Tuesday 28 January

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 tuesday, January 28, 2014

Prime Minister defends Abu Dhabi trip Prime miNiSter Henry Puna

defended his recent appearance at a development conference in Abu Dhabi yesterday, saying the trip was beneicial for the Cook islands.

Puna left on January 16 to attend the ‘Blue economy Summit’ – a two-day conference aimed to help small-island developing states (SiDS) – returning last Friday. the meeting also coincided with the 4th Assembly of the international renewable energy Agency (ireNA), where Puna said he attended as an ‘observer’ after receiving an invitation from the organisers. the Pm’s attendance in Abu Dhabi was slammed by opposition leader Wilkie rasmussen, who criticised his ongoing travel in a column published

in Saturday’s issue of CiNews. “it is plain and simple that this meeting was not of any beneit to us the Cook Islands and the Pm (was) there only as an observer,” wrote rasmussen.

Yesterday, Puna defended the meeting and his attendance as an “observer”.

“We are recognised as leaders in the field of renewable energy and the environment,” he said.

After holding discussions with the organisation’s director general in Abu Dhabi, Puna said ireNA has agreed to send a consultant to the Cook islands at no cost to help work on problems currently being experienced in connecting the nation’s new electricity grid.

Last week, Puna’s ofice said

Asbestos removal from school begins t H e G rou N DS of Avarua School will begin to be dug up today, after asbestos was found in the soil at the school.

Around 30 truckloads of soil are to be removed from Avarua School this week by contractors t&m Heather. Yesterday was spent testing the fit of safety masks to be worn by the workers, who are due to start the digging process early this morning.

Asbestos, which is too small to be seen by the human eye, is only dangerous when it becomes airborne – such as when people walk across the soil or dig it up.

To prevent the asbestos ibres from being released into the air when the soil is moved, Anne taoro – property manager for the Cook islands investment Corporation (CiiC), which is co-ordinating the project – said the plan is to dampen the area before removal of the soil. “the main thing is that there’s no dust,” she said.

Around 300 cubic metres of soil will be removed and the area will be back-illed with a mixture of sand, gravel and soil, which CiiC said is consistent with New Zealand practice.

the aim is to complete the task by this Friday, with Avarua School students returning to class one week later than planned on February 3. the work is being overseen

by Stuart Keer-Keer – a quality and technician manager for New Zealand-based K2 environmental ltd, which specialises in air quality testing and advice.

Keer-Keer, who previously tested samples of the soil to identify the hazard, will be on hand during the removal to monitor air quality, measuring the effectiveness of dampening the soil. once dug up, the soil will be transported to a place within the landfill site at Arorangi, where it is to be dumped from the trucks straight into a hole specifically prepared for the purpose of burying the contaminated soil. t h e a i r a r o u n d Ava r u a School was tested 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. the school has since been closed by the ministry of education.

- Briar Douglas

his presence at the meeting was “... to maintain Cook islands’ interests in renewable energy development and accessibility to data and international expertise.”

Puna – who was accompanied in Abu Dhabi by his advisor trevor Pitt – said all costs were paid for by conference organisers, apart from approximately $600 in ‘incidentals’.

“No fat allowances” were provided to the two-person delegation, he added. the Abu Dhabi meet precedes a SiDS meeting later this year in Apia, where the Pm said Paciic Island states must have “a uniied position”.

- Emmanuel Samoglou

Prime Minister Henry Puna. 14012739

School’s in!

14012737

SmileS galore were the order of the first day back to school for these St Joseph’s School students and their new school principal Kathy Nubono (nee George). it was straight to learning for both the students and the new principal, with former school

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head Sister Celine on hand for the transition. While Nubono has plenty of goals and visions for the school year ahead, she says one of her main aims this year is to strengthen the link between learning at home and at school.

Nubono is keen to run work-

shops at school for parents, saying that if the parents know and understand what their kids are learning in the classroom they can better help their kids during homework time.

“We want to help our parents help our children learn,” says

Nubono.

School bells and pate rang across the island signalling the start of the new school year – however Avarua School students will return to school next week after soil contaminated by asbestos is removed from the grounds.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

worldNeWS nuti no teiA Nei Ao Now that's corruption!

Pakistani oicials used a secret counter-terrorism fund to buy wedding gifts, luxury carpets and gold jewellery for relatives of ministers and visiting dignitaries.

The revelations cast a spotlight on high-level corruption in Pakistan as the country battles a surge in Taliban violence.

The US and other Western countries have poured billions of dollars into Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks of 2001 to help in its fight against Taliban and al-Qaeda linked militants.

Peace talks deadlocked

Impasse at Syria peace talks, no agreement on power transfer GeNeVA – the Syrian peace

talks in Geneva are deadlocked over the divisive issue of transferring power to a transitional government. the sides cannot agree on the future role of President Bashar al-Assad. uN mediator lakhdar Brahimi said there “was apparently the will” to continue talks but “we never expected any miracles”.

“We are happy and encour-

world BrieFS ATTACKS AT WINTER GAMES ‘VERY LIKELY’ RUSSIA – British government oicials have warned that attacks by extremists in southern Russia are very likely to occur during the Winter Olympics in February or the weeks before. A threat assessment says the Chechen separatist group led by Doku Umarov is the main threat, but so far the group has not targeted non-Russians.

The British threat assessment for the Games in Sochi is stark and says it will be taking place against a backdrop of violence in the region. It says Doku Umarov has called on followers to do whatever they can to disrupt the Games. Police say Sochi will not be an easy target.

Russia has sent in over 37,000 extra troops and police and placed a so-called ‘ring of steel’ around the Olympic venue.

NO POLICE CHARGES AGAINST NIGELLA ENGLAND – Scotland Yard says no further action will be taken against TV cook Nigella Lawson after she told a court last year that she had taken drugs. The Metropolitan Police said a specialist team had examined all the evidence relating to her confessions during the fraud trial of her two former assistants, but has concluded there will be no further action. Lawson, 53, revealed during the trial of Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo that she had used the Class A drug cocaine. In a statement, Scotland Yard said there were “serious public interest concerns” about the message a prosecution would send to potential witnesses in future and could deter people from being candid with police and the court.

70 YEARS SINCE SIEGE OF LENINGRAD RUSSIA – Russia has marked the 70th anniversary of the breaking of the siege of Leningrad during World War II when more than a million people starved to death. President Vladimir Putin on Monday visited the Piskaryovskoe Memorial Cemetery, the main memorial to those who died in the siege of Leningrad, the Soviet-era name of Saint Petersburg. Putin, 61, who is from the city, has said his elder brother died during the blockade. The president laid lowers at a memorial on the banks of the Neva River marking the site of one of the most important battles during the siege in which his father took part.

The 872-day siege is one of the darkest moments in Russian history.

According to historians, the blockade of the former imperial capital claimed the lives of more than a million people.

POPE’S BLOOD STOLEN FROM CHURCH ITALY – A tube containing Pope John Paul II’s blood has been stolen from a church in Italy. According to the Repubblica daily newspaper, the vial was stolen on Saturday from the San Pietro della Ienca church in the mountainous Abruzzo region in central Italy where the pope, who died in 2005, loved to go on skiing holidays. Police and snifer dogs are searching the area. In 2011, John Paul’s former private secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, now archbishop of Krakow in Poland, gave the Abruzzo community some of the late pontif’s blood as a token of the love he had felt for the area. It was put in a gold and glass circular case and kept in a niche of the small mountain church, near the city of L’Aquila. Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII are due to be canonised as saints in a ceremony at the Vatican in April.

aged that this conference has taken place – it is one little step forward but whatever gain we have made is reversible.

“We will continue trying to make this work and we hope that both parties will co-operate,” Brahimi told media. the Syrian government team presented a “declaration of principles” that did not mention transfer of power which was rejected by the opposition. the declaration reportedly demanded that Syrians choose a political system without “imposed formulas” from outside – an apparent reference to attempts to remove Assad. the opposition insists that the regime commits in writing to the Geneva i communiqué, which calls for a transition process. rima Fleihan, a member of the opposition National Coalition’s delegation, said: “the discussions were not constructive today because of the regime’s strategy to deflect and change the subject by talking of terrorism.” one of the elements is the composition of a governing body with full executive powers, but Brahimi said this was “the most complicated of matters” and would almost certainly not be discussed irst. the uN plan to send humanitarian aid to Homs, where hundreds of people have been trapped in the old City since June 2012, was also discussed. the government said on Sunday that women and children were free to leave the city, and there were hopes a humanitarian convoy would set off on monday.

Brahimi said the government was “willing to make it happen” but cited security problems for part of the delay.

An opposition delegate in Geneva, monzer Akbik, said 12 trucks from the red Crescent were waiting to go in. -BBC

un mediator Lakhdar Brahimi explains how the syrian peace talks in Geneva are deadlocked after a session aimed at tackling the explosive issue of the transfer of power. AFP

Egypt’s army backs Sisi CAiro – egypt’s top military body has given its approval for army chief Field marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to run for the presidency, state media report.

Field marshal Sisi led the overthrow of President mohammed morsi, egypt’s first democratically elected leader, in July.

He is expected to accept the nomination from the Supreme Council for Armed Forces (Scaf) and resign from his military position within days. earlier, the interim president

promoted him from general to ield marshal.

Field marshal Sisi is popular with much of the egyptian public and analysts say he would be expected to win the presidential election, to be held by late April. on Saturday, tens of thousands of people joined a rally in Cairo to mark the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against President Hosni mubarak and call on Field marshal Sisi to stand. many egyptians see him as being the strongman needed to pull

their country out of its political crisis, while others fear his election could mark a return to the authoritarianism the revolution sought to end.

Saturday also saw widespread anti-government protests, with dozens of people killed in clashes and arrests reported in several cities.

Field marshal Sisi served as defence minister under morsi, but spearheaded the military intervention which removed him after mass street protests. - BBC

State of emergency averted KieV – ukrainian anti-govern-

ment protesters have ended their occupation of the justice ministry after the minister threatened a state of emergency.

A spokesman for the protesters said they had left because they did not want to provoke the authorities. unrest has spread across ukraine in recent days, with protesters targeting municipal buildings across the country. the protesters stormed the

justice ministry building late on Sunday in a “symbolic act” to strip the authorities of justice.

Justice minister olena lukash said she would request a state of emergency and demand all talks with the opposition cease.

