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wczasy nad morzem

Fri, 18 May 2012 02:54:44 +0000

What do a blonde and a veil door take in common? The more you bang them the looser they get (obozy młodzieżowe). What is the difference inbetween a blonde and a brick? The friend solitary gets layed once. What do a blonde and spaghetti get in common? The more you consume them the more they wiggle.

obozowiska

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:53:09 +0000

What do a blonde and a blind door possess in common? The more you bang them the looser they traverse b recover (obozy). What is the alteration inbetween a blonde and a brick? The brick no more than gets layed once. What do a blonde and spaghetti have in common? The more you eat them the more they wiggle.

Tonga talk of associate ministers goes against constitution

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:56:30 +0000

Posted at 03:14 on 16 May, 2012 UTC

A Tongan cabinet minister is advocating the creation of associate ministers and offering positions to opposition MPs to weaken their Democratic Party before an expected vote of no confidence in early July.

In a letter to the prime minister, Lisiate ’Akolo also made recommendations for the latest cabinet reshuffle which appear to have been adopted by the prime minister, Lord Tu’ivakano.

He told Lord Tu’ivakano he could do better than Sunia Fili as finance minister and he got the job.

He also successfully pushed for the deputy prime minister, Samiu Vaipulu, to be reassigned because Mr ’Akolo claimed he created the public impression he was single-handlely running the government.

But as our correspondent, Mateni Tapueluelu, says Mr ’Akolo’s push for associate minister positions is not allowed under the constitution.

“It is something however that they have talked about but it is not being facilitated by law. But clearly one of the aims in the letter is to dismantle or weaken Akilisi’s party [Akilisi Pohiva of the Friendly Islands Democratic Party] with the upcoming vote of no confidence.”

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=68220

Collaboration to build affordable homes for Pacific families

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:51:05 +0000

Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 3:29 pm

New collaboration secures funding to build affordable homes for Pacific families

Today the Hon Phil Heatley, Minister of Housing announced that a collaboration involving the Auckland Manukau Tongan Methodist Parish is to receive $4.3 million of funding from the Social Housing Unit (Growth Fund) for its Matanikolo Housing Project in Mangere, South Auckland.

The Matanikolo Housing Project targets Pacific families who are currently living in crowded, unhealthy, or unsuitable accommodation. The development receiving funding is the first of three project phases designed for 6.4 acres of church land in Mangere, South Auckland. The first phase will deliver 22 healthy modern affordable homes to the people of Mangere.

The consortium delivering this project is made up of

• The Auckland Manukau Tongan Methodist Parish
• Methodist Church of New Zealand – te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa
• Airedale Property Trust
• Lifewise

Bruce Stone, General Manager of the Airedale Property Trust, comments “The Tongan Methodist (Lotofale’ia) Church of Mangere is part of the local community. They had the foresight and vision to develop these houses. The other partners are bringing additional skills and expertise to help make their vision a reality”.

“The Airedale Property Trust, with its building development and management expertise, will project manage the development, which is due to begin this July. Lifewise will bring its expertise as a social development agency to the project.”

Rev Goll Manukia acknowledges that “For 8 years the Tongan Methodist Church of Mangere has looked after their land and dreamed of it providing a vibrant community where parents are supported to raise families that will contribute positively to society and where children can raise their heads and be proud to call it home. Now we have that opportunity.”

source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1205/S0...milies.htm

Defamation charge against Tonga MP dropped

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:48:29 +0000

Posted at 17:17 on 15 May, 2012 UTC

A defamation suit against the Tongan pro-democracy leader, Akilisi Pohiva, has been dropped.
The action centres on an article allegedly by Mr Pohiva, which reported that the deputy prime minister, Samiu Vaipulu, and the former works minister, Lord Nuku, took part of a 46 million US dollar loan meant for road maintenance.
Radio Tonga reports judge, Paula Tatafu, decided to drop the charges saying that Mr Pohiva did not write the article.
However, the publisher of the Kele’a Newspaper, Laucala Tapueluelu and the editor of the newspaper, Mateni Tapueluelu, are still being sued.
The Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu denies the allegation.
Called as a witness at Fasi Magistrates Court, Mr Vaipulu said the article caused frustration, anger and upset.
The lawyer for the two accused, Siosifa Tu’utafaiva, says their defence is based on fair comment and qualified privilege.

