Tuesday 21 January by Cook Islands News

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Female visitor slashed in road attack

A FemALe tourist had a terrifying final night in rarotonga when a man jumped out on the road and attacked her as she was driving home. The incident took place at 7:30 on Friday night near the T&m heather Tyre Centre in Arorangi. A man – described as being in his early 20s - leapt out on the road and forced the woman to a stop as she was travelling back to the Aro’a Beachside Inn. he made a lunge at the keys but she grabbed them and

fought him off, at which point he pulled her off the bike and slapped her. he then tried to push the bike down a side road but ran off when someone stopped to help the woman. Jan mellor, owner of the Aro’a Beachside Inn, said her guest was very shaken up when brought home. “She was virtually incoherent. She wasn’t even aware of where it happened. We got all the information from the person who helped her.”

mellor said the woman had a swollen left cheekbone and 7-8cm shallow gash on her arm. “It was made with a sharp instrument – maybe the keys when they were struggling or maybe he had a sharp instrument.” The woman’s sister, a medic, applied about three sutures to the wound. A call was made to the police, who came and interviewed the shaken-up victim. Inspector John Strickland said the woman was in a state of shock and unable to recall many

details about the incident. “We just don’t know enough. If there’s not enough information it’s difficult to continue with the investigation. It’s a good thing she used her head and fought back and ran next door.” Strickland appealed for any information about who the “idiot” is that committed the attack. “my belief is that this male person must have been under the influence of alcohol but that’s just an assumption.” The woman left the island

the next day with her sister on a scheduled light. mellor said she seemed much better the next morning and was even able to ride her motorbike. “She was actually very good the next day.” Anyone who knows anything about the incident is asked to contact the police on 22499 or the Crime Stoppers office on 0800 222 00. Your call is important and will be kept coniden- BCS tial.

‘Rarotonga is no longer a safe place to live’, page 6

John Strickland. 13063028

Water charges ‘likely’ after ive years in Arorongi. Further meetings overseeing the Te mato vai water are scheduled beginning tonight infrastructure project said raro- for vaka Te-Au-o-Tonga at Sitongan households will “likely” nai hall at 6pm, and tomorrow be charged if they use more than for vaka Takitumu, beginning a pre-set amount of water every 6pm at Titikaveka CICC Sunday School hall. month. ministry of Finance and ecoDeputy Prime minister and minister of Infrastructure Tea- nomic management (mFem) riki heather said during the on- secretary richard neves – a member of the Te mato going series of consultations on the estimated ‘Ultimately, vai steering committee – elaborated on the $64 million project some form government’s plans to that no costs would be of cost recover costs for the charged to households recovery construction and opwithin the next five will be put eration of the project years. in place.’ through user fees. After that time pe“What the governriod, heather said the “service or delivery” charges for ment is saying is households excess use will “likely” be imple- will have a certain allocation,” said neves. “Ultimately, some mented. The consultations continue form of cost recovery will be put this week, with the Deputy Pm, in place.” neves said providing funds infrastructure ministry staff, and project oficials meeting with the for the new water system’s operation through the general tax public. Last night, a public consulta- base wouldn’t provide incentives tion was held in vaka Puaikura for businesses or homes to con-

The governmenT minister

Part of mapping the current underground water pipe network was conducted last year when contractors used ground penetrating radar to map service lines under the main road in Avatiu. Replacement of the ring mains is slated to begin next month. 13013007

serve water. “We need to manage resource use,” said neves, adding the ongoing consultations provide the right opportunity for the public to have their say. “If someone chooses to empty their pool and re-ill it once a month, do people

think they should pay extra?” he said. “What we are trying to do is take a natural resource and distribute that fairly.” Construction on Te mato vai is scheduled to begin on February 21, when work begins on

replacement of the ring main which distributes water around the island. The ring main construction – which will be undertaken with local workers alongside 38 Chinese workers – is to be paid for with approximately $23.5 mil-

lion provided by the People’s republic of China in the form of a concessional loan at a reduced interest rate. Pipes and other materials are expected to begin arriving over the next few weeks, according - ES to project oficials.

Qualified Beach Hero

Tara ‘Captain Trouble’ Tairea (at back on right) says it was a team efort that saved the life of a 75-year-old Chinese woman last Friday. The woman was on an outing with Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruises when she had a heart attack while snorkelling at Fruits of Rarotonga. A staf member pulled the elderly woman on board and Tairea quickly set about performing CPR. She soon started coughing up water and later made a full recovery. “I felt really happy afterwards. I’m just glad I still remember how to do CPR,” Tairea said. “I don’t think I could have done it without the help of the rest of the staf.” Read more details of the rescue in tomorrow’s CINews. 14012022

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no TeIA neI Ao Violinist to ski at Sochi Violinist Vanessa Mae is set to ski for thailand at the sochi 2014 Winter olympics, which start next month. Mae, a keen skier since childhood, has been competing as Vanessa Vanakorn, using her father’s surname. she raced four times in slovenia at the weekend in a lastditch bid to meet the qualifying standard. skiing’s world governing body Fis has confirmed the eligibility of Vanessa Mae to compete at sochi in February.

Peace talks rescued Un withdraws invitation to iran to peace conference on syria DAmASCUS – The Un has with-

drawn its invitation to Iran to join this week’s peace conference on the Syria crisis. Un spokesman martin nesirky criticised Tehran for failing to back the plan to form a Syrian transitional government, which is the basis of the conference. The invitation to Iran, a key

world BrIeFS ISLAMISTS THREATEN WINTER OLYMPICS RUSSIA – An Islamist group from Russia’s North caucasus has threatened to attack the Sochi Winter Olympics in a video published online. In a warning to President Vladimir Putin over next month’s Games, the hosts and visitors were singled out for target: “If you hold the Olympics you will receive a present from us for you and all those tourists who will come over. It will be for all the Muslim blood that is shed every day around the world – be it in Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, all around the world. This will be our revenge.” The video says two men from the group Vilayat Dagestan, linked to an Iraqi faction called Ansar al-Sunna carried out the two attacks in Volgograd last month that killed 34 people and injured more than 100. Dagestan, in Russia’s North caucasus, has seen years of ighting between the Russian army and Muslim groups seeking independence.

NEW PRESIDENT FOR FRACTURED NATION ceNTRAl AfRIcAN RePUblIc – The central African Republic has appointed the mayor of bangui to be interim president. catherine Samba-Panza, one of eight candidates, was elected by members of the National Transitional council a week after former rebel leader Michel Djotodia resigned as president under international pressure over his failure to end the bloodshed.To qualify, the eight candidates had to show they had no link to the Muslim Seleka rebels which brought Djotodia to power, or the forces behind the mainly christian “anti-balaka” militia. Samba-Panza now faces the challenge of rebuilding one of Africa’s most fractured nations – torn apart by a conlict that a senior UN oicial warned last week could slip into genocide.

BOMB ATTACK IN RAWALPINDI MARKET PAKISTAN – A suicide bomber has killed at least 13 people in a crowded market near the Pakistani army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, not far from the Pakistan capital Islamabad. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack. The market, 10 minutes’ walk from the army headquarters, is in one of the most secure areas of the city, said Rawalpindi police chief Akhtar Hayat lalika. At least a dozen people had been injured in the explosion, which happened about 600m from the medical building in which former military ruler Pervez Musharraf is being treated following reports of ill health. The attack came a day after a Taliban bombing killed 22 Pakistani soldiers near the largely lawless, tribal region of North Waziristan.

FOOTBALL JERSEYS CAUSE AN UPROAR cHIle – The new kit at a chilean football club has been accused of being “anti-Israeli” because of the unusual numbers that appear on the back of the shirts, it seems. The number “1” on the Santiago-based Palestino fc shirts is shaped to look like Israel and the Palestinian Territories as a single entity – and the design has caused consternation among chile’s Jewish community. They say the shape of the numeral implies that Israel belongs to Palestinians, the Santiago Times reports. The Israeli government has expressed “surprise and concern” over the new kit, saying it amounted to “provocation, with the evident intention of denying Israel’s existence”. chile is believed to be home to the largest Palestinian community outside the Arab world, and the football club was set up by Palestinian migrants to the country.

ally of the Syrian regime, angered the US and the Westernbacked Syrian opposition. The peace conference, due to begin on Wednesday, is the biggest diplomatic effort to end the three-year conlict. more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions more displaced in the war. The Syrian government and the main exiled opposition group, the national Coalition, are due to send delegates to the conference, which begins in the Swiss town of montreux. The national Coalition had threatened to pull out if the invitation to Iran was not rescinded, but they have since confirmed that they will now be attending. Withdrawing the invitation was “the right thing to do”, monzer Akbik, the national Coalition’s chief of staff, said. nesirky said Un chief Ban Ki-moon had invited Iran after speaking in private to senior Iranian oficials, who had assured him that they “understood and supported the basis and goal of the conference”. But Iran issued several statements on monday rejecting any attempt to place conditions on its attendance at the conference. nesirky said: “given that it has chosen to remain outside that basic understanding, he has decided that the one-day montreux gathering will proceed without Iran’s participation.” It is unclear whether Iran will be able to join the talks two days later, when they move to geneva. meanwhile, news media are reporting claims that the Syrian regime has tortured and killed thousands of detainees. Some 55,000 photographs showing roughly 11,000 dead detainees were smuggled out of Syria by a defector who served as a military police photographer, according to Cnn. - BBC

