Wednesday 30 October by Cook Islands News

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Wednesday, october 30, 2013

EU isheries deal on hold

The proposed isheries partnership agreement between the Cook Islands and the European Union has been put on hold. “It has been put on hold pending further technical advice, which has been sought by the prime minister,” said Trevor Pitt, special advisor to Prime Minister Henry Puna. “Because it has regional implications, he is going to have to take expert advice.” Pitt said Puna – who currently holds the marine resources portfolio – has already spoken with oficials at the Paciic Islands Fo-

rum Fisheries Agency (FFA), described as an organisation which helps nations sustainably manage their isheries and comprises 17 Paciic nations. FFA has provided advice from a regional perspective and the PM expects to raise this input with MMR secretary Ben Ponia this week. The proposed partnership agreement was negotiated in July, and the document is currently awaiting signing and ratiication once both parties decide to proceed to the next stage. Before moving on to the next

process, Puna had called for extensive public consultations from the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), but with the latest move to put the deal on hold, that request has temporarily been pulled back. Last Wednesday, Ponia held a public consultation on purse seining, the method of ishing to be used by Spanish vessels under the proposed EU-Cooks deal. At the meeting – held at the National Council of Women building in Tauae – Ponia refrained from speaking specifically about the proposed agree-

ment at the request of the PM, according to Pitt. “The prime minster instructed Ponia that the EU agreement was on hold, and there was no requirement to have any public consultation on the proposed agreement,” said Pitt. As MMR had already advertised the consultation to the public – which according to its ad on Tuesday October 22 was scheduled to focus on the EU proposal – the ministry went ahead with the meeting the following day, focusing on the broader theme of purse seine fishing, with no

discussion of the proposed deal. A similar consultation was held in Atiu later in the week and it is believed similar meetings are being planned for the near future. Preliminary details of the EU-Cooks proposal released by Ponia include access for the four Spanish purse seiners to ish up to 7000 tonnes per year, as part of inancial package totalling $8.7 million over 4 years. In addition to payment for accessing ish stocks in the Cook Islands exclusive economic zone, a “policy support payment” is also

included in the proposal, which Ponia said will equal 100 per cent of the access payments. Ponia said MMR is proposing to divert policy support money from the deal to develop a “modern isheries surveillance centre to combat illegal ishing and to provide a fuel subsidy scheme to assist the local ishers”. According to European Union sources, any funds provided through policy support payments would have to come from a “jointly agreed” programming document. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Youth raise funds for Nukutere

YouTh hit the streets on Saturday to raise $7000 for Nukutere College, which lost a block of classrooms to a recent act of arson. The initiative was driven by the Avarua Catholic Youth executive committee, with help from youth groups Sacred Heart in Matavera, Saint Mary in Arorangi, Saint Terese in Mitiaro and Saint Paul in Titikaveka, as well as the Catholic Boy Scouts. Around 20 senior students from Nukutere College also helped with the collection. President of Avarua Catholic Youth Tim Nubono said around 80 youth assisted with the fundraiser, with the help of a truck from T&M Heather and collection buckets from Cook Islands Red Cross. “It was sad to see (what happened at Nukutere College) and we want to give back to our very own college,” said Nubono. He said the fundraiser focused on Nukutere College because most of the Avarua Catholic Youth executive committee members are former students of the school, and because of the shared Catholic ties with Nukutere College. However, he said their hearts are also with Avarua School, which was also devastated by a ire just hours later. Nubono said those involved were touched by the generosity of the community and amazed by the large amount raised.

“It was a massive turn-out. We did not expect that amount. “A lot of people stopped and gave whatever they had in their pockets. Families came out onto

the street. The amount is huge – the committee was shocked.” The runathon began in Avarua at 7.30am and went clockwise around the island. The

event happened to coincide with another runathon fundraiser by the national under 15 and under 17 netball teams to help them in their preparations

for the December Netball in Paradise international tournament at Telecom Sports Arena – with the two groups crossing paths in Titikaveka.

The money raised by the youth will be presented to Nukutere College on Friday. - Briar Douglas

Organisers of the fundraiser were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. 13102908

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Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

worldNeWs nuti no TeIA NeI Ao Gays all good at Sochi games Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted gay and lesbian athletes have nothing to fear at next year’s Winter Olympics in sochi, Russia. Putin has told the international Olympic Committee, that gay athletes – and their supporters – would feel at ease. Russia has been criticised over a new law banning “homosexual propaganda” towards people under 18. But a proposed boycott of the Games has gained little momentum. There was some suggestion that gay visitors might face prosecution in Russia, but Moscow says this will not happen.

Dancer was on the bridge Costa Concordia captain’s lover was with him as liner hit rocks GroseTTo – A Moldovan danc-

er who was on the bridge of the Costa Concordia with Captain Francesco Schettino has admitted she was his lover at his trial. Domnica Cemortan testiied that she was in a romantic relationship with the captain and was with him when the cruise ship ran aground off the northwest Italian coast. Capt Schettino faces multiple charges of manslaughter and abandoning ship. The January 2012 tragedy killed 32 people. The captain faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

world BRIEFS car fire thouGht to be ethnic proteSt cHINA – chinese police are reportedly seeking two ethnic Uighur Muslims from the far west of the country in connection with the car ire which killed ive people in front of Tiananmen Gate. The driver and two passengers burned to death when their car smashed through barriers and burst into lames in a suspected immolation in front of the famous portrait of Mao Zedong. Two tourists were killed and 38 others were injured when the vehicle struck them. Turkicspeaking Uighurs live in the country’s far-western Muslim province and many there seek independence from China. Tiananmen Square is a magnet for protesters in China. Fireighting equipment is placed around the square to prevent self-immolation protests.

hoStaGeS releaSed after three yearS NIGER – Four French hostages kidnapped in Niger in 2010 have been released, France’s President Hollande has announced. He said the country’s foreign and defence ministers “have left for Niamey” and the hostages would return home as soon as possible. The hostages were seized on 16 September 2010 in raids targeting two French irms employed at the uranium mine near Arlit, northern Niger. The al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb group said it was responsible. A French diplomatic source said the four French nationals were still in the hands of the Niger authorities, but France’s foreign and defence ministers had arrived in Niger’s capital Niamey to welcome them.

Syria faceS outbreaK of polio diSeaSe SYRIA – The World Health Organisation has conirmed 10 cases of polio in war-torn Syria – the irst outbreak in the country in 14 years. The UN body says a further 12 cases are still being investigated. Most of the 22 people who have been tested are babies and toddlers. Before Syria’s civil war began in 2011, some 95 per cent of children were vaccinated against the disease. The UN now estimates 500,000 children have not been immunised. Polio has been largely eradicated in developed countries but remains endemic in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. There has been speculation that foreign groups ighting in Syria may have imported it from one of the endemic areas.

bacKlaSh oVer teMple touriSM plan INDONESIA – Leaders from Bali’s Hindu community have slammed a plan by the Indonesian government to attract more tourists to their most sacred temple. The Indonesian Hindu Association says plans by Jakarta to include the Besakih temple and the volcano upon which it sits on the oicials list of sites to be developed would be “degrading” to Hinduism. “These sites are the centre of the universe for us Balinese Hindus, and we are worried that by making it an oicial tourist destination, our spiritual lives will be disrupted,” association head Ngurah Sudyana told AFP. “We are concerned that our spirituality will be degraded and exploited if these sites are just seen as commercial.” The temple is situated on the eastern part of the resort island and is less crowded than the major tourist areas of the south.

Cemortan has been the subject of intense media interest. On the night the Costa Concordia ran aground, she had dinner with the captain before he invited her to join him on the bridge as he oversaw what was meant to be a close sail-past of the little Tuscan island of Giglio. Local press have speculated the captain may have been distracted by her presence, or even showing off. In court, Cemortan acknowledged after being pressed that they had been romantically involved. She said she had worked for the company that operated the Costa Concordia for about three weeks in December 2011, and had met Capt Schettino on a previous cruise. After the ship hit the rocks, Cemortan said the captain urged her to “save herself”. She told court that she helped other passengers to abandon ship before getting into a lifeboat herself. The court is expected to hear evidence from about 1000 surviving passengers and crew. In testimony earlier in the day, ship maitre d’ Antonello Tievoli told the court he had asked the captain if he could sail close to the island of Giglio because he has family there. The captain obliged on January 6, but was apparently disappointed with the result, and ordered the ship’s helmsman to plot a closer route for next time. A week later, the ship ran aground on rocks after veering too close to the island. The captain has acknowledged fault in the tragedy, but his defence team is arguing the ship sank in part because watertight doors did not function on the ship. He also told the court that his Indonesian helmsman was to blame for steering the ship onto rocks and ignoring orders to slow down. - BBC

domnica Cemortan told the court she boarded Costa Concordia as a non-paying passenger and was with Captain Francesco schettino on the bridge when the cruise liner ran aground. AFP

Civilians lee conlict

DAMASCUS – Thousands of Syrian civilians have inally been allowed to leave the besieged Damascus suburb of Muadhamiya. Media describe a tide of desperate people leaving the area, which has been closed off since March. Supplies in Muadhamiya had been running desperately short, and residents had pleaded to be saved from starvation. The exodus of civilians has been made possible by an apparent relaxation of a blockade by government forces.

The Syrian army had previously said that rebel-held areas of Damascus such as Muadhamiya could surrender or starve. At least three of Damascus’s suburbs – Yarmouk, Eastern Ghouta and Muadhamiya – have been besieged by government forces for several months. The situation has become so desperate that earlier this month Muslim clerics issued a religious ruling allowing people to eat cats, dogs and donkeys just to survive.

Those animals are usually considered unfit for human consumption in Islam. The Minister for Social Affairs, Kinda Al Shamamat, who was overseeing the evacuation, has accused rebel gunmen – whom she describes as terrorists – of iniltrating Muadhamiya. But rebel ighters – who have stayed behind in the suburb – accuse the government of trying to starve them into submission. Now that most civilians have led the battle is expected to intensify. - BBC

Spy chiefs get a grilling WASHINGTON – Senior US spy chiefs are testifying before the House intelligence committee amid reports the US has eavesdropped on leaders of US allies. Earlier the US Senate’s intelligence committee announced a major review of the country’s surveillance operations. President Barack Obama faces criticism over reports he was unaware of the extent of

the spying. The hearing follows calls by US Senate intelligence committee chairwoman Diane Feinstein to end eavesdropping on leaders of friendly nations. The US president said the country’s national security operations were being reassessed to ensure the National Security Agency’s (NSA) growing technological capability was kept

under control. German media have reported that the US bugged German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone for more than a decade. It has also been reported that the NSA spied on French diplomats and that it conducted surveillance on millions of French and Spanish telephone calls, among other operations against US allies. - BBC

unrest in egypt continues

SoldierS looted beSieGed nairobi Mall KENYA – Two Kenyan soldiers have been sacked and jailed for looting during last month’s attack on the Westgate shopping centre, the army chief has said. Julius Karangi told reporters that a third soldier was under investigation. However, he denied there had been “widespread looting” and said there had been an attempt by the media to paint the soldiers as “unprofessional”. Somali Islamist group al-Shabab says it was behind the attack, which killed 67 people over four days. “ CCTV footage leaked to local media seems to show soldiers helping themselves to goods in a supermarket in Westgate during the siege.

