Nuku'alofa Times Issue 166

Nuku‘alofa

Times The Capital’s Community Newspaper - Publishing Facts That Matters

Tonga’s first FREE ONLINE NEWSPAPER since April 2015

VOTE COUNTS

Volume 6 Issue 166 Thursday 21st Octoberr 2021

W: www.nukualofatimes.to

E: iliesatora2012@gmail.com

That is a critical point for people to understand. >> PAGE 02

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Why special seats in Parliament? >> PAGE 03

NZ set to benefit from $172m Tongan airport development >> PAGE 05

Hemi Ahio destroys opponent for signature win in Dubai >> PAGE 16

Thursday 21st October 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 02

Tongans urged to register and vote

By ILIESA TORA

Nuku’alofa (Nuku’alofa Times): Tongans who are eligible to vote must register and vote at the November 18 General Elections here in Tonga.

Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki made the call at a media workshop on Monday evening held at the House of Tonga in Fanga.

“People should know that they have the opportunity to elect their reps and government at the election and they should exercise that right by voting,” Mr Vuki told media reps at the pre-election workshop.

“That is a critical point for people to understand.”

He said those who are now 21 years old but have not registered to vote can still register now, with the Supplementary Roll containing additional names scheduled to be published on November 4.

A total of 60,414 voters have their name on the current Roll. That is 29,496 males and 30,918 females.

Tongatapu currently has 42,477 voters with Vava’u totalling 9,168.

The highest number of voters are within the 3140 years old bracket, that totalling 15,823 voters at the moment.

People between 21 to 30 years old total 10,498.

Mr Vuki stressed the need for people to register if they are 21 years old, as those who do not register can be penalised.

He also added it was critical that people get to vote and have a say in who gets to represent them in Parliament.

A total of 74 candidates have confirmed they are standing for election.

That is less than the 86 who contested the 2017 elections.

Mr Vuki revealed that

the number of candidates contesting the elections have continued to drop since 2010.

In 2010 a total of 147 candidates contested the elections. A total of 106 candidates stood at the 2014 poll.

A reduction has also been recorded in the number of female candidates standing in the elections over the past four elections.

This year only 12 female candidates are standing.

Women reps Meanwhile, in addressing the workshop and adding to discussions on female candidates Mr Vuki said the first step for local women who are pushing for more female representation in Parliament is to get more candidates to stand in the elections.

He said the push for more female reps in Parliament

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is not a new one.

“I think the first step is to get more candidates to stand in the different constituencies,” he said.

Former Member of Parliament Lepolo Taunisila told the workshop that it is important for Parliament, as a lawmaking entity, to include a balance of power – with both male and female representations.

She said unless that happens true democracy will not be achieved in Tonga.

“If there is no balance of representation then the laws made in parliament will be biased,” she told the workshop.

Ms Taunisila also blamed the men in the families for influencing how their women members in the family vote during elections, adding Tongan women were obedient in nature to their men folks, especially when it comes to decisions on who to vote for.

That was disputed by veteran journalist Kalafi Moala, who shared that this was not so in the case of how female voters in Kolomotu’a supported the late Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva in 2014 and 2017.

“From my experience of working with the late Prime Minister Pohiva showed that his voters were more women than men,” he added.

Another veteran journalist and Publisher/Editor of the Matangi Tonga Pesi Fonua said women still needed to do a lot of work before standing for the elections.

He said the fact that there is only two female members in the last Parliament says alot about how people view women’s participation in politics.

“There is a lot that still needs to be done,” he added.

Journalists present at the workshop also raised the issue of changes made to the Constitution for special allocation of seats for female reps.

Ms Taunisila responded that there were push made years back on that issue but nothing materialised.

Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki shares his views on the election. Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

Former Parliamentarian Lepolo Taunisila speaking on women in Parliament at the media workshop.

Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

Veteran journalist Kalafi Moala speaking at the media workshop on October 18, 2021. Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

Veteran journalist Pesi Fonua at the media workshop on Tongan elections. Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

Thursday 21st October 2021

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LOCAL NEWS /OPINION

Why special seats in Parliament?

‘Ofa Gutteinbeil Likiliki

By ILIESA TORA Nuku’alofa (Nuku’alofa Times): The push is continuing.

And it will not slow down, eventhough it might not be visible to many.

Local women groups are pushing for more seats in Parliament.

And they are also looking at pushing for temporary special seats allocated for them in the Legislative Assembly, something similar to the allocated seats for Nobles.

They are not by themselves.

It is a push that has seen some positive changes in the world, no lesser in the Pacific region.

New Zealand and Samoa both have women Prime Ministers now.

Women in Fiji started the push with their partners from across the seas in Australia and New Zealand back in Mexico in 1975.

Gisel Valladares wrote in the Origins.osu.eu website in 2020 that in 1975, the first United Nations World Conference on Women took place between 19 June and 2 July in Mexico City, bringing together individuals from a wide range of backgrounds with the goal of promoting gender equality. The World Conference of Women (WCW) was the capstone event of International Women’s Year, the UN’s response to the transnational women’s liberation movement sweeping the globe.

The United Nations General Assembly agreed upon three primary objectives for the conference: gender equality and an end to gender discrimination, integration and participation of women in development, and increasing women’s contribution to world peace.

In addition to the official

conference, there was a parallel forum called The International Women’s Year Tribune, where 6,000 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) discussed various issues, although without the authority to implement any resulting action plans.

The UN managed to bring 133 governments together, most of which were led by female delegates. Margaret Bruce, the Deputy Secretary General of both International Women’s Year and the World Conference on Women told The New York Times that their goal was “to do such a good job in Mexico City that people won’t giggle anymore whenever they talk about women.”

Helvi Sipilä, a Finnish diplomat who served as the Secretary General of WCW, explained that the conference would pay attention to matters such as “political decision making, educational opportunities, economic opportunities, a different status in civil courts and all questions of maternity.”

The enthusiasm that Bruce expressed along with the confidence to tackle the topics Sipilä mentioned captured the powerful spirit of that moment. Women’s issues were finally being taken seriously.

Delegates from achieving significant goals, most notably the adoption of two official documents: the World Plan of Action and the “Declaration of Mexico on the Equality of Women and their Contribution to Development and Peace.”

The World Plan of Action provided governments with a framework to follow in order to ensure that women had equal access to resources such as education, employment, housing, and family planning within ten years. It set a deadline of five years to meet a set of

minimum requirements.

The Declaration of Mexico on the Equality of Women and their Contribution to Development and Peace articulated a set of principles concerning women’s integration into each country’s development processes and increasing women’s participation in politics.

Most importantly, the 1975 Women’s Year World Conference helped set the stage for three further World Conferences on Women in Copenhagen (1980), Nairobi (1985), and Beijing (1995).

At the Beijing meeting, the 68 attending nations moved beyond merely developing guidelines and officially committed to implementing concrete actions in support gender equality.

For example, the United States announced a six-year plan to spend $1.6 billion on an anti-violence program.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council’s ten-year 2005 review of the results of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action reveal how the four World Conferences on Women had spurred reform in participant countries.

For example, Armenia, Denmark, and France created deputy or full minister positions in charge of topics related to women and gender equality. Other countries such as Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, Djibouti, and Ethiopia moved their offices committed to gender equality to a more central location. Many countries including Austria, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic established equal employment opportunity offices, and other countries published statistical reports evaluating topics such as violence against women, health, and employment.

The report also made it clear that despite the progress countries made, significant challenges remained. Weak national institutions responsible for promoting gender equality, a widespread belief that gender equality was less important than other matters, and lack of funding remain obstacles in numerous places worldwide.

Ultimately, the report highlighted that many countries had adopted a national gender equality agenda, but it was clear

that enacting, enforcing, and funding a coherent plan of action tailored to each individual country was quite difficult, especially when the topic continued to be perceived as nonessential compared to other matters.