As ighting continues in Syria, planned peace talks are to take place in Switzerland this week, after almost being undermined by the UN’s invitation to Iran to take part. AFP

30 get death penalty hAnoI – A vietnamese court has sentenced 30 people to death for drug trafficking in the country’s largest ever narcotics case. The 30 men and women, all vietnamese, were found guilty of smuggling nearly two tonnes of heroin from Laos through vietnam and then into China. “This was vietnam’s largest ever trial in terms of defendants, the number of death penalties given out and the amount of

BAngKoK – Sixties doo-wop

singer Frankie valli has cancelled a concert in Bangkok this week because of Thailand’s political unrest. Promoter BeC-Tero entertainment PCL said Wednesday’s performance was being scrapped “due to the current political situation and its associated difficulties, and for the safety and well-being of customers.” The concert, billed as ‘Frankie

Frozen in flight

INDONeSIA – A frenchman has been arrested for trying to smuggle more than $500,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine into the Indonesian resort island of bali. francois Giuily, 48, was detained on Sunday at bali airport with more than three kilograms of the drug hidden in plastic bags in his suitcase lining. The drugs have a street value of US$511,280. Giuily could face the death penalty under Indonesia’s tough anti-narcotics laws as well as a 10 billion rupiah (A$830,000) ine. Several foreign nationals are on death row for drug-related ofences in Indonesia.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Read: Read: John Matthew 15:9-17 7:21-29

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 15

vietnam’s remote northwestern region, which borders both China and Laos, is poor and populated by a patchwork of ethnic minority groups. Police disrupted the rings in August 2013, making mass arrests and seizing large quantities of illegal drugs. Police also confiscated 20 luxury cars and dozens of guns and other weapons during the raid, state media reported. - AFP

No doo-wop in Bangkok

WHY WOULD YOU EVEN TRY?

Today’s Daily Bread

heroin involved,” presiding judge ngo Duc said. Investigators said that the defendants belonged to four international smuggling rings responsible for traficking heroin and other drugs from neighbouring Laos into vietnam and China since 2006. “All the defendants are vietnamese and most of them came from vietnam’s north-western provinces,” court clerk nguyen Trung hieu said.

Russia’s Vera Bazarova and yuri Larionov perform during the pairs free skating category of the ISU european Figure Skating Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Bazaro and Larionov won the bronze medal. AFP

valli and the Four Seasons’, was to be held near one of several sites where protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. violence has marred some of the protests, leading to nine deaths since november. Two explosions wounded 28 people in Bangkok on Sunday. “I am truly disappointed that I can’t perform for my fans in Thailand on January 22. But

your safety and security are more important and really matter to me. my thoughts are with you all. “I promise I will come back to perform in Thailand soon,” the announcement quoted valli saying. The promoter said concerts by other visiting artists, including Avril Lavigne in February and eric Clapton and Bruno mars in march, are still planned. - news.com.au

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no TeIA neI Ao Elelphant rescue mission

Members of the International Fund for Animal Welfare monitor a tranquillized elephant as part of an operation to relocate dozens of elephants in conlict with farmers near daloa in the West African country of Côte d’Ivoire. AFP

DALoA – About a dozen extremely rare forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) threatened with certain death are being evacuated to a protected area this month in the West African country of Côte d’Ivoire. The Ivorian government called on International Fund for Animal Welfare to ind a viable solution to escalating humanelephant conlict in the region. IFAW’s team is capturing the elephants and trucking them 400km west to the protected area of Azagny national Park. Côte d’Ivoire is home to some of the last forest elephants, which only live in a handful of countries in West and Central Africa. For this reason every individual animal is integral for the survival of the entire population, AFAW says. Two years ago, habitat encroachment forced the few remaining elephant residents out of marahoué national Park. The three elephant families had nowhere else to go and settled in small pockets of forest on the outskirts of the city of Daloa. The area provides insuficient space for their habitat and they are inadvertently in conflict with local farmers – raiding crops, destroying property and encroaching on the town. Pressure has been mounting with villagers saying they would retaliate and eventually kill the elephants. - AFP

Canal expansion ‘will continue’ PAnAmA CITY – A Spanish-led

consortium has backed down on its threat to halt work on expanding the Panama Canal. A stoppage “is not a scenario being considered at this moment”, it said on Sunday. But it remained an option unless a row with the Panama authorities was resolved, the group added.

The consortium had said it would suspend work on monday unless the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) paid $1.6 billion in added costs. The PCA – the government agency that runs the waterway – said informal negotiations had been held over the weekend with Spain’s Sacyr vallehermoso, the leader of the con-

sortium, but did not say if an agreement was any closer. The consortium is expected to hold talks with the PCA and insurers Zurich north America on Tuesday to discuss the status of the $3.12 billion project. The PCA has said it is in talks with other third-party contractors to complete the expansion work in case an agreement can-

not be reached with the grupo Unidos por el Canal (gUPC). on December 30, Sacyr vallehermoso gave Panama 21 days to make the payment. It blames the over-run costs on faulty terrain studies conducted by the PCA. The PCA has denied the accusation but has said it will pay if found to be at fault after ar-

bitration, the Financial Times reports. The gUPC, which also includes Impregilo of Italy, Belgian irm Jan De Nul and Constructora Urbana from Panama, won the contract to build a third set of locks in 2009. The expansion will allow wider vessels to transit, and is seen as key to the US in terms

of increasing shipments of liqueied natural gas to Asia more quickly and cheaply. The project is due to be completed in mid-2015, although construction has slowed signiicantly. The Panama Canal, which took 10 years to build and opened in 1914, carries ive percent of world trade. - BBC

Cool re-run as Jamaica makes Sochi SoChI – Jamaica’s bobsleigh

team will end their 12-year absence from the Winter olympics next month after being awarded a place at the Sochi games. Driver Winston Watts and brakeman marvin Dixon will compete in the two-man bob in russia. Jamaica irst qualiied for the Winter olympics in 1988 in Calgary, an achievement later portrayed in the 1993 Disney ilm “Cool Runnings”, and last competed in the 2002 Winter olympics in Salt Lake City. “It means the world to me,” Watts, 46, told BBC Sport. “I could not fall asleep last night just waiting to hear the news. I had a strong feeling we would get in but you never know.” “In Jamaica,we grew up on the stories around the 1988 team, helped of course by the popularity of the ‘Cool runnings’ movie. “The sport has stagnated since then but this 2014 team has a great opportunity to once again take Jamaican bobsled to

higher levels of success.” Watts, who says he has spent US$165,000 of his own money in an attempt to ensure qualification, added: “It means the world to Jamaica. We have dominated in summer sports like athletics and now we’ve qualiied for the Winter Olympics.” only 30 teams will compete in the men’s two-man competition in Sochi and Jamaica’s prospects of reaching the games looked in jeopardy after Watts inished the qualiication period on Sunday ranked 39th. however, nine nations ahead of them were unable to take up the inal Olympic berth as they had already qualiied their maximum number of sleds – which resulted in Jamaica taking the inal berth for the Games, which begin on February 7. Jamaica did not feature in the 2006 Turin and 2010 vancouver games, partly through a lack of finance, and Watts and Dixon have launched a funding appeal for Sochi from the general public. - BBC

In a ‘what could be a sequel’ to the disney movie ‘Cool Runnings’, the Jamaican two-man bobsleigh team of Winston Watts and Marvin dixon have qualiied to compete in the Sochi Winter Olympics next month.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalneWS nuti no Te PA enUA

Judicial upheaval on Nauru Chief justice says moves against judiciary are politically motivated YAren – nauru’s Australian-

based chief justice, geoffrey eames, says a decision to ban him from the country and to deport the nation’s chief magistrate is politically motivated. nauru’s president Baron Waqa ired chief magistrate and

supreme court registrar Peter Law on monday and then ordered him to leave the country. When Justice eames issued injunctions to try to stop Law’s deportation, his own visa to return to the country was cancelled.

paciic BRIEFS STRICKEN LOG SHIP ADRIFT IN PACIFIC GUAM – The US coast Guard says 24 crew members have been rescued from a sinking cargo ship that lost power and began taking on water in the western Paciic Ocean. The coast guard says it received word Sunday morning that a vessel hauling logs to china was in trouble about 720km west of Guam. The ship experienced looding in the engine room and subsequent loss of propulsion. The chinese crew reported the vessel was taking on 160 tonness of water per hour and generators had failed. by Sunday afternoon, the Chinese crew of the Panama-lagged Rich Forest had abandoned the 152-metre ship and boarded life rafts. About three hours later, a bulk cargo vessel called the cS Sunshine reached the stricken vessel and safely rescued all of the crew. The abandoned ship is now adrift. The coast Guard is warning nearby ships of the navigation hazard.

JUDGE PUTS HOLD ON ARREST THREATS PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Warrants are being faced by politicians implicated in an anti-corruption probe into illegal payments to a law irm. RNZI correspondent Todagia Kelola says the matter returned to court yesterday where the senior supreme and national court judge Justice catherine Davani adjourned the case for three weeks. “Police shall not efect any arrest on the treasurer Don Polye or the inance minister James Marape or the threat by the police commissioner for the opposition leader to be arrested. All these are stayed until the matter returns on the february 11.” Kelola says the case relates to opposition leader belden Namah’s call for the reinstatement of four police oicers who were suspended for trying to arrest the prime minister and two senior ministers for their alleged involvement in corrupt payments to Paul Paraka lawyers.