Today’s Daily Bread You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Matthew 7:21-29 read: read: John 8:37-47

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 44

young supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood carry a comrade injured during clashes with egyptian security forces outside alAzhar university in Cairo after Egyptian security forces ired tear gas to disperse students protesting in support of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi this week. AFP

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

worldNeWs nuti no TeIA NeI Ao

Afghanistan looks to better times a war-ravaged nation bets on mining for a prosperous future KABUL – Kabul no longer resembles a city ravaged by three decades of war, civil strife and insurgency. A few minutes after leaving the airport complex, as one enters the streets of Afghanistan’s capital, all notions of the wartorn country begin to fade. Plush, yet Bohemian-styled marriage halls, perhaps inspired by the casinos of Las Vegas, glitzy shopping malls and busy markets greet curious eyes. What happened to the bulletridden mud walls or the shellpunctured roofs, one might ask. The irst impression of Kabul has none of that to offer. As the city begins to introduce itself, it becomes evident time has healed its wounds. Pul-e Khishti, Kabul’s biggest open-air market, bustles with shoppers and itinerant vendors. Kiosks selling burger and Doner kebabs have popped up next to traditional Afghan eateries. Driving with officegoers means being caught up in hours-long trafic snarls. “Abhi to koi mushkil nehi hain (There is no trouble right now),” Nadim, a taxi driver, says in broken Urdu. Nadim is, however, scared to think about the future. Over the next few years, Afghanistan will undergo a couple of momentous transitions. The irst is a security transition. Since 2001, after ousting the extremist Taliban insurgents, US forces, supported by the United Nations Security Council, have been maintaining public security and stability for the democratically elected government of President Hamid Karzai. By the end of 2014, most foreign troops will pull out of Afghanistan, leaving the law and order and security measures to the US-trained Afghan police and army. The second is an economic transition. Beyond 2016-17, the government could face massive economic constriction. Being one of the 10 poorest countries, Afghanistan is heavily dependent on foreign donations, not just to balance the budget, but also to grow the economy. The World Bank estimates between 2002 and 2010, the country received an average $6 billion a year in civilian aid. This was about 40 per cent of its GDP – $15.94 billion in 2010. Only a few other territories such as Liberia, West Bank and Gaza have received more aid per capita than Afghanistan on a few occasions. A big chunk of the aid goes into rebuilding the war-torn country. In 2011, about $252 million of foreign aid was pumped into developing Kabul. Most of the glitter that one sees in Kabul is built on an economy generated by such aid. But the days of handholding are coming to an end. The fear is once foreign troops exit Afghanistan, funds for development projects might

fall into the wrong hands or be siphoned off. After all, corruption is rampant in the country. According to the 2012 corruption perception index of Transparency International, a global civil society organisation, Afghanistan is among the 10 most corrupt countries. Such is its disrepute that at a conference in Tokyo in July 2012, about 70 countries and donor agencies agreed to make $16 billion available to Afghanistan until 2016-2017 only after the government pledged it would ensure greater accountability and transparency. Since 80 per cent of the aid would be aligned with the National Priority Programs (NPP), the government had to promise to follow NPP “with a focus on economic growth, revenue generation, jobs and human development”. Dwindling aid will hit government inances the hardest. Most of the foreign aid does not come directly to the government; it is spent through implementing partners such as contractors or civil society organisations. And, this aid doesn’t entirely beneit the country. Much of the aid money goes into the payments to foreigners working in the country or contractors and for outward remittances. In 2010-11, Afghanistan received $15.7 billion in foreign aid, of which the government received only 12 per cent – about $1.2 billion. This constituted 41 per cent of the government’s budget. That year, the government spent about 20 per cent of its budget, or $950 million, on public welfare. The World Bank reports: “Development progress since 2001 has been mixed. Key social indicators, including life expectancy and maternal mortality, have improved markedly (admittedly from an extremely low base), and women are participating more in the economy.” If foreign spending dries up, one of the irst things that could be hit is public spending on development projects. Afghanistan’s mines minister Wahidullah Shahrani is, however, optimistic about the country’s future. In an interview, Shahrani says mining could be pivotal in turning around Afghanistan’s economy. The government insists underneath Afghanistan’s soil lie $3 trillion worth of minerals. The fact that Afghanistan is rich in minerals has been known for about 40 years. In the 70s, Russian’s geological survey team, for the irst time, prepared a mineral map of the country. But it never got on to extraction. After the fall of the Taliban, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) sent a team to survey these minerals. An old British bomber aircraft fitted with 3-D mapping capabilities made sorties over areas with mineral deposits in 2007 and prepared a detailed 3-D proile of the reserves.

young afghan children play with the tires on outskirts of herat. economic development is considered a vital weapon to stop the country from sinking back into civil war and to stem islamist extremism after 100,000 international combat troops pull out next year. AFP The proile was ready by 2009 and the following year, USGS announced Afghanistan’s mineral wealth was worth $1 trillion. The list of minerals is exhaustive and includes copper, iron ore, rare earth minerals, gold, oil and natural gas. Mining would generate about 500,000 jobs, Shahrani said.

“For every direct employment, three others are indirectly employed,” oficial from the ministry was quoted. According to statistics released by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy, about 500,000 employment seekers went without jobs every year. Only 48 percent of the one-million workforce had seasonal employment.

The dazzle of revenues has left everybody pushing for mining as a panacea for an economic revival. The government has made it the mascot for economic growth. Javed Noorani, an extractive industry researcher with non-proit Integrity Watch Afghanistan, says everybody in the country, especially due to

media publicity, now thinks a lot of cash is coming their way through mining. From politicians to warlords, everybody is trying to invest in mining, directly or through their cronies with the hope that it can also bring both economic and social beneits to the cashstarved country. - Down To Earth

tallest man thrilled to be married The world’s tallest man and his bride cut the cake at their wedding last weekend. AFP

ISTANBUL – The world’s tallest man has married – and his new bride barely reaches his waist. At 5 foot 8 inches (1.73 metres) , 20-year-old Merve Dibo isn’t a particularly short lady, but next to her giant groom Sultan Kosen, who looms at an enormous 8 foot 3 inches (2.44 metres) she looks miniature. The Turkish farmer is almost three feet taller than his blushing bride but the difference in height means nothing to the new groom. Ko s e n h a d c o n t i n u a l l y searched for a suitable girl his own size, and met Dibo after almost giving up. “I’m thrilled to have found the person for me. It was unfortunate that I could not find a suitable girl of my own size. But now I will have my own family and private life,” Kosen said. “I cannot describe my feelings in words,” the 31-year-old groom said on Sunday. “I am the happiest man in the world.” Sultan, who also holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest hands and feet is only one of 10 people to ever top eight feet. He was given the “world’s tallest man” title in 2009 and while most of his life has been about being tall, he said he is now really happy that he can live a happy, married life with his new wife. The tallest man married his bride in a traditional ceremony. He had a custom suit made for the occasion and wore size 28 shoes. - PNC

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

regionalNeWs nuti no Te pA eNuA

Deputy PM denies interference Top samoan politican welcomes inquiry into breathalyser incident APIA – Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo has denied allegations that he interfered with police in carrying out their duties. Fonotoe made the denial in a letter sent to the Weekend Samoan Observer. Dated October 25, the letter was in response to a police re-

port alleging that the deputy prime minister stopped the police from carrying out their duties in relation to one of his government colleagues, Associate Minister Muagututagata Peter Ah Him, who had been pulled over at night on the roadside in Apia and was being breathtested for alcohol.

paciic BRIEFS haWai’i VoteS for SaMe SeX MarriaGe HAWAI’I – The Hawai’i Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee has voted to pass a bill to legalise same-sex marriage in Hawai’i. The vote came after nearly 12 hours of testimony from the public, as more than 400 people addressed lawmakers during Monday’s public hearing before the Senate committee. The Hawai’i Marriage Equality Act of 2013 recognises marriages between individuals of the same gender. In addition, it extends to same-sex couples the same rights, beneits, protections, and responsibilities of marriage that opposite-sex couples are presently entitled to. The bill will now go to the full Senate, which is scheduled to vote on it Wednesday. From there, it goes to the House, which has planned a joint hearing before the Judiciary and Finance committees for Thursday.

PAPER CELEBRATES 4000TH ISSUE AMERICAN SAMOA – The publisher and founder of Vanuatu’s only daily newspaper, the Daily Post, says the publication has always acted responsibly in its reporting. The comment from Marc Neil-Jones comes after the publication’s 4000th issue was printed. Neil Jones says that over the publication’s twenty years to date, he and his staf have been subjected to a range of threats, intimidation and assaults, often by public igures who have struggled to accept the notion of media freedom. But he says the Daily Post has strived to be as fair as possible. “And we’ve broken practically every major sensitive story in the country over the last twenty years and the staf should be congratulated for doing that and helping Vanuatu have what is now a free media.”

no confidence MoVe ‘JuSt ruMourS’ PAPUA NEW GUINEA – A senior Papua New Guinea government minister has dismissed as mere rumours media reports of a pending motion of no-conidence against the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. The state broadcaster NBC has reported on speculation that a number of MPs are planning a motion and that dissatisfaction with O’Neill’s leadership could result in an attempt to block the budget next month. O’Neill has said if he ever loses his majority support, he will resign. Parliament recently passed legislation extending the period that a government is protected from motions of no-conidence, which the Public Service Minister, Sir Puka Temu, says renders the reports hollow.

city SufferS total poWer blacKout PAPUA NEW GUINEA – The Papua New Guinea city of Lae fell into total darkness on Sunday after PNG Power Ltd shut down a hydro power station. City residents and business houses were reportedly furious, especially those heavily dependent on the power supply. The power was switched of at 2pm on Sunday and didn’t come back on until Monday afternoon. According to a press statement the Ramu One hydro power station was shut down due to a technical problem with the drainage pump. Lae Chamber of Commerce president Allan Mclay had expressed disappointment over the power outage. Mclay said PNG Power Limited failed to notify the chamber so business houses could have been prepared.

deVelopMent fund taKeS leGal action PAPUA NEW GUINEA – THE PNG Sustainable Development Programme Ltd has begun international legal action against the government, chairman Sir Mekere Morauta says. The Singaporebased action comes after letters from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last week purportedly terminating the PNGSDP board, including Sir Mekere as chairman, removing the chief executive oicer David Sode and appointing a transitional management team. “The company is especially mindful of the need to protect the US$1.4 billion of assets in its Long Term Fund from misuse, abuse and misappropriation,” Sir Mekere said.

ruGby leaGue World cup updateS THE PACIFIC – Paciic teams are massaging out the bruises and continuing their 2013 World Cup Rugby League campaigns. Tonga were disappointed to lose by two points to Scotland yesterday in a 24-26 thriller. Cook Islands, who open their campaign against softoption USA today in Bristol, will face of with their angry Paciic neighbours Tonga this Tuesday. Still smarting from their one point loss to France in their opening match, Papua New Guinea will play Samoa – defeated by New Zealand 42-24 on Sunday – on Monday in Hull. The only Paciic island side to post a irst outing win, Fiji will meet big boys Australia on Saturday. Papua New Guinea also have their hands full against New Zealand next Friday at Leeds.

Fonotoe’s letter was published in verbatim: “I am presently overseas on government business and would like to take this opportunity to response to implications that I had allegedly stopped police from carrying out their duties on the eve of October 4, 2013, while the law enforcers were conducting a breathyliser test on Associate Minister Muagututagata Peter Ah Him as published in your newspaper. “For the record, I strongly deny these allegations. “On that same note, I also welcome the police initiation to reinvestigate the circumstances of the incident in question. “It reafirms my belief that no one is above the law and I have no intention of interfering with the police inquiry and will cooperate willingly. “For your information, I was on my way home after a family dinner in town, when I saw the associate minister’s vehicle parked on the side of beach road in front of the former Agriculture Store Corporation with the police pick up with lights on right behind it.

