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Ha‘asini water committee's fight against FWC begins

By
Kalino Latu
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The Ha’asini Water Committee trying to block a construction site  fearing it might cause infectious diseases to the village had last week opened its submission in the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

The committee sued the Free Wesleyan Church of Ha’asini (FWCH) for building a pastor’s house in an area known as Mala’e Vai ( field with water ).

They claimed the house is located close to the spring from where the village water is sourced.

The FWCH  and its lawyer, Tomasi Fakahua claimed they have a right to build in the area because they have leased it.

The court was told Mala’e Vai had been previously occupied by the villagers since the 1960s.  A typhoid fever struck the village at the time and it affected four of the villagers. A WHO geologist examined the water source and found out the water was contaminated by the surrounding houses’ sewerage disposal.  All the households were relocated to another area.

Since then the villagers considered mala’e vai as a zoned water land.

In the year 2000, however, the heir to the land, ‘Oliveti Puamau divided the territory and the FWCH leased one of the allotments.  FWCH has built a house for their pastor in their leased town allotment.

A witness, Loumaile Hakaumotu,  called by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Ofa Pouono emotionally told Judge Michael Scott that the building has caused chaos among families.

He tearfully asked Judge Scott to rule against the FWCH construction so that peace would be returned to these people.

The case is set to continue this week with more witnesses to be called by the plaintiff.

Tonga Prime Minister still in hospital

By
Kalino Latu
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Lord Tu’ivakano, the Prime Minster of Tonga who has been admitted to hospital for a stroke, is still in hospital in Bellevue  in New York but “in an excellent conditions”, the government said today.

The latest report about the Prime Minister, who is 61, came after some international media reports said he had been discharged and was getting ready to get his flight back to Tonga, but this has proved incorrect.

‘Aholotu Palu, Acting Chief Secretary and Acting Secretary to Cabinet told Radio Tonga in an email today, “His Lordship was admitted to Bellevue Hospital in NY for chest-pain.

“Doctors were very responsive and treated the pain with proper procedures and medication. His Lordship is now in an excellent condition after the treatment”, Palu said.

Palu also told the Radio that “Lord Tu’ivakanō is expected to be discharged soon to the Tongan Mission in New York”.

“He is tentatively booked to return to Tonga this week-end.

The gist of the matter is His Lordship is doing well,” he said.

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua told the House this morning the Prime Minister  “is expected to be released from hospital today. Doctors would then decide when he would be fit to take the flight back home.”

His wife Lady Robyn Tu’ivakano told Matangi Tonga Online  the Prime Minister was rushed late on Saturday, September 28  at 11:00pm to Bellevue Hospital, New York, and was attended by a cardio doctor for treatment of what was understood to be a blocked main heart valve”.

“He is now being monitored 48 hours and he is recovering,” Lady Tu’ivakano told the website.

Acting Prime Minister, Lord Ma’afu told Parliament yesterday morning,  Monday, September 30 the Prime Minister suffered a minor stroke.

Lord Tu’ivakano  was attending the United Nations General Assembly as part of a delegation led by King Tupou VI.

Tu’ivakano took office in 2010 after the first popular elections in Tonga following more than 150 years of rule dominated by the monarchy.

Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano suffers stroke

By
Kalino Latu
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The Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Tu’ivakano suffered a stroke but expected to be recover, the Parliament of Tonga was told this morning.

Lord Tu’ivakano is currently in New York. No further details released about his stroke.

The Prime Minister joint the King of Tonga HM King Tupou VI  in the 68th Plenary Session of the United Nations Assembly  that debated  on the post-2015 development agenda, as well as the situation in Syria.

Lord Ma’afu, the Minister for Land, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources became Acting Prime Minister and he has made an emotional appeal this morning to the nation to pray for the fast recovery of the Prime Minister.

On Friday 27 September Lord Tu‘ivakano presented to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon a declaration for the establishment of a “Pacific Regional Data Repository for Sustainable Energy for All” on behalf of the Pacific Forum Leaders.

Failed promise: Top church leader probed into Pulela‘ā’s scandal

By
Kalino Latu
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A church leader declared that his Tongan Church in Sydney has bought back its Aus$10 million property that was liquidated and sold, but this has proved incorrect.

The Rev Sione Pinomi has told his Free Wesleyan Church followers they have repurchased their Pulelaʻā Church property and they would return to it today Sunday 29 in their Faka-Sepitema ceremony.

