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Eleven cases of typhoid confirmed in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Eleven people in Tonga have been hospitalised with typhoid in an outbreak which began since January.

Radio New Zealand said Tonga have temporarily banned kava drinking in public halls to control an outbreak of typhoid.

The Ministry of Health has also imposed a month long ban on making food for public gatherings such as funerals, the radio said.

The Chief Health Inspector, Sela Fa’u, told Tonga Broadcasting five of those with typhoid were from one village, Veitongo.

Sela Fa’u said several factors had constrained the ministry in controlling the spread of the disease including people providing inaccurate information for lab tests.

Typhoid

Typhoid is an illness caused by infection with a specific bacteria called Salmonella typhi.

It is found in the faeces of infected persons and spreads to others through faecal contamination of food and water.

This occurs in situations where there is poor hygiene related to food preparation, where there is poor sanitation with inadequate ablution facilities and where drinking water is drawn from sources like wells and streams.

The symptoms mimic those of other infectious diseases. Symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain, cold shivers, hot sweats and loss of appetite.

NZ Tongan student leaders meet in Dunedin

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Leaders of Tongan student bodies from tertiary institutions around New Zealand recently met in Dunedin for its second Leadership Weekend, which was sponsored for the second time by the University of Otago.

The idea was initiated last year by the New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association President Mary Jane Kivalu, who was re-elected in the Annual General Meeting at the Amatakiloa Conference and will continue as President for this year.

Those who were present at the AGM also moved to pass that the Leadership Weekend must occur every year, and is now a part of the association’s constitution.

Attendees included representatives of Tongan student associations from Auckland Institute of Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, Unitec Institute of Technology, University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Waikato and Victoria University of Wellington.

Mary Jane Kivalu is very happy with the outcome of this year’s Leadership Weekend and also with the effort that was contributed from each participant.

“We want the Tongan tertiary students in New Zealand to come together and recognise the great things we can achieve if we work together, and that won’t happen if the leaders don’t lead the way”.

The University of Otago MBA student has a strong vision for the association that includes being able to provide more opportunities for Tongan tertiary students in New Zealand.

“This country has so much to offer, especially for Pacific people, but we have to do our part in utilising those opportunities.

Our annual conference has been around for 25 years, first known as Aofangatuku and then later renamed as Amatakiloa, and it is up to today’s generation to take things a step further.

There is so much we can do but it begins with providing a strong platform of networking – whether we like it or not, we live in a world where social capital can take you a long way.”

Kivalu admits that her team had an intense weekend but trusts that in good time, they will see the benefits.

 

Tongan church leaders in NZ search for fruit picker who absconded from airport

By
Kalino Latu
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Samuela Manuofetoa is still at large in New Zealand. Photo/Supplied

Tongan church leaders in New Zealand are searching for absconding fruit picker Samuela Manuofetoa and hope to persuade him to return voluntarily to Tonga.

Manuofetoa is already classified as an overstayer and if caught by Immigration New Zealand he will be deported.

The deportation will make things worse for his employer in Hastings because it will have to pay for the costs of deportation.

Manuofetoa arrived in New Zealand through the Recognised Seasonal Employer programme last month to work at the Mr Apple orchard in Hastings but he absconded from the airport instead of going to his employer.

His disappearance caused Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva to fly to New Zealand because he was concerned the case could cost Tonga the opportunity to work in the horticulture and viticulture industry in New Zealand.

The President of the Tongan Methodist church in New Zealand, Rev. Tevita  Finau, said he would talk to Tongan Methodist church ministers in New Zealand and ask them to enquire about the whereabout of Manuofetoa.

He said it was not clear which church Manuofetoa belonged to, but he would also raise the matter with the Takanga ‘o e Kau Taki Lotu Aotearoa, an association in which leaders from different churches were members.

The move came in response to a plea by Hon. Pohiva at a meeting in South Auckland last week for Tongan church and community leaders to help return Manuofetoa.