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=68190
PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand

Sisitemi fo’ou ‘a e Digicel ke ngaue’aki ki he Totongi /Fakatau ‘i Tonga ni

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:45:17 +0000

Founga ke totongi ‘aki ha fakatau/mo’ua ‘o hange pe ko e founga ‘a e Money Transfer ‘i he Pasifiki – ‘Oku malava ai ‘a e kasitomaa kotoa pe ‘a e Digicel ke ngaue’aki ‘a e sevesi ni ‘i he ‘enau telefoni to’oto’o ke totongi/fakatau ‘aki ‘a e founga “Beep&Go”

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – 1 Me, 2012 , Kuo fakahisitolia ‘a e Digicel Pacific ‘i he uike ni ‘i he’ene kamata’i ‘a e Near Field Communications (NFC), ‘o malava ai ke ngaue’aki ki ha totongi ‘o ha fakatau pe mo’ua ‘i hono ngaue’aki ‘o e telefoni to’oto’o ‘i he Pule’anga Tonga. Ko e fengaue’aki fakataha ‘eni ‘a e kautaha ni pea mo e VerifonemWallet ke kamata ‘a hono tukuatu ‘o e founga ngaue ni ki he’ene kau kasitomaa ‘i he fonua ni ‘i hono ngaue’aki ‘o e founga fakatekinolosia fakaonopooni taha ‘a e NFC ‘o ‘ikai toe ngaue’aki ha ‘akauni pangike, smart phone pe credit card. Ko e fengaue’aki koia ‘a e Digicel pea mo e Verifone NFC ‘oku ne faka’aonga’i lelei ai ‘a e ‘a e ngaahi sevesi lolotonga ‘a e Mobile Money ‘i Tongani, pea ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e ngaahi fokotu’utu’u ke fakahoko atu ‘a e ngaue ni ki Tongani kotoa pea pehe ki he ngaahi maketi kehe ‘a e Digicel , ‘i he ngaahi mahina si’i ka hoko mai. Na’e pehe ‘e he Digicel ko e sevesi fo’ou ni ko e ola ia ‘o ha ngaue ne fakahoko ‘i he mahina ‘e 6 kuo ‘osi.

‘E kamata mei he uikeni, ‘a e malava ha kasitomaa pe ke ne totongi ‘ene fakatau pe ko ha sevesi pe, ‘aki ‘a hono tap pe ‘a ‘ene telefoni to’oto’o ‘i ha ngaahi feitu’u lahi ‘i Nuku’alofa. Ko e sevesi fo’ou ko ‘eni ‘oku ui ia ko e “Beep&Go” pea kuo ‘osi kamata ngaue’aki ia fakataha pea mo e mobile wallert pea mo e ngaahi founga fakatekinolosia ‘o e totongi ‘o ha fakatau pe mo’ua ‘a ia ‘e malava ai ‘a e kasitomaa ke fakahoko ha totongi, tipositi pet oho pa’anga ‘i he taimi pe ko ia ‘i hono ngaue’aki ‘o ‘ene telefoni to’oto’o. Ke malava ke ngaue’aki ‘a e Beep&Go, ‘e fiema’u ‘e he kasitomaa ha’ane NFC chip ke fakapipiki ki he’ene loto telefoni, ‘a ia ‘e malava ai ke tali ‘e he teminolo ‘a e Verifone POS. Ko e ‘osi pe ‘ete fakatau, pea ‘e hanga leva ‘e he tokotaha ‘a’ana ‘a e telefoni ‘o tap ‘ene telefoni ki he terminal ‘I he falekoloa pea lomi ‘a ‘ene fika PIN kae fakahoko ‘a e totongi. ‘Oku palani ‘a e Digicel ke malava ‘a e kasitomaa kotoa pe ‘a e Digicel ‘o ngaue’aki ‘a e founga ko ‘eni ‘a e NFC ‘i he mahina ‘e 12 ka hoko.

