said he had focussed on achieving the right balance with his squad.

“I wanted to make sure we had the right mix of youth and experience,” Mann said.

“Players like Soape Kavaliku, Epalahame Lauaki and Tevita Latu have been around the top scene for a long time and have given a lot back to club league in Auckland, and they join some really talented guys in their early 20s.

“Having those experienced guys around to promote the cultural aspect will also be important. It’s a huge part of this game, and whether it’s a Tongan, Maori or Kiwi team, culture is so important.”

Henderson Cars Tonga New Zealand Residents squad: Ma’afu Briggs (Marist Saints), Nicholas Halalilo (Mangere East Hawks), Richard Holani (Otahuhu Leopards), Soape Kavaliku (Glenora Bears), Tom Kavaliku (Marist Saints), Tevita Latu (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Epalahame Lauaki (Glenora Bears), Francis Leger (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Seiloni Liava’a (Howick Hornets), Sioeli Makaui (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Eko Malu (Northcote Tigers), Paea Manukia (Glenora Bears), Tevita Mikaele (Otahuhu Leopards), Ethan Nukanuka (Otahuhu Leopards), Peter Oliveti (Mt Albert Lions), Koli Oneone (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Daniel Palavi (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Paea Palu (Mt Albert Lions), Cyrus Payne (Marist Saints), Joseph Price (Mt Albert Lions), Troy Pulupaki (Howick Hornets), Trent Schaumkel (Northcote Tigers), Jonah Sofele (Otahuhu Leopards), Saula Solomona (Pt Chevalier Pirates), William Stowers (Papakura Sea Eagles), Dakohta Taimani (Mangere East Hawks), Akuila Tuha (Papakura Sea Eagles), Kruz Tupou (Howick Hornets), Toni Tupouniua (Marist Saints), Sione Tongia (Otahuhu Leopards), Dylan Uate (Otahuhu Leopards), Netane Vi (Mangere East Hawks).

Convicted fraudster engages in war of words with PM Pōhiva’s supporters

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan woman convicted of fraud in New Zealand has engaged in a war of words after being ridiculed on social media by supporters of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.

Neomai Muasika, 55, had previously claimed on social media that the Prime Minister was corrupt and dishonest.

Hon Pōhiva’s supporters began taunting Muasika this week after it was revealed she had been convicted in March at the Dunedin District Court on six charges of dishonestly using a document and one charge of obtaining by deception.

She was sentenced to six months’ home detention (with six months’ post detention conditions) and 200 hours’ community work after she defrauded Inland Revenue and Social Housing of a total amount of $98,964.61.

She was also ordered to pay $10,000 reparation at $20 a week, the level of payments to be reassessed in one year’s time.

Judge Michael Turner described her offending as premeditated and protracted.

“Essentially, what you did was steal from every taxpayer in the country,” Judge Turner said.

In defending herself on Facebook, Muasika said in Tongan: “Tax pe a Neomai kai pe e Neomai ta fkfoki pe e Neomai ikai kau ai tukuhau kakai masiva i Tonga mahino atu.”

This translates into English as: “It was Neomai’s tax Neomai defrauded it Neomai paid it back and it did not involve the poor Tongan taxpayers’ tax is that understood.”

In response a critic wrote: “Hahah hoo mata malohi keke kai e paanga tax e kakai peake tala koho paanga tax..lol”

This translates into English as: “Hahaha how dare you embezzle people’s tax and say it was your tax money..lol”

Another commentator told Muasika he thought when he read the news her husband had died.

In response Muasika said she only did that so she could get money for living, referring to her fraud activities.

Some commenters stood by Muasika and said she should not be criticised as she had been convicted and she would pay for her fine.

Muasika’s offending resulted in her receiving $61,510.32 benefit overpayment. Muasika received a pecuniary advantage in the form of subsidised Income Related Rent for social housing amounting to $37,454.29 resulting in a total overpayment of $98,964.61.

The judge noted Muasika’s explanation to probation services that her husband would return to Tonga without her and the children and that she needed funds to keep the house running.

She said she became accustomed to financial independence.

For more information

$98,900 benefit fraud brings home detention (Otago Daily Times)

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