Thursday 29 August

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Thursday, August 29, 2013

Mauke petitions against purse seining A PeTITIon begun circulating yesterday on the island of mauke that hopes to persuade Prime minister Henry Puna to stop purse seining in the Cook Islands.

Behind the drive is June and Andrew Hosking, who came up with the idea to draft the petition after discussing the issue of fisheries management with maukean civic leaders.

Addressing the Pm, the petition says, “We, the people of mauke ask that you stop negotiations with the european Union purse seiners and phase out all purse seine ishing within the Cook Islands eeZ”.

In addition, the petition asks for ishing aggregating devices (FADs) to be allowed for use strictly by local small scale ishers, and to review fish prices charged to foreign ishing vessels.

Prices must “relect the true value of this natural resource which we believe to be as valuable, if not more so than oil because when oil runs out we have alternative energy sources, but when the ish run out we cannot make more.”

A review of total allowable catch (TAC) is also called for to ensure ishing “is kept to a sustainable level that will ensure food security for future generations of Cook Islanders.”

As of yesterday afternoon the petition had gathered 60 signatures, roughly 20 per cent of the island’s population.

Currently, the Cook Islands and the european Union are in negotiations for a fisheries partnership agreement (FPA), which EU oficials say includes provisions for four purse seiners with a combined gross tonnage of 6,500 tonnes to fish in the

country’s eeZ. negotiations were conducted between mmR and european oficials last month, and a draft agreement is currently in the hands of cabinet.

Yesterday, June Hosking stressed the petition is not aimed directly at the government or Pm Puna, who is currently the acting minister for marine resources.

“This is not against the government, it’s for sustainability,” said Hosking, who is hoping to gain the support of 80 per cent of the voting population of the island before taking the petition to other islands in the pa enua.

Pm Puna has said recently he intends to consult heavily with the public on the proposed ishing deal, and has also expressed concern that a inalised agreement could have a destabilising effect in the Paciic region.

“This access agreement is not going anywhere anytime soon,” he said.

In order to muster initial local support for the petition, Hosking said she went on television along with mauke mayor George Samuela—a long time fisherman and president of mauke’s Fishing Club.

“He has witnessed irst hand the stock’s decline and reduced sizes of ish caught,” she said.

The petition says many maukeans, in addition to mayor Samuela, are catching smaller ish, and are harder to ind.

“We are also seeing commercial fishing boats not far from our island which concerns us.

Fish are a critical part of our local economy and health as it provides a cheap source of healthy food for us,” reads the petition.

“We don’t need them, they need us,” said Hosking. “Let’s

Pacific flavour

13082606

New Zealand’s celebrated chef Robert Oliver (in white) enjoys Cook Islands cuisine by the lagoon with locals, including Tua Pitman (right). Oliver visited the Cook Islands with the Zoomslide ilm production team earlier this year to ilm part of ‘Real Pasiik’ – a new food show that aims to create long-lasting efects on the way Paciic Island cuisine is viewed by the world. With 70 per cent of food for tourists currently being imported, the show has taken on the lofty goal to turn this on its head so that within ive years, 70 per cent of food is grown locally instead.

Cook Islands prominent in food show with a conscience, page 12

demand a fair payment for our resources and tell them what they can have and how they take it, keeping our Cook Island’s future as the priority.”

The maukean resident also said economic development should not come at the expense

of the environment. “many are aware our oceans are in crisis, the smart ones are taking action to reduce their negative impact. We have the opportunity to lead by example, let’s do it.”

- Emmanuel Samoglou

Hunter cleared on drugs charge A mAn involved in one of the largest seizures of cannabis plants by Cook Islands police has been acquitted on a charge of cannabis cultivation.

Panama man Gene Hunter, 40, maintaining his innocence on the charge since his arrest on September 26 last year, thanked the jury briely after the charge was dismissed.

The verdict was reached by majority vote, with 9 out of 12 jurors voting not guilty after a four hour deliberation.

Despite being free of the cultivation charge, he will be sentenced on Friday for a charge of possession of cannabis.

Hunter had pleaded guilty to a charge of cannabis possession on Tuesday, before his trial for both cannabis possession and cultivation was due to resume.

The High Court then put the possession charge to the side and proceeded to try Hunter on the remaining charge of cannabis cultivation, calling three witnesses to testify.

The trial lasted until late afternoon with prosecution witness acting sergeant John George, and defence witnesses Hunter and his partner Deborah Cox being called to testify.

George and Hunter were crossexamined.

During cross-examination Hunter maintained that he did not know anything about the cannabis plants found by police in a neighbouring section. He also claimed that a path leading into the section was made by police and that there were other entry points into the section, including a hole made through scrub, that police failed to ind.

It was also revealed during cross-examination that Hunter had told different stories about

the discovery of lids belonging to plant pots containing the cannabis plants. The pots were made of cooking oil containers that had their lids removed.

Hunter claimed in a police video interview taken the day he was arrested that he discovered the lids in a bucket on the neighbouring section and brought them over to his property. He said yesterday that his son had found the lids.

Gardening implements such as sacks of mulch, cow manure and makeshift watering cans were also found on Hunter’s property by police, which he described as items he used for his own garden.

The trial came to a conclusion yesterday morning after Justice Colin Doherty, prosecution and defence lawyers made inal submissions addressing the jury.

In his address to the jury Justice Doherty advised them that when deliberating evidence and coming to a conclusion to be impartial and focus only on the evidence brought forward during the trial.

In September last year police searched Hunter’s property and found up to 62 makeshift pots containing cannabis plants on an unoccupied property behind his house and implements used in plant growing in his back yard. Dried cannabis was also found inside Hunter’s house.

He was arrested and initially charged with cannabis possession, cultivation and possession for supply.

The possession for supply charge was dropped due to late submission of documents.

The maximum penalty for cannabis cultivation is 20 years imprisonment.

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Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

You must eat your broccoli Eating lots of broccoli may slow down and even prevent osteoarthritis, UK researchers believe. the University of East anglia team is starting human trials following on from successful lab studies. tests on cells and rats showed that a broccoli compound – which humans can also get from Brussels sprouts and cabbage – blocked a key destructive enzyme that damages cartilage. they are asking 20 patients to eat a daily dose of “supercharged” broccoli. the volunteers will have two weeks on the diet before going under the knife to have their badly arthritic knees repaired.

US poised for attack US ready to launch strike as Un fails to pass resolution on action WASHInGTon DC – The US has said its military is ready to launch strikes should President Barack obama order an attack, and allies say they too are ready to act.

The US has not yet released its intelligence report into the alleged chemical attack, but US oficials now say they are certain the Syrian government was behind the incident despite strong denials by the regime.

Un weapons inspectors are set to return to the site of last week’s suspected attack near Damascus last Wednesday.

world BRIeFS HUMAN BRAINS CREATED IN LABORATORY AUSTRIA – Miniature “human brains” have been grown in a laboratory in a feat scientists hope will transform the understanding of neurological disorders. The pea-sized structures reached the same level of development as in a nine-week-old foetus, but are incapable of thought. The study, published in the journal Nature, has already been used to gain insight into rare diseases. Neuroscientists have described the indings as astounding and fascinating. The human brain is one of the most complicated structures in the universe. Scientists at Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences have now reproduced some of the earliest stages of the organ’s development in the laboratory.

50 YEARS ON FROM KING’S FAMOUS ‘DREAM’ USA – The US is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom, the civil rights rally at which Martin Luther King Jr made his “I have a dream” speech. President Barack Obama is to mark the occasion in Washington Dc with an address from the same spot. Members of the King family and veterans of the march will also be present. Obama has described the 1963 protest as a “seminal event” in American history. The march was considered a catalyst for civil rights reforms in the US. He advocated the use of non-violent tactics such as sit-ins and protest marches, and was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1964. Four years later, his assassination led to rioting in more than 100 US cities.

IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME WATCHED IRAN – Iran has further boosted its capacity for uranium enrichment, according to a report from the UN’s nuclear agency.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Tehran has now installed more than 1,000 advanced centrifuges at its Natanz enrichment plant. The West fears Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons, a claim it denies. The Natanz facility is at the heart of disputes with the UN Security council The report also raised concerns about the Parchin site, a suspected nuclear weapons development facility that investigators have been unable to fully inspect. It also says the IAEA has still not got answers on outstanding issues about Iran’s nuclear programme, “including those related to possible military dimensions”.

The US says it will release its own intelligence report into the incident at Ghouta, a suburb of the capital, in the coming days.

Russia, China and Iran have warned of what moscow called the “catastrophic” consequences of launching an attack on the war-ravaged country, where more than 100,000 people are thought to have died in two years of ighting.

Global stocks plunged and oil prices shot up amid growing concern about an impending attack.

White House spokesman Jay Carney earlier said it would be “fanciful” to think anyone else could be responsible for the chemical attack – saying the Syrian regime remained in control of the country’s chemical arsenal and used the type of rocket that carried the payload used last Wednesday.

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said the US military had “moved assets in place” so all options were available to the president.

President obama is said to have made at least 88 calls to foreign leaders since Wednesday’s suspected attack.

A military campaign of intervention is likely to be limited in scope with missile strikes targeting military sites. It is not expected that ground forces would invade the country.

Syrian Foreign minister Walid muallem demanded evidence that the government had used chemical weapons.

“I challenge all countries who are saying that Syria used chemical weapons to present their evidence to their public opinion,” he said.

He told a news conference that faced with the choice of surrendering or defending itself, Damascus would ight.

- BBC

President Bashar al-Assad warns the United States and Western powers against attacks on Syria as his government continues to deny it used chemical weapons on its own citizens. AFP

Deadlocked on resolution neW YoRK – The permanent

members of the United nations Security Council have held talks on a British resolution that could allow military action in Syria, but the meeting ended with no sign of an imminent vote.

Ambassadors from Russia and China, who iercely oppose any military strike against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, left the closed-door negotiations after about 75 minutes.

The US, British and French envoys carried on their talks but left the Council chamber without making any comment.

The three countries were said to be considering a military strike over the alleged use of chemical weapons.

“Britain presented a text and the Russians repeated the arguments already made by their foreign minister,” said one diplomat.

“The Russians and Chinese

said they would refer the text to their governments. The talks are not over but there is no new meeting planned yet.”

Britain, for its part, wants the Security Council to study indings from a team of chemical weapons inspectors currently in Damascus before backing any military action.

Britain, France and the United States say Assad’s forces carried out a chemical weapon attack in the Damascus suburbs on August 21, reportedly leaving hundreds dead.

The Syrian government, backed by Russia, has blamed opposition rebels.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, US State Department spokeswoman marie Harf acknowledged that the Council was unlikely to agree on any resolution, blaming Russia for the impasse.

“All previous attempts to get the Security Council to act on Syria have been blocked,” she

said, “and we cannot allow diplomatic paralysis to be a shield to the perpetrators of these crimes.” meanwhile, Un chemical weapons experts investigating the attack that killed hundreds of civilians in rebel-held suburbs of Damascus finished a second trip to Ghouta to take samples.

Un Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it would take the inspectors four days to finish gathering evidence, and they would then need time to analyse their indings. meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that US intervention in Syria would be “a disaster for the region”.

