Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI
$2 Saturday, January 18, 2014
Asbestos-tainted soil to be removed from school ASbeSToS found in soil at a primary school on Rarotonga will be dug up and disposed of. The air around Avarua School was tested by Stuart Keer-Keer – a quality and technician manager for K2 environmental Ltd, which specialises in air quality testing and advice – late last year, and was found to have levels high enough to be in the ‘red’ category where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos. With asbestos removed from schools on the island between seven and twenty years ago, the source of the hazard at Avarua has been identiied as being the soil, with asbestos particles that were mixed with rooing materials washing off the roof with rain as the material around it degraded. Asbestos, which is only dangerous when it becomes airbourne, can be released into the air when the soil is disturbed, such as by people walking across it or digging it up. New Zealand-based KeerKeer has returned to Rarotonga after taking soil samples from Avarua School back to NZ for testing, and said to rectify the hazard, the affected soil needs to be removed or covered up – but added that opting to cover it “leaves a legacy for future generations” that may unwittingly disturb the particles.
Anne Taoro, property man- surrounding area. “You need to monitor the air ager for the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), said to demonstrate it is contained – the corporation has decided to and that’s what you’d do in New remove the affected soil at Ava- Zealand or anywhere else.” Avarua School is one of 11 arrua School before classes resume eas where the air was tested in at the end of this month. The digging is likely to take September and early october by place next week, and the soil Keer-Keer, and was the only area found to have levwill be bagged up els high enough to temporarily while Avarua School has be in the ‘red’ catCIIC locates a place a lot of students, egory where there for its disposal. it’s a high-trafic is a risk of exposure Taoro said it is area, and there’s a to asbestos. likely the affected lot of exposed dirt. Three other aresoil will eventually They’re stirring as – Avatea School, be buried some(the soil) up and the community where on the ismoving it around.’ dental clinic in Tuland, but that this papa and the Met will require an environmental Impact Assessment office – had asbestos levels in – something there is not time to the ‘amber’ category – indicatwait for with students soon due ing levels above normal but not high enough to be considered back at school. Keer-Keer said the removal hazardous. “They would pass clearance of the soil will be a “logistically big exercise” that requires more in New Zealand, but … you still samples to be taken, to ensure need to ind out why it’s there,” all the affected soil is removed. “The nature of (the Cook Islands) is you get a lot of rain – so the soil moves around.” He said during the removal they will set up a “red zone” around the school, with everyone inside the zone to wear protective clothing and masks. The air around the zone will also be tested, he said, partly for the peace of mind of those in the
avarua School students will be heading back to class soon, with CIIC planning to remove asbestostainted soil before the students return. 13120515 said Keer-Keer. He said he plans to take more samples from these and other areas and the soil in these areas may also need removal. “Avarua School has a lot of students, it’s a high-trafic area, and there’s a lot of exposed dirt. They’re stirring (the soil) up and moving it around,” said KeerKeer of the reasons Avarua
might have more asbestos in the air than other areas. Grass, by comparison, makes it harder for asbestos particles in the soil to be released into the air. He added that even if asbestos-tainted soil is mostly contained by grass or because it is in an area with low foot trafic, it is still prudent to remove it because it poses a hazard if dis-
turbed in future. Keer-Keer said while some surface-level soil at Avarua School tested negative for asbestos, other samples taken from below the surface showed positive results. “A negative result doesn’t mean it’s okay – you need to check it all over,” he said. - Briar Douglas
Crime Stoppers
Aitutaki council addresses parties vowed to address the issue of excessive partying at Tautu public wharf. After recent reports of afterhours drinking at the wharf, the issue was brought up at Monday’s island council meeting, according to Aitutaki Member of Parliament Teina bishop. bishop, who represents the constituency of ArutangaNikaupara-Reureu, said a report was submitted by police at the meeting and a plan has been devised to deal with parties, which have been described as “raucous” by one local resident. “We’ll be helping fund the police for extra petrol to patrol the trafic day and night,” said
bishop. earlier this week, Tautu resident Dr Roro Daniel wrote a letter to CINews, saying a request by village leaders for young people to stop using the wharf area as an after-hours drinking site “has clearly fallen on deaf ears”. Last week, Daniel said he had to deal with multiple groups of partiers with “... the same scenario ...ridiculously loud music, raucous behaviour, and sadly, all that one expects from mostly drunken young people.” “I have been a medical doctor for 40 years, and I am now deeply concerned at the extent of alcohol misuse among our young people,” he wrote. - Emmanuel Samoglou
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Inside the new Crime Stoppers oice at the Police Headquarters (from left) programme chairman Stephen Lyon, Police Commissioner Maara Tetava, Bishop Tutai Pere and Deputy PM and police minister Teariki Heather.
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
worldNeWS nuti no TeIA NeI Ao Granny asks for the works Great-great grandmother Doris Deaherdie from the UK knew exactly what she wanted for her milestone 100th birthday – a male stripper. Not only did Doris hire the stripper herself, she also made a special request. “She demanded the full monty,” the centenarian’s daughter-in-law told media. “I told the stripper lad he might have to be respectful of granny because of her age. But she told him she wanted to see the whole lot!” Doris even came prepared with her own can of whipped cream which she asked the stripper to lick off her face.
Phone spying curbed Obama clips wings of state spying agency urging privacy safeguards WASH I NGToN – President barack obama has trimmed the powers of the secretive uS eavesdropping agency by calling for new privacy safeguards, but has allowed bulk phone data sweeps to continue as an antiterror tool. In a long-awaited speech outlining changes to programmes exposed by edward Snowden, obama also said he had halted National Security Agency (NSA) spy taps targeting friendly world leaders.
world bRIeFS BOMB INJURES BANGKOK pROtEStERS THAILAND – A bomb blast has struck an anti-government protest march in the Thai capital, wounding at least 28 people, oicials say, sending tensions soaring following weeks of mass opposition rallies. It is the latest in a series of attacks by unknown assailants against demonstrators seeking to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest movement said the blast happened shortly before rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban was due to march past the spot. “The bomb went of about 30 metres from Suthep and then his bodyguards escorted him back to a rally stage,” spokesman Akanat Promphan said. Television footage showed several people lying on the ground as ambulances rushed away the wounded. Protesters were seen searching nearby buildings for the attackers.
QUEEN HAS A FOURTH GREAT-GRANDCHILD ENGLAND – The Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Phillips, has given birth to a baby girl, a irst child for the champion horse rider and her rugby-player husband Mike Tindall. “Mrs Michael Tindall today safely delivered a baby girl,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Friday. “Mr Tindall was present at the birth. The weight of the baby was seven pounds, 12 ounces (3.5kg),” it added. The baby is the Queen’s fourth great-grandchild and is 16th in line to the British throne. The new mother, who is the youngest child of Princess Anne and her ex-husband Mark Phillips, gave birth at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in southwest England. Tindall, a former England centre and 2003 World Cup winner, currently plays and coaches for English Premiership club Gloucester.
tYRE FIRE CAN BE SEEN FROM SpACE ENGLAND – A plume of smoke billowing from a burning English recycling plant is so high and thick that it was spotted by a NASA satellite. More than 1000 tonnes of tyres are burning at the Newgen Recycling Plant in Yorkshire after an “absolutely colossal” blaze broke out at the facility on Thursday morning. North Yorkshire’s ire chief Nigel Hutchinson predicted the ire “will go on for days”. Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed, but health authorities said that there had been no reports of people sufering because the smoke plume was too high up to be a signiicant danger. An eyewitness said the ire is “absolutely colossal. It’s like a tornado when you look at it close up.”
WIFE OF INDIAN MINISTER FOUND DEAD INDIA – The wife of Indian minister Shashi Tharoor has been found dead, following reports that he was having an afair, Indian media have said. Sunanda Pushkar is reported to have been discovered at a hotel in Delhi. The couple became embroiled in controversy over a series of Twitter messages on Wednesday that appeared to reveal he was having an afair with a Pakistani journalist. They later insisted they were happily married, blaming “unauthorised tweets”. Tharoor married Pushkar, a former Dubai-based businesswoman, in 2010. She was found dead in a ive-star hotel in Delhi, according to police sources. Reports said that her husband had informed the police of her death. It was unclear how she died.
He also proposed new protections for foreigners caught in uS data collection programmes, which harvest hundreds of millions of pages of data on telephone calls, internet use and text messages across the globe. “Given the unique power of the state, it is not enough for leaders to say ‘trust us, we won’t abuse the data we collect’,” obama said, in a speech at the uS Justice Department. obama’s proposals seemed to represent a search for a compromise between demands of civil liberties advocates – who see all bulk data collection as unconstitutional – and resistance from the uS intelligence community. At the heart of the changes is a commitment from the president to end the NSA’s hoarding of telephone “metadata” detailing the duration and destination of calls but not their content. “I believe critics are right to point out that without proper safeguards, this type of programme could be used to yield more information about our private lives, and open the door to more intrusive, bulk collection programs,” obama said. “I believe we need a new approach. I am therefore ordering a transition that will establish a mechanism that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding this bulk metadata.” obama called on NSA to come up with alternative ways to hold the data within 60 days. obama also said that from now on, NSA agents would have to require court permission before accessing data on a speciic target of interest, for instance in an anti-terror investigation. The NSA will also now only be permitted to access call data from people at two removes from a terror suspect. Previously it could probe three “hops” beyond a suspect call. - AFP
US President Barack Obama has trimmed the powers of the NSA by calling for new privacy safeguards, but is allowing bulk phone data sweeps to continue as an anti-terrorism tool. AFP
Indonesia protests JAKARTA – Indonesia has demanded the Australian government immediately suspend its policy of turning asylum seeker boats back after the Australian navy breached its territorial waters. The Indonesian government say it deplores the breaches and its navy will also ramp up patrols in areas where the incidents occurred in what appears a serious decline in already fractured relations. A stern warning from Indone-
sia, contained in a statement issued on Friday afternoon, came after Immigration Minister Scott Morrison conirmed Australian navy vessels had entered Indonesian waters without permission while conducting border protection operations. “The government of Indonesia deplores and rejects the violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Australian vessels,” the Indonesian statement read. “The government of Indo-
nesia underlines that any of such violation of whatever basis constitutes a serious matter in bilateral relations of the two countries. “Indonesia therefore demands that such violation will not recur in the future. “The government of Indonesia has the right to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international laws and the charter of the united Nations. - Nine News
Tallest man saves dolphins FuSHuN – The world’s tallest
man has saved two dolphins by using his long arms to reach into their stomachs and pull out dangerous plastic shards. Mongolian herdsman bao Xishun was called in after the dolphins swallowed plastic used around their pool at an aquarium in Fushun, northeast China. Attempts to use instruments failed as the dolphins contracted their stomachs.
Veterinarians turned to bao who stands 2.36m (7ft 8.95in) after attempts to extract the plastic shards with surgical instruments failed. The heads of the dolphins were held back and towels wrapped around their teeth so bao could not be bitten. He then extended his 1.06 metre-long arm into the mammals’ stomachs and successfully pulled out the offending pieces of plastic.
Chen Lujun, manager of Royal Jidi ocean World, said the “operations” were was successful and the two dolphins were “in very good condition now”. “Some very small plastic pieces are still in the dolphins’ stomachs. However the dolphins will be able to digest these and are expected to recover soon.” bao was confirmed as the world’s tallest living man by Guinness World Records last year. - BBC
Display of devotion
LOYAL SOLDIER SURRENDERS TO AGE JAPAN – A Japanese soldier who refused to surrender after World War Two ended and spent 29 years in the jungle has died aged 91 in Tokyo. Hiroo Onoda remained in the jungle on Lubang Island near Luzon, in the Philippines, until 1974 because he did not believe that the war had ended. He was inally persuaded to emerge after his ageing former commanding oicer was lown in to see him. He was greeted as a hero on his return to Japan. As WW2 neared its end, Onoda, then a lieutenant, became cut of on Lubang as US troops came north. The young soldier had orders not to surrender – a command he obeyed for nearly three decades.
Today’s Daily bread Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Matthew 7:21-29 read: read: ephesians 6:10-18
text: Matthew text:7:26 Verse 13
A Hindu devotee’s tongue is pierced during the colourful annual Thaipusam festival, one of the world’s most extreme displays of religious devotion, on the Malaysian island of Penang. AFP
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
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RIeTI – A nun who gave birth to
a baby boy in the central Italian city of Rieti, said she had no idea she was pregnant, local media report. The 31-year-old was rushed from a convent to hospital with abdominal pains, which she thought were stomach cramps. The young mother, who is originally from el Salvador, reportedly named her newborn Francis after the current Pope. The mayor of Rieti, Simone Petrangeli has appealed to the public and media to respect the
woman’s privacy. The news has drawn international attention to the small city of 47,700 inhabitants. The nun called the ambulance on Wednesday morning with what she thought were severe stomach pains . A few hours later she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. “I did not know I was pregnant. I only felt a stomach pain,” she was quoted as saying by the Ansa news agency. People at the hospital have begun collecting clothes and
donations for the mother and her child, Italian media say. The woman belongs to a convent near Rieti, which manages an old people’s home. Fellow nuns at the convent said they were “surprised” by the news. Local pastor Don Fabrizio borrello told journalists that the nun planned to take care of her baby. “I guess she’s telling the truth when she says she arrived at the hospital unaware of the preg- BBC nancy.”
Bushires out of control MeLbouRNe – bushfires in
Australia’s state of Victoria have killed one person, as parts of the country face further days of soaring temperatures. A body was found in the Northern Grampians. Authorities say the bushire in the area is out of control and have told residents to evacuate. There are also blazes in the
states of South Australia and New South Wales, with several ire alerts in place. South-east Australia has faced days of soaring temperatures. Police say they are treating the death in the Northern Grampians as “occurring as a result of the ires”. earlier this week, hot weather led to power outages for tens of
thousands of households and play at the Australian open tennis tournament was briely suspended. both Melbourne and Adelaide experienced weather above 40°C on Friday. There were at least 43 blazes in Victoria, 16 in South Australia, and 12 in New South Wales - BBC on Friday.
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalNeWS nuti no Te PA eNuA
Cyclone June heading south Category one storm aiming for New Caledonia, Norfolk Island NouMeA – The tenth tropical
cyclone of the Southern Paciic ocean cyclone season has been born in the Western Paciic and continues to track south out of the Coral Sea towards New Caledonia, parts of which remain on orange alert.
Cyclone June was expected to pass to the north of New Caledonia’s main island Grand Terre early on Saturday as a category one storm with estimated wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour. Resort areas have been evacu-
paciic BRIEFS THREE ARRESTED ON HA’APAI FOR LOOTING TONGA – Three teenagers have been arrested after about US$10,000 worth of goods which were looted from a lodge on Ha’apai, the day after cyclone Ian hit the Tongan island. They have been charged with housebreaking and the theft of goods from Matafonua Lodge in Foa, Ha’apai. chief Inspector ‘Okusitino Peleki at the Ha’apai Police Station says the owner returned to his lodge last Sunday, to ind the goods missing. Matangi Tonga reports the acting Police Commissioner ‘Unga Fa’aoa says the men, aged between 14 to 18 years-old, remain in custody. He is urging the Ha’apai people to refrain from such crimes, because of the vulnerable state the island is in after the cyclone. He says the police investigation continues as reports suggest there are more suspects involved in the crime.
UN RESPONDS TO TONGA’S REQUEST FOR AID TONGA – The United Nations says it is travelling to Tonga on request of the Tongan government to discuss how it may help with relief following Cyclone Ian. Until yesterday, the Tongan government has not made any formal request for international help following the cyclone that struck last Saturday. The UNOCHA humanitarian afairs oicer, Greg Grimsich, says it contacted the Tongan government a week ago to ofer support in water sanitation, health, safety and shelter. Grimsich says it received a letter today suggesting the ofer of support has now been recognised. He says the UN Resident coordinator is travelling to Tonga now to discuss the details.
MORE FLOODING IN SOLOMON ISLANDS SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Solomon Islands National Emergency Operations Centre says there are reports of looding in at least three areas in Guadalcanal province and parts of the capital Honiara are also under water. The SIBc reports that food gardens and cocoa plantations surrounding the villages of Mbarande, Mbalasuna and Komukama have been swamped by lood waters. The Makira-Ulawa Provincial Oice also reported that heavy rain, high swells and strong winds are continuing to afect most parts of the province. Parts of Honiara city have also experienced looding due to disturbance of drainage systems. The National Emergency Operation centre was activated on standby as of 6pm on Thursday, following the active stationary monsoon trough lying over Solomon Islands.
SAMOA POLICE RAID MARIjUANA PLOT SAMOA – The police in Samoa made a drug raid on family land at Safaato’a village in which two suspects have been arrested, including a woman. However, one man had escaped at the time of the police raid on Friday afternoon. Police say 57 cannabis, or marijuana plants, from six to seven feet high, were found growing on the family land. Hundreds of dried heads were also found along with live ammunition, and the police suspect guns were also part of the illegal drug operation. No street value of the found cannabis was given, but the police have thanked the people of Safaato’a village for their support and they urge other villages to follow suit in reporting illegal drugs.
