Ombudsman

The Ombudsman, 'Aisea Taumoepeau, in a media conference in Nuku'alofa this week reported findings based on its own investigations into a series of allegations raised by the Kele'a.

Only one out of the six stories published by the newspaper was found to be valid.

This concerned the purchase in 2014 of the ship MV St Theresa, that was renamed MV Niuvakai, from privately owned Royal Pacific Shipping.

In December legislative changes were made to transform 'Aisea Taumoepeau from the Commissioner for Public Relations into the country's first Ombudsman.

Under the law Mr Taumoepeau can investigate government administration, either triggered by public complaint or by his own decision.

RNZ reports this month his office was officially launched along with a website.

Mr Taumoepeau said the new digital platform would allow people to lay complaints.

He said in the past his office was not allowed to divulge information regarding their investigations and complaints.