Tuesday 4 February

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Tuesday, february 4, 2014

Superfund operation ‘unchanged’ after court decision An officiAl says the current

and ongoing operations of the national superfund will be unchanged after a court decision last week which declared the fund’s legislation as unconstitutional. “in light of friday’s judgement the fund would like to advise its members that the current operation of the cook islands national Superannuation fund (cinSf) remains unchanged,” said chief Executive Anne Herman-fua.

“The judgement is being dealt with by counsel and gov-

ernment and thereafter we will be aware as to what the new changes will be, if any,” she said.” in the meantime, employers and employees should continue to make deductions and make monthly submittals as it is business as usual at head ofice.” fua added claims and monthly pension payments, along with the fund’s investment strategy, will also continue as normal. in a ruling released last week by the cook islands High court, the act governing the superfund was declared unconstitutional.

Fluoride may be added to water A TE Mato Vai project oficial

says fluoride could be added to the water supply as well as chlorine.

Project manager latu Sauluitoga Kupa said oficials are compiling feedback that came through during last month’s public consultations, and will take into account if there’s an “overwhelming push” for luoride as well as disinfection treatment; either chlorine, or ultraviolet (UV) light.

Kupa is a member of the project’s steering committee and works for KEW consult limited - the company selected by the government to manage the project from start to inish.

He said the Ministry of Health will play “a big part” in discussing and developing the national Drinking Water Standards.

Use of fluoride in treating water has been a controversial issue in many jurisdictions around the world. Proponents of fluoride added to water supplies say it is an effective method of reducing tooth decay, while detractors say its use has negative health effects and can lower people’s iQ’s.

A debate is currently underway in new Zealand where a court decision is expected soon on whether the South Taranaki District council has the legal right to add fluoride to the area's water supply.

Kupa said it has both positive and negative impacts and, if used, should be applied “...

in moderation and accordance to approved standards for health”.

“The type of disinfection that will be applied is still under discussion at the moment,” he said. “The project management unit would prefer chlorine, as it is a widely used disinfection around the world and especially in the Paciic region.” last year, manager Peter Tierney with the Ministry of finance and Economic Management’s Development coordination Division said research carried out by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2009 suggested most cook islanders prefer UV treatment over chlorine. currently in Rarotonga, coarse-gravel screens comprise the only measures of water treatment for most of the existing network, with more advanced treatment methods being used at some sites, according to TMV oficials.

AEcoM’s draft master plan recommends a ive-part water treatment strategy which includes coarse gravel iltration, mechanical filtration, and disinfection with chlorine at a minimum level with a possibility for further treatment with ultraviolet light. following the coarse gravel ilters, water will be stored in reservoirs located at each intake, with mechanical filtration to follow for the removal of ine debris.

- Emmanuel Samoglou

in making the judgement, chief Justice Thomas Weston upheld arguments made by lawyer Tim Arnold that people’s property – specifically, fund contributions made on behalf of workers and employers to the fund – were being taken without compensation, as government and the fund’s board do not guarantee the investment of contributions or earnings of the fund.

Arnold’s argument was based on Article 64(1)(c) of the constitution – “which recognises the right to own property ... and not

be deprived thereof”.

The ruling results in the entire cook islands national Superannuation fund Act 2000 being declared unconstitutional by the High court. following announcement of the decision, a statement was released by the government which reserved its right to appeal the decision, along with intentions to respond to the court within 15 working days, as requested.

Referring to the 70-page judgement, mention of “remedies” – ways forward to amend the fund’s Act – was made by

Justice Weston, who said both the crown and the defendants had made earlier submissions on the matter to the court. one option discussed by the judge includes a suspension of the declaration of unconstitutionality to a later date, which would allow parliament time to introduce an amendment to the superfund act - notwithstanding the possibility of an appeal by the crown.

Justice Weston said he expects the scheduling of an additional court hearing will be required to determine possible

remedies, adding he “suspect(s)” agreement by both parties in this regard may be dificult.

According to the cinSf’s Herman-fua, the fund grew to over $75 million in 2013, and a “strong return” is expected for its roughly 7500 members.

“Members can take comfort in the fact that this case was not an attempt to unravel the significant amount of good work done towards providing inancial security for our people,” she said.

“We all want to see the fund succeed long into the future.”

- Emmanuel Samoglou

Local talent

14020231

Eight aspiring nurses attended the opening of the Cook Islands Nursing School yesterday, to be led by principal Mary McManus (second from left). They will be joined by three more students from Mangaia and one who is still to arrive from New Zealand. The students are undertaking a diploma in nursing through the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute, with classes to initially be held at Rarotonga hospital. Nursing school opens in Rarotonga, page 12

Toa fuel may have damaged vehicles oWnERS of modern pickup

trucks who have recently filled up with Toa Petroleum’s diesel are being advised to get their vehicles checked by a mechanic.

Toa admitted late last week to selling diesel containing more than 100 times the amount of sulphur it should have.

Director Brett Porter issued a statement recommending that owners of modern diesel engines stop using Toa’s fuel until a new supply arrives in the country.

The diesel was imported in late november and has been on sale since early December. francis Dyer, workshop man-

ager at the Motor centre, said high-sulphur diesel can cause damage to vehicles with newer emission control devices. “if people do own one of these modern vehicles and have been using Toa’s fuel, i would recommend they get it looked at. it pays to get it checked out now,” he said.

He said the diesel would not normally cause problems over just two months but that depends how much fuel has gone through the vehicle.

Porter said the diesel shipment was supplied by the luen Thai fishing company, primarily to

meet the needs of its ishing vessels working in the region.

Toa believed the product was suitable for all diesel motor vehicles so it was offered to its bulk users and retail customers as well.

A new Zealand consultant checked the fuel for Toa and said it contained a sulphur content of 57 parts per million (ppm). internal Affairs carried out an independent test a few weeks ago and found the sulphur content was actually 5700ppm.

Modern diesel engine vehicles, such as pickup trucks, should only be using diesel containing

a sulphur content between 0ppm and about 50ppm, Porter said.

“Toa recommends that those with modern diesel engines do not use the fuel with the higher sulphur content in the meantime,” he said on friday.

“Toa unreservedly apologises for this mistake. Toa has arranged to have another supply of diesel delivered from new Zealand (our previous supplier).”

This diesel fuel is expected to be available for sale on february 8 and Toa will communicate with customers as soon as the lowsulphur content diesel becomes available.

- BCS

LastMinute

*

DeaLs

aitutaki 2 nights

Beautiful lagoon, great snorkelling, scuba diving. includes return airfares, 2 nights accommodation, airport transfer and continental breakfast at tamanu Beach.

Packages from $569 per person. (share twin) Ph 22888 Limited seats • Special conditions apply

weather

OUTLOOK

*special fares are limited and based on availability

TuESday

28°

WEdNESday

28°

ThuRSday

28°

FRIday

28°

SaTuRday

28°

Creative Centre tupapa 5.30pm for 6pm Wednesday Ph 55097

2

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

worldnEWS nuti no TEiA nEi Ao Biker buried with his hog A motorcycle rider in the US state of ohio has been buried with his Harley-Davidson in a transparent casket.

Billy Standley, 82, was embalmed and laid to astride a 1977 electra Glide cruiser in a Plexiglass casket.

An extra-large cemetery plot was required to fulil his inal wishes.

Five embalmers prepared the body – wearing black leathers and a helmet, and equipped with a metal back brace and straps – to ensure Standley stays astride his motorcycle after burial.