SAMOAN TEACHER RECRUITMENT DRIVE SAMOA – American Samoa’s Director of education, Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin, is in Samoa this week to start a search for qualiied teachers to work in the US territory. 30 teachers are urgently needed to begin in September, but according to Mrs Hunkin’s deputy, that number can be increased to 60. The deputy director, faauifono Vaitautolu, says the recruitment process was stopped in 2004 when American Samoa hired qualiied teachers from India and the United States, but was restarted this year. Samoa is also facing a shortage of teachers in both government and mission schools, but the American Samoan team is still holding high hopes that its need will be met by interested teachers in Samoa.

TWO VIOLENT DEATHS IN KIRIBATI CAPITAL KIRIbATI – Kiribati police have arrested two men in connection with last week’s violent deaths of two women in the capital Tarawa. The assistant head of the crime branch at the police headquarters, Raoranti Randolph, says the irst case involved a 30-year-old pregnant mother who is suspected to have been beaten to death. The police report says her husband took her to hospital but she had already died. In the second incident, a 40-year-old woman died from knife wounds after she was stabbed in front of her relatives. Police arrested her husband. Kiribati has recently toughened legislation to counter the high level of violence against women.

INCREASED SHARE OF US BUDGET NORTHeRN MARIANAS – The commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is expected to get a bigger share in the US$1.1 trillion government budget bill for the 2014 iscal year. US President barrack Obama signed the budget on friday, which gives the cNMI Public School System US$12.7 million for elementary and secondary education programmes, a $3.9 million increase. The territory’s delegate, Gregorio Sablan, says the funding for the cNMI food stamp programme will also continue at US$12 million. federal employees, including those in the cNMI, will also get a one per cent pay increase – their irst in three years – as will US troops.

ALL CALM AFTER ATTACK ON POLICE POST PAPUA – After a shooting in the Indonesian province of Papua on Saturday, local police say the situation is now under control. The Jakarta Post reports the Puncak Jaya police chief, Senior commissioner Marselis, as saying the township of Mulia is stable after the incident, which included the theft of eight assault riles from the police allegedly by separatist rebels. commissioner Marselis has warned there will be punishment for the negligence of the local police. Police say an armed civilian group, thought to be the separatists from the free Papua Movement, shot at the Pasar lama post, which was manned by personnel from the Puncak Jaya Military District command, and injured two soldiers.

Justice eames says the nauruan government did not agree with rulings made by Law, which stopped the government from deporting three resident foreign nationals, two of them Australian. The cases involve two Australian businessmen who had been declared “prohibited immigrants” by the country’s justice minister and given a week to leave nauru. one of the men is rod henshaw, a former ABC broadcaster who also previously worked as a media adviser to the nauru government. The Australians had appealed to the courts and magistrate Law had granted an injunction against their deportation. Justice eames says the decision was “politically motivated, designed to have the decisions of the magistrate overturned and amounted to an abuse of the rule of law. he says he has had no contact with the nauruan government, but he believes the timing and comments from the government about the cases are revealing. “I can only draw one conclusion,” Justice eames said. “The decision was taken to simply remove the magistrate from his position and replace him with someone else.”

‘To not to follow the chief judge’s orders and then to cancel his visa really throws any concept of justice out the window. It’s really outrageous.’ Justice eames says it is an “extremely busy week” for the nauru court, with about 60 cases involving asylum seekers accused of rioting due to be heard. The country’s solicitor-general, Steven Bliim, has now tended his resignation, and a new resident magistrate from Australia has been appointed. melbourne-based solicitor Andrew Jacobson arrived in nauru yesterday. In court immediately after his arrival, Jacobson adjourned a decision on whether the deportation injunctions issued by Law last week should be upheld or dismissed. Law is now back in Brisbane and says President Waqa’s actions are clearly in contempt of court.

“To not follow the chief judge’s orders and then to cancel his visa really throws any concept of justice out the window. It’s really outrageous,” Law said. “my own assumption is this: I’ve issued orders against the minister for justice – decisions that he has made concerning two foreigners who’ve been declared prohibited immigrants. “They’ve got a right to judicial review, which they sought – that is to review the minister’s decision. And they had a right to apply for an interim injunction.” nauruan opposition m P mathew Batsiua says the move is a great interference in the independence of the country’s judiciary. “It’s another example of the lengths this government will go to to get its way,” he said. “ They ’ve lost the plot. They’ve interfered in the media, now they’ve interfered in the judiciary. Justice eames says the actions have implications for the Australian government. “A government which has got such close ties with nauru and has had for many decades – I would have thought they’d have more than a passing interest in such instability in the judicial system in the Pacific region,”

he said. however, Justice eames says he cannot see how there would be any beneit to the Australian government in Law’s removal. he says under nauruan law he cannot be simply as the country’s chief justice. “I have an appointment which under the nauruan constitution runs until the age of 75. I’m currently 68,” he said. “I can’t be removed except by a vote of two-thirds of parliament on the proven grounds of misbehaviour, and there has been no suggestion of that.” South Pacific Lawyers Association president ross ray QC says his organisation was “extremely surprised and very disappointed” with the government’s actions. “The conduct of the nauruan government seems to be absolutely inconsistent with a commitment to the rule of law.” The Law Council and Bar Association has raised concerns about the deportation of the men. The council says Australia has a responsibility to ensure the rule of law operates in nauru, particularly given the arrangements it has made regarding the processing of asylum seekers. - ABC

Namah: ‘No coup intended’ PorT moreSBY – Papua new guinea’s opposition leader, Belden namah, says he has no intention of overthrowing the government. namah says police attempted to issue a warrant for his arrest and take him into custody over the weekend, but were blocked by security guards from entering his home. he says a verbal exchange took place when a group of oficers turned up at his house and eventually left.

Png’s police commissioner, Toami Kulunga, had ordered namah’s arrest over alleged threats, after namah said in a letter he would take “unprecedented measures” if four suspended policemen were not reinstated. The police oficers were suspended for their involvement in issuing a warrant against Prime minister Peter o’neill. A media release from police said they were “fed up with the tantrums of the opposition

leader” and described him as an “erratic man”. The opposition leader has been at odds with o’neill over police powers. namah has says he hasn’t committed any crime. “I don’t know what crime I have committed for the police commissioner to issue such an order,” he said. “I have not committed any offence, I have not committed any form of crime. So for me there is no cause for concern.

he also rejects the prime minister’s claims he is trying to instigate a coup. “What sort of coup are we talking about?” he said. “Let me make it very clear to also the international community, that has been the message that Peter o’neil has been driving, basically trying to say that namah is trying to overthrow a legitimate government. “I have no intention of trying to overthrow a legitimate government.” - ABC

Earthquake damages roads WeLLIngTon – A magnitude

6.2 earthquake has rattled the lower north Island of new Zealand, cutting power and reportedly causing rockfalls and building damage. The quake struck 15 kilometres east of the small town of eketahuna, about 120 kilometres north-east of Wellington. no injuries have been reported from the earthquake, which struck at a depth of 33 kilometres and was felt hundreds of kilometres away. rail services were suspended

in Wellington and the lower north Island while tracks were checked, but lights are as normal. There are reports of rockfalls, landslides and building damage in the region, and power has been cut to thousands of customers. emergency services have reported damage to roads and buildings in the lower north Island. most of the damage was reported in the Wairarapa and Palmerston north areas.

eketahuna supermarket manager Tanmay Patel says the earthquake was terrifying. “This is something I never want to have again. Felt like the roof was going to fall off,” he said. he and customers ran from the shop as groceries fell from the shelves. A giant eagle prop hanging from the roof of Wellington Airport to promote ‘The hobbit’ movie trilogy also fell. The airport’s greg Thomas told The herald newspaper the

eagle – one of two at the airport – slowly became detached during the quake and came to rest on the loor. he said it is still partly suspended and added that no-one was injured when it came down. Wellington was the scene of the country’s most powerful earthquake in 1855. That magnitude 8.2 quake caused four deaths and changed the city’s entire geography, pushing the shoreline out 200 metres as it thrust the harbour loor upwards. - ABC/AFP

Military’s values won’t change SUvA – The Fiji prime minister

and regime leader since 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has confirmed when he will stand down as head of the military forces and says his resignation won’t affect the nation’s security.

