Tonga

In a huge boost for international rugby league and Tonga's rapid development as a challenger to the game's traditional heavyweights, Fifita has revealed a pact instigated by Taumalolo after last year's surprise World Cup finals charge convinced him to rule himself out of Australian and NSW Blues contention.

Fifita said he and Taumalolo had reaffirmed their commitment to the Mata Ma'u during a meeting with Tonga coach Kristian Woolf in North Queensland before last month's round-one clash between the Sharks and the North Queensland Cowboys.

Supervising Public Health Inspector, Sela Fa'u, said despite the numbers being on the rise, admissions to the health centres and the hospital were falling.

The recorded cases were on the main island of Tongatapu and in Vava'u, Ha'apai and on 'Eua.

Radio Tonga reported the youngest patient with dengue fever was an infant while the eldest was about 70.

A national campaign to clean up possible mosquito breeding sites ended this week.

Kaniva Pacific reported he was also expected to face additional counts relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm.

Tu'ivakano appeared at the Fasi Magistrate court this week and is to reappear on 26 April.

Crown prosecutor 'Aminasi Kefu asked for the delay so police could prepare additional information.

The film titled Leitis in Waiting officially launches a human rights impact campaign across the Commonwealth before the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM 2018.

It follows the journey of Joey Matele, who is a devout Catholic of noble descent, living her life in Tonga as a transgender person and some of the increasing prejudices and challenges she and others like her face.

The film is a collaboration between the filmmakers, Tonga Leitis Association, and the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network.

Megan Maka won gold for New Zealand at the Melbourne Expo International in 2014 and silver at the Four Nations in Auckland the same year. 

The head of Tonga's Sports Olympic Committee Takitoa Taumoepeau says the 24-year-old will be one of the first women to box for Tonga in the Commonwealth Games.

Team Tonga left for Gold Coast last night.

The comment came after his ministry announced a ban on girls playing rugby or boxing at Tonga High School - one of the main government schools in the country.

Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva has since issued a statement that said all Tongans should be encouraged to participate and there should be no discrimination in any sports.

But the Education Minister Penisimani Fifita is not budging and has blamed any negative reactions on cultural differences.

"So you are talking from a different culture to a different culture," he said.

The Samoan Quota and the Pacific Access Category resident visas allow for a number of people from five Pacific countries to be selected for New Zealand residence each year, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Each year up to 1100 Samoan citizens, 250 Tongan and Fijian citizens and 75 Kiribati and Tuvaluan citizens can be selected by ballot to be considered, but a number of applicants who do win a place often have to forfeit it after failing to secure an acceptable job offer.

The Tongan government pays a relatively small portion of the costs.

If the Police Minister goes ahead with his threat to stop Mr Caldwell’s pay it is unclear whether he means the Tongan contribution to his pay or whether he intends to block the New Zealand component as well.

Kaniva News reports the Tongan Government has already told New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that it no longer wants Mr Caldwell, but it is unclear how Wellington would react if the Police Minister carried out his threat.

It is expected the king would make its final decision today.

As Kaniva News reported, the Privy Council’s Judicial Appointment and Discipline Panel has extended the Police Commissioner’s contract.

But the extension depends on the king’s approval.

The Minister of Police claimed he had the power to withhold the commissioner’s pay under Clause 51 of Tonga’s constitution.

The move could trigger an action to resolve two apparently contradictory laws.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 20 March in Fo’ui.

The victim told Police he accidentally shot himself while cleaning the gun.

Police reportedly said, the man, whose identity has not yet been released, did not hold a firearms license.

Kaniva News reports an investigation is underway after the incident