“No one is above the law and I have no intention of interfering with the police inquiry and will co-operate willingly.’ “I stopped to see whether it was an accident. At that time, testing of the associate minister with the breathalyser machine was in progress. “I counted three times the test was administered and the associate minister was then let go.“As my vehicle was also facing the same direction, I left the scene immediately after the associate minister’s vehicle. “When I was approached by your reporter regarding the matter a week later, I asked her whether any oficial release had been made by police. “She said that Acting Police Commissioner Afamasaga Michael Soonalole has issued an official press statement

which did confirm what had transpired that night and that after the tests were conducted by police, the results came out negative. “I told your reporter in the presence of Acting Police Commissioner Afamasaga that out of respect for police I reserve any comments, as I do not want to interfere with police work. “I am now informed that the police’s oficial release conirmed that the associate minister was tested with the breathalyser three times and each time the result was negative. Therefore no offense was committed and no charges laid. “I patiently await the outcome of the police inquiry and I am forced to refrain from making any further comments on this matter, until the police completes its investigation. Thanking you in advance for the opportunity to set the record straight.” Last week, Samoa’s Assistant Police Commissioner Fauono Tala Tapu called for Fonotoe to be charged with interfering in a police matter. On Friday, the Prime Minis-

ter Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said an appropriate decision would be made once police investigations are completed. In an earlier report in the Samoa Observer the police oficer who wrote up the report of the incident said the associate minister’s vehicle was pulled over after it made an illegal U-turn. The driver was subsequently breath-tested because “there was suspicion because his eyes and cheeks were red and he smelt of beer”. The oficer reported: “When Muagututagata irst blew into the breathalyser no air could be heard being expelled and it was the same the second time. On the third attempt a warning came from the breathalyser that it had not received enough air.” “As a fourth attempt to blow into the breathalyser was in progress, the deputy prime minister pulled up in another vehicle beside Muagututagata’s pick-up.” He said after a discussion with the police oficers Fonotoe then urged the associate minister to drive off. - Samoa Observer/PNC

Detainees sent to Australia

YAREN – The Refugee Action Coalition says Australia has flown 68 asylum seekers from Nauru to Australia, taking the total number of detainees transferred from the island to Australia in the past nine days to about 250. The latest arrivals at the Curtin detention camp in Western Australia included 19 Sri Lankans and 49 of other

nationalities. The Coalition says all of these asylum seekers had finalised their refugee interviews on Nauru – but none has been given a decision, despite the process being completed in some cases eight months ago. It says the group has been told that regardless of any refugee interviews on Nauru, determinations of their status will be

restarted in Australia. The Coalition’s Ian Rintoul says it would be hard to ind a more graphic example of administrative abuse, given that the asylum seekers had been kept on Nauru for over a year with Australia insisting the Nauru government was making the refugee determinations. Meanwhile, the newspaper, The Australian, says just one

refugee ruling has been made on Nauru – that of a minor, who has since been moved to Australia. Critics are questioning the fact that refugee authorities on Nauru have handed down just one ruling in more than a year, despite millions of taxpayer dollars being spent on the remote facility. - RNZI

Paciic rugby players united

SUVA – The Flying Fijians have backed the formation of the Paciic Islands Player Association (PIPA) which conirmed its existence last week. PIPA, which formalises the arrangement between players from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, has been in development since last November. Flying Fijians team manager Joseph Browne said it was an achievement for the regional

players. “This direction is really a positive development particularly for the professional rugby players,” he said. “It will help protect their welfare and also protect the welfare of the unions that meet the cost of player development, that there is an obligation that ensures the resources provided by the associations are not wasted and it also protects the players

from unscrupulous deed inspired by whoever.” According to the New Zealand Herald, the tipping point for PIPA’s development came last November following allegations by ex-All Black Simon Mannix that his former club Racing Metro paid Fijian players to rest during the 2011 World Cup. “ It creates a support network where we can work in partner-

ship with the unions and the IRB to capitalise on the region’s unique talent,” International Rugby Players’ Association member services manager Josh Blackie told the NZ Herald. Blackie said setting up PIPA was a no-brainer. Most players simply said: ‘Where do I sign?’ “PIPA will enable us to sustain player welfare and good governance over the Pacific Islands’ game. “ - Fiji Times/PNC

Bank to open branch on Nauru YAREN – Australia’s Bendigo

and Adelaide Bank has agreed to open a branch on the Paciic island of Nauru which has been without signiicant banking facility for many years. In a statement, the Nauru government announced the opening of a “community bank” which will be operating on the

Pacific island by January next year. It will provide the same sort of banking services as Australian customers enjoy, but being a community interest the bank will be calling on Nauruans to become shareholders in the company. The statement says the gov-

ernment will underwrite the share issue, guaranteeing the required A$900,000 to begin operations. The Australian government has agreed to extend the Financial Claims Scheme that guarantees deposits in Australian banks to branches of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank in Nauru.

The announcement also says the government is in discussions with the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank about its Nauru operation being used to distribute the remaining funds from the country’s nearly exhausted phosphate reserves. The bank is Australia’s ifth largest bank. - ABC

Long wait for payment rewarded APIA – Samoa’s Supreme Court has upheld a construction company claim of US$150,000 of additional costs for the construction of a sports gymnasium for the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa.

The then South Paciic Games Authority, established by the government to manage all preparations of the games including construction of sports facilities, was the defendant. A former politician, Toluono

Feti, who is also the managing director of Afolau construction, took the matter to court after the former sports authority’s CEO and the government failed to pay the outstanding funds. In the ruling, the court

awarded the former MP’s company more than US$180,000 – with a 12 per cent interest accrual dated back from September 2007 until last September. - RNZI

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

regionalNeWs nuti no Te pA eNuA

Bad smell helps protect coral Australian scientists ind coral is more resilient than irst thought TOWNSVILLE – Australian scientists have found that not only are coral reefs more resilient than irst thought, their secret defence weapon contributes to the bad smell that can come from oceans. Researcher Cherie Motti’s nose led her to the discovery. “I was handed this sample. I opened the jar and this smell of the ocean came out and I got a big whiff and I was quite shocked because I wasn’t expecting that smell at all,” she said. That smell belongs to an antioxidant compound dimethylsulphoniopropionate – known as DMSP – produced by coral,

in the form of a sulphurous gas, that helps keep it cool when sea temperatures rise. Study lead author Jean-Baptiste Raina said that previously it was assumed that large concentrations of sulphur gas emitted from coral reefs came solely from algae. However, the scientists say coral also lets off a sulphurous stink that helps to regulate its environment. Production of the gas increases when corals are subjected to water temperatures that put them under heat stress. When the water gets warmer, coral releases more DMSP mol-

‘What we’re saying is that the coral has the ability to deal with increasing temperature.’ ecules. The sulphur gas from these molecules helps form clouds that then relect the sun’s heat back into space, cooling the surface temperature of the sea. “What we’re showing is that this sulphur molecule is actually being produced in higher concentrations when the coral is being bleached and that enables the coral to survive a lot longer,” Dr Motti said. Dr Motti warns, however, that

too many stresses on coral can break that cycle. “For example, it becomes incredibly hot or we have a lood plume that might affect the immunity or the health of the coral, that’s when things start to go wrong because then the coral has got to play catch-up,” she said. The tougher environmental conditions get, the harder it is for coral to survive. “It’s like any normal person, you have one stress and you don’t feel well, but when you have a number of stresses coming at you all at once, it becomes more and more dificult to survive that,” Dr Motti said. “The coral faces exactly that problem. “What we’re saying is that

the coral has the ability to deal with increasing temperature. Whether this ability to produce this molecule enables it to be able to be more resilient against these other stresses we just don’t know yet.” Scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science teamed up with researchers in Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT for the study. The research will be published in the science journal Nature. Dr Raina said the sulphurbased molecules also served as nuclei for the formation of water droplets in the atmosphere and helped to create clouds. If coral numbers declined there could be a major decrease in the production of DMSP and

this, in turn, would impede cloud formation. “Cloud production, especially in the tropics, is an important regulator of climate because clouds shade the earth and relect much of the sun’s heat back into space,” Dr Raina said. “If fewer clouds are produced, less heat will be relected which ultimately will lead to warmer sea surface temperatures.” He said the Great Barrier Reef was a major hotspot for the emission of sulphur aerosol particles. “The Reef is the largest biological structure on the planet and the release of these particles along its 2600km length could constitute a major source of cloud condensation nuclei.’’ - ABC

Archiving Paciic’s many languages sYdNeY – Papua New Guinea

and countries in the Pacific are home to a quarter of the world’s languages. Many of these languages however are at risk of disappearing without a trace. To help preserve them – and the cultural traditions of the Asia Paciic region – Australian universities have developed an extensive digital archive of precious material. The Australian National University’s Professor Nicholas Evans has been at the forefront of the digital library known as

PARADISEC, which stands for the Paciic and Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures. “The goal of PARADISEC is to create an enduring digital archive for the languages and cultures of our region and that includes music, story telling – it includes a lot things other than just language itself,” he said. “It will be a secure repository that will hold things and which ultimately can be accessed by anyone.” The collection is the culmina-

tion of a 10 year project between teams at the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University in Canberra. The University of Sydney’s Professor Linda Barwick says the material was mostly created by linguists, musicologists and anthropologists, as part of their ield work. “We’ve got something like 7596 hours of recordings and they’re in over 600 different languages that come from all over the Asia Paciic region,” she said.

“Often the recordings are unrepeatable from the 1950s and 60s – sometimes languages and music, musical traditions no longer performed or spoken.” This year PARADISEC was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientiic and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, as part of Australia’s signiicant documentary heritage. The University of Melbourne’s Dr Nick Thieberger says the project team has been forging ties with institutions in the Paciic. “We’ve had good connections

with the Institute of Papua New Guinea studies and the Vanuatu cultural centre and the Tjibaou Centre in New Caledonia,” he said. “At the moment, we have a funding application to work with the Solomon Islands Museum, who have some 800 tapes sitting in Honiara and not basically doing anything.” But funding hasn’t been easy to come by. There have been grants from the Australian Research Council but nothing long term. “We stagger from deadline

to deadline and improvised solution to improvised solution,” Professors Evans said. “We dream of the day when the Australian government or maybe some philanthropist sees the deep value in what we’re doing.” Dr Thieberger says the material can’t afford to be lost. “I’d say they’re priceless and unique,” he said. “Often they’re the only recordings ever made with a particular group of people.” - Paciic Beat

Aspiring candidate faces male hostility SUVA – The irst young woman has announced her intention to stand in the Fiji elections but says she is facing hostility as a result – including rape threats on social media sites. Roshika Deo wants to stand as an independent in the polls which have been promised for next year. She says reaction has been a “bit overwhelming”, but she says she is prepared and committed to starting a campaign based on active citizenship. “There has been many kinds of reactions. Initially, when there was media coverage of my intention to stand as an aspir-

ing politician, there was a lot of retaliation on social networking sites. “There were threats, there’s a lot of racism coming out and there was a bit of rape threats. “It basically tells me that our society is still very patriarchally entrenched. There’s still a lot of misogyny around and representation is still something we have to work very hard to get, and democracy, for that matter. “Because without the participation of women, there’s no democracy. We make up half of the population. Deo says she will be standing as an independent.

“ I have not joined any political party. I cannot resonate with any political party at this stage. I’m standing as independent this time around. She admits it will be very hard for her to get her message out in the current political climate in Fiji. “It is very, very difficult. I have been involved in a few pro-democracy movements in the last few years and also with other young women’s groups and youth groups that are advocating for democracy. “ And it has been really dificult. I think the main reason is the fear, the fear that is among

the people of what to say, what not to say. “ It will be dificult in terms of trying to get the message to people, but it is difficult, but not impossible. And some of the ways that my team – and we’re called Be The Change campaign – that we are planning to do this is online. “Social networking sites is one of the ways that we’ve identiied and also going out into the communities and talking just about the issues.” Deo says there are dificulties with how the electoral arrangements have been made under the new constitution for her to

stand as am MP. “The way the electoral system has been designed was a shocker, because this is not what has been discussed by the state in the last six or so years. “When the charter document came out they were talking about four boundaries, and they kept on talking about that up to the very last minute. “Then all of a sudden they come up with this one national boundary. “So the boundary has changed – it’s one national boundary and now we have an open list – and what is happening is people are getting confused now.