“The intervention of supraregional and foreign powers in one country will have no result other than lighting a fire and increase the hatred people have for them,” Khamenei said.

- Al Jazeera

Israel stands ready

BUILDING COLLAPSE DEATH TOLL RISES BRAZIL – Fireighters searching the rubble of a collapsed building in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo have found another body, taking the death toll to eight. A further 26 people were injured when the two-storey factory, under construction in the Sao Mateus neighbourhood, collapsed. Two of the 36 people who are believed to have been working in the building at the time are still unaccounted for. It is not yet clear what may have caused the collapse. According to city oicials, the construction work did not have the necessary permits and two ines had been issued already in relation to the work carried out.

CELEBRITY ODD COUPLE ‘TAKE A BREAK’ USA – Hollywood actors Michael Douglas and catherine Zeta Jones “are taking time apart” after 13 years of marriage, it has been conirmed. The actress’s publicist said the couple had taken the decision in order to “evaluate and work on their marriage”. Douglas, 68, and Welsh-born Zeta Jones, 43, married in 2000 after meeting in France two years earlier. They have two children aged 13 and 10.

The pair have both struggled with health problems in recent years.

Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010, while Zeta Jones has had treatment for bipolar disorder.

Today’s Daily Bread I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, so that I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army; and the egyptians shall know that I am the Lord. And they did so.

Matthew Read: Read: Exodus 14:1-14 7:21-29

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 4

An Israeli soldier guards a squadron of tanks stationed in a deployment area in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria. Israel says it will strike back ‘iercely’ if Syria attacks the Jewish state, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, as the united Nations became deadlocked over military action against President Bashar al-assad’s regime. AFP

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Syria’s response options DAmASCUS – With every indica-

tion that the US – along with a small number of its allies – may be readying a punitive strike against Syrian government forces, an obvious question is what could Syria do to respond?

How far could it defend itself against the sort of attack that is being planned? And what steps might it take to retaliate in some way?

All of the indications suggest that the sort of strike that is being planned by the US, Britain and perhaps France will involve weapons launched from longrange – Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles ired from warships or submarines.

Fixed-wing aircraft may also be used, but if so they will probably employ stand-off weapons that again can be ired from well outside Syrian airspace. This will make it much harder for Syria to use its defensive systems to counter any attack.

Syria’s air defences used to be highly capable, based upon older Soviet-supplied systems like the S-200/SA-5 Gammon, together with some more recently acquired Russian weapons, like the SA-22 and SA-17.

Syria also deploys a variety of sophisticated Chinese-supplied radar systems.

The integrity of the system may have been damaged due to the loss of territory and some missile and radar sites to the rebels.

But Syria’s air defences re-

main credible. That is one of the reasons why any attack would use stand-off weapons.

It should be remembered that Israeli jets have attacked Syrian targets over recent years with relative impunity. Sophisticated Western air forces are well versed in the sorts of weaponry at Syria’s disposal.

Syria’s missiles could shoot down aircraft, but equally the pilots have a range of defensive tactics and technology at their disposal. Uncertainty surrounds the much more capable S-300 system – ordered by Syria from moscow – but thought not yet to be delivered or operational.

As well as air defences, Syria might seek to counter US and Western naval forces by using its own arsenal of shore-based anti-shipping missiles.

For example, Syria deploys the Russian-supplied Yakhont – a supersonic anti-shipping missile known in nato circles as the SS-n-26. But here too the Tomahawk iring vessels may be out of range of Syria’s defensive weaponry.

So if Syria cannot do much to counter the attacks themselves, how might it seek to respond or retaliate ? one option would be to intensify attacks against rebel forces to seek some localised and spectacular victory to bolster the morale of the regime’s forces and to signal to the US and its allies that the Assad regime remains undeterred.

An alternative approach would be to seek to broaden the conflict by striking at Turkey, US forces in Jordan or perhaps even to fire ballistic missiles against Israel.

The risks here for the Syrian regime are huge. Turkey is well capable of defending itself, as are US forces in Jordan. In both countries there are Patriot antimissile defences.

An attack on Israel is also unlikely. The Syrian military is heavily committed in the civil war.

Lashing out against Israel might provoke a massive retaliation – opening up the possibility of a wider regional war involving Syria’s ally, Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel too deploys capable anti-missile systems. Provoking a wider conlict may not be in the interests of either Damascus, or importantly Tehran.

Syria could seek to use a group like Hezbollah to carry out attacks against US or Western interests abroad.

But Iranian authorities, seemingly intent on exploring a new opening with the West on its nuclear dossier, may be cautious about encouraging Hezbollah in this direction.

Hezbollah is also itself in a dificult position, having allied itself with President Assad. It may determine it has enough problems at the moment and that it is better to keep its powder dry.

- BBC

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Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

Paciic must keep up urgency

EU delegation to Paciic Islands Forum to focus on climate change THe PACIFIC – Paciic island nations must show the world how climate change is affecting them, says the european Union’s head of Climate Action.

Connie Hedegaard, european Commissioner for Climate Action will be joining the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) next month.

She told the ABC’s Pacific

Beat that one of her key messages at the meeting will be that the world must “get its act together” over climate change as agreed at the 2011 United nations Climate Change Conference to meet the stated deadline goals by 2015.

She thinks the Pacific islands can help get the point across saying, “the Pacific Is-

paciic BRIEFS ATTEMPT TO STYMIE AIRPORT DEAL VANUATU – The Vanuatu opposition is seeking a stay order through the Supreme court on the government’s deal with a Singaporean company, Vanuatu Trade Development Limited, to upgrade and run ive airports and to build and operate a new international airport. The concession agreement includes a Vanuatu government promissory note for US$350 million which would efectively underwrite the scheme. The opposition has called the plan a scam. It wants the courts to stop any parliamentary debate on the matter. Parliament is holding an extra-ordinary session this week aimed at gaining its approval for the deal, signed in July by the prime minister, Moana carcasses and his deputy, Edward Natapei

RABAUL QUEEN’S CHIEF MATE CHARGED PAPUA NEW GUINEA– Papua New Guinea police in Kokopo have charged the chief mate of the Rabaul Queen with manslaughter and sending an unseaworthy vessel to sea. The ship sank in February last year of the coast of Morobe province with police saying 162 people lost their lives. The newspaper, The National, reports that the chief mate, Michael Zirau, who is from Manam Island, was the irst oicer on the vessel captained by Anthony Tsiau who was charged with the same ofences last Friday.

Last week, the owner of Rabaul Shipping, Peter Sharp, was charged with 162 counts of manslaughter and one for taking an unseaworthy ship to sea.

REGIME WELCOMES CHURCHES KAVA BAN FIJI – Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry says it welcomes a decision by the Methodist church’s new president to impose a ban on the consumption of kava by church ministers. The Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu announced the decision at the church’s annual general meeting in Suva. Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu says high consumption of kava also has an efect on the production and it afects a farmer’s concentration at work. “If kava is not controlled particularly in the way it’s being consumed this is one of the obstacles that we are facing in terms of our development and particulary in agriculture and we welcome the decision of the Methodist church.”

ACTIVISTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR FLOTILLA WEST PAPUA– Activists in the Indonesian province of West Papua have gathered to show support for the boatload of Australian activists due to arrive there early next month. A crowd gathered in the remote town of Manokwari to raise the banned Morning Star lag and welcome the activists. The so-called freedom lotilla has been warned by Indonesia not to enter its waters illegally, and says the boats have no clearance. But the activists say they have travel documents issued by their own Aboriginal elders in Australia and permits given by the traditional landowners in Merauke, where they intend to land.

ASKING WHEN CHEAP POWER IS COMING TONGA – civil society groups in Tonga say people are still waiting for cheaper power rates after a 7000-panel solar farm was installed on Tongatapu more than a year ago. Tonga relies on expensive diesel generators for power but by 2020, the government plans to supply half of its energy from renewable sources to lower electricity prices. A spokesperson for the civil Society Forum, Pelenatita Kara, said the people have been positive about the project, but have not yet seen the beneits of cheaper power. “Everybody’s wondering when are we ever going to get cheaper rates? Because it’s still really, really high.”

REASONS OF ALLEGED IMPUNITY SOUGHT FRENcH POLYNESIA – A member of the French Polynesian assembly, Jacqui Drollet, has asked the French justice minister when last year’s supreme court ruling against a mayor, cyril Tetuanui, will be enacted. Last August, the court in Paris gave him a one-year suspended prison sentence and declared him ineligible for public oice for a year. In a letter to Christiane Taubira, Drollet says cyril Tetuanui is enjoying impunity and has continued to be the mayor of Tumara’a. He says a month ago he asked the French High commission why the court ruling wasn’t applied. Tetuanui and his wife, who is a former government minister, had been found guilty of using municipal employees in 2002 to have work done on their private residence on Raiatea.

land states, they can really tell the world why it matters to act urgently – one would think that the world and all of us have had enough reminders.

“I think that there are very telling cases in the Paciic area and there, I think it’s very good still not to forget to tell the stories, to show the examples, to prove the urgency, to make the case why it matters whether the whole world will actually get its act together.”

Hedegaard says that the european Union is on track to meet targets set for 2020 to have cut emissions by 20 per cent, have 20 per cent renewables and 20 percent improvement in energy eficiency.

“It’s very clear that time is running out. So we understand

‘It’s very clear that time is running out. We understand that this is urgent and that we are not combatting climate change just by talking, but by acting.’ that this is urgent and that we are not combatting climate change just by talking, but by acting, “And that’s also why I go to the PIF meeting, to continue to work with our counterparts

in the region on the different programmes, for instance, on increased eficiency, increased electricity supply, much of it from renewable sources.

“If we do it intelligently, then we can actually, not only do something that is meaningful seen from a climate perspective, but we can also do something very, very good from the economic situation at these island states and we can do something that is good for development.

“For instance, one of the economic burdens that are really weighing down the budget in many Paciic Island states, is the cost of imported fossil fuels.

“Diesel for instance – if you can replace that with alternative sources, obviously you’re doing something very good for the lo-

cal economy,” she says.

Hedegaard also supports the creation of carbon markets to raise money that can help fund schemes to help poorer countries affected by climate change, suggesting a levy on aviation and shipping fuel.

She says the programmes the eU have in place to help the Pacific are working, “it’s also an example, how with relatively small amounts, you can actually make quite a difference, because we’re talking about tiny states where even small amounts can make a real difference.”

“Actually, we just had an independent analysis of some of the programmes we have in the region and that said very clearly that yes, there is added value. “ - ABC

Manus locals block access Manus island landowners take action against australian facility LomBRUm – Local landowners

on manus Island in PnG have blocked access to the navy base at Lombrum where Australia’s Papua new Guinea-based immigration detention centre is.

They have also stopped the Australian-run centre from using the local rubbish dump.

The protest comes amid anger from locals who say they are being blocked from providing services and labour to the centre, despite commitments to the contrary.

The mP for manus Island, Ronny Knight, says he wants the centre at the Lombrum navy base closed until the end of Australia’s federal election.

He says local businesses are being shut out and claims residents wanting to work there are being paid less than workers brought in from elsewhere.

Knight says that in response, landowners are taking the matter into their own hands.