STUDENTS DISRUPT vISIT TO PRESIDENT PAPUA – It has been reported that a group of Papuan students held up a delegation from the Melanesian Spearhead Group as it went to meet the president of Indonesia this week. Vanuatu decided to boycott the foreign ministers delegation because the itinerary did not include any meetings with groups concerned about alleged human rights abuses in West Papua. Video footage shows Papuan students blocking a convoy as MSG leaders tried to leave a hotel in Jakarta on Wednesday to meet the president. The protesters eventually backed of and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received the delegation.
MINISTERS CALLED IN FOR INTERvIEWS PAPUA NEW GUINEA – The Papua New Guinea police commissioner Tom Kulunga has asked Finance Minister James Marape and Treasurer Don Polye be interviewed over their alleged roles in corrupt fee payments to the irm Paul Paraka Lawyers. The development follows a statement by Task Force Sweep chairman Sam Koim, that the team could not pursue the Prime Minister’s alleged involvement in the payment. The Opposition Leader Belden Namah, said only a properly constituted court of law could determine on evidence and in accordance with law whether or not O’Neill wrote a controversial directive letter of January 24, 2012 authorising payments. Marape conirmed that he had been invited by police to be interviewed and he would co-operate with the investigations into his alleged role in the payments.
ated with territory’s northern province expected to be worst hit as the winds strengthen, while heavy rain is expected to affect all parts of New Caledonia. The territory’s president, Harold Martin, is urging people to be vigilant, to limit their travel around the island and not to go to sea. In December, 2012 New Caledonia was hit by destructive rainfall when the aftermath of Cyclone Freda crossed the territory’s north after hitting Solomon Islands. Neville Koop, the Meteorology and Climatology Adviser at the South Paciic Regional Environmental Programme, is also warning the French territory’s residents to be prepared. “New Caledonia is right in the firing line,” he said, “It’s moving pretty quickly, and how fast it moves will determine how intense it’s going to be when it gets there.” “It will certainly be a category one system, and possibly a category two system, but it could be a category three if it doesn’t move quite so fast and has more time to intensify before it reaches New Caledonia.” The cyclone is moving at around 22 kilometres per hour, as it heads away from the Solo-
New Caledonians, mindful of the fury of 2012’s Cyclone Feda (above) are now on alert as Cyclone June heads south out of the Coral Sea with the French territory and Norfolk Island in its sights. mons, limiting the predicted impact there. The website WeatherWatch. co.nz says the cyclone is heading directly towards Norfolk island and the upper North Island of New Zealand. “Tropical Cyclone June is expected to produce a prolonged period of gale force winds, heavy rainfall and moderate to heavy swells over Norfolk Island on Sunday and Monday” according to the Australian bureau of
Meteorology. “Damaging winds averaging above 75kph with gusts of about 100kph are expected to develop on Norfolk Island by about midday on Sunday and persist through the remainder of Sunday into Monday morning. The wind is expected to ease later on Monday”. WeatherWatch.co.nz says the storm will weaken and lose it’s cyclone status before it reaches New Zealand, as it rapidly drops
south and leaves the warm waters of the Coral Sea which is fuelling the cyclone. The remains of June may still produce severe weather when it reaches New Zealand early next week, with the low potentially lingering until Wednesday morning. MetService maintains only a “low” risk of severe weather for northern New Zealand but that risk may increase. - PNC
Facebook irst with news
PANGAI – Today’s internet technologies allow friends and families to keep each other posted in the build up and the aftermath of disasters, no matter how far apart they live. As Cyclone Ian left behind ravaged communities in Tonga’s Ha’apai Islands last week it was Facebook that issued dozens of dramatic images taken in the aftermath of Cyclone Ian and uploaded as soon as communications were re-established. Albums of images and video clips showing the destruction on Ha’apai were uploaded to Digicel Tonga’s Facebook account and were mainly responsible for world media so quickly realising just how bad the cyclone damage was. The images caused immediate emotional reaction, prompting relief efforts and donations to help the victims in Ha’apai. Many Facebook users asked for contact details saying they wanted to help after viewing the photos. In Auckland three containers of relief items were collected at the Lotofale’ia Methodist Church by the Ha’apai Relief Committee in Auckland. The HRC chairwoman, Jenny Latu Salesa said they will continue to send more containers but that would depend on what people in Ha’apai really need. A week after a deadly cyclone struck Ha’apai, 2300 people remain camped in emergency shelters while people on the affected islands begin to slowly rebuild. Cyclone Ian killed a 51-yearold woman and injured several others when it hit the South Paciic last Saturday.
Hundreds of images uploaded by Digicel Tonga to its Facebook site were some of the irst photographs out of Ha’apai after the cyclone, prompting immediate relief initiatives. DIGICEL TONGA Worst hit was the Ha’apai island group, home to 8000 people. Director of emergencies Leveni Aho said Friday that oficials who visited the affected areas say about 600 homes were destroyed while another 400 were severely damaged. He says international relief efforts have ensured that bottled water, food and medicine have been delivered to those affected. He says a priority is to get schools rebuilt so children can begin classes. After that, he says, the aim is to rebuild houses so people can return home. After a request from the Tongan government, a NZDF Hercules is headed to Tonga with more relief supplies, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said. An additional NZ$300,000 is being made available to Kiwi relief organisations working
in Tonga and 300 emergency shelter kits, which can provide temporary shelter for up to 2000 people have been dispatched. New Zealand is also providing additional help with providing clean water for the islands. A uS-based medical charity is also gearing up to provide assistance to the more remote islands in the Ha’apai group. Sea Mercy’s two ocean-going catamarans are currently being loaded in Fiji with medical supplies, food and water. The charity’s president, Richard Hackett said they’re hoping to set sail for Tonga’s Ha’apai group next week. “Aid is coming into the primary islands but the remote islands, there’s really not a service delivery mechanism for them,” he said. “Most of the smaller vessels were destroyed. They have got their two patrol vessels, military vessels that are going at high
speeds in every direction that they can. “What we’re able to do is step in with our two vessel that are gearing up right now to sail over with medical supplies, food, water – we’re just going to try to have as much of an impact as we can.” Hackett says there are 23 islands around the Ha’apai group that are inhabited, and initial reports are that 70 to 90 per cent of buildings on the main islands have been destroyed. “our shallow draft vessels can get in just about any lagoon. We can generate water from our water generation systems from our boat,” he said. “We’ve got to get in there, take a look at what’s going on, what the need is. “We’ll be carrying medical staff, we’ll be carrying food and water – and we’ll be resupplying as fast as we can to redeliver o until the need is over.” - PNC
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
Military support will continue Speculation as Fiji leader prepares to step-down ahead of elections SuVA – An expert on Paciic politics says Fiji’s military leader and interim prime minister, Commodore Frank bainimarama, will continue to enjoy the support of the military, even after stepping down as its leader. Commodore bainimarama announced this week he will resign in March to focus on campaigning with a new political party in this year’s national election. A government spokeswoman has conirmed he made the announcement while speaking to villagers in the country’s Northern Division. An oficial announcement is expected in the coming days. Professor brij Lal from the Australian National university has told Radio Australia that Commodore bainimarama will continue to enjoy support from military oficials. “Many senior military oficers have come out openly saying they prefer bainimarama to lead the country, by implication saying that any other government might not enjoy their support,” he said. He says Commodore bainimarama has taken good care of the military. “The budget of the military
has increased substantially over the last seven or eight years and he has always said that he will stand by his men,” Lal said. “There is a sense that he has forged a very tight knit unit, he has given his young soldiers a sense of purpose and a sense of identity, all their livelihood to him.” Fiji’s Minister for Defence Joketani Cokanasiga says the ministry is geared up to ensure stable security is maintained when the country heads to polls later in the year. Cokanasiga acknowledged that upholding national security is an integral part of ensuring a successful 2014 elections and peaceful transition into parliamentary democracy. “The ministry through the department of Immigration, Fiji Police and the Republic of the Fiji Military forces will strive to ensure security is maintained and enhanced in the interest of our continued democratic development and sustainable socio-economic growth,” he said. The ministry is also adamant to pursue the development of legal and operational frameworks, to combat terrorism, cyber crime and unlawful migration, Cokanasiga said.
The head of one of Fiji’s most prominent civil society groups, Akuila Yabaki of the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum, has welcomed the news that the military leader is to stand down in March. “It’s good news that at last he’s conirmed it,” he said. “A couple of issues come up however – one is who is going to replace him, how that’s going to be played out and whether he has a say in it.” The Ministry of Information in Fiji has declined to comment yet on whether bainimarama will accept an invitation to take part in national debates on TV and radio with opposition parties. The united Front for a Democratic Fiji recently invited members of the government to live debates, saying it would be a good way for the regime to demonstrate its sincerity about the elections promised
for September. The group says citizens need to be able to listen to what candidates stand for and how they plan on making life better for Fijians, including Commodore bainimarama, who is expected to form a political party soon. The head of the Media Industry Development Authority, Matai Akauola, recently said televised debates between political parties would be a good idea. electoral Commission chairman Chen bunn Young says Fiji is heading in the right direction as he has reassured the public of the body’s independence with respect to the 2014 elections. He acknowledges that while there are still a lot to be done, including putting in place the elections legislation and the appointment of an elections supervisor, deadlines will be met. “We will take it a step at a time,” Young said. He said once the supervisor
of elections is appointed, the commission will be let to run on its own. “once the supervisor of elections is in place and regulations are in place, we become totally autonomous.” In the meantime, the acting Permanent Secretary of elections, Saneem Mohammed will be assisting the sevenmember commission in terms of bringing them up to speed on progress so far and what is needed to be done over the next few months, FijiLive reports. Since the commission has only met for the irst time this week, Young said it was premature to comment on other key mechanics of the elections that have not been put in place including voter awareness education. The commissioners are expected to meet every week. The budget for this year’s election in Fiji has been set at
uS$23 million. The Fiji Times reports Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has said most of the amount will be given by donors. The government has allocated uS$9.5 million for the elections in the 2014 budget and Papua New Guinea is expected to give another uS$10 million in March this year. Sayed-Khaiyum said donor nations have put their hands up on how they would like to help Fiji, but not everybody would be giving inancial aid. He said India had given an undertaking to provide indelible ink while another nation would be providing booths. He has earlier said the election ballot would be held over one day and the electoral Commission would employ about 19,000 workers for election day. The election must take place before the end of September. - ABC/RNZI
Tourist resorts hit hard by cyclone PANGAI – Tourism facilities in the Ha’apai Islands group suffered an estimated NZ$1 million damage in Cyclone Ian. “It is evident that with lack of clean water, loss of electricity and telephone lines, it will take approximately two to three months for businesses to recov-
er from the damages caused,” tourism oficials reported. All seven tourism businesses in Lifuka and Foa suffered cyclone damage ranging from moderate to severe. “of the seven accommodations, Matafonua Lodge experienced the worst with major
damage to the property including all ten fales with the exception of the kitchen. “other resorts reported damage to their fales including roofing, windows and furniture. The water tanks and solar water systems also have been damaged. These include Sandy
beach Resort, billy’s Place, Fifita’s Guest House, Lincy’s Guest House, ‘evaloni’s Guest House, and Tiulipe Guest House. The condition of four more accommodation businesses on the outer islands of uoleva and Felemea remained to be assessed. - Matangi Tonga
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
Wharf cracks to be surveyed next month AN INDePeNDeNT review of the recently discovered cracks in Avatiu wharf is scheduled to begin early next month. Ports Authority General Manager bim Tou said his organisation has contacted the Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand to ind a candidate to conduct a “peer review” of the cracks. A candidate for the review has been identified and the Ports Authority is using a lawyer to prepare a “terms of reference” before the review begins. When completed, they will be forwarded to the candidate. once accepted by the candi-
date, Tou said he expects the review to begin in early February, with a report prepared by the end of the month. After irst being reported late last year and drawing considerable public interest, Tou said the Ports Authority board of directors decided to seek opinion from an independent civil engineer on the cracks. “There is no structural problem, either now or in the future,” said Tou at the time. “The cracking that is evident does not affect their function,” he said. “The design approach adopted allowed that cracking may occur ... notwithstanding
this, it is prudent to seal the cracks.” Last month in parliament, Democratic Party leader Wilkie Rasmussen and fellow demo caucus member and Titikaveka MP Selina Napa questioned the government with regard to the wharf cracks, asking whether they had been investigated. In response, Finance Minister Mark brown said the government was aware of the cracks, adding in the event of the cracks being a symptom of a larger issue, taxpayers would be covered. - Emmanuel Samoglou
An independent review of the recently discovered cracks in the redeveloped Avatiu wharf is scheduled to begin early next month. 14011629
Reliable tax base crucial - Neves Dear editor, In 2013/14 the parliament appropriated $13.8 million for the payment of benefits which will predominantly go towards paying pensions to 1700 aged people and child benefit for 3600 children; $14.6 million towards tourism related activities to keep the economy strong, $12.4 million towards health which includes salaries for doctors, nurses, payments for pharmaceuticals and referrals for Cook Islanders to visit specialists in New Zealand, $14.4 million to educate children in primary and secondary schools and tertiary activities, $4 million to run a police force, $11.6 million for the outer islands, $8 million will go towards capital activities, $5.7 million for servicing existing debt, and so forth. The provision of a reliable and regular tax base is crucial for any government that wishes to deliver services, redistribute income within its
community and invest in social and physical infrastructure. A tax base regulated by the various pieces of legislation, which have been passed by the parliament of the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands tax system relies on voluntary compliance, that is to say the obligation rests with the tax payer to be aware of what their obligations are and report these to RMD. A strategy to deter non compliance is an integral part of a system such as ours. It is inevitable that some taxpayers either through ignorance, carelessness, recklessness or deliberate evasion will not comply with the laws of the country. As such, it is up to the RMD to have a strategy to minimise the occurrence of firms or individuals who fail to meet their obligations. Reducing our compliance efforts I believe would lead to a situation where a liberal
approach would be adopted ance intentions or indeed what by people or firms in meeting actions are being taken. This their tax obligations and deci- is changing. our first effort mate the tax base of the Crown, was to outline early in 2013 in turn limiting what an elect- where additional effort over ed government can do for its and above the normal complipeople. If people want a clear ance activities would happen. everyone is aware of example of what ‘If we the compliance acthis can lead to, they tivities around indionly need to look to have poor viduals in receipt of Greece and the probcompliance New Zealand superlems they face. then others annuation. A d d i t i o n a l l y, a have to I believe the next compliance strategy pick up the step is to actually ensures a sense of tab. The outline what onfairness among all government going compliance tax payers. I believe may have activities are being most people would been able to undertaken by RMD not like to be in a society where someone further reduce and progress. In this income tax if regard, I am confulfils their tax obvinced that public ligations in a timely compliance awareness on the ismanner and others was greater.’ sue needs to be raised don’t. We can’t have a firm fulfilling their legal ob- and on M F eM’s part more ligations in a timely manner regular reporting on what the while their competitor does level of tax receivables are and not meet their legal obligation. how they are being managed. Previously, RMD did not ac- For example the Australian tively publicise their compli- Taxation office reported that
it had raised AuD 12.2 billion in liabilities, recovered $7.9 billion in cash, through 749,000 activities during 2012/13. There is a compliance issue in the Cook Islands. At the time of the 2012/13 budget total outstanding debt assessed by RMD owing to the Crown stood at $30.6 million. of this amount it is believed that around $16.7 million is collectible, representing around 16 per cent of the annual tax base. As a benchmark I believe we should be approaching 5 per cent. We could do that in a couple of ways, collect the tax or decide to waive it. Some would prefer the latter, I think we should do the former, and the aim is to collect it without reducing people to ruin, so it will take time. Additionally, there are approximately 220 current audit cases on hand at the moment across a variety of areas (and this does not generally include NZ Superannuates) and there are a number of firms and individuals on repayment plans. Fundamentally, if we have
Letters good compliance then there is an obvious opportunity to further reduce the burden on tax payers or provide more services. That decision is for an elected government to decide. but if we have poor compliance then others have to pick up the tab. The government may have been able to further reduce income tax if compliance was greater. but the message again is a simple one – RMD has a job to do on behalf of the public, it is for the fundamental good of the Cook Islands, and the staff of RMD are hard working with the spirit of doing good for their country, their families and their peers. No one likes taking drastic actions, we want to work with taxpayers and work through the issues, so when RMD send letters to work with you, it is best not to ignore them but to come in and work with us. Richard Neves Financial secretary
Tax deductions ‘causing trauma’ The editor, Kia orana, Reading CINews dated January 21, I can’t believe Richard Neves and Andrew Haigh are causing trauma among the mama’s and papa’s who are collecting their hard-earned NZ pensions in the Cook Islands. What are you, the Cook Islands Party government, the party that we voted into parliament to look after the people? Now the PM is distancing himself from this so-called political saga. What a shame. You are running the country right across the board and have the power to control the government entities. At the moment you are distancing yourself from all this chaos,
Cook Islands News Building Maraerenga Avarua Rarotonga PO Box 15 Rarotonga Tel (682) 22999 Fax 25303 Email: editor@cookislandsnews.com or adverts@cookislandsnews.com
www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday
so sad indeed. No wonder the country is on the edge of bankruptcy. I am still in the process of getting legal advice about money being withdrawn from customers’ accounts. Finally I am looking forward to the day these two nut-heads have their contracts terminated – the sooner the better, and replace them with our local personal. We have one or two on the island that can do the job. Akamaroiroi Grey Power, if you receive a letter about taxation ring Denise Tunui or Tupe Short. Teariki Simiona (Tamaiva Mataiapo)
Managing Editor John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com Financial Controller Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com General Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com deputy Editor Matariki Wilson matariki@cookislandsnews.com Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Reporters Emmanuel Samoglou emmanuel@cookislandsnews.com Ben Chapman-Smith ben@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Reeves rachel@cookislandsnews.com Court reporter Merita Wi-Kaitaia merita@cookislandsnews.com advertising adverts@cookislandsnews.com advertising assistant Peka Fisher peka@cookislandsnews.com Oice Manager Tere Joseph tere@cookislandsnews.com accounts Manager Tangi Tauira tangi@cookislandsnews.com reception Kura Tauira reception@cookislandsnews.com Oice Staf Apii Tua apii@cookislandsnews.com Graphic design & Layout Mahai Daniel mahai@cookislandsnews.com Adam Tutuvanu adam@cookislandsnews.com Web developer Daniel Rolls dan@cookislandsnews.com Print Manager Dan Johnston danj@cookislandsnews.com Printers Dennis Campos, Lai Gukisuva
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
Dog problem ‘not getting better’ Dear editor, Stuff probably no-one wants to hear: on dealing with a ‘dog issue’, irstly I had my baby goat mauled by a pack of dogs – she didn’t die, but was badly attacked and in shock for days. Then a stray dog parked itself at my house and wouldn’t leave. It stirred my dogs and neighbouring dogs into a frenzy and this has gone on for weeks – although I did pursue all the correct channels of help and of getting the dog removed. First, I rang the police. Three days later, three oficers turned up and I asked if the dog pound man could please come and take this dog away! “I don’t care where, but it has to go,” I explained. I said it is chasing cars, bikes, walkers, joggers and chickens as well as ighting with all the other dogs. The pound never came, even though I made a follow-up call. I got so desperate I drove it to the esther Honey Founda-
tion clinic in Nikao. I explained my situation and asked if they could take him. “No,” they said, “we are a clinic, not a dog home for strays,” the volunteers told me. “You will have to take it on a back road in a nice quiet street and leave it there,” they said, and explained that’s what they have to do with dogs and cats! “It’s ok, they will find their way.” (on hearing this I was shocked). I said to her, this is not the answer. She insisted that this was the only thing for me to do. I did not. This problem is not getting any better with stray dogs and cats and now we all know why. on one hand the esther Honey Animal Clinic is sending volunteers door to door to do a survey on how many dogs each family home is keeping. And they are solidly collecting donations from all, to fund the operating and amputating of injured dogs and cats. Yet, they are dumping well dogs and cats on quiet back roads.