EU corruption shock

report reveals corruption costs europe 120 billion euro annually BRUSSElS – The extent of corruption in Europe is “breathtaking” and it costs the EU economy at least 120 billion euro annually, the European commission says.

EU Home Affairs commissioner cecilia Malmstroem has presented a full report on the problem.

She said the true cost of corruption was “probably much higher” than 120 billion.

Three-quarters of Europeans

world BRiEfS SCHAPELLE CORBY MAY BE RELEASED INDONESIA – Australian Schapelle corby had a parole hearing behind closed doors in Jakarta last week, a source within the Indonesian corrections department says. The source, who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the media, told reporters in Jakarta on Monday that corby’s case was heard on Thursday. He would not say whether the hearing found in favour of granting the Australian parole, saying it was now a matter for Justice Minister Amir Syamsuddin. If the recommendation was in favour of parole, and it is approved, the 36-year-old could soon be released from a Bali jail after serving more than nine years for drug smuggling.

POLICE FIND STOLEN RELIGIOUS RELIC ITALY –Italian police have recovered part of a religious relic stained with Polish pope John Paul II’s blood that was thrown away by thieves thinking it worthless, Italian media reports. The relic was snatched a week ago along with a cross from a small church in Italy’s central region of Abruzzo, sparking a region-wide search with police and snifer dogs. The three robbers, unaware that the small piece of framed cloth was valuable, threw it away in parts but could not remember where. The relic consisted of a metal frame around a piece of blood-stained cloth, believed to be part of the robe the pontif was wearing when he was shot in an assassination attempt in St Peter’s Square in 1981. The metal frame was recovered shortly after the robbery and on Saturday the Italian press said the goldenthreaded cloth, albeit damaged, was found in a garage.

UKRAINE PRESIDENT ‘RETURNS TO WORK’ UKRAINE – Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is to return to work on Monday after four days of illness, with protesters still demanding he give up power. The political crisis has continued unabated in his absence, with thousands on the streets of the capital, Kiev. Meanwhile, opposition leader Dmytro Bulatov has arrived in Lithuania for medical treatment. Bulatov appeared on TV last week saying he had been abducted and tortured. Yanukovych has not been seen in public since last Wednesday. His oice says he had been sufering from a fever and breathing problems but that he was feeling well again and will go back to work. Opposition leaders had previously expressed scepticism about his illness. Thousands are currently in the square, which has become a focal point for the opposition.

ACTOR DENIES RENEWED ALLEGATIONS USA – Woody Allen has called renewed claims by his adopted daughter that he sexually abused her as a child “untrue and disgraceful”, his publicist says. In an open letter published on Saturday, Dylan Farrow accused Allen of molesting her in a “dim, closet-like attic” at the age of seven. Allen was investigated over the abuse allegations at the time of the incident, but was not charged.

Publicist Leslee Dart said Allen would respond directly “very soon”.

Dart pointed out that “a thorough investigation was conducted by court-appointed independent experts” when the allegations were irst made.

surveyed for the commission study said that corruption was widespread, and more than half said the level had increased.

“The extent of the problem in Europe is breathtaking,” Malmstroem wrote in Sweden’s Goeteborgs-Posten daily.

The cost to the EU economy is equivalent to the bloc’s annual budget. for the report the commission studied corruption in all 28 EU member states. The commission says it is the irst time it has done such a survey. in some countries there was a relatively high number reporting personal experience of bribery. in croatia, the czech Republic, lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, between six per cent and 29 per cent of respondents said they had been asked for a bribe, or had been expected to pay one, in the past 12 months.

There were also high levels of bribery in Poland (15 per cent), Slovakia (14 per cent) and Hungary (13 per cent), where the most prevalent instances were in healthcare.

Malmstroem said corruption was eroding trust in democracy and draining resources from the legal economy.

“The political commitment to really root out corruption seems to be missing,” she complained.

The EU has an anti-fraud agency, olaf, which focuses on fraud and corruption affecting the EU budget, but it has limited resources. in 2011 its budget was just 23.5 million euros. four out of 10 of the businesses surveyed described corruption as an obstacle to doing business in Europe.

Bulgaria, Romania and italy are particular hotspots for organised crime gangs in the EU, but white-collar crimes like bribery and VAT (sales tax) fraud plague many EU countries.

- BBC

European home afairs Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, presents a damning report on the cost of widespread corruption to the Eu economy. AFP

Korea reunions possible SEoUl – South Korea and north

Korea have moved a step closer to resuming reunions for families separated by the Korean War with an agreement to meet to discuss the issue.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said on Monday it had agreed to hold talks with the north on Wednesday at the border truce village of Panmunjom, where the truce for the 1950s conlict was signed. it is the first time in three years that the two countries will

meet over reunions, although inal agreement could be derailed by a row over South Korea-US military drills due to be held later this month.

“We welcome that the north has finally come forward to discuss the reunion,” said Kim Eui-Do, a Uniication Ministry spokesman.

“Given the urgency of the matter, we will make preparations to hold the reunion as soon as possible,” Kim said.

The “urgency” refers to the

fact that, 60 years after the war ended, many of those who experienced the division of their families have died, and most of those that survive are in advanced old age.

Millions of Koreans were separated from their family members by the 1950-53 conlict that divided the peninsula into north and South.

The absence of postal and phone communications mean that most have had no contact in six decades.

- Agencies

Grenades explode in cinema PESHAWAR – A cinema in the

northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar has been struck by two blasts, killing at least ive people and injuring at least 20 others.

The explosions took place on in the Picture House, as it is known locally, in Qissa Khawani Bazaar. faisal Mukhtar, a senior police official, said that a stampede following the explosions was responsible for many of the injuries.

Mukhtar also said that a “china-made hand grenade” was used in the blast.

Jamil Shah, a spokesman for Peshawar’s lady Reading Hospital, said three dead bodies and 31 injured people had so far been taken to the hospital.

Two of the injured later died in the hospital. no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Peshawar is the main city of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

province, which is no stranger to violence.

The death toll is expected to rise because there were up to 150 people inside at the time of the blasts.

Bomb-disposal staff conirmed that two grenades were thrown by people sitting at the back of the cinema.

The neighbourhood was the target of a bombing last September that left at least 40 people dead.

- AFP

Escape route blocked by volcanic ash

BRAZILIAN FILM DIRECTOR MURDERED CHILE – The acclaimed Brazilian ilm director Eduardo Coutinho has been stabbed to death at his home in Rio de Janeiro. Police say they believe the 80-year-old ilm maker was killed by his son, who then allegedly attacked his mother, before injuring himself. Both are being treated in hospital. coutinho was considered one of Brazil’s greatest documentary directors and had recently been invited into the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Brazilian media reports say the 41-year-old Daniel Coutinho sufers from mental health problems. In a press conference, a police investigator said the director’s son knocked on a neighbour’s door after the attack saying he had “liberated his father”.

Today’s Daily Bread So is my word that goes out from my mouth. it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what i desire and achieve the purpose for which i sent it.

Read: Read: IsaiahMatthew 55:8-11 7:21-29

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 11

Search and rescue workers look for bodies amid abandoned, ash-covered motorcycles on a road leading away from the Sinabung volcano eruption on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. at least 15 people have been killed. AFP

3

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

PreseveourWetlands a naturaL FiLter WetLanDs anD Most wetlands on rarotonga used to be covered with taro plants. the Lagoon Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystem in the world and are valuable to you and your community. they improve water quality by absorbing and iltering out pollutants and sediments in the water. they also store loodwaters, acting as natural sponges and slowing down the force of lood and storm waters.

