Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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‘Ikale Tahi team “have done exceedingly well”

By
Kaniva Staff
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by 'Emeline Tuita, CEO Tonga Rugby Union

On the win today (18-9) against the USA, I would like to congratulate Captain Nili Latu and his team for a great performance on field. I know it was a disappointment for the USA as the host, but from the support from the Tongan Community in the US, it would also have seemed like the 'Ikaletahi was playing in a home game also.

On the performance of the 'Ikaletahi so far on the 2013 PNC Tournament, I would have to say that under the circumstances they have done exceedingly well. Their opening of the PNC wth the win in the match against Japan lifted spirits very high and on this note they arrived in San Francisco to a very warm "homecoming" thanks to the efforts in particular of the TUSF and Tongans in the Bay Area and from around the USA.

The overall USA part of the tournament was a success both on-field and off-field although it is regretted that there was an injury at the SFGG game on June 3rd. The Canada game which Tonga yielded to Canada was disappointing from the view that it could perhaps have had a different outcome, rather than the team having to bear the consequences of undisciplined play on-field which saw three players sit out the USA game.

As you know also, as part of acting responsibly to the press and in respect to the standards that have been set for making statements to the press, the 'Ikaletahi Coach has publicly apologised to the International Rugby Board and the Officiating Match Officials. The President of the TRU, 'Epeli Taione and the Tonga Rugby Union have also publicly apologised for any adverse impact that the statement may have. Hopefully as the team moves on to Japan for their final game against Fiji, we can take some of the hard lessons of the tour so far and use it to provide the global Tongan community with a finale performance in Japan.

I am well aware that it is a rather difficult period that the Tonga Rugby Union is going through at present and this has not made preparations for this PNC Tour easy for the 'Ikaletahi Team. As things stand at present, the governance issues are likely to be resolved late next week, which means that it is remarkable that the 'Ikaletahi Team has been able to maintain their composure in the manner they have. And I must say that without the support of the Tongans in the United States who expressed their keenness to help back in March, the success of the 'Ikaletahi would not have been so pronounced.

Thank you also for the positive coverage that Kaniva has made to following the PNC Tour because it has been important to the morale of the 'Ikaletahi Team so that matters on the home front, which sometime can take a bit longer to resolve do not adversely affect performance on field. The TRU Staff in Tonga and the President have over the past weeks been working tirelessly toward implementing strategies that can create financial stability for the Union and allow TRU to focus going forward on providing the necessary support for a consistent high performance at the international level by the 'Ikaletahi. A key Tour is the November Tour when the 'Ikaletahi is scheduled to play against France and Wales, and the PNC Tour this year had made participation in the 'Ikaletahi Team so much more meaningful.

Report says Nuku'alofa could be wiped out by a Tsunami

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga's capital Nuku’alofa  could be destroyed  if a Tsunami hits says a new research by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

The findings reveal the capital would likely to be sunk if an 8.7 magnitude earthquake strikes in the Tonga trench, One News reports.

According to the projections 25 minutes after the earthquake the first wave would roll in from the east – near the capital's harbour. When it hits the coast it would be around two and a half metres high, it says.

"Fifteen minutes later the second wave would come in, 4-5 metres high, and take out most of the town area".

"If we have a tsunami it will be very hard to save Nuku'alofa," Tonga's deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu told One news.

Leveni ‘Aho, Director of national emergency office told the News that "If you are looking at vulnerability here, Nuku'alofa is the highest risk because that is where the biggest bulk of the population is sitting, you are talking about forty-fifty thousand. We need to work on this and find out how best we can get people to safer ground and how quickly we can get the message out."

Thanksgiving dinner for Tongan rugby stars

By
Kalino Latu
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Over 100 diners enjoyed a meal served by the New Zealand Tonga Rugby Association (NTRA) last night June 14 at Manurewa Rugby League Football Club to acknowledge  Tongan rugby stars  who played for All Blacks,  New Zealand professional rugby teams as well as ‘Ikale Tahi team.

Two Tongan former All Blacks,  Charles Riechelmann and Pita ‘Alatini attended the function. ‘Emosi Koloto, president of the NZTRA told Kaniva News, the Association was happy with their attendance as it marked a good start in their attempt to provide an opportunity  to honour the success of the talented Tongan rugby players.  

