Thursday, April 13th, 2017
Dan Carter: I’m not going to flee to New Zealand

PARIS, France-April 13: 3:11pm(NZ Herald): Dan Carter says despite a rollercoaster season with Racing 92, he’s not going to cut his contract short and head back to New Zealand. Carter, who is in the second year of a lucrative three-season contract said to be worth $NZ2 million annually, has told French publication Lefigaro he not “flee to New Zealand” when asked about Racing 92’s up and down start to the latest season in France. After claiming the Top 14 title and reaching the European Rugby Champions Cup final last season, theRead More
Vietnam ‘blue boat’ owners fined $36m, 43 crew charged in Solomon Islands

HONIARE, Solomon Is- April 13: 2:45pm(Solomon Star): The Vietnamese caught recently stealing Solomon Islands marine resources will have to fork out $36 million (US$4.6 million) if they wanted their three blue boats back. Fisheries minister John Maneniaru revealed this in parliament. He said after consultation with the Director of Public Prosecution and the Attorney General, a fine of $12 million (US$1.5 million) will be imposed for the release of one boat.
Govt official on trial for road death

NUKU’ALOFA-April 13: 11:42am(Matangi Tonga): Poasi Ngaluafe (49) a senior officer working with the Ministry of Fisheries who is charged with causing the death of a man while driving under the influence of alcohol in May last year, had his case adjourned to 26 April. The trial at the Supreme Court that started on 4 April was adjourned to allow counsel time to make submissions (arguments) on a point of law before judgment. The accused is charged with causing death while driving with alcohol his body in excess of 250 micrograms perRead More
Tonga Language to be taught in a Chinese Uni

BEIJING, China-April 13: 11:22am(Pire Port): A University in China, the Beijing Foreign Studies University, will soon be teaching the Tongan language to interested undergraduate students. According to the Shanghai Daily, the University currently teaches 84 languages and plans to increase that number to 100 by 2020. The Tongan language was recently added to the list along with Samoan, Maori and other little known languages from around the world. Guo Wei, an official at the University, said “The university is helping to equip more students with language skills and knowledge of regionalRead More
Kuinini Manumua Wins Bronze for America

BANGKOK, Thailand-April 13: 11:10am(Barbend): On the very last day of the International Weightlifting Federation’s Youth World Championships, a young woman who is based in San Francisco won a bronze medal for the United States. Lifting in the +75 kilogram class and weighing in at 97.8 kilograms (215.6 pounds), Kuinini Manumua delivered personal records across the board: a snatch of 93 kilograms (205 pounds), a clean & jerk of 117 kilograms (258 pounds), and a total of 210 kilograms (463 pounds). Manumua trains out of Hassle Free Barbell Club in San Francisco,Read More
Tongan Boxers look good for PMG2017

AUCKLAND, New Zealand-April 13: 10:54am(Nuku’alofa Times): The Tonga Boxing and its affiliate in Auckland were conducting a trial and selection matches with the New Zealand Boxing last weekend at Eden terrace in Auckland. According to TASANOC Secretary General, Takitoa Taumoepeau that he was very impressed with the result, particularly from the local boxers who arrived in Auckland less than two weeks before the tournament. There were also boxers from across the Tasman who boxed for Tonga, notably, Hone and Salote Huni from Queensland as well as Sonatane Tautalanoa from Auckland. TheRead More
Team Tonga should take advantage of Gold Coast proximity

GOLD COAST, Australia-April 13: 10:42am(Nuku’alofa Times):Delegates from nine (9) Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA’s) were recently hosted at the Gold Coast Organizing Committee office during an Open Day visit for CGA’s during 3-5 of April. Lord Sevele, CEO/Chairman of Tonga 2019 Pacific Games Organizing Committee and Tonga CGA (TASANOC) Secretary General, Takitoa Taumoepeau were in the Gold Coast for meeting and update on the preparation by Goldoc as well as opportunities for delegates to undertake site visit to venues and facilities. The Open Day visit also coincide with the marking ofRead More