Commodore Bainimarama told Auckland-based radio Tarana that he will resign on February 28 and hand over to a new commander on march1, exactly 15 years after he was appointed. he believes the move will

bring about some stability from opposition quarters who don’t want him holding the position. he says while the command will change, the military’s values won’t. Commodore Bainimarama says he’ll be concentrating on

the governance of the country and forming a political party to contest elections promised for later this year. In December 2006, the coup he led ousted Laisenia Qarase as prime minister. - RNZI

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalneWS nuti no Te PA enUA

Health problems emerging lack of water in Ha’apai causing health issues in cyclone’s wake PAngAI – The lack of water supplies is causing health issues for people in Tonga, a week after Tropical Cyclone Ian devastated the country’s northern islands. Despite water supplies being flown in by aid agencies, water has become a “valuable commodity” according to local reporter monalisa Palu who has visited ha’apai at least twice since the disaster struck. Palu told Paciic Beat health authorities are reporting increasing rates of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases. “They are seeing new cases of people coming in with diarrhoea, ringworms,” she said. “A lot of the foods that were stored and with the power being off, those were destroyed but families who are desperate are starting to cook it. “And people are coming in with stomach pains and the likes to the hospital.” residents have been left without much water after tanks were destroyed by the cyclone. It is estimated that 10,000 litres of water is urgently needed to improve sanitation in the affected areas or else conditions are expected to worsen over the next week. The people of ha’apai are also struggling to rebuild their homes which were blown away by the storm. many people continue to live in makeshift tents as the pace of rebuilding is slow. “When we were flying over ha’apai, we could see spots of blue and white, being the tents that were given out to the worst hit areas,” Palu said. “There is a very small amount of rebuilding, as in using whatever was left lying around, so

you’re seeing shanty-like shelters appearing.” on a separate issue, hospital medical superintendent Dr Tevita vakasiuola said there were “more than hundred cases admitted to hospital of people having injuries because of stepping on nails.” “We received quite a number of cases on that. People stepping on nails but again no serious cases. We just treated them and let them go home, “But we expect more on this as it happens while people now are clearing up their homes,” the doctor said. “We need more medical supplies for the diarrhoea – we still have some medication here but not much left,” Dr vakasiuola said. The Ceo of the Infrastructure ministry in Tonga says a week on from Cyclone Ian, it is focusing on ixing the damaged hospital and schools in ha’apai. The category five storm, which killed one person and injured 14 others, displaced more than half the population of 8000. ringo Faoliu says the army is in the process of transporting construction materials to ha’apai and will begin repairing the damaged hospital wing. he says its other priority is restoring power and repairing the 13 out of 17 primary and secondary schools where children are expected back in their classes in two weeks. “There’s a team from the local power board, they are trying to get the electricity or the power back into schools and the hospital as a core focus right now. “What we’ve done is get some construction materials

to ha’apai as well. right now they are working on the hospital, especially on the rooing, to ensure that essential services are already there in place.” Faoliu says the economic costs of the cyclone are not yet known, but a better picture of the damage will be clearer by the end of the week when members of the World Bank come to assess the damage. A group of nuku‘alofa business people have started a “help ha‘apai Fund” to raise funds for helping families rebuild after Cyclone Ian. Sue Leonard, general manager of Kingdom Travel Centre, who spent two days in ha‘apai after the cyclone, said that there was an urgent need for basic building equipment to be sent there. “So many have lost absolutely everything and do not have the funds to purchase basic items like a hammer and nails so they can retrieve some of their house material and build temporary shelters. “one elderly couple I spoke to just broke into tears and couldn’t stop crying. They have nothing left and no children to help them rebuild. It is a very serious situation. “There is a lot of iron and wood around that could be used for temporary shelters. It is our intention to purchase the goods needed locally and take them to ha‘apai to distribute directly to the people that desperately need them. “We will personally ensure that the aid gets to those that need it most,” she said. “We have been contacted by several charity organisations that are also interested in supplying building equipment,” she said. - ABC/PNC

Health risks from waterborne diseases are emerging in Tonga’s cyclone hit Ha’apai Islands. One of the lesser but painful dangers in the wake of a cyclone is the problem of people standing on nails as they try to clean up the remains of wrecked houses. DIGICEL TONGA

Ha’apai boy medivaced nUKU’ALoFA – A boy suffering from suspected appendicitis and another woman patient, were evacuated from the cyclone devastated islands of ha‘apai on Sunday by a French armed forces aircraft. nine-year-old Lemoto Latu of Fotuha’a underwent emergency surgery when appendicitis was confirmed after his arrival at vaiola hospital in nuku’alofa. Another ha’apai patient, ‘eva Fiita, was evacuated to undergo medical tests at vaiola. Dr Saia Piukala at vaiola hospital conirmed that the boy was recovering after surgery and both patients were “doing ine.” The honorary French Consul in Tonga, Tupou Pasikala, said that the patients’ evacuation was requested by the Tongan doctor in charge at ha‘apai, Dr Tevita vakasiuola, in consultation with a French doctor, Dr Audrey galzin. “The patients were treated medically during the whole evacuation process – inside the

Lemoto Latu is accompanied by dr Audrey Galzin in an ambulance after Sunday’s medivac light from Lifuka to Tongatapu. MATANGI TONGA vehicle from hospital to the French aircraft and until the medivac team arrived in Tongatapu,” she said. The mission was conducted while the French aircarft from new Caledonia was running cargo flights from Fua’amotu Airport on Tongatapu to Lifuka in ha’apai. The rotation lights have carried personnel and needy people

both ways, Dr galzin said. “They also took 14 passengers for a funeral in ha’apai, and have taken a few elderly people to be better cared for on Tongatapu due to the lack of water, and also children from ha‘apai to Tongatapu, and personnel from other companies like Tonga Power Limited and health staff,” she said. - Matangi Tonga

Paciic art treasures to be exhibited online

LonDon – The British museum is putting thousands of artefacts from across the Paciic online, allowing Paciic Islands the chance to see treasures from their own histories. The British museum’s melanesian, Polynesian and micronesian collections include every conceivable item from a geographic range stretching from Indonesia’s provinces in Papua in the west to rapanui in the east. There are weapons, masks, canoes, ishing gear, sacred and household objects and carvings from many islands, as well as hundreds of special and histori-

cal items such as the full length maori feather cloak placed on the funeral casket of new Zealand Prime minister, richard Seddon, in 1906. Until now many Pacific islanders would never have got the chance to see these treasures, even ones made by their own people. “Women in vanuatu made amazing textiles,” said Lissant Bolton, Keeper Africa oceania and the Americas, from the British museum. ‘We have done a lot of work to document those skills and that knowledge and the signiicance, what these textiles were used

for,” she said. People wanting to look at the collection can take an online tour of highlights from oceania. each item has an electronic record online and museum staff are working hard to add photographs to those records. “I see our melanesian collection as a repository of historical and cultural and artistic information which should be available for Paciic islanders to reconstitute their culture,” said curator Ben Burt. “In the British museum we have artefacts which have not been seen in their home countries for many years, many

generations, things which in some cases people have entirely forgotten, in other cases things which they remember but don’t have any longer, Burt said. “many of those things they would like to see again or start making again,” he said. But the real wealth of the collection is in the vast electronic database of the entire collection. People can search for a speciic object or for a location, such as a particular place or island in their home country. many will be surprised by what they find – a search for the island of erromango in vanuatu, for instance turns up

A igure-head for a canoe made of wood with pearl-shell inlay from Solomon Islands. BrITIsh MusEuM

86 objects, including old photographs. For some items background information is sparse, and the

museum is keen to hear from Paciic Islanders who may have new knowledge to contribute. - ABC

Australia conirms $100 million cut to foreign aid budget CAnBerrA – The Australian Federal government has announced it will cut its foreign aid budget by more than $100 million this inancial year and redirect funds to ighting poverty in the Asia-Paciic region. Foreign minister Julie Bishop said the total aid budget this year will be more than $5 billion– $107 million less than the

year before – and will be tied to rigorous benchmarks. Two days before the federal election, the Coalition announced it would slash the growth of the foreign aid budget to the tune of $4.5 billion over the coming four years. Bishop says it is vital Australia’s foreign aid budget is “on a sustainable footing”.

“The aid budget will be over $5 billion this year and hereafter it will increase year on year according to the Consumer Price Index,” she said. “We believe that this refocus of our aid budget will deliver effective outcomes. “We are focusing on alleviating poverty, we are focusing on economic growth and em-

powering women and girls, better educational outcomes and better health outcomes in our region. We also want to ensure we can leverage private sector involvement.” Aid groups panned the cuts when they were irst announced saying the drop in funding will force them to review a number of programmes in the region.

however, Bishop defended the cuts, saying the funding commitment represents an increase in aid funding. “Under Labour’s last budget they were to receive 2.5 per cent of overseas development assistance (oDA),” she said. “Under this revised budget they will receive 2.7 per cent of oDA – that is four times what

these non-government organisations received from 2007 and 2008.” Bishop said the aid budget will be focused on countries across the Indian ocean and Asia-Pacific including investment in Indonesia, Solomon Islands, nauru and The Philippines. - ABC

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

‘Rarotonga is no longer a safe place to live’ Dear editor, I write with regards to several incidents that happened recently. The irst incident relates to a female tourist from Canada who was driving her motor scooter from Avarua to Arorangi this last weekend. on her way back to her accommodation in Arorangi she was waived down by a man whom she stopped for. The man demanded her bike and in the process slashed her arm and punched her in the head. I know this lady. It was her irst trip to rarotonga. Do you think she will come back? The second incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when approximately 9 to 10 men entered onto a property and threatened to kill another man with a shotgun. The shotgun was pointed at the man, two women and a four-monthold baby. I know the man, women and baby at which the shotgun was pointed. A third incident relates to two burglaries where one day a

property was burgled and then this crime. The police generally several days later the property deal with a crime after it has was again burgled. I know the been committed. rarotonga is not the safe and carefree place owner of the property. my own mother’s house was that it likes to have tourists and others believe. The also burgled. island is becoming In the early hours ‘I thought outright dangerous. of Sunday morning rarotonga Those who have a young man was set was a safe not been a victim of upon by a number place to raise crime will no doubt of assailants who hit children. I was disagree with me, and punched him wrong. This but those who have until he fell to the is an island been the victim of ground and then carwhere crime crime will know exried on kicking him has reached actly what I am talkwhile he was on the epidemic ing about. I believe ground. I know this proportions. that new Zealand young man’s very statistically is a much good friend. given that I personally know safer place than rarotonga. I’m of six criminal incidents that sure that each and every one happened to people I know of you who lives on this island or their friend within a four knows a victim of crime. I thought rarotonga was a week period, it is only a matter of time before it’s my and safe place to raise children. I your turn to become a victim was wrong. This is an island where crime has reached epiof some type of crime. I believe that rarotonga is demic proportions, where some no longer a safe place to live. young people do not hesitate The island is becoming more to group in big numbers and and more dangerous with the then proceed to bully, threaten, police being powerless to stop intimidate and assault others