“The landowners have closed down the dump at Lombrum, and they’re about to close down the main gate,” he said. “That’s the main gate leading into the base.”

The reopening of the manus Centre by the Australian gov-

ernment last year as part of its Paciic Solution was welcomed by those who live in the remote province, with hopes of jobs, improved infrastructure and business opportunities.

But now nearly 10 months after the first asylum seekers arrived, and with another 40 arriving there from Christmas Island, bringing the number kept there to over 480, the locals have had enough of what they say are broken promises from both the Australian government and the government of PnG. “no manus people are involved, no joint ventures, no nothing. everything is going to outside companies, parts of the Australian-owned companies,” Knight told Radio Australia’s Paciic Beat. “one of the main things that I was always vocal about is that manus cannot have a repeat of 2001. We’re not talking about the scraps that AusAID’s going to give us, we’re talking about business development, we’re asking for right of refusal of all contracts.

“If a manus company doesn’t have the capacity, it will joint venture with another company that has the capacity and we can

handle the contract.”

The Australian government’s been running seminars in PnG for businesses wishing to be involved in providing services and the like to the manus Centre.

But Knight says it’s only this week that one of those seminars was held on manus.

“They came yesterday and that is well and way too late for anything. We’ve been asked to ill in forms.

There’s was a spiel saying, ‘look don’t worry about everything, there’s a big slice of the pie here for you guys’.”

But commitments like that seem to be falling on deaf ears on manus Island and many there doubt that after Australia’s Federal election, any permanent facility will be built or even that the existing temporary centre will stay open.

“Who knows what’s going to happen after the Australian Federal elections, that’s why I’m saying, shut everything down, wait until the September 7. If a new government comes in, let’s get back to the table and let’s negotiate properly.

“This is what the people of manus are saying. I’m for the asylum seeker centre. I’m for this thing, but not to the detriment of my people and if they don’t like it and they want to shut it down, I’m prepared to

shut it down.”

While locals are blocking access to the rubbish dump being used by the Australian Centre, health concerns are being raised due to the massive increased volume of waste generated by the centre.

“You got a stink pile full of festering maggots. The blow ly situation on the base is out of control,” Knight says.

“Fumigate the place. Do the right thing you know. Dig a deep hole, put all your rubbish in there. There shouldn’t be rubbish in the irst place.

“They have containers of freezer goods going to waste and they’re going to expire by the next two weeks. Why not to give it to the prison or to a school or cook it and feed the folk in the nearest village. Why wait until it expires and then dump it?.”

In response to the alleged actions of manus locals blocking the gate to the base where the centre’s housed, a spokesman for Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship said its reports from the island indicated that access hasn’t been blocked.

When asked about the blockage to the rubbish tip being used by the centre, the response was that there had been no impact on the centre’s operations.

- Paciic Beat

Call to respect the covenant PoRT moReSBY – Papua new

Guinea Church leader and pastor Daniel Hewali was responding to this week’s Post-Courier front page about the killings and rape in Port moresby headlined, “The Black Covenant”.

The newspaper ran a sensational story reporting on an outbreak of killings, raping and alcohol abuse that took place over the long weekend in the run-up to a gazetted national day of prayer on monday.

It was supposed to be a day that families and churches united in prayer to commemorate the declaration made by the government six years ago to honour the nation’s underlying Chris-

tian foundations.

“We should refrain from this illegal activity. It would not have happened if we respected the Covenant made with the Almighty God, the God of Israel, on August 26, 2007,” Pastor Hewali told the Post-Courier.

Pastor Hewali said that he sympathises with the families and relatives of the people that were killed and raped over the long weekend and urged citizens to respect and uphold Covenant Day. He said the covenant made by the founding father of the nation Sir michael Thomas Somare in 2007 has its consequences.

“There are good and bad things in the covenant. Good things will happen to us if we go by the word of the Lord and follow what our government declared over the last six years.

“But if we tend not to go by the word of God and overlook the purpose of the covenant, we will always get into trouble.

“PnG is a covenant nation; we should go by or follow what our leaders have declared.

“The government should take a tough stance in making sure every citizen follow this day.

“The prayer day is not like an ordinary public holiday but is a day that every living thing

in PnG should uphold and respect.

“If it means for the business houses to close for that day alone, they must do so,” Pastor Hewali said.

The covenant was signed by prime minister of the day, Sir michael Somare, and church leaders in 2007 to acknowledge a relationship between “the God of Israel, the Son and the Holy Spirit and the People of Papua new Guinea”.

Some critics say the average Papua new Guinean has no idea what the covenant is about and are just happy to enjoy the day off work that it provides.

- Post-Courier/PNC

5

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

Carr’s support for Fiji unwelcome SUVA – Former Fiji prime minis-

ter and Labour Party leader, mahendra Chaudhry, has criticised Australian foreign minister Bob Carr for welcoming the release of Fiji’s new constitution.

Senator Carr said the interim government’s release of its draft constitution is an important step forward for Fiji’s commitment to hold elections by September 2014.

He said Australia stands ready to support Fiji in making credible steps towards a return

to democracy.

That’s drawn the ire of mahendra Chaudhry, who said Senator Carr should have read the constitution irst.

“Frankly, I’m disappointed with the statement by Senator Carr welcoming the release of the regime’s constitution. I think Senator Carr should have read the constitution before welcoming its release.

“As you know, all political parties here rejected the constitution and they’re quite ap-

palled at its content and it’s very unusual that a Labour government should welcome a constitution which is lacking in human rights and in trade union workers rights and which has a number of repressive provisions entrenched in it. “of course, compounded by the fact that the repressive decrees which have been enacted have been promulgated between 2009 and right now, will remain in force.

“So it negates the whole

thing when we talk about a bill of rights.

“There are a number of restrictions which derogate from the rights under that particular chapter, such as the judiciary and it’s independence.

“It’s authority is seriously undermined under this constitution. The public service is politicised and it’s just two men who are going to run the whole country.

“They’ve taken all the powers into their hands, the prime min-

Get on with elections says PDP SUVA – one of Fiji’s political

party says it intends to contest next years election despite its reservations about some of the provisions in the new constitution.

The People’s Democratic Party is not part of the United Front for a Democratic Fiji, which comprises the other opposition parties – Labour, SoDeLPA and the national Federation Party – all of whom have not yet decided if the 2014 election will be free and fair.

P D P spokesman nirmal Singh told Pacific Beat that the constitution announced

by the coup-installed military government has many flaws, but participating in the election is the only chance to make a difference.

“We believe that the constitution is a living document and is not laid down in stone.

“The people of Fiji and future generations must be allowed to make changes to the constitution. A constitution must empower people and protect their civil liberties and not be set up to dictate and control people’s lives.

“We have very serious reservations on some of the provi-

sions of the constitution. But at least we can eventually change and amend the constitution.”

Singh rejects criticism that might come from the other united opposition parties that PDP might be seen as lending legitimacy to the constitution.

“Look, we have had this government in place since 2006, and what I’m asking is what have we dome to restore democracy to this country?

“We have been silently observing and now its time for Fiji to get out of this rut, we need to move forward, we need elections – and then address is-

Kiwis ready to face Oracle SAn FRAnCISCo – Team new Zealand has booked a berth in the 34th America’s Cup finals against oracle Team USA. The Kiwis took the challenger series 7-1 by winning the decisive eighth race in the best-of-13 inals against Italy’s Luna Rossa at the weekend.

They secured the right to take on defenders oracle Team USA on San Francisco Bay in September for world yachting’s venerable prize.

It’s the ifth time in the past six America’s Cup matches that the Kiwis will be a contestant. new Zealand’s last appearance in the America’s Cup finals saw them fall 5-2 to Switzerland’s Alinghi in Valencia in 2007.

Team new Zealand have been the class act of the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series throughout the competition,

starting with the round-robin irst round.

Their only loss in the final eight races came when the Kiwis were forced to abandon a race with a mechanical problem.

“We’ve deinitely come here to win the America’s Cup, so winning the Louis Vuitton Cup is all part of the preparation,” said new Zealand skipper Dean Barker.

“The guys are extremely focused. We came short in Valencia in 2007 and we’ll give it our all now in the next few weeks to make sure we’re as ready as can be.”

Against bitter rivals oracle, new Zealand will be seeking to regain the coveted trophy they won in 1995 and 2000.

The America’s Cup inals are scheduled to begin September 7.

In the 17-race series, government-sponsored new Zealand

will need to win 9 against the oracle team bankrolled by software billionaire Larry ellison. new Zealand’s team was the only 2013 America’s Cup competitor with a crew almost exclusively from its home country. other teams also had new Zealand sailors as crew, and if new Zealand wins the Cup, team managing director Grant Dalton says he will use the defender’s right to set rules to force teams in the next America’s Cup to use sailors from their home countries.

A tradition of using crews from a team’s home country has been in place for much of the America’s Cup history, but not since 2003.

The Cup looms large in new Zealand, where much of the country lives near the coast, and sailing is a popular pastime.

- Stuf

Crash victim a Paciic man APIA – Family and friends of

former Samoa resident John Walton were in shock this week after the death of the well known pilot and businessman who had strong ties with the Paciic.

Walton died in a plane crash while on a lying safari in a remote area of South Africa last week. A second new Zealander, Richard Primrose, also died in the crash.

South African news media reported the two men were killed when their Cessna 182 crashed into mountains.

The aircraft was reportedly caught in a strong gust of wind and crashed into mountains in mpumalanga, near Durban.

The area is famous for the scenic Drakensberg mountains.

Walton was with an organ-

ised group lying recreationally through the lower half of Africa, stopping at game reserves along the way.

As well as Samoa, Walton spent time in Tonga and other Paciic islands.

For many years he worked with Fletchers Construction as a country manager, in both Samoa and Tonga, before branching out on his own to for Ca’Bella Paciic Construction Ltd. He went on to found Ca’Bella Pacific Samoa Ltd with local builder Vaughn Simpson.

The Samoa branch of the company was later sold to Simpson.

A man for whom family always came first, when his father died at the age of 15 he left school and went to work as an apprentice so he could support

his mother and siblings.

It was this love that ensured he took care of his own large family in every way he could.

A Tongan citizen, his many years in the “Friendly Islands” saw Walton become a friend to members of the nobility and the country’s royal family.

Walton also had a passion for lying and loved to ly light aircraft . new Zealand Aircraft owners and Pilots Association national president Ian Andrews said the two men were “good guys”.

A spokesperson says the crash was a big shock for the families and it will take them a while to get over it.

He say it’s a small comfort knowing the men died doing what they loved.

- PNC

sues we have with this constitution.

“I’m asking the other parties what other option is there, how long are we just going to just speak against the situation that prevails in this country.

‘We need to return the country back to the people. They are the ones that should decide where the country should go.

The best way is to go into the parliament and decide on the constitution there.

“At least the constitution puts things into motion for an election. At least some groundwork has been done and we must proceed towards making sure that peaceful democratic elections are held in 2014 and the power is given back to the people of Fiji.” - Paciic Beat

ister and the attorney-general, and I’m sure that this kind of constitution would certainly be condemned by the people of Australia.