Wetlands support biodiversity by providing breeding grounds for wildlife and nursery areas for ish. they also provide nutrients to support important food crops such as taro and bananas. We continue to lose sections of wetlands every year because of reclamation and development due to the lack of land available for residential and commercial activities.

example: ngatangiia salt marshes (above). the salt marshes in aroko, ngatangiia are another form of wetland. it is the last remaining salt marsh area on rarotonga where plant species such as kiukiu or matie vairakau, a seagrass, are mainly found. this salt marsh area is also an important area for the koiti raukura, a native crab only found in ngatangiia

the land is naturally designed so that water from the hills empty into wetlands before it heads into the sea. these days, as a result of ongoing excavation on sloping lands, nutrient-rich soil moving downhill is getting thicker and the remaining wetlands are not big enough to collect it. the overlow of silt into the lagoon will afect the health of lagoon ecosystems. nutrients are good for plant growth - in moderation! too much will cause an imbalance—an algal bloom— where too much algae eventually smothers the coral ecosystem and all that depends on it. the health of our lagoon depends on how we manage our activities on land and treat natural ilters such as these wetlands. there are management tools in place to ensure that our activities cause minimal damage to lagoon ecosystems. the environment act has processes and procedures in place to assist with any development. it’s simple and free to get advice! everyone has the right to quality living therefore if the work you do on your land negatively afects someone else, you have taken away his/her right to quality living. the environment act was developed to protect our environment and to ensure that no one takes away anybody else’s right to quality life.

the service was established under the environment act 2003. its function is to protect, conserve, and manage the environment of the Cook islands to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. it has the power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.

Fast FaCts… Wetlands are valuable ecosystems which need to be preserved • Wetlands are used for cultivation of taro and mauku as well as for traditional purposes such as colouring and hardening wooden artifacts • Wetlands are important natural ilters for sediments and pollutants and help protect the lagoon • Wetlands protect us against natural disasters such as extreme rain events and play a role in reducing the frequency and intensity of loods by • acting as natural bufers, soaking up and storing a signiicant amount of loodwater.

so what can i do?

You can protect the remaining wetlands on rarotonga & aitutaki by: • avoid illing in the wetlands for development or get best development practice advice • Promote the use of wetlands for agriculture • Do not dump rubbish into our wetlands • support the preservation of all wetlands!

4

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalnEWS nuti no TE PA EnUA

Inquiry into detained children Human rights group to investigate well-being of child refugees cAnBERRA – Australia’s Hu-

man Rights commission has announced an inquiry into the mandatory detention of children seeking asylum.

The inquiry will focus on the well-being, health and development of the detained children,

the commission’s president, Professor Gillian Triggs, said.

More than 1000 children are currently in Australia’s immigration detention facilities, the AHRc said.

This included more than 100 in nauru – the offshore centre

paciic BRIEFS CASTAWAY BEING CHECKED IN HOSPITAL MARSHALL ISLANDS – The Spanish-speaking castaway who says he has been adrift at sea for the last 13 months has been taken to hospital in the Marshall Islands capital. It’s been conirmed the man, initially thought to be Mexican, is from El Salvador. RNZI’s correspondent in Marshall Islands says he’s now being checked out after a 22-hour journey on a sea patrol vessel which arrived in Majuro Tuesday. “He waved as he came out. I think he had a coca cola can in his hand and he seemed happy. There were several Spanish-speaking folks at the dock so he could communicate with the immigration and various other people. He’s gone to Majuro Hospital where they’re going to do a full medical work up on him to ind out how he’s doing and then take it from there.”

COURT DROPS CHARGES AGAINST STUDENTS TONGA – A magistrate in Tonga is dropping charges against 123 students from Tupou college if the students write apology leaders and pay compensation. They are among 147 students from the college charged with ofences such as wilful damage after a violent attack left a man critically hurt. Meanwhile the Supreme court is to decide if the remaining students should stand trial in the Supreme court on charges of attempted murder, bodily harm and other counts. Radio Tonga reports that the letters need to completed in two weeks and submitted to the Magistrate’s court on February 8.

120 of the students are to pay ines up to US$110.

CHARGES AGAINST UNIONISTS DROPPED FIJI – Fiji’s director of Public Prosecutions has decided to withdraw unlawful strike charges against six unionists allegedly involved in a strike at Nadi’s Sheraton hotels on New Year’s eve. The unionists, including the president of the Fiji Trade Union council, Daniel Urai, were arrested several days after the labour minister, Jone Usamate, declared the strike illegal. An interim settlement had been reached on the day of the stoppage and according to the Fiji Sun, the Sheraton management agreed to pay the workers on strike. christopher Pryde says he has reviewed the charges and the evidence and is satisied that no ofence was committed. He says a withdrawal of charges will be iled when the matter is next called to court, which is set down for March 17.

BAINIMARAMA CLOSE TO FORMING A PARTY FIJI – The Fiji Prime Minister commodore Frank Bainimarama has reiterated his intention to win this year’s election. The leader of the coup which toppled the government of Laisenia Qarase in 2006 reiterated his plan to stand down as military commander at the end of the month, saying it was a job he dearly loved. He says in some weeks he would be forming what he described as a “political movement.” Commodore Bainimarama says the election ight would not be done with arrogance and there would be no lying. The regime leader says his movement would ofer a fresh vision for Fiji and he said he was humbly seeking the support of every Fijian. He promised continuing stability, a healthy economy and a climate to encourage new investment.

GROUP TO SUPPORT WOMEN POLITICIANS FIJI – A group of Paciic women politicians and leaders have met in Fiji to ind ways to boost the number of Paciic women in elected positions. The Paciic Islands have the lowest number of women in governance in the world at just 4.7 per cent. Twenty women from seven Paciic Islands came together for a workshop in Fiji last week, which was organised by the Asia Paciic Forum on Women, Law and Development and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement. The group has elected Papua New Guinea’s Minister for community Development, Loujaya Kouza, to chair a Paciic women’s caucus. Kouza says one of the group’s irst priorities will be to support women in Fiji who are standing in the country’s upcoming elections in September.

REFUGEE WELFARE CONTRACT CHANGES AUSTRALIA – The Australian government is negotiating with a construction company to take over welfare services from the Salvation Army for asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island.

The Salvation Army’s US$65 million contract with the government for services in Australia’s camps on the islands ended at the end of January. Last week Transield Services announced it was to take over responsibility for support and welfare services. A spokesman for Transield Services, David Jamieson, says the company would retain 40 per cent of the 300 staf working under the previous contract.

Transield is an Australian-based global corporation that provides operations, maintenance and construction services.

condemned by the Un and rights groups for poor conditions.

“These are children that, among other things, have been denied freedom of movement, many of whom are spending important developmental years of their lives living behind wire in highly stressful environments,” Professor Triggs said in a statement.

The commission’s irst report on the subject, in 2004, found that mandatory detention of children of asylum-seekers was inconsistent with Australia’s human rights obligations, and that long-term detention placed children “at high risk of serious mental harm”. in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting corporation, Professor Triggs highlighted a lack of co-operation from the immigration department. “i think i’d have to say over the last few months, we’ve had minimal co-operation in relation to the kinds of details that i need to know, particularly mental health, self-harm and the processes for those that are

‘These are children that, among other things, have been denied freedom of movement, many of whom are spending important developmental years of their lives living behind wire in highly stressful environments.’ transferred,” she said. “in particular, we’d like to understand more about the mental health of these children.