Scooters are a popular mode of transport for both locals and tourists on Rarotonga – including a Canadian tourist that was recently attacked when she driving back to her accommodation in Arorangi. Pictured is a local scooter driver in Rarotonga last year. PhOTO FILMrArO.COM 14012019 without any regard or respect for others or the sanctity of life, where some of the bigger and older people bully the weaker,

‘Show some vision’

Dear editor, I want to comment on norman george's column, "What is missing from our economy" (CInews January 17). By his own admission he is the longest serving member of parliament and one would think by now, he should know better. his proposals are another attempt at social engineering that might suit a small group of people at the expense of hard working productive members and consumers in our communities. This is the sort of idiocy

that this country grew out of in the mid-‘90s. mr george could have shown some vision and focused on the need for a far more productive government that delivers proper value to an underserved public. The reason that Cook Islanders are leaving our shores is simply two-fold: they can, and they feel that they can get better value elsewhere. mr george's proposed remedies with him at the helm is truly something that should have the country shaking their heads and

asking how could this be possible today. Actually mr george, what's needed is a government and an opposition (if we can work out who that is) that has some vision that goes beyond their own terms in parliament – a group that realises that unless they provide regional and international standards of education, health and infrastructure that they are irrelevant, and they should be replaced by people that are. Brett Porter

Norman George. 13060440

where there is no respect for other’s property and where no one is safe. I for one no longer feel safe in rarotonga – and I’m a Cook Islander. I don’t wish to be alarmist but I suggest that you all take steps to protect yourselves and your families. our beautiful is-

land is becoming a criminal’s paradise and the situation is only going to get worse with the cultural changes and the increasing poverty of our people. We have a crime epidemic on our hands. may god save us all, name and address supplied

Where is the due process? reSPonDIng To yesterday’s front page article about the legality of raids on the bank accounts of Cook Islanders receiving new Zealand pensions here, a smoke signaller asks: “The secretary of the ministry of Finance and economic management says ‘it’s a last resort that has been used before’ – so there have been others that have had their accounts raided by mFem without a high Court order? This Cook Islands Party government should be held accountable – where is the due process? have they checked their legal authority to raid these accounts or have they read the Income Tax Act and interpreted it in a way that suited their cruel intentions?”

THE NEW YEAR THAT WILL BE A SmoKe signaller writes: “In the week before Christmas 2013, the

local watering hole patrons were graced with the presence of the best of the government’s Three opportunists, Terry rangi, Peter Tierney and Ben Ponia. The famous three were standing across the bar from some of their most unhappy clients who had failed their tenders for various projects. Terry in his arrogance came across and invited one of the most vocal of all to come and see him in his ofice to see if they can work something out. he was quickly told to go back to his corner, as the vocalist did not want to ruin anyone’s Christmas by showing them what he thought of them. he then told them to feel free to come back in the new Year to the same place and spot. We are still waiting with anticipation for the return of the Three opportunists.”

Smoke Signals Heard a funny real-life story or something out of the ordinary? Smoke Signals will be accepted by e-mail (smokesignals@cookislandsnews.com), text to 188 or a phone call to the newsroom on 22999 You don’t have to pay any money and we don’t have to print your name. Please note that material that goes beyond the bounds of decent taste or is defamatory is not likely to be used. Don’t forget to give us your name and contact number in case we need to check details. All correspondence is conidential. Go on, smoke it!

Cook Islands News Building Maraerenga Avarua Rarotonga PO box 15 Rarotonga Tel (682) 22999 fax 25303 email: editor@cookislandsnews.com or adverts@cookislandsnews.com

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Asbestos to be investigated in Pa Enua schools ASBeSToS found in the air at a

school in rarotonga has sparked a larger investigation that involves every island in the Cooks. 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 was confirmed to be 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 airborne, can be released into the air when the soil is disturbed, such as by people walking across it or digging it up.

Anne Taoro, property man- need to be investigated. In the meantime, the affected ager for the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), soil is to be removed from Avasaid all the islands in the Cooks rua School and bagged up for have previously had a form of temporary storage, and soil roofing, known as Super 6, samples from other schools in which contains asbestos, with rarotonga will also be taken to one school in mangaia being further investigate the extent of the only one that still needs to the problem. Keer-Keer said while the afhave the rooing removed. fected soil in rarotonga She said workers will first be Since all islands is likely to be buried in a hole dug for this purpose, travelling to Aipreviously had tutaki to test po- Super 6 rooing, disposal of the material may prove more dificult tentially hazardthe level of in the outer islands. ous sites, with asbestos in the “You may ind with the this island being soil around more remote islands, getthe most accesthese areas ting rid of it may be difsible. Atiu is also will need to be icult – where are you goon the list for a investigated. ing to put it? how do you visit in the near get a digger out there?” future to begin Keer-Keer said from a safety to address the problem, and removing the Super 6 roofing point of view, the soil could be from the school in mangaia is put into the ocean – preventing it from becoming airborne also a priority, she said. Taoro added that since all – but that this would need to islands previously had Super 6 be cleared by environmental rooing, the level of asbestos in authorities first, who he said the soil around these areas will “might have a different view

Asbestos was removed from an old government-owned building in Avarua late last year by workers from Landholdings Ltd. 13092040 on that”. Avarua School is one of 11 areas where the air was tested in September and early october by Keer-Keer, and was the only area found to have levels high enough to be in the ‘red’ category where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos. Three other areas (Avatea

School, the community dental clinic in Tupapa and the met Ofice) had asbestos levels in the ‘amber’ category, indicating levels above normal but not high enough to be considered hazardous – something Keer-Keer said may be due to less foot trafic and more grass in these areas, and thus less soil and dust being

kicked up into the air. While asbestos that is mostly contained by grass or a lack of foot trafic may not be a current health concern, Keer-Keer said it is still prudent to remove the hazard to avoid it becoming an issue for future generations. - Briar Douglas

PM observes renewable energy meetings PrIme minister henry Puna is currently in the middle eastern city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab emirates, where he is attending a series of meetings on renewable energy and other development issues. Puna arrived in Abu Dhabi late last week after 33 hours travelling time to attend the irst day of meetings for the fourth assembly of the International renewable energy Agency (IrenA). I r enA currently has 124 members, comprised of United

nations (Un) States. The Cook Islands is present at the meeting as an observer, as the nation is not a member of the Un. “The Pm is attending as an observer so that the Cook Islands keeps abreast of the progress and developments in global renewable energy,” said the Pm’s advisor Trevor Pitt. Pitt said the PM is conident that the Cook Islands is still near the forefront of renewable energy (re) development in the Pa-

Prime Minister Henry Puna and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully in Abu dhabi on Sunday. 14012005

ciic, despite us not being formal members of IrenA. Announced late last week, IrenA stated it would continue to back the Paciic Islands in their re goals and targets by helping with the development of national roadmaps, grid connectivity and stability issues. Pitt said this is evidence of the advancement of the Cook Islands, which he said has already completed a series of studies. “We’re fortunate in that government articulated our re targets very early, three years ago, and subsequently developed a roadmap and national priority for energy security,” said Pitt. “The Cook Islands has also completed several studies, including viability, grid connectivity and stability. many countries are not at this stage even. our energy eficiency progress is also advanced, comparatively.” “So you see how far in front we are at present,” he said. “The Pm is solidly behind our progress and his commitment is echoed around all the IrenA members, who continually point out that political will is absolutely vital in driving the transformation of power systems.” on the second day of the as-

Man threatens home with mystery weapon A mAn was arrested on Sunday for allegedly entering a home in rarotonga and threatening a man with a weapon wrapped in clothing. Inspector John Strickland said two oficers attended the scene in matavera at 11:30am and a 21-year-old male was brought in for questioning. It is not known what kind of weapon the man was carrying but Strickland said it may have been an axe.

however, a member of the public who knows the victim claims the man was carrying a shotgun and that he was not alone. About nine or ten men entered the property and threatened to kill another man with a shotgun, the person says in a letter published in today’s CInews. “The shotgun was pointed at the man, two women and a fourmonth-old baby.” Strickland refused to respond to these comments and said it

was “too premature” to share any more details about what happened. no charges have been laid and police are speaking to three people about the incident. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the police on 22 999 or the conidential Crime Stoppers line 0800 222 00. - Ben Chapman-Smith

‘Rarotonga is no longer a safe place to live’, page 6

sembly, Puna participated in more discussions on re, while holding bilateral talks with new Zealand Foreign minister murray mcCully, who had arrived from Dubai for the Blue economy Summit that opened yesterday. “The Pm’s discussions with the minister covered a range of issues both national and regional, including the forthcoming Joint ministerial Forum with nZ, which is to be hosted in the Cook Islands,” said Pitt. Yesterday’s inaugural day of the Blue economy Summit – attended by Puna – was opened by UAe minister of State Dr Sultan Al Jaber. At the summit, the United Arab emirates signed partnership agreements with ive Paciic countries – Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu and vanuatu – to implement $60 million in solar and wind projects. The projects will be carried out by renewable energy irm Masdar, and are due to be inished by the end of this year. Grant inancing is to be provided by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

The projects hope to save more than 1.2 million litres of diesel fuel annually, while reducing 3030 tonnes of Co2 emissions per year. “IrenA has already extended quite a bit of help to Tonga, and other Paciic countries are signing agreements which will pave

the way for more new projects in the Paciic,” said Pitt. “We are plugging in wherever we can so that our interest is maintained and we pick up whatever assistance IrenA can provide,” added Pitt. - Emmanuel Samoglou

PUBLIC NOTICE

As of Monday 20th January our oice opens from 7:30am to 2:30pm daily for enrolments, stationery lists and general inquiries. Ring Liz or simon on 23509 or email teukiou@oyster.net.ck We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 27th January.