Malakai Fekitoa from Auckland Blues also attended.

Koloto said the initiative was made in appreciation of all Tongan rugby players in New Zealand as well as parents and supporters who helped to make dreams of these famous players happened.

The NZTRA was aware of  the values and benefits Tongan rugby players who joined All Blacks and other New Zealand rugby teams as well as 'Ikale Tahi contrubuted to the Tongan communities but once these players retired their heroic achievements seemed to be ignored, he said. 

Koloto,  a New Zealand former rugby league and rugby union footballer since 1986 said the function was planned to take place every year and to be one of the Tongan biggest function in Auckland.

The dinner function was an inspiration and a great chance for young Tongans who still at high schools and have the potential of becoming rugby stars in the future, he said.

As with many other Tongan functions, solo dances were performed and provided by families and friends from the communities and a team of  Tongan bodybuilders also entertained the guests.

NZTRA was established on March 2013.

Featured image by Melino Maka

Man calls police to complain about 'ugly prostitute'

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Birmingham man dialled 999  on Tuesday evening after he met a hooker in a car park in the dark and found out she was not as pretty  as she claimed.

The man complained to police that the prostitute had breached Britain’s Sale of Goods Act which states “the  purchase needed to be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose”, Telegraph reports.

But an officer in the call centre at Solihull, Birmingham, responded by telling the man the woman had not committed any offences and explained to him that paying for sex was illegal.

The operator sounds frustrated and questions the man: “What’s happened then? Something’s obviously happened.”

The man replies: “What’s happened is basically this woman she’s like basically advertised in the newspaper for like private services like massages and stuff.”

“She’s miss-described herself and misrepresented herself totality,” he tells the phone operator.

The Sale of Goods Act 1979 states that all goods must match the sellers’ description.

Police  were able to identify the man and sent him a  letter warning him about wasting police time.

Dysfunctional System of Government Confused Leaders

By
Tevita Katoa
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The dysfunctional system of government generates the cycle of conflicts. In fact, leaders of the world are confused and desperately trying to befitting system with the current demands of these modern days.

It is evident from the past history and have witnessed by us at present time to the continuously impact of avoidable dysfunction system of government. The failure system somehow happens to contribute earnestly to conflicts that affecting ordinary people daily. Conflicts generate many problems in family, government, health, education, politics, religions and more. It is mounted regardless of various attempts to break the cycle.

The fast decaying of governing systems is also unavoidable. Conflicts and bloodshed over-ruled any systems of government. The newly formed system, democrat, has done no better to the seemingly unavoidable force of conflicts. Because of the unstable of the present known systems the equilibrium of our society is shaken tremendously and badly affects multitudes of very decent citizens, especially the working class.

Since then, from the new offshoots of autocracy, problems have mounted to a stage nowadays that the leaders are struggled to find a way or system that suited appropriately with the past and current affairs of the people of the world including New Zealand.

We see and witness daily, through individual experiences, televisions, and other media outlets to diverse forms of avoidable conflicts. The economic conflicts, political conflicts, marketing and trading conflicts, religious conflicts, family conflicts and many more conflicts that have made leaders and those with powers and authority confused.    

Unbreakable Cycle of Warfare and conflicts

It is said that – in the post-World War II era, warfare has broken out in virtually every corners of the globe. The majority of those conflicts have been internal — nations fighting with themselves over age-old ethnic and religious hostilities. Moreover, the fighting has been about territorial autonomy, political ideologies, the nation’s wealth, and more. And even the past 20 years, the bloody wars in the Middle East like the Persian Gulf War which killed more than two thousands and five hundreds (2,500) Iragi civilians and probably more than twenty thousand (20,000) soldiers were killed. In fact, casualties were included grandparents, parents, children and other family members but there were no weapons of mass-destruction found in Iragi.

The tribal warfare in Africa, the Cold War that fuelled conflict in Europe and Asia, the fight against terrorists, and the current civil war in Egypt, Syria, the civil war in Siberia and many more, which seemingly indicate the unbreakable cycle of warfare and conflicts.  At a time when historians are devoting more and more research to conflicts within nations, a book called “Civil Wars of the World: Major Conflicts since World War II” is an invaluable addition to the available resources. In two volumes, it ranges around the globe to cover the most volatile and deadly civil wars of the past 60 years.  