No need to spell out that these animals who are being dumped still need to eat and survive, hence forming dog packs and killing livestock and threatening people. Are we like Tonga, bali? This will play havoc on tourism and as well, human rights for goodness sake. Will somebody please wake up and get this sorted, as esther Honey doesn’t feel its right to euthanaise? Name and address supplied
The Esther Honey Foundation responds: First, we are very sorry to learn about the injured goat and pleased to know that he recovered. We would hope that the writer brought the animal into the clinic for treatment of any injuries. We want everyone to know that: 1. Neutered dogs are less likely to be aggressive, form packs and wander. If all dog owners acted responsibly by desexing
their dogs (a service offered free at the esther Honey Foundation Clinic) and keeping them at home, these behaviors and the consequences would all but disappear. 2. The esther Honey Foundation follows the World Health organisation recommended, scientifically-proven, Capture Neuter and Return (CNR) dog management programme. This method has been confirmed by subsequent studies and is generally accepted by experts and the major animal welfare organisations as the most effective solution for dog overpopulation. 3. The intention of CNR is to create a sterile population. Dogs can be captured and brought to esther Honey for free desexing. Following recovery, healthy dogs can be returned where they were found. If the dogs are not returned, the vacancies will be illed with fertile dogs from the surrounding area. The fact is that every returned dog
will prevent an unsterilised new animal. The population will increase less or even diminish, because the sterilised dogs cannot breed. 4. It has been shown that killing or removing animals and putting them into shelters/pounds simply does not work. Dogs may not be valued by some tourists but shooting dogs is cruel, dangerous to the public and brings widespread condemnation in tourist publications, resulting in a very negative image for the country as the Cook Islands learned in the past. As long as there are suficient resources, the place of every killed or removed animal will be taken by a new animal and the population will grow. Killing or putting animals into “shelters” has only a temporary effect and both measures are useless in reducing the population for the long term. We have confirmed that no one at the clinic recalls the conversation alleged by the writer
but the esther Honey Foundation team will desex or provide needed veterinary care at no charge for any dog owned or homeless. our volunteers will care for them until they are it to be returned to their owner, adopted or returned to their original location. If the goal is to permanently reduce the number of dogs on the island, the science on dog management requires that dogs be spayed or neutered and returned where they were found. The desexing service is provided free to the community. The missing element is an island-wide commitment to make it a priority to bring every untreated dog to esther Honey for desexing. We urge everyone including the writer to join others and become a part of the solution. It is the right thing to do for the animals and for the island. For more information about CNR or to make an appointment for desexing, call us at 22336.
Trees are not all that suffered
Dear editor, There was a lot of controversy recently about cutting old iron wood trees on the sections opposite Avaavaroa road in Vaimaanga. The trees are not all that suffered last year in that area of the beach. Work carried out on the adjoining section earlier last year greatly damaged the beach that once had a postcard-like look, iconic to the Paciic Islands – quiet, pristine white soft sand and turquoise lagoon. I have some snapshots from that place taken during my visit there in the middle of last year and the place looks magniicent. Now there are sad stumps of the trees there and once soft sand disappeared looks like under the debris washed out of one of the beach side sections. Apparently in May 2013 several T&M Heather lorry loads of landfill was brought there and bulldozed out towards the beach because the leaseholder wanted to reclaim some land for his section but all that work was done in a rather ineffective and destructive way, and high seas in the very same week (not unusually high for winter season) washed out several tons of unsecured ill
material and spread it all around the beach. Curious to see how similar or different Cook Islands environmental laws and attitude is to the one we have in New Zealand I conducted some research: "Foreshore is the area between the mean high water mark on the beach and 30 meters inland from there. This area is of utmost importance for Cook Islanders, with its images of unspoilt, clean, white sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. With approximately 67 per cent of the national GDP (Gross Domestic Product) dependent on tourism, we Cook Islanders need to take care of this valuable asset" says the National environment Service Cook Islands website. Now, right opposite the above mentioned sections, there is an ugly strip of stones, rocks, crushed corals and even small slabs of concrete spread by the tides a long way towards Avaavaroa Passage, many of them now embedded into the sand creating a very sad view of what can now be considered a rather unattractive, slimy and rocky coast. Doesn't look like the "image of unspoiled beaches" that is
Does NeS distribute smacks on NeS's big concern, if any at all. I learned that his unprofes- the offending hand or do they sional "land reclamation" of the take action that brings some irst beach section did not have positive results and repairs or at environment approval...indeed least minimise the damage? How environment was not even aware long does NeS requires to make that this work had been carried sure that the offender returns the out, but to their credit, promptly public area to its original state? Why for months now no-one stopped the leaseholder from carrying out any further work. is held accountable for the damage? Regrettably this is all they did. What message does it send to So why is the NeS so easy-goeveryone else? Is anying about it, without one allowed to dump regret saying good ‘Is the NeS up crushed coral on the bye to "unspoilt, to the task of beach but not slabs clean, white sandy making sure of concrete? Slabs beaches " they claim there will be of concrete, but not are of "utmost imporsome beaches metal or rooing iron? tance for Cook Islandleft in the future Metal but not plastic ers" and why are the for generations bottles? Where does Cook Islanders allowto come?’ it end? ing it to happen? This brings a few "every person commits an offence who, with- other general questions that out the prior consent in writing perhaps is good to ask before any of the permitting authority or other work is carried out by rathcontrary to any provision of a er unprofessional companies. There are some sections along management plan … places any ill or material of any type within that beach that erected sea walls the foreshore or Cook Islands wa- and built decks so far into the ters," warns the NeS website. So beach that even during a mild if the work is carried out without high tide it is hardly possible to consent, the public area greatly walk by with a dry foot, less use it suffers and the offense is com- to sit and sunbathe. While there mitted, what happens next? are no formal laws and regula-
tions regarding how far private property should expand onto the beach I would hope that NeS takes seriously their own statements and would realise that a reasonable access to some dry beach should be left to keep this place attractive for the tourists. Not all of the tourists have beachside accommodation with good swimming and snorkelling areas and so these types of beaches are invaluable. As the environment website very rightly points out, "building near beaches has resulted in the construction of protection walls which only exacerbate the problem of coastal erosion. Those building walls to protect their beach properties increase beach scouring effects during high waves and cause erosion of neighbouring properties who in turn construct forms of coastal protection and so on and so on" So the question is now, how many of these unspoiled public beaches do the Cook Islanders want to keep in their pristine condition to enjoy themselves and to attract tourists the GDP relies on? Is the NeS up to the task of making sure there will be some
beaches left in the future for generations to come? If the answer is "yes" then there is a very good starting point – a beach opposite Avaavaroa road in Vaimaanga. The tears of your traditional leaders, lament of visitors, outrage in media or NeS cannot revive the old iconic iron wood trees but NeS can make sure that the sand on that battered beach is returned to its original state and all the foreign material that was dumped and left there is removed and make sure that everyone learns from this example to respect the foreshore and the environment. Julian Perro Frequent visitor and a lover of Cook Islands beauty, Titikaveka
NES asked to explain tree felling, page 8
Editor’s note T h e l e t t e r ‘o v e r s t a y e r s prompt immigration queries’ published in CINews on Thursday January 16 was written by Temu Marsters who wished to have his name included under his letter. Masters raised questions about immigration regulations in regards to overstayers.
ON tHE StREEt
- Staf Reporters
Would you pay for drinking water delivered to the tap at your home?
tere tuaratini
Stafan Johansson Maria taruia
I don’t want to pay. Water doesn’t belong to the government, it’s from heaven.
I think if the government does an upgrade the water should be free in the same way it is in a lot of other countries.
No, I don’t want to pay. Nobody will agree to that. It should be free. We’re not like other countries – everything is free here.
Jennifer Besetimoala
Kali MacLean-Mc- toga McBride Bill East roi Iona Mahon I’d rather get it from the If it’s simply to cover the No, I’ve already got clean
I don’t think people here can afford it. Is the government doing this upgrade for tourists or for locals? I think they need to pump more money into education.
I don’t think that’s right. Now we have to pay for things we need to survive on? Water’s a necessity and the government should supply it. That’s what taxes are for.
illing station. I don’t think people should have to pay. We grew up here and water’s always been free.
cost of providing clean water, that’s ok. but if the government uses it as a revenue earner, that’s another matter.
drinking water at home. We just drink it out of the tap or sometimes we go to the illing station.
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
NES asked to explain tree felling THe oWNeRS of a beachfront
property in Rarotonga are asking for an explanation of why more than 20 trees were cut down on their land without them knowing. Staff from the National environment Service (NeS) gave verbal approval to the leaseholders last month to trim the trees to a metre from the ground. Vavia Tangatataia, manager of advisory and compliance, said the landowners have now written to the NeS asking for answers. “They’re not happy about what happened on site and they want clarification. They said they may take further action if required.” Tangatataia said he will be working closely with his team and also director Vaitoti Tupa to form a response. He believes a letter has also been sent to the leaseholders, Rob and Debbie Grant, who did not tell the landowners they were felling the trees.
“They’re surprised Rob went and did it without consulting with them. I think they want to hear Rob’s side of the story too.” Contractors felled 21 ironwood and coconut trees on the Vaimaanga section in early December, leaving only the stumps remaining. There was a strong public reaction, with traditional leader Turi Mataiapo Maria Henderson labelling the act “disgusting”. Neighbour Diane Holford said she stood on the beach and cried when she saw how many trees had been cut down on the section Tangatataia said all proposed work within the foreshore area is screened by the NeS to determine the process to be taken. Any major activities with signiicant impacts to the surrounding environment will require approval from the Rarotonga environment Authority. “It depends on the type of activity though. If it’s just small scale, sometimes it’s ok to give
Neighbour Diane Holford says she stood on the beach and cried when she saw how many trees had been cut down on the Vaimaanga section. 13120910 approval there and then,” he said. This particular job was not deemed “significant” enough to need the authority’s approval. “With the tree trimming exercise in Vaimaanga the oficers in charge responded accord-
ingly. They carried out a site assessment and inally made a decision straight away.” Tangatataia also said the oficers had acted “in good faith” and will not be disciplined. “They’ve done their job. To me, this tree trimming matter in Vaimaanga is nothing major
but just a misunderstanding between parties of how the work was carried out.” However, the developers were supposed to have phoned the NES to make sure oficers were on site to supervise the job when it was carried out. “but with this one, they went
ahead too hastily and without oficers being there.” That matter has been discussed with the leaseholders and the contractors, he said. Tangatataia said he will be responding to the landowners as soon as possible. - Ben Chapman-Smith
Film Raro funding proposal denied FILM RARo organisers say they were asked not to submit a proposal to receive funding from tourism, which they hoped would help pay for a second round of the event. The project involved six international ilm crews travelling to the Cooks last year and working with local cast and crew to create short ilms – one for each team – in a matter of weeks. Two screenings of the ilms at Rarotonga’s National Auditorium in May last year attracted thousands of locals keen to see themselves and their loved ones on the big screen, and organisers had hoped to make it an annual event. executive producer Stan Wolfgramm said he had approached Cook Islands Tourism for funding when Film Raro began in 2012, and was turned down. After several proposals were rejected, Wolfgramm said he and the Film Raro team talked to tourism staff about the best way to submit the proposal for the next round of funding, following the screening of the ilms. “After Film Raro there was another round (of funding) and they said, we’ll look at you fa-
vourably for the next round. So not to submit a proposal?” Wolfgramm said tourism had we wrote up the proposal, and they got back and said, we won’t previously offered $5000 toaccept your proposal and we rec- wards the project last year, which he said would have been enough ommend you don’t submit it.” Wolfgramm’s comments refer to feed the cast and crew of the to an email from tourism chief ilms. He added the amount was executive officer Halatoa Fua, something they considered acdated July 2013, which states cepting, however it came with the condition that that tourism will all footage and innot be able to fund ‘We agree totally ternational rights Film Raro, and there should to the films were “recommend(s) you be a return on given to tourism cancel any work on investment. We’ve – something they the proposal”. done the igures, collectively decided “They keep shiftwe did a report. All against. ing the goal posts,” we’re asking is just “That footage is said Wolfgramm, to sit at the table, worth millions. We who recently visand for them to said, how much is ited Rarotonga. give us a igure.’ that footage worth “They’ve put up to you? It was inhurdles, and we’ve jumped over every hurdle. Then sulting – it belittled the whole effort. they say, you can’t apply.” “We actually went to the He said a reason given by tourism for recommending Film teams and said, tourism has ofRaro did not submit the proposal fered to feed everyone, but they was that the funding had already want all your footage and all the been allocated to other projects. international rights. We said that “They said they’d already al- to the teams, and they were a bit located funding – why are you disgusted, actually.” Fua said in May that while taking proposals if the funding has been allocated? It’s the pub- tourism did not approve fundlic’s money – can they ask people ing for the original Film Raro
proposal, it may look at doing so in future if it could be shown they will beneit inancially. “Given we are dealing with tax payers’ funds, Film Raro is an avenue that the corporation can look into for marketing leverage once there is evidence of a return on investment,” he said at the time. Wolfgramm said Film Raro has demonstrated its success, with the films being shown at several international festivals including in Hawaii and Australia, and being picked up by uS broadcasting network PbS (Public broadcasting Service) television and by Air New Zealand for in-light entertainment. “We’ve generated over $1 million of publicity. We brought in at least 94 people. The uS team alone spent $80,000 locally,” said Wolfgramm. “What we keep asking (tourism) is, please show us some of your successful examples of projects that have received funding, so we can compare. We agree totally there should be a return on investment. We’ve done the igures, we did a report. All we’re asking is just to sit at the table, and for them to give us a igure.”
Film Raro organiser Stan Wolfgramm was recently back on rarotonga. 14011419 He said he still hopes Film Raro will be able to return to the Cooks. “We’re not giving up. We’ve proven every single day where Film Raro sits and the beneits it brings economically and socially. We know Cook Islanders are behind us. Cook Islanders are contacting us constantly, asking if Film Raro will be coming back. “We’re keen, we know Cook Islanders are keen, everything (tourism) has asked for we’ve delivered. Honestly, if people didn’t want it, we would walk away.