Oficials later said there was no plan to introduce such a measure. reports say the protesters have now left the building, but a group of around 30 is patrolling

outside dressed in military-style clothes, brandishing bats. the crisis was sparked when President Viktor Yanukovych last November pulled out of a trade deal with the eu in favour of a $15 billion bailout from russia. thousands have joined protests against the government, erecting camps in Kiev and getting embroiled in sporadic clashes with security forces.

- BBC

'David' and a whole line of Goliaths

‘BLIND’ MAN CAUGHT DRIVING SKI BOAT USA – A US man who claimed to be blind in order to collect the disability pension has been caught out as a fraud after he was spotted driving a speedboat. Lawrence Popp, 58, had claimed $A200,975 in disability beneits declaring that his condition prevented him from working, driving or reading. In reality, Popp, a wealthy businessman, continued his lavish jet-setting lifestyle while collecting his disability beneits for ive years. Popp’s scheme came to an abrupt end this week after federal agents caught him behind-the-wheel of a ski boat, a snowmobile and driving a car to and from the beneits oice. Popp was declared legally blind in 2004 following an illness and started receiving beneits. But alongside the payments, he continued to work at his kitchen equipment business.

today’s Daily Bread Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew read: read: Matthew 5:1-127:21-29

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 7

a young man throws a stone at a barricade of policemen during a demolition operation in a squatters’ area in Manila, Philippines.

The government wants to redevelop the area into a business district in a joint venture with a private irm. AFP

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

worldNeWS nuti no teiA Nei Ao Shameless Beyoncé steals show at Grammy Awards lo S A N G e l e S – r o b o t i c

French dance duo Daft Punk have taken top honours at the Grammy Awards, winning ive prizes including album and record of the year.

Hip -hop duo macklemore and ryan lewis took four awards – best new artist plus best rap album, song and performance.

Justin timberlake won three, while quirky New Zealand teenager lorde picked up two including song of the year for ‘royals.

- Album of the year – ‘random Access memories’, Daft Punk.

- record of the year – ‘Get lucky’, Daft Punk feat Pharrell Williams & Nile rodgers.

- Song of the year – ‘royals’, lorde.

- Best country album – ‘Same trailer Different Park’, Kacey musgraves.

- Best pop vocal album – ‘unorthodox Jukebox’, Bruno mars - Best rap/sung collaboration – ‘Holy Grail’, Jay Z featuring Justin timberlake.

- Best rock song – ‘Cut me Some Slack’, Sir Paul mcCartney with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear.

- Best pop duo/group performance – ‘Get lucky’, Daft Punk feat Pharrell Williams & Nile rodgers.

- Best new artist – macklemore & ryan lewis.

- Best rock album – ‘Celebra-

tion Day’, led Zeppelin.

- Best alternative album – ‘modern Vampires of the City’, Vampire Weekend.

- Best music film – ‘live Kisses’, Sir Paul mcCartney.

- Best music video - ‘Suit and tie’, Justin timberlake.

- Best r&B album – ‘Girl on Fire’, Alicia Keys.

- Best r&B song – ‘Pusher love Girl’, Justin timberlake.

- Best rap album – macklemore & ryan lewis, ‘the Heist’.

- Best rap song –macklemore & ryan lewis, ‘thrift Shop’.

- Best rap performance – macklemore & ryan lewis, ‘thrift Shop’.

- Best dance/electronica album – Daft Punk, ‘random Access memories’.

- BBC

Ancient Europeans had blue eyes and dark skin BArCeloNA – Scientists have shed light on what ancient europeans looked like.

Genetic tests reveal that a hunter-gatherer who lived 7000 years ago had the unusual combination of dark skin and hair and blue eyes. it has surprised scientists, who thought that the early inhabitants of europe were fair. the research, led by the institute of evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, Spain, is published in the journal Nature. the lead author, Dr Carles lalueza-Fox, said: “one explanation is that the lighter skin colour evolved much later than was previously assumed.” two hunter-gatherer skeletons were discovered in a cave in the mountains of north-west Spain in 2006. the cool, dark conditions meant the remains (called la Brana 1 and 2) were remarkably well preserved. Scientists were able to extract DNA from a tooth of one of the ancient men and sequence his genome. the team found that the early european was most closely genetically related to people in Sweden and Finland.

some thought Beyoncé’s opening performance was the highlight of the Grammy’s – but many thought it was inappropriate for an 8pm television show watched by children. AFP loS ANGeleS – Beyoncé’s Grammy Awards performance was slammed by concerned parents on Sunday as they deemed the incredibly risqué routine too explicit for children to watch. the 32-year-old singer wore a revealing black thong bodysuit over ishnet tights to perform a rendition of her hit ‘Drunk in love’ alongside husband Jay Z at the Staples Centre in downtown los Angeles.

Beyoncé’s sexy dance routine, which aired at 8pm on both uS coasts and at 7pm central time, had many furious parents posting comments on social media that the performance was “disrespectful”, had “no class” and was entirely inappropriate for young viewers.

From start to end, the mother-of-one’s routine could only be described as both seductive and risqué.

She opened the show straddling a chair then proceeded to writhe around on it before twerking her way up to a standing position.

Belting out the lyrics to the explicit song, many of which had been bleeped out, it wasn’t too long before she was joined onstage by husband Jay Z, who looked dapper in a black spotted tuxedo.

Getting up from the chair, Beyoncé then embarked in a spot of back-to-back slow and sexy dancing with her husband, running her hands up and down his leg and bottom in moves miley Cyrus would have been proud of. the 44-year- old rapper couldn’t help but get touchyfeely with his wife, clasping his hands on her famous derriere and giving her a sultry kiss midsong.

the audience at the Staples Centre in downtown los Angeles went wild for the first live joint performance of the song from music’s number one couple, who raked in a combined $95 million last year. many parents took to twitter to complain that the dance routine was too raunchy for children to watch” “Come on people!! Yeah Beyoncé has an amazing voice but that outfit?!?!? Completely no class. Give children something to look up to #absurd.”

“Sorry Beyoncé!!! Class AlWAYS wins! it wins for our children. Sad day when our kids can’t even watch the Grammy’s! #Puzzled.”

“Beyonce seriously? it’s 8pm! that performance is not suitable for children, thank God mine are in bed. #shameonyou.”

- Daily Mail/PNC

But while his eyes were blue, his genes reveal that his hair was black or brown and his skin was dark. “this was a result that was unexpected,” said Dr laluezaFox. Scientists had thought the irst Europeans became fair soon after they left Africa and moved to the continent about 45,000 years ago. “it has been assumed that it is something that happens in response to going from Africa to higher latitudes where the uV radiation is very low and you need to synthesise vitamin D in your skin. Your skin becomes lighter quite soon,” explained Dr lalueza-Fox. “it is obvious that this is not the case, because this guy has been in europe for 40,000 years and he still has dark skin.” the hunter-gatherer’s genome also gave the team an insight into how humans had changed as they moved from foraging to farming. the early european would have subsisted on a diet of mainly protein, and his DNA reveals that he was lactose-intolerant and unable to digest starch.

these are traits that came after agriculture was adopted and people changed what they ate.

Commenting on the research, David reich, from Harvard medical School in the uS, said: “The signiicance of this paper is that it reports the oldest european genome sequence reported to date – the first european genome sequence that predates the appearance of agriculture. “the dark skin is a very interesting finding, as light skin is nearly universal across europe today. these results suggest that the light skin seen across europe today is a development of the last at least 7000 years.”

He added: “it will be very interesting to see how general this result is across ancient pre-agricultural europe once additional genome sequences become available.”

Professor reich has looked at the genomes of several huntergatherers and early farmers in europe.

His work suggests that present-day europeans derive from three ancient populations of early inhabitants of the continent.

- BBC

Scores killed in Nigeria

KAWuri – Suspected islamist militants have attacked two villages in north-eastern Nigeria, leaving 74 people dead, say police and witnesses. militants attacked Kawuri village in Borno state as a busy market was packing up on Sunday, setting off explosives and setting houses ablaze.

Witnesses said 52 people were killed in that attack, while 22 died in an attack on a church service in Waga Chakawa village, Adamawa state, on Sunday. the attacks were blamed on Boko Haram. the islamist group – whose name means “Western education is forbidden” – is especially active in north-eastern Nigeria.

Borno and Adamawa are two of three north-eastern states – along with Yobe – put under emergency rule last may, as the military attempts to combat the

insurgency.

Gunmen planted explosive devices around Kawuri village prior to the attack, said a witness and security oficial. they also killed civilians in their homes, dozens of which were set ablaze in the attack.

“No house was left standing,” Ari Kolomi, who led from the village to maiduguri, the Borno state capital, some 70km away, told AP news agency. “the gunmen were more than 50 in number – they were using explosives and heavysounding guns.”

Kolomi said he did not yet know if his relatives had survived the attack. earlier on Sunday in neighbouring Adamawa state, gunmen attacked a busy church service in Waga Chakawa village, an army spokesman said.

They set off bombs and ired

into the congregation, killing 22 people, before burning houses and taking residents hostage during a four-hour siege, witnesses told reuters news agency. the army suspects Boko Haram of being behind both attacks.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan sacked his military high command earlier this month.

No reason was given, but the move came amid concern that Boko Haram have been able to continue their bloody campaign despite the wide-ranging powers given to the military to tackle the insurgency last year.

Since the state of emergency was imposed in May, UN igures suggest more than 1200 people have been killed in islamistrelated violence.

- BBC

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalNeWS nuti no te PA eNuA

Action on corruption awaited Opposition reminds Samoa’s PM action is needed over SLC report APiA – the leader of the opposition in Samoa has reminded Prime minister tuilaepa Sa’ilele malielegaoi that “the country is waiting”.

He says the people want to see what steps his government will take to stop “corrupt prac-

tises” and incidents of abuse and mismanagement that have been highlighted by Financial Controller and Chief Auditor, Fuimaono Camillo Afele.

“What is the government going to do about it – are they going to just leave it like this?”

paciic BRIEFS CYCLONE RESPONSE PLAN FORMULATED TONGA – Non-government organisations working with the Tongan government have formulated a Cyclone Ian response plan, which is expected to be made oicial today. Greg Grimsich of the United Nations Oice for the Coordination of Humanitarian Afairs says the plan brings together the various assessments made since the category ive storm struck more than two weeks ago. He says it highlights where aid is needed in water sanitation, safety, shelter and food. Grimsich says Ha’apai was in a drought before the cyclone and according to the Met Service is likely to continue to be for another four months. He says the response plan will outline the best way to deal with that.