The instances of self-harm, how they’re being treated when they’re manifesting conditions of extreme anxiety.”

Professor Triggs said the AHRc did not oppose detention for an appropriate period to establish the identity and health

of a child.

“However, we are concerned that when the time moves beyond three to four months – to six, to 12, to 15 months – the likelihood is that we will be inding that there are breaches of international law.” immigration Minister Scott Morrison said officials would co-operate with the inquiry.

“But the reason there are children in detention is because over 50,000 turned up on illegal boats on labour’s watch so we’re dealing with labour’s chaotic mess here,’’ he told local radio.

Those who arrive in Australia by boat to seek asylum are placed in mandatory immigration detention. The number of boat arrivals rose sharply in 2012 and the irst half of 2013. in response, Australia reopened offshore processing camps in Nauru, a tiny Paciic island, and in Papua new Guinea.

The previous labour’s government also introduced the deterrent “PnG solution” – an agreement whereby those found to be refugees would be settled in PnG, not Australia.

Under the new liberal-national coalition government, “operation Sovereign Borders” – putting the military in charge of anti-people-smuggling efforts – has been introduced.

Reports suggest Australia has been turning asylum boats back to indonesia – and in January, Australia apologised for “inadvertently” violating indonesia’s territorial waters on multiple occasions.

The government is strictly controlling the release of information around its asylum policy, prompting critics to accuse it of excessive secrecy. The government says it has drastically cut the number of boats arriving in Australia.

Rights groups and U n agencies, meanwhile, continue to criticise conditions in Australia’s offshore processing centres and to question whether its current asylum strategy violates its international obligations.

The inquiry could be concluded before the end of the year, Professor Triggs said.

- BBC

Lost man wants to go home MAJURo – A Mexican fisherman who says he has been lost at sea for more than 13 months, drifting 12,500km across the Pacific, said he just “want’s to go home” on his arrival back in civilisation.

With a bushy beard and described as “looking better than one would expect”, the man set foot on land in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall islands, after a 22-hour boat ride from the remote Ebon Atoll coral reef where he was found.

The US ambassador Thomas Armbruster, acting as an interpreter for the Marshall islands authorities, said the man identified himself as a 37-year-old whose full name is Jose Salvador Albarengo.

“He said he is a shrimp and shark fisherman,” the ambassador said after speaking with the man.

Marshall islands immigration chief Damien Jacklick said: “ With the help of the US ambassador, we were able to obtain information on his family members in El Salvador and the United States.

“We hope this information will help us track down his family.”

Albarengo reportedly said he was on a shark-ishing expedition for the fishing company camoronera Dela costa in Tapachula, Mexico, when strong winds forced his 24-foot ibreglass boat off course.

The fisherman said he was accompanied at the time by a 15 to 18-year-old crew member named Xiquel, who died just a few weeks after they got lost because he was unable to eat raw bird meat.

Eventually arriving at the southern-most cluster of the Marshall islands territories 8000 miles away, Albarengo has previously told reporters by radio through an interpreter that

The Mexican castaway who irst identiied himself as Jose Ivan and later gave his full name is Jose Salvador Albarengo is helped ashore in Majuro after a 22-hour boat ride from Ebon Atoll. AFP he survived by eating turtles, birds and ish and drinking turtle blood and rainwater. ola fjeldstad, a norwegian anthropology student on Ebon Atoll, said she and a group of researchers were the irst to meet the castaway when they spotted his boat in the Ebon lagoon.

“And when we got there we irst found his boat, which was grown over with shells and other sea animals. it had a live baby bird, a dead turtle, some turtle shells and ish leftovers inside.

“He was in really bad shape in terms of strength and in terms of mental health.”

The mayor of Ebon, ione de Brum, said she and ivan communicated through drawings. “i’ve gotten to know him through pictures he was drawing,” she said before he left for Majuro.

He indicated that he had set off from Mexico to El Salvador on a shark ishing trip, but was carried away by currents when the boat lost power. ivan drew images to show that he survived by eating turtles, birds and fish that he caught with his hands, and drinking turtle blood when there was no rain.

Despite attempts to attract other vessels, he continued to drift further out across the Paciic.

There are virtually no islands in the more than 12,500km expanse of Paciic Ocean north of the equator between southern Mexico and the Marshall islands.

Had the drifter not washed onto the reef at Ebon, there are thousands of more kilometres of empty open ocean before he might have washed ashore in Papua new Guinea or the Solomon islands.

- AFP/PNC

5

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalnEWS nuti no TE PA EnUA

Talks to bring the Samoa’s closer APiA – American Samoa Governor, lolo Matalasi Moliga, was a man on a mission in Samoa last week.

“There were two issues i came for,” he told the Sunday Samoan during an exclusive interview.

“One was to oficially invite the Prime Minister and the Head of State along with a dancing group and a fautasi group to our lag day in April.

“And secondly to discuss the inter-Samoa conference.”

The formal inter-Samoa talks are tentatively scheduled for the irst week of May. “That is why i am here, just to make sure we get that on the right track,” the Samoan governor said.

During a dinner meeting on Wednesday night, and a golf game on Thursday, Governor lolo and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, thrashed out what was important to both nations and how they could help each other move forward. one of the issues they discussed was the pending interisland talks.

Lolo took ofice in January of 2013. The inter-Samoa conference was meant to be held last year, but lolo had other ideas.

“They came to start the talks even before my inauguration,” he said. “i told them, ‘give me time,

let me sit down and see what i have, i cannot just jump into something i don’t know’.

“Politically it may be good for them, but to me i want something that will beneit our people too and you cannot just get involved in talks for nothing.

“So i like to bide my time, to understand and ind a better approach to this.

“This is not something small, it is affecting our people’s lives and for you to go in without knowledge of what’s going on can really put you in trouble.”

He said the issues on the table were complicated and he wanted time to research those issues.

Governor lolo said high on the Samoan government’s agenda is the issue of immigration.

“That is the number one area that i am pretty sure that this government is interested in,” he said.

“A lot of our social problems back home stems from the population over here.”

The social problems he is talking about include the high number of young Western Samoans that populate American Samoa’s jail.

He estimates that of just over 200 inmates, between 80 to 90 per cent were from Samoa.

Asked why he thought this was, he put it down to the difference in lifestyle between the two islands.

‘We are dealing with our own lesh and blood– making sure that we continue to connect – and that is why i like the concept of developing our cultural ties – that we more or less do it from a cultural perspective.’ other issues broached during the interview were that of Samoan taro exports into the territory, as well as education and the tuna industry. for the farmers of Samoa, lolo quelled any fears about the banning of Samoan taro exports into the territory. “no,” he said. “it is just that we are pushing our people to develop plantations and isheries and so forth.

So when we have a supply, then we kind of slow down on the incoming.

“But there is no intention of putting a stop to it, that it is part of our cultural development that we need to improve.”

An educator by trade, education is something Governor lolo

understands. it’s something he wants to better on his side of the dateline. “i told my director of education to ind ways to improve the classroom instructions,”he said.

“So we hire teachers from all over but i feel very comfortable having teachers and doctors from Samoa, generally speaking, because when they come they understand our situation.

“Unlike when we hire people from Virginia or new Mexico who have no clue what Samoa is like.”

He said it was for this reason he felt comfortable having his director of education, Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin finau, work with people in Samoa to see if they could help out American Samoa.

“We are trying to push, you know, to make sure even doctors from here, because they speak our language, they know how we feel and they understand the Samoan surrounding.”