“It was always quite confusing because the information was not really getting out to people in the most simple language for them to understand. “So when I’ve been talking to people, they don’t know what proportional representation is. They know it’s a better system than alternative voting or what we had before, but they just don’t know what it is. “So I think talking to the people to explain to the people what the system is, how it’s going to work is the most dificult task. And that will impact greatly on how any candidate is able to campaign.” - RNZI

Children abandoned as traditions erode

porT MOREBY – Unwanted babies are often given away in Port Moresby, according to social workers. Father John Glynn, founder of WeCare Foundation, says an increasing number of children are being abandoned, especially in urban areas as the traditional kinship, or ‘wantok’ system, breaks down. One group is attempting to deal with the problem with projects in the capital Port Moresby to help single mothers and children at risk. Father John Glynn, founder of WeCare Foundation, told Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat

programme that babies are being abandoned due to poverty. “The children sometimes go hungry for days and what happens is very often children drift away from families,” he said. “They begin begging on the streets, go fishing in the little creeks around the city – they drift away and get lost.” Father Glynn says while the wantok system could work in traditional society, it breaks down in the city, contributing to the rising number of abandoned children. “There’s very little knowledge about what happens in the settlements,” he said.

‘The word is if you want to buy a baby, after two or three days you are bound to ind the mother with a baby for sale.’ “Tradition may work in traditional society, in the villages where people still hang onto their traditional ways, but a lot of this breaks down in the city. “It’s dog eat dog around here,” he said of Port Moresby.

Father Glynn cited the recent story of a newborn baby being found in the rubbish heap with the umbilical cord still attached. He says putting up a child for adoption is dificult as there is no infrastructure in place. “We don’t have, for instance, a panel of foster families who are prepared to take in a child like that,” Father Glynn said. “We don’t have an adoption service that’s functional.” In the case of the abandoned baby, Father Glynn says the lady who found the baby said she wanted to keep it. “So, she left the hospital with the new baby. There was no pa-

per work, no formalities of any kind,” he said. Father Glynn says one can ind babies for sale in the city’s Gordon’s market. “The word is if you want to buy a baby, you just have to go there, after two or three days you are bound to ind the mother with a baby for sale,” he said. Father Glynn says babies are bought by local people. “This is all internal, this is just us, this is our own people,” he said. He says another way of getting a baby is visiting the labour ward at Port Moresby General hospital.

“Within a few days, you should be able to pick up a baby there and they are usually given away for nothing.” While these adopted children are looked after when they are younger, they often end up staying at home instead of going to school when they grow older. “The children of the family will go to school but the adopted one probably won’t,” Father Glynn said. Despite stories being published in the media about abandoned babies, Father Glynn says nobody puts pressure on the government to do anything. - Paciic Beat

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

LeTTers reta

Front up to the local ishers Dear Editor, Last week the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) scheduled a meeting with representatives of the fishing clubs to discuss purse seine fishing. It was intended to be a one-on-one session with the local fishers to explain our position and hear their concerns. It was shifted to the Cook Islands Fishing Association headquarters (National Council of Women ofice) at their request and not a deceitful move to avoid meeting the public, as our local environmental NGO,

Te Ipukarea Society (TIS), loudly complained. For the record, we did advertise before and on the actual day of the consultation. Also it has been our plan to do further and separate consultations with the wider public in due course. I thought that last Wednesday’s session went really well. At that part of the room where the ishers were sitting I saw much nodding and acknowledgement of succinct points. I presented evidence that purse seine fishing is neither

destructive or indiscriminate; that it was possible to sustainably harvest a portion of the resource; how local food security wouldn’t be affected; how our skipjack rights will be claimed by other nations if we don’t harvest our fair share; and what could be the beneits of new money to assist our nation and local isheries sector. I also explained the key risk areas, such as the 2 per cent bycatch of bigeye tuna and illegal fishing, and how we intend to minimise those risks.

Editor, every time we explain the big picture the audience become visibly at ease. This was the case when we consulted up north in Rakahanga and Manihiki, on Rarotonga and more recently down south in Atiu. It was obvious that the antipurse seine lobby who turned up, namely TIS and Mr Rueben Tylor, actually have very little knowledge about purse seining in our waters and our skipjack tuna resource. In my opinion they were left scrambling to sow morsels of doubt.

So I was happy to read that Mr Tylor in a letter to the editor (Seeing through ‘the MMR sales pitch’, October 26) has announced that he will join forces with TIS to do their own research to show why we should ban purse seine fishing. If TIS and Tylor are serious about wanting to deny this country its right to ish its own ishery resources or generate signiicant amounts of revenue then we need to hear some proper technical arguments from them instead of their usual doomsday theories

and rhetorical responses. As well as publishing their proposed CI News article and simply pandering to their audience in Rarotonga and overseas friends, I suggest that TIS and Tylor also personally front up to the local ishers and the northern group islands where the skipjack tuna resource is concentrated, to explain to them directly why they and this country should be denied the beneits of this ishery. Ben Ponia Secretary Ministry of Marine Resources

Play league or grow nita? “BINGO!!” shouts a smoke signaller. “All this time I thought that the demand placed on Grey Power by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management on back taxes was to pay for their use of the health system, but it’s not! It's to pay for Mark Brown’s recent trip to England to view the Rugby League World Cup and the $60,000 government donation for the Cooks’ league team. How much will it cost again to ix the heat treatment plant for the Nita Growers?”

taXMan ‘GaVe no WarninG’ A SMOKE SIGNALLER responds to Friday’s front page article ‘Pen-

sioners hit the pavement in protest’: “I write to answer financial secretary Richard Neves’ statement to the protesting pensioners that ‘it’s not a back tax, it has always existed’. He is correct in that the taxing of New Zealand pensions became possible in 2009 but he omits to mention that every Cook Islands government since has chosen not to implement it. Now as an outsider he sees the opportunity but has acted like a bull to a red lag and has not given advance notice to say this government will now formally implement this law. Richard says ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The sign at the Avarua Harbour says ‘If you litter, you will be ined’. Imagine if we all got a letter saying ‘You dropped litter yesterday, or last week, you must pay $1000!’ It was also symbolic of Richard Neves – after the pensioners shouted at his ivory tower ‘No back tax, how can we buy bread?’ – that he answered, as did Marie Antoinette, ‘Let them eat cake!’ Well, we all know what the French peasants did to the Austrian Queen!”

finiSh toWn firSt A SMOKE SIGNALLER writes: “The government, especially inance

and infrastructure, are so beguiled by the $20 million China loan for replacing the rest of the main and submain water pipelines that they seem to be neglecting to carry out the inal part of the $10 million ADB-funded Project City town water scheme. Has the contract for laying smooth new town roads been put to tender? My understanding is that road works should have been tendered mid-year yet it is now end of October and the project is at a standstill. The focus of all efforts has shifted to Te Mato Vai. New Zealand Aid funds have been channelled to overseas irms so there is little, if any, stimulus to our local economy even though the works will make it appear to be a hive of activity. If the public were complaining about dust, dirt, and dug-up roads, imagine the nuisance of having the entire road network being dug up all over Rarotonga.”

a coSt-effectiVe approach A SMOKE SIGNALLER signing themselves ‘Have some respect!’ writes:

“In response to the smoke signaller who wrote on Saturday ‘it’s time a designated ire service is set up for Rarotonga’, Barry (the Puaikura Volunteer Brigade, Fire Chief) has been in the ire service in Auckland and here in Rarotonga for the past 34 years, both in city stations as well as the Auckland airport station in New Zealand, and the Rarotonga airport station as Fire Chief, and knows how they work. He was merely stating that if the airport station crew were only to turn out to airport

ires, then they would be losing valuable experience and training in ire ighting should there be an aircraft emergency. Barry also stated that currently the airport service chiefed by Nga Jessie ‘has ighting capabilities as good as any ire brigade in New Zealand’! You have totally missed the context of Barry’s letter, merely stating that it would not only be a waste of valuable resources, but a huge amount of money when all that is needed is funding for some extra crew to be rostered on at all times, who could then attend to any domestic ires regardless of any planes landing, and shared cost of running the current Airport Fire Service. You wrote ‘why not direct your criticism to the Airport Authority and convince them your suggestion is more adequate than you undermining the view of the ire chief’? You have no idea of the meetings that Barry has attended recently and over the years with both Nga Jessie and other disaster management authorities. Barry was merely stating his opinion, not overriding or disrespecting any opinions of Nga Jessie or ‘running to the media’ as you mentioned, but giving the public an easier and more cost-effective solution to building, manning and resourcing a whole new station. Let’s face it, there is only so much money that the taxes in this country can cover! Your smoke signal is in total disrespect to a long standing citizen to this island of more than 40 years, and one who has given up endless hours of their own time not only ighting ires for the past 15 years in Rarotonga, but setting up the volunteer Puaikura back-up ire service, who attend to all of the ires on the island as a irst response, if the airport has an aircraft coming in, and as a second/back-up response to any other ires on the island. As well as the running of the volunteer ire service and the training and call out of the volunteer ire crew (using his own pension money). Before you totally disrespect someone’s authority and experience, please get your facts correct before doing so, and bear in mind when you are next tucked up in your bed, that Barry and his volunteer crew could be out there in the early hours of the morning ighting ires in the community!”

WatchdoG ‘aSleep’ A SMOKE SIGNALLER writes: “The lapdog at audit has gone into his

master’s kennel and not been heard of since he took over the position of auditor general, or could it be that the entire ofice of PERCA [Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit] is in a lagrant state of denial? There is no need to tiptoe – the watchdog is in a deep sleep. Even a news report on the Aitutaki crusher and Minister Teariki Heather’s possible involvement apparently did not get the watchdog asking any questions about whether or not that work had been tendered.”

taKinG the caKe A SMOKE SIGNALLER writes: “‘Let them eat cake’ is the line that a French aristocrat is said to have uttered when told that the poor had no bread to eat. If it is true that Richard Neves [inancial secretary] offered cake to the elderly pensioners protesting last week what they see as a tax injustice, then the man ought to be on the next aeroplane out. Not for being incompetent as a tax man but for being profoundly culturally moronic. If only I had been there to shove the cake where it should have been shoved.”

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Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

LeTTers reta

‘Generating even more questions’ Dear Editor, It is two weeks now since the Financial Secretary assured your readers that he would respond in separate letters to the several issues I raised on October 10 (Explain proposed tax reforms). Instead of doing this he addressed only one, preferring to jump ahead to comment on my second letter and thereby generating even more questions. This silence I observe has not gone unnoticed – the CI Herald last week also drawing attention to it. Not exactly the ‘robust discussion’ being advocated is it?

Borrowing our way to increased productivity In commenting on the inancial secretary's latest foray James Beer rightly notes that public sector borrowing, where much of the money ends up overseas and Cook Islanders pay the debt (and stop having us believe the water metres don't mean user pays) is not the type of productivity we need here (if it even qualiies for that description), for if it were, why not borrow another huge chunk of change and take on more public servants? At least there would be no leakage and all those pay packets would be spent here and think of the return from VAT! The increased wealth of a country (and stop using the term 'nation' – that word is not applicable to a country that depends on the citizenship of another!) is acquired by the creation of new goods and services and in a tiny economy like ours that is the real challenge.