Ruling by suppressing and oppressing

Truly we seem to learn only by the outburst of a new conflicts. It appears that we only prefer to control by suppressing and oppressing. The way we choose to friending others is to invade first and then compromise. The bigger and stronger nations invaded smaller nations including pacific islands, for instance. Those who have power and authority over people are often attempting to use dictatorship kind of governing as the way of ruling.

The Consequences

Consequently, peoples are turning away various ways and put their trust under different institutions like Education, Religion, Science, Government and other affiliated organizations of like manner. It is shown very understandably the struggle and incapable of the government to work together with these institutions. Government does not like to ask appropriate institution for help or advice especially for moral issues, parenting issues and others. Religious leaders and other affiliated institutions like various branches of education are ignored in times of decision making.    

Governments have made decisions that overshadowed the power and authority of religious institutions like churches and educational outlets and others. The recent decision made by the government over same sex marriage, for instance, has done by the government without any serious attempts to use directives of religious leaders. That and other decisions indicate the dysfunctional of the current system.

The parents have been forced controlled without providing any sufficient parenting tips to effectively cope with world views and its relation with that typical holistic way of livings. So, the parents are confused as well as children especially young people. The youth suicide is sky-rocketing. The average number of suicides each year since the Ministry of Justice began to campaign against suicides is 543. In June last year, there were 543 suicides case were confirmed and reported and the most high risk age level is 15 to 19-year old.

Some parents have lost their children to foster-care parents mainly because of unprepared and misunderstanding of the way to parenting their children in compliance with the naive politicalize way of parenting.

Perhaps, the people are obviously suffocating and struggling to survive economically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and morally. The costs of essential needs are so unrealistic. It is so expensive. The food prices, housing, health clinics, medications, traveling, petrol, and other essential needs for decent living are too high and unaffordable. The minimum wage tax-payers are definitely struggling to budget after renting, credit agencies, power and phone payments are made. So, foods and school stuffs depend mostly on the remainder from the first part of demanding payments. Obviously the heat has felt by some in the middle class. The Hamilton City Council, Wellington City Council and the Warehouse staffs have agreed for a salary increase from thirteen dollars ($13.00) hourly rate to eighteen dollars ($18.00). Government should act bravely to meet with this great call.           

Man charged with drug possession

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan man was charged with possession and selling of illegal drugs following a police raid at the village of Tofoa last Friday.

According to police, the man whose name was not released, was taken into custody and is due to appear in court.

Police found and seized raw materials from which they believe drugs were made.

They also investigated if an amount of money collected during the raid was linked to the drug deals.

Tonga Parliament’s speaker launches “ art competition ”

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan artists will be competing towards the end of this year in an art competition initiated by the speaker of the House , Lord Fakafanua.

The competition was launched on June 13 and the successful artist will have the opportunity for his artwork to “be permanently showcased at the Speaker’s Conference room”.

Winner of the open category competition will be awarded a cash prize of TOP$1,000.00.

Second and third place winners will also receive rewarding prizes.

The deadline for submission of art pieces is October 17th, 2013, when Parliament closes.

Artists are asked to submit at least one piece portraying one of the following themes.

They are “Tonga today, The Future of Tonga and The Parliament of Tonga.”

Lord Fakafanua says the competition is a unique opportunity for local aspiring artists to showcase their talents to the countries leaders, foreign dignitaries and the government community.

Ikale Tahi coach apologizes for comments – three suspended

By
Kaniva Staff
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Mana ‘Otai, Tonga National Rugby Union team’s coach has apologized for his “stereotype” comment saying “it was certainly not my intention to offend anyone and I offer my sincere regret if any offence was taken. It was certainly not my intention to upset or harm any individuals involved in the game."

The apology was made following a misconduct investigation conducted by the International Rugby Board for 'Otai's racial-based comments.

Canadian Press interviewed Otai after the ‘Ikale Tahi lost to Canada 37-26 on June 8 and in his response he said, “I had a look at both. I couldn't really see why (the yellow cards were issued). It's almost like, these days you know, when a black man is tackling harder than the other, it seems to be the way.

And I think some of the foreigners that are involved in our team now are starting to see that. It's just hard to battle or fight that stereotype, I guess. But I'm not taking away the fact that at times we do, I guess, make mistakes in terms of tackling — if I'm talking in general. But in today's game, I couldn't justify the two yellow cards”.

