Inter-island vessel

The ‘Otuanga’ofa arrived in Auckland in September 2022 and was expected to return to the kingdom last October.

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries told Kaniva News the ferry was ordered back to sea for being “non-compliant with New Zealand’s biosecurity regulations.”

The Ministry said the vessel was allowed back into port to collect provisions.

However, even though the ferry was ordered to leave port to be cleaned, there was a delay because vital equipment was not working.

The 'Utuma'atu began service late last year, providing a sustainable freight and passenger service to the northern islands, but damage from the cyclone meant extensive repairs.

The mastermind of the project has been academic and former MP Sitiveni Halapua who told RNZ the repairs have improved the vessel.

“It was damaged by hurricane kina it really showed the design was right it was strong because if the design was not strong, it would sunk completely  because it was hit by a 1000 tonne sand mining barge,”Halapua said.

The incident occurred during the vessel’s boarding on a trip to the outer islands.

Tobacco officer of the Ministry of Health Le’omolotu Havea said these people were fined because all licensed premises such as shipping vessels, buses and taxis are smoke free areas.

They were fined to pay TOP$100.00 each.

The duo also fined a 26 year old female vendor from Fasi moe Afi with TOP$200.00 due to the retail sale of tobacco sticks at a public area.