Import substitution Mr Neves, and the Agriculture Department in the CI Herald release, makes much of the potential for import substitution presented by new initiatives with capsicum, broccoli and snow peas. Livestock receives only a passing reference in the agriculture release, as I suspect they are now dancing to the MFEM tune hence the reference, apart from goats, was not developed. Capsicum, broccoli and snow peas it seems are the new salvation and later, goats. Sure they will all grow here and if the price is right (because we couldn't protect them now could we?) they will sell here and maybe reduce imports, but how many dollars are we looking at? Pork, pork products and eggs would have an annual retail value of something like $2 million. By contrast, statistics advise in 2012 these new buzz products would have a CIF value of approximately $130,000. Mr Neves applauds this new initiative because he believes it comes into the category of what he deines as 'naturally competitive'. Unlikely when large heads of broccoli retail in the NZ supermarket for $1.99 and large coloured capsicums for $3.99 and goat meat is already relatively inexpensive! As I have stated time and again there is precious little we can

produce here which is 'naturally competitive' and that would include pork, pork products and eggs, but until those in authority realise it and accept that tariff protection is not a dirty word, we will never achieve any serious import substitution because there would be little incentive to become so engaged. Let's take the case of Fiji. Politically there is much to disagree with, but when it comes to food security, import substitution, keeping its people employed and productive – they are a whole lot smarter than we are. Scrolling through their 2012 tariff is illuminating. Home industries like eggs, poultry meat, sugar, baking and cereals, vegetables, juices, ice-cream, soft drinks, cement, paint, soap, cleansers, timber and building supplies, mats and plaiting, paper products, the garment industry, furniture, batteries, pearls, rooing, certain steel and copper products and aluminium window and door frames are all protected by an import duty of 32 per cent. Pork and many others are protected with lesser rates. VAT is on top. In 2012 Fiji was 100 per cent self-suficient in eggs, 97 per cent in poultry meat and 80 per cent in pork and pork products. When the pork industry was threatened by cheaper imports of processed pork products (bacon, ham and the like) government was asked to intervene and did so by adding those products to the long list on 32 per cent. Can you see anything like that happening here? Fat chance! Quite the reverse in fact. So has Fiji got it all wrong? Should we perhaps be sending the MFEM team over there to straighten them out? They would have the market flooded with imported product and unemployment rampant in no time, Cook Islands style. The only difference would be that the unemployed would not enjoy the same easy escape route we have to Australia and NZ. The question on everybody’s lips, why Cook Islanders continue to leave, is staring you in the face – because you people who are calling the shots continue to get it so frightfully wrong.

Eggs Where eggs are concerned I believe M FEM has adopted the position it has because it was under the impression and stated as much on page 7 of CI News October 10 that there was only 'one commercial supplier of eggs', thus emboldening government to pander to the lobby that has been trying to close down Scotts Farm and with one stroke achieve for them what they have failed to do under Public Health legislation and that, as there was only one farmer involved, they could weather any resulting storm. It probably came as a bit of a surprise to them to learn that there were several more out there some quite well politically

connected. Several propositions have been put to government to advance import substitution for eggs. Those same suggestions could be adopted for other products but integral to their success requires either a prohibition on imports if local production is adequate to meet demand and/ or a protective levy. Price control and commerce legislation are vital partner ingredients in this equation but we have neither, the former languishing for all the wrong reasons and the Commerce Bill successfully delayed by vested interests.

Price control Mr Neves makes several wrong presumptions about both. There was never anything wrong with the price control regime. It worked perfectly fine while it was enforced until some dumb administrator started to widen the scope of products needing control and what began as a reasonably short list became stupid, illogical and cumbersome and because of this the latent incompetence endemic in the public service allowed enforcement to wane, much to the delight of retailers. Mr Neves says the controls were just ignored conveniently overlooking that the Price Control Tribunal had the power of enforcement at its disposal. So, if the administrators had been halfway competent and doing their job, and if the relevant minister was on top of his game the disarray which followed would have never occurred.

scotts Farm is just one local producer of eggs says John scott. 08101007

importer is paying the 50 per cent levy. This occurs as the eggs approach their best before date which is ive weeks old. Adopting the philosophy espoused by our learned economists this would be great. ‘Cheaper products for the consumer’ is their mantra. Meanwhile local production takes a hit because there is no mileage in selling below cost except to quickly quit expired stock and we don't have that problem. Human nature being what it is however will have customers gravitate to the cheaper item. What do the MFEM experts say about that? Good job no doubt. If we had a Commerce Act some action could be taken but conveniently we have none. We have trade practices provisions in the present Control of Prices Act but previous efforts to invoke these ran into an oficial barrier of non-cooperation and a weakCommerce bill As to the Commerce Bill Mr ness on the part of the Tribunal Neves has it all wrong. I never to exercise its powers. These are spoke of a 'new commerce bill'. sea-freighted eggs at sea freight rates. I was speaking of a The question Then we have the bill that had been other importer/reon everybody’s sidelined for eleven tailer giving away balips, why Cook years now through an con with every tray of unhealthy relationIslanders eggs – another form ship existing between continue to of predatory pricing vested interests and leave, is staring against which there government, which you in the is no protection. has allowed this piece

face – because

per cent protective levy in place imagine the opportunity for killing off all local production with it removed. Rather than remove the levy a concerned government should be seriously re-evaluating its position with a view to doubling the levy to 100 per cent (equal to pearls!). If the importer/ retailer is content to lose money then let's make his experience really worthwhile!

Invoices and costing MFEM has the import entries and invoices for both these importers/retailers. So what I suggest is that they dig them out and do a costing and then tell us how wrong I am. I shall take the precaution when Parliament resumes of asking someone to move for the production of those documents should there be any reluctance at this quite reasonable attempt at transparency.

Local bakeries To bring home the point take the bakeries. We have some ine bakers on this island making excellent product. Take the recent egg dumping and think the baking industry instead of eggs. Let's suppose importers free of any protective levy target the bread market. They bring in huge quantities of various types of bread, rolls, cakes and proceed to sell these at low margins, at

Freight rates of very important you people Interestingly, this legislation to be conwho are calling other importer/retinually deferred, and the shots tailer does not, at when inally it surfaccontinue to get least on my intellies again on the desk of it so frightfully gence, appear to be the present Minister sea- freighting eggs, wrong. of Finance we are told and one has to ask it is being reviewed by why? It is understood the reanone other than a director of the biggest trader on the island and son is that that trader happens the obvious first target for any to enjoy preferential freight action pursuant to it. Can you rates. This conjures up all sorts believe these people? Would you of interesting scenarios. For exinvite Mr Porter to set fuel prices? ample does that preferential rate Would you put the fox in charge get passed on to the consumer or of the hen house? What is the does it go straight to the bottom line? The more important quesmatter with us?! This last month has given us tion however, and one I shall be palpable evidence of how out putting to the NZ High Commisof touch our government and sioner, is that as the NZ governofficials are and how urgent it ment is a signiicant shareholder is to enact the Commerce Bill. in Air NZ is it the purpose of her Twice during this time one government to undermine local particular importer/retailer has productive effort by subsidising been selling NZ eggs below cost competing imports? If an importer/retailer can sell – signiicantly below cost if my calculations are correct and this eggs below cost even with the 50

PrOTECT OUr EArTH TOdAy

for our tamariki tomorrow

cost or even a loss (predatory pricing). No doubt MFEM would rejoice at this development and the consumer advantage. Meanwhile the bakers' production goes unsold. Would this be a good thing? MFEM would say yes as it would prove the bakers should not have been in the business in the first place and they should take their resources, investment, labour and effort and ind something more productive to do. This is the sermon from the mount called MFEM (Mr Neves CIN October 15). Couldn't happen they will say but they haven't been here long enough to know that it has already. CITC was importing bread and underselling the bakers not so long ago until the hue and cry made them stop. But what if MFEM threw its support behind them as they are with eggs? It could be a whole lot different.

Peer group I read in your paper that there is a Peer Review group here to evaluate national development. If this is a serious mission and not just another exercise in self adulation for the government then I feel that they should be reading this, lest they depart our shores with a very wrong impression. John M Scott

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

Grey Power marching to PM’s ofice peNsIoN activist group Grey

Power plans to march to Prime Minister Henry Puna’s ofice this Friday. The group held a general meeting yesterday, where members practised chants and performed a dress rehearsal for the planned march. Grey Power vice-president Dennis Tunui said the group is currently waiting to hear from staff at Puna’s ofice before announcing the exact time for the march, which was originally scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed due to a funeral for a Grey Power member. Tunui said the march will be similar to last week’s protest, which saw the group gather at the the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) in Avarua. Over 50 members took part in that march, and the Grey Power VP hopes those numbers double later this week. For the upcoming march, the group is planning to descend upon the ofice of the PM, where they will sing chants and the Cook Islands national anthem before reading a statement directed at Puna and government.

“We are hoping the prime minister will be there,” said Tunui, who added there could be three more public demonstrations to come. “We will be applying the pressure,” he said.

Also at yesterday’s meeting, the group raised over $400 to assist with reconstruction efforts at Nukutere College and Avarua Primary school, which were hit with devastating ires last week. The issue of taxing New

Zealand-paid pensions has been taken up by the group, who are stepping up their opposition to government efforts to tax prior pension income – earned from as early as 2011. The issue of taxing NZ pen-

sions, which has remained relatively dormant until this year, became intensiied after MFEM took broader steps in April to enforce a 2009 tax agreement permitting the government to tax the NZ-paid pensions as

if they were collected in New Zealand. It is believed roughly 260 individuals are currently in the Cook Islands collecting the NZ pension. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Grey Power members make their way to MFEM’s oices last week to hand back letters received by the government’s revenue Management division. 13102426

UN devotes funds to agriculture A MINISTRY of Agriculture

project that hopes to boost the production of nutritious crops has received the generous inancial support of the United Nations. Yesterday, agriculture minister Kiriau Turepu put his signature to the project document, which outlines a contribution of $355,000 approved by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The project hopes to use UN technical assistance to support ministry initiatives that aim to “increase domestic agricultural production through adoption of new sustainable crop production technologies and methods for soil improvements.” “Meeting the food requirements of the household is a foremost aim of this project,” reads agriculture ministry docu-

mentation. The project will focus on the islands of the southern group, including Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, and Mitiaro. Assistance will be provided in the form of technical advice, along with infrastructure and institutional support. Immediate objectives are to address shortages and inconsistent supply of production for the local population, as well as improving abilities of the sector to supply the hospitality industry and overseas markets. Addressing soil management and reducing use of inorganic fertilisers and pesticides are described as secondary objectives. Overall, the project hopes the funds will better the livelihoods of small farm households, encourage the support of women,

increase production of vegetables and fruits, and reduce food imports – which according to recent statistics amounts to roughly $10 million per year. An additional goal of the project is to use local agriculture as a means of addressing health issues relating to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes. “The main thing is to encourage the local population to grow,” said agriculture minister Kiriau Turepu yesterday, who listed crops such as taro and maniota that could be focused on. “There is a need for us to go back to our traditional foods.” The ministry’s director of crop research William Wigmore will be acting as project co-ordinator for the project. - Emmanuel Samoglou

agriculture minister Kiriau Turepu (centre) puts his signature on the $355,000 un project that aims to boost agriculture and promote sustainability. he is pictured with agriculture secretary dr Matairangi Purea (right) and project co-ordinator William Wigmore. 13102906

Paciic development inance meeting begins TH E 28TH annual general

meeting of the Association of Development Finance Institutes (ADFIP) is oficially underway. The association meets annually in a member country to facilitate the objectives of the association which include contributing to development initiatives in Paciic Island Countries, and this year has regional leaders travelling to the Cooks. Yesterday’s session – held at Edgewater Resort and Spa – was

opened with a keynote address by Prime Minister Henry Puna, who spoke about the role of development inancing in addressing some of the major issues in the nation. “Extending development funds in the form of lower-rated credit to the private sector is of great interest to government,” said Puna. The PM said he’d like to see further private enterprise involvement in development of

the energy sector, infrastructure investment in water supply and sanitation, internet technology, and seabed minerals – what he termed collectively as “drivers for the future.” “These are the sectors where government wants to promote ground-breaking ideas for advancement,” said Puna. “Governments will no doubt look to you and the role you can play in the implementation of their strategic thinking and

planning.” The association hopes to contribute to development inance initiatives in the Paciic region by advocating for relevant issues and their beneits, training and capacity development, building and coordinating relationships with stakeholders, and providing advisory services for member nations. Attending the conference are delegates from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Tahiti, Federated

States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau, Kiribati, Guam and the Philippines. Participating organizations include development finance institutes, housing authorities, the European Investment Bank, investment and technology companies, and the Asia Association of Development Finance Institutes. Additionally, specialist attendees have travelled from Australia and India.