‘O fakatatau ki he fakamatala ‘a e Digicel, ko Tonga ‘a e’ fuofua fonua ‘oku ne ngaue’aki mo’oni ‘a e founga totongi ko ‘eni ‘i he Pasifiki. ‘Oku tui ‘a Annie Smith, ko e Digicel Pacific Head of Mobile Financial Services, ko e sevesi ko ‘eni tene liliu ai ‘a e founga fe’aveaki/totongi ‘a e kakai ‘o Tonga ki ha founga fo’ou ‘o ngaue’aki ‘a e telefoni to’oto’o, fakamamani lahi. “Ko e Digicel ‘a e fuofua kautaha ‘i mamani kuo ne kamata’I ‘a e founga totongi ko ‘eni ‘i hono ngaue’aki ‘o e telefoni to’oto’o ‘a ia ‘oku ‘ikai fiema’u ai ha ‘akauni he pangike, smart phone pe credit card. ‘Oku malava ke ngaue’aki ha fa’ahinga telefoni to’oto’o pe ‘a ia ‘oku ‘uhinga ia ‘e ‘inasi ‘a e tokotaha kotoa pe ‘i he founga vave mo pau ko ‘eni. Ko e founga ko ‘eni ‘oku ne fokotu’u ‘a Tonga ‘I mu’a ‘i he ngaahi maketi lalahi ‘o hange ko ‘Aositelelia, Pilitania pea mo ‘Amelika ‘a ia ‘oku fakahoko ai ‘a e sevesi ko ‘eni ka ‘oku fakataumu’a pe ia ki he maketi ‘a ia ‘oku ngaue’aki ai ‘a e smart phone pea mo e credit cards” , ko ‘ene fakamatala ia.

Na’e pehe ‘e he Minisita Pa’anga, Hon. Sunia Fili ‘oku tokoni ‘a e sevesi ‘a e Digicel Mobile Money ke tokolahi ange ‘a e kakai te nau malava ke a’usia ha founga malu ke tauhi pe ngaue ‘aki ai ‘enau pa’anga. “ ‘Oku tokolahi ‘a e kakai Tonga ‘oku nau fakafalala ki he talafi pa’anga mai mei Nu’usila mo ‘Aositelelia pe fakalotofonua. Ko e founga ko ‘eni ‘a Digicel ‘oku ne fakahoko ai ha ngaahi fefakatau’aki ‘o ngaue’aki ‘a e founga fe’aveaki pa’anga ko ‘eni, pea mo e ngaahi falekoloa pe pisinisi fakalotofonua. ‘Oku faingofua ‘a hono ngaue’aki, pea koe’uhi ko e ‘uluaki fonua ‘eni ke ngaue’aki ‘a e sisitemi ko ‘eni ‘oku ne hanga ai ‘o fokotu’u ‘a Tongani ‘i mu’a he ngaahi fonua ‘oku nau taki he fefakatau’aki ‘i mamani.

Ko e founga totongi fo’ou ko ‘eni ‘a e NFC ‘oku ne fakamahino’i lelei ai ‘a e founga Fe’ave’aki pa’anga fakavaha’apule’anga na’e kamata’i ‘e he Digicel ‘i he ta’u kuo ‘osi ‘a ia ‘oku malava ia ‘aki ha ki’I totongi (fee) si’isi’I ‘a ia pea malava ai ke fakahu hangatonu mei ha tohi pangike ki he telefoni to’oto’o ‘a e Digicel ‘i ha feitu’u pe ‘i he Pasifiki. Fakatatau ki he lipooti ‘a e Pangike ‘a Mamani ‘i he 2011, ko e ‘akauni koia ‘o e fe’aveaki pa’anga fakavaha’apule’anga ‘oku laka hake ‘i he peseti ‘e 30 ‘o e GDP ki Tongani.