Radio Australia’s Paciic Beat asked Chaudhry what kind of attitude the Australian Foreign minister should have taken to the announcement of the new constitution.

“Before agreeing to commit resources to assist in the process, they should have insisted that the constitution should meet the internationally recognised values and principles of human rights and civil and political rights of citizens as well as workers rights and basic freedom.

Paciic Beat: What’s the alternative for Australia to actually working with the defacto government in Fiji to try and get it back to democracy?

“We’re not talking about Australia assisting Fiji to get back to democratic rule. I’m talking about welcoming this particular release of this Constitution and I think the Constitution doesn’t satisfy the expectation for the international community, Chaudhry said.

Paciic Beat: In foreign relations, countries have to work with the facts on the ground and the facts on the ground are that the current interim administration is the defacto government and so I suppose from the

Australian government’s point of view, they have to work with what they have?

“I disagree, I think it’s a question of calling a spade a spade. If the constitution does not meet the requirements of a democratic state, then one should be brave enough to say so.

Pacific Beat: Do you think that this new constitution will be able to return Fiji to some form of democracy at some point in the future?

“It is fatally flawed. one can see it very clearly, I mean to say you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that this constitution is fundamentally lawed and it is just an instrument which will incline to the military rule.

“The people of Fiji were assured that the process would be transparent, consultative, to achieve a constitution that accords with Commonwealth and internationally-accepted standard for democracy, good governance in the rule of law, which genuinely enjoys the endorsement of the people of Fiji. “none of these components is there. The process of drafting or writing up the constitution wasn’t consultative, nor was it participatory. “nobody was asked, it doesn’t have the peoples input, it’s being imposed on the people and it is fundamentally flawed,” Chaudhry said. - Paciic Beat

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6

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

LeTTeRS reta

Thank you Esther Honey Dear editor, my family and I were recently on holiday for 10 days on your beautiful island.

This was our second time to the Cook Islands, but we haven’t visited for some years. I am a huge animal lover and I dedicate a lot of my time and money to animal organisations all around the world. I was really interested to see how the welfare of the island dogs were, and to see how it had improved in the last 10 years.

I was really impressed with the dogs that we came across, they looked to be in good condition and in reasonable health.

All of the dogs were very friendly and approachable. We were befriended by several dogs at both of the resorts we stayed at, this was a highlight for us as we were really missing our two dogs back home.

I was highly disappointed to read the letter that Sue Cooper from nZ sent you. To me it is highly exaggerated on so many levels! She claims to visit the island on a regular basis, and that she will be back.

I ind that interesting considering she doesn’t appear to tolerate dogs.

I was so amazed at the improvement with the welfare of dogs around the island that my daughter and I visited the esther Honey Foundation. We were able to hear all about the incredible work they do for many types of animals. I commended them for the wonderful service they provide, in taking care of all these beautiful animals. We look forward to our next holiday on your stunning island. meghan Kingma new Zealand

Esther Honey director Carl Hartnett (second from right) with former director Gregg Young and volunteers Amanada Dalsgaard (left) and Christina Petri in January. 13012908

Tax free New Zealand pension?

Dear editor, When my (CI) wife and I (nZ) retired and got the pension we were coming to CI to live, but

medical reasons precluded.

A pamphlet on portability of pension by the ‘nZ Commission’ states that it would be tax

free and the assumption was I would be paying CI tax on the total as expected.

I don’t follow Grey Power’s

argument, as so far they have been better off than I, getting the pension tax free. I also pay GST in nZ (VAT here). no won-

der the CI finances are always marginal, look at roading/water for example-who else is not paying their fair share of tax?

Perhaps your paper could have more on this tax issue.

Aucklander (name and address supplied)

No tax deductions Dear editor, To answer ‘Greying but grateful’ (Grey Power lacking real grey matter, August 27) I have been receiving my nZ pension for the last nine years here in the

Cook Islands without any tax being deducted.

Why should we pay tax on our pensions, when some of us are well over 80 years? one hundred per cent of this money is being

spent in the Cook Islands. I am entitled to the Cook Islands pension because I worked here for 12 years before I decided to seek better living in nZ, but I didn’t want to. Auraka e maata

te tatotaro ine or contact me on 21667, or write your name down. Akamaroiroi.

Teariki Simiona Tamaiva mataipo Grey Power

Paata for police chiefs “CoULD We please get it straight that the paata is meant for ariki

or very high ranking diplomats,” a smoke signaller texts to 188 in response to Tuesday’s front page photo and article on the opening of the Paciic Islands Chiefs of Police Conference in Puaikura. “The front page photo was a travesty of ancient tradition and elevates commoners to the status of a king.” SS: The article on page 9 that same day mentioned that paata are reserved for traditional chiefs, or persons of high distinction whom traditional leaders have permitted to be carried on a paata. For monday’s opening ceremony the article stated that Archer Hosking as caretaker of the Vaka Puaikura paramount chief Tinomana Ariki title had given special permission for the chiefs of police to receive the same honour. An observer added that police chiefs are not commoners but are of high rank.

GAS PRICES “YUP, IT’S TRUe!” a smoke signaller writes. “Swap a 9 kilo bottle

for $38, that’s ToAGAS and Brett Porter's new offer in this newspaper. I'll take that! The other guy is $45 for the same thing and at least I get some of my ToAGATe tax money back. If ToAGAS isn't making a proit on the gas it’s OK...you're making it up in another way! In my opinion it's just another way to knock off the competition with oPm – other People’s money!”

Smoke Signals Heard a funny real-life story or something out of the ordinary?

Smoke Signals will be accepted by e-mail (smokesignals@cookislandsnews.com), text to 188 or a phone call to the newsroom on 22999You don’t have to pay any money and we don’t have to print your name. Please note that material that goes beyond the bounds of decent taste or is defamatory is not likely to be used.

Don’t forget to give us your name and contact number in case we need to check details. All correspondence is conidential.

Go on, smoke it!

Cook Islands News Building Maraerenga Avarua Rarotonga PO Box 15 Rarotonga Tel (682) 22999 Fax 25303 Email: editor@cookislandsnews.com or adverts@cookislandsnews.com

www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday

Managing Editor John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com Financial Controller Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com Deputy Editor Helen Greig helen@cookislandsnews.com Chief Reporter/Photojournalist Matariki Wilson matariki@cookislandsnews.com Reporters Emmanuel Samoglou emmanuel@cookislandsnews.com Sahiban Kanwal sahiban@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Reeves rachel@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Smith journo1@cookislandsnews.com Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Advertising adverts@cookislandsnews.com Advertising Assistant Taja Vaetoru taja@cookislandsnews.com Oice Manager Tere Joseph tere@cookislandsnews.com Accounts Manager Tangi Tauira tangi@cookislandsnews.com Reception Kura Tauira reception@cookislandsnews.com Oice staf Apii Tua apii@cookislandsnews.com Production Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com Graphic Design & Layout Mahai Daniel mahai@cookislandsnews.com Adam Tutuvanu adam@cookislandsnews.com Web Developer Daniel Rolls dan@cookislandsnews.com CIN.PRINT Sales & Marketing Maitland Christiansen maitland@cookislandsnews.com Printers Dan Johnston danj@cookislandsnews.com Dennis Campos

7

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

localneWS nuti no roto i te IPUKAReA

Hospital upgrade on track the waiting room. one area – the ‘treatment room’ – that used to hold patients with a wide variety of concerns has been extended to allow some patients and their families more privacy.

“Before, you could have a neardeath case next to someone who is there to have an injection. That can distract your attention – and there was no privacy before.”

A special ‘grieving room’ for people who lose someone close to them is also part of the plan, as is making the building more accessible for people with disabilities – such as creating parking spaces especially for those with disabilities, and putting handrails next to toilets.

RVK Contractors was awarded the $567,000 contract for the upgrade earlier this year, with the contract completion date set for December 20, 2013 - BD

Director of hospital services Dr Henry Tikaka (left) and Minister of Health Nandi Glassie are looking forward to the refurbished hospital building’s eventual opening. 13082806

Workers are pressing ahead with upgrades to Rarotonga hospital, due to be unveiled before Christmas. 13082801

Director of hospital services Dr Henry Tikaka with contractors who are working on the hospital’s new ‘drop-of zone’ outside what will be the reception area. 13082804

THe UPGRADe at Rarotonga hospital is on track for completion in December.

Work still to be done includes painting the walls, putting vinyl on the loor and completing the roof of the building. Some areas have been extended and are still under construction. minister of Health nandi Glassie, who inspected the progress of the project on Wednesday, said the upgrade will help the hospital run more smoothly and make for a better experience for patients.

“Part of the healing process starts in the reception,” he said.

Director of hospital services Dr Henry Tikaka said the upgrade has been on the cards for years – this is the irst refurbishment since the hospital was opened.

To make way for the upgrade, hospital services have been relo-

cated to other buildings on the site – which Tikaka said has not impacted services. “everything is condensed into one area – we accepted there would be some congestion but the service remains the same,” said Tikaka, who joked some staff members have mentioned they are so happy in the reduced space they don’t want to move back. outpatients, paediatric clinics, pharmacy and medical clinics have moved into the maternity block, with maternity being temporarily housed in the paediatric ward. medical clinics have moved into the area behind the antenatal services and physiotherapy into an available space in the laundry block.

The upgrade will see some areas of the hospital become much more spacious, including

Teen burglar sent to prison A YoUnG man with a long list

of charges has been convicted and will spend two months in prison for burglary.

Beniamina Patia, 16, appeared before three Justices of the Peace for sentencing yesterday on charges of bur-

glary, wilful damage, escape from custody, contempt of court and breach of bail conditions and was sentenced to

two months imprisonment for the burglary charge and 12 months’ probation, to be served concurrently, for each

Polynesian leaders to meet PRIme mInISTeR Henry Puna

will be attending the third annual Polynesia Leaders Group meeting, which commences tomorrow in Auckland.

According to media reports, the meeting is set to look at sustainable economic prosperity, observation of democratic values and independence, education, transport, trade and investment as well as environmen-

tal conservation and climate change mitigation.

For the second year in a row, the meeting will be hosted by Pm Puna, who also hosted last year’s event in Rarotonga.

The Polynesian Leaders Group was set up in 2011 in Samoa, and is comprised of eight members including Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, niue, America Samoa, French

Polynesia and Tokelau.

The group will be meeting at the new Zealand ministry of Foreign Affairs ofices in Auckland.

Last week, special advisor to the Pm Trevor Pitt said a native Hawaiian contingent will also be present at the meeting, and will also be joined by maori and Rapa nui groups.

The Hawaiians’ appearance is

reportedly part of an effort to revive their culture and strengthen Polynesian roots.

Puna is scheduled to leave Auckland on Sunday for the marshall Islands, where he will be attending the Smaller Islands States Oficials meeting – a prelude to the Paciic Forum meeting which runs from September 3 to 6.

- Emmanuel Samoglou

Tourism awards entries closing THe AIR neW ZeALAnD Cook

Islands Tourism Awards entries for 2013 close in just three days and interest is running high this year with record turnouts to the free workshops run by award partners The Bond Store, Westpac and AnZ. In all there are seven business categories to enter; Accommodation Budget, Accommodation Hotels and Resorts, Accommodation Self Catering Complexes,

Accommodation Private Rental Houses, Tourism Attractions, Festival and event organizers and Tourism Industry support which include retail, transport, travel professional and services.