Meetings will continue at the Edgewater, and the conference concludes this Friday with a morning site visit to The Titikaveka Growers’ Association and Cook Islands Aquaponics facility Te Raurau o te Kaingavai. Afternoon meetings are scheduled with water and sanitation oficials (WATSAN) and leaders in the Muri community. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

Tuvalu PM visits Rarotonga TUVALU Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga paid a courtesy call to government Thursday afternoon. In attendance were Agriculture Minister Kiriau Turepu, Finance Minister Mark Brown, and Infrastructure Minister Teariki Heather. Sopoaga paid a courtesy call on the three members of cabinet presently in Rarotonga during the meeting. The Tuvalu PM stayed for a short discussion and some refreshments, taking time out from attending the 12th Triennial Conference of Paciic Women, as he is the Tuvalu Minister Responsible for Women’s Affairs. “The talks were very cordial and touched on our strengthening bilateral relationship,” said special advisor Trevor Pitt at the Ofice of the Prime Minister. “We signed diplomatic relations with Tuvalu in August while PM Puna was in Auckland for the Polyne-

sian Leaders Group (PLG).” Enele was very supportive of the PLG and the co-operative links with the Cook Islands. One particular issue of concern to Tuvalu is employment and the need for locals to get work. They have a range of professionals who need jobs and are looking beyond their border to other markets – including the Cook Islands as a possibility. Labour mobility was a central issue during the 2nd PLG Meeting in NZ with member countries expressing needs to ill jobs and access labour. Prime Minister Henry Puna and government ministers are supportive of exploring the potential of accessing labour to meet the needs of our various sectors and industries. Minister Brown said the government would follow this up with further discussion, including talks with relevant stakeholders, and the business community. - Release

Tuvalu Prime Minister enele sopoaga (second from right), with agriculture Minister Kiriau Turepu, Finance Minister Mark Brown, and infrastructure Minister Teariki heather. 13102453

Change of plea for assault accused The hIGh CourT on October 24 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Tui Short, who made the following judgements: Fa’afou Amate , 34, through his counsel Wilkie Rasmussen changed his plea from not guilty to guilty for a charge of assault on a female. His lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen told the court that now that they have suficient information on the circumstances surrounding the assault it was better to enter a plea of guilty and get the mat-

ter dealt with immediately. Justice of the Peace Tui Short said that a probation report would need to be made, as sentencing for the offence is a prison term exceeding 6 months. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava agreed with the JP, asking that the matter is adjourned for two weeks. The case was adjourned to November 7 for sentencing and to await a probation report. Ngatokotoru Aratangi , 18, was arrested and charged with being unlawfully found on pri-

vate property. He was arrested and has been in remand since. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava requested that the matter be adjourned for a month, to await a psychiatric assessment by Dr Rangi Fariu. The matter was adjourned to 21 November and the defendant to remain in custody until then. No plea was entered for the charge. Tania Maungaati , 22, appeared on a charge of burglary. She had been arrested then released on bail on October 8,

after breaking and entering a house in Matavera. Her lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen said that he only just received the case and is not privy to police information, and under those circumstances no plea will be entered. Prosecution had no objection and the matter was adjourned to a callover on November 7. Iete Pukerua, 28, appeared in court for charges of wilful damage and assault on a female. Pukerua was charged with wilful damage after it was re-

Foreigners appearing in court a problem: JP A JUSTICE of the peace has commented on the amount of ‘foreigners’ appearing in court each week, saying that responsibility needs to be shown by agencies and employers moving people over from other Paciic nations. Justice of the Peace Tui Short told the court that although he was thinking aloud, fellow Paciic Islanders appearing in court on charges of drunk driving, assault and contempt of court was a real problem.

“It is a concern. I want to know what the responsibilities of those agencies or companies bringing these people here are,” he said. Short made the comment while making a sentencing decision for two charges of contempt of court, committed by imported Samoan rugby player Brian Toa who is currently playing for the Takuvaine Reds team. “Of course this kind of antisocial behaviour is the responsibility of the defendant, but there

needs to be a responsibility on behalf of those bringing them in. If I were to employ someone and bring them from overseas, government and court would expect me to take responsibility. That is my observation,” he added. The comments come after recent incidents of Paciic Island citizens from Fiji and Samoa being arrested and brought to court for serious offences such as assault. Toa is also currently up on a charge of rape.

Two arrests at weekend

eIGhT incidents over the weekend kept police on their toes. They were pleased that the majority of the incidents did not cause any major harm or injury. Police made two arrests and attended to three motor vehicle crashes, and three burglaries. “One male was arrested for breach of his court conditions and will appear in court tomorrow and another male was arrested for assault and will also to appear in court tomorrow,” says

Inspector Arama Tera. “The police also attended to three minor motor vehicle crashes but no one was seriously injured,” says Tera. Alcohol and electronics were taken from two public properties. “One tourist accommodation in Puaikura was burgled with electronics taken and one bar in Avarua was broken into with alcohol taken.” “One residence in Atupa was

broken into and we do not yet know what is missing,” says Tera. The police would like to remind the public to stay vigilant and keep their properties secured. The police would also like to remind the public to not drink and drive especially over the weekends. The Cook Islands Police Service appreciate the assistance of the public. - Sahiban Kanwal

He had been caught twice breaching bail conditions banning him from consuming alcohol and entering liquor licenced premises. In September, he had been seen at Hidie’s Bar by an off duty police oficer, and while being escorted to the police station, managed to escape and get away. The second time, just this month, police checked up on Toa at his home where it was observed he had recently consumed alcohol. Toa admitted he had been drinking on the beach with a friend, celebrating a recent win by Takuvaine Reds. His lawyer commented that Toa had been set up for failure, as it was common to celebrate and socialise with the team usually involving alcohol and being in a liquor licenced premises. He added that regardless of that there is no excuse, because Toa knew what his conditions were. Toa was convicted and ined $150 plus $30 court costs for both charges. The charge of rape, to which he had pleaded not guilty to, comes up for callover on November 7. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

ported he had damaged louvers and a glass door on a private property. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava told the court that Pukerua was remanded in custody on October 9, and has remained there. He asked that the matter be adjourned for a month, as with the previous case, to await psychiatric assessment by Dr Fariu. He said that Pukerua’s family wish to have an assessment due to his irregular behaviour. No plea was entered and the matter adjourned to November 7. Jim Arai , 46, appeared on a charge of assault on a female. Arai has not yet entered a plea and due to his lawyer Norman George being in Atiu, lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen stood in as co-counsel to adjourn the matter until George returns. The matter was adjourned to Thursday October 31. Poaru Tatira, 43, appeared for a call-over regarding charges of discharging a firearm and presenting a firearm. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting a defended hearing before three justices of the peace. Crown prosecu-

tor Martha Henry asked that the matter be adjourned to January. Both she and Tatira’s lawyer Norman George will be busy with cases being brought before Justice Christine Grice and will not be able to attend a hearing then. She estimated it would take a day. The matter was adjourned to January 9 with bail conditions to continue. Tatira had been charged with discharging a firearm and presenting a firearm in November last year, allegedly while he was under the inluence of alcohol. As the crime was committed in Aitutaki either witnesses are lown in to Rarotonga or staff lown over to Aitutaki. Flying staff over has been mentioned as being the cheaper option. Akaleni Raukete , 21, was charged with failing to produce a driver’s licence. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava asked that the matter be withdrawn as the defendant had fulfilled requirements of his charge by paying his ine in full and on time. The matter was withdrawn. K - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

SCOTTS fArM

CHOOKSALE

In preparation for the inevitable downsizing, if not demise, caused by government's proposed tax reforms Scotts farm is immediately retiring 2500 mature hens at $2 each. Preference will be given to members of Cabinet and MfEM as a reminder of their persistent refusal to adopt any suggestions to support the local egg industry.

HOWTOCOOKA$2dISTrESSEdCHOOK PUrCHASE frOM SCOTTS fArM 1. Kill then pluck (in that order) 2. read the entrails for predictions of government's future (called extispicy) 3.do not attempt to roast (will be too tough) umu is best, otherwise 4.for softness and full lavour a) In saucepan just cover with water add seasoning etc b) bring to boil c) turn down to lowest heat d) simmer with lid on for 90 minutes (keep checking there is enough water) e)meat should peel of with ease f) great for stirfry, curry or salads g) Enjoy and thank the government.

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

localNeWs nuti no roto i te IpuKAreA

New skills inspire bright creations BUDDING artists from Rarotonga and Aitutaki have had the opportunity to learn new skills this month. A further 10 students took part in the second intake of the screen printing workshops, held at Pa Ariki’s Palace in Takitumu and run through the Ministry of Education. Both intakes have been taken by tutor Rennie Peyroux, with all participants learning basic screen printing skills and producing prints on fabric using their own designs. “It’s gone well – everyone’s very happy,” said facilitator of the workshops Anna Rasmussen. The students chose the end product they wished to create, with their designs screen printed onto pillow cases, T-shirts, pareu and bags, as well as onto a large piece of fabric for Peyroux and Rasmussen. It was the chance to develop new skills that led many of the participants to take part, with one student travelling from Aitutaki speciically to attend the workshops. Varema Ruahe says it has been seven years since he last left his home island, with Aitutaki and the unity of the Cook Islands

used as an inspiration for his design. His contemporary design includes the number 31, the area code for Aitutaki, and handpainted gold detailing onto his black screen printed images. During the course he produced his design on large pieces of fabric, with the intention of printing it on to t-shirts when he returns home. “I was trying to include relaxing,” Enua Bishop said of his design, which featured a hammock slung from a coconut tree and a glass of wine. He says it took three days to complete his design, and three days to print the 13 tshirts that he will be giving to his grandchildren. For others the course had a business focus, with Janette Browne printing bold flower images onto pillowcases for her accommodation Te Moana Villas in Muri, and Leanne Browne using her new skills to extend her island bag business. Browne, who describes herself as the bag lady, sells her bright island fabric bags at the Punanga Nui and Muri markets. She will be releasing a new line of bags, knapsacks with screen printed images, in time for Vaka Eiva, as well screen printed bags in their

familiar styles. Creating her own printed pareu is work which Georgina Varu is already experienced in. Varu says she will now be adding screen printed pareu’s to the range of block print pareu which she currently produces and sells from her home in Arorangi. As part of the course all participants are provided with the screens and squeegee required to continue with screen printing at home, with most saying that they have every intention of continuing to develop their new skills. The course has proved to be very popular says Rasmussen, with many more people also wanting to take part. Both she and Peyroux are hopeful that the skills gained will be passed on to others within the community, through activities such as women’s groups. “It’s quite important to have these courses carry on,” Rasmussen said. The screen printing workshops are the last for the year that have been organised through the Cook Islands Art Council, with vaka building, creative writing and tattooing having already been completed. - Rachel Smith

Georgina Varu adds the inishing touches to her screen printed pareu, which she plans to add to the range of block print pareu that she will sell in arorangi. 13101707

Local business owner Leanne Browne, will be extending her island bag range to include bags with screen printed images. 13101706

“I like big bold lowers,” said Janette Browne, proudly displaying the pillowcases she created during the screen printing workshops. 13101704

Varema ruahe used his home island of aitutaki as inspiration for his contemporary design. 13101705

Tutor rennie Peyroux assists enua Bishop during the screen printing workshops this week. 13101702

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL

PhONE

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Fax 25303

preferred

PUBLIC NOTICES

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

22999

SERVICES

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

FOR RENT

Francois Lawn Mowing Services No job too big or small. Hedges, lawns. Phone 77050. 74689 /35189 /1931

The Cook Islands Red Cross Society is ofering a Certiied Comprehensive First Aid Training Course. A 2 year irst aid certiicate will be awarded at the completion of the course. Date: Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 2013. Venue: Cook Islands Red Cross Headquarters Time 8.30am For any enquiries contact: 22598 Email: irstaid@redcross.org.ck Meitaki maata. 74660 / /2204

COOK ISLANDS NONI MARKETING is picking up fruit every two weeks. If you need barrels, please contact Junior on 25088. Payment for last pick up is ready to be collected from the Factory at Titikaveka.

