Tonga

NZ Immigration watchdog message to Samoa, Tonga and Fiji: “Use NZ Licensed Immigration Advisors only”

The IAA is the agency responsible for issuing licences to overseas NZ immigration advisers and handles complaints about poor immigration advice. It was set up to promote and protect the interests of people receiving New Zealand immigration advice. However, the IAA does not provide immigration advice.

Pacific Guardians website reports her visit is part of an IAA campaign pushing the message to Samoans, Tongans and Fijians, “Anyone seeking New Zealand immigration advice should only use a licensed adviser or an exempt person.”

Ministerial shake-up, Penisimani Fifita new Minister of Education

Penisimani Fifita has been moved from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Ministry of Education.

Kaniva News reports the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva, who was Minister of Education has been reassigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office says His Majesty King Tupou VI granted the ministerial re-assignments recommended by the Prime Minister last Friday.

Tonga’s coconut exports decline by 80%

Radio Tonga reports these were negative impacts of the prolonged drought in the year 2014 and 2015.

The price of coconut sold in the local market has increase to TOP$10.00 for only 5 to 7 coconuts only, says the CEO of Agriculture Dr. Viliami Manu.

Prices of the current exportation of coconut are 70 seniti per coconut compared to the price of 40 seniti per coconut in the previous years.

Dr. Manu adds, last year only 96 tons was exported compared to 785 tons exported in 2014.

TOP$300,000 collected from traffic infringements in 2016

 

Radio Tonga reports this was the estimated amount of money collected last year, 2016.

Information from Justice says violation of the Transportation Acts includes driving without a license, over speeding, driving without the vehicle’s appropriate annual and quarterly registration, parking on prohibited area and other related crimes.

The minimum fee is TOP$30.00 and must be paid within a month to the Magistrate Court.

Tonga expected to announce stadium deal next week

RNZ reports Teufaiva has been in a dilapidated state for some time, with the country unable to host a rugby international since 2009, however there is are hopes a scheduled test against Wales in June can be played there.

For this to happen, the ground must satisfy the World Rugby governing body standards by March.

Siaosi Sovaleni said the government is doing all it can to make the game happen in Tonga.

"We are putting a whole lot of effort into actually getting the job done," Mr Sovaleni said.

Australian Idol Stan Walker to perform at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel grand opening

Walker, an Australian-born New Zealand recording artist, actor and TV personality was the winner of seventh and last season of Australian Idol in 2009.

His performance at the grand opening of the newly renovated hotel in Nuku’alofa is booked for Friday, February 17 and is by invitation only.

The hotel which was previously solely owned by the government of Tonga was taken over by Fiji-based Tanoa Group of Hotels last year.

The hotel’s General Manager in Nuku’alofa, Peter Kurds had earlier said the renovation cost up to TOP$18 million.

Tonga’s Health Director urges people to be cautious as temperatures soar

He highlighted the need to pay extra attention to the elderlies, people living with disabilities, young children, foreigners visiting Tonga and people diagnosed with diabetes.

According to Radio Tonga, Dr. ‘Akauola said during these humid days these groups of people are at risk and vulnerable to dehydration.

He urged the public to cover their bodies from the sun by wearing hats, using umbrellas, use sun screen and to drink lots of water.

He also highlighted the need for growers and carpenters to be more careful while working in the sun.

Tongan police investigate shooting incident

A spokesperson for Police said the shooting happened on Sunday morning but fortunately no one was injured in the incident.

Radio Tonga reports there was minor damage to the vehicle.

Police were not able to give further detail regarding the incident due to ongoing investigation.

 

     

Daylight Saving for Tonga to end on Sunday

A statement says the cessation of Daylight Saving will mean that Tonga time will be moved back to be 13 hours ahead of Universal Time Coordinated (UTC+13hrs).

Cabinet at its meeting on October 21 last year decided to extend daylight hours in the evenings to allow for more time for economic and social activities.

Members of the public, who have any enquiries about the end of daylight saving, can contact the Meteorology Department of MEIDECC at 35-355 or 35-008 for more information.

     

Search and Rescue Operations cost more than TOP$100,000

Radio Tonga reports the expenses include the fuel needed for the rescue boat, the special B3 Orion from New Zealand and staff for the mission.

The Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau says people should prioritize their lives when navigating at sea.

He urged sea navigators to ensure their fishing boats have all the required equipment.

It is hoped the equipment will help reduce the risks in times of disasters at sea.