Today, a rising pandemic has highlighted the weaknesses of our economic order, and drawn attention to the vast amount of work that women contribute in and outside the home, the goals and objectives of the Mexico City World Conference on Women remain as important as ever.

Tonga has been part of those international and regional movements in the last 46 years. The Tongan governments in the past have been part of discussions and supported the call for gender equality across the board.

Ms Ofa Gutteinbeil Likiliki, head of the local based Women and Children Crisis Centre here in Nuku’alofa, told a media discussion on Wednesday evening that they and other women’s groups in the country are keeping government on their toes about commitments they had made both regionally

and internationally.

That commitment includes ensuring gender equality in Parliament as well.

While there have been push in the past to see if there could be special seats allocated for women representatives in Parliament, nothing has eventuated.

Ms Gutteinbeil Likiliki believes it is time that government allows for “temporary special seats” for women in Parliament, so that there are women members as well in the House.

“This can be a temporary measure for say two terms and we can then remove that after that, so that we can see what the reaction is after two full terms,” she said.

The rationale behind that is to get the women in and have them take part in decision making processes in Parliament, learn what they can and then be given the same chance as male candidates in the future elections.

The call for special temporary seats are in line with affirmative actions taken in countries where such needs are seen.

Ms Gutteinbeil Likiliki said eventhough the Constitution is balanced in giving both males and females the right to stand as candidates the fact of the matter is the outcome is not equally balanced.

She added a long term solution will definitely be getting awareness programs done early for children so that it would help in mindset changes about public perceptions of women as leaders in Parliament.

A local survey carried out by the Tupou Tertiary Institute in 2020 has confirmed an earlier results from a survey carried out in 2016 – that despite all their qualifications and achievements women are still viewed as unfit for Parliament by many locals across the Kingdom.

While there are only 12 candidates standing in the 2021 General Elections, local women pushing for the inclusion of their members are silently hoping that someone will give them a chance.

The question remains who will be bold enough to do that!

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Thursday 21st October 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

Inspection of Water Tanks donated by Dongguan Water Affairs Bureau from the People’s Republic of China Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): On Wednesday, 22 September 2021, during the National Climate Change Awareness Week, His Excellency Mr. Cao Xiaolin, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China handed over 500 water tanks to Hon. Pohiva Tui’onetoa, the Prime Minister of the Government of Tonga.

This 500 water tanks contribute to the National Water Tank Project that targets to install over 6,000 water tanks throughout Tonga.

The five hundred water tanks have been installed in Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Vava’u. Today, the 14th October 2021, His Excellency Mr. Cao Xiaolin and his

team from the Chinese Embassy’s office in Tonga, Mr. Paula Ma’u , CEO for MEIDECC, Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo, the Director for Climate Change and her team from Department of Climate Change as well as Mr. Rajnesh Reddy, the water tank contractor inspected the water tanks that were installed in Tongatapu.

Mr. Ma’u acknowledged and appreciated the generous contribution from the Dongguan Water Affairs Bureau and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tonga. The inspection started from Hofoa and Puke and will continue on to communities in Eastern and Central districts of Tongatapu.

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development wishes to advise that the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) has approved the new petroleum prices for the period October– November 2021 to be effective from Monday, 18th October 2021.

Crude prices rose in September reaching close to USD80/bbl, a threeyear high. Increases in international prices are supported by factors beyond Tonga’s control.

Tonga’s monthly petroleum prices are based on a one-month lag, therefore comparing the October (September month average prices) with the September

petroleum prices (August month average prices): Crude oil (Dated Brent) was up by USD 4.36/bbl (6.2%); Petrol was up by USD 3.09/bbl (3.8%); Kerosene was up by USD 5.82/bbl (7.9%); and Diesel was up by USD 6.40/bbl (8.4%).

The freight rate was reduced by 7.2 percent while the Tongan Pa’anga remained steady. These factors resulted in an increase in local retail prices for all petroleum products.

Overall, wholesale petrol, kerosene and diesel will increase by 3.88 seniti/litre, 8.69 seniti/litre and 9.62 seniti/ litre respectively. All price changes include consumption tax.

International Cooperation for International Day New Petroleum Prices of Disaster Risk Reduction #Onlytogether for Oct–Nov 2021 organisations as well as Australia’s High

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The 2021 International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction celebrated at Queen Salote Memorial Hall on Wednesday 13th October 2021 with the Honourable Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management,

E n v i r o n m e n t , Climate Change and Communication (MEIDECC) as the guest of honour.

The Minister with the Heads of Mission to Tonga, schools, humanitarian First Responders Humanitarian non-government

other Government Line Ministries came together to share messages on International Cooperation in the form of video messages and exhibition booths.

International Cooperation based on Target F of the Targets of the the Sendai Framework of Disaster Risk Reduction. This Framework has seven targets and indicators, which align with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate, as highlighted by the CEO. The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) had the pleasure of sharing key messages from the Heads of Mission to Tonga at the event.

Her Excellency,

Commissioner, Racheal Moore reflected on the reciprocated international cooperation between Tonga and Australia, from Tonga’s offer to provide assistance to Australia during the devastating bushfires and Australia’s continued support to NEMO through the warehouse and technical advice, as well as focusing on resilience through renewable energy and defence support for immediate response in times of disaster.

The British High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Lucy Joyce shared encouraging words for Tonga and the UK to remain united and make our stand together to create a resilient Tonga for the future.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

NZ set to benefit from $172m Tongan airport development

Havea L. Gatti, Raw Mana Ltd CEO

Nuku’alofa (RAW MANA): New Zealand travellers and trading partners with Tonga are set to benefit from the opening of the country’s largest international airport.

The new development will allow Kiwi tourists to fly direct to Tonga’s main tourism hub Vava’u for the first time as well as expanding trade access for a wider range of goods and services. New Zealand is Tonga’s largest tourism market, making up 42% of visitor numbers.

New Zealand is also a key export market for Tonga with two-way trade between the countries valued at NZD$240 million per annum.

The $172m project will see Vava’u International Airport’s existing building replaced with a proposed new 8,000sqm terminal and cargo facility along with an extended runway capable of accommodating long-range aircraft.

The new airport will be one of the world’s first to be designed to meet the needs of a post COVID tourism market and is considered a key component of the strategy in the regeneration and development of a high quality tourism market for the Pacific Island nation.

Talks are currently underway with New Zealand architects, along with those in other markets, around the design of the new airport which will also provide opportunities for specialist skilled labour.

A multi-megawatt

renewable energy plant to be built as part of the development will harness solar and wind to power the airport as well as contribute to Vava’u’s resident population of over 13,700 – reducing emissions and working towards eliminating the need for imported diesel, which supplies 90% of power to the island.

Vava’u is Tonga’s main tourism hub, with 34 islands in the group providing dramatic scenery and a worldrenowned centre for water-related activities, however the current length of the runway prevents access from larger aircraft – restricting international flights from a number of countries to neighbouring Pacific Islands of Fiji and Samoa.

The new 2,700m extended runway will provide direct access from higher value destinations including New Zealand, Australia, USA, UAE and key Asian markets such as Japan and China.

Havea L. Gatti, Raw Mana Ltd CEO, says the project will provide cargo infrastructure for a wider range of import and export opportunities for Tonga and trading partners such as New Zealand.

Gatti says currently all airfreight is first transported to Tongatapu, which increases the cost of the produce prior to export and impacts the freshness of the products and the overall price that can be achieved within the target markets.

“While the capacity

constraints of Vava’u’s cargo infrastructure limit the majority of agricultural exports to less perishable produce such as vanilla, squash and yams, when the new international airport comes online in 2024 it will open up a range of business opportunities for trading partners and will lead to the diversification of Tongan producers into more high value raw and processed exports.