Hon. Pohiva told the meeting he had information some Tongan families whose relatives were still at large were  harbouring them.

A total of 16 Tongans, including Manuofetoa, who came through RSE programme overstayed their visas and are still on the loose in New Zealand.

The Prime Minister said their families advised them to stay in New Zealand instead of returning to Tonga after their contracts ended.

Rev. Finau said the churches had a huge impact in the Tongan community and it was important for them to help, otherwise Tonga would lose the opportunity to send more employees to New Zealand.

An Example

He said a few years ago he received reports that a Tongan athlete who was part of an athletic team to Wellington was planning to flee after the competition.

Rev. Finau said he found out the man belonged to Free Wesleyan Church. At the time the then President of the church Rev. Dr. Alifaleti Mone was in New Zealand.

He said he contacted the President and told him about the case. Rev Finau said after Dr. Mone  spoke with the family of the man he returned to Tonga without any incident.

He said he believed the churches would do the same thing for Manuofetoa.

Rev. Finau said it was important for whoever was harbouring Manuofetoa to advise him prudently. He said the Immigration rules were extremely strict and there was hardly any opportunity for those like Manuofetoa to gain a legal status in New Zealand.

Immigration consultant Salote Heleta Lilo told the Prime Minister during the meeting she had reliable information that could lead to the whereabouts of Manuofetoa.

She said she could not release it at this stage because of the nature of her work, but she told Hon. Pohiva she could help persuade him to return to Tonga.

Lilo said there was a privilege she had through her profession that could allow her to negotiate with the Immigration New Zealand to not penalise Manuofetoa if he would voluntarily return to Tonga.

Deportation

Sefita Hao’uli, the Tongan RSE coordinator in New Zealand said: “Mr. Apple has not cancelled the return portion of Samuela’s ticket so he can still use it if he wants, in case the cost of the return is an issue for him.  He just needs to rebook with Air NZ.”

Hao’uli told Kaniva News he was happy to help anybody who was looking for Manuofetoa.

“He’s already an overstayer and if caught by INZ he will be deported and that will make things worse for Mr Apple who will pay for the costs of deportation,” Hao’uli said.

“Samuela cannot be replaced until he leaves the country and Mr Apple will replace him from Tonga if allowed by MBIE.

“As you heard from Mr Apple’s Labour Manager, he will not turn his back on Tonga because of the good work done by the majority of the workers – but this statement leaves room for him or for any other employer to change their minds if circumstances changes.”

The main points

  • Tongan church leaders in New Zealand are searching for absconding fruit picker Samuela Manuofetoa and hope to persuade him to return voluntarily to Tonga.
  • Manuofetoa is already classified as an overstayer and if caught by Immigration New Zealand he will be deported.
  • He arrived in New Zealand through the Recognised Seasonal Employer programme last month to work at the Mr Apple orchard in Hastings but he absconded from the airport instead of going to his employer.
  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva was concerned the case could cost Tonga the opportunity to work in the horticulture and viticulture industry in New Zealand.

For more information

Tongan PM seeks forgiveness from RSE employers after employee fled at airport 

Crash involving police officer under investigation

By
Alpha Latu
-

An investigation continues into a Telekava crash yesterday morning that allegedly involved a male Police officer.

A car driven by the officer crashed into a fence and a power pole at around 2am, Police said.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai told local media that no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Police said there is no further information available for release at this time

Gov’t fisheries officer’s road death case adjourned

By
Alpha Latu
-

Ministry of Fisheries Head of Aquaculture Poasi Ngaluafe has had his case adjourned to 26 April.

He is being charged with offence of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol causing death in May 2016.

The 49-year-old appeared at the Supreme Court on April 4 after he was accused for the death of Uini Kava, 46, of Tofoa at the By-Pass Road in Longolongo.