“We’re happy to be accountable,” he said of tourism’s concerns about getting a return on investment. “Just show us examples, and let’s have a look and compare them side by side – our project, and the projects that have received funding. “We’ve got to the stage where we’ve made something wonderful – if we wait too long, they’ll lose it.” Cook Islands Tourism has been invited to comment, and Halatoa Fua has indicated he intends to do so. - Briar Douglas
Members of the Film Raro crew celebrate the completion of the project at the irst screening of the ilms. 13052612
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
A new year brings fresh opportunity ReCeNTLY I spoke at the funeral of a young man who died suddenly in Rarotonga, his earthly light snuffed out much too soon. His mother was inconsolable as we all gathered around her and witnessed his burial. Long awaited rain came and it seemed itting that the heavens wept with us. Death, as always, brings perspective. What is it that really matters? What do we love? What is our purpose? Are we living our fullest lives? A master was asked, “Where is the path?” He replied, “Keep walking”. A new year has arrived. Another page. Another chance. A fresh opportunity to decide what it is that we plan to do with, as poet Mary oliver puts it, “your one wild and precious life”. Here is a guide to help you discern your truest path: • Strength and growth virtues - This year, what growth virtue calls to you deeply? one that seeks to be cultivated, to be seeded, nurtured and practiced, in order to bloom in your life at this season? What virtue is so strong in you, so keenly practiced, that it is a comfort, a staff to walk with, a presence that you bring to the ones you love and serve? What needs to be said that hasn’t yet been said? Who needs and craves your appreciation? Tell someone the virtues you appreciate in them. • Teachable moment – This is the lesson that keeps coming around, hopeful that you will catch on, and get a glimpse of the eternal possibility within you? What virtues do you need in order to embrace it with courage and wholehearted willingness? Tell the truth. Do it now. • Boundaries – What do you need to build to protect your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health? Which of those needs the most tending? What is it you want to ask of the people who love you? If they are incapable or unwilling, then what? How will you restore justice to yourself and
virtues in Paradise
The University of the South Paciic Cook Islands is ofering the following courses in distance mode in Semester 1, 2014 • If you wish to commence studies with the University for the irst time, please complete an application for admission before 31 Jan, 2014. • If you are continuing your studies, please complete reenrolment before 20 Jan, 2014. • Semester 1 will commence February 17, 2014. PRELIMINARY (EQUIvALENT TO FORM 6) COUrSe CODe
Linda Kavelin-Popov Co-founder of the Virtues Project. others? How will you safeguard your contentment? • Honor the spirit – What religious and spiritual practices will you keep faithfully? What journeys or wild places call to you? How will you honor the dignity and the soul of every person whose path you cross? • As a Spiritual Companion , first to yourself, what is the deepest longing of your soul? How well do you listen, really listen to those who are grieving, or joyful, or needing someone to be their storykeeper? This is a relection that came to me two decades ago for a woman in one of my retreats, one who has since become a sister-friend: There has always been so much to do and see and be. I am an adventurer. I am ready for the adventure that will carry me to the uncharted waters in my soul. I am willing to discover still waters. To dive deep and true. I cannot stand on the shore any longer. It's now or never! This is my life. May we all dive deep into truth this new year of 2014. For it is there we ind the path we are meant to take.
COurSE tItLE
COUrSe CODe
admissions and re-enrolment can be completed at our oice - call in and complete the relevant forms or the forms can be sent to you by email (phone 29415 or email nataliajoseph26@gmail.com) or enrolment can be completed online at http://www.usp.ac.j/index. php?id=12540
COurSE tItLE
COUrSe CODe
COurSE tItLE
ed 170
LaNGUaGe FOr teaCHerS
Ma 102
MatHeMatICS FOr SCIeNCe
AF P01 PreLIMINarY aCCOUNtING I
ed 191
eDU DeCISION-MaKNG/PrOB SOLV'G
Ma 112
CaLCULUS II
BI P02
ED 205
MatHS SCIeNCe &tHe eNV. IN eCe
Ma 221
LINear aLGeBra II
CH P02 PreLIMINarY CHeMIStrY a
ed 206
artS,CraFt,MUSIC & MOV. IN eCe
Ma 321
aBStraCt aLGeBra
EC P01 PreLIMINarY eCONOMICS
ed 210
eD. INDV.WItH BeHaV.DISOrDerS
MG 101
INtrODUCtION tO MaNaGeMeNt
GE P01 PreLIM GeO a:PHYSICaL GeOGrPHY ED 215 HY P01 tHe PaCIFIC & WOrLD War I I ed 216
LaNGUaGe aND MatHeMatICS I I
MG 201
OrGaNISatIONaL BeHaVIOUr
SC & SOC StUD FOr PrIM teaCHer
MG 206
MarKetING:PrINCIP.& StrateGIeS
IS P21
INtrO tO INFOrMatION COM & teC
ED 250
CUrrICULUM StUDIeS I
MG 302
HUMaN reSOUrCe MaNaGeMeNt
LL P13
Pre-tertIarY eNGLISH
ED 252
eD PSYC & teaCH-LearN PrOCeSS
MG 309
StrateGIC MaNaGeMeNt
ED 254
eVaLUatION IN SCHOOLS
MG 316
COMParatIVe eMP.& IND.reLatION
MA P11 PreLIM MatHeMatICS SOC.SCIeNCe ed 300 Ma P12 PreLIMINarY MatHeMatICS a ed 304
PraCtICUM
MM 101
eNGINeerING GraPHICS & DeSIGN
WrKG WItH INFaNtS & tODDLerS
MS 201
INtrODUCtION tO OCeaN reS.MGt
MA P13 PreLIMINarY MatHeMatICS B
ed 321
eDCtNG INVD WItH INtL'Ct DISaB
oS 101
OFFICIaL Sta.& NatN.Stat.SYS
PH P02 PreLIMINarY PHYSICS a
ED 354
aSSeSS+ MeaSUre StUDeNt PerF.
oS 202
NatIONaL aCC & aLLIeD Stat I I
SO P01 PL. CULtUraL aNtH. IN tHe PaC.
ED 359
eDUCatIONaL reSearCH
PA 402
PaC,tHOUGHt, PHILOSPHY & etHIC
ed 391
eD LeaDerSHIP & SUPerVISION
PH 102
CLaSSICaL PHYSICS
CLIMate CHNG:IMPaCt,VULNe.aDaP
PreLIMINarY BIOLOGY a
LL P14 PreMLIMINarY eNGLISH a
TE P02
PreLIMINarY teCHNOLOGY
FOUNDATION (EQUIvALENT TO FORM 7) eV 414
PL 100
POLItICS aND GOVerNMeNt
COurSE tItLE
eV 424
DISaSter rISK MaNaGeMeNt
PP 101
CONt.ISSUeS IN PaC.POLICING
AF F01
BaSIC aCCOUNtING a
eV 428
trOPICaL MeteOrOLGY
PP 201
COMParatIVe & INt'L POLICING
AG F01
FOUNDatION aGrICULtUre
Ge 102
HUM GeO: PeOPLe, PLaCeS & eNV
PP 300
aCtION rSH IN a POLICe CONteXt
BI F02
FN BIO a-eVOLUtIONarY PatterNS
Ge 201
BIOGeO:PLaNtS,aNIM &HUMaN eNV.
PS 103
reSearCH MetHODS IN SOC.SC. I
CH F02
FOUNDatION CHeMIStrY a
Gn 400
CONteMP FeMINISM:tHrY,MtHD& GN
PS 203
reSearCH MetHS IN SOC.SC.I I
EC F02
FOUNDatION MICrOeCONOMICS
Gn 401
GeNDer,GLOBaL CHNGe& DeV. COMP
PS 304
PYSCHOLOGY OF PerS & aBNL BeHV
GE F01
PaCIFIC ISLaNDS GeOGraPHY I
HY 102
WrLD HISt:CONteMPOrarY HISt
PS 305
PSYCHOLOGY OF INDV & COM HeaLt
HY F01
INtrODUCtION tO PaC. HIStOrY
HY 202
Pre-COL. POW StrGLS N WSt POLY
PS 407
CLINICaL & COUNSeLLING aSSMNt
IS F21
COMPUter LIteraCY
HY 305
WrLD HISt:BrItISH eMP & COMWL
So 100
tHeMeS & PerSPeCtIVeS IN SOCIO
LL F11
COMMUNICatION & StUDY SKILLS I
IS 122
INFOrMatION SYSteM II
So 200
MODerN SOCIaL tHeOrY
LL F14
FOUNDatION eNGLISH a
IS 224
aDVaNCeD DataBaSe SYSteMS
So 201
SOCIetY CULtUre CHaNGe:PaCIFIC
LL F21
COMMUNICatIONS & LaNGUaGe
LL 108
INtrO tO CHILDreN'S LIteratUre
So 300
reS PrJCt Or FLDWK PL IN SOCIO
MA F11
FOUNDatION MatHeMatICS a
LL 162
FIJIaN OratUre/LIteratUre I
So 301
SOCIOLOGY OF PUB POLICY/aDMIN
MA F21
FN MatH FOr SOCIaL SCIeNCe
LL 171
INtrODUCtION tO HINDI
SW 100
INtrODUCtION tO FIeLDWOrK
PH F02
FOUNDatION PHYSICS a
LL 241
INterMeDIate FreNCH StUDIeS I
SW 201
SOCIaL & COMMUNItY WOrK PraC I
SO F01
tHe StUDY OF SOCIetY & CULtUre
LM 112
PrINCIPLeS/PrOB'S:LaND teNUre
SW 301
SOCIaL & COMMUNItY WK PraC.I I
SO F01
tHe StUDY OF SOCIetY & CULtUre
LM 311
PrOPertY VaLUatION MetHODOLOGY tS 106
INtrO tO tOUrISM StUDIeS
TE F02
INtrODUCtION tO teCHNOLOGY a
LS 101
INtrO tO LIBrarY/INFOr StUDIeS
tS 108
DIMeNSIONS OF HOSPItaLItY
LS 204
LIBrarY SOUrCeS & SerVICeS
tS 207
MarKetING FOr tOUrISM & HOSP.
COurSE tItLE
LS 205
MGNt LIB/INFO CeNtreS
tS 209
FOOD & BeVeraGe MaNaGeMeNt
INt tO aCtG & FIN FOr NON SPeC
LW 110
LaW aND SOCIetY
tS 217
FOOD aND BeVeraGe OPrS I PraC
INtrO tO aCCtG & FIN MGMt I I
LW 111
COUrtS & DISPUte reSOLUtION I
tS 218
rOOM DIVISION PraCtICaL
AF 201
MaNaGerIaL aCCOUNtING
LW 201
LaW OF CONtraCt I
tS 303
FOOD & BeVeraGe OPS II PraCtL
AF 205
LaW OF aSSOCIatION
LW 203
tOrtS I
tS 304
FrNt OFFCe & SaLeS MarKtNG Pra
AF 208
FINaNCIaL MaNaGeMeNt
LW 205
CrIMINaL LaW & PrOCeDUre I
tS 310
tOUrISM IN LeSS DeV.COUNtrIeS
aG 111
INtrO tO aGICULtUraL eCONOMICS
LW 300
PrOPertY LaW I
tS 311
SUStaINaBLe tOUrISM DeV.
aG 124
FUNDaMeNtaLS OF SOIL SCIeNCe
LW 302
eQUItY aND trUStS
uu 100
COMMUNICatIONS & INFO LIteraCY
aG 164
INtrODUCtOrY aGrI BIOLOGY
LW 306
LeGaL etHICS
uu 114
eNGLISH FOr aCaDeMIC PUrPOSeS
aG 172
aNIMaL NUtrItION
LW 307
eVIDeNCe
uu 200
etHICS aND GOVerNaNCe
SOIL Fert aND PLaNt NUtrItION
LW 308
CONStItUtIONaL LaW
uu 204
PaCIFIC WOrLDS
aGrICULtUraL eXteNSION
LW 310
FaMILY LaW
COUrSe CODe
DEGREE LEvEL COUrSe CODe
AF 100 AF 102
aG 221 AG 251
CvCE LEvEL COUrSe CODe
COurSE tItLE
aG 273
MONOGaStrIC.LIVeStOCK PrODUCtN
LW 334
SerIOUS FINaNCIaL CrIMeS
aG 363
PeSt aND DISeaSe MaNaGeMeNt
LW 341
CUStOMarY LaW
CeC 31
BaSIC CONCePtS OF COMMUNItY DeVeLOPMeNt
CH 101
CHeMICaL PrINCIPLeS
LW 353
INterNatIONaL eNVIrON.LaW
CeC 32
tHe COMMUNItY DeVeLOPMeNt PrOCeSS
CS 112
Data StrUCtUreS & aLGOrItHMS
LW 356
MarINe LaW
CeC 33
COMMUNItY PrOJeCt DeVeLOPMeNt
CS 214
DeSIGN & aNaLY.OF aLGOrItHMS
LW 370
COMPaNY & PartNerSHIP LaW I
Ce e31
eXPLOrING earLY CHILDHOOD eDU
dG 100
INtrO tO LeaDerSHP,GOV HUMaN r
LW 392
CIVIL PrOCeDUre
Ce e32
GrOWING UP IN a PaCIFIC FaMILY
INtrO tO LeaDerSHP,GOV HUMaN r
LW 400
aDVaNCeD PaC.LeGaL SYSteM
Ce e33
MaNaG YOUr earLY CHILDH'D CeNt
dG 101
PrINCIPLeS OF GD LeaD'SHP, GOV
LW 410
FaMILY LaW
CE L41
INtrO tO LIB SYSteMS&SerVICeS
dG 101
PrINCIPLeS OF GD LeaD'SHP, GOV
LW 434
SerIOUS FINaNCIaL CrIMeS
CE L42
BUILDING OUr LIBrarY reS
eC 100
INtrODUCtION tO eCONOMICS
LW 441
CUStOMarY LaW
CE L43
SUPP tHe INFO NeeD OF OUr USer
eC 101
PrINCIPLeS OF MaCrOeCONOMICS
LW 451
COMParatIVe eNVIrOMeNtaL LaW
eC 202
INterMeDIate MICrOeCONOMICS
LW 453
INterNatIONaL eNVIrON.LaW
eC 301
MaCrOeCONOMICS aNaLYSIS
LW 470
COMPaNY & PaterNerSHIP LaW I
ED 453
POLICY StUDIeS IN eDUCatION
eC 306
INterNatIONaL eCONOMICS
LW 495
SPeCIaL tOPICS: CLIMate CHaGNe
ED 455
aDVaNCeD CUrrICULUM
eC 307
reSOUrCe & eNVIrON eCONOMICS
LW 495A St:INterNatIONaL FISHerIeS LaW
ED 457
aDV StUDIeS eD:SMaLL IS/StateS
ED 152
ed 461
eDU FOr SUStaINBLe DeVeLOPMNt
ED 153
HUMaN DeVeLOPMeNt-LIFeSPaN aPP LW 495B St:CHILDreN'S rIGHtS LW 495C St:INterNatIONaL CrIMaL LaW SCHOOL & SOCIetY
ed 468
GeNDer aND eDUCatION
ED 158
INtrO tO NON-FOrMaL eDUCatION
ed 491
aDV.StDS IN eDUCatNaL LeaDSHP
dG 100
Ma 101
MatHeMatICS FOr SOCIaL SC
POSTGRADUATE LEvEL COUrSe CODe
COurSE tItLE
University of the South Paciic May we all dive deep into truth this new year of 2014. For it is there we ind the path we are meant to take. 14011735
Towards Excellence in Learning and Knowledge Creation
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
New Crime Stoppers ofice unveiled A bRAND new way of ighting
crime in the Cook Islands has emerged with yesterday’s unveiling of the new Crime Stoppers ofice. Crime Stoppers – a partnership between police, media, and local civic organisation Tauranga Tamate Kino Trust – intends to help solve crimes by providing a service where the public can provide information about criminal activity while remaining anonymous. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Teariki Heather – who oversees law enforcement as minister of police – was on hand at Avarua’s police headquarters, where the ofice will be located. Joined by Crime Stoppers
chairman Stephen Lyon, Police Commissioner Maara Tetava and oficials with Cook Islands Police, the dignitaries witnessed the blessing of the ofice by Bishop Tutai Pere, who said, “this is the whole purpose, how we can overcome evil in the community”. Heather spoke about the recent spate of arson attacks, which he described as one of the biggest challenges he has faced as minister responsible for policing affairs, and said he hopes the new service will help authorities solve the crimes. Anyone with information regarding a crime or suspected criminal activity can now call Crime Stoppers on 0800 222 00
Crime Stoppers chairman Stephen Lyon describing his vision for Crime Stoppers in the Cook Islands and how it will assist police in enforcing the law. 14011704
between 7am and 4pm. For urgent police matters, the public is urged to continue dialling 999 for immediate attention. Speaking at the event, Lyon described Crime Stoppers’ assurance of anonymity as the cornerstone of the programme,
with no details on an individual ever recorded or released. “That’s where the system gets its integrity,” he said. officials involved with the programme will now be concentrating on securing corporate sponsorship to fund the service,
while building solid contacts with the media for promotion. Crime Stoppers Western Australia chief executive and executive director Tony Carter – who visited the Cooks last April to assist in the implementation of the programme – said 60 per
cent of intelligence holdings of police comes through Crime Stoppers. Carter added that in Western Australia, 38,000 calls were received in 2012, with an additional 4000 tips received online. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Attendees at yesterday’s unveiling of the new Crime Stoppers oice. 14011702
Acting sergeant Sharon Kareroa and non-sworn staf member Teaukora Rakei in front of the Crime Stoppers new oice. 14011701
Police warnings are ‘not getting through’
geT ReadY foR sChoolThisYeaR
and make iT CounT foR 2014
PoLICe are again asking tourists to make sure they take basic precautions to avoid becoming victims of robbery while holidaying in Rarotonga. A female tourist had a $200 pair of sunglasses stolen when she went for a dip at edgewater Resort on Monday afternoon. “It’s one of those cases where the person left the property on the beach and went for a swim,” said senior sergeant Maevarangi Kirikava. When visitors go in to get a driving licence, police make a point of telling them to keep an eye on their belongings at
all times, Kirikava said. “We’re trying to do a lot of proactive things but the message is still not getting through,” he said. Another tourist had $350 stolen from an unattended bag while visiting Wigmore’s waterfall on Monday. The person was taking photos when the theft took place at about 12pm. Tourists staying in accommodation next to the LatterDay Saints Church in Arorangi were robbed in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The perpetrator entered
through the front door – which was closed but not locked – and stole two handbags while the tourists were out. There was money inside the handbags but Kirikava did not know how much. He said the obvious point to learn from the incident is that people should lock their doors when they leave the house. Anyone with information regarding these incidents can call the police on 22499 or call Crime Stoppers on 0800 222 00. - Ben Chapman-Smith
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
Foreign worker alleging breach of contract is facing deportation A FoReIGN worker who alleges
her contract was violated repeatedly by her employer is slated to be deported Monday. Realyn Hervera, a native of the Philippines, began working for Highland Paradise Cultural Centre in late october after securing a contract outlining her duties as an account administrator and paying her own airfares to Rarotonga – where she joined her husband who has been here for two years and works in the hospitality industry. After her second day on the job, Hervera said she was docked $1 from her hourly wage by her boss – Highland Paradise Director Tutu Pirangi – who told her she didn’t know how to answer the phone properly. Hervera said as a newcomer to the Cooks, she was only beginning to become familiar with the local accent, and was also taking calls in Maori. This, she said, is beside the point, as her job description had made no mention of having to answer phones.