Ko e tu’unga faka’ekonomika ko ‘eni pea mo e founga totongi ko ‘eni ‘a e Digicel (mobile wallet) ‘oku ne fakafaingofua’I ai ‘a e kau kasitomaa ‘I Tonga ke talafi mai ha pa’anga ki he’enau telefoni to’oto’o pea nau fili aipe pe ‘e tuku malu pe ‘i he’enau telefoni, pe ‘ave ‘a e pa’anga ki honau famili ‘i ha feitu’u pe ‘i Tongani, totongi mo’ua, pe fakatau ha Top Up. Pea ko e ngaue atu ko ‘eni mo e Beep&Go ‘e malav ai pe pea toe faingamalie aipe ‘a e fakahoko ha fakatau ‘I ha falekoloa, fakatau teunga ako pe me’akai, ‘o ‘ikai toe fiema’u ke te ‘alu ‘o toho pa’anga ‘a ia ko ‘ete ‘alu atu ‘o tu’u ‘i ha fu’u Q loloa.

‘Oku palani ‘a e Digicel ke ne toe fakafe’iloaki atu ’i ha taimi nounou mei heni mo e totongi mo’ua fakavaha’a pule’anga pea mo ha ngaahi sevesi fo’ou ki he’ene sistemi ko ‘eni ‘i ha ngaahi mahina si’i mei heni. Ko e founga totongi ko ‘eni ‘a e NFC ko e ola ia ‘o e fengaue’aki vaofi ‘a e Digicel, Verifone mWallet, pea mo e kautaha fe’aveaki pa’anga ko e KlickEx. ‘Oku poupou’i foki ‘a e Digicel Mobile Money ‘e he UNDP, PFIP pea mo e AusAid.

Customer “Beep & Go” to pay for his Shopping at Narrattam Store

Shown in the picture: Mr. Soakai Motu’apuaka
Owner of Narrattam store trying out his terminal