“Akara Ki Mua – Learning for Tomorrow” - together at Apii Te Uki Ou.

sWitCh on with te aponga uira

it’s not oveR Yet.. it’s been a quiet start to the cyclone season. 3 months in, and not a cyclone have we seen. But we cannot relax yet. We don’t know what lies ahead. February has been an active month for cyclones in the past and there’s still March and april to get through before we’re inally out of the cyclone season. You can help by making sure you and your family have the following items: • Torches and candles to see at night. • Battery operated radio to hear the latest news. • Food that you can store without refrigeration.

www.teaponga.com

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Film Raro movies to be made available CooK Islanders keen to get their hands on a copy of the Film raro movies should get their chance this year. The event, which saw locals band together with international ilm crews to create six short ilms in the Cooks last year, ended with two packed out public screenings of the movies – with locals piling into the national Auditorium to see themselves and their loved ones on the big screen. however, the movies were in lock-down following the screenings, because part of the conditions of entering the ilms at international ilm festivals – and

thereby promoting the Cooks around the world – was that they could not have been made available to the masses, said Film raro organiser Stan Wolfgramm. T h e m o v i e s h av e s i n c e screened at festivals in hawaii and Australia, as well as being picked up by United States broadcasting network PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) television and by Air new Zealand for in-light entertainment. Wolfgramm said he hopes to return to the Cooks midway through this year to hold another screening of the ilms, after which they will be made available to the public.

he said the movies will be “all over the internet”, beginning with Film raro’s account on Vimeo, and the ilms will also be gifted to the ministry of education as media tools. he said screening the films at international festivals was an important part of Film raro because it gave the cast and crew – and the Cook Islands – global exposure. Due to not securing funding in time, Wolfgramm said Film raro will not be held this year – however, he hopes to be able to run the second round of the event in 2015. - Briar Douglas

PHOTO FILMRARO.COM 13052429

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Filipino worker sent home A ForeIgn worker who said

her employment contract was repeatedly violated was sent home yesterday from the Cook Islands. realyn hervera, a native of the Philippines and former employee at highland Paradise Cultural Centre, lew to Auckland early yesterday morning, according to her lawyer mark Short. hervera arrived in the Cook Islands in late october after signing a contract with highland Paradise to work as an accounts administrator. over the course of nearly two months of employment, the Filipino worker said her contract was violated repeatedly,

including an un-negotiated pay decrease on her second day on the job. She said additional violations occurred when she was asked to perform duties not listed on her job description, such as cleaning toilets, mopping loors, and performing domestic duties for her boss – highland Paradise director Tutu Pirangi. The situation came to a climax on December 30 of last year, when hervera stopped working at the cultural tourist attraction – the circumstances of which are currently a point of dispute between both parties. According to Pirangi – who spoke briefly with CInews on the phone last Friday before ter-

minating the call – her former job, which is what Tutu is allegemployee walked off the job ing, then under the contract it and asked to be sent back to the should be realyn paying for her Philippines. Pirangi later paid own ticket home,” said Short. “What has actually happened for her airfare home. is that Tutu paid for “I’ve done what the ticket, which leads she has asked,” said ‘What if we one to believe that she Pirangi last week. “All eventually sent her off the job as I’m doing is sending ind that the per the contract.” her back to where she employer When approached came from.” has seriously over the phone yesterYesterday, Short – hervera’s legal coun- breached that day, Pirangi said she contract?’ would prefer not to sel – cast doubt on Picomment on the issue. rangi’s interpretation With the flight looming, of the events. he said the employment hervera – along with Filipicontract stipulates that only if no community advocate Ura Hervera was ired would Pirangi Tangaroa and lawyer Short – be obliged to pay for her airfares. launched a three week-long ef“If realyn had walked off the fort to stay on the island where

she has been offered an accounting position at restaurant Tamarind house working alongside her husband, who has been in the Cooks for two years. In a letter written by Short to acting director of Foreign Affairs and Immigration vasie Poila last week, the lawyer asked for more time to review the case and for an investigation into the alleged breach of contract. Those efforts failed when hervera was sent home yesterday. “There have been no proper appraisals of the contract,” said Short yesterday. “What if we eventually find that the employer has seriously breached that contract?”

The lawyer – who said he is only interested in recouping fees should hervera be allowed to return to the Cook Islands – said he wants to ensure immigrant workers are treated fairly and given an opportunity to prove that they can do whatever job they have been employed to do. “I want employers to treat their workers properly and to honour whatever agreement they enter,” he said. “That is all we are asking for, nothing more nothing less.” “These are not animals we are employing, these are people,” he added. “I am standing up because I believe she has been treated unfairly.” - Emmanuel Samoglou

Film Raro ‘very successful’, says inance minister Film raro debuted in raroThe mInISTer of Finance says he is “very keen” to see locally- tonga last year, involving six made festival Film raro find international ilm crews travelfunding to return to the Cooks. ling to the Cooks and working mark Brown met with Film with local cast and crew to creraro frontman Stan Wolf- ate short films – one for each gramm recently, to discuss team – in a matter of weeks. ways that the project might Two screenings of the ilms at get funding for a second round rarotonga’s national Auditoriof the event. Despite being um in may attracted thousands of locals keen to see turned down for themselves and funding through ‘It went to ilm their loved ones on Cook Islands Tourfestivals around the big screen. ism in the past, the world. This The films have Wolfgramm said he to me is part of since screened at hopes that support what promoting several internationfrom the governthe Cook Islands al festivals includment will assist the is all about.’ ing in hawaii and project in gaining Australia, and have funding in future been picked up by US broadyears. Brown said last week that casting network PBS (Public while he still needs to discuss Broadcasting Service) televithe issue with other ministers sion and by Air new Zealand and Cook Islands Tourism, he for in-light entertainment. Wo l f g r a m m’s c o m p a n y, would like to see Film raro reDrum Productions, signed a turn to the Cooks. “We’re very keen to get Film memorandum of understandraro up and running again. It ing with Film nZ – a company was very successful – the expo- that deals with locations for sure and the promotion of the the new Zealand film industry – in August 2012, where country were really good. “It went to film festivals it was agreed Film nZ would around the world. This to me help to promote the Cook Isis part of what promoting the lands as new Zealand’s tropical destination. Wolfgramm Cook Islands is all about. ”

The ‘Ofshore Pirates’ crew shooting a mass dance scene at Muri Beach. PhOTO FILMrArO.COM 13052427 said he hopes to have a similar understanding with the Cook Islands, with part of the agreement being to produce Film raro annually. he said the organisers of Film raro are happy to create the applications for funding,

but added funding is often more likely to be approved if it can be shown that the government supports the project. “new Zealand Aid would like to see the government is backing it,” said Wolfgramm, who who cites the Lord of the Rings ilms in New Zealand as an example of tourism being boosted by the ilm industry. Wolfgramm said he has been invited to re-create Film raro in other locations. The US embassy asked if it could be done in Kenya, the hawaiian Film

Commission suggested hawaii as a location for a similar project, and he received an offer from the University of Crete in greece, which he said has offered to provide £150,000 (nZD$293,600) via funding from the United Kingdom. “But we don’t want to do that – we want to do it here,” said Wolfgramm, who added they had received an offer of $5000 from Cook Islands Tourism, but turned it down as the offer also involved handing over all the footage and in-

ternational rights to the ilms – something the film teams weren’t willing to do. Brown said the easiest route to funding Film raro is “using the mechanisms that are already available”, such as tourism’s Destination Development Fund. In response to Film raro’s proposals for such funds being turned down in the past, Brown said “That’s something where we need to look at tourism’s priorities and what they’re looking for”. - BD

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Film Raro organisers Julie Smith (left) and Stan Wolfgramm at the irst screening of the ilms. 13052613

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

December tourist numbers highest on record CooK ISLAnDS visitor numbers last month were the highest for a December since records began 20 years ago, according to the Statistics Ofice. A total of 10,108 people visited the country during the Christmas month, up from 10,051 a year ago. “Despite only increasing 0.6 per cent compared to December 2012, this is still impressive performance given the massive growth in 2012,” said James Webb, economic advisor for ministry of Finance and economic management (mFem). The small rise was driven by an 11.1 per cent increase in Australian arrivals, which offset a 3.8 per cent fall in arrivals from new Zealand.