“It was mainly about accounting duties,” she said. Prior to coming to the Cook Islands, Hervera said she had worked in the banking industry in the Philippines, as well as a general accountant in Singapore. For those roles, she said she was required to speak english. over the following weeks, Hervera said she was asked to clean toilets, mop loors, perform garden work, and provide care for her Pirangi’s mother. When contacted by CINews, Pirangi would not comment on the allegations. on December 30, the situation came to a climax when Hervera said she was experiencing car troubles that caused her to be late for work. She said it was her irst time being late, and her duties for the day were to clean Pirangi’s home. Speaking on the phone, Hervera said Pirangi told her she was going to call immigration and have her sent back to the Philippines. Hervera said the situation end-
ed with her asking to be released contract had been breached on from her contract so she could multiple occasions. Additional meetings were find another employer, but Pirangi was intent on sending her held with Cook Islands Worker’s back and booked a light to have Association president Anthony Turua, who she said agreed that her sent home. her contractual That flight is rights had been scheduled to leave ‘As a lawyer, my violated. Rarotonga on Monmain concern In the meanday. is that we can’t time, Hervera said In the first week treat immigrant attempts to contact of January, with workers like this. Pirangi and resolve the assistance of There are many the issue were unura Tangaroa - who good employers, successful after redescribes herself as ceiving no answer an advocate for the but there are some to text messages, Filipino community workers that not emails, and phone - Hervera began to only exploit their calls placed to her take action to preworkers, but also land and mobile vent herself from take advantage numbers. being deported. of them’ on the advice of Together, they Turua, she contactcontacted oficials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ed legal assistance through local and Immigration and the Min- lawyer Mark Short. This week, Hervera, along istry of Internal Affairs. After an appointment with with Tangaroa and Short, met government oficials responsible with immigration officials on for labour issues, Tangaroa said several occasions to discuss her it was conirmed that Hervera’s situation. During a meeting held yesterday, Hervera said she was told Pirangi had refused to provide her with a release letter, and that she would have to go home next Monday with no deinitive date on when she could return to Rarotonga. In an email sent to acting director of Foreign Affairs and
Police oficer gets irearms training A MeMbeR of the Cook Islands Police Service has been chosen to take part in a training course in New Zealand designed to improve his ability to handle irearms. Sergeant Marsterton enjoy has travelled to Wellington to attend an armourer’s training course run by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and New Zealand Police. Armourers are highly-skilled people responsible for the maintenance and repair of weaponry used within a military or police force. “Sergeant enjoy was chosen because of his proven ability to handle irearms in RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) and providing personal protection duties in the Solomon Islands and in our country during the huge security operations that we conducted in 2012 and 2013,” said police commissioner Maara Tetava.
The course is organised and funded under the Mutual Assistance Program (MAP), created by the NZDF to provide training assistance to many South Paciic countries. Another sergeant, Aporo Miria, successfully completed the same course last year. “As we will be increasing our efforts to licence firearm owners this year, a second armourer will be an advantage for us as we handle the expected heavy workload,” Tetava said. Meanwhile, two other members of the Cook Islands Police Service are also in New Zealand on training. ICT manager Aporo Kirikava is attending a course for physical training instructors, also in Wellington and also funded under MAP. “As this course sets a very high standard of fitness and theory work it was important that we select the best that we have who
has the best chance of successfully completing the programme,” Tetava said. Physical training instructors (PTIs) are responsible for ensuring that defence personnel are it and ready for service. Tetava said he chose Kirikava because of his ability to maintain his itness throughout 2013. Sergeant Fairoa Tararo is in New Zealand continuing his training as a police prosecutor, after having already completed training in this area last year. He will be observing defended hearings in Auckland and is likely to be prosecuting, Tetava said. The training will provide Tararo with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to prosecute defended hearings in the Cook Islands. Another prosecutor, Maevarangi Kirikava, will be leaving for New Zealand later this month to attend a senior prosecuting course. - BCS
Sergeant Marsterton Enjoy (right) with constable Mautara Cummings and Turori Matutu during a march to commemorate White Ribbon Day on November 25. 14011710
Immigration Vasie Poila, lawyer Short said Hervera has found a reputable local employer willing to give her a job, however Pirangi is unwilling to release her as a sponsor. “There have been serious breaches on the part of Highland Paradise where they haven't honoured their own contract obligations to my client,” wrote Short. “They made her perform duties outside of the work she was employed to do like looking after Tutu's mother and paid her $8.00 per hour instead of the $9.00 as noted on her contract.” “If immigration is not going to allow Realyn (Hervera) to come back, we will be forced to take drastic action, which will not preclude seeking an inquiry which is the last thing immigration would be wanting.” “... we ask immigration to grant an extension for a minimum period so that we can review this case with the view to addressing any employment disputes under contract or to seek mediation and/or arbitration as a way of going forward,” wrote Short. “I do not think that immigration will allow itself to be used to get rid of an immigrant worker who has legitimate concerns and is entitled to legal representation to review any breaches of their
employment contract.” over the phone yesterday, Short said all he and his client want are for Highland Paradise to have her released. “As a lawyer, my main concern is that we can’t treat immigrant workers like this,” he said. “There are many good employers, but there are some workers that not only exploit their workers, but also take advantage of them.” When contacted yesterday, Pirangi said her former employee “... walked off the job and asked to be sent off”. “I haven’t done anything wrong, she said. “I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.” “All I’m doing is sending her back to where she came from.” When asked if she would be willing to formally release Hervera, she said “I can’t do that, I’ve already paid everything.” Tangaroa said the experience has taken a toll on Hervera. “She felt like she wasn’t worth anything,” she said. “She just wanted another employer, to clear her name, and to show that she can do the job.” “I didn’t want this issue to escalate,” added Hervera. efforts to obtain comment from Foreign Affairs were unsuccessful. - Emmanuel Samoglou
The Cook islands national Commission for unesCo invites applications for the unesCo Participatory Programme funding 2014/15. The Participatory Programme funding supports initiatives in the areas of education, natural science, social and human sciences, Culture, and Communication and information. Proposals focusing on gender and youth are particularly welcome. Please note the following: • funding is available for up to $25,000 • funding is not available for buildings • funding is only available for equipment relating to the achievement of a proposal’s outcome, i.e. not generic equipmentsuchascomputersorsmallmachineryforgeneral operations. application forms can be found on line at www.unesco.org.ck applications should be submitted (preferably by email) to the secretary general , sharyn Paio on spaio@education.gov.ck or delivered to the ministry of education building in nikao by 12pm, friday february 7th, 2014. for any inquiries please contact the relevant Programme Commissioner whose details are provided below: • education: gail Townsend on gail@education.gov.ck • natural sciences: kelvin Passields on kelvin.passield@ gmail.com • social and human sciences: Jolene bosanquet on jolenebosanquet@gmail.com • Culture: dr Jon Jonassen on drjonjonassen@gmail.com • Culture/World heritage: ngatuaine maui on welfare@ intaf.gov.ck • Communication: maureen hilyard on hilyard@oyster.net.ck
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
WeeKeND
Rat eradication on Suwarrow looks promising a rat eradication expedition in mid-2013 was aimed at eradicating the pest from the northern group island of suwarrow – one of the more important bird islands in the Paciic ocean. The expedition was a joint project between birdlife international, Te ipukarea society (birdlife Partner in the Cook islands) and the Cook island national environment service. The project was supported by the european Community, david and lucile Packard foundation, sPReP, gef and Critical ecosystem Partnership fund, and forms part of the birdlife invasive alien species Programme which is tackling this greatest of threats to wildlife around the world. Te ipukarea society director kelvin Passield shares the journey to a rat free suwarrow. SuWARRoW Atoll, which lies
in the northern Cook Islands, is one of the more important bird islands in the Paciic Ocean. A large number and variety of seabirds live and breed on the atoll. It is also a key staging point for a number of migratory birds that spend several months there on their way to and from their own nesting grounds in places as far away as Alaska. Its importance for birds was recognised in 1978 when Suwarrow Atoll became a National Park. Suwarrow is an ideal place for birds because it is uninhabited with no introduced mammals, apart from rats, that prey on the young birds and eggs. These birds have, however, had other threats in the past. These have come in the form of proposals for developments such as pearl farming or commercial ishing. Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has a long involvement with Suwarrow, largely to help deal with these threats. This includes the successful “Save our Suwarrow” campaign in 2001, when TIS successfully opposed a proposal to establish a large commercial operation on the atoll to farm black pearls. but the threat from rats has proved to be more challenging. Rats eat the eggs and the young
chicks, and can have a devastating impact on bird populations. TIS spearheaded an attempt to eradicate these rodents on Suwarrow in 2003, with funding support from the New Zealand government. This was later found to have been unsuccessful, and the main concern for the birds on the island was still rats. With renewed determination to fix the problem, a team of six intrepid environmentalists from TIS, birdLife International and the National environment Service travelled to Suwarrow in mid-2013. The team spent 24 days on the island applying lessons learnt from the 2003 attempt at rat eradication, as well as using the latest in internationally tested eradication techniques. The team consisted of team leader Ian Karika, ben Tautu, Sialesi Rasalato, Ieremaia Samuela, Nick Hayward, and Steve Cranwell, ably assisted by the National environment Service rangers, Harry Papai and Ngatupuna Poiri. before the poisoning could start, the team had to hack paths through dense coastal shrubs on Motu Tou, Motu Kena, and Anchorage Islet. They suffered numerous wasp stings in the process. Tracks and baiting broadcast points were spaced every 20m,
Eco warrior and team leader for the 2013 rat eradication expedition to Suwarrow Ian Karika surveys birds on the atoll. calculated to cover the home range of every rat. The tracks allowed the team to broadcast rat poison over the entire motu, to try to ensure that no rat could be missed. but eradicating rats is just the irst stage. Monitoring for success is also very important. National environment Service rangers assisted by setting traps and searching for rats for several months after the rest of the team departed on the Voyaging Society’s Vaka Marumaru Atua. Though no evidence of rats was found, it will be necessary to have a follow-up visit a year or two from now to determine if the eradication has really been a success. Tissue samples were taken from a number of dead rats for DNA testing.
If any rats are found in the future, DNA samples will be taken to determine if the rats are related to those that were there previously, meaning that the eradication exercise was not completely successful. However, if any rats are found to be from a different genetic strain, this means they are new introductions that would have arrived on the atoll from visiting yachts, ishing boats, or inter island shipping. To prevent re-infestation by rats from elsewhere, there is a need to put in place a biosecurity plan, to try and minimise the risk of any new rats getting to Suwarrow. The co-operation of all boats that visit the island will be needed to ensure rats do no re-enter and that the eggs and chicks of Suwarrow Atolls are safe to hatch - TIS and ly.
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rats were the main target of an eradication team that was on the atoll in mid-2013 to eradicate the pests from the bird island. 14011407
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live To enJoY The momenT don’t drink and drive. designate a sober driver The rat eradication team gets set to lay bait for the pests on the atoll of Suwarrow.
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
The silent voice of our iti tangata Cook Islander Thomas Tarurongo Wynne moved home in 2011 to take on his role as Tereora College’s guidance counsellor. Here the Ngati Io and Ngati Ingatu descendant shares an account of how the Cook Islands came to be. SITTING in front of a class of
fresh faced 14 and 15 year old Cook Islands students, I decided to ask them some questions about the history of the Cook Islands. The obvious first question was, how did we come to be called the ‘Cook Islands’? Expecting a lurry of answers, what I got was a look of bemusement, and a lurry of guesses not even close to the answer. Disappointingly not one person in the class was able to give me the right answer. My next question, which I then daren’t ask, was who was Adam Johann von Krusenstein? Sadly, time and again it would seem the people or “iti tangata” of our beautiful Pa enua have had little if anything to do with participation with decisions that have had a major impact on them and their world. This was just one example of many over the past 100 or so years of contact with the outside world and the outside world’s impact on us as a people, on our identity and on our sovereignty and quasi self-rule. We here in the Cook Islands have never been one for vocal protest. I would suggest that with each other and, in our short history with the outside world and especially the New Zealand government, participation of any kind has been a misnomer. If one was to look at the history of the Cook Islands since the 1880s, voice, and especially that of “iti tangata” has been muted, stiled and often dismissed. Going back to 1887, the “Hervey Islands” (or southern Cooks as they would come to be known) were led by Ariki, Makea Takau. Self-imposed or by decree she was considered by colonial powers the ‘Queen’ of Rarotonga, and became the point of contact for New Zealand’s colonial, sub imperial pursuits in the South Pacific.
New Zealand under Seddon’s government had decided to colonise the outer islands and farthest reaches of the South Pacific and W H Gudgeon would become the agent for New Zealand’s ventures into what would become the Cook Islands. Any idea that this was the initiative of the people of the Hervey Islands is debateable, as is the idea that it was due to France’s colonisation by force of Tahiti. New Zealand’s point of contact was Gudgeon, a man of his time and aspiring diplomat, who may well have read british Liberal J.A. Hobson’s endorsement of the validity and virtues of sub imperialism, thinking at the time that was very populist. He may even have shared, at least in theory, Hobson’s belief that the progress of world civilization is the only valid moral ground for political interference with the “lower races” and only if evidenced by their “political, industrial, and moral education”. When they referred to lower classes, of course they were talking about us; ‘iti tangata’, the people that would become the Cook Islanders. Hobson’s “interference” was actualised in the Cook Islands as imperialism and racial paternalism that allowed one country to think it knew what was best for another. Interestingly Makea Takau, Gudgeon’s tool for annexation and the woman he had to convince to bring his task to completion, he in time went on to describe as, “a mere mission fake”, and her agency and enterprise “obscured in allegations of tyranny and greed.” Her acceptance of Gudgeon would prove her demise as he established the Land Court and invoked an institution that would strip all power from the Ariki that initially greeted him with open arms.