SERVICE and REPAIR If you have problems with your cooling systems, like; chillers, freezers, airconditioners, and all refrigerant usage. Just give us a ring at 71005 will pick-up and deliver. We also repair washing machines. 74492 / /1897

Get your exam, glasses or sunglasses from ANNIE and help support FREE exam and FREE glasses for children. ONLY available at THE EYE PLACE, Cooks Corner opp. CIPS. 74159 /34463 /2656

Salon de hermies at Banana CourtHair and beauty services for men and woman including massage and waxing; Hermie’s back - call 22278. 74666 / /2164

Action Man Mowing Services All jobs big or small, free quote. Give Clint a call on 52074.

FOR RENT 2 bedroom fully furnished house, short term, Takuvaine Valley. Phone 27142 or 72142. 74692 /35190 /1931

74684 / /1931

Bible class by Papa Brian Chitty at the Ruatonga Meeting House, Wednesday 30 October at 7pm. All are welcome. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Ps 119:105. 74663 /35177 /1931

NOTICE IS hEREBY GIVEN that Mr Teokotai George on behalf of Raro Fried Chicken has iled an application with the Liquor Licensing Authority for a Special Liquor Licence to provide for the Sale of Liquor at the Raro Fried Chicken, Avarua on Friday 22 & Friday 29 November 2013, from 6pm to 1.30am and on Monday 25 to Thursday 28 November 2013 from 4pm to 11.30pm for the 2013 Vaka Eiva Tournament. Any person who objects to the said application should do so in writing addressed to the Secretary, Liquor Licensing Authority, PO Box 61, Rarotonga by 7 November 2013. 74581 / /1897

SHIPPING NOTICES LADY MOANA Voy 10 Sailing for Pukapuka, Nassau and Palmerston on Wednesday 6 November, accepting cargo now for further enquiries contact phone 24905 or 24912 Taio Shipping Limited. 74517 / /1857

Nikao double storey house, 3 bedroom with on suite, 5min from town. Excellent location. Contact 50387. 74552 /34587 /1931

Executive three bedroom, two bathroom modern home apartment situated in exclusive complex in Ngatangiia. Available for long term lease mid November. phone 20532. 74670 / /1636

Three bedroom fully furnished house in Tepuka, must be honest and reliable. Phone 76132. 74354 /34448 /2562

Studio apartment. Fully furnished, washing machine, microwave, TV etc. Screened (insect and security), Nikao Beach area. Broadband connection available. $180 per week. Contact 22483 or 55030.

house for rent Beautiful mountain and ocean view 2 bedroom fully furnished double story house on 1/2 acre land in Upper Tupapa. Ground loor for car park & very spacious with extra toilet/bathroom. Long-term preferred. Phone 25213/55437.

Casual ads must be prepaid. Cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.

FOR SALE

FUNERAL PROGRAMME

Full gym set, cable. As is $750. Band Hero , Xbox 360, +3 games, $250. Toyota truck, runs well. CR 125cc. New guard + full gear. Mint Ride!. Phone 51148.

funeral arrangements for the late also known as Tata/Sata William

Mitsubishi Chariot, 1994. Great body, no panel rust and runs well. With 5 or 7 seat option, it’s ideal for the family, $3800. Phone Tony 55993. 74675 /35176 /1931

74677 /35185 /1931

Italian designed porcelain tiles. Lots of colours, lots of sizes ring 55668 for details. 74698 /35191 /1931

4 bedroom -2 bath home Backroad Matavera Large section – 49 year lease $550,000.00 ................................ Ph TXT 55289 / 55678 info@cookislandsrealestate.com .....................................

VEHICLES FOR SALE Suzuki motorbike, GN 125, $1500 ono. Available from Coconut Haven, Avaavaroa. 74678 /35182 /1931

SITUATIONS VACANT

John William Cuthers at 4pm on Tuesday 29 October 2013, John’s family and friends will escort Johns body from the rarotonga hospital to his home in Matavera, (behind Takitumu School). The procession will travel from the hospital to the Tupapa Meeting House. There a short service will be held before moving to the inal resting place oh his parents; Makiru Henry and Teremoana Tara in Kiikii for another short service and inally to his home in Matavera. The family service will be held on Wednesday evening 30 October, 6pm at his residence in Matavera. funeral service Thursday 31 October Pure ngutuare at 10am before his casket will leave for the Matavera CICC and return to his home to be laid to rest. All enquiries please contact Ina Marsters on 51978.

74680 /35183 /1931

74630 / /1655

74264 /34510 /2561

74686 / /2690

Inviting all past and present Atiu Warriors including supporters to a kai manga for the 2013 Atiu Warriors 7’s team. come show your support for our warrior men. Date: Wed 30 October Time: 6pm Place: Tangata Tous Residence, Nikao. contact Massey Mateariki phone 55707. Te pati ia atu nei tatou katoatoa kia apai mai I tetai manga ei angai I to tatou au tumutoa o Enuamanu. Meitaki ranuinui.

2 bedroom semi-furnished house in Tokerau, Arorangi. 5 minutes from the Edgewater Resort. Long term preferred For viewing appointment, please contact Metua Jacob on 29 341 ext 816 or Awhitia Pepe on 29 341 ext 815.

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

Retail Store Manager The Computer Man is looking for an enthusiastic person to join our team as our Retail Store Manager. The successful applicant will be a reliable and trustworthy person with great customer relation skills. They will have a good broad understanding of current technology including hardware, software and online trends. As our Retail Store Manager they will be responsible for the day to day operation of our Retail Store including staing, instore displays & promotions and be part of the marketing team responsible for News Paper, Radio, TV, Website & Social Media promotions. If this sounds like you then please send a covering letter and CV to accounts@thecomputerman.co.ck or post to “Retail Store Manager”, The Computer Man Ltd, PO Box 3099, Avarua, Rarotonga. 74635 / /1739

Full-time work cleaner/ housemaid/general duties, reliable, lexible, honest and hard working. Apply to, PO Box 83, Rarotonga. 74591 / /2624

SITUATIONS VACANT

74674 / /2232

FOR SALE Tiare Taina blooms, $10 a bag. Phone Joyce 20201. 74664 / /1917

74535 / /2053

TENDERS

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Open for Tender - Aquarius hotel 13 spacious rooms: 3,300 sq m waterfront 32 year lease period remaining Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Pool, oices. Tenders should be communicated in sealed envelope to CiRE Tenders PO Box 3157 avarua by 14 nov 2013 More info Ph /TXT: Peter 55289 - Carey 55678 info@cookislands-realestate.com 74359

TEndER FOR

New Rarotonga hospital Pharmacy Warehouse – C35/13 The Cook islands investment Corporation invites tenders to design and build a new Rarotonga Hospital Pharmacy Warehouse, using structural insulated panels. Tenders are for the supply of all professional services, materials, labour, machinery, and equipment. Tender documents are available for collection from the Cook islands investment Corporation, MFEM Building, avarua, or www.procurement.gov.ck For enquiries contact: shona Tekorona Property Oicer Phone (682) 29391 Email shona.tekorona@cookislands.gov.ck Tenders close 3pm Tuesday 5 november 2013. 74534

The Edgewater Resort & spa is seeking a the services of sales & Marketing Coordinator to join our sales & Marketing team in Rarotonga. This position initially for a period of 6 months with the option of extending to a full time post, ofers you the opportunity to work as part of an exciting team in a truly unique resort property. The position reports directly to the director of sales & Marketing Your key responsibilities will include: •Assisting the Sales & Marketing team with local promotional activities for the resort’s spa and salon, and Food and Beverage services as well as supporting the team with advertising briefs, follow up and direct mail campaigns. •Managing the resort’s online presence and ensuring that information displayed on all websites support the resorts objectives as well as maintaining the current resort website and constantly look for new opportunities for enhancement. •Check the resort’s website and partner websites and updates of availability, rates and special ofers. • Assist with the successful resolution of complaints. • Handle guest reviews that need action • Maintenance of the resort’s data base of guests. • Manage the resort’s exclusive Coral Club, Club Edge and VIP membership programs. • Performing a variety of general administrative duties pertaining to Sales and Marketing activities. • Assist marketing department with promotional activities, advertising briefs and followup and direct mail campaigns. • Assist in maintaining, co-ordinating and managing collateral stock for the team. To be successful in this role, you will also need the following qualities: • Exceptional communication and relationship building skills, • Good time management skills. This is not a 8 – 5 job and will include some weekends. • Attention to detail, lexible and reliable • Highly efective communication skills both written (including copy writing) and verbal • Highly motivated team player with a can-do attitude • Proven marketing experience ideally in a tourism environment • Ability to simultaneously manage a number of projects to timeframe and budget • Proven experience in the end-to-end production of a variety of marketing collateral • Highly computer literate in Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access. • Have an excellent understanding of internet marketing including SEO, campaigns and web tracking. 74693

www.cookislandsnews.com

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

SITUATIONS VACANT

Grounds man, cleaner, housemaid/general duties. Looking for reliable, honest and hard working persons. Flexible hours. Full time workers 2 people required. PO Box 477. Tel 21139.

House keeping staf required. Apply Sunhaven Beach Bungalows, Arorangi.

74572 / /2293

The Crown Law Oice, Rarotonga is seeking to employ a Junior Crown Counsel. The position will suit a graduate or lawyer with up to 18 months PQE and excellent research and drafting skills. The work is varied and across a broad range of legal issues involving the Crown. This is an opportunity to provide legal support to Government that is challenging and with plenty of potential to develop. Expressions of interest together with a full CV are to be provided by 8 november 2013 to dorothy ivaiti, Crown Law Oice in an envelope marked “Junior Lawyer Vacancy”, P O Box 494, avarua, Rarotonga, Cook islands or by email to dorothy.ivaiti@cookislands.gov.ck

FOUND Notices are FREE

74649 / /2018

Island Craft Ltd We require an in house Computer Technician. Please email your CV to letcher@islandcraft.co.ck 74481 /34543 /1884

To encourage honesty and good citizenship.

1.client service Oicer 2.senior Finance Oicer We have two vacancies at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning for the above positions. You must have proven customer services experience for position (1) and proven inancial management experience for position (2). To apply, pls send your cover letter, CV and reference to Diane CharliePuna on email diane.puna@ moip.gov.ck for a copy of the JD and more information call Diane 20321. Application closes 3pm, Friday 1 Nov 2013. 74562 / /2009

A Cook Islands News public service.

74435

IN MEMORIAM

Planning & Policy Oicer The Ministry of Education seeks qualiied, experienced and motivated applicants with relevant qualiications for the following position: Planning and Policy Oicer - responsible to the director of Planning and development division for all policy related matters, research, development of information papers including consultation with stakeholders and to assist with drafting and editing of reports as required. applications close on Friday 8 November, 2013 at 3pm. application pack including full position description is available from the Ministry Oice and on the website at: www.education.gov.ck . send completed application forms with CV and references to: director HRM Ministry of Education P O Box 97, Rarotonga Cook islands Ph (682) 29357, fax (682) 28357 or email vacancy@ education.gov.ck 74657

SITUATIONS VACANT

74523 /35148 /1982

Due to an internal promotion, we are in need of a self-motivated “can do” person to join our team. This a full-time position and involves some heavy lifting. Sales experience is preferred and a current license is essential. Application forms are available from our premises, backroad Ruatonga, and should be submitted with at least two character/work references, by 31 October 2013. 74553 / /2107

Massage therapist / cook / cleaner required. Preferably qualiied in Shiatsu, Ayurveda, Lymphatic Drainage and Relexology. Phone 57844. 74545 /34579 /1931

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Junior Lawyer

SITUATIONS VACANT

General Manager Required for accommodation property. Must have extensive experience in hospitality industry in a similar management position with very good knowledge of food & beverage operations, sales & marketing, front oice and general operations. Contact phone 22779.