Submissions can also be made by members of the public for two special personal awards; outstanding contribution to tourism, and lifetime achievement in tourism.

Changes to this year’s awards

entry process has meant that the written portion of the entry application takes just two to three hours to complete. The second part of the application process is an interview with the independent new Zealand based assessors which the assessors will arrange directly with entrants ahead of their arrival to the Cook Islands in September or october.

Confidentiality of entrants is an important element to the

entry process and entrants either email or courier their applications directly to the assessors in new Zealand—not even the awards committee are aware of who has entered. Finalists and winners are announced at a gala evening in november. The 2013 Air new Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Award entry form can be downloaded at www.cookislandstourismawards.com - Release/ Sahiban Kanwal

of the remaining charges.

After briely discussing the matter in chambers Justice of the Peace John Kenning told the court that a term in prison is the only way to teach Patia a lesson.

“We are reluctant to incarcerate a 16 year-old, however because of your history of contempt of court and high chance of reoffending, we have no choice,” he said.

He mentioned that there are re-education programmes in

prison Patia can attend, as he understood Patia to be illiterate.

Patia’s father is also in prison and JP Kenning ordered oficers to ensure they be kept separate. earlier in the year Patia’s case was shifted from the Children’s Court to the High Court and since then he has been in and out of court for a number of charges.

- Merita Wi-Kaitaia

Police chiefs’ meet wraps up THe 42nD Paciic Islands Chiefs

of Police Annual Conference wraps up today after a day-long retreat in Aitutaki.

This week saw commissioners from across the Paciic region meet at edgewater Resort and Spa over four-days to discuss crime prevention.

This year’s theme is ‘preventing crime through information management’, and has been the focus of a number of conference workshops.

Today, oficials will be lying

to Aitutaki to attend various workshops on various policing topics.

The conference has seen commissioners discuss cyber safety, forensics, preventing domestic violence, and information management.

Cook Islands police commissioner maara Tetava has assumed the chairmanship of the Paciic Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat from the Solomon Islands.

- Emmanuel Samoglou

8

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

localneWS nuti no roto i te IPUKAReA

Breaking through gender barriers ACTInG Police Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Juanita matanga is the only female police chief in the Paciic and the irst woman to attend the Paciic Islands Police Commissioners Conference.

To be the only woman in such a high level job comes with a lot of responsibility and barriers that matanga is breaking through.

“I am doing my job as a police oficer, but you tend to carry a lot of burden not only in being a senior oficer but also in being a woman. We have come a long way in breaking barriers for women entering the police force over the last couple of years. We have a lot of recruitment and promotions for women in the force and those women wanting to join,” she says. one of the issues that women in the Solomon Islands are constantly facing is the issue of domestic violence. matanga believes this it is the main problem for women in the Solomon Islands but the country is stepping up to the challenge according to her.

“The Solomon Islands have been very accepting in terms of gender and a very good example of that is me sitting in a position such as acting commissioner of

police. And its not just about me being a woman, it is also about having the right person holding the position. I am aware that domestic violence is the main crime in the Solomon Islands and because of that we have very good partnerships with our stakeholders like the family violence unit and the community policing unit. not only that, we are also partners with Australian World Vision and we are continuing to work with our partners from the participating police forces and we work very closely to identify issues such as domestic violence.” matanga believes the commissioners conference allows for more partnerships to be formed in the region.

According to matanga, “this is good because it allows us to see things from a different perspective and getting to know other commissioners enhances our relationship with them in regards to information sharing on issues concerning the Paciic community.” maatanga has a tough job ahead of her to eradicate the problems that her community faces but she is ready to face the challenge head on.

“I will continue to strive and move forward on issues like

Solomon Islands acting police commissioner Juanita Matanga at the Paciic Islands Police Commissioners Conference. 13082713 domestic violence. I know that the biggest challenge is ahead of me. They are not simple issues to address and they are associ-

ated with many problems, but this is what policing is all about.

We have to find modern ways of addressing old issues and at

the same time keep in mind the culture—and at the same time respect our community. When you take a policing job, you

know and expect that you are dealing with many problems in society,” says matanga.

- Sahiban Kanwal

Police chiefs tackle domestic violence

DomeSTIC violence in the Paciic community was one of the key issues at the 42nd Paciic Islands Police Commissioners Conference this week.

The conference has brought together key stakeholders in Paciic communities to dissect and analyse the big issues they face.

Part of the solution for domestic violence in the Paciic are the people contributing to the Paciic Prevention Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP).

The aim of the nZ funded programme is for Pacific communities to gain confidence in the police in regards to reporting and reducing the number of domestic violence incidents.

The agreement between Cook Islands Police and the new Zealand Police involves a police officer visiting the Cook Islands up to three times a year and

working with local police regionally to train and liaise with oficers dealing with domestic violence.

The main aspect in the successful reduction of domestic violence is a good working relationship between police and community stakeholders. “one of the tricks for gaining public conidence in police in regards to domestic violence issues is to work within the community.

In the Cook Islands, the police work with Punanga Tauturu and they have a great working relationship. Because of this there has been an increase in the reporting of domestic violence incidents,” says PPDVP programme manager Cam Ronald.

“In the Cook Islands, police wear the white ribbon as part of their uniform while doing their domestic violence training—to

make the public aware of their role as trained oficers. And as far as I am aware, the Cook Islands is the only Paciic country to do that, and that is a credit to them,” says Ronald.

He says the Cook Islands has seen an increase in the reporting of domestic violence issues and that is mostly due to the open door policy of police and the training they receive as part of the PPDVP. “We conduct testing and training sessions in different member countries and we test the knowledge that police oficers have around domestic violence to see whether they need more training. The last session we conducted in the Cook Islands we found gaps where culture and religion were offered up as an excuse. PPDVP intends to change that through training

and awareness programmes,” says Ronald.

The main aim of the PPDVP is to aid the public in the knowledge

that the police are there to help.

The relationship between Cook Islands police and PPDVP will be a long one says Ronald.

“We are definitely working together until 2016 and we believe it is all about changing attitudes.”

- Sahiban Kanwal

13082717

PPDVP programme manager Cam Ronald at the Paciic Islands Police Commissioners Conference.

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Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

Toddler wins Atiu baby show THe ISLAnD of Atiu held its baby show on August 15, with a total of 25 children entering the event.

The show was a success and an enjoyable one for the whole island who gathered around Father edwin Hall in Areora to

witness the occasion.

The babies and children entered the show in categories ranging from newborn to 4 years.

Fifteen babies were awarded i irst, second and third placing in each category. They received

cash prizes and trophies. The overall winner from the category 26 months to 4 years in irst placing was Kamel matapakia with 104 points. He was the child who had been breastfed the longest and is still attending community clinic. Kamel will

be flown to Rarotonga along with his mother to attend the national Baby Show which will be held on Friday, September 27 in the Sinai Hall Avarua.

In attendance to Atiu was the Cook Islands Child Welfare president, Vaine maui and the assistant secretary, maria Pokotea was present to award Atiu Child Welfare members for long service to the association. Welfare members were awarded a Long Service Certificate for their dedication and service to the association on the island of Atiu. most members awarded have passed on, how-

ever, their relatives received the certiicates on their behalf. The award ceremony for long service took place before the baby show presentation.

It has been a privilege for maui to make recognition of past and present Child Welfare members by presenting them with certiicates for their dedication and service to the association.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors for their kind donation towards the Atiu Baby Show: Minister Nandi Glassie and family, noo Sword-Browne

and family, norman George and family, Cook Islands Child Welfare Association executive members, BCI Bank, Super Brown Atiu, ezra Store, manuka Store, mr and mrs Aneru Tautu and Centre Store, ngatupuna Teio, mr and mrs Timaau mokoroa, eo Teariki maurangi, man Unuia, Helen Sinclair and CITC Pharmacy.

Thank you also to the Atiu Child Welfare members who hosted a scrumptious feast and took good care of the president and assistant secretary on their brief visit.

- Cook Islands Child Welfare

Atiu baby show’s winning child Kamel Matapakia will compete in the National Baby Show on September 27. 13082808

Paua permit rules tighten BaCkins Tore!

The Atiu Child Welfare association members at the baby show earlier this month. 13082809

THe RULeS for taking paua (clam) meat or shells overseas have tightened.

The national environment Service (neS) has advised it will now need to weigh these materials before issuing a Convention on International Trade in endangered Species (CITeS) permit, to bring the Cook Islands in line with international standards.

NES biodiversity oficer Elizabeth munro said it is a small change to the permit system, but a necessary one to ensure those taking paua meat and shells overseas do not have them coniscated.

“For (other countries) to be

able to accept anything from us, we have to comply with their standards.” munro said the previous system involved estimating the weight, but it will now need to be measured.

“The new requirement is effective immediately as most countries the Cook Islands supplies to are parties to the convention, and if these regulations are not met— then you risk having these coniscated at your inal point of destination.”

A CITeS permit is required for paua meat and shells, corals and conch shells, and neS generally issues between 500 and 600 of

the permits each year.

The recent change will not affect the cost as this will remain at $10 per permit. munro said the new system has an added beneit for the Cook Islands.

“It’s good for us in the Cooks because we know how many tonnes of paua have left the country.”

She said this information can be used further down the track to make decisions about whether there is too much paua leaving Cook Islands waters.

Those needing more information can contact neS on 21256.

- Briar Douglas

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The Energy Centre

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10

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

11

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL

PhONE

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Fax 25303

preferred

22999

1pm sharp. Material deadline for display adverts 24 hours prior.

CHURCH NOTICES

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Kia Orana, ex-pupils & new comers are welcome to Mama Mata’s Te Reo maori class.

Starting again Every Thursday @ 6pm at Arorangi Homestead opp Magic Reef. Phone 27156. E noo ra.

‘’FOREVER SECURE’’ A Bible-based message by Brian chitty at the New Hope church on Sunday at 10.30am. All Welcome.

assorted lowering plants and fruit trees.

Phone 72587.

Aluminium Joinery/Bronze colour 1. 4 panel Bi - Fold door L2800 x H2000 2.

Double sliding window L2100 x H1000 3. Bay window W1200 x H960 x D300 $3,000.00 for the lot, ph 55743

COOK ISLANDS GAME FIShING CLUB GARY PARLOUR COMPETITION The annual Gary Parlour competition between the cook Islands Game Fishing club and the Aitutaki Game Fishing club will be run on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August. This is the club’s premier competition for this year and great prizes are up for grabs including $1000 prize for the irst wahoo over 35kg. All anglers must be a inancial member of either club.

Boat registration is free but all boats must be registered at the bar before 1600 hrs Thursday 29 August. Registered boats will be eligible to receive a fuel subsidy. Boat allocation for Aitutaki and overseas anglers and brieing will be held at 1900 hrs on Thursday. Skippers must be present. Sponsors and public are welcome to attend.