The 166 Glendenning Road property in question,  was sold to the Sant Nirankari Mission (SNM) following the collapse of a disastrous venture masterminded by Rev Pinomi, leaving the church owing Westpac and a local loan company Aus$21 million.

The public officer for the new owner of the property, Mr Ajay Kataria told Kaniva News they did not know anything about the repurchasing of Pulela’a.

“I have a meeting with the Wesleyan Church Secretary General, Tevita Havea regarding that and I advised him we have no intention of selling the Pulela’a,” Mr Kataria said.

“We are using it for our religious service and there was no intention of reselling it,” he added and reiterated.

Kaniva News could not be able to obtain a comment from the Pulelaʻā leaders.

Today the Reverend Pinomi told his church followers a different story.  One of the church community pastors Rev Semisi Kava, quoted Rev Pinomi,  who according to Rev Kava, told  his followers – they almost have the purchase completed…the lawyers are still working on it (translated from Tongan).

The church’s Faka-Sepitema ceremony was today  held at the Newington College and not Pulela’a as promised by Reverend Pinomi, said Rev Kava.

The FWC Secretary General, Rev Dr Havea early this month held an inquiry into what is developing as the Pulelaʻā’s scandals.

The Reverend Kava was one of the co-ordinators of  the scandal inquiry. He said the inquiry team led by Dr Havea met with SNM leaders. The SNM leaders confirmed to the meeting they had no intention of reselling Pulelaʻā since they purchased it from the Wespac.

The Rev Kava said Dr Havea also questioned the breakaway church members at Eastwood about why they left the Pulelaʻā church community.

The responses included saying they are fed up with receiving misleading information given to them by Rev Pinomi and Rev Matafonua.

A report was sent to the Free Wesleyan Church’s head office in Tonga following the scandal inquiry and Rev Kava said it would seal the fate of the Pulelaʻā leaders.

Early this month, the Rev Sione Pinomi was also  accused of issuing three fraudulent cheques worth Aus$140,000 as donations to fundraising dinners for the Tokaikolo Church in Sydney.

The cheques increased the amount of money raised on the night to Aus$170,000.

All the cheques had bounced however and the Tokaikolo leader in Sydney, Rev ‘Otuhiva Mapapalangi went  public and  warned the Tongan communities to be wary of Rev Pinomi’s actions.

In the midst of the financial struggle church members encountered when trying to protect Pulelaʻā  from being liquidated  initially, Rev Pinomi told them he hoped a trust fund registered in the Cayman Islands, would donate Aus$10 million, documents said.

On another occasion the members celebrated after Rev Pinomi told them their debts had been paid off by the Trust.

In January 2012 however, the church went into voluntary administration and later into receivership.

The disgruntled members of the Tongan Free Wesleyan community are determined to find new church communities after the loss of Pulelaa.

AIS St Helens graduation 2013

By
Kalino Latu
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 — AIS St Helens

Over 400 graduated this year from AIS St Helens including more than 30 Tongans, most came directly from Tonga as International students.  This year’s graduation ceremony is a very good year for our Tongan graduates where most of the Special Awards at the Graduation Ceremony were picked up by Tongans.  They were:

Top Scholar Award for the Bachelor of International Business Programmes:

Crystal Angelina Dominique ‘Ake (Bachelor of International Business, Marketing)

Crystal ‘Ake did not join AIS St Helens Graduation Ceremony, she is looking at joining Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training Graduation ceremony in December this year to celebrate together with her family living in Tonga.  Crystal came to AIS St Helens with a Diploma in International Business from our sister school in Tonga, which is under Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training.  Crystal ‘Ake is the daughter of Mrs Nanuma and Dr Malakai ‘Ake of Kolomotu’a.

Industry Award for the Bachelor of International Business Programmes:

Faneola Lynch Vaea (Bachelor of International Business, Management) of Neiafu Vava’u, daughter of Mrs Manatu Palu Lynch and Mr Tomasi Lynch.  Faneola is married to Mr Sione Vaea of Pangai, ‘Eua.

Industry Award for the Bachelor of Tourism Management Programmes:

Kalolaine Heilala ‘O Pulotu Po’oi Sikuvea (Bachelor of Tourism Management), daughter of Kaluseti Holani Po’oi and Mr Maleko Po’oi ‘of Hala Pili, Ngele’ia, Tongatapu.  Kalolaine is married to Sikuvea Jr Sikuvea of Ha’alaufuli, Vava’u.