Classiieds

CROWn LAW – COOk ISLAnDS

SITUATIONS VACANT

Need a little

SITUATIONS VACANT

Vacancy - Cashier The successful applicant will be required to eiciently fulill all responsibilities of the Cashier role. Applicants can uplift a copy of the job description and application form from the oice of Te Aponga Uira, or by contacting Bettina Akania on 20054 or email bakania@electricity.co.ck Applications close 3pm, Monday 4 November 2013. 74489 / /1823

BIRTHDAy AVEry HAPPy 1ST BIrTHdAy TOTHISVEryHANdSOMEPrINCE

SITUATIONS VACANT COOK isLands audiT OFFiCE

SENIOR AUDIT MANAGER TEChNICAL ASSISTANT TO DEVELOP PROJECT DOCUMENTATION FOR A COCONUT COLD PRESS – OIL EXTRACTING PLANT FOR MAUKE, MANIhIKI AND ATIU strengthening the Resilience of our islands and our Communities to Climate Change” (sRiC-CC) Programme Management unit (PMu) is committed to delivering efective projects. The PMU seeks the interest of a technical person/s to complete the following task; • Development of a technical project proposal for the design, construction and operation of a Coconut Cold Press – Oil extracting plant for Mauke, atiu and Manihiki Pa Enua, Person/s interested in undertaking this task will contact the SRIC CC Programme Management Unit at the Oice of the Prime Minister on phone 25494 Ext 829 to register their interests and arrange a time to uplift a copy of the Terms of Reference for this task. Hard copy applications for this task must be sealed in an envelope and marked; The sRiC CC Programme, attention: Mr William M Tuivaga sRiC CC Programme Manager And delivered to the Oice of the Prime Minister before 3pm on Friday 8 november 2013, and please note that soft copy applications will not be accepted. 74582

We deliver.

The Cook Islands Audit Oice (CIAO) is mandated under the Constitution of the Cook islands to carry out the inancial statement audits for all Crown funded agencies and special reviews and investigations into matters that arises in respect of the management of public resources which in its opinion justiies further investigation. The senior audit Manager is responsible for the: • quality assurance of all Crown and Financial/SOE audit reports; • overall management of the Crown and Financial/ sOE audit team; • strategic planning of the divisions work plans and training programmes; and • on-going enhancement of audit methodology and work programmes. Preference will be given to applicants with the following qualities and qualiications: • tertiary qualiication, speciically in the area of accounting, business or inancial management; • ACA or CA qualiication is highly recommended; • 5 – 8 years of relevant work experience or experience in a similar leadership role; • good knowledge and understanding of Government and business systems; • computer literacy; • excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to write efective reports. Applications will be kept strictly conidential. Send covering letter and CV to: anne McMahon: anne.mcmahon@cookislands.gov.ck applications close 4pm saturday, 9 november 2013. 74628

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Hugsandkissesfromdad,Mum &allthefamilieshereintheCook Islands,NewZealand&Australia. Specialbirthdaywishestoyoufrom AuntieMinmin,UncleHarris& cuzzies Sirrah, Ayden & Leia.

HAPPy1STB-dAyTO OUr LIL MASTEr

1 year gone, how time by past so quickly. Wishing you all the best on your special day today.Love you Always Aunties and Uncles, Cousins, Mama & Papa in Mauke, Mama in Atupa, Papa Charlie in NZ and not forgetting Mum & dad and your Big Sister gisele.

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

Flight Times | Voyage details TO

DEPARTS

AKL PPT AKL

5.25PM 3.50PM 1.30AM

AKL SYD

12.45AM 3.05PM

Air Rarotonga

International Flights

FLIGhT FROM ARRIVES ThursdAy ocToBer 31 NZ46/45 AKL 4.10PM GZ035/034 PPT 2.50PM NZ748/749 AKL 12.30AM FridAy novemBer 1 VA163/162 AKL 11.50PM NZ46/61 AKL 1.55PM

RARO TO ARR DEP WEDNESDAy OCTOBER 30 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 0910

ARR

RARO

1000

1030

1120

1140

RARO

1230

1530 AITUTAKI 1620 0900 MANGAIA 0940 1100 ATIU 1145

1640 1000 1205

RARO RARO AITUTAKI

1730 1040 1250

1410

RARO

1500

1300

AITUTAKI

MAUKE

1350

1410

MITIARO 1500

DEP

ARR

TIARE MOANA 16 - ETD AUCK 22/10, ETA RARO 01/11, ETA AITUTAKI 03/11

OLOMANA 21 - ETD AUCK 08/11, ETA RARO 22/11, ETA AITUTAKI 25/11

Shipping TIARE MOANA 17 - ETD AUCK 16/11, ETA RARO 26/11, ETA AITUTAKI 28/11

1310 ATIU

1355

1520 RARO 1610

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at Cook Islands News

Su-Do-Ku

Easy

Su-Do-Ku

Hard

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.

Answer to Tuesday’s puzzle

HÄgAr the Horrible

Situation: A southeast wind low prevails over southern Cooks. a weak trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains slow moving over northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine. Moderate southeast winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook: Fine. For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers. Further outlook: Fine. For the Northern Cooks: Brief showers today. showers becoming frequent tomorrow. Moderate northeast to southeast winds. Moderate to rough seas Further outlook: some showers.

Morning

69%

night

71%

Morning

66%

night

75%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Rarotonga Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Forecast Map 2pm Wednesday

Wed high 5.56AM 0.74M 6.15PM 0.76M

Low

1.6m Se

12.00PM 0.41M

Thu high 6.56AM 0.76M 7.11PM 0.80M

Low 12.45AM 0.39M 12.55PM 0.39M

28°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

eSe 11KTS new Moon nOv 3 12.50AM

First Quarter nOv 10 5.58AM

Full Moon nOv 17 3.16pM

sunshine hours

Third Quarter nOv 25 7.29pM

ArAPo - rongonui wed 30 Tanu (Planting) Tanu i te taro, tarua & kai raurau. Plant taro, tarua & leaf veges.

humidity Thu

By Lee falk & Sy Barry

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

By dik Browne

Weather Forecast to Midnight

Wed

Answer to Tuesday’s puzzle

THE PHANTOM

Crossword

Po no te o’onu. akarava to tautai Koura te ika. night for the lagoon. Netting and ishing for crayish and ish.

Wed sun rise 5.57AM sun set 6.49PM

Moon rise 3.13AM Moon set 3.35PM

Thu sun rise 5.56AM sun set 6.49PM

1.6m Se

TauTai (Fishing)

Moon rise 3.52AM Moon set 4.29PM

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

1.7m Se

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Aitutaki

25° eSe 12KTS

Mangaia

23° Se10KTS

Mitiaro

25° eSe 12KTS

Atiu

Penrhyn

25° eSe 12KTS

28° Ne 06KTS

Mauke

25° eSe 12KTS

Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News

tarekareka

dAyS

sporT

TOgO

Cooks face USA Tomahawks COOK Islands national rugby

league captain Zeb Taia wants his squad to embrace Bristol fans as he aims to make the quarter finals of Rugby League World Cup 2013, starting with a match against the USA at the Memorial Stadium. The match was set to be screened live by CITV at 9.30 this morning. The Cooks are based in Bristol for RLWC2013 and Taia, who plays for Catalan Dragons in Super League, wants to use the anticipation that is building within the team to make the most of their tournament, starting with a tricky game against the Tomahawks. “It is getting exciting, the boys in the camp are raring to go,” said Taia. “We are excited to play at Bristol, they have got a good setup, good facilities that we are using down there and hopefully the town embraces us. “We are going to be there for the next ten days doing a lot of promotional work so hopefully we can embrace those Bristol fans as well. It is going to be interesting and hopefully we can win them over.

“We are happy with where we are at in camp and we have got USA irst at Bristol, so it is going to be interesting. “Obviously the USA’s captain Joseph Paulo is a threat, he has been good for Parramatta Eels this year and they have got some class players so deinitely there are a few players we need to look out for in their team. “We are coming up against the USA and Wales, who are in our pool, and we have got a cross-over game against Tonga as well so we deinitely want to win all of our games. If we can win our pool we will want to make it to the quarters.” The Cook Islands head into their irst match of RLWC2013 on the back of a 50-0 warm-up match defeat to New Zealand, though Taia believes that the game worked well for his side, who now know what to work on ahead of Wednesday evening, Bristol time. “We definitely take a lot of positives out of the game against New Zealand into the USA match,” said Taia. “There were a couple of chances that we blew in the game. “You look at the Kiwis and

they are a star-studded team, they have a good forward pack. We tried to handle them up the middle and struggled a bit, but we take positives out of the game. “We know what to work on now and we can look forward to the game against the USA.” Cook Islands head coach David Fairleigh has named his 19 man squad to play USA at Memorial Stadium and they are: Tinirau Arona (Syndey Roosters), Sam Brunton (Mounties Bundy), Daniel Fepuleai (North Sydney Bears), Jonathon Ford (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Anthony Gelling (Wigan Warriors), Isaac John (Penrith Panthers), Drury Low (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Keith Lulia (Bradford Bulls), Lulia Lulia (Shell Harbour), Sam Mataora (Canberra Raiders), Joseph Matapuku (North Sydney Bears), Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters), Dominique Peyroux (New Zealand Warriors), Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), Tupou Sopoaga (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons), Brad Takairangi (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Tangata (Mounties Bundy) and Zane Tetavano (Newcastle Knights). - MW/RLWC

The Cooks will put into practise lessons learned during their 50-0 loss to the Kiwis, when they face the USA in their irst world cup match this morning. 13102904

Cycle race tonight The seCoNd 16km handi-

capped cycle race will be held tonight starting at 5pm from downtown Avarua. Last week’s event was won by Bryn Parry who started at the back of the ield on a 17 minute 45 second handicap and still managed to catch all riders in front of him. His ride time of 23 minutes 44 seconds was the fastest time ever over the 16km locally. Next best net time was Richard Vinsen in 27:01. Second across the line was Garrick Stephenson followed by Richie Barltrop with Jennie George having the quickest female time of 27 minutes 50 seconds.

The Cooks are due to play their irst game of the Rugby League World Cup this morning against the usa Tomahawks.

Tonight’s handicapping will be based on the last week’s times and should result in most entrants finishing within one minute of each other. Anyone who has not tried a cycle race before and wishing to give a half circuit of the island a go, is welcome to turn up and enter on the night. Mountain bike riders are welcome, so shake off your ofice blues and if you wish to try a different type of exercise then simply turn up at 5pm opposite Goldmine Shop in downtown Avarua. The ride goes 8km out toward Arorangi and back. Thanks go out to Westpac Bank for sponsoring the chocolate and other prizes. - CITAI

13102905

Rippa rugby start to 7s THE RUGBY stars of tomorrow

Get your cycle out and try a new exercise.

13051352

will showcase their skills at the Avatiu field today before their role models step out on Thursday for the start of the International Sevens In Heaven tournament. Today, primary schools from across Rarotonga will gather at the infamous Avatiu Swamp to take part in the mass participation CI News Primary Schools mixed rippa rugby championships. The best boys and girls from Rarotonga primary schools will band together for school pride with the dynamic mixed division

sure to produce plenty of youthful lair. Today championships kicks off at 1pm. Thursday will see the start of the marquee sevens event with a parade through Avarua at 12pm followed by the oficial opening ceremony and the first charity dash for cash event. The irst games will then kick off at 5pm at the BCI Stadium where all 16 men’s teams will have their irst game. Friday will see games continue at the BCI Stadium starting at 2.30pm before the last day of games and fun on Saturday start-

ing at 12.30pm. Get behind the stars of tomorrow and get along to the Avatiu

swamp this afternoon for a fun afternoon of junior mixed rippa - MW rugby.

Rippa action kicks of sevens tournament.

13082155