Shown in the picture: Mr. Robert Narrattam & Miss Magdalena Moimoi

Digicel unveils revolutionary new Mobile Payments system in the Kingdom of Tonga

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:40:39 +0000

New Payments solution will transform the way Money Transfers are made in the Pacific - Digicel customers can now use mobile phones to “Beep & Go” to pay for goods and services
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – May 1st, 2012, Digicel Pacific made history this week when it officially launched its unique Near Field Communications (NFC) enabled mobile payments solution in the Kingdom of Tonga. The mobile company has combined with Verifone mWallet to begin provisioning its entire subscriber base in the Kingdom with the latest NFC technology without the need for a bank account, smart phone or credit card. Digicel and Verifone’s NFC solution compliments the existing Mobile Money services in Tonga and there are plans to roll it out across the entire Kingdom and other Digicel markets over the coming months. Digicel says the new service has been in development for the last 6 months.
From this week any customer will be able to pay for goods and services with a simple tap of their phone at dozens of locations in the capital of Nuku’alofa. The new service is called ‘Beep & Go’ and is now operational and combines mobile wallet and contactless payment technologies to enable any Digicel subscriber to make payments, deposit or withdraw cash instantly using their mobile phone. To use Beep & Go customers need an NFC chip attached to their mobile which is recognised by a Verifone POS terminal. At the point of purchase the owner of the mobile simply taps it against the terminal in the store and enters their secret PIN to authorise a secure payment. Digicel plans to make its entire customer base NFC capable over the next 12 months.
According to Digicel the Kingdom of Tonga is set to become the first true mobile payments hub in the Pacific. Digicel Pacific Head of Mobile Financial Services, Annie Smith believes the new service will transform the way the people of Tonga transact and sets a new standard for mobile payments globally. “Digicel is the first company in the world to launch a fully inclusive mass-market mobile payment solution that doesn’t require a bank account, smart phone or credit card. It can be used with any mobile phone which means everyone can benefit from these fast and secure payments. This solution places Tonga well ahead of established markets like Australia, the UK and US where services are aimed only at the section of the market that are enabled with smart phones and credit cards,” she said.
The Minister of Finance for the Kingdom of Tonga, the Honourable Sunia Fili noted that Digicel’s Mobile Money service helps to increase financial inclusion in Tonga. “Many Tongans rely on money transfers from within the Kingdom or from relatives in New Zealand and Australia. Digicel’s electronic payment network creates an integrated financial system to connect these money transfers with local sellers. It is easy to use, and being the first country to offer an all-inclusive payment system like this places Tonga in front of the most advanced economies in the world.”
The new NFC-based payments service compliments the existing International Remittance product launched by Digicel last year which enables low cost money transfers to be sent instantly from Bank accounts to Digicel mobiles across the Pacific. According to a 2011 World Bank report, international remittances account for more than 30% of GDP for the Kingdom of Tonga.
This economic environment and Digicel’s unique mobile wallet payments system now enables customers in Tonga to receive international payments direct to their mobile and then to choose whether to leave cash safely on their mobile, forward money to family across the country, pay bills, or buy Top Up.
Now with Beep & Go subscribers will be able to conveniently pay for groceries, school uniforms or meals without the need to first withdraw cash at traditional money transfer outlets which can require long journeys.
Digicel plans to introduce International Bill Payments and other new services to its payments system over the coming months. The next generation NFC payments solution is the result of a partnership between Digicel, Verifone mWallet, and New Zealand based currency exchange company KlickEx. Digicel Mobile Money is supported by UNDP, PFIP and AusAid.

Grant O'Fee, Tonga's new Police Commissioner .

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:24:14 +0000

Grant O'Fee of the New Zealand Police will take up his post as Tonga's new Police Commissioner on July 2, according to the Minister of Police, Hon Sunia Fili.
Grant O'Fee's appointment on May 4, but he will take up his post on July 2.
Superintendent Grant O'Fee was the head of security for the Rugby World Cup 2011, in New Zealand. He is expected to travel to Tonga next month on a short visit to familiarise himself.
"I am looking forward to working together with the new police commissioner, and to carry forward the Police Strategic Plan 2009-13 that was implemented by former Police Commissioner, Chris Kelley", said Hon. Sunia Fili.
Chris Kelley departed Tonga on 2 August, 2011 after government decided not to renew his contract. Taniela Faletau has since been Tonga's Acting Police Commissioner.
Hon Sunia Fili, was the former Minister of Finance, but during a Cabinet reshuffle he became Minister of Police on May 1.

2012 ASB Polyfest Success but Judges accused of being Biased

Wed, 09 May 2012 02:45:15 +0000

The 2012 ASB Polyfest was a great success but the Tongan Judges have been accused of being Biased, Pacific Viewpoint talks to the event director about the allegations.

Watch the Episode Here:

Liquidation Process Set in Motion for Sydney Free Wesleyan Church "Pulela'a"

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:01:01 +0000

The Liquidation Process has been Set in Motion for the Sydney Free Wesleyan Church "Pulela'a". TNEWS interviews lawyer Joel Fotu, who explains the procedure and what to expect from the outcome after leaked documents revealed the truth about the Iconic troubled Church.

View the episode here:

Tonga's royal grandchildren to marry

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:03:11 +0000

MICHAEL FIELD
Tonga is to get a royal wedding in July as the new crown prince marries his grand niece.

The lavish wedding, delayed by the death in February and mourning period for the late King George Tupou V, will take place despite concerns over how much it will cost Tonga as well as the appropriateness of two close relatives marrying each other.

Another senior member of the royal family has gone public with her unease over arranged high level marriages in Tonga.