73162 /33709 /1956

NUKUTERE COLLEGE KIKAU KAI RAFFLE RESULTS 1.Tkt: 5263 - Tashi Kopu, Ph: 55055 2.Tkt: 3956 - Tokerau Jim, Ph: 70221 3.Tkt: 1305 - Eberi Nubono, Ph: 25454 4.Tkt: 7791 - Lahaina, Ph: 55075 5.Tkt: 7818 - Papa Pi, Ruatonga 6.Tkt: 4847 - Ina Toru, Avatiu 7.Tkt: 6446 - Dan, Ph: 20831 8.Tkt: 2607 - Eleanor Wichman, Ph: 25282 9.Tkt: 0132 - Ian, Ph: 21283 10.Tkt: 3221 - Stephanie, Ph: 71439 Bonus Prize: Tkt: 5164 - Liz Tiro, Ph: 55557 Thank you to all our sponsors and to all who contributed to the success of the day in so many ways.

Nukutere college PTA 73357 / /1829

Suzuki Escudo 4x4, $3000 or nearest ofer.

Oleo Mac 13.5 ride on mower with catchment. One owner, one driver at $1500. contact Sam crocombe 55639 or 23629.

73237 / /2672

Timberland Ltd cladding Specials Gib Standard 10mm $21 each 6mm Fibrolite $34 each 12mm x 1.2 x 2.4 Grv External cladding H3 $77 each 9mm x 1.2 x 2.4 Grv External cladding H3 $68 each Hurry up! Until the end of the month only...this Saturday!

Ph 26408 to order! *Note: Specials do not apply to account sales 73341 / /1639

Samsung 3 for sale 8 months old $600 ph 54585

73352 / /2227

SITUATIONS VACANT Qualiied cook/chef required.

Phone 72849.

73309 / /1893

Couple needed for housekeeping & gardening. Full time.

Please email info@whaleresearch.org 73286 /33759 /1931

Fulltime position available for a Deckhand and/or Skipper for our busy charter boats. Experience preferred but training can be given to the right applicant.

Good wages for the right person.

Phone 20683 or text 55202.

73303 /33697 /1931

73342 / /1780

CMG electric motor single phase .37kw, 2 pole $350 Trader Don 22919

FOUNDATION

73351 / /2058

SERVICES Pruning, trimming, grafting, margotting. Free quotes at reasonable rates. Phone 72587.

Vonnia’s West have a vacancy for a Shop Assistant. We are looking for a Mature Person between the age of 20 -30. Applicant must be Honest, Reliable, Neat and Tidy, have excellent customer service and able to get along with fellow staf members. Please call 20927 to make an appointment for interview.

73271 /33691 /1931

animal Clinic

RESULTS

73017 /33490 /1931

73316 /33721 /2580

casual ads must be prepaid. cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.

SITUATIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

73370 /33755 /1733

RATES Minimum $5.80 incl. VAT for 1-15 words.

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

Ph 22336

Caregiver: A non-smoker caregiver is required to assist with elderly and special needs. This is a live-in weekend role with the lexibility for increased hours for the right applicant. Previous experience in patient care is essential and you should have references. A current drivers license is preferred. Please phone/txt 55657 to register your interest.

73310 / /1853

reCYCLe

SITUATIONS VACANT

Rarotonga’s premium entertainment facility has part-time positions available for immediate start every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings: Bar and Wait staf - no experience required as on the job training will be given to successful candidates.

Restaurant Supervisor - applicant must have restaurant experience and relect great leadership qualities with excellent communication skills. Great pay for the right person!

Work in this fast paced environment with a great team! Phone 24006 or come and ill an application form at main oice Muri Beach, or email culture@ tevaranui.co.ck 73230 / /2512

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LIqUOR LICENSING AUThORITY

73317 /33721 /2580

NZ qualiied builder seeking work and/or small jobs. call Zane 58493.

73219 /33668 /1931

FOR RENT Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Public Consultation on Sovereign Wealth Fund MFEM along with the Minister of Finance would like to invite all members of the public to attend a public consultation on the development of a Sovereign Wealth fund. This is where all funds raised by Seabed Mining Activities are planned to be deposited. Please come along to voice your ideas and discuss this initiative with Government.

Date: Monday 2 September 2013 Venue: Sinai Hall, Avarua Time: 6pm

One bedroom open plan unit @ Tupapa furnished $150pw.

Suitable for single person of sober habits. Phone 71805.

73358 / /1931

holiday homes for Rent 2 bedrooms, Upper Tupapa 2 bedrooms, Nikao Ideal for visiting friends and families. call Shekinah Homes ph 26104 or 55717.

Email: accounts@shekinah. co.ck

Has your drinking got out of control?

Call 71744

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ms Lara Sadaraka on behalf of Sevens in Heaven has iled an application with the Liquor Licensing authority for a Special Liquor Licence to provide for the Sale of Liquor at: The BCI Stadium, Nikao on Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd November 2013 from 3pm to 8.30pm for the Cook Islands International 7’s. any person who objects to the said application should do so in writing addressed to: the Secretary, Liquor Licensing authority, P O Box 61, Rarotonga by 11 September 2013.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mr Ben Koteka on behalf of Cook islands Rugby Union has iled an application with the Liquor Licensing Authority for a Special Liquor Licence to provide for the Sale of Liquor at: The BCI Stadium, Nikao on Friday 20th September from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday 21st September 2013 from 2pm to 8pm for the Rarotonga Club Rugby Grand Finals. any person who objects to the said application should do so in writing addressed to: the Secretary, Liquor Licensing authority, P O Box 61, Rarotonga by 11 September 2013.

73340 / /1935

FOR SALE F & Paykel bar fridge, $200.

Vanity unit bathroom, $50.

Phone 20417.

73326 /33719 /1931

73300 / /1843

LIqUOR LICENSING AUThORITY

hAIER washing machine, New hardly used $600. Moving overseas. Phone 71088.

73367 /313514 /1931

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE TO: THE LANDOWNERS OF RAROPUA SECTION 190M1, KIIKII the Mortgagee of a Deed of Lease of the above land situated in Matavera, Rarotonga in the area of 1,580m² has entered into an agreement for the sale of the remainder of the term of the Deed of Lease by way of assignment. the sale is subject, among other things, to the landowners residing in Rarotonga waiving their right of irst refusal in respect of the sale and (in the event of them waiving that right), the consent of the landowners residing in Rarotonga to the sale by way of assignment.

Should you wish to exercise the right of irst refusal as a landowner and purchase the leasehold interest you have one month from Saturday 24 august 2013 to notify us in writing.

Details of the proposed sale, including the price and purchaser are available to landowners whose names appear on the Register of titles, on request to: Heinz Matysik at Little & Matysik P.C., Cook islands Lawyers, avarua, Rarotonga, tel 21619, Fax 21615 or email heinz@lawyers.co.ck

PRICE ORDER 09/2013

2013/2014 TERTIARY STUDY SChOLARShIP AWARDS 1 YEAR STUDY – 1 AWARD the government of the Cook islands is seeking “Expressions of interest” for Scholarship award from suitably qualiied Cook Islanders holding New Zealand passport to study at a New Zealand academic institution commencing in 2014.

This is a single (1) year study award and study options are at undergraduate, graduate or at postgraduate level that are designed to take no longer than one year to complete. a one year programme can be a great opportunity to develop new skills or gain new qualiications with limited disruption to an awardee’s professional career. this also enables the awardee to enter a higher level qualiication.

One year of full-time study means one academic year, or two semesters.

Scholarship is open to persons from all sectors of the community, public and private living here in the Cook islands. applicant selection will be based upon meeting the scholarship eligibility criteria, primarily that of academic merit and that proposed course of study meet government’s HRD priorities for 2013/2014: agriculture, Marine, Waste Management, Renewable Energy, Education (Secondary Teaching), Health, ICT and Finance, although other areas may be considered. application forms and further information are available from the Ministry of Education, nikao or contact anna Roi, ph: 29357 ext 245, email scholarships@education. gov.ck application forms must be received no later than 12pm Thursday, 5 September 2013. /

PURSUANT to the Control of Prices act 1966 and the powers delegated to me as provided under section 30 of the said act, i hereby make the following Order: 1. this Order is cited as Price Order 09/2013 and shall come into efect on the 24th day of August 2013 for tOa PEtROLEUM 2. Maximum prices for LPg imported into the Cook Islands shall be at a rate speciied in the schedule below.

3. Value added tax is included in the prices herein set.

4. the prices herein set are the maximum that may be charged although less may be charged if so desired.

5. Maximum retail prices as per price order 03/2013 are not part of this application and remain unchanged.

Given under our hand this 23th day of August 2013.

Brian Terrence, Hagan Chairman of the Price Tribunal Tatiana Burn, Member of the Price Tribunal.

SChEDULE OF PRICE ORDER ITEM

RETAIL PRICES WhOLESALE PRICE AND RESELLER PRICE Rarotonga

LPG per kg

3.62

4.35

LPG 9kg 20lb

32.66

39.20

LPG 13kg 30lb

56.55

EFFECTIVE DATE

August 24, 2013

12

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

Cook Islands prominent in food show with a conscience food for tourists is imported.

Real Pasifik aims to turn this on its head so that within ive years, 70 per cent of food is grown locally instead.

The man who is to become the face of Real Pasiik is New Zealand’s celebrated chef Robert oliver, who visited the Cook Islands with the Zoomslide film production team earlier this year to ilm part of the series.

When asked to design 21 res-

A CeLeBRITY chef and a film crew are aiming to create longlasting effects on the way Cook Islands cuisine is viewed by the world.

Real Pasifik, which will screen on new Zealand’s TV one next month, forms part of a movement aiming to drastically reduce the amount of imported food used within the tourism industry throughout the Paciic.

At present, 70 per cent of

taurants for a Caribbean hotel chain, oliver was horrified to discover that 85 per cent of their fruit and vegetables were being brought in from overseas. oliver resolved to change this and set about establishing supply chains between the hotels and local farmers. oliver introduced a ‘prosperity model’, which resulted in reducing imports down to 37 per cent and helping to inject millions into the economy.

One of the dishes at the inal feast for Cook Islands guests that was prepared with tradition in mind, but given a fresh spin. 13082604

During the course of his career, oliver has also been involved with several high proile restaurants across the United States. He was responsible for opening the biggest restaurant in the US, Rumjungle in Las Vegas, and was also executive chef and co-owner of SUVA restaurant in miami with Hollywood actress marisa Tomei. oliver’s first cookbook – ‘Me’a kai: The food and lavours of the Paciic’ – was named ‘Best

cookbook in the world’ at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris in 2010.

Each episode of Real Pasiik showcases a different country and its cuisine with series one visiting Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and new Zealand.

“I was utterly blown away with the stories that emerged during our travels for Real Pasiik,” said Oliver. “It’s been a fabulous and eye-opening

journey. I simply can’t wait to share it with new Zealand and the rest of the world.”

The series of 30-minute shows will screen in new Zealand on TV one at 4pm Saturdays from September 7, and will be shown in more than 70 countries. The irst episode focuses on the Cook Islands, followed by Samoa, Vanuatu, new Zealand and Tonga.