SCHOOLS TO OPEN IN HA’APAI ISLANDS TONGA – The United Nations is working alongside the Tongan Ministry of Education to ensure children afected by Cyclone Ian return to school as planned next week. The UNOCHA humanitarian oicer, Greg Grimsich, says the Ministry has developed a strong response plan to get schools cleaned up and ensure they are supplied with fresh water when the school year begins. Thirteen out of the 17 primary and secondary schools in Ha’apai were badly damaged during the storm. Grimsich says some students will be in tents, and others will be doubling up in classrooms. “Everybody recognises that this is a traumatic event for the whole of Ha’apai, and getting kids back in school will be a great step forward.”

Grimsich says there is still a need for student and teacher supplies.

FIJIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS NEW ZEALAND FIJI – The Fiji information ministry says Brigadier General Iowane Naivalurua will this week undertake a study visit with the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of New Zealand. Brigadier General Naivalurua was last week appointed ambassador at large after serving as police commissioner for four years. No details have been released about the trip, but the Fiji information ministry says it is part of Fiji’s ongoing greater public service reform. Brigadier General Naivalurua is accompanied by Fiji’s ambassador to Japan and Russia, Isikeli Mataitoga. The New Zealand government has conirmed the visit but declined to give any details. Since 2000, those involved in Fiji’s coups have been barred from entering New Zealand.

SCANDAL OVER UNSAFE INFANT FOODS SAMOA – The Ministry of Health in Samoa has called on shop and supermarket owners and managers to stop the sale of unsafe infant food products. This comes after an inspection found 31 per cent of shops and supermarkets were selling expired products, some of them at low prices. The ministry says it is very concerned because inappropriate marketing practices have put the lives of Samoan babies at risk. The CEO of the ministry, Palanitina Tupumatagi Toelupe, says most of the infant food products out of date were in rusty or damaged containers. A food bill is before parliament awaiting the third reading which, once passed, will enable the ministry of health to prosecute shops and supermarkets found in breach of the new law.

CHINESE ASKED TO SUPPLY 50 CARS VANUATU – The Speaker of Vanuatu’s Parliament, Philip Boedoro, has requested 50 cars from a high-level Chinese delegation during its visit to Port Vila. The delegation, led by the Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chen Yuan, was invited by Boedoro to enhance cooperation between the countries. Boedoro has requested inancial assistance from the delegation, to renovate the parliament building, as well as the building of the oicial residence of the President of Parliament and 50 cars for use by the visiting parliamentarians attending the Africa Caribbean Paciic and European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly Session in Port Vila in November this year.

FIJIAN TO HEAD SOLOMONS TOURISM BODY SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Solomon Islands Government has appointed a Fijian to the tourism industry with the aim of making the industry a top foreign income earner in 10 years’ time. The Minister for Culture and Tourism, Samuel Manetoali, says the appointment of Josefa Tuamoto as the new CEO for the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau will bring a wealth of experience in marketing Solomon Islands to the world as a tourism destination. The Government says the tourism industry continues to struggle to increase visitor arrivals each year but having someone like Tuamoto is a step in the right direction. The Government says its long-term plan is to have tourism help inance some essential services like health and education.

Palusalue asked. “the people of the country are waiting. What is the government’s response and what are they going to do about it?” leaked to the Samoa observer and published last year, the report highlights abuse and “corrupt practises” within the running of government ministries and corporations. twelve months ago, parliament referred the chief auditor’s report to the officers of Parliament Committee for an investigation. the committee has since confirmed the findings of the report, calling on the government to take the appropriate steps to deal with the corruption identiied by the chief auditor. the alleged corruption found in Samoa land Corporation has led to a high-level recommendation for legal action against those involved. the recommendation is contained in a report by a Parliamentary Committee tabled Friday in Samoa’s parliament.

“What is disturbing and alarming to note is that the board and corporation management always had the impression they have unlimited authority to do whatever they may wish to do with public resources,” the committee says. made up of seven members of parliament, the committee

‘the people of the country are waiting. What is the government’s response and what are they going to do about it?’ was appointed by Controller and Chief Auditor Fuimaono Papali’i Afele to consider findings of irregularities and wrongdoings in government ministries and public bodies. the Samoa land Corporation is the only state entity probed where instances of discrepancies and corrupt practices were so serious, legal action has been recommended.

A host of wrongdoing identiied by the Controller and Chief Auditor was confirmed by the committee which included: - A lexus vehicle bought

by SlC for the then minister, Faumuina tiatia liuga which did not go through the usual tender process or to cabinet for approval, which was of concern to the committee.

SLC management conirmed $400,000 was used to buy two vehicles, one for the minister and one for the corporation that cost $200,000 each. But the ac-

tual cost of the minister’s lexus was $399,105.90. “this is quite expensive compared to other cabinet ministers vehicles,” the committee says.

With “additional costs” the actual cost of the minister’s vehicle was $1,105,042.90,” it says.

- the committee also revealed a practise involving “staff benefits” in land purchases – “60% special price for quarter acre land– and bonuses at end of each inancial year not based on performance that were tax free.

- the appointment of the former general manager of the South Pacific Games as a technical adviser on a salary of $80,000. “this post was not advertised but was a direct appointment.”

- the appointment of a secretary for the minister at a salary of $60,000 to record every meeting of a board the minister was a member of.

- the purchase of a water rig drill. Cabinet approved $1,196,067.93 for it but SlC paid $2,192,210.90, a difference of $996,142.97 – which required cabinet approval but did not. management violated procurement policies.

- SlC paid a middleman company, Seyleck Global Supplies (SGS), “a tremendous amount of expenditure without complying with normal and

proper tender procedures”. these included $3.5 million in July 2007 and in December 2008 “for fixed assets which included three motor vehicles, computer set, heavy equipment, gold equipment.”

- required by law to table in Parliament an annual report, SlC last did that for the period ended June 2005.

- A landscaping and nursery company was paid $16,833 a month, a job not tendered as per government policy.

- the cost to build SlC headquarters was set at $2,800,000 including taxes. the bidder that won the contract put in a tender of $2,600,000 and won it because the bid included installation of an elevator. it cost $4,495,979 in the end. the elevator has never worked since construction of SlC headquarters ended in 2011.

- required by law to table in Parliament an annual report, SlC last did that for the period ended June 2005.

Prime minister tuilaepa and his government have remained tightlipped, the Samoa observer reports. tuilaepa has declined to discuss the reports with media but in parliament on Friday made an obscure plea for the people Samoa to forgive politicians who were “not perfect”.

- Samoa Observer

Government to help longliners PAGo PAGo – American Sa-

moa’s governor has asked members of the local longline ishing boat owners association to give the government two weeks to review their requests for assistance. “the governor told the tautai o Samoa group to give the government two-weeks in which to fully evaluate the requests from vessel owners, at which time he will meet with them again to present the government’s plans relative to the type of assistance that it will provide,” boat owner iulogologo Joseph Pereira said after a meeting with the governor. the American Samoa longline leet is facing many issues and as a result a number of boat owners have advertised their vessels for sale Pereira told Samoa News that the governor has already requested assistance from the uS Army Corps of engineers to assess and recommend the best location within the harbour for the construction of additional

docking space while the Department of marine and Wildlife resources has graciously allowed the fishing vessels to temporarily tie up at the marine resources Wharf.

A task force to assess and come up with recommendations on how to address the requests posed by the ishing vessel owners is being established, he said.

Boat owner Christina lutuSanchez said the boat owners and representatives are appreciative of the opportunity to meet with the governor. She said the boat owners “re-presented those issues that we had presented before— including ones in the mentioned in the newspaper like the excise tax on fish and docking problems.” “the governor was very receptive and reassured us that economic development is still his priority— including fisheries— and he asked for twoweeks for his team to put together a response.”

She also said cabinet members present at the meeting

“were genuinely interested” and everyone was ready to assist. in his address to the Fono last week, the governor, lolo moliga, said he will convene a task force to assess how the government can provide “consistent assistance to our business assets such as our local ishing leet.”

Besides American Samoa, fishing fleet industries elsewhere are facing challenges of their own and have drastically scaled back operations.

According to the Fiji Sun newspaper, two major fishing companies in that country – Fiji Fish marketing Group and Solander (Paciic) Limited – have been forced to shut down most of their operations because it is no longer economically viable to continue ishing. The two companies have also been forced to lay off a signiicant number of staff. the Fiji Sun points out that 75 per cent of Fiji’s domestic tuna fleet has ceased operations, and quotes an oficial of Fiji Fish saying, “the industry

has been struck an unfair and fatal blow by the hundreds of state-subsidized foreign vessels which have surrounded Fiji.” the tautai o Samoa association told Samoa News that among the obstacles they face is the increase of Chinese ishing vessels in the region and the way the Chinese government subsidises these boats. lolo told lawmakers last week that the territory’s “economic future is being threatened by China as it uses its economic and financial muscle to create a monopoly in the isheries industry.” “our local longline fishing industry is threatened because applicable federal policies create an uneven operating ield, giving the Chinese ishing vessels unfair competitive advantages,” he said. “the provision of subsidies

by China worsens the situation. the same scenario could someday hold true for fish canning operations.”

- The Samoa News

First catastrophe insurance pay out NuKu’AloFA – the World Bank

has awarded the irst Paciic catastrophe insurance payout to tonga to help the country recover from Cyclone ian.

Tonga is one of six Paciic island nations, including Cook islands, marshall islands, Samoa, Solomon islands and Vanuatu, currently participating in the Paciic Catastrophe Risk Insurance Pilot. the scheme, operated by the

World Bank, is based on a similar concept trialed in the Caribbean.

Franz Dree-Gross, the World Bank’s country director for the Paciic, said that Tonga will receive $uS1.27 million to cope with the devastation caused by Cyclone ian.

“What the World Bank does is that it purchases disaster risk insurance with private risk insurers on behalf of a number of

Paciic island countries,” he said.

“When a disaster strikes, a computer model generates an estimate of the actual damages that tonga has sustained, without having to do a detailed loss assessment.”