Industry Award for the Information Technology Degree Programmes:

Soane Ngutukoula Fatai (Bachelor of Information Technology, Computer Networks), son of Mrs Lea’aetoa Fakatava Fatai and Mr Ponove Fatai of Pangaimotu, Vava’u.

Ezi World Cargo & Travel Limited Award for High Achievement by a Pasifika Graduate in a Bachelor’s Degree Programme:

Filipe Fatongia Pau (Bachelor of Tourism Management), son of Mrs Pelenatita and Mr Taupeaafe Pau of ‘Ahau, Tongatapu.  Filipe came to New Zealand in 2010 on a one year Rugby Scholarship and studied at Auckland Boys Grammar.  Upon the completion of his Rugby scholarship, a Kiwi family namely Mrs Makale’ohiva & Mr Ronald Baas saw the potential that Filipe has as an educator thus supported him financially and morally by enrolling him with AIS St Helens just to see him graduate amongst the best.  Filipe is forever grateful to his Kiwi family for their vision and support.

Most Dedicated All Round Maori Pasifika Graduate Cup for 2013:

Salome Muimui Kovi ‘a Lavinia Veiongo ki Pouono Ve’etutuu of Ma’ufanga, Tongatapu, daughter of Mrs ‘Ilafehi and Mr ‘Atunaisa Ve’etutuu.

This Most Dedicated All Round Maori Pasifika Graduate Cup was presented at the annual Special Pasifika Celebration known as the Aloha Night, celebrating the achievements of Pasifika graduates in the presence of their families and friends, prior to the actual AIS St Helens Graduation Ceremony.

Faka-Sepitema: Women in white

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan-Auckland based protestant  churches held women’s Sepitema day today Saturday.

At the Free Church of Tonga in Mangere, Auckland,  women wore white clothes the normal colour  for the formal occasion.

The annual event  held in the month of September, hence its name,  is a religious ceremony  where every woman in  the church stands up and answers yes when her name is called out.

It is one of the biggest events all Tongan protestant church members looked forward to during the year.

Free Church of Tonga parishioners travelled all the way down from Northland and the  Bay of Plenty to attend their Septema day at their Favona headquarter in Mangere.

The President Reverend Semisi Fonua chaired the Faka-Sepitema.

A pōhiva (religious evening singing) was arranged by the church for tomorrow  to mark the  conclusion of  the women's Sepitema ceremony.

Vava'u: Two tourists die within days of each other

By
Kalino Latu
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An Australian tourist died after leaving a church on September 15. Brettian Mamilton 53 and his partner Leanne Maftession attended a Sunday service at the village of Talau in Vavaʻu.

On their way back to the Talau Guest House where they lived, Mr. Mamilton fell ill and gradually fell to the ground. He was rushed to the hospital but died before he was arrived.

Vava’u Police Superintend Netane Falakiseni told Kaniva News a report by  Dr Sonasi Hu’ahulu at the Neiafu Hospital says the deceased died from heart attack.

Three days later another Australian fell ill after joining a group of whale watchers at ‘Euakafa Island. Mrs Jane Elizabeth Robinson eventually fainted and was rushed to the hospital at Neiafu on September 18.

Falakiseni said  Robinson was declared dead 10 minutes upon arrival at the hospital. A report by Dr Sisi Longoa’a Latu says she suffered from heart attack.

The two deceased have been flown on a chartered flight from Vava’u to Tongatapu on September 20 and were expected to be departed for Australia on September 26, Falakiseni said.

Auckland Rugby Union Blues U16: Tongan support promising

By
Kalino Latu
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This article is sponsored by Kelekolio Tapueluelu and  GM Cars Ltd

The Auckland Central U16 coach said he was moved by the number of supports received from the Tongan fans who turned up to support his team during the Auckland Rugby Unions Blues U16 tournament.

Four teams played during the last three weeks since September 7 are U16 Central, U16 West Team, U16 East Team, U16 South Team . The final will be held this Saturday 28.

Coach John Kens said, “We have lost two games with some bad luck, losing by one point to Auckland South, they had two intercept tries and we lost to the first placed team on Sunday by six points again very unlucky”, he told Kaniva Sports.

“The more time they play together the better they are performing as a team and they appear to have the strongest front row in the tournament.

There are 10 Tongans in the squad and Kens said he “thoroughly enjoyed the boys attitude to training and there natural skill level, the natural Tongan attitude is something that is refreshing and if they use this to their advantage they will do well and go far.

“The support of their respective families is also extremely important and all ten boys have this support.

