Nuku'alofa Times Issue 170

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Volume 6 Issue 170 Thursday 25th November 2021

Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni

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E: iliesatora2012@gmail.com

Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa

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Thursday 25th November 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

No women elected in Tonga: time to change the story

By ‘Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki N u k u ’ a l o f a (DEVPOLICY.ORG):As in 2008, 2010 and 2014, none of the female candidates standing in Tonga’s 2021 general election were successful.

Out of a total of 38,500 votes, 34,198 were cast for the male candidates and only 4,352 were cast for the 12 female candidates, down from 14% of total votes in 2017 to 11% in 2021. The only female MP incumbent running, Losaline Ma’asi, did not make it for a second term.

At the 2017 snap elections she won 35% (1,034) of the total number of votes in her constituency Tongatapu 5. Thursday, she won only 23% (614).

Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mataʻaho Napua-o-kalani Tukuʻaho at the opening of Tonga Women’s Parliament 2021, just three days before election day, reminded us that there is a need to move away from just a desire to increase the number of women in parliament to having a concrete action plan to achieve it.

She made a strong statement that the current arrangements are not sufficient for increasing the number of women in Parliament. This is the key to opening up the dialogue for re-visiting and re-educating decision makers on temporary

special measures (TSM) such as reserved seats, affirmative action party quotas and legislature quotas that have long been contested in Tonga.

Women in Tonga were given universal suffrage in 1951. This was a political milestone for women navigated by her late Majesty Queen Sālote Tupou III who was one of only two women in Tonga’s history to occupy the powerful position of monarch.

However, since 1951, only six

women have been elected to parliament, a few more than once, for a total of only 10 female electoral victories.

The irony is that the majority of those who not only registered but who turned up to vote have been women, at all general elections since 2005.

So what’s happening?

Two major pieces of research on voter’s perception of women as leaders conducted in 201617 and 2020-21, using the same research methodology,

showed that the majority of eligible voters believed key decision-making and leadership roles are best left to men and that roles such as household work and nurturing children are a women’s responsibility.

The following table gives a few highlights of the comparative results of these studies.

This widespread belief that leadership and key decision-making roles are best suited to men unfortunately translates into the results we see at election after election.

To change the story, one needs to have a good understanding of the difference between equality and equity. In Tonga, women do not have the same social, cultural, political and economic experiences as men. Society does not perceive women the same way they perceive men. Moral standards and domestic expectations are not held against men as highly and rigidly as they are held against women.

This automatically pushes women backwards, further down the field and it soon becomes clear that the playing field is not level at all.

Equity forces us to dig

deeper and think more critically. To understand the lived experiences of women, we need to unpack the constructed private and public dichotomy – society’s patriarchal expectations of women.

The social expectation that women will prioritise managing the home and its affairs, taking care of the children, and attending to their husbands’ needs will continue to result in attitudes at the voting booth that do not favour women as leaders.

Temporary special measures are measures that work on changing attitudes and behaviour over time as the general public becomes exposed to larger numbers of women in parliament.

For younger people, in particular, having more women in parliament will become a norm for them rather than something to be desired. Once TSMs are removed, the country will return to the normal voting procedure with the anticipation that voters no longer frame leadership as a gendered role. In the case of Rwanda, a constitutional amendment in 2003 provided that 30% of its seats must be reserved for women. By

2018, the share of female MPs had increased to 60%.

The last four elections in Tonga have never resulted in more than 8% female representation in parliament, and often, as this time, it has been zero. We need significant change. We must aim for at least 30% or more by taking legislative action.

If this is not possible now, we need to build our women’s movement over the next four to five years and work towards revolutionary change in attitudes and mindsets – it can be done. #WatchThisSpace2025.

This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University. Note: A longer sentence was shortened and corrected to read ‘However, since 1951, only six women have been elected to parliament.’ – 21/11/2021 ‘Ofa-Ki-Levuka (‘Ofa) Guttenbeil-Likiliki is Director of the Women & Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) in Tonga, a women’s rights activist and a filmmaker.

Thursday 25th November 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

Sovaleni is top bet for PM stick together, which means anyone of the Independents wanting to form government can either take five votes across and join with the Nobles or get all 14 from within the Peoples’ reps.

Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni

By ILIESA TORA Nuku’alofa (Nuku’alofa Times): Tongatapu 3 representative and current Education Minister Siaosi Sovaleni or Hon Hu’akavameiliku is the top bet to become the country’s next Prime Minister.

Following the November 18 general election Hon Sovaleni has been rated by many Tongans here as the best choice for the top post.

He raked in a total of 2,084 votes of the total 2,502 votes cast in the constituency and was the top vote single earner from all the 17 constituencies.

A simple online survey done by Nuku’alofa Times with 200 readers across Tonga through email saw that 155 people prefer Hon Sovaleni while 30 thought current Prime Minister, Hon Dr Rev Pohiva Tuioneto’a should be given another term and 15 said House Speaker Lord Fakanua could be another candidate.

Surprisingly out of the 200, 110 said Lord Fakafanua would be ideal for Deputy Prime Minister while 50 thought Hon Poasi Tei (30) and Dr Aisake ‘Eke (10) could be candidates also for the DPM post.

Sources within the political circles here

have revealed that at least 10 People’s Reps have already given their support for Hon Sovaleni, who is also likely to seek the support of the nine (9) Nobles reps.

Dr Pohiva was reported to have already secured support from five People’s reps who were supporting him and he was also trying to convince the Nobles reps to side with him and form government.

He had announced in media interviews during the week that he would like to continue and complete what his government had worked on in the past two years.

The former Auditor General was Finance Minister in the late Akilisi Pohiva led government before he became Prime Minister when Mr Pohiva passed away in 2019.

Hon Sovaleni was Deputy Prime Minister to the late Mr Pohiva until he was dumped by the former Democratic Party leader.

His dad, the late Hon Langi Kavaliku, was also Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga in the 90’s.

To get the Prime Ministership a candidate must have the support of 14 members out of the 26 elected.

There are 17 Peoples’ reps and 9 Nobles’ reps.

It is common knowledge that the Nobles will

In line with the constitution Lord Tangi has been appointed Interim Speaker of the House.

He will oversee the process of election of a Prime Minister and the new government.

Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki has until December 2 to return the Writ of Election to His Majesty King Tupou VI. The date of return of the writ is crucial as it triggers the timeframes outlined in the Constitution for completion of the process for election of the Prime Minister Designate.

Within 10 days from the return of the writ of election, the Interim Speaker must issue an invitation to all elected Representatives to submit nominations for Prime Minister Designate.

Nominations must be received within 14 days from the date of return of the writ.

A nomination of a candidate for Prime Minister Designate can be submitted in writing by an elected Representative, given it is seconded by two other elected Representatives.

No elected representative who has proposed or seconded a candidate, may propose or second another candidate.

Within three (3) days from closing date for receiving nominations, the Interim Speaker must summon a meeting of the elected Representatives.