“The direct flights would make it possible to land fish caught in Tongan waters and other fresh local produce on the tables of New Zealand restaurants the next day.

Gatti says the airport will also see a significantly increased capacity for high-value tourism and will encourage investment in hotels and associated businesses.

“Tonga also offers exceptional experiences for tourists ranging from archaeological history extending back over 2,300 years, which includes ancient megaliths through to the ability to see humpback whales nursing newborn calves in shallow waters around the coastline.

“The Vava’u International Airport will provide direct access from key tourism markets helping increase the proportion of Tonga’s GDP that is derived from this sector of the economy.

We want to offer a premium experience for visitors which is in line with the positioning of other island destinations such as the Maldives,” he says.

Gatti says the Vava’u group development project would not be possible without the support of His Majesty King Tupou VI, the High Commission of Tonga in London UK, Palms Tonga and the Tongan Tourism Authority, who they will engage with fully on all tourism activities.

Gatti says multiple funding sources are accessible with a final decision to be

made prior to the start of the development.

Raw Mana, a global construction and services group specialising in civil engineering,

renewable energy, international airport and port developments was chosen to lead the project after being referred to the Tongan Government.

Their managerial team includes Tongan nationals Havea Gatti and Sililo Martens, New Zealander Miriama Mahuika, and UK-based Neil Hodson.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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EDITORIAL

Nuku’alofa Times Cartoon Honesty and the elections All candidates confirmed for the Tonga General Elections can only spend Tongan Pa’anga $20,000.

No more. If you spend more you face possible court action and the risk of losing your seat if you get elected by November 18.

Attorney General Linda Folaumoetu’i told media reps at a election coverage workshop here on Monday evening that all candidates can only spend $20,000.

That is $10,000 more than what it was in the last election.

But there is a catch.

Candidates will have to report back by themselves.

The Elections Office will be counting on their honesty.

Candidates had six months to spend, leading up to the elections.

So they have that time to ensure that they spend the $20,000 – which off course will include all the other goodies that come their way, including donations also.

Ms Folaumoetu’i said the onus will be on the candidates to display their honesty in filling up the expenditure form they have been given by the Elections Office.

No one will be there to watch them spend. No one will be monitoring them.

“We will rely on their honesty,” was what the Madame AG told media reps, referring to the candidates.

It is an issue that everyone can have their two piece opinion on The bottomline is candidates will have to prove their honesty.

Now another touchy issue that was discussed was the spending by government ministers who are fronting communities with projects and donations seemingly using the opportunity as a campaign run.

This was downplayed as the government ministers doing their job and carrying out their duties, as is warranted.

Yet, the concern from citizens, especially those voters who did not vote the Ministers in, is that they are using government resources to win votes in their constituencies.

The AG said this was an issue that is not in the law — and one that they – as Election Commission – do not have a say in.

Interesting indeed.

So leading up to November 18 candidates are moving around trying to convince registered voters that they should be their next rep in Parliament.

Kava parties, church meetings, social gatherings – these are all being used as campaign opportunities by candidates.

Media companies have until 9am on November 17 to run campaign messages and promote candidates.

From 9am on November 17 all banners and posters will need to be taken down.

All radio, social media and all promotions for a candidate will need to stop There is even talks about a Facebook shutdown for Tonga. Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki sounded an important message at the workshop when he said that Tongans should use the opportunity to vote to elect their reps in Parliament. That is a call all Tongans who are eligible to vote should heed. Get registered now if you have not.

And when voting day comes get out there and vote.

Because of the COVID-19 restrictions and also the need to make polling accessible, Mr Vuki and his office have confirmed 218 polling stations with 660 polling officers.

This means that almost all villages on the main islands have been selected as polling stations where villagers can go and cast their vote.

Interesting to see how the next few days shape up.

Nuku‘alofa

Times The NUKU’ALOFA TIMES is published once a week for Tonga by NUKU’ALOFA TIMES MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS of Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu KINGDOM OF TONGA Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: ILIESA TORA EMail: iliesatora2012@gmail.com Phone: (+676) 864-2633 Associate Editor: ALFRED TORA EMail: alfredtora@rocketmail.com Production: TEVITA SILIVA

EMail: silvergreen8@gmail.com Phone: +676 7745984 Correspondences in Tonga, The Region and the World

Transportation Stakeholders Workshop as TERMPLUS Nears Completion Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The Department of Energy, under the Ministry of MEIDECC with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), held a Government Transportation stakeholders workshop on October 19 and discussed low emission transportation measures as part of the development of the Tonga Energy Road Map 2021- 2035 (TERMPLUS).

The TERMPLUS work is funded by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade under their Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) funded program as well as other initiatives.

The workshop was held at the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) and was attended by over 25 participants from across the Transportation departments -Roads (Land), Maritime, Civil Aviation Division under MOI, other key relevant government agencies, relevant Public Enterprises, Civil Society Forum Tonga and representatives from the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) and Tonga Chamber of Commerce.

Led by Mr William Rolston and Ms Andrea Tora, the objective of the workshop was to inform, engage and gain input from relevant agencies on low emission interventions that could facilitate the transition to a low carbon transportation system as part of TERMPLUS. The workshop was an opportunity to discuss the necessary shift and measures to promote reduction of transportation energy demand; providing alternatives to motorize modes; improving efficiency of transport, fuel and technologies such

as electric vehicles and alternatives to the private car such as high volume public transport, walkway and cycling.

The objectives of the workshop identify with the existing realities of Tonga’s energy and transportation landscape and the need to leverage critical policy tools in the sector to mobilize low carbon measures.

Importance of TERMPLUS – The policy will set directions in transforming and decarbonizing Tonga’s economy as we commit to meeting our NDC and

SDG goals and targets.

TERMPLUS also intends to address inadequate energy supplies and the high reliance on imported fossil fuels although the energy pathway becomes an even challenging one nowadays.

Climate Change remains the most important security and development issue facing the Pacific region today and collective actions on climate change ensure that we do not lose momentum on the transition to low carbon climateresilient communities and economies in the Pacific.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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OPINION COLUMN

Psychological Safety in Pasifika Organizations

by ALFRED TORA Do you feel that you can safely contribute your thoughts and opinions about how to improve performance in the office?

Do you have to mentally prepare yourself before answering any questions at work?

If you feel smothered mentally and physically drained at work, the chances are that your work environment lacks psychological safety.

This is part one of a three part series that will dive into Psychological safety and its importance in the Pasifika workplace. The second part will discuss strategies that encourage the above concept while part three will be on tips on how to cope in an environment that is not psychologically safe.

Psychological Safety?

Anthropologists and historians still wonder how our ancestors created works like the great double-hulled canoes and beautiful Lapita pottery in a world that was constantly at war with each other.

The answer is that the artisans only worked their craft when they were assured by their patron chief that all was safe and sound in the world. They were able to create masterpieces that still survive to this day, showcasing their talents and experience.

That concept of being able to tap into your artistry because you feel safe still holds true today!

Timothy Clark created a 4 stage framework that defined psychological safety as A condition in which human beings feel (1) included, (2) safe to learn, (3) safe to contribute, (4) safe to challenge the status quo - without feeling fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or punished in some way.

Alfred Tuikoro Tora isAssociate Editor of the Nuku’alofa Times. He currently lives and studies in Utah, United States of America. The opinion column is his and not of the Nuku’alofa Times. He will be a regular contributor to the Nuku’alofa Times.

increases the potential for learning.

Positive Employee Engagement

Being in an environment where you feel appreciated for your work is such a great place to be in right?

Wouldn’t you be willing to come to work every day if you were able to contribute to the progress of the team?

Importance?

Psychological safety is the most studied enabling concept in research on team dynamics and group learning. This is because of the immense importance that this concept has on the effectiveness and performance of these teams.