Decent Tongan players in the Auckland Central U16  – Maake Tapueluelu, Kepu Lokotui, Keni Hala, Loketi Manu, Sean Fusitua, Siaosi Pulu, Sione Ahokava, Sione Taliai, Siosifa Tukutau, and Sunia FineFuieake.

The Central Team U16:

The Auckland Under 16 Central Team Management would like to thank all players who took part in the pre-season trainings and those who are unavailable for selection due to injury. Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the 2013 Auckland Under 16 Central Team:

Aleks Dabek (St Peters College)

Brook Wilson (Auckland Grammar)

Connor Wihongi (Auckland Grammar)

Daniel Perez (St Peters College)

Iliaitia Ravudi (Onehunga High School)

Keni Hala (Onehunga High School)

Kepu Lokotui (Onehunga High School)

Loketi Manu (Auckland Grammar)

Mahe Vailanu (Auckland Grammar)

Mark Tapueluelu (One Tree Hill College)

Noah Mataia (St Peters College)

Phillip Ega (St Pauls College)

Reiko Ioane (Auckland Grammar)

Sam McConnell (Auckland Grammar)

Sean Fusitua (Dilworth School)

Siaosi Kafalava (Auckland Grammar)

Siaosi Pulu (Marcellin College)

Sione Ahokava (Dilworth School)

Sione Taliai (Onehunga High School)

Siosifa Tukutau (Dilworth School)

Sunia FineFuieake (Auckland Grammar)

Theodore Solipo (St Peters College)

Uasi Leota (St Pauls College)

Wiseguy Faiane (Auckland Grammar)

Tongan deputy police commissioner dies after fight with cancer

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan deputy police commissioner ‘Atelaite Koloale’o Soakai has died in Nuku’alofa.

Soakai, 47 has been battling cancer for a few years and had multiple treatments to try and prolong her life.

She joint Tonga Police Force in December 1989 and retired on medical ground in July this year.

Upon retirement she was awarded the Police Employment Award for distinguished service rendered to the Tonga Police Force. She was the first police officer to be awarded with the silver medal.

While joining the force Soakai regularly left for  overseas to study on various field of education and training ranges from discipline and counselling  to management and administration to information and technology. She studied  in countries such as USA, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Fiji and New Zealand.

Born in May 14, 1966 in the town of Kolofo’ou, Soakai died after she served the force for 23 years.

Surveyors' new book about Tonga brings back memories

By
Kalino Latu
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by Dr Malakai Koloamatangi

“So much had changed” was how authors and former surveyors Bruce Alexander and Larry Wordsworth described Tonga after some 50 years absence from the Island Kingdom. Bruce and Larry were surveyors in Tonga in 1957. Having been jointly hired by the Tongan and New Zealand governments, they were responsible for dividing the bush allotments into their current and constitutionally guaranteed 8.25 acre plot. Every Tongan male 16 years and over, upon reaching tax-paying age, is entitled to receive a town and bush allotment. Bruce and Larry’s experiences of their time in Tonga were turned into a book titled 100 Fathoms Square.

The book was launched by HRH Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu of Tonga on 12 September at Massey University’s Albany campus. Despite the rain (though some saw it as a blessing) around 40 people from the community, Tongan and non-Tongan, and Massey University staff turned out for the launch. Reverend Tevita Finau of the Northcote Tongan Methodist church officiated with an opening prayer then Bruce gave an informative and at times emotional account of his and Larry’s sojourn in Tonga. Of particular interest were the relationships they were able to forge with local co-workers and their perspectives on Tongan life – even those aspects they did not understand.

Princess Siu’ilikutapu formally launched the book then she gave a personal account of her role in bringing the book to fruition. She also reminded everyone that her father HRH Prince Tu’ipelehake was Prime Minister of Tonga at the time. She showed particular interest in one of photo which showed Prince Tu’ipelehake and the surveyors in one of the villages on Tongatapu. Mention was made that in addition to the historical and social significance of the book, there are many coloured photographs depicting town and village life as they were in the mid-1950s. Some people were able to recognise family and friends in the photographs, which made the book all the more valuable. So much so that Bruce was able to sell many signed copies of the book on the night.

For the record: the Tongan expression teau ‘e taha referring to a bush allotment of 8.25 acres comes from its equivalent ‘100 fathoms’ hence the title of the book. Of interest too is the fact, which is shown pictorially in the book, that a specific monetary creation the silini ‘e fa or four shillings was made because a box of bananas for export used to cost this amount exactly.

Copies of the book can be bought from Margot Moller macmoller@xtra.co.nz

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