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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Nuku’alofa, Tonga—The Tongan government has sternly warned church-run schools that it will stop paying school grants unless they provide proper accountability for how the funds were spent. Prime Minister Eke expressed frustration over the lack of financial reporting, calling it a “big issue” for the government.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga’s Education Minister, Pingi Fasi, has formally complained to Fijian and Vanuatu authorities after numerous Tongan students were denied entry and sent back home due to visa issues, despite a long-standing visa-free agreement between the nations.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Commentary—Kaniva News’ report on the King’s authority over hereditary titles has triggered heated debate online. At the heart of the debate is the interpretation of two key constitutional clauses—Section 50(2) and Section 44—and how they interact in matters of noble succession.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
The operator of Tonga’s most successful rehabilitation program says the government has allegedly ordered him to start paying rent for using the Teufaiva National Stadium gym, a move that could threaten his life-changing work. Sione Takataka, also known as JT Takataka, the man behind the highly acclaimed program, has helped hundreds regain mobility through his services, but the new rent demand threatens its future.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Prominent Tongan academics have joined a growing chorus of criticism against the Trump administration’s abrupt suspension of student visa processing, warning that the move undermines global education and fosters division. Professor Tevita ‘O Ka’ili, a respected scholar at Hawai’i’s BYU university, expressed deep concern over the policy shift, which has ordered U.S. embassies worldwide to halt visa interviews for international students.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
The Fielakepa family’s longstanding court dispute has taken a new turn, with fresh allegations of a military cover-up now adding to the noble title controversy that has tarnished the family’s reputation. It follows a previous bitter court battle over the Fielakepa noble title, which saw a former Chief Justice rule that the King had erred in his appointment.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
At any Tongan feast, whether it’s a wedding, a church conference, or a community gathering, the meal does not simply mean invitees must eat and leave when they are full. Instead, a customary practice known as kai fa‘o takes place. Kai means eat, and fa’o means to pack. It refers to when attendees at feasts discreetly tuck portions of food into bags or even beneath the table to take home.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Commentary—The Tonga National University’s (TNU) move to introduce its newest degree programs in the Tongan language is both timely and justified, as the language faces threats from advancing technology and the dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The University has recently invited Tongan researcher Dr Paula Onoafe Lātū as guest speaker and spoke about Tongan studies and traditions of Tonga’s motto, God and Tonga are my inheritance.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Nuku’alofa, Tonga—Fears are mounting that His Majesty King Tupou VI may dissolve Tonga’s Parliament if the government fails to secure enough support to pass its 2025/2026 national budget, plunging the kingdom into a constitutional crisis.
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1 week ago | 
kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Concerns are growing in the Tongan community over allegations of fraud against a local business, Kahoa Heilala Fakatau, which specialises in selling kahoa – traditional floral necklaces. Multiple customers have come forward claiming they paid for orders online but were left empty-handed when they arrived to collect them. The business operates on Facebook under the name ‘Kahoa Heilala Fakatau’ and is believed to be based in Tonga’s Tatakamotonga town.