‘Epeli Taione, Tonga Rugby Union chairperson was happy with ‘Otai’s apology and commended the way how he handled the situation saying 'Otai is “the ultimate professional”.

In the mean time three Tongan rugby  players David Halaifonua,  Siale Piutau and prop Edmund ‘Aholelei will miss the rest of the Pacific Nations Cup after being suspended for foul play in the loss to Canada last weekend.

The International Rugby Board judiciary has suspended the trio after finding them to have breached IRB  foul play  laws.

"Halaifonua, who contested his charge, was banned for six weeks until July 21 for a high shoulder charge on winger Matt Evans that caused Evans to be taken off on a stretcher. Halaifonua will also be unavailable for the Sevens World Cup in Moscow this month.

"‘Aholelei pleaded guilty to punching flanker Jebb Sinclair, for which he was sent off in the first half. ‘Aholelei was suspended to July 12, including a Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby game that day.

Piutau was banned for three weeks to June 30 after pleading guilty to punching hooker Ray Barkwill."

Tongan magistrate rules seven were defamed by Kele‘a Tonga Newspaper

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Magistrate Court judge ruled in Nuku’alofa on June 12 that Kele’a Tonga Newspaper had defamed the Prime Minister  Lord Tu’ivakano and six of his cabinet ministers,  Dr. Viliami Latū, William Clive Edwards, Samiu Vaipulu, Fe’ao Vakatā, Dr. ‘Ana Taufe’ulungaki, and Sangster Saulala.

It is yet to be confirmed but the newspaper normally appealed  any magistrate ruling against it.

Magistrate Paula Tatafu ordered the defendants, Publisher Lautala Pohiva Tapueluelu, Editor Mateni Tapueluelu, Kele’a Tonga Newspaper and Solomone Palu — a regular writer of letters to the editor  to pay damages totalling to $124,721.80 effective today June 13 and within 150 days.

The decision was made after the plaintiffs filed on October 29, 2012 a civil lawsuit against the newspaper based on a letter to the editor by Solomone Palu of Houma, Tongtapu titled – The law is paralysed and it never goes forth to bring leaders to justice.

It accused the leaders of the government for misuse of public fund and corruption but the magistrate ruled the claims had no basis and were intended to make defamation against the leaders.

He then ruled that Mr Palu has to pay $62,000 in damages of which $35,000 to be paid to the seven plaintiffs and $25,000 for his legal costs.

The Tapueluelus have to pay $62,000 in damages in which $27,000 to be paid to the plaintiffs and the remaining for their legal costs.

Hon William Clive Edwards, Tonga’s Minister of Justice represented the plaintiffs while MP ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Lawyer Sione ‘Etikā acted for Solomone Palu, Laucala Tapueluelu, Mateni Tapueluelu and the Kele’a Newspaper.

 In an editorial of Kele‘a newspaper last year, the editor said they stood by their article and that the court case is an opportunity for the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers to appear in court and make responses to what they have been accused of in Palu’s letter  – implying that it is something of public interests and may have not been made public had the letter not been allowed to publish.

Kele’a newspaper was founded in 1986 as a quarterly newsletter by Democratic Party Leader MP ‘Akilisi Pohiva. It is now a weekly newspaper since 2005 and distributed over Tonga and Tongans abroad.

Correction: We corrected this article as the word "award" was confusingly used.

US Tongans continue to shower ‘Ikale Tahi with donations

By
Kaniva Staff
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The ‘Ikale Tahi fans and kāinga in US continue to show their great support for the players by donating more money after the team arrived in Los Angeles  from Canada on Monday.

Tongan communities and members of  the First Methodist Church in Lenox led by Rev Loni Veikoso donated US$7003.00 for the team yesterday.  

The Tongan communities in San Francisco donated foods, clothing and US$23,000 for the team members before they left for Canada on June 8.

Many families and individuals presented their donations direct to their family members and friends in the team.

The Queen Mother of Tonga, Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho kindly  served the team with foods as well.

The  Tonga National Team won their first PNC match with Japan on May 25 but were defeated by Canada last Sunday, June 8.

Ikale Tahi team are in Los Angeles to take on US Men’s Eagle on June 14 at Home Depot Center, Carson, California.

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