The number one-in-line for the throne, Tupouto'a 'Ukukalala, 27, will marry 25-year-old Sinaitakala Fakafanua, 26th in line, on July 12.

Tonga's Lord Chamberlain said in a statement the wedding was to have been held on May 4 but was postponed during the mourning period for the late king, George Tupou V.

The Matangi Tonga website published the wedding programme which features a series of events over several days ahead of the actual wedding at the Centenary Church in Nuku'alofa.

It will be marked with a royal ball and a traditional feast.

With the February death of King George, his younger brother became King Tupou VI.

His son is thus first in line and has been renamed and given new Polynesian titles as well as being named Crown Prince.

He and his wife-to-be are grandchildren of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV who died in Auckland in 2006.

Last month a Tongan princess denounced her royal family's policy of marrying within its bloodline and warned that an unnamed male will not change her mind.

Frederica Tuita, ninth in line to the throne and now living in Auckland, wrote a blog saying noble relations were "aligned strategically" and were about continuing chiefly lineage.

The notion of marrying for love was fairly new.

The system "was extremely arrogant and only perpetuated the motive behind social climbers".

She said she was different from the other princesses and had freedom.

"I don't believe that my abilities to live my life will be restricted by marrying a man that isn't from the expected group of bachelors.

"The ancient idea of marrying to raise one's status or replenish one's blue-blood has reached its peak and end."

Tuita, calling herself "one of my people", said she was unafraid of "nurturing a potential relationship with some one who lacks rank.

In January, at the time of the formal engagement, veteran pro-democracy politician 'Akilisi Pohiva was critical of the wedding, saying the family wanted to keep "the royal blood to their own family".

"They need new blood from outside... They are too close, I do not know about biological effects of two close bloods mixed together, but I think they need new blood from outside."

With Tonga on the verge of financial default, he was concerned at any costs from a royal wedding.

"In the past, government and the members of the royal family spend huge amounts of money for wedding ceremonies," Pohiva said.

"I am sure the coming wedding is going to be a big ceremony. In terms of cost, Tonga's economy is so bad, it is going down the drain."

He says the royal family has a large amount of money invested overseas and they should pay for the wedding.

"We have males and females from not so different extended families; whether we call it two families or one family, the main thing is the cost of the wedding."

Source:http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/6834943/Tongas-royal-grandchildren-to-marry

Is Tonga Really A Christian Country? - TNEWS 24.04.12

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:48:45 +0000

Is Tonga really a christian County?, TNEWS explores Tonga's Rituals when a King Dies and another is implemented discovering new revelations to Tonga's Motto " 'Otua mo Tonga Ko Hoku Tofi'a"

All this and more

Open for comments.......

KUO MAHINO AE TUKUNGA O PULELA'A KA KOEHA HA ME'A KE FAI KE FKFOKI MAI E LOTO E KAKAI

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:45:04 +0000

KOE MAUMAU KUO HOKO KA KOE HA HA FKLELEI E FAI KOE 'UHI KOE NGAAHI LAUMALIE MOE SIASI I MULI NI.

The Tokaikolo Christian Church choir's joy and dancing banned by council

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:19:47 +0000

by: By Joe Hildebrand | April 24, 2010 12:00A

A SMALL western Sydney church has been hit with a $3000 fine by the local council because its choir was singing too loudly and some choristers were caught dancing.
Council officers raided the Granville church and were alarmed to discover choir members dancing in the carpark and the door of the church open an hour after it was supposed to be closed.

The dispute has gone all the way to the office of Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, who has been asked by his fellow minister David Borger to show mercy to the musical Christians and waive the penalty.

The Tokaikolo Christian Church choir was practising Christmas carols and other songs on the evening of December 3 last year.

The "infringement" occurred at 10pm as the rehearsal was finishing. A week later the church was hit with a $3000 fine from Parramatta Council.

It has been unable to pay the fine, which has been referred to the State Debt Recovery Office - which slugged the church another $50.