The Prime Minister election will be carried out by secret ballot during this meeting. The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament will also be made at this same meeting.

That means Tonga would likely know before Christmas who the country’s Prime Minister is for the next four years.

HORSE-TRADING, EXPECTED BUT UNDESIRED

By Supa Mario Nuku’alofa (Talanoa ‘o Tonga): We have had our 2021 General Election and now, as dictated by the constitution, it is up to our elected representatives to vote for the Prime Minister.

The new Prime Minister would then select his Deputy and the rest of the Cabinet Ministers.

While we patiently wait for these processes to take place, there have been public concerns raised on social media, among them decadelong discussed issue of “horse-trading”.

Many have expressed their strong distaste with regards to “horse-trading”, and understandably so. We have seen previous Administrations with Ministers who neither have the qualification or experience to be a Minister in a particular Department, let alone any Government Department of any country that has common sense. But that’s what happens after “horse-trading” where portfolios are traded for power and vice versa.

We have also seen previous administrations who have made very questionable decisions to either reward “their horses” unfairly, or to save them unjustly.

So if our newly elected representatives are “horse-traded” again, it is understandable why many would

find it concerning. We could be expecting more questionable decisions to be made by this next “horse-traded” administration. But it should be noted, that “horse-trading” was to be expected given the results of the election.

Our choices have consequences. That is a fundamental fact of life.

When we chose to vote a majority of independents to Parliament, we consequentially voted our next Cabinet to be picked by the “horse-trading” market. Let me explain.

It should be common sense that most, if not all elected Independents, would not refuse being a Prime Minister if given the chance. Who wouldn’t want to be Prime Minister so that his constituency would selfishly benefit and keeps electing him to Parliament? While they may not say it loudly, deep down most will not refuse it.

Most, if not all elected Independents would accept the Premiership if given the chance.

However, they cannot all be Prime Ministers so some would rather settle for the second best thing – the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. But then again, they cannot all be Deputies so the next power struggle would be for the portfolios.

But here’s the thing, there are 17 representatives but we can only have, at the very most, 12 Ministers.

The 14 Independents

cannot all be Cabinet Ministers let alone 17 of them all representatives.

Some will have to settle for being just a representative, period.

Luckily, a few of them will. But most of these Independents are not 100% contented with just that. They already got that from the voters and now they want more.

With more power they are given more opportunities to help their constituencies and fulfill campaign promises. That was essentially how most of these Independents ran in the first place, campaigned and won – to divert as much resources possible to their own constituencies as expected from their voters. And having more power would be key in that regard.

So there is not a single guaranteed way forward for most of these independents but to “horse-trade” themselves into more power. If we do not want our representatives to be doing this, than we should have voted “wisely” instead as the King suggested.

But that ship has long sailed and we’ve made our beds. We have no one else than ourselves to blame should all our representatives engage in “horse-trading”.

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Thursday 25th November 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

Lord Tangi is interim Speaker of the House N u k u ’ a l o f a (Parliament): His Majesty King Tupou VI has appointed Rt. Hon. Lord Tangi as the Interim Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, effective from Saturday, November 20.

In his role as Interim Speaker of Parliament, Lord Tangi will preside and lead the constitutional process to elect the Prime Minister Designate from the Representatives, who were elected as Members of Parliament in the General Election on November 18.

Lord Tangi has now taken on responsibility for the Office of the Legislative Assembly, in overseeing the arrangements for implementation of the processes required by law.

The constitutional process now awaits the return of the writ of Lord Tangi

SAMU’S FIJI FOOD CORNER

election to His Majesty, King Tupou VI, by the Electoral Commission.

The writ of election must be returned by December 2, 2021. The date of return of the writ is crucial as it triggers the timeframes outlined in the Constitution for completion of the process for election of the Prime Minister Designate.

Within 10 days from the return of the writ of election, the Interim Speaker must issue an invitation to all elected Representatives to submit nominations for Prime Minister Designate.

Nominations must be received within 14 days from the date of return of the writ.

A nomination of a candidate for Prime Minister Designate can be submitted in writing by an elected Representative,

given it is seconded by two other elected Representatives.

No elected representative who has proposed or seconded a candidate, may propose or second another candidate.

Within three days from closing date for receiving nominations, the Interim Speaker must summon a meeting of the elected Representatives.

The Prime Minister election will be carried out by secret ballot during this meeting. The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament will also be made at this same meeting.

The Office of the Interim Speaker of Parliament will continue to provide more information on the Prime Minister election process over the coming weeks to keep the nation informed.

Appeal over acting Chief Justice appointment in Tonga falls flat

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Nuku’alofa (RNZ): A prominent lawyer in Tonga says a petition to King Tupou VI over his controversial appointment of Lord Afeaki as acting Chief Justice appears to have come to nothing.

Afeaki was appointed as acting Chief Justice to cover for Michael Whitten who is on four months leave overseas.

Lord Afeaki - who is not a judge - is the chair of

the judicial appointments panel which gave him the job.

A number of senior lawyers, including Clive Edwards, raised concerns about the appointment.

Edwards told RNZ they didn’t have any concerns about Afeaki himself, but rather the selection process.

“The normal procedure in the past is that while the CJ is away on leave the senior judge - puisne

judge - becomes acting CJ. “But in this case it was brought from outside by one of the panel, and we do not believe that the panel should be promoted to the rank of a judge, in preference to the senior judge in the court.”

Afeaki has been sitting in the Supreme Court and Edwards said that with no response from the king the matter seemed to have now run its course.

Thursday 25th November 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

UNCDF’s First-ever Tonga Country Coordinator on making Finance Work for Pacific Islanders Nuku’alofa – (uncdf.org/ Pasifika Weekly): As the UN Capital Development Fund’s (UNCDF) first country coordinator in Tonga, Malieta Inoke is excited to be serving as an international civil servant in her home country.

Ms. Inoke joined the UNCDF in May this year and saw her new role as not only a “fresh challenge,” but an opportunity to empower all Tongans.

“I aspire to use education and financial literacy to empower women and youth get themselves out of poverty and to enhance the standard of living in the Pacific Islands,” the 32-year-old said.

Ms. Inoke will be coordinating UNCDF activities in Tonga under the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP), which is jointly administered with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

She will also be working on a new European Union-funded programme titled ‘Leveraging digital finance to increase the resilience of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.’

She comes from an accounting, commerce, and information systems background and also briefly taught computer studies to Year 12 and 13 students early in her career.

Before joining the UNCDF, Ms Inoke spent five years at the National Reserve Bank of Tonga from 2013-2018, in two positions, one within the financial markets and exchange control division and the other with the Bank’s financial inclusion division.

In 2019, Ms. Inoke won a prestigious Australian Awards Scholarship to study a Master’s in Professional Accounting at the Australian National University in Canberra, fully funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Australia is also a key donor of UNCDF

programmes in the region and has long been a key development partner to Pacific governments.