Cyclone ian devastated the northern islands of Ha’apai earlier this month, leaving one person dead and more than a thousand buildings destroyed. tongan minister for Finance

and National Planning Dr ‘Aisake Valu eke says the money from the World Bank’s scheme will help the people of Ha’apai recover and “return to their everyday lives without delay”. in a statement, the World Bank said it is also supporting damage assessments in Ha’apai that will allow tonga to measure the full extent of the cyclone damage.

- ABC

5

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalNeWS nuti no te PA eNuA

PM blasts paper, seeks forgiveness APiA – Samoa’s prime minister,

tuilaepa Sa’ilele malielegaoi, blasted the Samoa observer in parliament on Friday and then gave a lengthy Biblical sermon seeking forgiveness for errant politicians.

What triggered the Prime minister’s outburst against the newspaper could not be ascer-

tained, the Samoa observer said while reporting the prime minister’s discourse to the house.

But his comments were made as he acknowledged the officers of Parliament Committee tasked to investigate claims of “corrupt practices” highlighted in the report by the Controller and Chief Auditor Fuimaono

Lorde's message well received

new Zealand singer Lorde accepts the Best Pop solo Performance award for ‘royals’ during the 56th Grammy awards. AFP loS ANGeleS – New Zealand’s teenage global music sensation lorde has captured the world – with a song made to be given away.

Seventeen-year- old ella Yelich-o’Connor won two Grammy awards – for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year, becoming the irst New Zealander to take those awards and the youngest Kiwi to win at the industry’s most prestigious awards. the irony of lorde’s antiglitterati lyrics in royals was not lost as she rubbed shoulders with the world’s biggest names in music at the 56th Grammys in front of an estimated worldwide audience of 30 million.

Grammy Awards host ll Cool J introduced the North Shore teenager as a “global sensation” before she appeared on a dimly lit stage to perform her smash hit as the second act of the ceremony.

However, her industry freshness remained obvious as she broke into giggles during her first acceptance speech, and could not get off the stage fast enough during the second.

She shyly greeting the thousands of music industry professionals in the audience with “Well, hello”.

“this is the one thing that i did not expect the most tonight, so thank you so much,” she said. lorde paid tribute to her fellow nominees in the category, Bruno mars, Sara Bareilles, Katy Perry and Justin timberlake, and said their work had inspired her. royals co-writer and producer Joel little, who shared the song of the year Grammy, described the win as “intense”, and said it was a “complete honour”. “i just want to say, we made this song originally just to give away for free and to be here now in this room with so many legends and people who we all admire is a complete honour, so thank you for that.”

New Zealand Prime minister John Key congratulated lorde and little, both by tweet and in a statement. “this Grammy success underlines a fantastic year for lorde and Joel little. they have achieved something no other New Zealander has,” Key said in a statement this evening. “lorde is a phenomenal talent and an inspiration to all young New Zealanders.

“At just 17 years old she has a great future. Her success today has made us all very proud.”

- PNC

Camillo Afele for the inancial period ending June 30, 2010. the prime minister admitted that although the issues they raised “hurts the ministers and me, that’s the nature of parliamentary work”.

Having confirmed the findings of the chief auditor’s report during its investigation, the parliamentary committee recommended legal action to be taken where policies and laws were breached. tuilaepa said it was imperative for cabinet to demand reports from ministries and follow up on issues investigated by the chief auditor.

But he reminded that Samoa is not a country where the workers are a “hundred per cent”.

“Whoever is wise, he cannot be right all the time. Just because of a minor lapse, we shouldn’t try to hang him and ask for blood to be spilled and death. “that’s not the spirit in this country. this is a country that’s founded on God.” the prime minister then urged members of parliament not to be inluenced by the work of “kids” who write for the Samoa observer. “they’re just kids. if you look at them, they’re so young and yet you are moved by it.”

He was referring to an article in the newspaper last week where members of the public condemned his tendency to drag God’s name into local politics. tuilaepa said: “look at these old people whom they’ve gone and taken photos. then they bring these mothers who say, ‘look at how rude the prime minister is when he talks and says that the appointments are of God.’ “But what are we reading from the Bible and what are servants of the Gospel saying?”

Answering himself, tuilaepa told parliament that all appointments are from God. “in your calling as a secretary – where the only thing you do is tap on the typewriter – that’s your calling from God,” he said.

“Your calling as a leader of the government in this parliament is your calling from God.” “look at King David, how many times did Saul try to inish him?”

‘Don’t be vengeful, vengeance is not ours. We are all working for the good of our country. Forgive your parliament, there are times we are not perfect.’

At that point an opposition mP interrupted to ask: “is this the response to the audit report?” the Prime minister then issued a warning.

“Don’t touch the life of he who has been anointed,” he said. “We all read the Bible, that’s where we go to ind help. if God made the appointment, God will make a decision whether it’s through the law.”

He added: “it was God who gave us the law. it’s not as if God is separate from the law.” the Samoa observer reports that tuilaepa then gave members of parliament a sermon about virtues from the Bible. “mr Speaker, when we enter parliament, we should be prepared to carry all that is bad and good. “the only thing we should do is to be patient and forgive. the highest law of the land is to love one another but you cannot do that if you don’t forgive, if you continue to hate your brother. “if you don’t forgive your brother, there is no use for you to pray the lord’s prayer anymore.” “the heart of the lord’s prayer is about forgiveness,” he said. “Don’t be vengeful, vengeance is not ours.” the prime minister then sought forgiveness from the country.

“Forgive us,” he said, “We’re not perfect. We are all working for the good of our country. Forgive your parliament, there are times we are not perfect.” in a subsequent editorial the Samoa observer says the prime minister’s evident frustration and often startling outbursts, can be attributed to the fact he is surrounded by some mP’s who

samoa’s prime minister Tuilaepa sa’ilele Malielegaoi turned to the Bible to give parliament a sermon on forgiveness. AFP are “busy plotting their own political paths and are unable to manage their portfolio responsibilities or are just simply out of their depth in understanding the vision and vagaries of running a country”. “in addition, he has to strive to keep his party together by the reshufling of portfolios which we saw at the last election; and since then, by defending and speaking up for some of the members of his party when their behaviour and corrupt management policies have been made public. “it is little wonder that he prefers to be the spokesman for almost everything in this country and certainly when on the world stage, he has his admirers for his no nonsense approach.

“His plea last week to the country on behalf of parliament for forgiveness is no doubt genuine and the admission of not being perfect is easier on our ears than the constant references of being chosen or advised

by God. “there is also the fact that the chief auditor and controller delivered a damning report that

has shown perfection is a long way off for several ministers and Ceo’s.

“These indings were backed by the interesting mix of people in the Oficers of Parliament select committee who conirmed what we all already knew.

“So really, what else could he say but admit to these imperfections?

“And while the country is no doubt ready to forgive, we would ask that he in turn, does not forget.

“We ask that he accepts the oPC’s recommendations of legal action being initiated against those who are actually self-serving as opposed to serving our people and country as is often claimed in interviews for high positions and at election times.

“We would also remind him that misusing our taxpayer’s money and committing us and our children to increasing debt for the years to come, is not anything to do with what his party supposedly stands for – the protection of human rights.”

- Samoa Observer

Order may shut down mine Port moreSBY – Papua New Guinea’s National Court has ordered the ok tedi mining company to stop dumping waste into a river, a move which would effectively shut the mine.

Communities in the South Fly river area, 500 kilometres downstream from the mine, iled a writ claiming the dumping of waste and tailings into the nearby river system is illegal. local government president Benjes Kudi Alusi says pollution has hurt his constituents.

“A lot of the wildlife and ish is gone and it’s going to be a time bomb – the people will die and loat like ish,” he said.

Gedi Dabu, another local government leader, says the damage

has also been felt further south, in an area that borders Australia’s territory in the torres Strait. “there are so many of our women giving birth to deformed babies in Daru Hospital and this may be part of the effects from the damages of the mine,” Dabu said.

Since the 1980s, the ok tedi gold and copper mine created billions of dollars of revenue for Australian company BHP, but waste dumped into the river system caused widespread damage.

BHP handed over its majority share to a local trust in 2001 in return for legal immunity. last year, the Papua New Guinea Government passed legislation to take over the PNG

Sustainable Development Program – effectively nationalising the mine.

But the order from PNG’s National Court could see the mine grind to a halt.

Samson Jubi, a lawyer for the South Fly river community leaders, says the interim order is long overdue. “the court has ordered ok tedi mine limited to stop dumping anymore mine waste and tailings into the ok mine, ok tedi, and the Fly river and all of its tributaries,” mr Jubi said. “everybody wants that mine to be shut. enough is enough.

We have suffered enough.” the court has also ordered

that company bank accounts be frozen after allegations were made that money earmarked for local development had been misused.

Justice Gibbs Salika has ordered $19 million of the money held in the accounts to be used for extensive research into the environmental and health impacts to the South Fly river and the torres Strait.

He wants to see a preliminary report in three months, although that may be dificult given the size of the area and the complexity of the problem.

A spokeswoman for ok tedi said the company has no comment until after the orders are formally served.

- ABC

6

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

letterS reta

TMV – can’t afford not to do it!

Dear editor, With so much negative publicity about te mato Vai (tmV), i took the opportunity to attend the public consultation meeting at titikaveka last week, expecting to see a hostile public. to my surprise the public was by and large attentive, with most resigned to the project proceeding regardless. it seemed to me the tmV project management team did well in their presentation and handling of concerns expressed by members of the public, with financial secretary richard Neves the standout in his handling of the tricky issue of funding. So instead of abusing them, i congratulate them! the disappointment for me was the lack of understanding by some members of the public that tmV is a comprehensive development plan of 18 parts that will take three years to complete and still at scoping stage – meaning the inancial outcomes some wanted to know cannot be conirmed until the public consultation process is completed and scope of development inalised. the management team did explain this aspect but as usual with public consultations those with private agendas don’t hear it.