The council claims the church violated the conditions of its development consent by being too noisy and hosting activities outside its approved "hours of operation", which are supposed to end at 9pm.

A spokesman said: "During a site inspection conducted at 10pm on December 3, 2009, the following observations were made: Three males were observed walking up the driveway on the northern side of the premises, towards the kitchen area; a large group of people were observed dancing in the basement carpark area; and the front door of the premises was open."

Reverend Nesiasi Kolo told The Telegraph parishoners would end up footing the bill.

Local MP Mr Borger is lobbying Mr Roozendaal to have the controversial fine waived.

"In considering the difficulties the church faces in balancing their community activities with their impact on their neighbours, I would suggest that strong consideration be given to the waiving of the fine and the issuing of a stern warning," he said.

Source: Telegraph

Freight Company Answers Complaint - TNEWS 17.04.12

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:11:07 +0000

Complaints that recently surfaced in regards to poor communication and uncertain fees when sending freight back home to Tonga are answered by one of the freight companies.

All this and more....

Open for comments

NEW RESHUFFLES FOR CABINET MINISTERS

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:47:15 +0000

A Special Cabinet meeting yesterday afternoon, with the Prime Minister announcing, that after a meeting with HM Tupou VI last Thursday, new reshuffles for Ministers were agreed, as follows:

* Sunia Fili (previously Finance) - Minister of Revenue Services
* 'Uliti Uata (previously Health) - Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries
* Lisiate 'A.'Akolo (previously Police, Prisons & Fire Services) - Minister of Finance & National Planning
* Viliami Latu (previously Tourism) - Minister of Health
* Fe'ao Vakata (previously Sports & Youth) - Minister of Police, Prisons & Fire Services
* Vaea (previously Agriculture & Fisheries) - Minister of Internal Affairs

Other Ministers not involved in the reshuffle are

* Prime Minister - PM Office/ Defense/ Foreign Affairs, others
* Samiu Vaipulu - Transport
* Ma'afu - Land, Environment, Energy & Climate Change
* 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki - Education & TVET
* Clive Edwards - Justice & Public Enterprises
* 'Isileli Pulu - Commerce & Tourism

Busby Kautoke Suspended

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:10:43 +0000

Kuo tuku ki tu'a 'a Busby kae fai ha fakatotolo ki he pa'anga tokoni 'a NZ na'e fakaha 'e he 'atita seniale na'e 'iai 'a e mole mo e ngaue hala'aki ka kuo 'iai ha tu'utu'uni mei he tu'i ke suspend kae fai 'a e ngaue. 'Ai atu ai leva 'a e kui 'a e 'aka ki tolitoli he tama ko ena eee.

Tongans' champion of democracy to push for full voting rights

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:06:36 +0000

Tonga’s democracy warhorse, 'Akilisi Pohiva, is to push a private member's bill in Parliament to bring in a full representative voting system, firing a broadside at the sitting Prime Minister for failing to take action on anti-corruption measures.