Many Pacific Island leaders have studied through the Australian Awards programme.

In Canberra, Ms Inoke joined the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), which was the most enriching part of the experience and shaped her views on development.

It made her more passionate about supporting marginalized groups, such as women and youth, as well as promoting MSME-driven growth.

During the programme, Ms Inoke was paired with Rebecca Worner, the senior adviser to the then Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Alex Hawke.

“I think the Women’s Leadership Initiative was the turning point in my career,” she said.

“You don’t need a designation, position or a title to influence those around you. If you believe in yourself and stand for what you believe in, you automatically influence those around you.”

Besides accounting and finance, Ms Inoke is also an avid reader of novels and has future political

aspirations.

In fact, her love for reading helped her enter the financial inclusion space.

“The reserve bank’s Deputy Governor noticed my interest in reading.

She told me that there would be a lot of materials to read in the financial inclusion division, and I haven’t looked back ever since.”

The UNCDF has already begun the foundational work on new programmes to be implemented in Tonga and the region, with the broad aim of fostering inclusive digital economies.

The new initiatives will connect individuals, households, and small businesses with the formal financial system to promote economic growth and reduce poverty.

With support from Australia and the EU, UNCDF aims to achieve key policy reforms that support digital transformation and the development of financial services tailored to the specific needs of Pacific Islanders.

Ms Inoke is familiar with this work through her time with the Reserve Bank of Tonga’s financial inclusion division and the UNCDF’s flagship Pacific

Financial Inclusion Programme, which ended in June 2021.

“I’ve realized that my purpose in life is to take the road less travelled, set

an example and hopefully inspire my fellow country women and men to chart a course for a more glorious and prosperous Tonga,” she added.

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Thursday 25th November 2021

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EDITORIAL

Nuku’alofa Times Cartoon

Pick the right man for PM The people of Tonga have spoken through their votes on November 18.

New faces were elected from across the 17 constituencies with only a handful retaining their seats.

Now, as the country awaits the naming of the Prime Minister and government, the 17 Peoples’ reps and 9 Nobles’ reps owe it to the people to elect the right person for the post.

His Majesty King Tupou VI urged people to elect wisely.

People did.

Now it is time for the Members of Parliament to put Tonga first and elect the best man for the top job.

Tonga is at the crossroads right now and needs a leader with vision taking the country forward.

Horse trading that has been the norm needs to change and take into consideration what is best for Tonga.

Too many times the election of PM has been on personal agendas and exchange of positions.

Just because someone wanted to be PM. What the MPs need to do now is elect the right person.

Do not just elect someone because you want to become a Minister.

Elect someone who will ensure that we move forward as a nation across the board.

Elect someone who will help navigate Tonga through the challenges we currently face.

The people deserve the best.

MPs owe it to the taxpayers of this country who are paying them to be in Parliament anyway.

It is critical for Tonga.

The people will not have it any other way!!

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

HORSE-TRADING, EXPECTED BUT UNDESIRED

from page 03

It is one of the advantages of establishing a political party and be elected as a majority. It reduces the possibility of having to “trade horses”. Looking back, that was the case in the 2017 election. That has been the first and only election since 2010 where no “horse-trading” occurred.

Now, we have no choice but to wait for the “horsetrading” exercise to conclude and it is not as simple as one might think.

The complex “HorseTrading” exercise We have 17 representatives who on their own, are the necessary majority to form a new Government. We have 14 of which campaigned as Independents and 3 under the PTOA party.

The 14 Independents could easily be the majority.

Amongst them 14, we have the Tongatapu-10 representative and current Prime Minister, Hon Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa. He obviously wants to be Prime Minister again. The most easiest and shortest path forward during this exercise is for Tu’i’onetoa to be supported by the rest of his fellow Independents.

But we also have the Tongatapu-3 representative, Hon Hu’akavameiliku (a.k.a Siaosi Sovaleni), an Independent who is more favoured by many to be the next Prime Minister instead. So that complicates things further and arguably for the best.

Prior to the election, there have been rumours that Hon Samiu Vaipulu would be a candidate also for Prime Minister if given the proper support. At this point, anything can happen.

There are different key players here.

Firstly are the representatives who obviously would qualify as Ministers on certain Departments.

For instance, Hon Tatafu Moeaki for Labour, Hon ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi for Education, Hon Poasi Tei for MEIDECC, etc. Who these representatives would vote for matters.

Other players to keep in mind, are the representatives who were Ministers under the previous Tu’i’onetoaled government but could likely be replaced. They may include Niua-17 representative Vātau Hui, Lord Tu’ilakepa, etc. The odds are against them, but they have tasted power and the temptation to hang on can be very strong.

Letting go won’t be a walk in the park. They are just humans after all and will

nonetheless play their cards as well.

Not forgetting, we have the most influential minority in Parliament, the 9 votes of the Noble’s representatives.

Many are of the opinion that Hon Hu’akavameiliku has more chances in securing the most votes, if not all from the Noble’s representatives. If that is the case, he would only need 4 more votes from the people’s representatives.

Hon Tu’i’onetoa on the other hand could offer Lord Tu’ilakepa and Lord Nuku ministerial positions in Cabinet should they vote for him. However, it is our experience that the Noble’s representatives have always stood in unity whoever they

voted for. If some of them support Sovaleni, it is very likely that all of them will.

Horse-trading is a complex exercise to be done in a very short period. It goes into determining who will stand for Prime Minister and who will actually have a chance as being one.The complexity often sheds light on the kind of individuals we have elected to Parliament. It will reveal the “power-hungry” wolves who are wearing sheep’s clothing. These are the ones that would compromise just about anything and everything in order to attain new powers, or to hang on to current ones.

Best of luck to all the horses and the traders.

Thursday 25th November 2021

Employees Values

by ALFRED TORA Alfred Tuikoro Tora is Associate 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.

Utah (NUKU’ALOFA TIMES): One of the most important insights that we have today, in my humble opinion, about the business world is the value that employees have to give to the organizations.

I believe that Pacific island organizations need to work extra hard in this area to stay competitive in the local and regional environment and Strategic Human Resources professionals play a pivotal role here. With the limited talent pool and the risks of losing the best and brightest to poaching and brain drain, HR needs to take a page out of any great rugby coach’s handbook and remember that it isn’t the team that has the most number of stars in the team that wins; it’s the team that has players that are in the right positions and know what to do in those positions that win games.

Most of us believe that HR should only focus on the standard issues of the organization such as hiring and firing, and though those are core functions, there is more that HR can offer in our quest to build competitive organizations.

The simplest and “easieston-the-pockets” way to do this is to change our mindset and policies from being reactive to problems that we encounter along the way, to developing our Strategic Human Resources Management capabilities.

So how exactly does SHRM help with any of this? IBM reportedly found that by using proactive approaches, like developing better

retention strategies, the company saved up to $300 million that would have otherwise gone towards hiring and training.