He said this was one of the biggest areas he was looking to Samoa for help with.

“We have been having a lot of problems in our education system,” he said. “i mean the American system is a big failure too, but for our own people we would like to see some improvement from the stance of our children in the last twenty, thirty years.

“So we have been pushing our children to speak English, learn in English and that is very unfair. “for us to force our young people, especially at the early level, to learn in English when they speak Samoan at home and everything. “i am devising a change to allow Samoan as a medium for learning inside the classroom along with English.”

An advantage that both Samoas could beneit from is the opening of a new cannery next year. “i know when we open our Tri Marine cannery next year we are hoping to get some help from here with the employment,” he said.

“Right now they employ a little over a hundred people and hopefully when they inish the canning factory they will be able to employ at least 1000 employees.

“That is where i depend on Samoa because there are so many young people here who need a job. lolo believes the best way to move forward with the interSamoa relationship is to do so from a cultural perspective.

“Everything is a challenge especially when we don’t have the full authority to deal with an independent state like Samoa,” he said.

“We have a very limited authority when it comes to dealing with foreign policy.

He said the biggest challenge American Samoa faces is having the US State Department “looking at us and seeing what we are doing”. “i raised the question when i was in Washington, where we stand on some issues. So i feel we are not interfering with any foreign policy.”

He said this is why he wants to approach the talks from a cultural, rather than a political angle.

“We are dealing with our own flesh and blood– making sure that we continue to connect – and that is why i like the concept of developing our cultural ties – that we more or less do it from a cultural perspective.”

He said during the informal talks last week, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa came up with many issues that were under discussion during the territory’s past administration.

“And i have seen a lot of good things there and we both would like to see that we can get together on some of those areas.

“Especially on the issues of the communication.

“We will see what we can do because this is only my irst year and hopefully we can accomplish a lot of things.”

- Samoa Observer

Murder accused ‘confessed’ under pressure APiA – The man accused of killing a disturbed mental health patient inside Samoa’s main prison took the witness stand on friday to give evidence in his own defence – saying he felt “sorry” for Hans Dalton.

Pleading not guilty, Jonathan Patrick Crichton, 22, conirmed that he did make a statement to police admitting to the murder of visiting new Zealander Dalton – but told the court it was given “under pressure.”

Dalton had been taken into protective custody on christmas Eve after losing his psychiatric drugs during cyclone Evan causing him to become agitated, causing alarm among staff at the hotel where he was staying.

Dalton was found dead, head down in a 44-gallon drum of water in a cell at Tafaigata Prison on Boxing Day of 2012.

The accused crichton told the court said that police’s investigating oficer, Inspector Samuelu Afamasaga, pressured him into saying he “did it”. crichton told the court that the inspector indicated there was no use trying to hide the truth. “no matter how hard you try to hide a chick, it chirps and it chirps,” he quoted the inspector as saying. crichton went through details of the interview with inspector Samuelu, leading up to the statement admitting the murder. crichton said he told inspector Samuelu that he used the ‘key’ off a tin of canned “maligi” meat to open the locked door of Dalton’s cell.

When his lawyer asked

whether this was true, however, crichton denied it. “no, this is not true, i was being pressured.” crichton told the court of the events of christmas Day 2012 when Dalton arrived at Tafaigata Prison between 6 and 7pm.

He said Dalton was accompanied by four police oficers to the cell block he was contained in and was put in cell one door away from his.

He said he was instructed by one of the oficers to help by illing a drum with water for the purpose of flushing the toilet in Dalton’s cell.

He illed the drum and it was left inside Dalton’s room.

Defence counsel Rosella Papali’i asked whether each inmate had a drum of water in their room and crichton’s reply was “no”.

The court heard that crichton fetched a pillow belonging to another inmate from the same block and a mat for Dalton.

When he was shown a photo of a bruise under Dalton’s arm, crichton told the court that he had not seen this before. crichton told the court that Dalton had scratches on his stomach, elbows and legs, and bruises on his stomach and knuckles.

He told the court that the room Dalton was contained in was locked using a big golden padlock.

When his lawyer asked how he could be sure of all these details, crichton said “because i remember everything that happened”.

He said when the police left

their cell block, he and the another prisoner said their evening prayer. crichton then told the court this was when Dalton called out to him to bring over a mosquito coil so that he could light his cigarette. The request was in English, he said. crichton went over to give him the coil to light Dalton’s smoke before returning to his room.

After a while, Dalton called out again – this time that he was hungry. crichton said he found a packet of cookies, opened it and gave some to Dalton who then grabbed the cookies and crushed them in his hands before throwing the remains aside. “i said to him, don’t waste food.”

Defence counsel Papali’i told her client that the investigative oficer in the case, Inspector Afamasaga, had given evidence in court that in his statement recorded the following day he said that he was “angry” as a result of Dalton’s actions. crichton told the court that he was “not angry” but “upset” with Dalton, because food is scarce in prison.

“Any person that damages or wastes anything you care about, will make you upset and angry but that was just for that speciic moment,” he said. crichton said that Dalton’s next request was for something to drink, so he gave him a bottle of water.

This was passed through a gap in Dalton’s prison cell door. crichton told the court, “he said thank you”.

crichton then told the court Dalton called him over to light a mosquito coil that had gone out.

Dalton told him to reach into the room to get the mosquito coil. This was “when he grabbed my arm and at the same time i was pulling away”.

To get away he used his other hand to reach for something for leverage and took hold of Dalton’s neck.

Dalton’s then let go of his arm, crichton told the court.

He told the court that he was not angry with what Dalton had done because he knew he had some mental problems – “i felt sorry for him”.

He then gave evidence that police came back to Dalton’s cell that same night.

Three officers accompanied two doctors who came to give Dalton a tablet.

Dalton slapped the tablet away when it was offered to him by one of the doctors. He then walked away and the doctor passed a tablet to one of the oficers to give to Dalton.

When the oficer offered Dalton the tablet “he also slapped it away”. The oficers then put Dalton back into his room.

When the officers and doctors left Dalton could be heard punching at the door and the wall of his room. crichton said he did this three to four times.

He told the court that he was used to this kind of thing happening in the environment of Tafaigata prison.

There was another person with the same kind of condition ocked up at Tafaigata.

As a result he had gotten used

to all the noise.

“Were you angry or not?” asked Papali’i. “no.” crichton said. crichton told the court that straight after the doctors and police oficers left he heard Dalton calling out the name of his wife lisa and their children. “i didn’t go back there.”

However, he said that he went back to check on Dalton some time later. He said he went to sleep at midnight after prison oficers came to check on their block again that night.

When asked by his counsel if he knew whether officers had unlocked Dalton’s door or entered the room crichton said “no”.

He said that Dalton was screaming out for the whole night, swearing and calling for his wife lisa and pounded on the walls of his room.

“He did this the whole night without rest.” crichton was woken the next morning at 8am. This was later than usual, with police normally calling in at 6am but saying they were late that morning because they had to wait for the raising of the lag before a vehicle could be released.

When he woke up he listened for any noise from Dalton’s room but there was nothing.

He went over to check and found Dalton head irst in the drum of water with his legs hanging outside, angled towards the door.

He said he looked twice to see if he was moving but realised that he wasn’t and ran towards oficers on duty, calling out that

a guy was dead in his room.

A third prisoner that shared the cell block with him showed up asking what had happened.

He told him about Dalton and both started calling out to the oficers on duty for assistance.