Thomas Tarurongo Wynne. 14011707 In April 1900 the Rarotonga of the united Nations of which Ariki consented to annexa- New Zealand is a member, tion, but to Great britain and adopted Resolution 1514 (XV), not New Zealand. The deci- better known as the Declaration sion was based on a perceived on the Granting of Independsense of mistrust due to the ence to Colonial Countries and New Zealand government en- Peoples. Four years from this gaging with the concerns of a date the Cook Islands would be thrust into a group of businessneed for New Zeamen and settlers. Have we so often land to relinquish A quickly arranged allowed others itself from its colovisit a month later to speak on our nies and the Cook in May 1900 by behalf, that our Islands would be Seddon 'for health own voice is muted driven towards reasons', who made when it comes to “independence”, promises of aid, issues of national whether it wanted and some fast talkand international it or not. New Zeaing by Gudgeon importance? land's decolonisapersuaded the Ariki tion in the Pacific in September 1900 to agree to be annexed to Great was certainly propelled by a britain and federated with New mixture of united Nations Zealand. In reality, the island pressure and democratic idebecame New Zealand territory. alism – how much of each is a And for the “iti tangata”, there matter for debate. What is clear was no consultation or consid- is that in our dealings as a naeration by the New Zealand tion and as a people in the space government or the traditional of 60 years, two decisions that had the greatest impact on our leaders here in Rarotonga. We now race ahead to a back- sovereignty, our alliances, our drop of protest and civil rights unenviable choice of coloniser movements across the globe. In and our identity as a people and December 1960, nearly 60 years as a country were not decisions had transpired since the Cook that demanded the voice of “iti Islands became a colony of New tangata”. Samoa our close neighbour, Zealand. The General Assembly
also colonised by the New Zealand government in the late 1800’s, approached the united Nations with a draft constitution and on January 1, 1962 had a referendum for the people for them to decide on independence. The decision was unanimous and Samoa became the first colonised Pacific Nation to become politically autonomous. There was no call for referendum of the people when we were annexed to Great britain and to New Zealand, and from a country that led the world in giving women the vote its seems inordinate that such a freedom was not offered to the people of the Cook Islands. Not even 60 years later under the pressure of a world that had now decided that colonialism was a dirty word, the referendum was given to the people so the people could decide what they did or did not want. A referendum was mooted by the opposition at the time but this recommendation was not followed through. Self-government was the overriding idea and this, with New Zealand’s willingness to be free of its colonial pursuits in the Paciic, made it mandatory. Whether the Cook Islands people were ready for selfgovernment is debatable. That they should have been working towards self-rule is not. What we do know, however, is that the people of the Cook Islands were not a vocal part of this process for whatever reason. From its inception as a colony of New Zealand to its inception as an independent state, the people’s voice, the voice of “iti tangata” has been overshadowed by colonial powers, New Zealand government oficials, at times our own traditional leaders, legislative assemblies and our own lack of engagement with the processes of change. one has to wonder whether such treatment has created a default setting among “iti tangata” here with regard to their views and opinions and thoughts. or is it, as some say, a cultural predisposition? Have we so often allowed others to
Food hygiene and safe drinking water important, notes report HuNDReDS of cases of diarrhoea were noted in the Cook Islands last year, according to a report from the Ministry of Health. The health report from the Community Health Services, dated December 2013, was compiled by the event Surveillance and Response (eSR) unit, with the assistance of acute emergency doctors. The unit is involved with reporting certain illnesses weekly and monthly to the World Health organisation. According to the report, there were 299 cases of diarrhoea in 2013, with nine occurring in the inal week of December from the 23rd to the 29th. eSR is advising people to ensure good food hygiene, including safe drinking water and proper hand washing, to prevent cases of diarrhoea. Last year saw 116 inluenza-like illnesses reported, and 15 dengue-like illnesses. There were also 24 cases of ciguatera fish poisoning, with one reported in the final week of December. The report notes that no outbreaks were detected. In regards to dengue fever and the Zika virus – of which there is an on-going out-
break in French Polynesia – eSR reports that Public Health in Rarotonga is monitoring every light from Tahiti and the distribution of dengue/Zika awareness pamphlets to passengers. New Caledonia and Japan have also reported cases of Zika virus with people who have travelled to French Polynesia, states the report. An increasing number of dengue cases have also been reported in Fiji and Kiribati. Dengue and Zika have some common symptoms, including a skin rash, a fever over 38°C and pain in the muscles and joints. In addition, dengue is associated with severe headaches and pain on moving the eyes, a loss of appetite and a feeling of weakness. Additional Zika symptoms include conjunctivitis and oedemas – excessive build-up of luid – in the hands and/or feet. For both Dengue and Zika, the best prevention is to avoid being bitten by daytimebiting mosquitoes. eSR recommends applying mosquito repellent on exposed skin during the day time and ensuring your home or accommodation is free of mosquito breeding places – such as containers of water. - Briar Douglas
Food hygiene is important, to avoid digestive upsets. 13082317
speak on our behalf, that our own voice is muted when it comes to issues of national and international importance? Have we defaulted so often to what others decide that there is no drive against or for the rapidly changing world around us? All around the globe the Arab Spring has seen the determination of people desperately wanting to express themselves, being in an environment politically and socially where this was either not allowed or was prohibited. People around the globe from Africa through to South east Asia and the Middle east have wanted to exercise their democratic right to decide for themselves who should or shouldn’t lead them and that dictatorships will no longer be tolerated. As we look back over the last 100 or so years, the question needs to be asked – what have we done to appropriate this right? With an election on the horizon now is not the time to sit back and again allow others to make decisions for us. We cannot afford to continually default to allow others to determine our way forward be they foreigners or our own leaders. Do we really want to become strangers in our own land? To allow other “experts” to determine our future as well as our present? Selfdetermination and sovereignty are truly realised in the voice and drive and determination of the people and represented by leaders that acknowledge this and lead accordingly, and not in legislation determined by others. ultimately, nations get the leaders they deserve. So who was Adam Johann von Krusenstein? The Russian cartographer that decided to draw a map of the South Paciic and encircled all of the 15 Islands that we now know as the Cook Islands. This was adopted by the New Zealand government at the time and accepted without consultation by the people of the region, who would come to be known as Cook Islanders. “e tumu au no te enua, e toketoke au no te enua.”
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
Nursing school opens next month A NeW principal for the Cook
Islands Nursing School has arrived in Rarotonga. Mary McManus, who has many years of experience teaching nursing and other health professions, has already visited the Cooks a number of times – including trips where she helped develop the new curriculum for the nursing school. The previous nursing school in the Cook Islands closed in 2008 due to gaps in the curriculum. The new school, which will be offering a Diploma in Nursing accredited via the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute, will oficially open on February 3 – with applications still open to potential students. McManus, who previously taught nursing at New Zealand’s AuT (Auckland university of Technology), said the curriculum was created while asking locals for their input, helping the programme to be relevant to the Cook Islands. For instance, she said there will be a focus on working in the wider community context. “Most nursing here takes place in the community, and in the outer islands – there’s the hospital, but the hospital is just one small part of it.” She added nurses in the Cooks spend time in areas that nurses in other countries often don’t, such as obstetrics – the branch of medicine that deals with caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and their health following delivery. There is also a high focus on non-communicable diseases in the Cook Islands, she said. Students will leave the three-
year course with a diploma in nursing and will follow a curriculum quite different from that of the previous nursing school, with McManus saying the intention is to look at extending the course to a bachelor qualiication. The new principal said the school is an opportunity to provide training in the Cook Islands, something she hopes will continue in future years. “I would hope the school would be long-term. For a school to be useful, you can’t start and stop …we want to have a culture of growth and development.” The new principal will be joined by two teachers – local nurse Maine beniamina and Isoa bahi, who is from Fiji. McManus said beniamina will have an important role as the local link in the teaching team. “She will be the main contact with the students – they’re more likely to talk to her.” McManus added that her own role as principal includes training others to eventually run the school – with the intention being for her to help get the school off the ground and get it to a stage where it is run by Cook Islanders. Funding for the school has been received from the World Health organisation, the NZ Aid Programme, the Cook Islands government and also donation of equipment from the Counties Manukau District Health board. The students who are accepted into the programme will have their studies funded and be paid a basic salary.
Across the three years, the course will include about 60 per cent theory and 40 per cent practical work, and the students will increasingly be able to help out at the hospital as they progress. In the third year, they will also visit the outer islands as part of the practical component of their studies. Applications for the course were due to close January 10, but the deadline has been extended until January 24 to allow school leavers to take their most recent NCeA results into account. entry requirements for the programme are NCeA Level 2 minimum of 42 credits, which include english minimum 14 credits, science minimum 14 credits, and mathematics minimum 14 numeracy credits at Level 1 or higher. Applicants must also be a minimum age of 17, have attributes suitable to enter nursing and suitable physical and mental health to perform as a nurse, along with effective communication skills. McManus said they are not only looking for school leavers, but also “those looking for a change of careers” – adding parents who are looking to retrain could be ideal candidates. “I find women who’ve been bringing up children are very good – they’ve got a common sense about them.” If you meet the entry requirements and have a passion about making a change and serving the people of the Cook Islands, send your application to HR manager, Ministry of Health, Rarotonga or email m.anguna@ health.gov.ck - BD
New ramp at Avatiu harbour ‘temporary’ A T e M Po R A RY ramp that sprung up last week at the Western Harbour in Avatiu will be used to transport heavy machinery and equipment via barge to the outer islands. Last week, crews were seen preparing the site and constructing the temporary ramp, which is located on the western side of the harbour. The ramp has since been used to load and unload heavy equipment being used in infrastructure projects in the outer islands – most recently employed for
work on the on-going Mangaia harbour project, where sea walls are being extended and a new ramp is being built. Ports Authority general manager Nooroa ‘bim’ Tou said the ramp was built and paid for by Cook Islands Towing Limited. Tou said a proposal was drawn up by the company and submitted to the Ports Authority. Further approval for the plan was sought from Tu’Anga Taporoporo (National environment Service) by the authority before
allowing the project to proceed. Tou said there is no deinitive date as to when the ramp will be demolished, and will remain in place while construction work is carried out in the Pa enua. “There are a lot of on-going infrastructure projects in the outer islands,” he said. Separately, the ports manager said there are ongoing plans to further develop the Western Harbour, including additional moorings for small boats and charter vessels. - Emmanuel Samoglou
The temporary ramp recently installed at western end of the Western Harbour in Avatiu. 14011550
Mary McManus is the new principal of the Cook Islands Nursing School. 14011606
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
eNTeRTAINMeNT peu TAMATAoRA
Poolside sounds at Muri Beach Club AuSTRALIAN-bASeD musician
Peter Morgan is no stranger to the Cook Islands. Influenced by such greats as Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett and Al Jarreau, the New Zealand Maori-born singer has visited the island some 15 times, including yearly visits to Muri beach Club Hotel for the past seven years after he and his wife Catherine Lee struck up a friendship with operators of the resort. The couple arrived on the island on January 3, and are due to go back home on January 24. “We love it here – it’s so warm and welcoming,” said Morgan. “My friends ask me, where are you going? And I tell them, you should come and see it. They ask me where I work – I tell them, ‘When I’m (performing), I’ve got the pool over my right shoulder and over my left shoulder is the lagoon. That’s where I work’.” As well as his work as a musician, Morgan is also a community liaison oficer at a high school in Sydney, going there a few days a week to work with the students – adding he loves Sydney because “it’s so multicultural”. “Polynesian kids are pretty unique,” he said. “They’ve all
got the most beautiful personalities.” Morgan said his work with the students also involves music, where he teaches them to play instruments and perform. He also teaches cultural performances to pre-school children, such as the haka and drums. “I was told, just be yourself – and that’s what I did. It’s a really fulilling job,” he said. “because I’m a musician, it makes it work. If a kid is upset, a way to cheer them up is with music.” Morgan says he grew up in a very musical family, with a father who played many instruments and a mother who could sing, so the family bonded over music. “Dad taught me to yodel when I was three … we didn’t have a television, so we were raised on music.” As well as performing solo, he also performs in the Peter Morgan Duo, with a three-toseven piece group of musicians to make up The Peter Morgan band, and as the front man for 10-piece soul band bumpCity. Morgan will be performing at Muri beach Club Hotel tonight, at SilverSands Restaurant and bar. - BD
Peter Morgan has enjoyed performing pool-side at Muri Beach Club Hotel. 14011604
Promising law career beckons A YouNG Cook Islander has
been enjoying a hard-earned break back home after completing her Masters of Law degree in New Zealand. Lena Wong, daughter of former Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive Chris Wong, has spent the past few weeks soaking up the sun and catching up with family and friends on Rarotonga. The 25-year-old also joined with family members for the unveiling of grandfather Kiki
Framhein’s headstone before Christmas. “It has been a hard slog through university to achieve her goals though,” said her father. Wong holds a double degree in law and arts and was admitted to the bar in late 2012. She opted to continue with post-graduate studies by working towards a Masters of Law degree, which she completed in November last year. “Post-graduate studies al-
lowed her to focus on speciic areas of law she had developed an interest in and which held particular relevance to the Cook Islands and the South Paciic,” Chris said of his daughter. Wong’s dissertation papers were in the ields of land law, environmental law, maritime law and constitutional law. To keep her student loan to a minimum, Wong held down part-time jobs at Auckland university and as a case manager at Work and Income New
The WeekEnd Crossword SUPER SATURDAY ACROSS
1. Horoscope creators (11) 5. Pro (3) 8. Japanese miniature tree (6) 10. Stays in bed(8) 11. Restricted Stock Unit (3) 13. Acquaintance with facts (9) 14. Diplomacy (4) 16. Incompetence (10) 19. Went around (8) 21. Subcontinental country (5) 23. Casual restaurant (4) 25. National lower of South Africa (6) 26. Requiring (7) 27. Matters of public interest (7)
Zealand. “There has been little time for social life,” Chris said. After graduating, Wong worked at Manukau District Court before transferring to the Auckland High Court last year while doing her Masters Degree and holding down a second part-time job. She said working and studying seven days a week for the past three years has been a challenging time. “but it has all been worthwhile and I’m looking forward to my second graduation in May 2014,” said Wong, who has headed back to work at the High Court in Auckland. - Ben Chapman-Smith
Working and studying seven days a week for the past three years has been a challenging time for Lena Wong. 14011301
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Apii Potiki Te Uki Ou goes bilingual A NAMe change to Apii Te uki
ou’s pre-school to Apii Potiki Te uki ou is in line with the centre’s vision to become more bilingual in 2014. New teachers Fern Miles and Saireni Poila are excited about the coming school year where their main focus will be on creating a bilingual centre as well as bridging the gap from play based learning to structured learning. Miles takes on the role as head of Apii Potiki Te uki ou after being a senior teacher at emanuela Akatemia. “I’m really excited about this year and turning this into a bilingual centre which I think will really work,” says Miles. With fluent Maori early childhood education teacher Saireni Poila on the team, the Maori language will become more visible in the school building and play area. “ We want to have more Maori focus this year especially with language, and Saireni is a fluent Maori speaker and will play a big role in this,” says Miles.
Miles says their Maori learning at the school will be island based and using the environment and culture in everyday learning. Not only is this seen as beneicial for Cook Islands kids but also for expatriate children enrolled at the school to learn a new language. “Kids at this age are like sponges – they soak everything up and learning a second language is easily picked up at this age.” Apii Potiki Te uki ou students are set to have loads of fun learning this year where the learning will not only be in the centre but taken outdoors where they will grow their own food garden and learn in english and Maori the importance of eating what you grow and eating healthily for physical and mental wellbeing. The school will also have a focus on delivering the ‘perceptual motor programme’ as research shows that many new entrant students are not ready to learn when they enter school at the primary level.
Miles says the programme essentially helps bridge the gap from play based learning to structured learning. Miles and Poila have other exciting, fun learning pro-
grammes in store for their young students with enrolments into Apii Potiki Te uki ou now open. Currently 14 students have enrolled into the pre-school for
unteers. The kids that have been attending the programme have been split into four teams that will take each other on at the Swamp from 11am. The programme starts at 11am, with games expected to kick off around noon. Parents and the wider community are invited to get along to the swamp and support the future of rugby league in the Cook Islands. - MW
the gifts within
2014 and the centre can take at least 24 students. For enrolment ring Apii Te uki ou School on 23510. - Matariki Wilson
Loyalty Tu Piri Mou “those who keep their minds ixed on Me, who worship me always with unwavering faith and concentration; these are the very best.” Bhagavad-Gita 12:2 Loyalty is standing up for something you believe in, having unwavering faith. It is being faithful to your family, your country, your friends or your ideals – when the going gets tough as well as when things are good. When you are loyal friend, even if someone disappoints or hurts you, you still hang in there with them. Loyalty is based on commitments – commitments you make and plan to keep forever. Signs if Success I am practising loyalty when I... • Give support to people and ideas I believe in • Am faithful through good times and bad • Stick with my commitments unless I have a really good reason to change them • Don’t allow blind loyalty to lead me into trouble • Don’t let others come between me and something or someone I care about. I am loyal to the people I care about. I am a friend through good times and bad. I am loyal to what is right. I do not allow friendship to lead me into trouble.
League academy inals today THe WeeKLoNG junior league academy comes to an end today with a grand inals competition at the Avatiu Swamp. over 50 kids have attended the daily programme through the week, which ends today. Local boys and girls have been put through their paces with daily skills and drills as well as Kuki tag games to reinforce the lessons they’ve learned from facilitator Taua benioni and his dedicated team of vol-
VIRTUES
New Apii Potiki Te Uki Ou teachers Fern Miles and Saireni Poila are excited about the 2014 year where there will be more Maori and bilingual focus at the centre. 14011722
virtuescookislands@gmail.com
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Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
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Cummings family meeting In Vaimaanga at Kura’s home next to Jehovah witness church Tuesday 21 January 2014. 6pm. Please come all.
reef Sub Boat will be closed for approx 8 weeks. Thank you for your support over the years. We will advise when Reef Sub Tours will operate again. Kia manuia. Sheryl & Huw John.