Here are some benefits that psychological safety brings to organizations and teams.

Team Innovation Dramatically Increases Just like the master craters of old, who created our culturally significant art, having the reassurance of safety allowed them to become innovators.

From boat builders that increased their seafaring abilities by introducing double-hulled canoes to the artists that drew beautiful stories and designs across tapa, these men and women were able

to do that because they experienced psychological safety!

Increased Learning Through Making Mistakes In class I would always felt a sense of dread whenever my teachers asked a question. Even if I thought I knew the correct answer, I would wish that I had the ability to shrink.

If the teacher asked if there were any questions, the answer would always be a loud No! I sometimes think back to these moments and realize that I would have probably learnt much better if I made mistakes in the classroom or acknowledged that the whole lesson had flown way above my head!

Why did I feel like this?

Because I did not want to embarrass myself if I gave the wrong answer or worse…feel the wrath of the teacher!

But imagine if you were in a classroom where mistakes were encouraged?

How much more snippets of information could you have grasped?

How much better would you have understood math concepts?

Being able to make mistakes AND learn from these mistakes greatly

Your team is stumped by a problem and you think you have a solution. It turns out that though your actual idea didn’t work, modifications on it allowed for a breakthrough.

Your contribution was recognized and everyone celebrated the win!

Wouldn’t you feel more engaged with the team now than before?

Wouldn’t fear of being called out lessen after this example?

If you’re like me then the answer to both questions is a big YES! The level for employee engagement increases dramatically

when members feel psychologically safe with their teams. Even members that are high introverts are more likely to contribute more in this sort of environment.

The list of benefits goes on and on!

Having a psychologically safe environment within teams and organizations is such a crucial component of highly effective teams.

Being able to feel included, to learn, to contribute and to challenge the status quo increases team innovation and learning while also ensuring more positive engagement with team members!

But how do you cultivate this in your organization?

In the next post we will delve into strategies that stimulate an environment of psychological safety.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

Tonga benefitted from the NDC Partnership’s support

Workshop participants and the CEO for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula P. Ma’u (seated, second from right).

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The Department of Climate Change hosted an intensive workshop in collaboration with its working partner, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), to present to national stakeholders the final outputs from the NDC Partnership’s Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP) funded activities.

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition aimed at shifting the NDC focus from commitment to implementation, along with increasing ambition over time. The overarching goals of the NDC Partnership are to ensure effective support for implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to facilitate increasing ambition over time, through an enhanced process of shared learning and collaboration. Tonga became a member of the NDC Partnership in 2019 with the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information Disaster Management, E n v i r o n m e n t , Climate Change and Communication (MEIDECC) as the focal

point contact for the NDC Partnership’s support.

Under the CAEP’s support for Tonga, GGGI partnered with the Department of Climate Change on a NDC Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework, NDC Mainstreaming, sectoral Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) procedural guidelines and provided support to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Database Management System. The support for the development of NDC awareness materials was already completed the previous year.

The NDC Mainstreaming support included a review of national and regional plans as well as understanding the processes to identify entry points for NDC integration.

This NDC integration had a particular focus on mainstreaming NDC targets into corporate plans of government ministries and business plans for government enterprises (i.e. Waste Authority Limited and Tonga Power Limited).

Building on the Tonga Joint National Action Plan 2 on Climate Change and Disaster Risk

Management (JNAP2) M&E System already in place, a draft NDC M&E framework was also developed, with the aim of further integration into the national M&E framework, strengthening the implementation, monitoring and reporting of progress towards Tonga’s NDC Targets.

A procedural guideline for national greenhouse gas inventories was also developed, focusing on the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land-Use; Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU); and Waste sectors. A review of Tonga’s MRV system provided the basis for the development of the sectoral procedural guideline.

Further GGGI has developed requirements for a GHG DBMS. A similar activity for the Energy Sector has already been undertaken by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy and related stakeholders.

Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs are actions that Parties to the Paris Agreement plan to undertake to address climate change.

Tonga’s contributions to address climate change are ‘nationally determined’ according to its national circumstances and priorities. Tonga has submitted two NDCs to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015 and 2020, respectively.

To date, Tonga is one of the 67 recipient countries receiving targeted and fast-track support under the NDC Partnership’s CAEP initiative.

Other CAEP-funded activities for Tonga are being implemented by other partners including the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, IRENA and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

Thursday 21st October 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 09

REGIONAL NEWS

Slow vax rates could see Solomons’ borders closed until 2023 Honiara (RNZ): Poor uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine in Solomon Islands could see the country’s borders remaining closed until 2023.

This was the warning from prime minister Manasseh Sogavare this week as he reiterated the government’s target of 90 percent vaccination coverage before reopening.

“By Friday of last week, only 44,613 people have completed their full vaccination, representing only 12 percent of the targeted 90 perecent coverage,” Manasseh Sogavare said.

Mr Sogavare said this is despite 108,417 people having already had their first jabs.

Manasseh Sogavare said if everyone of those people just completed their second dose this would boost the number of fully vaccinated people to 41 percent.

“It is crucial that the 108,417 people that have taken their first doses must go for the second

Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere accepts PM’s nomination to be President

Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare doses and for all those still to be vaccinated to go for their vaccination so that we can reach the target coverage to fully reopen our borders,” he said.

Manasseh Sogavare said the government wants borders to fully reopen but this cannot happen until the majority of the population is vaccinated.

He said at the current of 7000 doses being administered per week, they will

not be able to reopen borders until March 2023.

“If we continue at the current rate of 7,000 doses per week, it will take us about 78 weeks or 17 months to reach the 90% target, which means we will not be able to reopen our borders until March of 2023,” he said.

Manasseh Sogavare said he would like to see the vaccination rate increased to 20,000 doses per week which could enable the

government to reopen the borders in June next year.

“If you all want the borders to reopen quickly and safely, then all the people who are yet to be vaccinated must get vaccinated as soon as possible. We need to vaccinate at least 20,000 people per week. This is an average of 4,000 vaccinations per day throughout the country,” he said.

Year-end exams in New Caledonia cancelled

New Caledonia is under lockdown and movements are being checked

Noumea (RNZ): New Caledonia has decided to cancel the end of year high school exams because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

After a lockdown imposed

in early September, many schools reopened last week but absenteeism is reported to be high.

The pandemic has infected more than 10,000

people and killed more than 240 patients but it is on the wane as vaccinations are being ramped up.

The government has decided to allow small

accommodation providers to re-open, subject a range of conditions.

They include a requirement to have a health pass, which was launched last week and obtained by 35,000 people so far.

The government has also called for a roundtable with employers and unions on the law which makes vaccinations for healthcare staff compulsory.

The deadline to comply is the end of October.

However, the ethnic Wallisian Pacific Awakening party has tabled an amendment, proposing the deadline be extended to the end of the year or alternatively, the law be scrapped, if vaccination rates are high.

Turaga Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama Suva (FIJIVILLIAGE): Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has confirmed that the Turaga Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has accepted the nomination to assume our nation’s Presidency.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Bainimarama says he will move Ratu Wiliame’s name tomorrow on the floor of Parliament to be the next President of Fiji.

Parliament will sit at 10am tomorrow to appoint the new President.

The Prime Minister adds he knows it was not an easy decision for Ratu Wiliame to leave his sanctuary in Naduri Village and he is grateful that he has offered his service to the nation as the government’s nominee for President.

Bainimarama says he cannot imagine a worthier successor to the proud mantle of leadership that President Konrote has established, at home as a pillar of national unity and abroad as a champion for peace and inclusive and sustainable development.

He says he has known Ratu Wiliame as one of our fiercest defenders of the ocean and of the right of Fiji’s future generations to live in a clean, safe and natural environment.