Two officers came and unlocked the room. The officers couldn’t get Dalton out of the drum. crichton said he suggested to them to turn the drum over so that they can pull him out. This was done and they managed to get Dalton out. “One of the oficers asked if anyone knew cPR”, said Mr. crichton. “one of the oficers, said he knew CPR and so he went over and did that.” crichton said it was too late.

The Supreme court has since denied an application from the prosecution to delete part of the evidence given by crichton relating to how the investigating oficer, Inspector Afamasaga intimidated Jonathan during the interview.

Presiding judge, Justice lesatele Rapi Vaai, denied the application.

The specific part of the defendants’ evidence given in court on friday said that Afamasaga told crichton that no one cared about him because he was already serving a life sentence.

The prosecution and defence have completed their arguments and their final submissions are being heard this week.

The assessors are scheduled to visit the scene of the crime at Tafa’igata prison this week before the case proceeds.

- Samoa Observer/PNC

6

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

lETTERS reta

Grey Power ads ‘gut-wrenching’ viewing!

Dear Editor, Watching Grey Power ads on television and seeing our old people complaining about taxation and telling us the Prime Minister (PM) and his government don’t care about them, despite the PM explaining that MfEM’s RMD (Revenue Management Division) has the right to deduct tax and not something he can interfere with, i couldn’t help thinking Grey Power has lost its way on christian behaviour as these ads are gut-wrenching viewing and foreign to our christian culture. it seems to me the noble cause of defending our old people that Grey Power started off with has now turned into political terrorism of the nature occurring around the globe and unfortunate. i say political terrorism because opposition ads on television invariably follow Grey Power ads and promise tax relief to buy old people’s votes, which is also gut-wrenching viewing,

giving rise to speculation of a collect $100 a week only and resnap election on the coconut duced to eating $5 maroro. needwireless with some speculators less to say this lawed agreement predicting the tag team of Grey divides pensioners into rich and Power and opposition will force poor and is a recipe for discontent if this government fails to the PM to snap. manage it. in a previous letAnd it’s fair to ter i suggested the ‘on Grey Power’s say this governagreement between claim that the ment is managing our previous govPM and his this spectacle of poernment and new government don’t litical terrorism ads Zealand’s governcare about our old quite well, by not ment allowing new people, of course buckling to Grey Zealand pensionthey care, it’s just Power and opposiers to collect their p e n s i o n a n d b e they are compelled tion abuse. i susto care for all old pect from odd comtaxed here rather people and not just ments i have heard than new Zealand, which gave rise to the privileged few.’ and read that local pensioners are also Grey Power tax issues, should be terminated with wrenching in the gut watching unpaid back tax forgiven. i said Grey Power pensioners complain this because the agreement was when locals are the ones disadlawed, in that it created an elite vantaged by this flawed agreegroup of some 250 pensioners ment and struggling in these (Grey Power) whose members days of recession.

That said, i support Grey Powcollect some $350 a week and ine dine and ignored the impact on er and its noble cause of protectsome 1700 local pensioners who ing our elderly, as do most people

Grey Power preparing for a march to parliament in protest of government eforts to ‘back tax’ their NZ-paid pensions last year. 13100856 i expect, it’s just these maki ads on television aimed at bringing down the PM and his government i can’t stomach, which i suspect most people can’t stomach either. on Grey Power tax issues, with MfEM and RMD taking the position they are empowered by our tax legislation to collect

Rats ‘are a big deal’ Dear Editor, in response to the Empire cinema Manager regarding the rat infestation at the Empire Theatre, in particular their closing statement: "The Kiore, like other pests like the Myna bird, Manu Kaumani etcetera are a part of life here in the cook islands and we can take a cavalier attitude because it's how it is - not really a big deal.

We therefore welcome ideas on how to improve our eradication efforts of the Kiore."

At the very least the management is admitting to a cavalier

attitude towards the infestation. it is in fact a big deal and (in this particular case) it should not be put off by those managing a public venue serving families and offering food for consumption, or by hiding behind the mask of colloquial acceptance.

Rats, any species, not only the Kiore, can and do bite, there is a condition called rat bite fever.

But they also carry diseases in their faeces, urine and often carry leas.

The assertion that families

with children don't attend the late shows is wrong. Two years ago while attending a ilm at the Empire Theatre we observed several families with very young, some barefoot, well behaved children attending the late show.

Suggestions: 1. in the interest of public health, close the theatre until the problem can be addressed and the rats eradicated.

2. Upon reopening the theatre, the use of traps in out-of-theway rat pathways.

3. The use of pest control

chemicals.

4. The most effective, longterm control would be the cleaning of the theatre between every show and a double check at the beginning and end of each business day.

5. All trash containers should be emptied and/or covered.

6. Hire a pest control company that monitors the theatre often.

We really hope this is helpful.

We look forward to being able to return to the theatre because we really have enjoyed our experiences in the past. concerned Visitors

tax without the interference of government and going so far as to challenge anyone to take them to court, i think the matter should be referred to court for determination. on the sensitive issue of RMD deducting funds from pensioners’ bank accounts, i believe RMD erred in judgement and agree with the PM that funds taken should be replaced. i say this because it appears from what i’m reading and hearing that RMD needed court orders to seize those funds, making its bank raiding activity unconstitutional. on Grey Power’s claim that the PM and his government don’t care about our old people, of course they care, it’s just they are compelled to care for all old people and not just the privileged few, and not some “jumping jack lash” government that can be terrorised to jumping on to topical issues to score political points. on the PM himself, the man everyone seems to blame for their woes in these days of recession, may i say this; 1. i received a call from him when i came under siege from the media a few years back, before he became PM, saying “i feel for you bro”. He was the only one in God’s own who did that, so no one is going to tell me he doesn’t care!

2. When he became PM one of the irst things he said was we must develop the outer islands, realising we need to breathe life into their dying economies so they can contribute to the economy instead of relying on hand-outs from Rarotonga and causing a drag on the economy, so he has vision.

3. When he returned from china we talked about a comprehensive development plan to improve air and shipping services and expand tourism to the outer islands, and farm the outer islands for export to reduce trade deicit, so he has purpose.

4. Watching him lead the fight on renewable energy for small island states on the international stage and placing our small island state at the forefront of Paciic struggle for economic survival we should be proud, because he has status in the Paciic community.

5. And seeing that he doesn’t flinch and become distracted from the business of governing the country when Grey Power abuse him personally on television, he has balls, and he cares.

Kia toa PM, as it is incumbent on you and your government to grow our economy out of recession and stem the tide of lotsam and jetsam as our people seek economic refuge elsewhere, which started before your time!

Tim Tepaki

Thank you to the Nautilus Dear Editor, With regards to the letter to the editor titled "Graves ‘desecrated for tourist resort'" (a wonderfully incorrect heading as it turns out) published february 1, 2014.

Thank you so much to Erika Bult for replying and to the Pearson’s for handling this differently to what it appeared to be on the surface. We are very relieved, and impressed actually, to read of your sensitive approach to the burial area and holistic approach in general with

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

regards to the nautilus development and the environment.

Mum and one of my sisters did visit the site recently to check, but obviously didn’t go far enough, assuming the fences and construction signage were all part of the resort development and not accessible. We will encourage mum to try again.

We look forward to being able to more easily access mama’s grave in the future.

Thank you for caring.

Mataora tikai nei

Managing Editor John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com Financial Controller Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com General Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com Editor Mark Ebrey mark@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 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, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

Te Mato Vai submissions due Friday MEMBERS of the public have been advised that anyone wishing to make a submission regarding the Te Mato Vai water project’s master plan must do so by this friday.