- Real Pasiik/BD

The Cook Islands stars in the irst episode of the Real Pasiik television series, which also visits Samoa, Vanuatu, New Zealand and Tonga. PHOTOS MARK SUMMERVILLE/ZOOMSLIDE 13082603

shiPWreCkhuT

@ aroaBeaChsiDeinnarorangi

Ph 22 166

oPen DaiLY for BreakfasT 8-10am anD LunCh 12-2Pm

LeBonvivant C

A

F

E

OPEN 7

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euroPeanfareWiThPaCifiCfLavours

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Live enTerTainmenT!

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resTauranT

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thuaug29

WhaT’son FRI SUN TUE

Tani and Rose or Tara Kauvai 5-8pm a la carte dinner from 6pm Lincoln Mail 5.30-8.30pm BBq dinner from 6pm Lincoln Mail 6.00-8.00pm a la carte dinner from 6pm

oPeneverYoThernighTforaLaCarTeDinner6-9Pm

TUE ThU SAT

sunset BBQ w/ GARTH YOUNG - PIANO 6PM sunset Cocktails w/ W/RUDY AqUINO 5.30PM – 7.30PM sat seafood BBQ w/ JAKE NUMANGA - UKULELE 6PM

Our food our passion 6pm till late Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Reservations recommended Ph: 27619

LunCh

avarua ToWn

Dinner

11am to 2.30pm

5.30pm to 10pm 7 days

Mon to Sat $7.00 Lunch pack takeaway

Mon-tue: $12.95 specials thursday: Indo Chinese Specials Friday: Bufet Nite ($19pp) All you can eat Sunday: Tandoori night Other nights: A-la-carte

$10.00 Dine in special

Ph 22 279

Thu 29

fri 30

4.15Pm

One Direction: THIS IS US SPECIAL WORLD PREMIERE RELEASE

PaCifiC rim The WoLverine

8.30Pm

sun 1

4.15Pm

6.00Pm

one DireCTion This is us The WoLverine 4.15Pm

6.00Pm

saT 31

The WoLverine 6.00Pm

8.30Pm

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Ph 189 for uPDaTes on The movie hoT Line

BigsCreen,DoLBYsounD,unBeaTaBLeBLoCkBusTermovies every Monday & Thursday - call Advertising on 22999

“WhaT’son”

or adverts@cookislandsnews.com

The new television series aims to increase the amount of locally-grown food used in the tourism industry. 13082605

13

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

SITUATIONS VACANT Wanted Full time worker in food market garden. Phone 24858 or 76017.

73354 /33756 /1931

Photocopier & Electronics repair technician and manager required to join our happy team. Essential to have 5 years+ experience in repair and servicing photocopiers, printers and other electronics items. Apply with CV in the irst instance by email to cota@oyster.net.ck 73359 / /1804

Accounts person required for Shipping company.

Proiciency in Quickbooks Enterprise essential.

Minimum 20hrs to start, and may be required to work some Saturdays.

Attention to detail, accurate record keeping and a methodical work ethic required.

To apply, send your cV and covering letter to umaint@oyster. net.ck Applications close Sept 10.

Public advised to maintain good personal hygiene levels DIARRHoeA continues to feature on the monthly health reports from Public Health, with 12 cases recorded for the month of July. This is the same level of cases of diarrhoea as for the month of June, but a drop from may and April where over 20 cases were recorded.

Advice from Public Health is to continue to observe good personal and food hygiene, including hand washing, and to

consume safe drinking water.

The report also noted one case of dengue like illness, and three cases of inluenza like illness.

Dengue outbreaks continue across the Pacific, in French Polynesia, new Caledonia and Solomon Islands, with those in the Cook Islands asked to maintain their vigilance in removing potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This includes keeping your home and yard tidy,

removing water from buckets, cans and lower pots, ensuring rain gutters are clean, and covering containers with stored water and any tyres.

The event Surveillance and Response Unit produces monthly syndromic surveillance reports with the assistance of the acute emergency doctors, with weekly and monthly reports disseminated to the World Health organisation.

- RS

www.cookislandsnews.com

73368 / /1853

13082812

WANTED TO RENT

73365 / /2113

WANTED TO RENT Raro Shack’s owners are looking for a new place to live.

Married couple with young daughter, seek 3-4 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Must be modern, clean & pet friendly 5509920500. info@raroshack.com 73325 /33718 /2671

73306 /33717 /1931

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Classiieds

need a little

National Team Manager Netball cook Islands is seeking applications for National Team Manager for our National Squad for up-coming events which includes the Singapore test series in November 2013, Netball in Paradise December 2013 and Paciic Netball Series June 2014 to be held in Rarotonga.

Applicant will be based in Rarotonga.

If you have management experience, good organisational skills, are self motivated, a team player and have the will to drive for success, then we would like to hear from you.

Please forward your expressions of interest with curriculum Vitae no later than Friday, 13 September 2013 to admin@ netball.co.ck or deliver to Netball Cook Islands oice, Nikao (behind Ministry of Education building), Rarotonga or by post to PO Box 569.

1-2bdrm fully furnished house for long term rental. Single working lady with excellent references.

Ideally near Muri. Ph/text Robyn 70457.

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

tHE MiniStRy OF intERnaL aFFaiRS

Director of Labour & Employment Relations The Ministry of Internal Afairs is seeking a highly motivated and qualiied person to lead the Labour and Employment Relations Division. this is an extremely challenging and rewarding role in a dynamic environment that has a diverse range of responsibilities including: • The management of staf • The successful administration and implementation of the new Employment Relations act 2012 • Managing the regulation of Dangerous Goods • The administration of the Workers Compensation Scheme • The administration of the Employers Liability insurance to be successful the applicant must have a tertiary degree in either: Employment Relations, Economics, Public Policy or Law and 5 years professional experience. if you are interested in leading a team of capable professionals in this exciting and fast changing area, a full job description and information pack is available upon request. Please contact Eva Mapu, phone 29370 or email admin@intaf.gov.ck

MOE Vacancies, 2014 Vacancies Applications are invited from qualiied and experienced teachers, principals, counsellors and curriculum advisors to start in January 2014.

1. Principals (13 positions) 2. Tereora College (9 secondary teaching positions) 3. Teaching positions (12 positions): Avarua School, arorangi School, titikaveka College, araura College, Mangaia School, niua School, Omoka School, tukao School, tauhunu School, and tetautua School.

4. Araura College (Guidance counsellors) 5. Ministry of Education (Curriculum Advisor with Science & iCt) applications close on Friday 6 September, 2013 at 3pm.

For more information ring 29357 or visit the Ministry website at www.education.gov.ck 73182

applications must be addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry. the deadline for applications is 6 September 2013 at 4pm. /

Administration Manager Account/Admin Role

SITUATIONS VACANT MiniStRy OF FinanCE anD ECOnOMiC ManagEMEnt

National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) Sector Consultancies MiniStRy OF agRiCULtURE

head of Policy, Planning and Projects The Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to ill the position of head of Policy, Planning and Projects.

Applications are invited for suitable, qualiied and experience person in agricultural Economics, Policy and Planning, Market research, project formulation and management. the successful applicant must have broad experience in this senior position and have some knowledge in basic data analysis and interpretation of ield data. He/She must be luent in both English and Maori languages, and must also have a pleasant and friendly attitude, knowledge sharing towards all Farmers including backyard growers. Written applications including CV should be addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of agriculture, PO Box 96, arorangi, Rarotonga.

Or Email mat.purea@agriculture.gov.ck applications for this Position closes 30 august 2013. a Job Description is available on request.

73117

The Statistics Oice of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management is seeking expression of interest in 4 short term consultancies to assess the availability of statistical data/information of the sectors: 1) Sustainable Economic Development Sector 2) Sustainable Human and Social Development Sector 3) Sustainable natural Resources and Environmental Management Sector 4) governance Sector The Terms of Reference (TOR) can be viewed on: www. mfem.gov.ck or send your CV and covering letter to: statsinfo@cookislands.gov.ck application close 4pm, Friday 30 august 2013.

73267

OvERsEas advERTising We can place your message in newspapers around the world.

We will get quotes for classiied advertisements and pre-billing.

Contact our advertising department phone 22999 email: adverts@cookislandsnews.com

We are looking for a skilled administration Manager to join our team. as our administration Manager you need to be a proactive individual with a strong background in managing accounts to provide admin support and accounts information to our Directors.

Our small administration team provides a variety of work and requires some lexibility within the job. in this role, you will be responsible for general administrative tasks, as well as the following • VAT Returns & Reconciliations • Some invoicing and monitoring of debtors • Preparation of monthly management accounts • Preparation & monitoring of cashlow budget • Payroll & PAYE Returns • Bank Reconciliations • Manage timely preparation of accounts payable you will need to demonstrate strong organisation skills and the ability to work well within a small team.

Excellent interpersonal communication is essential, as you will be interacting with people at all levels, from our Directors, to colleagues, to suppliers and to our clients. the key criteria to excel in this position include: • Advanced Computer Skills, with proiciency in Word & Excel • An eye for detail & accuracy in preparing MFEM returns and management reports • Experience and proiciency in business accounting software (Quick Books is preferred) if you are looking for a varied role within a company with strong values, then please apply in writing to the general Manager, Pickering Motors Ltd, P O Box 18, Rarotonga. /

14

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

Fishing with Geoff Thomas A WeLL-KnoWn name in the world of ishing was in the Cook Islands to ilm a segment for his television series this week.

Geoff Thomas is the face of the show ‘outdoors with Geoff’. The series is shown on TV3 in new Zealand and involves Thomas going from one place to another, ilming in the great outdoors.

Thomas is an expert in game ishing and his 6am wake-up call on monday earned him and his friends ive strikes all at once— resulting in a total of eight ish weighing in at six to eight kilogrammes each.

The group fished with the crew of the marlin Queen. one of the people accompanying Thomas on his visit was Jack Green, a sixteen year old who caught his very irst mahi mahi on monday.

For Thomas, while the weather could have made conditions less choppy for the sea farers, conditions for fishing were great.

“Choppy waters bring the ish out,” he said.

The last time Thomas was here was seven years ago when he went ishing with Akura and

his experience was good enough to bring him back.

“It is great to be back and I have got six of my mates with me this time, so they get to enjoy the ishing as well.”

The last time Thomas visited, he came to try ly ishing to catch a boneish, but sadly this has not yet happened – although he lives in hope.

“I’m still a bonefish virgin and I’m hoping to catch a boneish in Aitutaki,” he says.

Boneish have a reputation as one of the best ighting ish in the sea, and are not often caught

Half a dozen ish and three happy men fresh of the Marlin queen with their catch. 13082614

in the Pacific. However, Aitutaki’s lagoon is one place where ishermen can target the species and Thomas said he was looking

forward to trying his luck there.

Thomas left Rarotonga on Tuesday after his trip to Aitutaki.

“People from all around America will pay to come here and ish for boneish,” he said.

- Sahiban Kanwal

Geof Thomas with one of the bigger catches of the day. 13082608

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neW in

avaiLaBLe TiLL WeDnesDaY 3 sePTemBer sTo re

$3.20kg

WhoLe LamB CarCas for faThers DaY roasT

nz LamB Leg

LamB DiCeD

$10.50kg

$13.00kg

$8.90kg

TenDer BirD ChiCken Leg qTrs 2.26kg

nz aPPLes

$9.50pkt

$4.00kg sPe Cia L

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in sTore:

graPes, kiWifruiT,nz oranges, aPPLes & LoCaL fruiTs.