Bainimarama says as the traditional leader of Macuata, he has served as a steward of our Great Sea Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world.

He adds together, in 2018, they drew a firm blue line of sustainable management to defend that vital ocean ecosystem, protecting the home of 55 percent of the known coral reef fish in Fiji, 74 per cent of our known corals and 40 per cent of all the known marine species in our islands.

Bainimarama says Ratu Wiliame’s vision of a better and bluer Fiji is the vision of your government for every Fijian in every province of the country.

He says for the sake of our people, our environment, and our future generations, it is a vision they will march towards together should his nomination succeed.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 10

REGIONAL NEWS

Samoa Tourism announced as official partner of Moana Pasifika Apia (AUSLEISURE): Samoa Tourism has today announced its support of Moana Pasifika by becoming the team’s Official Tourism Partner for the revamped 2022 Super Rugby tournament kicking off in February 2022.

Made up of players who identify with Pacific Island nations including Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands, the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) is thrilled to support the team’s debut.

The partnership will see the ‘Beautiful Samoa’ logo displayed prominently on the back of the team’s playing jersey, as well as at Moana Pasifika’s home matches at Mt Smart Stadium, and on the club’s website and social media platforms – putting the island nation front and centre of the world’s most exciting provincial rugby tournaments.

The partnership announcement comes as Moana Pasifika commences unveiling the team’s line-up on its social media platforms, with a strong contingent of Samoan players including

former Wallabies playmaker Christian Leali’ifano.

Samoa Tourism Authority Chief Executive Fa’amatuainu Lenatai Suifua said they are looking forward to showcasing Beautiful Samoa to an international audience, with the country preparing to reopen its borders and welcome travellers with open arms as soon as it is safe to do so.

“It’s been a challenging couple of years for our small island nation, as it has been for all of our Pasifika cousins who rely on international tourism,” he said.

“It’s wonderful for us to be involved with Moana Pasifika in a competition with such wide appeal across Australasia and beyond.

“We look forward to connecting and communicating with fans and eagerly await the moment we can reopen our doors to international travellers, especially our neighbours from New Zealand and Australia.”

Moana Pasifika trustee Debbie Sorensen said the

Honiara (The Guardian): Two men from Solomon Islands who spent 29 days lost at sea after their GPS tracker stopped working have been rescued off the coast of Papua New Guinea – 400 kilometres away from where their journey began.

Livae Nanjikana and Junior Qoloni set out from Mono Island, in Western province, Solomon Islands, on the morning of the 3 September in a small, single 60 horsepower motorboat.

The pair planned to travel 200km south to the town of Noro on New Georgia Island, using the west coast of Vella Lavella Island and Gizo Island to their left as a guide.

“We have done the trip before and it should have been OK,” Nanjikana said.

But even for experienced seamen, such as Nanjikana, the Solomon Sea, separating Solomon Islands from its neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is notoriously rough and unpredictable.

Just a few hours into their journey, they encountered heavy rain and strong winds, which made it hard to see the coastline they were supposed to be following.

“When the bad weather came, it was bad, but it was worse and became scary when the GPS died,” he said. “We couldn’t see where we were going and

partnership is a natural fit and the team is humbled by the support after Samoa’s tourism industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sorensen added “we are very grateful the Samoa Tourism Authority has come on board. We are both organisations that have empowering and promoting the Pacific at the very heart of what we do, so the alignment is natural.

“We’re delighted to promote Beautiful Samoa to the masses. Samoa is a rugby-loving nation and an enchanting holiday destination that needs support as international borders open up.”

Samoa Tourism Authority believes backing Moana Pasifika in the Super Rugby Pacific competition is an excellent opportunity to support tourism growth, particularly from New Zealand and Australia.

Early in 2020, the Samoan government closed borders to international arrivals, of which two-thirds were travellers from New Zealand and Australia, making up nearly three

quarters (72%) of visitor spend pre-pandemic.

Only three-and-a-half hours from Auckland and five hours from Sydney and Brisbane, Samoa is renowned for its natural beauty and genuine hospitality, boasting a 100-year history of rugby after it was first introduced in 1920.

Both the Samoa Tourism Authority and Moana Pasifika are hopeful matches will be played in Samoa once conditions allow. Sorensen advised “Our goal has always been to play some of our games in the Pacific. It would be great for our people, great for the game and great to bolster tourism. We’ll

‘It was a nice break from everything’: two men rescued after 29 days lost at sea

so we just decided to stop the engine and wait, to save fuel.”

Surviving on oranges they’d packed for the trip, coconuts they collected from the sea and rainwater they trapped using a piece of canvas, they floated about 400km northwest for 29 days, eventually

spotting a fisher off the coast of New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

“We didn’t know where we were but did not expect to be in another country,” Nanjikana said.

The men were so weak that when they arrived in the town of Pomio on 2 October they had to be

carried off the boat and to a nearby house.

They have since been assessed at a local health clinic and are now staying with Pomio local, Joe Kolealo, who told the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation: “Now they live happily with us.”

Nanjikana said he has taken some positives away from the experience, such as a forced break from the chaos of a global pandemic.

“I had no idea what was going on while I was out there. I didn’t hear about Covid or anything else,” he said. “I look forward to going back home but I guess it was a nice break from everything.”

do everything we can to make that happen, subject to COVID-19 travel protocols by both Samoa and New Zealand. We’re grateful Samoa Tourism Authority has committed to supporting a match in Samoa.”

As one of the only countries in the world who have not recorded a locally acquired case of COVID-19, Samoa will be one of the safest and most secure and secluded destinations to visit once travel recommences.

Samoa’s national vaccination drive is on track to see a fully vaccinated eligible population by the end of the year, and the Samoa Tourism Authority is working with local operators to help them enhance their experiences and attractions so they’re even better than before.

Sorensen added “Moana Pasifika is for Pasifika,

by Pasifika and having the support of the Samoa Tourism Authority further extends our ‘āiga (family). Our partnership is an example of working together towards a common goal and we look forward to making our fans and our sponsors proud when the team takes the field in February.”

Thursday 21st October 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 11

YOUTH

MORAL STORY OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK’S TOP 10 SONGS

Two Frogs With The Same Problem

Simple Omelet for Kids

1. Industry Baby – Lil Nas 2. Stay – The Kid Laroi 3. Knife Talk – Drake 4. Way 2 Sexy – Drake 5. Heat Waves – Glass Animals 6. Need to Know – Doja Cat 7. Good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo 8. Family ties – Baby Keem 9. Kiss Me – Doja Cat 10 That’s what I want – Lil Nas

THIS WEEK’S TOP 10 MOVIES 1. Halloween Kills 2. No Time to Die 3. Venom: Let There Be Carnage 4. The Addams Family 2 5. The Duel 6. Shang-Chi 7. Honsia Rakh 8. Free Guy 9. Lamb 10. Most Eligible Bachelor boxofficemojo.com

open.spotify.com

Once, a group of frogs was roaming around the forest in search of water. Suddenly, two frogs in the group accidentally fell into a deep pit.

The other frogs worried about their friends in the pit.

Seeing how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that there was no way they could escape the deep pit and that there was no point in trying.

They continued to constantly discourage them as the two frogs tried to jump out of the pit. But keep falling back.

Soon, one of the two frogs started to believe the other frogs — that they’ll never be able to escape the pit and eventually died after giving up.

The other frog keeps trying and eventually jumps so high that he escapes the pit. The other frogs were shocked at this and wondered how he did it.

The difference was that the second frog was deaf and couldn’t hear the discouragement of the group. He simply thought they were cheering him on!

Ingredients Cooking spray, or butter 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon water 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Meat, or vegetables (such as sliced sausage, onions, bell peppers, spinach, etc.), optional 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method 1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Spray a 10- or 12-inch non-stick or cast iron skillet with a thin coating of cooking spray and heat over medium heat.