At the trial before Mr Justice Cato, the court was told an eyewitness alleged that the victim was sitting in the middle of the left lane of the road towards Tu’atakilangi before he was hit by the vehicle which Police believed driven by Ngaluafe.

PM Pohiva has something he forgot to tell Chinese ambassador after their meeting

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan government believes some Chinese businesses in the kingdom might be hiring hitmen to harm their rivals.

But Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said he forgot to tell Chinese Ambassador Huang Huaguang about their concerns at their last meeting.

Hon. Pohiva said a government taskforce investigating crimes against Chinese in Tonga was trying to confirm reports about hitmen being hired.

He said even there was no hard evidence yet, the matter was important and if he had remembered to talk about it at their meeting with the Chinese community last month people attending might have been able to help.

He said Minister of Police Mateni Tapueluelu had mentioned it to him after the meeting was finished.

Hon. Pohiva said he would raise the issue with the Chinese community at their next meeting.

The Prime Minister met with the Chinese Ambassador and a group of Chinese community leaders and members at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nuku’alofa on March 30.

The Prime Minister told Kaniva News in Auckland last week he had publicly apologised to the Chinese community after it had been proved some of them had been victims of violent crimes.

“The Tongan Government does not tolerate such violence whether it is against members of the Chinese community or any other community,” the Prime Minister told the Chinese ambassador.

“The Government and the people of Tonga greatly and sincerely appreciate the enormous and ongoing assistance of the Chinese Government and people to Tonga.

“However it is obvious that a minority within Tongan society do not appreciate such assistance. On behalf of the Government, I would like to apologize to each and every person against whom violence was committed and to the Chinese community as a whole.”

Ambassador Huang said he was happy with the Prime Minister’s remarks.

“The Chinese in Tonga still faced many difficulties and challenges,” Ambassador Huang said.

“Crimes against the Chinese community happened frequently in 2016 and some brutal cases remained unsolved.

“The criminals have not been brought to justice and the reasonable compensation claims by the victims were not earnestly responded [to] or implemented. The impact of the overseas deportees to the social security of Tonga made the situation even worse.”

“The Embassy is looking forward to working closely with the Tonga Government and Tonga police to create better safety environment for all the Chinese living and working in the Kingdom.”

Just 24 hours after the Prime Minister met with the ambassador and the Chinese community, Police arrested two men and charged them with theft, after snatching a purse from a Chinese shop owner in Nuku’alofa on April 1.

The Tongan government has set up a sub-committee to investigate crimes against Chinese and other expatriates in Tonga.

The subcommittee is chaired by Hon. Fa’otusia and also includes the Minister of Police, the Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the Tonga Defence Force and the Commissioner of Prisons.

The Chinese in Tonga have been a target of criminal activities because of their businesses.

TVNZ reported last year that the kingdom’s Chinese community was feeling under siege following a spate of violence against shop owners in the capital, Nuku’alofa.

It reported that there had been several armed robberies and violent attacks during 2016.

In November last year Chinese Tongan Ellen Yu, 58, was left in a serious condition and unable to speak after an assault. She was later discharged and recovered at her home.

A 21-year-old man  from Pahu appeared in court last month on charges related to the attack.

It was reported at the time that the brutality of the assault heightened fears in the Chinese community in Tonga that their safety and protection were at risk.

Justice Minister Sione Vuna Fa’otusia  said attacks on foreigners were a grave concern to the government.

As Kaniva News reported in February, the Police established Operation Great Wall with the aim of reducing crimes against the Asian community in Tonga.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said that while Chinese made up three percent of victims of crime, the offences committed against them were quite serious.

The  main points

  • The Tongan government believes some Chinese businesses in the kingdom might be hiring hitmen to harm their rivals.
  • But Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said he forgot to tell Chinese Ambassador Huang Huanga about their concerns at their last meeting.
  • Pohiva said a government taskforce investigating crimes against Chinese in Tonga was trying to confirm reports about hitmen being hired.
  • The Prime Minister told Kaniva News in Auckland last week he had publicly apologised to the Chinese community after it had been proved some of them had been victims of violent crimes.

