POLICE & COURTS

In a significant legal development, the Lord Chief Justice has granted leave to set aside the default judgment previously issued against the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, its Governor, and three journalists in a defamation case brought by the Tonga Development Bank (TDB), its CEO ‘Emeline Tuita, and Board Chairman Penisimani Vea. The original ruling, […]

The Supreme Court’s recent decision in the ongoing dispute between the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) represents a significant, albeit temporary, victory for TDB. While this ruling permits the bank’s current leadership to remain in place, it also raises critical questions about NRBT’s regulatory reach. However, this decision is

In a significant decision delivered by the Supreme Court, an application for leave to commence judicial review proceedings was refused on multiple grounds. The application, filed on July 11, 2024, sought to challenge the National Reserve Bank of Tonga’s (NRBT) objection to the appointment of Mrs. Lataanga Kava as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Acting

In a major drug operation, Tonga police have uncovered a large drug trafficking network involved in the importation and distribution of methamphetamine, along with the laundering of illicit proceeds. This revelation marks a significant escalation in Tonga’s battle against organised crime, as authorities intensify their efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates operating within and beyond the

Background and ContextThe Supreme Court’s decision on Wednesday has sent shockwaves through the legal and political communities, as it fundamentally alters the interpretation of a federal statute designed to combat public corruption. The ruling, which Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson vehemently dissented, now makes a clear legal distinction between gifts given to public officials before and

An Auckland family is devastated as two beloved members face deportation by Immigration New Zealand.Loasi Latu and her husband, residents of New Zealand for decades, have been given until Friday to leave voluntarily. This situation is especially dire because Latu is the primary caregiver for her brother Viliami, a New Zealand resident requiring 24/7 support

Auckland, New Zealand — May 29, 2024In a landmark decision, the High Court of New Zealand has ruled in favor of the Tonga National Rugby League Incorporated Society (TNRL) in a significant trademark infringement case. The ruling, delivered by Justice Brewer, marks a pivotal moment in the protection of TNRL’s trademarks and cultural symbols.The court

Fiji is currently facing a significant challenge with methamphetamine use, affecting various segments of society, including villages, schools, and even law enforcement. Ilisapeci Veibuli from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has observed this issue’s rapid growth, noting its normalization in everyday life.“People are openly using methamphetamine in public spaces, showing a concerning disregard for the

Police report that on the night of March 13, the United Church of Tonga in Auckland’s Papakura district was burglarized. Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the theft of 30kg of kava from the church.During the incident, several items, including guitars, speakers, and a significant quantity of kava, were stolen. Detective Senior Sergeant

Heneli Manuofetoa, ‘Aisea Havea, and Kaniteli Guttenbeil have been found guilty of possessing cannabis confiscated in Popua. Manuofetoa has been sentenced to five and a half months imprisonment, to be served concurrently with the 32-month sentence he is already serving in prison.In his written verdicts and sentence issued on March 14, Justice Cooper convicted Manuofetoa