3. Beat eggs, water, salt, and pepper until light and fluffy.

4. When skillet is hot (but not smoking), pour egg mixture in.

5. As omelet starts to set, lift an edge of the omelet with a clean spatula and tilt pan so that the runny, unset portion of omelet can run underneath and start to set.

6. Repeat on opposite side.

7. If adding vegetables or meats, do so now.

8. When omelet is just about completely set, sprinkle the cheese over half of the omelet.

9. Then fold other half of omelet over the cheese half.

10. Slide onto a plate and serve immediately.

Moral of the story People’s opinion of you will affect you, only if you believe it to be so. It’s better to believe in yourself.

S

Youth Weekly Horoscope ARIES (21Mar-19Apr)

Start with positivity LIBRA (23Sep-22Oct)

Be selfish

TAURUS (20Apr-20May)

Tune back into yourself SCORPIO (23Oct-21Nov)

There’s no rush

GEMINI (21May-21Jun)

CANCER (22Jun-22Jul)

LEO (23Jul-22Aug)

Salvage what you can and move on

Don’t give what you don’t have

Compromise is underrated

Struggle isn’t required

SAGITTARIUS (22Nov-21Dec)

CAPRICORN (22Dec-19Jan)

AQUARIUS 20Jan-18Feb)

PISCES (19Feb-20Mar)

Invite only

Start with order

Go forth!

VIRGO (23Aug-22Sep)

What if you didn’t have to force it?

Thursday 21st October 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 12

ENTERTAINMENT

Michael Caine is not retiring

New York (YAHOO): Despite his recent comments that Lina Roessler’s “Best Sellers” may end up being his last film, reps for Michael Caine confirmed to Variety that the actor is not retiring.

In fact, sources close to Caine said that he is currently reviewing two scripts for upcoming projects.

“Regarding retirement, I’ve spent over 50 years getting up at 6 a.m. to make movies, and I’m not getting rid of my alarm clock!” Caine said in a statement to Variety.

He also tweeted about the situation, simply writing: “I haven’t retired and not a lot of people know that.”

Rumors about Caine’s retirement began to swirl on Friday, when the 88-year-old actor spoke

about the state of his career on the BBC radio program “Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review.”

“Funnily enough, it has turned out to be my last part, really,” he said of his role in “Best Sellers.”

“Because I haven’t worked for two years, and I have a spine problem which affects my leg, so I can’t walk very well.”

Caine continued: “And I also wrote a book, a couple of books, which were published and successful. So, I’m now not an actor; I’m a writer.

Which is lovely because as an actor, you have to get up at half past six in the morning and go to the studio. As a writer, you can start writing without leaving the bed!”

When asked directly if “Best Sellers” is his last film, he said, “I think it would be, yeah. There

Adele returns and reduces the world to tears with ‘Easy on Me’

LA ( YAHOO): Adele has officially kicked off her new album 30 with the power ballad “Easy on Me,” the Grammy winner’s first new song since the release of 2015’s 25.

The song’s stirring video launches with black-andwhite footage before the singer is seen in full color.

It opens on Adele leaving her home, taking one last wistful look out the window, before moving on and hitting the road.

She pops in a cassette that plays the song as sheets of

music flutter out the car’s window while she reflects on what led to this point, and asks for both patience and grace.

She reunited with frequent co-writer and producer Greg Kurstin to make a very quintessentially Adele piano song that builds up to a gorgeous vocal performance. “Go easy on me baby/I was still a child/Didn’t get the chance to/Feel the world around me,” she sings on the chorus. “I had no time to choose/What I chose to do/So go easy on me.”

haven’t been any offers, obviously, for two years.

Because nobody’s been making any movies I’d want to do. But also, I’m 88. There’s not exactly scripts pouring out where the leading man is 88.”

However, in an interview with Variety in August, Caine spoke about how he has avoided retirement over the years.

“I never did retire. I mean I’m 88 – people are not knocking at my door trying to give me a script.

But occasionally there is a part,” he said. Reflecting on how he’d planned to retire earlier, he said: “If I retired at 65, I would never have won an Academy Award [for ‘Cider House Rules’], I would never have done a picture with Jack Nicholson and would not have done all those [Batman] movies with Christopher Nolan.”

Back to gravity: Russians talk about world’s 1st space movie MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian actor and a film director who spent 12 days in orbit making the world’s first movie in space said Tuesday they were so thrilled with their experience on the International Space Station that they felt sorry to leave.

Actor Yulia Peresild and director Klim Shipenko flew to the International Space Station in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft together with cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov. After a stint on the station, they returned to Earth on Sunday with another veteran Russian cosmonaut, Oleg Novitskiy.

Peresild and Klimenko filmed segments of a movie titled “Challenge,” in which a surgeon played

by Peresild rushes to the space station to save a crew member who needs an urgent operation in orbit. Novitskiy, who flew the film crew home, stars as the ailing cosmonaut in the movie.

Speaking to reporters via video link Tuesday, 37-year-old Peresild

lamented that a busy filming schedule left little chance to enjoy the views.

“We realized only a day before the departure that we didn’t spend enough time looking in the windows,” she said. “I had a mixed feeling. On the one hand, it felt like an eternity but on the other hand it felt like we just arrived and immediately need to return.”

Peresild and Shipenko said they were feeling fine but still were having some trouble adapting to the pull of gravity.

“We have to learn again how to walk,” Peresild

said, adding that she still instinctively tries to attach various items with Velcro to prevent them from floating away. She said she slept very well in orbit and four hours of sleep were enough to have a good rest.

Shipenko, 38, who has made several commercially successful movies, said he filmed over 30 hours of movie material on board the space station.

“Of course, it posed both artistic and technical challenges,” he said.

Shipenko, who will continue the shooting on Earth after filming the movie’s space episodes,

said the film’s release date would be announced next year.

Dmitry Rogozin, head of the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, was a key force behind the movie project, describing it as a chance to burnish the nation’s space glory and rejecting criticism from some Russian media over the efforts spent on it.

Before Russia took the lead in feature filmmaking in space, NASA had talked to actor Tom Cruise about making a movie in orbit.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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SPORTS

Vunipolas among big names missing for England rugby tests

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 13

Moana Pasifika add two Tongan internationals to growing roster

Solomone Funaki

LONDON (AP) — England will enter the November rugby internationals without four of its biggest names after an improvement in club form failed to earn Mako and Billy Vunipola, Jamie George and George Ford recalls to the squad on Monday.

The four players were left out of Eddie Jones’ extended training squad last month ahead of test matches against Tonga, Australia and South Africa, despite being mainstays for England since the Australian coach took charge after the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Vunipola brothers

and George reacted to the snub by excelling in Saracens’ forward pack in recent weeks, while Ford — England’s long-time flyhalf — has been a key factor behind Leicester’s emergence as English Premiership leader after five rounds.

But they remain overlooked, while winger Jack Nowell and scrumhalf Dan Robson also have been jettisoned ahead of a campaign that opens against Tonga at Twickenham on Nov. 6.

“One of the things I’m looking at is those players who’ve already been to two World Cups, whether they’ve got the will to

(Sydney (RNZ): Former Wallabies loose forward Lopeti Timani is among 10 new caps in the Tonga rugby squad for the upcoming tour of the Northern Hemisphere.

Forty players based in 10 countries have been selected for the upcoming matches

against Scotland, England, the French Barbarians and Romania, including 22 based in France, although Tonga Rugby Union CEO Peter Harding says not all players will be available for every game.

The other new faces up front include former

prepare to win,” Jones said.

“My experience tells me that some players can want to go to the World Cup but they don’t really have the will to prepare to win the World Cup. It did strike me the experience I had with Australia, post 2003. I kept some players on longer than I should have and that’s probably weighed in the selection choices that I’ve made in the last six months with England.