Here are three proactive strategies that anyone from the “one-man-band” start-up founder that handles everything in the company, to the HR specialist that’s looking for “low-budget=high reward” ways to transform the organization, can implement in their daily business activities to get those gains.

Create a strong communication environment If there’s one thing that I’ve seen to be consistent throughout the vastly different fields I worked in, it’s that overcommunication is such an underrated way of improving productivity!

It isn’t enough to send an organization-wide email once and expect everyone to have read it. Follow up with notices and reminders during meetings!

Startups can really benefit from this approach and it would be easier to initiate because of their size.

Constant communication allows everyone to understand their importance in meeting goals as well as having strategic alignment throughout the organization.

Of course this strategy works for organizations of any size and is especially effective for companies that do not have constant direct contact with the organization’s leaders.

An important aspect of

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OPINION COLUMN

this strategy is for there to be a two-way channel that exists between the team on the ground and those making decisions above.

Having constant feedback by those on the frontline brings valuable insight into how to improve processes and this is so important in creating what the business world calls strategic advantage.

Building a strong communication strategy promotes motivation, transparency, and innovation! Things that any business needs to thrive competitively Design effective development/training programs Having great development and training programs in place is such an amazing strategy to have in any company! The necessity in having these programs is multi-fold in that it definitely increases psychological aspects such as motivation, organizational citizenship behaviour, loyalty and satisfaction; while also ensuring that employees are equipped with updated skills required in their current or future roles.

These programs can come in forms of simple cross-training initiatives that allow employees to learn about roles they are interested in and gain training in these roles. There can also be mentorship programs that allow seasoned veterans and knowledgeable personnel to give personal guidance to new employees.

There are those that assume that having an effective development program means a huge hole in the budget, and this does not necessarily need to be the case. All that the basic “stripped to the bare bones” program needs is to: 1. Have clear observable learning objectives that can be measured.

2.

Understand what the best learning style would be ie. Auditory learners, Visual learners, kinesthetic learners.

3. Decide the delivery mode based on the objectives.

Such as Mentoring, job shadowing, and job swapping to name

a few.

4. Measure the outcomes and analyze effectiveness and implement changes if needed.

Improving employee satisfaction Just like I mentioned in the beginning, employees are probably the most critical component that an organization could have!

Ensuring that they are satisfied within their roles in the company is such a multiplier to the overall productivity, morale, loyalty and motivation.

It doesn’t take much on the part of the leader to actually do this.

Communication plays a big role here as well.

When employees feel that they are in an environment that promotes open

communication they tend to have positive work experiences. Though this seems obvious, reports show that large companies still have trouble in this area.

Being proactive on a budget in this aspect would be paying attention to small details in the workplace that provides a positive environment as a whole. Things like ensuring that the office has adequate lighting and a comfortable temperature, cutting down on unnecessarily long meetings, and having a clean clean break room/ kitchen does wonders to worker satisfaction!

Get after it!

Transforming your HR strategies from reactive

to more proactive approaches has been shown to have positive results in productivity for the organization.

It may seem like an overwhelming task that costs thousands of dollars and requires teams of HR professionals to lead the overhaul. In many cases, this isn’t the case!

These three strategies are great first steps to take and it doesn’t have to stop there. Every organization has unique circumstances that would dictate what other strategies to implement. Continuous improvements are the way top organizations remain ahead of the competition.

What do you think about these strategies? Are there other strategies that you think could help? Which do you refer: Reactive HR vs Proactive HR? -Why SHRM is important in the pacific organizations - SHRM and Proactive approach in PIO - 3 ways HR can be proactive - approaches that can be used in any type of organization.

-conclude: Any ideas from SME HR that can help?

Thursday 25th November 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 08

Law week focuses on social media and the law Nuku’alofa (Nuku’alofa Times): The Law Week, currently being held in Tonga this week, is focused on promoting the ‘Social Media and Law’ theme to members of the community.

The Attorney General’s Office launched the Open Day of the ‘LAW WEEK’ at the Digicel Square in Nuku’alofa Monday morning.

The public were invited to the occasion attended

by Guest of Honors, the Attorney General, Mrs Linda Folaumoetu’i and Hon Poasi Tei, the Minister for MEIDECC. The theme for AGO Law Week 2021 is “SOCIAL MEDIA & THE LAW”.

Hon Tei said the objective of Ago Law Week 2021 is to inform the public of the legislation and regulations that is applicable to social media that address the use of any communication

platform to abuse, harass or harm a person, especially on social media.

Television and Radio programs have been arranged by the Attorney General’s Office, Tonga Police and CERT Tonga, which will share information on the legislation and what it means.

Radio programs will be aired on 87.5FM and 88.6FM. A special play was performed by the Fili Tonu group showing the consequences that we will get on abusing others on social media.

Mrs Folaumoetu’I thanked all those who turned up at the launch.

Prisons’ chaplain Rev Semisi Kava blessed the event.

The AG’s office organized competitions leading up to the event and prizes given out were:

POSTER COMPETITION 1st – Joshua Siamomua $300 2nd Salote $200

Fukofuka

3rd – Fifita ‘Ovaleni $100

POETRY COMPETITION 1st –Kelepi Pasikala $300 2nd – Sara Mamata $200 3rd Suliana $100

Takai

ESSAY COMPETITION 1st – Pasivulangi Havea $300

Hon Poasi Tei hands out prizes earlier today as AG Ms Linda Folaumoetu’i watches on. Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

2nd – Robert Muller $200 3rd Finau Sitani $100 TIKTOK/ SHORT VIDEO COMPETITION

GROUP A, OCEAN OF LIGHT $200

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Law enforcement officers at the Law Week launch this morning at the Digicel Square in Nuku’alofa. Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

Ombudsman’s Office staff at the Law Week launch earlier this morning. Photo: Nuku’alofa Times

Thursday 25th November 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 09

Protesters burned down Solomon Islands Parliament building and police station

Honiara (THE GUARDIAN): Police in Solomon Islands have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters, who allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store in the nation’s capital of Honiara, amid reports of looting.

The protesters marched on the parliamentary precinct in the east of Honiara, where they allegedly set fire to a leaf hut next to Parliament House where MPs and staffers go to smoke and eat lunch.

“It was quite traumatising for us,” a staff member working at the national parliament said. He said luckily for them the police were able to control the situation, enabling them to leave.

A police station and another building, owned by a Chinese national, were also burned down during the protests.

“We did not expect the crowd to come here,” said a female police officer on duty at the station.

“We were all in our offices when we heard the crowd. We came out to look but they began raining our building with stones. So I shouted to my colleague for us to hide in a room in the station. We were in the room when we started to choke by the smoke of fire. It was then that we realised that they torched the building.”

The protesters were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare step down. Many of the protesters come from Malaita province, the most populous province in the country whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years.

The tensions between the provincial and national government intensified in 2019 when Sogavare announced that Solomon

Islands would switch its diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, to the chagrin of Malaita premier Daniel Suidani.

