Polynesian problems

Tonga

Polynesian problems hit Royal Tongan

TONGA is trying to restore confidence in its national airline after serious disruption to flights caused by the financial problems of partner carrier Polynesian Airlines. Royal Tongan Airlines said last month it was looking for another airline to carry its passengers on key Pacific routes, and also said it wanted its own international aircraft within five years.

Royal Tongan currently does not have its own aircraft, and relies mainly on Polynesian Western Samoa’s national airline to service its routes. Royal Tongan’s name is also carried on the aircraft. Following an ill-fated expansion plan, Polynesian had by May built up debts of As2B million and last month was said by Western Samoa’s chief auditor to be in a “chronic state of insolvency”.

Polynesian’s financial problems have now forced it to hand back two of its three aircraft and to halt services to the United States, plunging its schedules into disarray. These problems are understood to have cost Royal Tongan a considerable drop in revenue On key routes.

“The end result of Polynesian’s problems has been serious disruption and a loss of public confidence in the services offered by Royal Tongan,” general manager Geoff Bowmaker said in a statement. He said he had made clear his concerns to Polynesian. Tonga had had to suspend services to the US, although a review by Polynesian had satisfied him that Royal Tongan could still count on reliable services to Sydney and Auckland. AAP ★ ★ ★

Man wins appeal

against deportation

A FORMER Tongan policeman has won an appeal against deportation from New Zealand, despite having been convicted of indecently assaulting a child last year. Talifolau Maka, 31, of Auckland, was going to be deported by the ministry of immigration as they said by being in New Zealand, Maka was a threat to the public, including his children.

On July 20, 1993 Maka was sentenced to 18 months in jail for indecently assaulting a girl. He served six months and is currently on parole. Maka went to New Zealand in 1986 on a visitor’s permit but remained illegally in the country when the visa expired. He was granted permanent residency in 1989.

In a report made public on August 3, the deportation review tribunal said Maka’s wife was a diabetic and needed regular care. Also the couple’s three children all under five needed their father’s help and parental influence. ★ ★ ★

Squash pumpkin

price worry

SQUASH pumpkin exporters in Tonga are worried that this year’s prices may be lower than expected. Radio Australia reported last month that harvesting was two months away, but Tongan government trade officials say prices would be affected by competition from Vanuatu and New Caledonia. They say the Japanese market, which takes all of Tonga’s exports, will not pay the record prices of last year. Squash pumpkin is Tonga’s top export crop.