“We could have the most experienced side at the World Cup but whether they’ve got that will to go that extra 10% and find that discretionary effort ...

that’s something I’m trying to find out at the moment.”

Marcus Smith is one of eight who made their debuts in the July victories over the U.S. and Canada to survive the cull from 45 to 34 players, with the talented flyhalf’s inclusion coming at Ford’s expense.

While Jones is looking to the future ahead of the 2023 World Cup, some developing prospects have been unable to force their way into contention.

They include Louis Lynagh, the son of Australia great Michael Lynagh, who has been removed after winning a place in the training group last month.

Lopeti Timani among 10 new caps for Tonga’s end of year tour

Hurricanes prop Loni Uhila, who is now with Hyères-Carqueiranne in the French third tier, former Australian schoolboys hooker Maile Ngauamo, Northland lock Setefano Funaki, and Grenoble utility forward Tanginoa Halaifonua.

Auckland (Rugbypass): Moana Pasifika have added two Tongan internationals to their growing roster ahead of their debut Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Fresh after announcing the arrivals of ex-Wallabies playmaker Christian Leali’ifano and former Crusaders halfback Ere Enari as the franchise’s firstand-second-ever player signings, the expansion side have moved to bolster their forward pack with their third and fourth additions.

In doing so, they have picked up ‘Ikale Tahi duo Sione Tu’ipulotu and Solomone Funaki, both of whom ply their trade in New Zealand’s NPC for Auckland and Hawke’s Bay, respectively.

The pair represent the first players of Tongan heritage signed by Moana Pasifika, which is representative of Samoa and Tonga.

A New Zealand-born utility forward capable of playing at lock and in the back row, Tu’ipulotu – not to be mistaken for his namesake, the midfielder who plays for Glasgow Warriors and was recently named in the Scotland squad for the November internationals – made his debut for Auckland last year.

Also of Samoan heritage, having played for both Tonga’s and Samoa’s U20 team in 2015 and 2016, the 24-year-old also named in the New Zealand U20 team in 2017.

However, he pledged his international allegiance to Tonga when he was named in Toutai Kefu’s squad in July, and made his test debut for Tonga against the All Blacks in their 102-0 drubbing at the hands of the Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium.

With seven provincial appearances to his name, Tu’ipulotu went on to feature in all three of Tonga’s World Cup qualifiers against Samoa and the Cook Islands three months ago.

Funaki, meanwhile, made his debut for Hawke’s Bay in 2018, but didn’t establish himself as a regular for the Magpies until last year.

Like Tu’ipulotu, the 27-year-old loose forward made his test debut for Tonga against the All Blacks earlier this year, and has since played a key role in guiding Hawke’s Bay to the summit of the NPC Premiership standings with four rounds to play.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 14

SPORTS

At games, pride of the islands never stops Why two Edison football players hold the weight of two island nations on their shoulders

Edison varsity football players Naisa Motuliki, left, and John Grinnell carry the Tongan and American Samoa flags S T O C K T O N (RECORDNET.COM): The evening turns to dusk over the football scene at Edison High School.

Hype music blares from the live DJ’s set, based right in front of the home bleachers, and it was time for the Vikings varsity football team to make their way from the locker room, down the concrete alley to the maroon inflatable stationed at the corner of the field.

Edison is hosting its strongest opponent to date in Central (Fresno), a 2019 California Interscholastic Federation state champion and it is safe to say the Vikings players are amped 30 minutes before kickoff.

The sides of the inflatable rocks back and forth as Edison’s pile within the confined space and cheerleaders line the sides, creating a pathway directed towards the midfield logo. Seconds pass and the Vikings spill out. At the front of

the group are two senior linemen that carry the weight of two Oceanic island nations on their shoulders.

Every game, Edison’s Naisa Motuliki runs onto the field raising the Tonga national flag. Beside him is John Grinnell, who holds the flag of Samoa.

“We bring out the flags to rep our culture,” Motuliki said. “It is all about repping because people back in the islands in Tonga and Samoa don’t have as many chances as we do. We just got to rep them and show them we are doing it for them.

Things that they can’t do, we are trying to do.”

It was an idea that started two years ago when Motuliki was a sophomore at Bear Creek. His aunt, Anita, asked him to run out with the Tongan flag to represent his family.

He continued the practice when he transferred to Edison, where Grinnell thought it would be a great

idea to join in for this season.

To an outside observer, the flags may not have any meaning. But for Motuliki and Grinnell, it is about bringing awareness to a cultural group that doesn’t always get any.

“We just started coming together and we just hold the flags up,” Grinnell said. “We just want to make a movement and make a stand for the Polynesians who are out there.”

Tonga’s (105,695) and Samoa’s (198,414) combined population in 2020 is less than the 320,804 Stocktonians recorded by the U.S. Census in April 2020.

According to the census, 0.6% of Stockton’s population identify as Pacific Islanders, including Motuliki’s and Grinnell’s families.

“There is not that many Polynesians that we know out here, so we just try to let it be known that we are

out here,” Motuliki said.

Motuliki’s mother was born in Tonga, while his father was born in Samoa.

The two moved to the United States in 2004 and settled in Oregon, before heading south to Stockton. Grinnell’s parents were both born in the United States, but they have Tongan and Samoan ancestry.

The two stick together on the football field as part of Edison’s starting offensive line and in life, keeping the values of their culture alive more than 5,000 miles from their homelands.

“Repping the culture is just love for the family because not many people rep their culture out here,” Motuliki said. “We are at least trying to be the bigger ones, trying to bring our culture out because not many people know about Polynesian (culture).”

Motuliki hasn’t visited the islands since he was in fourth or fifth grade.

Remembering those times, the only way he could describe it was blissful.

“Just a beautiful island,” he said. “Paradise, for real. It is more simple back there over in the islands than it is coming to America. They have it easy over there, but they have to work more.”

Motuliki observed the life his parents grew up with: Families build houses and cook for elders. Basic chores are a lifestyle. When Motuliki’s father lived in Samoa, he was one of the island’s top priests, with extra jobs of going on missionaries to read the Bible and spread the word of god to the rest of the island.

“It is all one family,” Motuliki said. “When they say raising one kid takes a whole island, that is what it is. The whole family is the whole island.”

Grinnell developed his embrace for the island culture through his aunts and uncles, who taught

him at family dinners, surrounded by Samoan staples, like sapasui (noodles) and pani popo (bread rolls) about why it was important to represent Samoa.

“I think it is just amazing that we can represent the islands, and what really makes our team a whole is just representing an outside source that holds a lot of love to me and Naisa, and we can translate that throughout flags and we can play with pride,” Grinnell said.

Grinnell takes his cultural pride a step further, literally wearing it on his sleeves.

On game days, Grinnell puts covers over his forearms, which display tribal markings that represent his football journey.

At 5 years old, Grinnell was diagnosed with autism. Participating in team sports was always a challenge as he grew up. But what pushed him was a family of supporters that span larger than his household.

“Throughout that entire thing, there were many people in my life who helped me, and ... I wanted to wear that to represent what it means to have the islands deep in your heart,” Grinnell said.

As Grinnell and Motuliki led the charge to the 50-yard-line that Friday night, they waved the flags a couple of times before handing them off to a coach so they could begin warm up stretches.

But the flags aren’t put away.

In the front three rows of the home bleachers is Motuliki’s support group, all donning yellow shirts, with maroon “59s” painted on the back.

Throughout the game, Motuliki’s family waved the Tongan and Samoan flag. After every first down, big tackle and score until the final whistle.

In south Stockton, the pride of the islands never stops.