As expected the question on many people’s minds was can we afford to do this water project. to my mind we can’t afford not to do it, as visitor numbers have increased by some 30 per cent since the crash of developed economies in late 2008 and rarotonga’s infrastructure is now under pressure, and threatening our tourism lifeline. in fact, i think waste management should also be implemented now because if rarotonga’s

lagoon becomes polluted our is over 15 years, annual debt servicing will be around $4.25 tourism lifeline is gone. i take this opportunity to million. i think we already pay comment on some issues raised more than this for the water we from a development perspective buy so there is no impact on the and apologise for being brutal: economy, just collateral damage 1. Development Cost; NZ by way of current providers of drinkable water goAid has injected iting out of business. self into the tmV ‘of course we 3. Water rates; of project and offered have to pay for course we have to to fund project manpotable water, pay for potable waagement, meaning and those who ter, and those who its $15 million condon’t want to don’t want to pay tribution can be depay can always can always turn off ducted from the $60 turn off their their water metres million project cost. water metres and drink putrid this of course leaves and drink putrid water instead of real cost at $45 milwater instead.’ potable water, like lion, consisting of some outer island$23 million Chinese concessional loan at 2 per cent ers have to put up with. it goes interest and $22 million ADB without saying if we pay water rates the revenue stream will inloan at 3.46 per cent interest.

2. Debt Servicing; interest crease our borrowing capacity, cost is $1.25 million and as- and perhaps develop our waste suming principal repayment management infrastructure.

4. land Acquisition; tmV is for the wider good of the community and acquiring land by warrant is not unusual, but clearly unpalatable to landowners. Perhaps more palatable would be for land to be leased commercially with goodwill and 1 per cent turnover paid to landowners? i suspect landowners will support water rates being levied if this was to occur, so as to ensure their share of turnover.

5. Supply and Storage; we only need to look at the lush vegetation around us to know that we have an abundance of water. Without doing the sums i think relying on 12 catchments to supply the whole of rarotonga is a tough ask. may i suggest that household roofs be used as catchments and storage tanks are supplied to store water for household use, which

Tupapa MP George Maggie at the village’s water illing station in July. 13071209

is current government policy, with surplus water fed into the water treatment grid, just as surplus solar energy is being harnessed and fed into the grid?

Needless to say this will increase catchment and storage capacity markedly and provide a source of water for those who don’t want to pay for potable water.

6. reticulation: replacing the existing pipes is sensible, as tracking pipe condition and leakage underground is dificult and costly, with no guarantee of systemic integrity.

7. operational management; managing potable water on completion is not problematic as some are speculating, as a computerised management system can be built-in to man-

age catchment, storage, treatment and reticulation, just as computers manage intelligent buildings and fly aeroplanes without pilots.

8. Budget Blowouts; while budget blowouts are normal in God’s own i don’t see it happening with CCeCC engaged as builder, as it has design capability to ensure cost control. it built the courthouse, police station and national stadium on time and on budget and it has undertaken billion dollar infrastructure developments in the Bahamas, where they sing their praise. that’s my input to the tmV project, and it’s intended to help! tim tepaki

‘Fluoride is a chemical’

Dear editor, let's get it straight from the outset. Fluoride is a chemical.

Fluoride is a toxic waste produced in the process of making phosphate and is also a toxic by-product of aluminium production. the human brain is damaged by contact with aluminium and luoride's ability to 'bond' withaluminium means aluminium molecules are carried by luoride when ingested with water.

Fluoride borne aluminium is known as a causative factor with Alzheimer Disease, becauseit has the ability to 'trick' the blood-brain barrier by imitating the hydrogen ion thus allowing this chemical access to brain tissue. remember, water is one part hydrogen, two parts oxygen.

Fluoride is said, by those who favour it, to reduce dental cavities, but there is no empirical evidence in long term studies, that will withstand scrutiny, to substantiate that claim. Fluoride is reported to be a component of rodent and pest poisons and also Sarin gas. that same stuff people in Syria have been killed and crippled with in the last few months.

Cook islanders have survived for as long as there has been piped water to homes, without chemicals in the system. So what’s the motive to introduce a known toxic waste that the people, who would be slowly poisoned, would have to pay for it to be imported ?

Power to the People, Name and address supplied

Film Raro was ‘a breath of fresh air’ Dear editor, it has been interesting to read recently about Film raro. last may during the time of their ilming, I was on another visit, over from New Zealand to see friends on the island. While it was obviously a crazy time for all involved in the project, i felt it also brought much excitement and a breath of fresh air to rarotonga for those few weeks. i met a few members from a couple of the film teams, both local and international, and chatted to them about the project. they were all extraordinarily positive about the beneits to everyone and in particular the effort, passion and work that everyone had contributed

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

www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday

to, with the common purpose of coming together to tell their stories.

From an outsider’s point of view (and with no ilm knowledge), having experienced the event and more importantly been at the screening of those amazing ilms, I am astounded to hear that they didn't receive support from Cook islands tourism Corporation for this venture, and even more saddened to hear that the producers have been turned down again.

Short-short sightedness and fear of the unknown seem to be very sad excuses for an organisation tasked with promoting the Cook islands.

Name and address supplied

Managing Editor John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com Financial Controller Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com General Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com Deputy Editor Matariki Wilson matariki@cookislandsnews.com Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Reporters Emmanuel Samoglou emmanuel@cookislandsnews.com Ben Chapman-Smith ben@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Reeves rachel@cookislandsnews.com Court Reporter Merita Wi-Kaitaia merita@cookislandsnews.com Advertising adverts@cookislandsnews.com Advertising Assistant Peka Fisher peka@cookislandsnews.com Oice Manager Tere Joseph tere@cookislandsnews.com Accounts Manager Tangi Tauira tangi@cookislandsnews.com Reception Kura Tauira reception@cookislandsnews.com Oice staf Apii Tua apii@cookislandsnews.com Graphic Design & Layout Mahai Daniel mahai@cookislandsnews.com Adam Tutuvanu adam@cookislandsnews.com Web Developer Daniel Rolls dan@cookislandsnews.com Print Manager Dan Johnston danj@cookislandsnews.com Printers Dennis Campos, Lai Gukisuva

7

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

Honeymoon in jeopardy after passport robbery A CANADiAN couple spending their pre-wedding honeymoon in rarotonga are pleading to the thieves who stole their passports to return them before Saturday.

David Sims and his fiancée Donata Platen are marrying in June and decided to take an early honeymoon in the Cook islands, before continuing on a four-month trip to South America this Saturday. their travel plans are now in jeopardy after someone broke into the Kiikii motel between 8pm Sunday and 8am monday and carried off a safe containing their passports, cash and driver’s licences.

“Basically, we have to cancel

our whole trip and get temporary travel documents that will only allow us to get back home. if we’re lucky, we’ll be able to get new passports and eventually keep travelling,” Sims said. it is more likely that the cost of new passports and new lights will force the couple to cancel their journey altogether, he said.

“We could be broke before the wedding’s even started.” the couple are pleading for the person responsible to have compassion and return the passports.

“You don’t have to bring them to the hotel. Just drop them somewhere that someone will find them so we can get

them back,” Platen said.

Sims’ parents, David (senior) and Alice, also lost their passports and money in the safe robbery. this is the couple’s 24th trip to the Cook islands and they wanted to show their daughterin-law, Donata, the country they fell in love with two decades ago.

“We brought her here to see paradise and then this happens. it’s quite devastating for all of us,” said David senior.

Alice said she keeps hearing people refer to the Cook islands as the ‘Crook islands’. “i’ve always defended it and now i’m starting to wonder.”

Dave junior – who has been to

Rarotonga ive times and previously volunteered at rarotonga Hospital – also feels the island is changing. “the best thing about the place is the people but something like this dramatically shatters that opinion about how the people are here. it’s a few people that make a bad name for the majority.”

Another Norwegian couple staying at the Kiikii also had their valuables stolen and police are investigating the incident.

Anyone who knows anything about the case can phone the confidential Crime Stoppers number 0800 222 00.

- Ben Chapman-Smith

Canadian couples donata Platen (front left) and david sims (front right), along with david sims (senior) and alice, are all devastated after being robbed in rarotonga. 14012740

‘Mobile library’ created at Avatea A ‘ moBile liBrArY’ will be

keeping Avatea School students entertained for the start of 2014. the school lost its library – along with a block of classrooms and the resources inside the buildings – in an act of arson in october last year.

Principal Nga Charlie said

that, wanting to keep the regular reading programme going, the school came up with the idea of a mobile library, where each classroom receives a plastic bin full of books, and the bins are rotated between classes. “the idea came about because of the limited space we have, and there’s no space we can set up a

library.”

Following the ire, Apii Avatea was grateful to receive piles of donated books, including around 1000 books from tungane Broadbent who donated her own ‘rainbow reading Programme’ resources to the school, and $1000 worth of books through the Vaka eiva ‘adopt a

school’ programme.

Charlie said these books have been sorted and are being put into plastic bins that she purchased for the library with permission from the Parent teacher Association.

Some classes received their bin of books on the irst day of the school year yesterday, she said.

“We haven’t decided when to rotate (the bins),” said Charlie, who said the teachers will provide feedback on how the students are going with the books to determine when to move the bins between classes.

Following the ire last year, a proposal was put to Cabinet to merge Apii Avatea and neighbouring Nikao maori School and build one new school for the Nikao area. the submission was support-

ed by Cabinet, though the merger is still in the planning stages.

Charlie said she is hoping the new school will be built in 2014, at which point the books will be used in the new library while the bins will serve to hold other resources, such as sports equipment.

“Our ingers are crossed that we’re getting a new school sometime this year – so our books will be ready to go then.”

- Briar Douglas

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4 academy awards nominations, inc Best Picture & Best actress nominated four Bafta awards and three golden globes.

“...a tearjerker of rare honesty and craft.”

– Boston gLoBe

Young Avatea School students line up for the irst assembly of the year. 14012708

sWitCh on with te aponga uira

staying safe During Cyclone season it’s important that you stay aware of the following safety advice.

1. stay well away from fallen power lines. always assume they are ‘live’ and dangerous. Report them immediately.

2. if you experience tingles or shocks from an electrical appliance or water taps, call your electrician to check your electrical wiring immediately.

3. Don’t use any electrical appliances that have been wet or damaged. have them checked by your electrician.

Year 7 students Tailor Pemberton (left) and Erina Tangata are all ready for their irst class of the year. 14012706

err strongly on the side of caution. stay safe.

www.teaponga.com

8

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

Takitumu School teacher Vaine Tarota Foster and her new entrants grade one students all grinning from ear to ear on their irst day of school. 14012730

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

First day of grade one at Takitumu School teACHer Vaine tarota Foster began her ist day of grade one yesterday, along with a new set of 11 smiling youngsters.

Foster is a teacher at takitumu Primary School in matavera, who had previously taught three and four year olds at preschool for ive years.