For more information

Police working hard to find solutions to crimes against Chinese community

Shocking images emerge of Chinese victims viciously beaten in Tonga

PM Pohiva’s visits electrify Hawkes Bay’s Tongan fruit pickers and community

By
Kalino Latu
-

One of the group leaders of the Tongan fruit pickers in Hastings told Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva he felt he could not sleep that night because of how exhilarated he was after meeting him at his work place.

Mateaki Kivalu was tearful when he spoke during the reception for Hon. Pohiva and his entourage on Monday night.

He reminded the Prime Minister that while he was visiting Mr Apple’s orchard that afternoon in the rain he was the one who held the umbrella over him.

He said he would never forget that incident in his life.

A Tongan manager at the Moffett orchards, Misiteni Fameitau, was so emotional that he repeatedly forgot to describe Hon. Pohiva as the Prime Minister to his Tongan workers.

Instead he repeatedly asked to pose for photos with “this man.”

“This man is coming here for the first time, please come over and let’s pose for photo with the man,” he said in Tongan.

When Kaniva News asked him whether he knew Hon. Pohiva was the Prime Minister of Tonga Fameitau said he was lost for words after he shook hands with him.

After the photos he thanked  the Prime Minister tearfully and said he has been in the orchards with his family for about 28 years now. He said it was the first time they had met a leading figure like him.

Mr. Apple’s Labour Manager Allister Jamieson could not withhold his sentiments and at one stage he stood up and danced happily to the music played by the band during the reception for the Prime Minister.

It rained throughout the Prime Minister’s visit to Hawkes Bay and was still raining when he left on Tuesday morning back to Auckland.

Jamieson welcomed Hon. Pohiva at the dinner reception at his workplace and said there was a Maori saying that when the rain falls there are tears of happiness.

“Heaven is so happy that you are here Mr Prime Minister that it is going to rain for the next two days”, Jamieson laughed.

Hon. Pohiva’s CEO ‘Ana Bing Fonua was emotional and tearful when she was speaking to the more than 200 hundred fruit pickers, community leaders and members as well as Tongan church ministers at the reception.

Fonua told Jamieson she was emotional when she came into the building and saw that it was decorated with Tongan mats and ngatu.

The building was full and many were standing outside in the rain watching and listening during the two hour event.

Fruit picker’s musical talent

The Tongan fruit picker’s acoustic band performed on the night.

One new song was composed in Tongan by group leader Sepuloni Fe’ao about the way they pick apples, the difficulties they had faced after leaving their families in Tonga and come to New Zealand to work in the orchards.

The name of the Mr Apple company and the Prime Minister were included in the lyrics.

When the song was played it triggered euphoria in the gathering. One of the fruit pickers stood up, bowed his head with his hands stretching out in front of him and instantly lowered his body down. Jeering and calling out, he performed the tu’ulafale.

Another man jumped up and joined the tu’ulafale and this time the crowd cheered and some walked in and performed the fakapale, sticking dollar notes on the dancers’ body, as a show of mafana (warmth).

After having his dinner the Prime Minister left his seat and walked past some of those fruit pickers sitting on the floor at the side and sat with those in the middle.

Jamieson also joined him on the floor.

The guests began vying to have their photos taken with the Prime Minister.

It was clear from the speeches during the reception, the facial appearance and conversations at the end of the function that the visit had an unprecedented impact on the Tongan community in Hastings.

The Tongan coordinator in Hawkes Bay, Tevita Niulata, said he could see the reception was exceptional compared with any receptions they had before.

He said it was the Prime Minister’s easy going and light hearted attitudes that added to the brilliant mood they had during the reception.