A series of nine consultations led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of infrastructure Teariki Heather were held last month for various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, landowners, and members of the public. officials said recordings of those consultations are being transcribed and any verbal submissions made at the meetings

along with the written submissions received will be provided to AEcoM, the authors of the draft master plan, for their consideration.

The questions raised are expected to be added to the project’s questions and answers document, which oficials said will be published in the near future.

The Te Mato Vai project team expects changes will be made to the draft master plan before being submitted to cabinet for inal approval.

During the recent consultations, members of the public

voiced many concerns about the $60 million project concerning issues such as cost, environmental impact, the lack of local input on design, and the implementation of a user-pay system.

Written submissions can be sent to: Te Mato Vai project, Po Box 3286, Rarotonga, cook islands, or emailed to Jaewynn@ wovenpaciic.com Phone queries can be made by calling the Te Mato Vai project ofice on 28 851.

The Draft Master Plan can be downloaded at http://watsan. gov.ck/water-partnership - Emmanuel Samoglou

Police grateful for a quiet weekend PolicE are praising the community for a mostly trouble-free weekend, besides some loud parties and domestic disputes. inspector John Hosking called it a “relatively quiet weekend” with only minor incidents requiring police action.

There were no burglaries, motor vehicle crashes, thefts, or vehicle crimes reported, he said.

However, police were called to address noisy beach parties in nikao and Titikaveka and loud music coming from a hotel room.

“All incidents have been attended and persons were spoken

to,” said Hosking.

“Please communicate with neighbours and also be considerate of the hours, especially early hours of the morning. Police will follow up with owners to reach some solution to better minimise noise or eliminate noise all together.”

Police were also called to an alleged assault between brothers.

“Upon police arrival persons were spoken to and there was no assault, just a settling of differences,” Hosking said.

Another incident involved a young man from Arorangi who,

after returning home in the early hours of Sunday morning, was confronted by his parent and asked to leave. Police helped the man find somewhere else to stay for the night. Hosking said police will follow up on this incident. “finally, the cook islands Police must praise the community for a quiet weekend by police standards,” he said.

Should the public have any information regarding the above or previous incidents please call crime Stoppers on - BCS 080022200.

a series of nine consultations on the Te Mato Vai project held last month were well-attended by members of the public. 14012104

sWitCh on with te aponga uira

Be CareFuL arounD FaLLen PoWer Lines...

Wouldn’t it be nice if Cyclone ian was the irst and last cyclone to hit our part of the Paciic in 2014! no chance i guess.

During a cyclone high winds and lying debris can bring down overhead power lines which is what happened when ian cut through tonga. in ha’apai every span of overhead power line was torn down by debris or wind. here are 3 important cyclone safety tips to remember: • Stay well away from fallen power lines. Always assume they are ‘live’ and dangerous. report them immediately.

www.teaponga.com

• Listen to a battery-operated radio for oicial advice and power restoration information.

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

Cook Islands Tourism Corporaion is hosing a ‘Tourism Stakeholders Forum’ from Wednesday 5 to Thursday 6 February at the Assembly of God Church in Takuvaine from 8.30am – 1pm each day.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite YOU to be a part of the forum. The forum will be delivered by way of panel discussions as well as working groups (see programme right).

The purpose of the forum is to engage stakeholders at all levels, Government, Community, and the Business Sector to address crosscuing issues that afect our tourism industry and re-invigorate debate about the development of tourism in the Cook Islands.

E kura tuoro teia ki te ii tangata Kuki Airani katoatoa. Ka rave’ia tetai iri’iri’anga kapua nui nate pae Turoto, a teia epetoma ki mua, Ruitoru ra 5 e te Paraparau ra 6 o Peperuare kite Are Pure o te Assemblies of God i Takuvaine.

Ka akamata i te ora varu i te popongi, akaoi i te ora ta’i i nga ra e rua.

If you have any quesions regarding the above please contact Noeline Mateariki on telephone (+682) 29435 or email noeline.mateariki@cookislands.gov.ck

Programme

Time th

Day 1 – Wednesday 5 Feb Welcome address AUT Visitor Saisfacion Survey Results Panel Discussion 1 MOST APPEALING ELEMENTS FOR VISITORS – PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE Tea/Cofee Break LEAST APPEALING ELEMENTS FOR VISITORS – DOGS, DRIVERS LICENSES, CUSTOMER SERVICE, TRANSPORT, ACCOMMODATION Working group session 1 - Interacion with the Environment, Voluntourism and Giving Back, Highlighing our Culture, People and History, Quality Assurance and Minimum Standards, Customer Service and Care, Niche Markets and Products Closing Remarks for Day One LUNCH – end of day one

8.30am 8.50am 9.15am

Programme

Time

10.00am 10.15am

11.30am

12.45am

Day 2 – Thursday 6 February th

Recap of Wednesdays discussion Panel Discussion 3 – GROWING TOURISM IN THE SISTER ISLANDS Panel Discussion 4 – TOURISM EDUCATION & TRAINING Tea/Cofee Break NATIONAL & EVENT INFRASTRUCTURE Working group session 2 - Placements for students in industry workplaces, Top 5 Training needs for the Industry, Aitutaki & Aiu triangle route, Sister Island signage, Events in the Sister Islands Wrap up & Final Closing Remarks LUNCH – end of day two

8.25am 8.45am 9.45am 10.30am 10.45am 11.30am

12.45am

8

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

School re-opens after asbestos removal AVARUA School re-opened yes-

terday following the removal of asbestos-tainted soil from the school grounds.

The students were back in class one week later than other schools in Rarotonga, to allow the work to be done.

The air around Avarua School was tested late last year by Stuart Keer-Keer – a consultant from new Zealand-based K2 Environmental ltd, which specialises in air quality testing and advice. He found asbestos ibres in the air at levels high enough for the school to be shut down by the Ministry of Education.

With asbestos removed from the roofing of schools on the

island between seven and 20 years ago, the source of the hazard at Avarua was found to be the soil, with asbestos particles that were mixed with roofing materials washing off the roof with rain as the material around it degraded. from Tuesday last week, workers from T&M Heather dug up soil that Keer-Keer had found to contain asbestos – including two-metre-wide trenches around classrooms, as well as other areas where the contaminated soil had been moved to over the years.

Around 30 truckloads of soil were transported to the landill site in Arorangi, where it was

dumped into a hole created for the purpose.

Anne Taoro, property manager for the cook islands investment corporation which co-ordinated the project, said on friday that the work was on track for completion, and the students were able to start at 8am on Monday as planned.

Keer-Keer said he will be measuring the level of asbestos in the air inside the buildings now that the students are back in class, and will also be doing further testing around other government-owned buildings in the cook islands.

- Briar Douglas

Large areas of the grounds at avarua School were dug up last week after asbestos was found in the soil. 14020235

theDiningtable

The Dining Table is a regular weekly feature, giving you opions on where to eat, drink and be entertained.

Check out the amazing dining & entertaining experiences on ofer here on Rarotonga.

sPeCtaCuLaroVerWaternightshoWFeatureoftheWeek

anDisLanD/WesternFusionBuFFetDinner

the show is based on a legend story of Power, Pride and Love featuring Rarotongas inest dancers and musicians performing by laming torchlight on loaing and ixed stages complete with ire dancers!