Yesterday, she saw some of the same faces yesterday in her new classroom, but those students are now about one year older. “it’s a whole new experience for me,” she said. over the next few days, the students will begin to learn each other’s names, while Foster takes time to learn about

each student and work out their individual needs.

As the school year progresses, the teacher will begin to work on the basics – numbers, letters, and words.

Although she sometimes has to keep repeating the same things, Foster said keeping the kids in line keeps them on the right track. “it’s very rewarding when you notice a difference,” she said.

While teaching at takitumu, Foster is also completing an early childhood education diploma at the university of the South Paciic.

- Emmanuel Samoglou

Roll grows at Nikao Maori tHe Pre - SCHool at Nikao

maori School was full of smiling faces yesterday, with more pre-schoolers enrolling for 2014 than in the previous year.

Preschool teacher roimata tafale said she recently farewelled 15 students, and has welcomed 20 more for the coming year – 10 who were in class for the irst day of the term yesterday, and another 10 who had just enrolled. the pre-schoolers got creative with paint and crayons yesterday, with tafale saying it was a day to help the students settle in.

“We need to introduce them to the new routines and rules, and show them where the toi-

lets are, things like that.” older students also attended the first day of the year at Nikao maori School, and settled into class in the section of the school closest to the main road – with classrooms further inland having been nominated for use by students at Avatea School, which lost a block of classrooms in october due to an act of arson.

While a Cabinet submission for the schools to merge – with one new school to be built to serve the area – received support last year, the two schools have started off the year as separate entities.

- Briar Douglas

The Takitumu Trio – three little youngsters from Vaine Tarota Foster’s grade one class.

14012731

above: More pre-schoolers have enrolled for 2014 at nikao Maori school than in the previous year. 14012716

as PaRt of the

RaRotonga inteRnationaL

aiRPoRt 40th

anniVeRsaRy CeLeBRation 14012721

Pre-school students at nikao Maori school started the year with some creative pursuits. 14012717

Gina Vaine Keu is excited about starting the new school year.

on tuesday evening join us for our faBuLous

island night with superbfeast

Dining 7 - 8.30pm show starts 8.30pm featuring delicious local food

m 8.30p s t r a t y ws m sho ainment b p 0 3 . g7-8 ntert Dinin d night e islan e tilllat oyze B & a R ithta entw m n i a ntert Livee

edgewater Resort - reservations essential phone now 25435

Complimentarytransfersprovidedfromanywhereontheisland. saturdayislandnightfeaturesorama

theaiRPoRtauthoRityWiLLoPenits inteRnationaLteRMinaLtothePuBLiC fRoM11.30aMto2PMonWeDnesDay 29 JanuaRy 2014. thisisanoPPoRtunityfoRthe PuBLiCtoVieWtheinteRnationaL DePaRtuReteRMinaLaReainCLuDing thegoVeRnMentViPLoungeanDthe aRRiVaLs aRea. esCoRteDRiDesWiLLBeoffeReDto thoseWhoWishtoVieWtheRunWay

aiRPoRt ManageMent

10

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

MEDIA RELEASE – NCEA RESULTS – 2013 COMPARATIVE NATIONAL RESULTS NCEA - 2008-2013 Comparisons based on Total Enrolments at each Level year 2008 % nCea Level 1 47 nCea Level 2 51 nCea Level 3 36 university entrance 15

2009 % 51 64 39 35

2010 % 49 53 55 25

2011 % 64 66 63 32

2012 % 65 76 71 45

2013 % 72 62 63 51

Comparisons based on Participation by Students Eligible for Award year 2008 % nCea Level 1 nCea Level 2 nCea Level 3 university entrance

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

%

%

%

%

%

47 51 36 15

51 64 39 35

49 53 55 25

64 66 63 32

71 76 71 45

84 77 77 51

nCea Merit and excellence Certiicate year 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Merit: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 excellence:

2 3 0

4 0 7

7 1 0

7 2 3

12 5 1

25 5 2

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

0 0 0

0 0 0

1 0 0

2 1 0

2 0 1

6 2 0

Pass Rates - NCEA 2013 - By Enrolment and Participation % achieved by eligible for enrolment award

roll number no.

school Level

no. of students

no. achieved % achieved by by participation Participation

araura College

1

25

16

64.0%

25

16

64.0%

enuamanu

1

16

16

100.0%

16

16

100.0%

Mangaia

1

15

10

66.7%

10

10

100.0%

Mauke

1

6

6

100.0%

6

6

100.0%

nukutere

1

29

26

89.7%

29

26

89.7%

Tereora

1

131

92

70.2%

109

91

83.5%

Titikaveka

1

19

8

42.1%

11

8

72.7%

national averages

1

241

174

72.2%

206

173

84.0%

araura College

2

17

14

82.4%

16

14

87.5%

enuamanu

2

5

5

100.0%

5

5

100.0%

Mangaia

2

12

10

83.3%

10

10

100.0%

Tereora

2

144

81

56.3%

119

84

70.6%

Titikaveka

2

16

10

62.5%

10

10

100.0%

national averages

2

194

120

61.9%

160

123

76.9%

enuamanu

3

4

3

75.0%

3

3

100.0%

Tereora

3

97

62

63.9%

83

63

75.9%

national averages

3

101

65

64.4%

86

66

76.7

ue

69

35

50.7%

69

35

50.7%

Tereora

Merit Certiicate endorsements

excellence Certiicate endorsements

1 0 0 0 5 19 0 25

0 0 0 0 4 2 0 6

araura College enuamanu Mangaia Mauke nukutere tereora titikaveka national averages

Merit Certiicate endorsements

excellence Certiicate endorsements

0 0 0 5 0 5 0 2 2

0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0

araura College enuamanu Mangaia tereora titikaveka national averages

enuamanu tereora national averages

Continuing improvement in education achievement PrelimiNArY NCeA results

show an increase in the number of students achieving both certiicate and course endorsements at the ‘merit’ and ‘excellence’ levels. the ministry of education has analysed NCeA results and are delighted with the continuing improvement in achievement at most levels – results moe secretary Sharyn Paio says are tracking well above the 2015 targets set down by in the education master Plan. results released are only preliminary, with inal results due for publication in march. results are now analysed in two ways – by actual numbers of students who are enrolled

in their respective year level to show the achievement of all students after 11, 12 or 13 years of education, and by participation, which shows the achievement of those students who entered for a course of study which, if successful, would allow them to gain an NCEA qualiication at the appropriate level.

Participation rates exclude students in each year group who may have taken only a partial course, or who have undertaken multi-level studies or may have been involved in a more diverse range of studies for which NZQA credits were not available. “it is also encouraging to see the increasing numbers of stu-

dents achieving both certiicate and course endorsements at the merit and excellence levels and i congratulate all teachers in the Cook islands who have contributed to these excellent results and most importantly, the students on their outstanding achievement,” says Paio. “the challenge now is to raise achievement levels even higher in 2014 and i know that this will be the driving force for teachers and principals as we start this new academic year.” the ministry of education looks forward to again being able to support schools to be the best they can be and continue our pursuit of excellence in everything they do, says Paio. - MW

High achievements at Nukutere College At CAtHoliC school Nuku-

tere College, the results of the students’ academic achievements highlight the school’s vision of achieving excellence.

NCeA preliminary results have been released, and Nukutere College students have come up trumps. the school’s NCeA level one students attained an impressive 89.7 per cent pass rate – an achievement that has been reached despite six of the school’s classrooms being destroyed in an arson attack in october last year. of the six level one certificates of excellence attained by Cook islands students across the country, four were Nukutere College students. the school also saw five level one students receive certificates of merit. “i think it’s outstanding,” says principal George rasmussen. rasmussen says the college

has the same vision of education excellence as the ministry of education. more impressive is how the level one students kept their heads in their books despite half the school being destroyed by fire right at the crucial exam time in 2013 – a feat rasmussen believes has strengthened the students and staff of the school. even though the school will continue to operate without six of its classrooms for the first term of the new school year, the school roll has steadily increased much to the surprise of rasmussen.

Before the start of the school year, 132 students were enrolled – but on the first day of school yesterday, a total of 155 students were on site ready to learn. temporary classrooms have been set out in the school hall, and the school’s year 11 students have the best classroom

of the lot – an open-sided tent under the shade of the large flame trees at the school. the tent, sponsored by the rarotonga tiling Centre, will be on site as the year 11 classroom for the next 12 weeks of term one as the new wing of the school is set to be constructed by the start of term two. looking ahead to a brighter year, rasmussen says the school’s Catholic character makes for a fun and calm learning environment at the school.

He says the school aims to maintain its excellent level one achievement, and continue to lift the literacy and numeracy standards at the school – with some staff professional development workshops also on the cards. rasmussen acknowledges it will be a tough start to the school year, but one that will strengthen the students and staff of the college.

- MW

Subject Endorsements Level 1

araura College

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Ci Maori

english

Geo

sci

1M

2M

1M

1M

enuamanu

1M

Mangaia

2M

Mauke

1M; 3e

nukutere

4M; 4e

Level 1 Pe

Level 1 religious education

Level 1 Visual arts

Level 2 Ci Maori

3M 4M 2M

2M

3M

2M

2M; 4e

2M; 4e

Titikaveka Totals L1

Tereora College

Totals L2

Totals L3

Merit

excellence

Merit

excellence

Merit

excellence

55

21

30

30

26

3

nukutere College principal with the school’s year 11 students in their ‘tent classroom’ – their learning space for the next 12 weeks as construction of new classrooms on the site where six classrooms were destroyed by an arson attack will begin. 14012726

11

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL

PHONE

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Fax 25303

PUBLIC NOTICES

SERvICES

FOR SALE

FREE EYE EXAMS AND FREE GLASSES for children Supporting the community that supports ANNIE at THE EYE PLACE, COOKS CORNER. Phone 22121.

Gym Set $1,500 Entertainment package (projector, Xbox and speaker) $1,500 For more details call 74737.

76508 /36081 /1969

CISPCA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Date: 28 January 2014 Time: 5pm Venue: Puhoi Hut CIGFC Agenda: Minutes of previous AGM Matters arising President`s report Treasurer`s report Audit report Election of oice bearers General business All members and intending members please attend Secretary.