Speaking to the Guardian from Auki, the capital of Malaita, Suidani said the protests – which he was not present at – happened as a result of the government not listening to the people or engaging with their concerns on a range of issues, including infrastructure projects and the China-Taiwan switch.

“In my view, whatever the government wants the people to know, they must stand and tell them. They cannot run away from problems. It will not solve anything”, Suidani says.

Alpheous Nori, an elder from East Are’are in Malaita who attended the protests but was not involved in the violence, says the situation got out of hand because the national leaders did not listen to the people.

“It is time for the country to rebuild, reconstruct, revamp or redirect as the people have now spoken,” Nori said.

Police were deployed in full riot gear and used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters.

They were able to stop some arson attempts in Chinatown, but some shops were looted.

The Royal Solomon Islands Force issued a statement on Wednesday evening call on “all citizens of Solomon Islands especially those in Honiara to remain calm and refrain from taking any illegal action following today’s protest that did not turn out to be peaceful.” They urged people to return to their homes if they did not have “urgent business” in the centre of the city.

The prime minister announced a lockdown in the capital from 7pm Wednesday until 7am Friday.

Smoke and flames appear from the Parliament compound in the CBD of Honiara, Solomon Islands Photograph: Chris Teva@Twitter

The police station in Honiara, Solomon Islands was burned down during protests in the capital. Photograph: Georgina Kekea

Thursday 25th November 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 10

High Court convicts Prime Fiji Ltd of corruption-related offences Suva (FIJITIMES): Prime Fiji Limited has been convicted of one count of forgery and one count of using a forged document under the Crimes Act. This was after the High Court in Suva overturned the judgement of the Magistrate’s Court acquitting Prime Fiji Limited against corruptionrelated charges brought against the company.

The company was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in 2016 with one count of forgery and one count of using a forged document.

It was alleged that Prime Fiji Limited had submitted a falsified Performance Security of Westpac Banking Corporation amounting to $351,865 for the street light renewals with the intent to dishonestly induce Fiji Roads Authority in their capacity as public officials to accept it as genuine and to dishonestly influence the exercise of their functions.

Furthermore, FICAC filed an appeal against the judgement delivered in the Magistrate’s Court on

Mass vaccination spread over three Wednesdays, $100 offered

February 20, 2020, that had acquitted Prime Fiji Limited of both counts.

In his judgement yesterday, Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena said: “I am of the opinion that the learned magistrate erred when she decided that actual acceptance of the false document was necessary for the second count to be proven.”

“I have considered whether there is evidence adduced to prove the above-discussed fault elements of the offence.

“There is ample evidence to show that Shane Halliday instructed his

staff to forward the false document knowing very well that no such bank guarantee was provided by the bank to fulfill the precontract requirements of the Fiji Roads Authority.

“Undoubtedly, the evidence suggests that the only intention of the respondent company was for the Fiji Roads Authority officials to accept the said document as genuine and to influence the exercise of a public duty or function if the false document was so accepted.

“I am satisfied that the evidence adduced in this case proves the two fault

elements in limb (a) and (b) of Section 157(1) beyond reasonable doubt.

For the foregoing reasons, I am of the view that the findings of the learned Magistrate in respect of the fault elements are misconceived. The appeal is allowed.

“I decide to quash the order of the learned Magistrate and set aside the acquittal in respect of the two counts.

“Accordingly, the respondent is found guilty for both counts and I enter convictions in respect of the first count and the second count.”

Cook Islands’ quarantine-free travel

Avarua :NZHERALD): Quarantine-free travel is set to resume between New Zealand and the Cook Islands from 14 January, next year.

On Friday prime minister Mark Brown said the decision was based on “high-level advice from the Government’s Border Easement Taskforce and data modelling experts in

New Zealand.”

However, they are insisting all leisure visitors are double vaccinated and provide a negative covid test.

“I am very pleased to announce that when we welcome the new year together we can also look forward to celebrating the opening of our borders with two-way quarantine

free travel from New Zealand.”

Quarantine free travel is set to resume to the Cook Islands from 14 January (13 January Cook Islands Time), next year.

The Cook Islands tourism board welcomed the move saying they were “absolutely delighted.”

“We were open for just three months from May

to August this year until the current Delta outbreak in New Zealand meant that the border had to be closed,” said Graeme West, chief executive of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

The two-way bubble is still dependent on what regional travel restrictions are in place at the beginning of next year.

New Zealanders in the Cook Islands can currently travel back to New Zealand quarantine free, although this is complicated by Auckland’s regional alert levels. You can currently travel through Auckland Airport to get home, providing travellers carry evidence of why they are travelling, eg. proof of address.

Pagopango (TALANEI): American Samoa’s COVID Mass Vaccination is now being planned for the first three Wednesdays of December and the primary targets are the schools and villages.

ASG and the private sector will not shutdown as originally planned, and the majority of the vaccine sites will be at schools and church halls in areas that village mayors have identified would be easily accessible by residents.

The new dates for the mass vaccination drive are: Wednesday Dec. 1st, 2021 for the central district (Ituau – Aitulagi); Wednesday Dec. 8th for the western district (Tualauta – Alataua); Wednesday Dec. 15th for the eastern district (Vaifanua – Maoputasi); A $100 cash incentive will be available for each person getting the shot during the territory’s Mass Vaccination program but the only ones eligible are those getting the first or 2nd shots.

Those getting the booster shots and ASG employees are not eligible.

The new plan – which was revealed during the meeting of the COVID Task Force on Monday – was presented to the Governor, Lt Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House early Monday.

It takes into account concerns raised by the private sector and input from Task Force members –– particularly the Department of Education, Office of Samoan Affairs and lawmakers.

DOH’s Dr. Francine Amoa, who oversees the vaccination campaign effort, said the COVID vaccination coverage areas show that more attention is needed in the central districts – where schools with high enrollment are also located.

“What we’re going to do is…hit the schools week by week. Invite parents to the schools, have them come in and sign [their child’s] consent form there and be with their child when the child gets the vaccine,” said Dr. Amoa. “We want to tackle the schools before they break for the holidays.”

A total of 10 vaccination sites will be opened in each district on the day of their mass vaccination. While village mayors have identified vaccination sites for their villagers, individuals or family members who live nearby a school where a vaccination site is established can also get the shot at that school.

Thursday 25th November 2021

www.nukualofatimes.to

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 11

YOUTH

MORAL STORY OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK’S TOP 10 SONGS

Count Wisely

Easy Pineapple Cake

1. Industry Baby - Jack H 2. All Too Well - Taylor Swift 3. Stay - Justin Bierber2020 4. Montero - Lil Nas 5. Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran 6. Shivers - Ed Sheeran 7. Good 4 U - Olivia R 8. Heat Waves - Glass Animals 9. Love Nwantiti - Ckay 10. Beggin - Maneskin open.spotify.com

One day, king Akbar asked a question in his court that left everyone in the courtroom puzzled. As they all tried to figure out the answer, Birbal walked in and asked what the matter was. They repeated the question to him.