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76302
QB accounting Ltd
Vat changes are coming. Be Prepared QB accounting Limited is a MYOB approved partner and a QuickBooks and reckon accounts accredited Consultancy based in the Cook Islands. QB accounting Ltd is a local business, run by locals for locals. this means we have the skills to assist you to make MYOB, QuickBooks and reckon accounts work for you. Over the next few weeks we will be running workshops in conjunction with MYOB, reckon and MFeM Cook Islands to help you prepare for the upcoming increase in Vat. Latest information from MFeM suggests that legislation will pass through Parliament very shortly which will see an increase in Vat from 1 april 2014. You need to be ready and these workshops will give you the tools you need to make sure your accounting Software works for you when Vat changes. While these workshops will be mainly aimed at existing MYOB or reCKON users, anyone who uses other software and or is considering upgrading or purchasing new software should still attend. the information and tools you receive will help you regardless of the accounting systems you may use. these sessions Free of Charge are being held in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and economic Management (MFeM) in the MFeM Seminar room and are currently scheduled for the following dates:
MyOB
tuesday 21 January 2014, rarotonga, 4-6pm MFeM Seminar room tuesday 28 January 2014 rarotonga, 4-6pm MFeM Seminar room tuesday 4 February 2014, rarotonga, 4-6pm MFeM Seminar room thursday 6 February 2014, aitutaki 4-6pm Venue to be conirmed
QuICKBOOKS and rECKON aCCOuNtS Wednesday 22 January 2014, rarotonga, 4-6pm MFeM Seminar room thursday 6 February 2014, aitutaki, 4-6pm Venue to be conirmed Interested parties can register their attendance by emailing: russell Hynd - russell@qbaccounting.co.ck Jane Wichman - clean@oyster.net.ck te tuhi Kelly - tainui.kid@gmail.com Or calling 22178 or 55164 or 70914
MINIStrY OF MarINe reSOUrCeS
Small Grants Scheme (Fisheries development Facility) Fishing communities, enterprises or individuals in the Cook Islands are advised that a limited number of small grants to support small scale and local ishing activities are available under the Fisheries Development Facility administered by the MMr. For further information and to obtain an application form please contact Uirangi Bishop on email: (rar@mmr.gov.ck), or telephone 28721. Applications close on January 27, 2014
Moni tauturu no runga i te angaanga tautai te mataora nei te tuanga O te Pae tautai i te akakite atu e, te vai nei tetai tuanga moni tauturu i te anaganga kimi puapinga note tautai. Me ka inangaro koe, tuku mai i taau patianga kia matou me kua manako koe e ka tau teia tauturu kia koe, me kore ki ta kotou putputuanga. Me ka inagaro koe tiki ia mai tetai “application form” naau i konei i to matou Opati, me kore, araveia atu a Uirangi Bishop na roto i te email: (rar@mmr.gov.ck), me kore, taniuniuia atu aia i runga i te numero tereponi 28-721. Ka piri te patianga a te ra 27 no Tianuare 2014, i te ora 4 i te aiai.
We can place your message in newspapers around the world. We will get quotes for classiied advertisements and pre-billing. Contact our advertising department phone 22999 email: adverts@cookislandsnews.com
FaMILy MEEtING Meeting is called for the 7 families of Taia and Tarerea namely Tangipurunga Vaine Pivai Tungane Tuaiti Tanieraiti Mamaiti at the Mangaia Hostel, Tuesday 21 January at 6pm Agenda: 2014 Reunion in Sydney Requesting all descendants to come Na te Tangipurunga family contact Tearoa Iorangi 28038/50589. 76418 /35976 /1931
foundation
Ph 22336
76311
PUBLIC NOTICES
attention all landowners of torea Sect 1202. Ngatangiia special land meeting to be held on Wednesday 22 January 2014 at 5pm at the home of Roriki & Tina Ngaputa, Arorangi. For further info contact Anthony 78229 or Mii 77446. 76424 /36015 /1931
Cook Islands rugby League aGM Date: Monday 20 January 2014 Venue: At the Masters HQ, Takuvaine Time: 5pm Agenda: Presidents report 2013, Financial report 2013 and election of Oicers All club reps must be present at the AGM and meeting is open to anyone interested in getting involved with CIRL 2014. ‘Play League or What’ President cIRL. 76130 /35010 /2016
apii Potiki te uki Ou (preschool) From: 2 1/2 years of age Hours: 8am-2 pm, MondayFriday. Enrolling now for 2014 For more information phone 23510.
Public notice te Mato Vai - Consultation Meetings
76174 /35054 /1952
When te Mato Vai is completed in three years’ time it will provide healthier treated water to the people of rarotonga locals and visitors alike, and will be an encouragement to development on the island too. Water intakes will be refurbished, there will be an increase in water storage capacity, water treatment facilities will be constructed, all trunk and ring mains will be replaced and all piping to the boundaries of properties served by the current network will be upgraded. the inal stage will be the establishing the operation and maintenance of the new water supply. Supplying safe, reliable and afordable water for all is the overarching goal of the water partnership. Naturally before any of the physical work takes place the people of rarotonga, all of whom are stakeholders, will be kept informed through a series of awareness and Stakeholder communications activities including public meetings. The irst tranche of Te Mato Vai stakeholder consultations will begin on Monday 13 January and conclude on Wednesday 22 January. Hon teariki Heather, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure will lead these meetings. there are meetings for every group of stakeholders as set out below and all residents of rarotonga with an interest in the te Mato Vai project are encouraged to attend a meeting. audience/Stakeholders 1
Date
time
Venue
Monday 13 January
10am
atupare
Monday 13 January
6pm
Sinai Hall
tuesday 14 January
1pm
Oice of the Deputy Prime Minister, Nikao
tuesday 14 January
6pm
Kavera Meeting House
Wednesday 15 January
6pm
avana Meeting House
thursday 16 January
6pm
titikaveka CICC Sunday School Hall
Vaka Puaikura Public Consultation
Monday 20 January
6pm
aroa Nui Hall
Vaka te-au-O-tonga Public Consultation
tuesday 21 January
6pm
Sinai Hall
Wednesday 22 January
6pm
titikaveka CICC Sunday School Hall
Ui ariki/Koutu Nui
2 Intake Landowners - te-au-O-tonga 3 4
5 6 7
69221
oveRseas adveRtisiNg
76329 /35030 /1931
animal Clinic
tuesday 21 January year 12 & 13 students MuSt conirm subject choices 11am – 2pm (please bring your results with you) Wednesday 22 January New students wishing to enrol 9am – 11am thursday 23 January tEaChEr ONLy day 8am – 3pm Friday 24 January tEaChEr ONLy day 8am – 3pm Monday 27 January years 10, 11 & 12 at school in uniform 8.15am – 11am tuesday 28 January years 9 & 13 at school in uniform 8.15am – 11am Wednesday 29 January all students - Normal School day 8.15am – 3pm.
76428 / /2472
8 9
(tupapa, takuvaine, avatiu) Members of Parliament for rarotonga Constituencies Intake Landowners Puaikura (Ngatoe, rutaki, Muriavai) Intake Landowners Matavera, turangi, avana Intake Landowners totokoitu, taipara, Papua
Cook Islands tertiary Training Institute welcomes you to our open day on Friday the January 24 2014 from 10am - 2pm. Come in and meet the staf of cITTI and have a one on one discussion with the tutors of your preferred course. come to our Ngatangiia campus to ind out more on our hospitality courses or our Arorangi campus to ind out more about our trades programmes on ofer for this year both full time and part time. We look forward to meeting you and helping you to build a pathway for your future. 76432 / /2068
the Cook Islands Canoeing Association will be holding SurfSki/K1 workshops from Monday 20 January to Thursday 23 January, 10-11.30am @ Nikao Beach. If you are interested in trying out these sports, or know of someone who may be, or wanting to develop your skills further...come along. Learn from one of our best Cook Islands top junior paddler - Andre Tutaka-George. All welcome. See you there. All enquires to Teina Taulu, Ph: 51249. 76431 / /1889
ANSWeRS to crossword on page 16
Vaka takitumu Public Consultation
The aim of Te Mato Vai is to provide clean water via an eicient and reliable distribution system with minimal loss, to the people who either live or are visiting rarotonga; and to manage that process and the system in a cost efective way. any enquiries can be directed to either Daryl rairi 55064 or Jaewynn McKay 55486. 76079
19
Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
PUBLIC NOTICES
FOR RENT
VEhICLES FOR SALE
SITUATIONS VACANT
2 bedroom furnished house in Ngatangiia. Will be available middle February. Grounds maintained by landlord. Very reasonable rent. Genuine enquiries only. Phone 71298 or 29587.
MINIStrY OF HeaLtH
76400 /35856 /1931
Nukutere College is pleased to announce that it will be open for enrolments and inquires Thursday 16 January, Friday 17 January. Tuesday 21 January through to Friday 24 January. All Staf are to report to St Paul’s church, Titikaveka, 8am Monday 20 January. All Students are to report to school 8am, Monday 27 January. All new students are to report to the school oice. Principal and Senior Management. 76382 /35207 /1829
Baha’i Faith? Curious? Watch Baha’i on air This Sunday at 5pm ‘’Teata Makirere & the Baha’i Faith.’’ Part 1 and/or join us for devotions. 10am at the Baha’i Centre, Muri. This week’s theme: Loyalty. Next week: Unity. 76385 /35306 /1651
Volunteers Wanted The cI SPcA is in need of a couple of honest, reliable people to help man the SPcA op shop. The days would be Monday’s and Fridays 10am - 2pm. The shop is the SPcA’s main source of income and we have managed to complete the caretakers Hut this year from this. If you have some spare time and like meeting people perhaps you could help. Please phone Tini on 21512 or Sharon 25099. Meitaki. 76310 / /1931
ChURCh NOTICES
1 bedroom studio unit fully furnished in Matavera. Nice and peaceful surroundings $200 pw. Phone 71744 or 21619.
2012 honda trail Bike Xr 125 (White) $2000 ono in very good condition. Phone 27156 to view.
76346 / /1780
76404 /34605 /1931
available in March. 3 bedroom fully furnished Executive Home, including bathroom en-suite. Suitable for executive family. Longterm. Located upper Tupapa, backroad. Only interested parties please contact/text Edith: 76424/74238. 76353 /35045 /1931
Beachside house (Matavera) to let. 2 beds, 2 showers, sunroom, can convert to 3rd bedroom/ofice. Available en Jan 2014. Ph 24071. 76426 /36017 /1931
FLATMATES WANTED Looking for 2 lat mates, female prefer. $100 p/wk. Nikao back road. Ph 73654/79105. 76399 /35864 /1931
FOR SALE
76414 /35037 /1931
Sunday 19 January 2014 ‘The severest discipline of a christian’s life is to learn how to keep “beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord Jesus christ” - Oswarld chambers. 8.30am - Children’s program on Radio Matariki with Minister Rebekah Daniel 9.30am - Church updating news on Radio Matariki by Intern Tangaroa Uea 10am - Sunday School for all ages ‘ Jesus Teaches about Relationships’ - Luke 14:11 11.00am - Worship - Bishop Tutai Pere - fellowship luncheon - Alive for Jesus radio ministry with Minister Ngatamaine Kamana 4pm - Nothing but the Truth TV ministry with Bishop Pere 7.30pm - Bishop Pere’s Teaching Night Aere mai te katoatoa rava! Everyone most weclcome! contact: Bishop Pere 23778/55177 Dial-A-Prayer 26777 Email: tpere@oyster.net.ck 76420 / /1632
SERVICES Pool doctor * Water testing * chlorine * P.H down * Bufer Discounted rates FREE DELIVERY Phone Tony 56599. 76289 /35855 /1708
AuTisM
Cook islands Ph 24065/55976
tiateura@oyster.net.ck
76421 /35981 /1931
Matavera mainroad in the Fare Supplies compound. Lots of clothing, household goods and so much more. Also chilled drinks and plates of food to sell. 7.30am start. Phone 77677. at turoa Bakery road. 9am - 1pm Selling motorcross bikes, couches, DVDs, clothes etc. Phone 70454. 76412 /35035 /1931
VEhICLES FOR SALE Opel Vectra, $5000 ono. Phone 78514. 76338 /35038 /1931
MItS L300 Van, New Tyres incl, $4000 ono. Phone 50554. 76348 /35004 /1931
harley davidson Sportster 2006 Excellent condition, low kms. Genuine enquiries only please, $13,000. Phone 20680.
SOLD
76361 /35050 /1931
GARAGE SALE GaraGE SaLE GaraGE SaLE Matavera backroad, Saturday 18 Starts @ 6am Family moving overseas so everything must go Men & Womens clothing, shoes & XBOX Games catering items and Kitchenware items most things are brandnew. Call 79754 for directions or further information.
76413 /35036 /2233
Boat 4 Sale 10ft dingy, 6h/p Motor and trailer all for $2000. NO OFFERS. Phone 20037 or 70047.
SITUATIONS VACANT
ariki road Backroad inland from wharf clothes Babies/children Adults all sizes. DVDs/books Tools 7.30am start. Phone 22411. 76299 /35016 /1931
ReCYCle
Part-time Bar and Wait staf required for our busy restaurants during our Spectacular Over Water Night Shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Experience preferred, must be punctual and reliable with great communication and team work skills. Please phone Alan 24006/option 2 or ph 53982 or call into our main oice at Muri Beach to ill in an application.
the Ministry of Health has the following vacancies: 1. Maintenance Manager, Rarotonga Hospital 2. Quality Manager, Rarotonga Hospital 3. Pharmacy dispenser trainee (2 positions) 4. Ambulance oicer an application form and job description is available upon request. address applications or queries to Human resources Manager, PO Box 109, Ministry of Health, rarotonga, Cook Islands, Phone (00 682) 29664 or email m.anguna@ health.gov.ck Date for inal receipt of applications 31 January 2014. 76193
76342 / /2512
Paciic resort hotel Group a Great Place to Work…
We are currently seeking the following: • Restaurant & Bar Staf • Chefs, Cooks and kitchen hands • Team Leaders & Supervisors • Housekeeping Staf • Carpenter/ Handyman • Groundsmen to apply email: work@paciicresort. com or contact ani thompson on 53731
www.paciicresort. com
VaCaNCy Part tIME CLEaNEr / ADMIN ASSISTANT the New Zealand High Commission rarotonga is looking for a committed, lexible team member to apply for the role of Chancery Cleaner / administration assistant. the successful applicant will be responsible for supporting the eicient and efective operation of the Post by providing cleaning, administration and errand services. this is a part time position of 17½ hours per week with lexible starting time during the working day. The Salary band ranges from $7-$8 per hour. For the full job description and application form please contact Joanna rangi ph:22201 ext 30 or email joanna.rangi@mfat.govt.nz applications close 24 January 2014. Please send the completed application form, a current CV and cover letter to the administration Manager, NZHC Building, rarotonga or email to joanna.rangi@mfat.govt.nz 76271
76326
SITUATIONS VACANT MINIStrY OF INFraStrUCtUre COOK ISLaNDS the WatSaN Unit of the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) invites applications from suitably qualiied, experienced and motivated individuals for the role of
Project Manager – Solid Waste Management Strategic Assessments
PUBLIC NOTICES
the Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing delivery of three critical studies, for implementation of the Cook Islands National Solid Waste Strategy. the studies are: - a review of Cook Islands legislation relating to solid waste management - a national waste audit for the Cook Islands; and - An assessment of options, costs and beneits for the long term management and disposal of solid waste in the Cook Islands
GraduatE CErtIFICatE IN BuSINESS (PrOJECt MaNaGEMENt) 3rd Course Ofering aUt UNIVerSItY, School of Business, in conjunction with USP Cook Islands, is seeking Cook Islanders interested in upgrading their project management skills through the Graduate Certiicate in Business focusing on Project Management. This is a professional qualiication so a irst degree is desirable but not essential. If you are involved in project management and/or have practical, professional or educational experience of an appropriate kind you will be actively considered for entry to this programme. The certiicate is comprised of four papers, which can also be taken as independent papers. each paper is delivered with six in-class sessions from Wednesday to Wednesday delivered after hours. Students complete assignments to pass the course which will be relevant and related to their professional practice. Students will learn an internationally recognized project management process. the course will be taught by associate Professor Simon Mowatt of the aUt University School of Business. this is the third of four papers leading to the Graduate Certiicate, however, new students will be accepted. Cost is $NZ990 per course. the third paper will run from 29 January – 5 February 2014. For an application form and further information, please contact Sheron on 29415 or email sheron.subhasni@ usp.ac.j CLOSING datE FOr aPPLICatIONS IS JaNuary 20, 2014. 76368
the duties of the Project Manager will include: - engaging suitable consulting expertise to conduct the studies outlined above and produce comprehensive reports with clear recommendations for each of the studies - Managing the work of the consultants to ensure delivery of the studies and related reports on time, on budget and to the expected quality - Providing regular reports and updates on progress with the studies, to the Manager of the WatSaN Unit the successful candidate will be required to have: - A tertiary qualiication in a relevant scientiic or engineering discipline - extensive experience of and demonstrable expertise in solid waste management, resource recovery, recycling and disposal - Detailed understanding and substantial experience of waste management in the Cook Islands - Demonstrable experience in successful management of projects In addition it would be beneicial for the successful candidate to have: - A recognised qualiication in project management; - Fluency in both english and Cook Islands Maori languages the Project Manager will be engaged on a contract basis, initially for a period of 6 months, commencing in the irst quarter of 2014, with a possible extension to 12 months. It is anticipated that the role will be part-time, requiring the Project Manager to work 2-3 days per week – although this aspect of the role is negotiable. the Project Manager will be based at the WATSAN oice and will report directly to the WATSAN Unit Manager. Individuals wishing to apply for the role should submit a CV and supporting letter to: Mr Mac Mokoroa Secretary Infrastructure Cook Islands PO Box 102, rarotonga Cook Islands the closing date for applications is 3pm on Wednesday 22 January 2014. enquiries to: Jaime Short WatSaN Programme Coordinator P: +682 22648, e: jaime.short@moip.gov.ck 76190
20
Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
f summeR memorieso
HOLIDAY PHOTO COMPETITION 2014
Leo Tou cools down with an ice cream on Christmas Day.