76445 / /1915

Bible Class Study the bible with Papa Brain chitty at the Ruatonga meeting house, tonight, Tuesday at 7pm. All welcome- Aere Mai. 76580 /36112 /1931

Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute Hospitality and services in Ngatangiia is having another open day this Wednesday the 29 10am 2pm. So for those who missed out last week here is your opportunity. We are ofering a highly recognized Food and Beverage course by City and Guilds which is an ideal pathway to becoming an air hostess and it also provides skills, knowledge and techniques required for a long and successful career in the hospitality industry. This is your opportunity to start building your pathway with us here at home, preparing you for endless possibilities near or far. come in and meet our tutors and learn as much as you like about the course. Also ind out more about our various community education programmes on ofer and short term City and Guilds courses.

We look forward to seeing you there.

SERvICES

SITUATIONS vACANT

76579 /36117 /1931

Bag’s of Tiare Taina (gardenia) $10 a bag Matapuku $12 a bag.

Phone 51661.

76586 / /1931

P&D Daycare - Matavera.

Yes, we do baby-sit.

Ages 2 1/2 yearts to 5 years.

Inquiries phone 27300, mobile 55300.

Canon EO5, 400 digital camera, extra lens, $1000 ono, still new. Phone 51142.

76592 /36119 /1931

FOR SALE

76565 /36121 /1931

LOST Iphone lost between Muri to Cook Island Fitness (airport) Please contact 202050.

76593 / /1917

2012 Honda Trail Bike XR 125 (White) Reduced to sell $1,800 , in very good condition.

Phone 27156 to view.

76537 /36097 /1931

FOR RENT 3 bdrm house, fully furnished, water tank & solar hot water in Matavera. Ph 51153.

Kite Naish Fky 2013 Size 15, $900 Party Walker Ipod portable PA System $300 Phone 78081.

76563 /36108 /1931

76516 /36099 /1931

3 bedroom partly furnished home in Titikaveka $250 a week.

Contact 51403.

76569 /36123 /1931

Blackrock cottage, 2br, furnished, aircon etc., beach access, no smoking, available 23 Feb long term, $1500 per month, email to arrange inspection, deepblue@oyster. net.ck

Rauti muramura e te matie for sale. Phone 24922 or 72545.

76577 /36114 /1931

76600/36118

Tupapa Maraerenga League Masters Meeting to be held on Wednesday 29 January 2014.

5pm at the ield.

P.Paitai, President.

76574 /36113 /1868

TUATUA AKAKITE Ruatonga Tapere Ka kaikai tatou no te taopenga anga (wrap up) ite au angaanga ta tatou I rave ite Xmas, Mataiti Ou, ete Pure Epetoma.

Aere mai tatou katoatoa te au metua, e ta tatou au mapu ote tapere. Ruitoru ra 29 Tianuare I te ora 6.00pm ite aiai. Are Uipaanga. Meitaki Maata.

Tangi Kapi/ Pu Tapere.

76581 /36112 /1931

Autism Cook islands

Missing Dog, Black & Tan Two front legs shaved from Op at vet, Female with Short tail, Missing collar, Her name is Vareta. Please phone Poko on 24084. Reward ofered.

76578 /36115 /1931

76531 / /1997

76512 / /1648

MISSING

Classiieds • Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

76576 / /2442

Yamaha Spark, $1000 ono.

Phone 51142.

76591 /36119 /1931

SITUATIONS vACANT Skipper & Deckhand Required 2 fulltime positions available on a busy charter boat.

For keen, hardworking people who love ishing!

Good wages & working conditions for the right person.

Phone or text 55202.

76582 /36116 /1931

SITUATIONS vACANT

HEAVY DIESEL ENGINEER To maintain 36 tonne excavators, trucks, generators, water pumps, hydraulic systems etc.

Top Rates of Pay. Must be able to start work mid- March 2014.

Send CV to Landholdings Ltd landholdings@oyster.net.ck or drop of to oice in Panama 76562

Expressions of Interest!

Newspaper Delivery Contract An opportunity exists for a team to work handling folding, collating and delivery of Cook Islands News.

This is a night time job that follows printing of the daily newspaper. It ranges from two to four hours per night.

Ideally, this contract would suit a family or team to work without supervision, to handle of-site folding and collating of the newspaper, then delivery to shops and homes around Rarotonga.

The successful applicant(s) will start with supervised training for several weeks from February 2014.

Collation can be done in your own home. Two company vehicles are available for deliveries however a team that will have their own means of transport is an advantage.

Applicant(s) families or teams must have mature and experienced drivers with good clean driving records and be of sober habits.

For more information about duties and remuneration, phone Tere Joseph on 22999 or visit our oices at Maraerenga to convey expressions of interest.

Applicants who are selected for an interview will be required to provide character references.

Please contact Tony Fe’ao, General Manager Email tony@cookislandsnews.com or Oice Manager Tere Joseph on 22999.

www.cookislandsnews.com

76349 /36046 /1617

The Shipwreck Hut at Aro’a Beachside Inn is looking for Part time help (4pm to 10 pm) 4 or 5 days a week You must be computer literate, honest, sober, friendly, happyhappy with yourself and proud to be a cook Islander, showing the visitor the charisma of living and visiting the Cook Islands.

24 to 30 hours a week, lexible, open minded with abilities, willing to learn, willing to share new ideas, willing to do bartending, cooking for good pay. (Could work into a full time job).

Stop by and pick up an application, and make an appointment for an interview.

Aro’a Beachside Inn, Betela Bridge. See Jim or Jan, call 22166.

76572 / /1893

vEhICLES FOR SALE

Ph 24065/55976

tiateura@oyster.net.ck

SITUATIONS vACANT A position exists for 2 cashiers to work rotating shifts at Manea Foods. The positions would require a rostered shift at any of Manea Foods 3 outlets. The person would need to have a can do attitude, and be self motivated. Following programme systems and being 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.

Selling Toyota Trueno car at $2,700 ono. As it is. Enquire to ph 51883.

76585 / /1795

Crusher Bar presents ‘’Aitutaki idol competition’’ When: February 13 2014 Open to anyone residing in Rarotonga, 3 Weeks of talent. $10 to register, Great prizes.

Contact Alan Nanai on 51192.

FRONTLINE SALES PERSON We are looking for a well presented person with an outgoing personality to join our frontline team at Avis Cook Islands. If you enjoy meeting people from all walks of life, then this customer service position could be for you. You need to have some basic computer knowledge. You must have excellent communication skills. You must be available to work in the weekends.

This position requires a clean current driver’s license with experience in driving a range of manual & automatic vehicles and motorbikes.

For more details please call Phillip on Ph 22833.

SITUATIONS vACANT Vonnia’s Head Oice have a vacancy for an Oice Clerk.

Part of Duties will include processing of Banking, Receivables, Suppliers, reporting to Accountant. Must have general skills in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as reasonable computer processing literacy. Applicant must be Honest, Prompt and Reliable, Neat and Tidy and able to get along with customers and fellow staf members at all times.

Forward CV and References to vonnias@oyster.net.ck Job Description can be obtained upon request from same email address.

76575 / /1903

76568 / /2424

Holiday home on short term only, fully furnished 3 bedroom with shower and bath, on a 3 story house, on a 2 acre land with ocean and hill side view, ready on 3rd week February 2014. More information please phone 54192.

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

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

A meeting for landowners of Raropua 190M1, Kiikii Rarotonga is scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday 28 January 2014 at the Tupapa Meeting House to discuss a right of way to adjoining land Raropua 190L. Refreshments provided afterwards. Thank you, Rohan & Hinano Ellis 55686/27590.

76476 / /2656

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

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

22999

preferred

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 Communicationandinformation. Proposalsfocusingongender and youth are particularly welcome.

Please note the following: • funding is available for up to $25,000 • funding is not available for buildings • funding is only available for equipment relating to the achievement of a proposal’s outcome, i.e. not generic equipmentsuchascomputersorsmallmachineryforgeneral operations. application forms can be found on line at www.unesco.org.ck applications should be submitted (preferably by email) to the secretary general , sharyn Paio on spaio@education.gov.ck or delivered to the Ministry of education building in nikao by 12pm, friday february 7th, 2014. for any inquiries please contact the relevant Programme Commissioner whose details are provided below: • education: gail townsend on gail@education.gov.ck • natural sciences: kelvin 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 hilyardonhilyard@oyster. net.ck

12

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

Tereora students told to set goals tereorA ColleGe students

eased back into school yesterday but were soon encouraged to start thinking hard about their goals for the year ahead.

Principal Bali Haque offered a warm welcome to new and existing Year 10, 11 and 12 students at a school assembly in the morning. “i’m really delighted to welcome you back to the new school year. i’m particularly delighted to welcome the new students to the school.”He urged students to use the next few weeks to set their goals for the year. “As you set off on the new school year, you need to think carefully about what you want to achieve and, more importantly, what things you have to do to achieve those goals.”

Haque told the students they should be prepared to work hard and ask plenty of questions.

Yesterday was a chance for students to ind out which classrooms they are in, mingle with

friends and meet new arrivals, before heading home at 11am. tereora College is staggering its start to the year, with Year 9 and 13 students coming in today.

Haque said he is feeling “great” about being back at school and getting the new year rolling. “it’s nice to see them all cheerful and looking smart,” he said. existing students were told to make the 180-200 new students feel welcome. “look after them and make sure you introduce yourselves to them.” Haque congratulated the students on the NCeA results and said last year’s hard work had paid off for most of them. “if it didn’t and you feel a little bit disappointed, the great thing is you get another chance this year.” Tomorrow will be the irst day the whole school comes together and Friday will be the irst formal assembly of the year.

- Ben Chapman-Smith

Enoka Koronui (left), 15, Wally Wuatai, 15, and Dominon Simpson, 16, getting set to head of for their irst class of the year. 14012703

SITUATIONS vACANT

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!!

NZQA Accredited training – Earn while you learn!

students walking down to class from Princess anne Hall after their irst assembly of the year. 14012704

SITUATIONS vACANT

SITUATIONS vACANT

We ofer great career opportunities, great staf beneits and a great team to work with.

Paciic resort Hotel Group

SALES & MARKETING

PHARMACY Sales Assistant – Variety packed!

• Exciting opportunity to join a small motivated team. The position involves assisting and advising customers on pharmacy and beauty products, displaying and ordering of stock and completing point of sale transactions.

Suit someone who is responsible, keen, motivated and willing to learn.