Webb said more than 10,000 visitors arrived in the country every month from June to December. That clearly shows ‘peak season’ is extending towards the end of the year, he said. he commented that 13,800 visitors – last achieved in July 2012 – is assumed to be the most the Cook Islands can accommodate in a month. For the 2013 year, visitor arrivals declined 0.9 per cent compared to 2012, from 122,384 to 121,237. This compares to 8.2 per cent growth in 2012 and 8.5 per cent in 2011. While growth in 2013 was less than the previous year, the tourism industry has man-

aged to consolidate the nearly double-digit growth from the new Zealand and Australian markets, Webb said. “Tourism will remain the largest industry, and biggest export earner, for the Cook Islands for some time yet, but I think it is probably safe to assume that the days of 8-9 per cent growth in visitor arrivals are probably behind us, at least for the next year or so.” visitor numbers are collected by cross referencing three data sources: immigration cards, real-time data from passport scanning at the airport, and passenger manifests provided by the airlines. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Tourism remains the largest industry and biggest export earner for the Cook Islands. 14011736

Plea for books gets massive support from NZ one moTher’S plea for donations of books to restock her son’s school has received massive support, with a packed 20-foot shipping container of donated resources headed for rarotonga from new Zealand. Arorangi mother Andrea rongokea was devastated that a “cowardly” arson attack destroyed Avatea School and its library just as her son Dallas was learning to read. She rallied her contacts for support and, together with a plea from the school committee, donations of reading books and equipment including musical instruments looded in from schools and families right across new Zealand – leaving the mother in awe of peoples generosity. “I was pretty angry that someone would be so low as to not only set ire to a school, but to also set fire to the library,” says rongokea from new Zealand. “Dallas is a student of Avatea, along with lots of cousins and friends, and he had just started to learn to read. So it saddened me greatly that his progress would be put on hold due to the cowardly actions of a lowlife irestarter!” It got the mother and owner

of Wedded Bliss thinking about what she could do. rongokea comes from a family of teachers, so she thought she would have enough contacts to get a few books together to start to restock the school library. While her initial plan was to organise books for Avatea, the donations have been extended to nukutere College – another school burned down in october last year. “So my initial thoughts were to spread the word and see what donations we could get. I made a plea on the Avatea School Facebook page, plus my own personal page, and this was shared among my contacts.” rongokea also approached CITC for sponsorship of the container, which they readily agreed to do. Avatea School principal nga Charlie made initial contact with both the Auckland Consulate and the Cook Islands high Commission in new Zealand to see how they could assist, and things progressed from there. Their networks generated a lot of willing donors, and they also acted as collection points for goods in the greater Wellington and Auckland regions.

Box loads of school reading books and equipment being loaded in NZ bound for Avatea School and Nukutere College. “When we began I honestly thought we might get maybe ive to ten boxes. But wow, the response was massive and I had absolutely no idea at how much people were willing to give,” says rongokea. “my mum approached all the primary schools here in Blenheim, and also a few of the col-

leges,” she said. “It helped enormously that Dallas was a student at one of the local schools last year as it gave a personal spin to the story and the kids could relate better.” All up, rongokea’s mother collected 84 cartons of books, resources, musical instruments, maths equipment and the list goes on. other donations that were organised came from primary schools in napier (18 cartons), Whakatane, gisborne and Tauranga (22 boxes), the Brethren School in Waikato, Christchurch and Blenheim and elim

School in Blenheim. elim School actually had a whole week of collecting preloved books for the Avatea kids. A number of boxes from some Auckland primary schools, arranged through an old childhood teacher friend of rongokea’s, were also received. “Wellington has a huge Cook Islands community and their donations were overwhelming – they put together around four pellets,” says rongokea. “Tepaeru herrmann and her team deserve a special mention for going above and beyond with collecting and sorting all

14012010

the donations at that end. It was a huge effort.” rongokea says that in no way did she expect to generate this much support and generosity for Avatea and nukutere. “To say I was gobsmacked is an absolute understatement!” CITC and matson Shipping held a sausage sizzle fundraiser at the weekend and will continue to do so to raise the funds to pay for the shipping of the container load of donated goods to rarotonga. The container is expected to arrive at the end of the month. - Matariki Wilson

Another box load of donated goods from schools across NZ is loaded and ready for Rarotonga children. 14012012

Musical equipment is among the donated goods for Avatea School and Nukutere College.

14012017

Volunteers pack up pre-loved reading books donated in New Zealand for Avatea School and Nukutere College. 14012014

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL

PHONE

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Fax 25303

preferred

22999

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

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is 1pm sharp. Material deadline for display adverts 24 hours prior.

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

TENDERS

FOR SALE

SITUATIONS vACANT

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

MOWING TENDER for 1x 3/4 acre Muri beach front section 2x1/2 acre adjoining Section Avaavaroa To be cut every 10 days Must have ride on mower and grass cutter. call Adam 55082 to arrange to view.

Brand New Rooing tiles 350 tiles Size 300 x1320. Phone 77060.

Reefside Airport Cafe We are looking for a reliable, honest person to work with our team. International lights. Mon - Fri, Day lights only. contact Karlene 78100.

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.

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.

76406 / /2592

76355 / /2202

76418 /35976 /1931

76465 / /1931

SERvICES P&D Daycare - Matavera Yes, we do baby-sit. Ages 2 1/2 yearts to 5 years. Inquiries phone 27300, mobile 55300. 76456 /36030 /1931

FOR RENT Beachside house (Matavera) to let. 2 beds, 2 showers, sunroom, can convert to 3rd bedroom/oice. Available Jan 2014. Ph 24071. 76426 /36017 /1931

The cook Islands Red cross Society is ofering a Certiied comprehensive first Aid Training course. A 2 year irst aid certiicate will be awarded at the completion of the course. Date: Tuesday 28 to Wednesday 29 January 2014. Venue: cook Islands Red cross Headquarters Time 8.30am for any enquiries contact 22598. Email: irstaid@ redcross.org.ck Meitaki maata. 76331 / /2204

2 bedroom house for rent in Turangi for $190 furnished. call 21282.

76433 /36019 /1931

Water Blaster electric 1850 PSI Nilisk, to clear $500 Trader Don 22919 76442 / /2058

8 & 9 month old pigs for sale Price $150-$250. call 75661. 76443 /36024 /1931

2012 Honda Trail Bike XR 125 (White) $2000 ono in very good condition. Phone 27156 to view. 76447 / /1931

vEHICLES FOR SALE Mitsubishi Pajero Good condition great for a family. $5000 ono Phone 57813 76464 / /1931

Older model Toyota for sale runs well, registered and warranted. $1,500. Must sell, cannot drive because of illness. Call Geof on 27651 or 73465. 76440 /36023 /1931

76462 /36034 /1931

2 bedroom house for rent. Steps away from beautiful beach, $350 per week. Phone Kura 23501. 76448 /36029 /1931

2 bedroom house in upper Tupapa. fully furnished, available long term. Phone 55178.

SITUATIONS vACANT Super Brown 24hr Store Full time and part time Staf required for our busy 24hour store. Hours 10pm-6am, 2pm10pm. Mature, reliable and trustworthy people required with sober habits. If interested, contact Marvic on 53141.

76441 / /2508

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

Concrete Systems & Mike Rennie builders ltd, have a part time position for an Accounts Manager, must have work experience in MYOb & IMS Payroll. Hours and rate are negotiable. Ring 20375 for an interview. 76422 / /2295

WANTED TO BUy Wanted 20’’ or 40’’ shipping container to buy. Please call Deon 57894.

SITUATIONS vACANT

MinistRy oF HeAltH 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

76376 /35110 /1931

76446 / /2183

PUBLIC NOTICES

76459 /36032 /1834

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 7, 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 Passield 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

Public notice Te Mato Vai - Consultation Meetings 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

2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

Date

time

Venue

Ui Ariki/Koutu Nui

Monday 13 January

10am

Atupare

intake landowners - te-Au-o-tonga (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

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

Vaka te-Au-o-tonga Public Consultation

Tuesday 21 January

6pm

sinai Hall

6pm

titikaveka CiCC sunday school Hall

Vaka takitumu Public Consultation

Wednesday 22 January

Aroa nui Hall

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

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

TUATUA AKAMEITAKIANGA

Catch me if you can!

e akameitaki atu nei matou te nga metua, te nga metua pakari e te kopu tangata katoatoa ia kotou katoatoa tei orongo ua mai ito kotou au vaerua akapumaana, e pera katoa, no te au rima oronga ta to kotou au ngakau i oronga ua mai ei tauturu ito matou tumatetenga no te takake atu anga o

exham Constantine nga na te atua kotou e tauturu mai. We, the family of exham Constantine nga would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to everyone who supported us during our time of grieving for our son, grandson, uncle, nephew.

May the Lord Bless you all.

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

Baby Eels and Aitutaki Sharks supporter Rima-ati Tetauru burns his fellow junior rugby league player during a sprint race at Avatiu ield on Saturday. The boys were among around 60 Rarotonga children that took part in the highly successful junior league development academy that wrapped up with drills, skills, sprint races and league games at the Swamp on Saturday. 14011901 A bright future for rugby league, page 14

SITUATIONS vACANT

BEREAvEMENT

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 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

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

also known by many as Mana taoro on Friday 17 January 2014 at the hawkes Bay Memorial hospital in hastings, new zealand. Mana was cremated in hastings on Monday 20 January 2014 (nz time). his ash will be returned to Rarotonga to be buried next to his mother tuvaine taoro in kavera, arorangi at a date to be advised. his family service will be held at the Murienua Meeting house in akaoa arorangi, Rarotonga on tuesday 21 January 2014 atite6pm. etumatetenga eteotooto neitengakau akakiteatu

To encourage honesty and good citizenship.