Fri, 30 Mar 2012
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (NZ HERALD) ---- Tonga’s democracy warhorse, 'Akilisi Pohiva, is to push a private member's bill in Parliament to bring in a full representative voting system, firing a broadside at the sitting Prime Minister for failing to take action on anti-corruption measures. Pohiva, 70, leader of the Democratic Party, has been campaigning for reform for more than 30 years. At the last election, under the country's new constitution, the nobles elected nine MPs and the population elected 17, 12 of whom were from Pohiva's party. But the former broadcaster and newspaper owner was blindsided by the other five crossing the floor to support the nobles, ensuring that an aristocrat, Lord Tu'ivakano, became Prime Minister. Many had expected Pohiva, as party leader, to be the new PM. He says his party and the independent MPs were at fault, failing to present a united front and so ending up with a noble leading the "semi-democratic" system. Pohiva wants to introduce a bill in the remainder of the four-year term to enable Tongans to vote for the nine noble seats, as an interim step towards full democracy. “It's not easy for the nobles to give up their power. The Tongan people were not expecting a noble to be our first Prime Minister of our new government. People are not happy because we've been struggling for more than 30 years for the people to take the leadership for the people.” Pushed on whether he would still like to lead the country, Pohiva said it would be for Tongans to decide. However, he didn't hold back criticising Lord Tu'ivakano for his lack of commitment to anti-corruption measures. “The rule of law is so weak. We still don't have an anti-corruption commission. We passed that law four years ago.” Tonga faced huge challenges, Pohiva said. The economy was going “down the gurgler”. Remittances, which made up most of the country's income, were falling at the same time as Tonga was hugely indebted, taking loans of $120 million from China. Cultural practices that placed the burden of paying for family events on the wider family hindered savings, Mr Pohiva said. The constitution allows for a vote of confidence to be taken after the first 18 months of a four-year term. That threshold is about to be passed. Pohiva said his party hadn't discussed calling for a vote when Parliament resumed in May, but it was a possibility. He had kinder things to say about Tupou VI, Tonga's new King, whom he and other public representatives met last year. “The implication ... in the meeting was he wants the people to take the leadership. I think he will make a good King.” Meanwhile, the secretary to the Cabinet, Busby Kautoke, said 10 days of official mourning for Tupou V would end tomorrow - the same day as the new King's kava ceremony - in line with the late monarch's request.

Source: http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/inde...e-full.tpl

State Funeral Highlights - TNEWS 03.04.12

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:33:31 +0000

Highlights of the State funeral of the late King George Tupou V, TNEWS was there to capture the event.

A special thank you to South Pacific Loans for making this footage possible.

Watch TNEWS online below:

Open for comments....

Tongans mourn king's death at Sunday services

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:35:08 +0000

March 25, 2012 12:31 PM

Hundreds of Tongans dressed in black and wearing the traditional ta'ovala waistmats gather to pay their respects to Queen Halaevala Mata'aho, the mother of King George Tupou V, near the capital

Nuku'alofa on March 25, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Torsten BLACKWOOD
Nuku'alofa: Thousands of Tongans gathered Sunday to pray at services which remembered their late King George Tupou V, a monarch seen as a reformer who brought democracy to the South Pacific nation.

The king died in Hong Kong on March 18 and his body will return to Tonga on Monday ahead of an elaborate funeral ceremony in which some 150 pallbearers will carry his casket to the royal tomb.

As church bells and the singing of choirs rang out across the capital Nuku'alofa on Sunday, families dressed almost entirely in black and most wearing traditional woven mats attended Christian services across the island.

Tongans traditionally attend church on Sunday, but this was the first since the king's death and the nation entered a three-month mourning period.

"They feel sad, they feel sorry," said churchgoer Talavao Pepa of the nation's loss of its king. "That's why they are wearing black, to pay respect."

The streets of Tonga's main island of Tongatapu are swathed in black and purple cloth which hangs not only on government buildings, but major businesses, the airport terminal, homes and even palm trees.

The death at age 63 of the king, who took over after his father passed away in 2006, did not come as a complete shock to Tongans after his treatment for cancer last year.

But many have remembered the Oxford-educated monarch, who saw the need for reform, for his moves to decisively end 165 years of feudal rule.

"People, they are very sad because this king leaves power for the people," said Sione Kolo, ahead of a reception at the home of the late king's mother, Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho who was Sunday receiving groups of mourners.

Hundreds of men and women gathered on grass outside the queen's residence to calmly wait to sing and pray, some of them wiping away tears as they waited in the shade of frangipani trees.

Tonga has declared an official period of mourning until June 19 for the dead monarch whose body will lie in state at the Throne Room at the Palace before his funeral on Tuesday.

He will be laid to rest at the Royal Tombs, the burial place for Tongan kings for more than a century.

George Tupou V will be succeeded by his younger brother Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, 52, seen as far more conservative than his flamboyant sibling.

Source: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Interna...z1q9uHfyuy