15

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

International Flights

FLIGhT FROM ARRIVES ThuRSDay auguST 29 Nz46/45 AKL 5.15PM PPT 2.50PM gz035/034 Nz748/749 AKL 1.25AM fRiDay auguST 30 Nz748/749 AKL 1.55AM Nz46/61 AKL 3.20PM VA163/162 AKL 12.50AM

TO

DEPARTS

AKL PPT AKL

6.30PM 3.50PM 2.25AM 2.55AM 4.30PM 1.45AM

AKL SYD AKL

Air Rarotonga

Flight Times | Voyage details RARO TO ARR ThuRSDay auguST 29 0800 AITUTAKI 0850

DEP

TO

ARR

0910

RARO

1000

1030

AITUTAKI

1120

1140

RARO

1230

1530 1800 1100

AITUTAKI AITUTAKI ATIU

1620 1850 1145

1640 1910 1205

RARO RARO RARO

1730 2000 1250

DEP

TO

ARR

TIARE MoANA 14 - ETD AuCk 03/09, ETA RARo 13/09, ETA AITuTAkI 15/09

oloMANA 19 - ETD AuCk 13/09, ETA RARo 27/09, ETA AITuTAkI 30/09

Shipping

TIARE MoANA 15 - ETD AuCk 28/09, ETA RARo 06/10, ETA AITuTAkI 08/10

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Instructions

Instructions

Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.

Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.

answertoWednesday’spuzzle

answertoWednesday’spuzzle

hÄgar the horrible

Weather Forecast to Midnight Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Situation: a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains slow moving over Southern Cooks. a weak trough of low pressure remains slow moving over northern Cooks.

Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine apart from a shower or two about Rarotonga.

Occasional showers elsewhere.

Moderate easterly winds. Moderate seas.

Further outlook: Brief showers.

For Rarotonga: Fine apart from a shower or two.

Further outlook: Brief showers.

For the Northern Cooks: Cloudy periods with some showers. Moderate easterly winds. Moderate seas.

Further outlook: Occasional showers.

29 FRI

30

Morning

72%

Night

75%

Morning

76%

Night

77%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

By Lee falk & sy Barry

®

Rarotonga Thursday, August 29, 2013

Forecast Map 2pm Thursday

Tides THu high 3.15AM 0.82M 3.44PM 0.72M

29

Low 9.43AM 0.35M 9.48PM 0.39M

FRI

high 4.08AM 0.78M 4.43PM 0.69M

30

0.7M e

0.9M SW

N

Low 10.41AM 0.38M 10.47PM 0.42M

28°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

SE 09ktS New Moon sep 5 11.37AM

First Quarter sep 12 5.09PM

Full Moon sep 19 11.13AM

Sunshine hours

Third Quarter sep 27 3.56AM

5.3

aRaPo - akaoTi TangaRoa thu 29 TaNu (Planting)

TauTaI (Fishing)

Tanu i te kumara, taro & u’i. Plant kumara, taro & yams.

Po no te o’onu. akarava to tautai Koura te ika.

Night for the lagoon.

Netting and ishing for crayish and ish.

Humidity THu

By Dik Browne

®

The PhanTom

Crossword

THu sun Rise 6.51AM sun set 6.29PM

29 FRI

30

Moon Rise 1.51AM Moon set 1.07PM sun Rise

6.50AM sun set 6.30PM

Moon Rise 2.38AM Moon set 1.56PM

0.9M SW Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

0.8M Se

y

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Thursday, August 29, 2013 Aitutaki

27° SE 15ktS

Mangaia

25° E 09ktS

Mitiaro

27° SE 10ktS

Atiu

Penrhyn

27° SE 10ktS

28° SE 16ktS

Mauke

27° SE 10ktS

16

Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 cook Islands News

Club rugby heads into the business end of the season

tarekareka

SPoRT

Small but strong Team CI A SmALL but strong Team Cook Islands with real medal prospects departed for the Pacific mini Games in Wallis and Futuna early this morning.

The 16 member strong Team Cook Islands is made up of seven athletes from three codes including athletics, sailing and weightlifting. national sprinter Patricia Taea, who has been training at the Regional Development Centre in Brisbane, Australia will compete in the 100 metre and 200m sprint race.

The 20-year old holds the 100m sprint record with a time of 12.44 seconds.

She will be joined on the track by 18-year-old Alex Beddoes who will compete in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m races.

Beddoes is the national junior and senior 800m record holder after setting a blistering time of 1.55.30 in December 2012.

Local police oficer Tereapii Tapoki makes her comeback to the ield in Wallis and Futuna where she will compete in discus and shot put.

The three athletes will be under the watchful eye of team manager Ina marsters. on the water – national

sailors Teau mcKenzie, who is currently schooling in new Zealand will be the sole female sailor for the Cooks and will be joined on the water by male counterparts Taua elisa and Junior Charlie who will compete as individuals and as a team.

The sailing team will be managed by Anne Tierney and accompanied by coach and former national sailor Helema Williams.

All three sailors are Pacific Games gold and silver medallists. on the lifting stage – the Cooks will be represented by the nation’s sole female weightlifter Luisa Peters.

Peters has been training hard at the weightlifting institute in new Caledonia under legendary weightlifting coach Paul Coffer.

Peters has made tremendous improvements to her total lift weight and overall lifting technique that are expected to produce medals in Wallis and Futuna.

Peters will be managed by Unakea Kauvai.

The Cook Islands are confident of a successful medal haul at the Paciic Mini Games

Local sailor Teau McKenzie, now based in NZ for school, is one of seven Cook Islands athletes that will ly the Cook Islands lag at the Paciic Mini Games in Wallis and Futuna. All seven athletes are real medal prospects at the games starting on September 2. 13082811 in Wallis and Futuna, despite sending a much smaller team than for previous events.

Team Cook Islands atheltes and managers will be led by chef de mission Robert Graham and administration delegate Siniva marsters, CISnoC president Hugh Graham and associate minister of sport John Henry.

Chef de mission Robert Gra-

ham has high hopes for Team Cook Islands.

“The Cook Islands flag, in Wallis, will be raised a few times on the results that we’ve got at the moment of our athletes and based on what other results we are collecting within the region,” Graham told reporters.

“When we send teams overseas it’s not just for the sake of

going overseas but we do jump online and check other countries with their athletes that are going to the Games - where they are, where it places us as well so we have a fair idea of where we will be looking at in particular codes or particular sports.”

Daily coverage of the team’s progress while in Wallis and Futuna will be provided by Cook

Islands news chief reporter and sports photojournalist matariki Wilson who is traveling with the team as team press attaché.

The games open in Wallis and Futuna on monday, September 2 and will see hundreds of athletes from 21 Pacific nations compete in eight sports codes for national pride and top hon- MW ours.

Titikaveka to clash with vaka Puaikura T H e T I T I K AV e K A s e n i o r

women and premier men soccer teams will be travelling to Arorangi today and tomorrow for their irst outing in the 2013 season at Raemaru Park.

The Puaikura senior women’s team will be anxious about their match against Titikaveka after a draw against nikao Sokattak last Saturday.

After Pauikura’s mediocre performance against nikao Sokattak, they will need to step up if they are to put Titikaveka away on their home turf.

These two outits are strong contenders as seen last season

where both teams finished in first and second place in the round cup championship.

Prior to the senior women’s match the under 14 boys will kick off at 4.15pm.

After cooling their heels in the irst round Titikaveka will play their first match against Puaikura tomorrow in the Lotto men’s premiership.

Puaikura got off to a steady start against nikao Sokattak last Saturday with a one all draw and today they will look to defeat Titikaveka.

- CIFA Media The under 14 girls will kick off the day’s preceding

at 4.15pm before the premier men’s match.

Today’s draw at the Raemaru Park: (Puaikura vs Titikaveka) – 4.15pm Under 14 Girls, RefTupou Patia assisted by Brayden Kavan & Lloyd murare, 5pm Senior Women, Ref-Tupou Patia assisted by Brayden Kavana & Lloyd murare.

Friday 30 draw at Raemaru Park: (Puaikura vs Titikaveka) – 4.15pm Under 14 Boys, RefJohn Pareanga assisted by Terry Piri & maara Kaukura, 5pm Premier men, Ref-John Pareanga assisted by Terry Piri & maara Kaukura.

Puaikura senior women in action against Nikao sokattak last saturday will take on Titikaveka today. 13082807

Half marathon prep Final round of club rugby for annual road race THe mAIn road in Titikaveka

will be busy this Saturday as local runners gather for the annual half marathon race.

The race is open to all keen runners and will start at 7 o’clock on Saturday morning.

All racers will need to be at the Tikioki triathlon site an hour before race starts to register.

The half marathon run is a 21 kilometre race that will be run

over two laps.

Racers will take off from the start line at the Tikioki tri site and run 2.5km towards ngatangiia for the irst turn at the Pacific Resort bridge in muri, and back towards Titikaveka to the next turn at the Salt Water Café in Vaimaanga, and back to the start line for the second loop for a total race course of 21km.

Regular runners in the recent

mareko Island Creations road series are sure to lead the pack.

The half marathon is also part of preparations for the annual week of running including the main Round Raro Road Race starting on September 21.

Get your runners on and get along for an early Saturday morning run.

- Matariki Wilson

THIS FRIDAY and Saturday will see the inal round of games in the club rugby competition.

The competition heads into the business end of the season next week with three weeks of play off and semi-inal rugby.

This weekend’s main game is set to be a bruiser between the raging Titikaveka Bulls and the hot to trot Takuvaine Reds.

The Avatiu eels will meet the Arorangi Cowboys and the Tupapa Panthers will go up against the ngatangiia-matavera Dragons.

- MW

Friday 30 at Takuvaine field (Reds vs Bulls) – 4.30pm-Senior

B, Ref-Tua ngaputa assisted by Club Oficials .

Saturday 31 at Takuvaine ield (Reds vs Bulls) – 2.30pm-Under 19, Refs: Tutai Taurarii assisted by Poto ngaroi/Tangata Samania, 4pm-Senior A, Ref-Arthur emile assisted by Taurarii Tauraii/Poto ngaroi.

Saturday 31 at Avatiu ield (Eels vs Cowboys) – 11am-Under 12, RefClub official, 11.50am-Under 14, Ref-Dan munro assisted by Club oficial, 12.40pm-Under 16, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Dan munro/

Club official, 1.40pm-Under 19, Ref-Junior Takairangi assisted by Dan Munro/Club Oficial, 2.50pmSenior B, Ref-metu Une assisted

by Club Oficial/Titi George, 4pmSenior A, Ref-Fraser nooroa assisted byBishop Bishop/Junior Takairangi.

Saturday 31 at Tupapa ield (Panthers vs Dragons) – 1.50pm-Under 12, Ref- Club Oficial, 2.50pm-Under 16, Ref-Williams assisted by Tangi Toa/Fenua Puna, 4pm-Senior A, Ref-Tua ngaputa assisted by Tau Williams/Sean Willis, (Referee Assessor-Tom Cote).