A Cook Islands News public service.

ekuatakakeatunatemoeangaroatokuakaperepere, to matou metua tane ete papa ruau, teina, tuakana, tungane ete taeake ko Manase taoro ahsin i roto ite aremaki i hasitngs, nu tireni ite varaire ra 17 o tianuare 2014. ko tona kopapa kua tareuia te reira ite Monite ra 20 o tianuare 2014 ki hastings e ko tona reu ka akaokiia mai te reira ki Rarotonga nei e ka tanuia atu kite pae i tona metua vaine ko tuvaine taoro i kavera, arorangi. ka akakite ia atu rai te tuatau e akaoki ia mai ei te reira. ko tona pure kopu tangata ka raveia te reira ate Ruirua ra 21 o tianuare 2014 ki roto ite are uipaanga ote Murienua i akaoa, arorangi ite ora 6 ite aiai. ko teia tuatua akakite na tona akaperepere ko Margaret taoro ahsin, te nga tamariki ko Christie e temari, te au mokopuna kenny, shalom e eden e pera tona ai tuakana ete ai teina ko Pera tutara Mataipo tapi taio, enua, apenera, Joseph,te late aberahama (timi), tona nga tuaine ngatamaine e tekura e pera te nga kopu tangata taoro ahsin ete taio noa o arorangi Rarotonga. no te ui marama taniuniu atu ia: tapi taio 54540 e tangi taoro 56717 e ra te opu nei, e akairo no toou aerenga au, e aito kua rere, e rere ra kite rima o to atua.

Classiieds

76190

taoro ahsin

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

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

Manase

FOUND Notices are FREE

need a little

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

t is with great sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing on of a dearly loved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother uncle and friend

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Flight Times | Voyage details FROM ARRIVES

International Flights

tuesday JaNuaRy 21 NZ746/745 AKl 2.10PM DJ163/162 AKl 11.55PM thuRsday JaNuaRy 23 NZ46/45 AKl 4.10PM vT035/034 PPT 2.50PM NZ748/749 AKl 12.30AM

RARO

DEPARTS

ARR

DEP

ARR

0910 1140 1640

RARO RARO RARO

1000 1230 1730

DEP

ARR

TIARE MOANA 19 - ETD AUCK 13/01, ETA RARO 26/01, ETA AITUTAKI 29/01

tuesday JaNuaRy 21 AKl AKl

3.10PM 1.05AM

AKl PPT AKl

5.25PM 3.50PM 1.30AM

0800 1030 1530

Air Rarotonga

FLIGHT

AITUTAKI AITUTAKI AITUTAKI

0850 1120 1620

lIlOA 21 - ETD AUCK 20/01, ETA RARO 02/02, ETA AITUTAKI 04/02

Shipping TIARE MOANA 20 - ETD AUCK 07/02, ETA RARO 20/02, ETA AITUTAKI 23/02

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at Cook Islands news

Su-Do-Ku

Hard

Su-Do-Ku

Crossword

easy

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.

Yesterday’s answer answer to Monday’s puzzle

answer to Monday’s puzzle

hÄgaR the horrible

the PhantoM

heRe

see your business/products in this space. Phone 22999

Situation: A trough of low pressure lies over southern Cooks. Associated cloud and rain afect the group. A trough of low pressure also afects the southern parts of northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: occasional rain and few thunderstorms over most places. Moderate northeast winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook: Rain continuing. For Rarotonga: occasional rain and few thunderstorms. Further outlook: Rain continuing. For the Northern Cooks: some showers about and south of Pukapuka. Brief showers elsewhere. Moderate northeast winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook: Brief showers.

Rarotonga Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Tuesday

Tides TUE high 12.43AM 0.93M 1.04PM 0.95M

Low

6.53AM 0.34M

7.15PM

1.7m SW

0.36M

1.2m NW

WEd high 1.19AM 0.92M 1.38PM 0.95M

Low

7.27AM

0.35M

7.52PM

0.37M

26°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

E 10kTs 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

0.6

aRapo - Roto te Rakau TUE 21 TANU (Planting) Tanu i te kai katoa. Good time for all planting.

Humidity WEd

[

inseRt aDveRt

Weather Forecast to Midnight Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

By Lee Falk & sy Barry

[ TUE

By Dik Browne

1.7m SW

TAuTAI (Fishing) Po ika kore. Maata roa te turama. Not good ishing nights. Too much light.

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

1.5m SW

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Morning

95%

Night

79%

Morning

92%

Night

81%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

TUE

Sun Rise

6.14AM

Sun Set

7.26PM

Moon Rise 10.21PM Moon Set 10.52AM

WEd Sun Rise 6.15AM Sun Set 7.26PM

Moon Rise 10.59PM Moon Set 11.44AM

Aitutaki

28° E 08kTs

Mangaia

25° E 10kTs

Mitiaro

27° E 08kTs

Atiu

Penrhyn

27° E 08kTs

29° NE 07kTs

Mauke

27° E 08kTs

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 cook Islands News

tarekareka

SPorT

A bright future for rugby league The hIghLY successful junior league academy was a long-held dream realised for the Cook Islands rugby League Association (CIrLA). CI r LA president Charles Carlson tips his hat to the Asia Paciic Rugby League Confederation presenter Taua Benioni and his team of dedicated volunteers for running an outstanding programme, which culminated in a inals day at the Avatiu ield on Saturday. Parents and the sports community at large gathered at the swamp to cheer on the boys and girls that took part in the weeklong programme. The organised skills and drills the kids displayed impressed all that gathered to watch, and the bright smiles and determined faces of the children delighted. “Taua and his team have done excellent work in finally get-

ting our junior academy off the ground,” says Carlson. “This one of those dreams that has been in this long pipeline since our involvement with CIrLA back in 2003, and 10 years later it is inally happening.” Carlson says that the recent junior development and academy has been the missing cog in CIrLA’s wheel. “really it is key to the success of our future development.” Carlson says that now the challenge is to sustain the huge interest in the junior academy. “now we got these mini-motors all ired up raring to go, the challenge is how do we sustain this huge interest in our junior academy to grow the game among our juniors. “We have a few options and will discuss and inalise details over the coming weeks leading

up to the competition.” Carlson says that perhaps the biggest challenge faced by all clubs is inding that key person to look after a team and be part of the coaching team. “We are hoping that many volunteers out there will join us in this new venture, with no experience required as training is provided to introductory coaching.” Among the volunteers were three grandmothers who were on hand to support their children and grandchildren at the academy and through their dedication received an introduction to coaching certiicate. “It is about teaching the little ones the very basics of rugby league and if these mamas can do it any one can. All you need is a bit of commitment and passion for the junior development.” The Cook Islands rugby

Mama Ake Hosea-Winterlood was one of the dedicated volunteers that helped Taua Benioni deliver the highly successful junior league academy that wrapped up on Saturday. 14011904

League Association held their annual general meeting last night to conirm the rules and start of the 2014 rugby league competition due to kick off in the irst week of February. Taua Benioni and the Cook Islands rugby League Association would like to thank all their

sponsors for making the junior league academy a huge success. meitaki maata to Prime Foods, CIPS, mat-man Brian morgan, AnZ Bank, vonnia’s Warehouse, raro records, raro Safari Tours, ocean Fresh, Cook’s Islands Bus Passenger Transport Ltd, Pitt media, Island hopper, Avarua

Bakery, Cook Islands general Transport, Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes, Cook Islands News, Polynesian Rentals, Paciic Spring, T&m heather, CITC, Toa Petroleum, raro X-po, Turtles Tees and rarotonga Welding and Steel Construction Ltd. - Matariki Wilson

Rarotonga junior rugby league players had a ball learning new league skills and putting them to the test during the week-long junior league academy. 14011906

Admirable sailing by local juniors rAroTongA Sailing Club’s enthusiastic junior sailing team have completed their irst regatta in Auckland and are preparing for their second competition. The team of eight rarotonga Sailing Club junior members and the management team are grateful for all the support received from the community during their intensive fundraising efforts to attend the Auckland regattas. The team competed in the ‘open bic’ class at manly Beach just north of Auckland. The two day regatta provided both light and medium winds with some current challenges

thrown in and all the rarotonga sailors performed admirably with the usual ‘what great and enthusiastic kids’ comments heard regularly. The event was eventually won by the World Champion in this class, with an Australian sailor 2nd and a Kiwi in 3rd in the 21-strong leet. For the rarotonga sailors young Teakuao Framhein was the pick of the bunch, coming 4th overall. his fellow team mates’ placings in the regatta are: Toutika Ioane, 6th, martin marsters, 7th, Tyler Davis, 8th, helene John-

son, 9th, makua nikioa, 10th, otis Burrell, 12th and ngarangi mapu, 14th. In the under 13 division, Makua Nikoa came irst and Ngarangi mapu came third. The sailors will be practising teams racing in the 420 class this week and all are entered into the three day Auckland Championships in the optimist class at the weekend. They are all it and well and enjoying the cool Auckland weather and the warm hospitality of the Auckland sailing clubs and the local Cook Islands com- RSC/MW munity.

Local sailors rigging up their open bic crafts at Manly Beach just north of Auckland.

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Rarotonga’s sailing future at the ready to tackle the open bic regatta where they were placed in the top 10 of a leet of 21. 14012008