The question was, “How many crows are there in the city?”

THIS WEEK’S TOP 10 MOVIES 1. Ghostbusters 2. Enternals 3. Clifford and the Big Red Dog 4. King Richard 5. Dune 6. Venom: Let there be Carnage 7. No Time to Die 8. The French Dispatch 9. Belfast 10. Ron’s Gone Wrong boxofficemojo.com

Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese ½ cup butter 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Birbal immediately smiled and went up to Akbar. He announced the answer; he said there were twenty-one thousand, five hundred and twenty-three crows in the city. When asked how he knew the answer, Birbal replied, “Ask your men to count the number of crows.

If there are more, then the relatives of the crows must be visiting them from nearby cities. If there are fewer, then the crows from our city must be visiting their relatives who live outside the city.” Pleased with the answer, Akbar presented Birbal with a ruby and pearl chain.

DirectionsInstructions Checklist

Moral of the Story Having an explanation for your answer is just as important as having an answer.

Step 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease a 9x13 baking dish.

Step 2 In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and baking soda. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, vanilla and crushed pineapple, with liquid from can. Mix well to blend.

S

Step 3 Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean.

Step 4 To make the frosting: in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, confectioners sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Beat until creamy.

Spread on warm cake.

Youth Weekly Horoscope ARIES (21Mar-19Apr)

“I am powerful when I am flexible.”

LIBRA (23Sep-22Oct)

“Vacation is a mindset.”

GEMINI (21May-21Jun)

CANCER (22Jun-22Jul)

LEO (23Jul-22Aug)

“I get what I want.”

“My choices are for both of us.”

“I can do it all.”

“I’m the one who writes my story.”

SCORPIO (23Oct-21Nov)

SAGITTARIUS (22Nov-21Dec)

CAPRICORN (22Dec-19Jan)

AQUARIUS 20Jan-18Feb)

“Money is attracted to me.”

“I bring joy wherever I go.”

“What I don’t say is as powerful as what I do say.”

“I create my own ideal world.”

TAURUS (20Apr-20May)

VIRGO (23Aug-22Sep)

“Home is whatever I choose it to be.”

PISCES (19Feb-20Mar)

“Rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement!”

Thursday 25th November 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 12

ENTERTAINMENT

Dwayne Johnson wants to be the next James Bond H o l l y w o o d ( YA H O O ) : F o l l o w i n g Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in the film “No Time to Die,” Dwayne Johnson is throwing his name in the hat to be the next 007.

This comes as several names -- including Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Regé-Jean Page -- have been tossed around as possible replacements for the role.

Johnson told Esquire that he already has a connection to the franchise, noting that his grandfather, Peter Maivia, played a Bond villain in 1967’s “You Only Live Twice” opposite Sean Connery, who played the iconic spy. However, the former WWE star is setting his sights a little higher, declaring, “I would like to follow in his footsteps and be the next Bond. I don’t

want to be a villain. You gotta be Bond.”

Meanwhile, Johnson is one of the busiest people in Hollywood and has a number of film projects already in the works.

He stars in the upcoming superhero film “Black Adam,” due out next summer on July 29. A few of his other upcoming projects, including “The King” and “San Andreas 2.”

China’s Top Movie Ever Is War Epic About U.S. Defeat

Ridley Scott blames Millennials for ‘The Last Duel’ flopping at box office

Bloomberg (MSN): -Forget James Bond’s gadgets, the super cars of “Fast and Furious” or “Dune”’s stunning landscapes - when it comes to box office smash hits, China’s Communist Party has nailed it this year.

“The Battle at Lake Changjin,” a 176-minute epic starring Chinese actor Wu Jing, isn’t only the highest grossing film worldwide so far in 2021 but has become China’s biggest film ever -- toppling 2017’s “Wolf Warrior 2,” which also stars Wu -- according to

ticketing platform Maoyan Entertainment. The movie was commissioned by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China, otherwise known as the propaganda department.

The film tells the story of how People’s Volunteer Army (PVA) troops entered North Korea and valiantly defeated the Americans mid-last century. Since its September 30 release during China’s National Day, it has raked in a hefty $891 million, including presale tickets, according to Maoyan.

The movie’s release came after years of heightened tensions between the U.S. and China amid a protracted trade war and questions about Beijing’s early handling of Covid-19, with mainland borders remaining all but shut to outsiders amid pandemic restrictions.

And if one heroic defeat of the U.S. wasn’t enough, Variety reported that a sequel is already underway, entitled “Water Gate Bridge,” which continues the story of the PVA’s campaign to drive American troops out of North Korea.

Hollywood (NEWS. COM.AU): Ridley Scott’s latest film, ‘The Last Duel’ flopped in the box office.

Apparently, he blames the failure on Millennials and their phones.

Millennials are pretty much the fall guy for, well, everything in modern society, even and especially when it makes no sense. For example, when your latest movie flops at the box office — just blame Millennials.

This is exactly what Ridley Scott did in response to his latest film, The Last Duel, being somewhat of a failure at the box office. n case you missed it, the film is set in Medieval times and revolves around a respected knight (Matt Damon) duelling with a squire (Adam Driver) who

is accused of raping his wife (Jodie Comer). Oh yeah, and that plot takes up two-and-a-half hours.

The film had a budget of more than $100 million, and has so far only made $20 million. Ooft.

Instead of having any kind of self-reflection, or considering that perhaps it’s just that no-one really wants to see a two hour movie about Medieval sex crimes, Scott told Marc Maron’s WTF podcast that in fact, Millennials and their phones are to blame.

“I think what it boils down to — what we’ve got today [are] the audiences who were brought up on these f**king cellphones,” he told Maron. “The millennian [sic] do not ever want to be taught anything unless you’re told it on a cellphone.”

“This is a broad stroke, but … This is a misdirection that has happened where it’s given the wrong kind of confidence to this latest generation, I think.”

I mean, I’m as confused as you are.

For starters, surely learning history from a thorough internet search is more appropriate than a fictional studio film?

Also, did he happen to miss the huge buzz around Netflix’s The Crown (justice for Diana!)?

Or the fact that 2021’s highest grossing film was Korean War story, The Battle at Lake Changjin.

Which yes, means it beat the latest James Bond flick, No Time To Die. But SURE, let’s blame Millennials and their phones.

Thursday 25th November 2021

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SPORTS / ADVERTISEMENT

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Thursday 25th November 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 14

SPORTS

Moana Pasifika confirm final signing to complete inaugural Super Rugby squad Auckland (Rugbypass): Moana Pasifika’s inaugural Super Rugby Pacific squad has been completed with confirmation of Manawatu wing Tima Fainga’anuku’s signing for the 2022 season.