14011526
Selie! Seth Love and Louisa Jessie take in Mangaia by bicycle.
14011532
Kaikai time: The Daniel family of Arorangi enjoying kaikai time at Aroa beach with Tiki, Danniel, Zerah, Mahai, Jeannine and Georgina daniel. 14011512
Paul Lynch sent in this photo of his friend Emile John at their home beach. He is visiting from Sydney with his family for the holidays. He is pictured here “holding up” the motu of Ta’akoka in the famous Muri Lagoon. 14011517
Charlie ave, alex Blankard, ellis Solomona toru aratangi decide to make crossing the road a bit exciting. 14011513
14011511
Mahai Daniel submitted this photo of the biggest and heaviest ish – a 140kg blue marlin the Daniel family caught this year – so far. The photo also includes three generations of ishermen including Daniel Apii (1st), Danniel Daniel (3rd), Tiki Daniel (2nd) and TJ Daniel (3rd).
Maggie Nanai sent in this photo of one-year-old Seana Baxter, who although was sick, was quick to run out of the house and enjoy the long awaited rain in Aitutaki. Here she is pictured trying to drink the rain water dripping from the roof’s pipe. 14011516
Louise Wittwer gave her dad Lew Griin a Marlin Queen voucher for Christmas. They cashed it in on Saturday and what a result – all 88kg of it! the pair are photographed here with skipper tioni William. 14011515
21
Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
SITUATIONS VACANT a position exists for 2 cashiers to work rotating shifts at Manea Foods. The positions would require a rostered shift at any of Manea Foods 3 outlets. The person would need to have a can do attitude, and be self motivated. Following programme systems and be task orientated would be a requirement. Training provided. Above award pay to start for the right person. Please contact Mum on 29806 for an interview. Application forms available from Manea Foods, Nikao. 76349 / /1617
driver/Groundsman 6 days a week Applicants need to be employable, with a good attitude, turn up on time and be smartly presented. Phone 27460. 76355 / /2202
SITUATIONS VACANT
Looking for second hand car, good condition, ideally convertible. Budget $7K Please call Bernard on mobile 51951.
teacher and Support Staf
BIRThDAY
an experienced, reliable live in Nanny is needed. To start urgently. Please contact 56980. 76397 /35723 /1931
ChEF rEQuIrEd. Full time position available. Must have at least 5 years experience in a head or 2nd chefs capacity. Applicant must be reliable, honest and able to work unsupervised. A knowledge of food costing and the ability to create and implement menu changes is required. Please email current cV to bullibaise@gmail.com or call 54668 for an interview.
special day get spoilt on thisily hope you bothfro fam the l al m love IN MEMORIAM in loving memory of our brother/son
Romatt
76406 / /2592
Concrete Systems & Mike Rennie Builders Ltd, have a part time position for a Accounts Manager, must have work experience in MYOB & IMS Payroll. Hours and rate are negotiable. Ring 20-375 for an interview.
need a little
76377 / /1709
SITUATIONS VACANT
SaLES PErSON
FaNtaStIC OPPOrtuNIty IN SaLES! the Motor Centre specializes in the sales of Motorcycles, Motor Vehicles, Whiteware & Power equipment. We require an experienced Sales Person who is motivated, has some computer experience, enjoys learning the iner detail speciications of the products you will be selling, has some ability to efectively display products in a large showroom, and most importantly is able to converse easily with customers. a car and motorcycle license is essential. remuneration will be based on previous experience. the successful candidate will enjoy working in a happy team environment with bonus incentive. Please submit your CV to: attention: General Manager Cook Islands Motor Centre Ltd PO Box 74, rarotonga Or email: gm@motorcentre.co.ck applications close Wednesday 22 January 2014 76173
SITUATIONS VACANT
76350 /35044 /1931
76395 / /1902
Classiieds
COOK ISLANDS TOURISM CORPORATION “Survey Enumerator / Data Entry Person Temporary Positions” Urgently looking for 2 people to assist in a survey starting this month. Full training provided by the South Paciic Tourism Organization. If interested contact Jake at cook Islands Tourism corporation on 29435 ext 836 or 55304
Wanted 20’’ or 40’’ shipping container to buy. Please call Deon 57894. 76376 /35110 /1931
• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com
76365 / /1971
WANTED TO BUY
Groomer required We require an energetic person to assist with car grooming in our increasingly busy rental department. On the job training will be given. You must be punctual and keen to learn. Apply to Wayne 22060.
76422 / /2295
Ministry of Marine resources (MMr) FIShErIES OFFICEr (Part-time, Mauke, Mitiaro) The MMR has two vacancies for a part time oicer based on Mauke and Mitiaro. Applicants should be familiar with local isheries and able to work closely with traditional leaders, Island Council and the ishing community. Qualiications and skills are required. For further information contact Uirangi Bishop on telephone 28730. Please provide a letter of application and cV addressed to the Secretary, P.O Box 85, Avarua or by email (rar@mmr.gov. ck). Application closes 4pm on Monday 3 February 2014.
WANTED TO BUY
WichmanRairoa 15/04/98 - 18/01/03
R
omatt our brother, you will always be remembered in our hearts memoriesweshare,willneverbeforgotten,deep down inside. our bond we had, will never be broken memories give us the strength to move on, the strength to stay strong sadly you were taken away from us too soon, its kinda hard with you not around, but we know eleven years you are in heaven smiling down on us in our hearts we love you till the end brother/son Romatt love You foReveR your brothers Teaui, adoni, Romatt Wichman-Rairoa, mum & dad, mere & Tokoa
SITUATIONS VACANT
WEddINGS & EVENtS COOrdINatOr a GrEat CarEEr OPPOrtuNIty! We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our team at Turama Paciic Travel Group to specialise in Weddings and events. this role requires you to report to the Manager for our Destination Management Cook Islands/Weddings Department where you will be responsible for our weddings and events bookings & enquiries. • You must have excellent communication & computer skills. • Strong Sales and Marketing Skills. • Friendly & Outgoing with the ability to work under pressure. • Must be Reliable. • Must be Creative and great interpersonal and public contact skills. • Previous experience in the Tourism industry is a bonus; however we are willing to train the right person. If you are conident, proactive and want to work in our thriving tourism sector, we would love to hear from you. Interested? Please send in your covering letter and CV to melina@dmck.co.ck by the January 24 2014 or contact Melina on 23026. 76410
FOUND Notices are FREE To encourage honesty and good citizenship. A Cook Islands News public service.
applications are invited from experienced and motivated individuals for the following part-time positions to commence in the school year: 1. avatea School (two Positions) • Teacher Aide (Inclusive Education) • Grounds/Maintenance Person 2. Mitiaro School (One Position): teacher aide/Carer Person must be prepared to care for a child in the home and to work closely with parents, the Principal and Ministry of Health personnel. 3.Corrective Services education Programme, arorangi: teacher (part time) Working 3 days a week, teaching in the areas of mainly literacy and numeracy, applicants must have high expectations of students and student achievement, strong in behaviour management, able to access and create resources including online; lexible, with sense of humour and identiies well with the programme and its objectives. applications close on thursday 23 January 2014. Job Descriptions are available from the Ministry or at: www. education.gov.ck Please submit a cover letter with Curriculum Vitae and references to: Director HrM Division Ministry of education PO Box 97 rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, Fax (682) 28357 or email vacancy@ education.gov.ck 76268
Sales & Marketing Manager – tipani tours & -Emerging Markets We are seeking an individual to join our team at turama Paciic Travel Group to specialise in taking the Tipani Brand to the next level. tipani tours is our luxury brand and we need someone that can develop product and have the sales and marketing experience to increase revenue through our global distribution network. this role will work closely with the Sales & Marketing teaM and the Product Manager to implement strategic marketing plans. • responsibilities • Development of tipani brand to focus on High end & Clients • Develop and maintain long term relationships with overseas wholesalers. • research and Development on destination and products. • Be primary contact for all tipani clients and maintain a call schedule. • assess individual client’s needs and develop tailored programmes to increase sales. • Prepare accurate reports on all allocated sectors of the market on a monthly basis. • Complete famil requests and organise On Island programmes. • Identify opportunities for business development and growth with new clients and markets. • Have a clear communication structure with reservations, Product, and Systems administrator to communicate tipani special programmes. • responsible for distribution of specials, updates, newsletters annual rates release to wholesalers. attributes • experience in the tourism Industry • Marketing/Product or Sales experience • ability to communicate with a wide range of people. • Well organised and able to meet deadlines • Local product knowledge • High level of competency in excel, Word, Powerpoint. If you think you have what it takes to join our team please send a covering letter and CV to rskews@turamapaciic. co.ck by 24 January 2014. 76380
f o s e i r summeR o mem
22
Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
PUBLIC NOTICE
holidaYPhoToComPeTiTion2014
As of Monday 20 January our oice opens from 7:30 to 2:30 daily for enrolments, stationary lists and general inquiries. Ring liz or simon on 23509 or e mail teukiou@oyster.net.ck We look forward to welcoming students back to school on monday 27 January.
“Akara Ki Mua – Learning for Tomorrow” - together at Apii Te Uki Ou.
It hasn’t been all that rosy over summer with Justin Teao dealing with some minor pain after an accident during his summer fun holidays. 14011715
Lily Henry sent in this favourite photo of her daughter Tia Henry with her son Teiva. 14011711
This weeks
Gossiping around the water igloo island style at the Titikaveka CICC Church. 14011524
sPeCials available Till WednesdaY 22 JanuaRY
goaT meaT 10kg
PoRk ChoPs
$85.00ctn or $9.00kg
$9.99kg
samoa CoConuT CReam 400ml
mRs balls ChuTneYs 470g
$2.90ea
$6.00ea
$2.30ea
nz CouRgeTTes
nz Red,YelloW & oRange CaPsiCum
$9.80kg
$16.50kg
nz PeaRs
sPeCia l!
$5.50kg
neWin sToRe !
CRumbed PoRk sChniTzel
CRumbedChiCken bReasT sChniTzel
$16.50kg
$15.50kg
souTh afRiCan sPiCe/heRb mix
neWin sToRe smooThYoghuRT !
6x100g PaCk
$7.40pack
neW season PoTaToes 20kg
$29.90sack
oPening houRs
mondays to Thursdays 8am - 5.30pm fridays 8am-6pm saturdays 8am-3pm Check us out on sT JosePh Rd, avaRua. Ph 22259.
available insToRe: nz aPPles, nz mandaRins, nz Red gRaPes & loCal fRuiTs
23
Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
FLIghT
FROM
arrIVES
International Flights
SATURdAy jAnUARy 18 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM NZ60/47 NZ18 VT33
SYD AKL PPT
5.30AM 10.30PM 2.50PM
TO
dEPartS
AKL AKL LAX PPT
1.05AM 6.40AM 11.59PM 3.50PM
AKL AKL
1.05AM 5.25PM
air Rarotonga
Flight times | Voyage details
SUndAy jAnUARy 19 VA163/162 NZ46/45
AKL AKL
11.55PM 4.10PM
mOndAy jAnUARy 20 VA163/162 AKL NZ746/745 AKL NZ19 LAX
11.55PM 2.10PM 7.00AM
1.05AM 3.10PM 8.15AM
AKL AKL AKL
Su-do-Ku
RARO TO ARR SATURdAy jAnUARy 18 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 1100 ATIU 1145 SUndAy jAnUARy 19
dEP
TO
ARR
0910 1140 1640 1910 1205
RARO RARO RARO RARO RARO
1000 1230 1730 2000 1250
1230 1730
1340 1840
RARO RARO
1420 1930
AITUTAKI AITUTAKI
1320 1820
dEP
TO
Instructions
LILOA 21 - ETD AUCK 17/01, ETA RARO 31/01, ETA AITUTAKI 03/02 TIARE MOANA 20 - ETD AUCK 28/01, ETA RARO 07/02, ETA AITUTAKI 09/02
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or call us at Cook Islands News
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 friday’s puzzle
answer to friday’s puzzle
hÄgaR the horrible
by dik browne
®
by lee falk & sy barry
®
Weather Forecast to Midnight Situation: A northeast wind low prevails over Southern Cooks. Meanwhile, a trough lies just to the southwest of rarotonga. a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over Northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Cloudy periods with some showers about and west of Rarotonga.Elsewhere, ine apart from brief showers. Moderate northeast winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook:Some showers. For rarotonga: Cloudy periods with some showers. Further outlook: Some showers. For the Northern Cooks: Some showers and few thunderstorms over Suwarrow and Pukapuka and Nassau. Fine apart from brief showers elsewhere.Moderate east to northeast winds.Moderate seas. Further outlook: Some showers.
SaT High 11.25AM 0.90M 11.34PM 0.94M
18
Low
Sun High 11.59AM 0.92M
19
Low
18
Sun
19
0.8m SW
5.15AM 0.32M 5.32PM 0.36M -
1.3m ne
n
-
5.47AM 0.32M 6.06PM 0.35M
28°
Sun, Moon & arapo
E 06kts new Moon JaN 30 11.39AM
First Quarter FEB 6 9.22AM
Full Moon FEB 14 1.53PM
Sunshine hours
Third Quarter JaN 23 7.19PM
8
ARApO - mARAngi sat 18 tanu (Planting)
0.8m SW
tautaI (Fishing)
Tanu i te mereni. Plant melons.
Po ika no te oonu. Akarava. Night ish in lagoon. Set net.
Humidity SaT
Rarotonga Saturday, January 18, 2014
Forecast Map 2pm Saturday
Tides
Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga
Crossword
Medium
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.
The PhanTom
TIARE MOANA 19 - ETD AUCK 08/01, ETA RARO 19/01, ETA AITUTAKI 21/01
Shipping
Su-do-Ku
Hard
ARR
Front Key:
Cold
Warm
Occluded
0.6m SW
y
Swell direction and size
Stationary
Outer Islands Weather Outlook Saturday, January 18, 2014
Morning
89%
night
75%
Morning
85%
night
72%
Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
SaT
18
Sun
19
Sun rise
6.12AM
Sun Set
7.27PM
Moon rise 8.31PM Moon Set 8.22AM Sun rise
6.13AM
Sun Set
7.27PM
Moon rise 9.08PM Moon Set 9.11AM
aitutaki
29° E 06kts
Mangaia
27° E 06kts
Mitiaro
28° E 06kts
atiu
Penrhyn
28° E 06kts
30° NE 07kts
Mauke
28° E 06kts
24
Saturday, JaNuary 18, 2014 cook Islands News
f s summeR o i e r o m me holidaYPhoToComPeTiTion2014
Creative family photos, outdoor baby bathing and more fun in the sun and lagoon photos make up the collection of images in the second week of the CINews Memories of Summer Photo Competition. Get snapping and send us your best photos! Photos should capture the essence of summer fun and a festive feel in the islands. You can send in as many photos as you like and must include a caption for each image that describes what’s going on, where the photo is taken and the full names of the people in the photo. We will select the best photos for publication weekly, and a weekly winner will be picked and receive a blown up image of their winning photo. All weekly winners will go in the inal draw for the ultimate prize in a jazzy new Nikon Coolpix digital camera. Send your entries to editor@cookislandsnews.com
Lip Sisters: Sisters Tiare and Dannette Daniel put their best lips forward. 14011510
Festive Fun! Hannah and Rachel Miller from YWAM, Vaimaanga, enjoying Christmas at the Edgewater. 14011528
Captain Lostris (the pooch) navigates her ship across Muri lagoon – she just tells Alex Root-Reed where to paddle.
14011716
Leelee Tuara blows a kiss to the moon during a full moon swimming session in Mangaia. 14011713
Sisters Ahliyah and Tylani Ataera enjoying Christmas Day in the sea. 14011527 Julian Zeman took and sent in this shot of siblings reunited on their neighbourhood street in Muri. Pictured are Bianca Mangakahia, Joshua Mangakahia, Brie Zeman–Mangakahia and nicole Mangakahia. 14011507
Koka with the kiddies: Christina Folasa sent in this photo of her with nieces Cassidy (left) and Calina and her dog Khalifa having fun going koka. 14011505
Captain Tama’s boys cooking for and looking after The Mooring Fish Café staf (who sent in this photo) at their Chrissy party on the motu – the team includes Boogie Goodwin, Tara Tairea, Harry Goodwin and Katu. 14011508
Cousins Pativai (8), Jorelle (7), Tylani (7) and Noeramia (11) spending time together snorkelling in Muri. 14011525