The main points

  • One of the group leaders of the Tongan fruit pickers in Hastings told Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva he felt he could not sleep that night because of how exhilarated he was after meeting him at his work place.
  • Pohiva was welcomed to a reception on Monday night.
  • The building was full and many were standing outside in the rain watching and listening during the two hour event.
  • The guest began vying to have their photos taken with the Prime Minister.

World rugby review good and satisfactory says Tongan rugby boss

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan Rugby Interim Chief Executive Officer Feʻao Vunipola said a review by the World rugby on rugby in Tonga “was good” and the “overall performance was very satisfactory”.

The meeting last month in Tonga also looked at the condition of a renovation of Teufaiva national stadium to determine whether it could be completed  before Fiji, Samoa and Tonga tests in July.

Vunipola said they were happy with the information provided to them by a Turf Consultant from New Zealand who was assessing the condition of the stadium.

“He sees no reason why the matches should not be held at Teufaiva”, Vunipola said.

“We pray and thanks God for the blessings that he has given allowing all these things to happen for Teufaiva plus the assistance from the government”.

“All eyes are now on Wales in NZ with Samoa and Fiji at home in Tonga”, Vunipola said.

“We are trying all we can to qualify for the 2019 RWC so it’s all system goes to maximise our home advantage.

“People are looking forward to these Ikaletahi home games after 8 years of being in exile. Huge thanks to God Almighty for still giving us life and something to do together with our PM, DPM & Legislative Assembly for their full support with regards to these matches.

“We look forward to our people’s strong support in Auckland on 16th June”.

Meanwhile, the drainage work at the stadium starts this week after shipments of building materials form contractor Field Drainage Specialists Ltd from New Zealand arrived in Tonga .

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said the government has started the work to upgrade the toilet facilities.

This part of the project is funded through a development initiative from the Government of New Zealand.

The Papua New Guinea government has committed over US$15 million for the construction of the stadium and the tracks.

The ‘Ikale Tahi rugby team have not played on home soil since 2009.

A scheduled home test against Wales in June has been moved to New Zealand, after World Rugby said it was unfit for play.

Tonga signs regional pledge to work for a safe future for region’s whales

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga, which took a world lead in banning whaling, has signed the Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration 2016/17.

The declaration commits Tonga to working with other Pacific islands and territories to ensure a safe future for whales in the region.

The kingdom was one of 11 Pacific nations which sent delegates to the  ‘Whales in a Changing Ocea’n conference in  Nuku’alofa.

Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries, Hon. Semisi Fakahau, signed the declaration on behalf of the Government of Tonga.

The declaration asked specialists who attended the conference to help SPREP draft a Whale and Dolphin Action Plan for review at the regional body’s next annual meeting.

The declaration will remain open for signature until December 31, 2017.

Other countries at the conference which signed the declaration included Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tuvalu, Palau, Fiji, Tokelau, Cook Islands, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Tonga banned whale hunting in 1978 under a royal decree issued by His Majesty King Tupou IV. This was four years before the international ban on whale hunting. All Tongan waters are considered a sanctuary for whales.

The 1989 Fisheries Act 1989 called for the ban of killing cetaceans (the group of mammals that includes  whales and dolphins).

Whale breeding populations in Tongan waters have increased from 50 to 2000 since the ban.

In ancient times Tongans hunted humpbacked whales. Now whale watching is a  major part of the tourist industry, with Vava’u and Ha’apai popular destination.

The declaration in full:

“Conscious of the deep cultural relationship, including traditional knowledge, between whales and Pacific peoples;

Recalling that many species of large whales that overwinter in Pacific islands breeding grounds were reduced to near-extinction by industrial whaling fleets in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries;

Aware that some populations of these species are now recovering in numbers, thanks to the global moratorium on commercial whaling imposed and maintained by the International Whaling Commission;

Grateful that many Pacific island countries and territories have established legislation, whale sanctuaries, and other commitments which add to the regional protection of whales;