A former member of the Crusaders and Highlanders, Fainga’anuku has two seasons of Super Rugby experience to his name and has also spent time abroad playing for Perpignan in France’s Top 14 between 2018 and 2019.

Within New Zealand, the 24-year-old brother of Crusaders star Leicester has established himself as a powerful speedster who won two NPC titles with Tasman during his fiveyear spell at the province before linking up with the Turbos this season.

Fainga’anuku was also a world champion with the New Zealand U20 side in 2017 and represented the All Blacks Sevens in 2018.

However, it’s with Tonga where his international ambitions appear to lie as it was announced he would play sevens for his nations of birth at the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament in Monaco earlier this year.

Covid-19 travel restrictions prevented Fainga’anuku from making the switch, though, meaning he remains tied to New Zealand, but his intent on pledging his allegiance to Tonga is promising for the Pacific Island nation.

That much is reflected by his commitment to Moana Pasifika, with their roster now full ahead of the expansion franchise’s debut campaign in the revamped edition of Super Rugby.

Fainga’anuku will compete for places in Moana Pasifika’s outside back trio with the likes of

Tasman speedster Timoci Tavatavanawai, exBrumbies and NRL star Solomone Kata and former Blues and Hurricanes flyer Lolagi Visinia.

Visinia will be accompanied in the Moana Pasifika set-up by midfielder Danny Toala and halfback Jonathan Taumateine, all of whom were members of this year’s Hurricanes squad.

Others in the Moana Pasifika squad who played in this year’s Super Rugby include ex-Crusaders pair Ere Enari and Isi Tuungafasi, former Blues duo Ray Niuia and Luteru

Tolai, ex-Chiefs prop Ezekiel Lindenmuth and former Western Force midfielder Henry Taefu.

None, however, boast the starpower of exWallabies stars Christian Lealiifano and Sekope Kepu.

Lealiifano, a 26test first-five who last played for Australia at the 2019 World Cup, was announced as the franchise’s first-ever signings last month, and joins from the NTT Communications Shining Arcs in Japan.

Next year’s seasonopener between Moana Pasifika and the Brumbies

at Mt Smart Stadium will pit Lealiifano against his former side, who he made 150 appearances for between 2007 and 2019.

The 34-year-old has competition for the No 10 jersey, though, as Hawke’s Bay star Lincoln McClutchie headlines the seven Magpies players in the Moana Pasifika squad due to his status as one of the most promising prospects in New Zealand.

Kepu, meanwhile, is a 110-test veteran of three World Cups who links up with Moana Pasifika from Counties Manukau.

Like Lealiifano, Kepu is no stranger to Super

Tyson Fury Wants Oleksandr Usyk Next For All The Belts L o n d o n ( BO X INGNEWS 2 4 ) Tyson Fury says he’s only interested in two fights against IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua. Apart from those two, Fury says he has NO interest in fighting Dillian Whyte or Joe Joyce.

Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) isn’t likely to face Fury next, unfortunately, because former IBF/WBA/WBO champion Joshua has thus far has said nothing about stepping aside.

Fury is being secretive right now about who he plans on fighting in

February while he waits for the smoke to clear from the Joshua vs. Usyk rematch in March or April.

Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) stated that he has no interest in facing unbeaten Joe Joyce for his next fight in February. Whether Fury is serious about not being interested in taking the fight

against #2 WBO, #3 WBC Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) is unknown.

British boxing fans want to see Fury defend against his WBC mandatory Dillian ‘The Body Snatcher’ Whyte next. Still, that fight can’t happen due to the arbitration cause Dillian has with the sanctioning

body.

AJ has already activated his rematch clause to enforce the second clash with Usyk, and his promoter Eddie Hearn is backing him with his decision.

Fury potentially has other excellent options to defend his WBC title against for February.

Former champion Andy Ruiz Jr. would be an outstanding opponent for Fury’s next fight.

“I want to fight Usyk for all the belts, and that’s it really, and then they can fight the winner. Then that’s it, I’m done,” said Fury to Boxing Social.

It’s pointless for Fury to

be talking of wanting to fight Usyk because he’s tied up with the Joshua rematch, and there’s no telling whether he’ll win that fight.

The 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joyce would be the perfect opponent for Fury, but the two are friends, which might be one reason why Tyson isn’t excited about that match-up. Again, Andy Ruiz Jr. would be perfect for Fury if he wanted to get an opponent that would resonate in the U.S and the UK. Ruiz is coming off a win over Chris Arreola last May, and he’s eager to fight for a world title again.

Rugby, after having made 141 appearances for the Waratahs, with whom he won the 2014 title.

Other notable inclusions in the Moana Pasifika squad include former Blues and Chiefs powerhouse Levi Aumua, Manu Samoa stalwart Jack Lam and ex-Western Force loose forward Henry Stowers.

All in all, the squad features nine Manu Samoa players, five ‘Ikale Tahi representatives, two former Wallabies and a Hong Kong international in the form of prop Tau Koloamatangi.

The squad, which will be led by head coach Aaron Mauger and his assistant Filo Tiatia, also has players of Fijian, Cook Island, Niuean and Maori heritage.

Moana Pasifika will kickoff its 2022 campaign against the Brumbies at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on February 18.

2022 Moana Pasifika squad Hookers: Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai Props: Sekope Kepu, Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikatoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua Locks: Don Lolo, Mike McKee, Veikoso Poliniati, Alex McRobbie Loose Forwards: Henry Stowers, Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga Halfbacks: Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea First-fives: Christian Lealifano, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili Midfield: Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi Outside Backs: Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Solomone Kata, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga’anuku, Anzelo Tuituvuki

Thursday 25th November 2021

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Nuku’alofa Times - Page 15

SPORTS

Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns likely to return on standalone State of Origin weekend Auckland (STUFF): New Zealand will aim to play their first rugby league test on home soil in more than two years in 2022 with the Kiwis eyeing a homecoming during the standalone State of Origin weekend.

Michael Maguire’s team, who are the world’s No. 1 ranked side, have not played a test since defeating Great Britain in Christchurch in 2019.

No tests were announced for New Zealand or Australia when the NRL unveiled the draw for the 2022 season earlier this month with a rescheduled World Cup in England set to take place at the end of next year.

NZRL chief executive Greg Peters is hopeful the Kiwis would be able to return to New Zealand for a mid-season double header involving the women’s team, the Kiwi Ferns.

“We’re really keen to play more test matches on New Zealand soil in front of our own fans which hadn’t been happening up until 2018,” Peters told AAP. “That’s been curtailed

by Covid-19 and the challenge now is to rebuild that.

“We want to play men’s and women’s tests on the weekend of the 25 and 26 June.

“We’ve got to look at New Zealand’s border situation because there’s been a lot of uncertainty for the last two years.”

No opponent is officially locked in but it is understood New Zealand’s preference is to face Tonga in a test match.

The rivalry between the two nations ignited at the 2017 World Cup when Jason Taumalolo and David Fusitu’a switched allegiances to the Pacific nation.