BUILDING CENTRE Sales Assistant/Hardware – Great customer service skills needed!

• Helping and advising customers with their purchases and making sure your department is fully stocked and displayed well.

You will need to be customer focused and have good attention to detail.

A Great Place to Work…

Oice Junior We are seeking an enthusiastic person to join our team at Cook Islands Trust.

The job covers all reception and basic oice administration tasks.

The right person will also have the opportunity to learn other roles within the company.

This job may suit a school leaver, or someone looking for a start in an oice environment. No experience is necessary.

Applications close Wednesday 5 February.

Please email, post or deliver written applications to: Marcienne Maurangi Cook Islands Trust Corporation Ltd First Floor BCI Building P.O. Box 141 Rarotonga Phone: 24-538 Fax: 24539 E-Mail: marcienne@ citrust.org.ck

Talk to us today about starting a career in Retail! For further details and a full job description contact Eileen or Kai on phone 23-191, Email: KLouis@citc.co.ck 76530

foundation

Ph 22336

We deliver.

BIRThDAy

happy BirthdayDad

Maygodcontinue to bless you

Lovemum&thekids..

aspecialonefromMsyongo&toauntyMata iroahappybirthdayfromtheakamafamily happy 8th Birthday

MaineCharlie

(porkchopchop)

ourheavenlyfatherhas blessedyouwithanother birthdayandgiftedus with more blessings.

Manykissesfromyourbros, papa&nana’s,andallyour familiesinRaroandnz.

www.paciicresort. com

76521

ReCyCLe

IN MEMORIAM

FOUND Notices are FREE

76595

SUPERMARKET Butchery Assistant • Involves cutting of meat for retail and wholesale customers.

Suit someone who is reliable, keen and motivated.

We are currently seeking the following: • Restaurant & Bar staf • Chefs, Cooks and kitchen hands • Team Leaders & Supervisors • Project Coordinator • Housekeeping Staf • Beach Activities Staf • Carpenter/ Handyman • Groundsmen To apply email: work@paciicresort. com or contact Ani Thompson on 53731

to encourage honesty and good citizenship.

animal Clinic

Sales Manager - Trade – Great communication skills a must!

• This role is a challenging, exciting opportunity to assist in the preparation and implementation of sales & marketing plans, develop strong working relationships with our wholesale customers and suppliers and drive a small dedicated team to provide the best customer service.

You will need strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines, supervisory experience and strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Tereora College principal Bali Haque. 14012705

A Cook Islands News public service.

Get your news delivered to your home or business daily.

every edition, (almost) anywhere on the island, rain or shine Phone our oice on 22999 for delivery rates and conditions

hugh Mccrone ngamata henry 16/11/37 - 27/01/94

each soul leaves a legacy of love each memory a bridge to comfort and connect one heart to another - forever you hold a special place in my heart –helen Loving memories of our Dad and Papa: Michael & kuraono, eikura, tiavare, taureka, hugh & Royle Paul & twin, Richard & Jacques

stuart & Jenny, tei, tamara, steven, Liana , Moanaarii and tetaura-Raru nicholas & nicky katherine anita, trish , and our great grandchildren.

13

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

Flight Times | Voyage details FROM ARRIVES

TueSdAy JAnuAry 28 NZ746/745 AKL 2.10PM DJ163/162 AKL 11.55PM ThurSdAy JAnuAry 30 NZ46/45 AKL 4.10PM VT035/034 PPT 2.50PM NZ748/749 AKL 12.30AM

TO

RARO

DEPARTS

TO

ARR

DEP

TO

ARR

0910 1140 1640

RARO RARO RARO

1000 1230 1730

DEP

TO

AKL AKL

3.10PM 1.05AM

AKL PPT AKL

5.25PM 3.50PM 1.30AM

0800 1030 1530

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

text us on

or call us at Cook islands News

Su-Do-Ku EASY

Crossword

Instructions

Instructions

answer to Monday’s puzzle

answer to Monday’s puzzle

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

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

hÄgaR the horrible

[

inseRt aDVeRt

heRe

see your business/products in this space. Phone 22999

Weather Forecast to Midnight Situation: An easterly wind low prevails over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains slow moving over Northern Cooks.

Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Some showers over Rarotonga.

Fine apart from brief showers elsewhere.

Moderate easterly. Moderate seas.

Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers.

For Rarotonga: Some showers.

Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers.

For the Northern Cooks: Occasional showers, heavy at times and few thunderstorms. Moderate north to northeast winds. Moderate seas. Moderate northerly swells. Poor visibility in areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Further outlook: Rain and thunderstorms continuing.

Humidity Morning

85%

night

79%

Morning

80%

night

76%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Rarotonga Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Tuesday

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

29

By Lee falk & sy Barry

®

[ WEd

By Dik Browne

®

the PhantoM

28

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

GOT A STORY?

Su-Do-Ku HARD

TUE

ARR

TueSdAy JAnuAry 28

Air Rarotonga

International Flights

FLIGHT

TUE High 6.53AM 0.85M 7.14PM 0.96M

28

1.6m SE

Low 12.43AM 0.38M 12.46PM 0.40M

1.5m NW N

WEd High 7.59AM 0.90M 8.21PM 1.00M

29

Low

1.50AM

0.34M

1.59PM

0.36M

28°

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 Feb 22 7.16AM

7

ArAPO - TAne TUE 28 Tanu (Planting)

TauTai (Fishing)

Tanu i te kumara, taro & Po no te o’onu. akarava u’i. Plant kumara, taro to tautai Koura te ika. & yams. night for the lagoon.

Netting and ishing for crayish and ish.

TUE

28

sun rise

6.19AM

sun set

7.25PM

Moon rise 4.02AM Moon set 5.33PM

WEd sun rise 6.20AM sun set 7.25PM

29

Moon rise 5.07AM Moon set 6.29PM

1.6m SW Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

1.4m SW

y

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Aitutaki

28° E 11kTs

Mangaia

27° E 10kTs

Mitiaro

27° E 10kTs

Atiu

Penrhyn

27° E 10kTs

25° NE 10kTs

Mauke

27° E 10kTs

14

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 cook Islands News

Club rugby league season kicks off

tarekareka

SPort

— 1 FEBRUARY

Top placing for rising junior sailors rArotoNGA junior sailors have impressed their Kiwi peers and coach with their fantastic sailing skills and tenacity at the recent Auckland Championship regatta. the sailors faced various sea and wind conditions with the most challenging being on the last day of racing.

Junior coach and national sailing medallist Junior Charlie says the sailors competed with pride in the trying conditions. “our sailors sailed in one of the strongest conditions in the competition with high winds of 25 knots gusting up to 30 knots,” says Charlie. “our sailors sailed with a lot of pride and not giving up to inish their races. the last day of sailing saw the 91 sailors split in to Gold and Silver leets. teakuao Framhein was the only sailor to qualify to sail in the Gold leet and the rest of the eight-member team was placed in the Silver leet. “today (the last day of sailing) was the hardest day for our junior sailors coping with very cold condition and high winds,” reports Charlie. teakaou Framhein gained ive places in race 7 and 8, in-

ishing 15th and 14th place to put him 40th place overall out of 91 sailors. “this is a huge achievement for his irst time sailing in the open grade.”

In the Silver leet the local rising sailing stars dominated the course with some outstanding racing from Helene Johnson and tyler Davis, toutika ioane, Ngarangi mapu and martin marsters.

“Helene was the highlight of the day, sailing with a lot of pride and beating a lot of boys in the Silver fleet, placing her in 3rd overall out of 45 sailors in the Silver leet and 3rd female – a very talented young girl and someone to watch out for in the future!”

Tyler Davis inished 6th, Toutika ioane 13th, makua Nikoia 20th, Ngarangi mapu 25th and martin marsters 32nd out of 45 sailors in the Silver leet.

Also in the spotlight was upand-coming young sailor otis Burrell, who just learned to sail last year. He closed his competition inishing 1st in the Green leet out of 55 sailors and won a big prize with a boom box radio. it was a very huge achievement for our sailors in this year’s Auckland Championships.

“i never expected our sailor to do so well coming over to compete in this level, which we don’t have back home, with big

numbers of sailors and competition but to come to New Zealand and to compete against the best sailing countries in the world

and to be placed in the top 40 out of 91 sailors and to win the Green fleet is a huge achievement for our junior sailors. i’m

so proud of my sailors and i thank God for his blessings for looking after our team here in New Zealand.”

- MW

rarotonga sailing Club’s talented junior sailors have impressed at the recent auckland Championship regatta with top placing and gold in the Green leet. 14012722

Nicholas set to paddle her canoe in the desert CooK islands olympic slalom canoeist ella Nicholas is off to Dubai to paddle in the desert!

Al Ain is in the middle of a bone-dry desert and on most weekdays many top international canoeists and olympic medallists from around the world can be found paddling through the rapids at the Wadi Adventure. last week Nicholas had planned to return to New Zealand after competing and winning bronze in Australia, how-

ever New Zealand olympian luuka Jones suggested Nicholas join her at the manmade course near Dubai for a few weeks. "this opportunity is too good to turn down so i am putting myself in an environment with some of the best canoe slalom athletes in the world and am hoping that i learn heaps,” says Nicholas. “luuka and i get on well and as most of the time we are training on our own, it will be really nice to train together."

Nicholas has just finished a two-week block of training and racing in Australia where the races didn't go as well as she had hoped.

She admits she was getting pretty tired with the heat and the volume of training and this affected her performance.

Following the Dubai stint it's back to Sydney for the oceania Champs in late February, then return to Christchurch to continue her medical studies.

- Matariki Wilson

14012725 PhOTO SPOrTSCene

ella nicholas racing the non-Olympic discipline of C1W at the australian Open this week.

Memorieso f suMMeR hoLiDayPhotoCoMPetition

R

eaders are invited to send us your summer holiday photos and capture the moment in full colour! the best photos will be published weekly in Cook islands news. a weekly winner will be selected and recieve a blown up print of their photo. all winners will then go into the draw for a digital camera sponsored by Cinews.

PRint. so share your happy holiday memories

with us! all you need to do is take your photos and email them to editor@cookislandsnews.com with your name and a caption describing the place, and full name of the people in your picture.

PRint uP to a1 on CanVas, Matte, VinyL oR highgRaDe PosteR PaPeR. Ph 22999

send us your memoriesosfummer!