Thursday 21st October 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 15

SPORTS

Tonga winger joins Leeds on a two-year deal

A u c k l a n d (SKYSPORTS_: Fusitu’a scored 61 tries for New Zealand Warriors but has appeared sparingly over last three season; His hattrick helped Tonga beat New Zealand at 2017 World Cup; Leeds coach Richard Agar: “I think he will be a great addition.”

Leeds have announced the signing of Tonga winger David Fusitu’a on a two-year contract from New Zealand Warriors.

The 27-year-old Fusitu’a, who was the Warriors’ longest-serving player, had two years left on his contract with the Auckland club and it is thought the Warriors will pay a proportion of his Leeds salary.

Fusitu’a, whose hat-trick famously helped Tonga beat New Zealand in the

group stages of the 2017 World Cup, scored 61 tries in 108 appearances for the Warriors.

But he has played just 28 times in the last three seasons due to injury and returning home

from Australia early in 2021, due to the border restrictions enforced by the global pandemic.

Samisoni Langi: Catalans Dragons centre signs new 12-month contract after rejecting Wakefield move

Pyrénées-Orientales, France (SKYSPORTS): Samisoni Langi had originally agreed a move to Wakefield Trinity, only to have second thoughts and instead opt to remain with Super League grand-finalists Catalans Dragons; the 28-year-old has signed a fresh one-year deal to remain with the French side

By PA Media.

Catalans Dragons centre Samisoni Langi has signed a new 12-month contract with the French Super League club after rejecting a move to Wakefield.

The 28-year-old Tonga international apologised to Trinity for reneging on an agreement to join the West Yorkshire club, who agreed a nominal compensation fee after accepting the player’s heart was not in the move.

Langi, who was in the Dragons team that lost to St Helens in the Super League Grand Final, said: “My family and I are happy to be extending our stay for another year.

“I am proud to be able to represent this great region.

It’s been our home for the

last four years and I am happy to still call it that.

This team is where I feel my journey truly began.

One more dance to go.”

Langi, a former Australian schoolboy international, has made 80 Super League appearances for the Dragons since joining them from Leigh in 2017.

Catalans coach Steve McNamara said: “Samisoni has had a great season and we are happy to extend his deal.

“He puts his body on the line every single game doing lots of the tough work.

He is a real team player.”

Catalans coach Steve McNamara vowed there is still plenty more to come from Catalans Dragons as their dream of becoming the first overseas team to win the Super League Grand Final was dashed.

The French side had taken the lead through a penalty from James Maloney after keeping St Helens at bay early on at Old Trafford and led 10-6 after 50 minutes when Mike McMeeken finished while their opponents had Tommy Makinson in the sinbin.

Ultimately though, two converted tries from Kevin Naiqama proved enough to seal a 12-10 win for Saints, who claimed their eighth Grand Final success and ninth Super League title overall, but McNamara warned the rest of the competition there will be no let-up from Catalans in 2022.

“This isn’t the last step for the Dragons, this is just the next step and we’ve got to keep making steps,” McNamara, who oversaw a maiden League Leaders’ Shield win this year and also guided the team to a historic Challenge Cup success in 2018, said.

Leeds coach Richard Agar said: “We are really excited to have signed David and I think he will be a great addition to our team.

“Undoubtedly, he is a world-class talent, you only need to look at his highlights reel and see the spectacular tries he can score to know he will soon become a crowd favourite at the Rhinos.

“In the modern era, it is rare that a player of his ability becomes available for a Super League club and it is a great boost for us to have beaten off competition from a number of clubs to have secured his signature.

“He is still only 27 and, whilst we understand the reasons why he has not played as much football as he would have liked

last season, having spoken to him, he is keen to return to his best in a Rhinos shirt.

“He is a player who loves to play with a smile on his face and I know he and his young family are looking forward to being part of the Rhinos family.”

Leeds say Fusitu’a will join up with them in pre-season once the visa paperwork has been completed.

“It is going to be something new and fresh,” Fusitu’a said. “Me and my family are excited to come over to England.

“Leeds have been a proud and successful club for a long time and I am looking forward to getting over, meeting the boys and starting the hard work with the team.”

Will Hopoate among Six of the best Super League transfers so far

Sydney (LOVERUGBYLEAGUE): Another St Helens signing for 2022, Will Hopoate will join the club on a twoyear deal for next year’s campaign.

The 29-year-old centre or full-back makes the move from Down Under, where he has made more than 170 NRL appearanc-

es for Manly, Parramatta and Canterbury, as well as winning 11 caps for Tonga. He also captained the nation in the 2017 World Cup. He has also represented New South Wales five times in State of Origin, and will replace the departing Kevin Naiqama in the centres.

Thursday 21st October 2021

www.nukualofatimes.to

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 16

SPORTS

Hemi Ahio destroys opponent Times for signature win in Dubai Nuku‘alofa

SPORTS TELL US YOUR NEWS OR SPORTS EVENT AND WE WILL TELL EVERYONE ELSE EMail: iliesatora2012@gmail.com silvergreen8@gmail.com Phone: +676 864-2633 / +676 7745984

Sekope Kepu added to Moana Pasifika squad Hemi ‘Ahio

Dubai, UAE (STUFF NZ): New Zealand heavyweight boxer Hemi Ahio has recorded a statement win in Dubai.

Ahio maintained his unbeaten record with a knockout victory over Dubai-based Iran champion Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid at the weekend.

Ahio dropped Farid in

the opening round of their headline fight and knocked him out in round two using impressive hand speed.

The victory earned Ahio, 31, the WBC Middle East title and took his career to 18-0 with 13 KOs. His fight was promoted by Britain’s former unified light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, and

Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid after the fight.

Ahio hopes the victory can open some doors for him in the UK where the heavyweight scene continues to boom.

Ahio will stay in the

United Arab Emirates to help New Zealand UFC star Dan Hooker prepare for his clash with Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi on 31 October.

forwards with the Fa camp holding out for what they believe their fighter is worth, and wary from what they felt was some chequered history

in previous dealings with Lonergan.

The current negotiations have been amicable and Keddell is hopeful they will prove productive.

“The devil is in the detail,” Keddell said of the process to date, “but we’re $20,000 apart right now.”

Keddell said the uncertainties around Covid, with fights being delayed, meant they needed some financial security with Fa’s training environment.

The stalling point holding back Junior Fa v Justis Huni

Auckland (STUFF. CO.NZ): Junior Fa “can’t wait” to fight Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni but is seeking some additional security in these uncertain times to try to make it happen.

Huni’s manager Dean Lonergan spoke of his frustrations in trying to get the fight over the line for a showdown early next year on either side of the Tasman.

Fa’s manager Mark Keddell says the deal is close and is hinging

on promoter Lonergan providing a $20,000 training fee to the Auckland heavyweight.

The negotiation process has been backwards and

Sydney, AUSTRALIA – (RUGBY.COM.AU): Moana Pasifika have pulled off another major signing, adding former Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu to their squad ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Kepu played 110 games for the Wallabies, making his debut in 2008, becoming the first prop to bring up the century for Australia.

He would also go on to play 141 games for the Waratahs, helping them to their inaugural title in 2014.

The 35-year-old has since been plying his trade in England for London Irish after heading overseas in 2019, recently signing a deal with Counties Manukau to play in New Zealand’s NRC.

“With 110 test caps to his name, former Wallaby Sekope Kepu (Counties Manukau) will anchor our scrum in 2022,” the club said via social media.

“Kepu has played 295 professional matches since his debut in 2006 and bring with him a wealth of knowledge to impart on our exciting, young squad.”

Kepu joins fellow Australian Christian Lealiifano in the squad, with the Pasifika set to be based in Auckland.

Head coach Aaron Mauger confirmed that they have all but signed their playing roster for 2022, having announced Samoan trio Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio and former Force outside back Henry Taefu on Monday.