Tonga then beat the Kiwis in the group stages of that tournament and have since defeated Australia and Great Britain.

Peters was also confident of arranging pre-World

Joey Manu scores for the Kiwis against Mate Ma’a Tonga back in 2019 Cup tests for a Kiwis side involving players not featuring deep into the NRL’s 2022 finals series.

The Kiwis face Lebanon in their first group game in Warrington on October 16 with the NRL grand final just two weeks earlier on October 2.

“If we’ve got a good chunk of guys in the NRL grand final then they will have to leave early the following week,” Peters said.

“They’ll be dealing with jetlag and getting adjusted ahead of the first game.

“So the window for us (to play a warm-up) is very short.

“We’re considering other options for the players who don’t play a role in the finals.

“It’s a possibility (to play an A team game in Australia) or leave in two tranches and play a game in the UK.”

Rugby League World Cup 2021 postponed tournament confirmed (Men’s World Cup fixtures) Saturday, October 15: England vs Samoa (St James’ Park, 2.30pm), Australia vs Fiji (Headingley, 7.30pm).

Sunday, October 16: Scotland vs Italy (Kingston Park, 2.30pm), Jamaica vs Ireland (Headingley, 5pm), New Zealand vs Lebanon (Halliwell Jones Stadium, 7.30pm).

Monday, October 17: France vs Greece (Keepmoat Stadium, 7.30pm).

Tuesday, October 18: Tonga vs Papua New Guinea (Totally Wicked Stadium, 7.30pm).

Wednesday, October 19: Wales vs Cook Islands (Leigh Sports Village, 7.30pm).

Friday, October 21: Australia vs Scotland (Coventry Building Society Arena, 7.30pm).

Saturday, October 22: Fiji vs Italy (Kingston Park, 2.30pm), England vs France (University of Bolton Stadium, 5pm), New Zealand vs Jamaica (MKM Stadium, 7.30pm).

Sunday, October 23: Lebanon vs Ireland (Leigh Sports Village, 2.30pm), Samoa vs Greece (Keepmoat Stadium, 5pm), Tonga vs Wales (Totally Wicked Stadium, 7.30pm).

Tuesday, October 25: Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands (Halliwell Jones Stadium, 7.30pm).

Friday, October 28: New Zealand vs Ireland (Headingley, 7.30pm).

Saturday, October 29: England vs Greece (Bramall Lane, 2.30pm), Fiji vs Scotland (Kingston Park, 5pm), Australia vs Italy (Totally Wicked Stadium, 7.30pm).

Sunday, October 30: Lebanon vs Jamaica (Leigh Sports Village, 12pm), Tonga vs Cook Islands (Riverside Stadium, 2.30pm), Samoa vs France (Halliwell Jones Stadium, 5pm).

Monday, October 31: Papua New Guinea vs Wales (Keepmoat Stadium 7.30pm).

Thursday 25th November 2021

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SPORTS

Awesome and massive news as World Rugby okays eligibility rule Charles Piutau and Israel Folau could both return for Tonga

Israel Folau

BY ILIESA TORA Nuku’alofa (Nuku’alofa Times): Awesome and massive news.

These were initial reactions from two well known Tongan rugby personalities following World Rugby’s approval of player eligibility rules that will now allow international player transfer from one union to another, during a meeting in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.

“Its very good news.

Oceania Rugby have been a very big help on this,” Tonga Rugby Union Board member ‘Aisea Aholelei said.

“The united front from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific nations have been huge. It’s a step in the right direction but it is up to the unions to utilize the opportunity for the betterment of their respective teams.”

Former Ikale Tahi captain Inoke Afeaki said the ruling was massive.

“Massive thank you to all the Stakeholders that helped push this eligiblity change, and for World Rugby for listening and acting,” he said in his Facebook page.

Star players like former All Blacks Charles Piutau and former Wallaby Israel Folau can now both play for Tonga, as both would have met the three year stand-down rule.

That would augur well with the Ikale Tahi’s campaign at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, if they beat Hong Kong in the qualifiers next year.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said the approval of this landmark regulatory change is the culmination of detailed and widespread modelling and consultation across the game.

“We have listened to our membership and players and sought to update the regulation recognising the modern professional rugby environment without compromising the integrity of the international game,” he said.

“Any player who wishes to transfer will need to have a close and credible link to their new union, namely birth right or parent or grandparent birth right while meeting strong criteria, including a 36 month stand down period.

“We believe that this is the fairest way to implement

Nuku’alofa Times - Page 16

progressive change that puts players first while also having the potential to support a growing, increasingly competitive international men’s and women’s game.”

World Rugby ViceChairman Bernard Laporte added that World Rugby has listened and acted.

“We have listened to our membership and honoured our pledge to undertake wide-ranging review of this important regulation,” he said.

“We have consulted, sought feedback from our unions, regions and most importantly to players’ representatives, before making a recommendation to the Council. This change to how international rugby operates will provide transformational opportunities to players with dual backgrounds, providing they meet the key criteria sets out in the Regulation 8.”

The World Rugby Council approved an amendment to the sport’s regulations governing national team representation that will now permit an international player to transfer once from one union to another, subject to demonstrating a close and credible link to that union via birth right.

From 1 January 2022, in order to transfer from one union to another under the revised Regulation 8 (eligibility), a player will need to achieve the below criteria:

transfer or have a parent or grandparent born in that country.

• Under the revised Regulation 8 criteria, a player may only change union once and each case will be subject to approval by the World Rugby Regulations Committee to preserve integrity.

After 1 January 2022, any player who meets the above criteria can apply immediately for a transfer.

The Regulation 8 revisions will also align the “age of majority” across Fifteens and Sevens. All players will now be ‘captured’ at 18 years of age to simplify the Regulation and improve Union understanding and compliance.

That means any player that plays for a national Under-18 team rather than his or her own country will also be governed by the new rule.

Approval of the amended regulation follows requests by emerging nations and a subsequent wide-ranging consultation process with member unions, regions and International Rugby Players examining the possibility of amending the principle within Regulation that stipulates that a player may only represent one union at international level, save for specific circumstances relating to participation in the Olympic Games.

• The player must standdown from international rugby for 36 months • The player must either be born in the country to which they wish to

• Simplicity and alignment: transfers are currently permitted in the context of participation in the Olympics in the Sevens game.

This amendment will cre-

Nuku‘alofa

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ate one aligned, simplified process across the game.

• Development of Emerging Nations: the player depth of emerging nations may be improved by permitting players, who have close and credible links to the “Emerging Union” through birth or ancestry, to “return” to those Unions having previously represented another Union.

• Player-focused approach:

the process recognised the modern rugby environment, including global player movement, the current ability to capture players by selecting them on the bench, and the desire of some players to transfer having been selected a limited number of times for one union. It also examined the impact of any change on the integrity of the international competition landscape.

The benefits of the amendment include:

Charles Piutau