Auckland

This is the first dedicated Tongan centre in the Auckland Kindergarten Association’s 115-year history, and was designed in collaboration with the local Tongan community reports PMN News. 

AKA Chief Executive Pauline Winter says the community's wish was for every child at the kindergarten to have their identity strengthened, and receive a foundation for lifelong learning, which is reflected in the name. 

“Fonua is about the connection of people, land and beginnings and is also the Tongan word for placenta.

With crowds allowed back to watch performances, around 60,000 people took the opportunity to do this over the four-day event reports Tagata Pasifika. 

And it was a welcome return, says new Samoan stage judge Nafanuatele Lafitaga Mafaufau-Peters, who was thoroughly impressed by the turn out. 

“It’s been amazing,” she says.

“Coming from being a teacher and being on the other side of this whole process I’ve just been so proud of the students in terms of their energy (and) their effort.” 

Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku confirmed this in a press conference.

The vessel is currently docked in Auckland for maintenance work.

Hu’akavameiliku said he is glad to have all the faults repaired, while it’s still docked there.

New Zealand Maritime is carrying out the final inspections of the ferry before it is released to return to Tonga.

“Inspectors from Tonga had also informed New Zealand Maritime of other pressing issues to address. We hope that it arrives soon, to help transport our people to the outer islands,” he said.

On Sunday, two teenagers were arrested in the Far North and charged with murder. 

PMN News reports Police have named the man who died as 28 year old local Joshuah Tasi, who was attacked following a car collision on Friday night. 

The NZ Herald reports Tasi was attacked while in his car sustaining stab wounds to his neck, chest and leg.

Bystanders attempted to apply pressure to the wounds, but Tasi died at the scene. 

Local residents gathered on Sunday night for karakia (prayers) and to pay tribute to the victim. 

ASB Polyfest has had a challenging few years. The 2019 festival had its final day cancelled after the Christchurch mosque shootings, the 2020 festival was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions and last year's festival took place without any crowds.

PMN News reports this year’s festival theme is “Mana Motuhake” which means creating one’s own destiny.  

Event Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says: “This can encompass many meanings so each stage will incorporate what Mana Motuhake means to them.  

RNZ reports Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to hit Northland on Sunday before heading towards Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula - which could both get a month's worth of rain in a day.

Auckland's state of emergency has been extended ahead of the forecast extreme weather.

At least four people have died and a state of emergency order continues in Auckland, which on Friday experienced its worst downpour on record.

BBC reports about 350 people needed emergency accommodation, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said.

He added there had been significant damage across Auckland and the North Island.

The newly-appointed PM also highlighted climate change's role in the extreme weather event.

Further downpours overnight led to five more rescues of people trapped by floodwaters and landslips, and a significant landslip in Titirangi.

Chris Hipkins said Auckland has a big clean-up ahead from the torrential rain that began on Friday causing unprecedented flooding around the city.

"And then of course we've got the uncertainty of what the weather's going to do over the next few days still ahead of us ... so it's still a very challenging time for Auckland."

The National Organised Crime Group Investigation named Operation Samson investigated a number of residential and commercial properties across Auckland linked to the New Zealand chapter of the Hells Angels.

A 30-year-old Hells Angel member was charged with money laundering and has appeared in the Auckland District Court.

Detective inspector Albie Alexander said this type of offending undermines the well-being of communities.

He said the investigation would continue to target those who accumulated assets and wealth through illegal means.

The centre is Tonga's main public service for women and children needing refuge from domestic violence.

Organiser, Reverend Asora Amosa said January's volcanic eruption has inspired people to help.

"It's in our human DNA to help. Part of our makeup is to help. That is primarily the reason for our team to reach out in this fashion, it's the passion and spirit of giving, to help out someone in need."

The donation drive ends Saturday.