Noting that for many Pacific island countries and territories, the presence of whales in their waters is an important cultural resource, and that well-managed whale-watching activities can promote sustainable economic benefits;

Aware also that recovering populations of whales in the Pacific island countries and territories are now at risk from an emerging range of new threats, including climate change, entanglement in marine debris, by-catch in fishing operations, noise and pollution;

Endorsing the Year of the Whale theme that whales are living sentinels that reflect and contribute to the health of our oceans;

Gratefully acknowledging the generous hospitality of the Government of Tonga and the excellent arrangements provided to host the Whales in a Changing Ocean conference;

Acknowledging the contributions of regional and international agencies, IGOs, NGOs, private sector and others to promote the recovery of whale populations;

Now therefore [we]

Recognise that lost and abandoned fishing gear is one of the most harmful forms of marine debris for whales, and that accelerated action to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution is needed;

Commend SPREP’s commitment to the production of a Whale and Dolphin Action Plan to provide a framework for conservation activities in the Pacific islands region 2018-2023;

Request the experts at the Whales in a Changing Ocean conference to work with SPREP to develop a draft Whale and Dolphin Action Plan for their review and endorsement at the SPREP Annual Meeting in September 2017;

Request SPREP to engage with Pacific islands and territories and others to identify key capacity development needs for the conservation of whales, for consideration in the 2018-2023 Whale and Dolphin Action Plan;

Commit our governments to collaborations with other Pacific islands and territories to provide a secure future for whales in the Pacific islands region;

Welcome the engagement and contribution of all stakeholders in this endeavour, including IGOs, NGOs, academia, the private sector, civil society and local communities;

Welcome new partnerships including multilateral organisations, to implement voluntary commitments by Pacific islands and territories to meet the aspirations of this Declaration.”

The main points

  • Tonga, which led the world in banning whaling, has signed the Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration 2016/17.
  • The declaration commits Tonga to working with other Pacific islands and territories to ensure a safe future for whales in the region.
  • The kingdom was one of 11 Pacific nations which sent delegates to the ‘ Whales in a Changing Ocean’ conference in Nuku’alofa.
  • Tonga banned whale hunting in 1978, four years before the international ban on whale hunting.

For  more information

Pacific countries sign Whale Declaration in Tonga

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme

Tonga signs Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration 2016-2017

Princess selects Hala Kuo Papa as she formally releases Lomipeau new album

By
Kalino Latu
-

Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Fotofili has selected the popular Tongan song Hala Kuo Papa and it was played to mark the formal release of Lomipeau Fika ‘Uluaki ‘o Aotearoa album.

The Princess implied that it was her favourite music in which the lyrics were composed by her grandmother late Queen Salote and was set to music by late Vili Pusiaki.

Pusiaki’s great-great-grandaughter Milika Aleva asked the princess to select a song from the album to be played and so formally released it.

The Princess was tearful and said this was a vision that had been created after 30 years.

The Princess said she was emotional and told the organisers she could not wait to listen to the album.

Understanding that it was refreshment time for the guests and everyone was looking forward for the buffet lunch which was ready outside the hall, the Princess joked and said: “Let’s just play music and dance as that was what Lapaha people used to do. No more meal for today”

There was a murmur of approval from the 100 guests who attended the event.

The formal release began this morning at Auckland Council’s Mangere Arts Centre with a powhiri and ouau kava.

A group of Maori performed the powhiri before they met and shook hands with Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu.

The kava ceremony was conducted by the heralds from the Falefa.

Lord Kalaniuvalu’s herald Malupo introduced the ceremony and reminisced about  some of the historical places in Lapaha and their ancestors who started the singing group Lomipeau.

Today’s ceremony was organised by the Pusiaki’s great great-grandchildren.

Pusiaki was a poet and choreographer whom Queen Salote used to give music and choreographised  some of her poetries.

Some of the dances and songs Pusiaki had set to music and choreographed were performed by his own great great-grandchildren during the ceremony.

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