Upgrade to the Combo Extravaganza and include the interacive The Spectacular cultural Village Tour Overwater Night Show beforehand. Treat and Island/Western yourselves at our Fusion Bufet Dinner wonderful facility. is a must and ideal Every Tuesday, Thursday for all ages. Set in & Saturday nights, a waterfall garden transfers included. sunDaY BBq

with local string band

suPer gooD Venue For anY FunCtions

oPen 7 DaYs BreakFast – LunCh – Dinner takeaWaYs & reserVations opposite the airport

Ph 21003

BOOK NOW! Ph 24006. Or call us to discuss Te Vara Nui for your perfect wedding venue.

h ts nig M Y Da 5 P Fri roM F

Juicy BBq Pork spare ribs, Flame grilled Prawns cooked in : Peri-Peri (spicy Chilli),] garlic & herb Butter, LemonPepper Butter, tangy BBq

onLY

$ great food, great views & great service

Beautiful island Bufet with all our local dishes!

Bookings essential Ph 21233 tuesday – Friday & sunday 11am to 3pm

Phone 23000 for reservations Located at Muri Beach Club Hotel

Restaurant & Bar

67

starts 5.30pm @ the BeaCh Bar!

9

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

Changes expected to Te Mato Vai before signoff cHAnGES are expected to the draft master plan for the ambitious Te Mato Vai project before it is submitted to cabinet for sign off.

The project team is now reviewing information received during the meetings recently held to discuss the project’s draft master plan. feedback will be provided to AEcoM, the authors of the draft master plan and questions raised will also be added to the project’s questions and answers document to be published in the near future.

Approximately 500 people came to the nine meetings held with Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, landowners

on whose property the water supply infrastructure will be located, and members of the public.

All verbal submissions made at the meetings are being analysed and people who wish to make written submissions have until february 7 to do so.

Written submissions can be sent to: Te Mato Vai project, Po Box 3286, Rarotonga, cook islands, or emailed to Jaewynn@ wovenpaciic.com Phone queries can be made by calling the Te Mato Vai project ofice on 28 851.

The Draft Master Plan can be downloaded at http://watsan. gov.ck/water-partnership The main concerns voiced at

the meetings surrounded the cost of the project and whether or not the country can afford it.

Since the meetings the Secretary of finance, Richard neves has reiterated how the scheme will be financed and says he believes the inancial arrangements are sound and affordable. once cabinet has signed off on a final draft, the new Zealand based engineering company that drew up the scheme will complete the inal plan for implementation by the project management team led by latu Kupa whose team is on the ground here in Rarotonga operating out of an office at the infrastructure cook islands site

in Arorangi.

Members of the chinese construction company who will construct the new ring main to feed to water around Rarotonga have started to arrive in Rarotonga.

However, physical work on replacing the ring main won’t start until the Environment impact Assessment (EiA) process is completed.

The EiA for phase one of the Te Mato Vai project – the Ring Main Upgrade is now available for public viewing and input.

Reports have been distributed to various shops around the island and are also available on www.environment.gov.ck The water project will be the

Latu Kupa of KEW Consult Ltd and his team are on the ground in Rarotonga and based in arorangi. 14011306 biggest construction project in the cook islands since the international airport was built

in the 1970s and is expected to take three years to complete.

- TMV Release

Today’s the day to think about cancer checks ToDAy is World cancer day and

the cook islands Breast cancer foundation (ciBcf) will be supporting the Union for international cancer control’s (Uicc) World cancer Day. “World cancer Day provides each of us with another opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage the prevention, early detection, and treatment of this hideous disease which all too soon has become an unwanted burden on our lives and those of our families,” says ciBcf president Jaewynn McKay. The World cancer Declaration calls upon government leaders and health policy-makers to signiicantly reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.

This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of can-

cer and, left unchecked, it is estimated the number of deaths will increase to 13.2 million per year by 2030.

The ciBcf is a non-profit organisation that exists to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage and assist women (especially those from the Pa Enua) in having regular mammograms. “for many of our cook islands women the six letter word “cancer” still carries a huge emotional load and this alone is enough to prevent them seeking early medical advice for symptoms,” says McKay. A screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer early, well before a lump can be seen or felt. A mammogram is a safe low dose x-ray of the breast tissue.

Detecting breast cancer early allows for better treatment options and improves your chances of long term survival.

last year was the fourth year the foundation was able to assist the Ministry of Health in bringing women from Pa Enua to Rarotonga and it looks forward to working with them again this year. “ladies – a relatively simple procedure can give you peace of mind if you’re clear, and if you’re not, early detection will give you the possibility of treatment and more time to spend with your mokopuna and family and friends. Make arrangements for a test now.

“And while c i B c f was formed to help women avoid and ight breast cancer, we urge our menfolk to be mindful of their health too and to have early and regular checks for prostate cancer. “our cook islands families need all our mamas and papas for as long as possible,” concludes McKay. - CIBCF/MW

Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation members in officially donating a four-year-old mammography machine donated by Breast Screen New South Wales to the Ministry of health in 2013. Today is Cancer day. 13072640

PM Puna honours former politicians THE PRiME MiniSTER has

paid tribute to two prominent and respected members of the community who passed away last week. inatio Akaruru and Kura Strickland, who both hailed from the outer islands, rose through the political ranks to become cabinet Ministers.

Akaruru, affectionately known as Papa inatio, was born on Pukapuka in 1937.

He worked for the cook islands Government as a medical records oficer in the Health Department, before being elected to parliament in 1968.

As a stalwart of the cook islands Party and long-term member for Pukapuka/nassau, he eventually became Deputy Prime Minister and foreign Minister.

Prime Minister Henry Puna said Papa inatio helped spearhead a tremendous wave of growth in the country’s diplomatic relations and engagement in international organisations.

“He was keenly involved in a number of key development areas and played a strong role in advocating the cook islands’ interests.

Papa inatio was a solid anchor of support in the cabinet of the late Sir Geoffrey Henry and oversaw tremendous change over the years.”

He was also a former Minister of Police, notably receiving the patrol boat Te Kukupa from the Australian Government in 1989.

Puna also honoured Papa Kura Strickland as “a irm community man” who upheld the interests of his people throughout his distinguished service to the country.

Papa Inatio akaruru rolling up on the greens.

14020302

Born on Aitutaki in December 1929, Papa Kura worked for the cook islands Trading company and internal Affairs Department before entering politics in 1978.

Papa Kura was a loyal member of the cook islands Party and represented Amuri-Ureia, in Aitutaki.

“His tenure as a minister was marked by his willingness to address social issues and concerns wherever he could. Papa Kura was a digniied representative of the people and was recognised accordingly when he received his oBE (for services to the community),” Puna said.

Puna said both men contributed strongly to the development and growth of the cook islands throughout their political careers.

He conveyed his condolences to the men’s families and said they would be remembered fondly.

The cook islands Police Service and its commissioner Maara Tetava also extended their condolences to the men’s families.

- Ben Chapman-Smith

The late Papa Kura Strickland.

14020318

on tuesday evening join us for our FaBuLous

island night with superbFeast

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

.30pm 8 s t r a st show ment by m p 0 3 . ain g 7 - 8 ht entert n i n i D nig island e tilllat oYze B & a r ithta entw m n i a ntert Livee

edgewater resort - reservations essential phone now 25435

Complimentarytransfersprovidedfromanywhereontheisland. saturdayislandnightfeaturesorama

10

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAiL

PHONE

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Fax 25303

22999

preferred

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

COOK iSLANDS GAME FiSHiNG CLUB WEIGHMASTERS cOMP The annual weighmaster’s comp will be run on Saturday 8th February between the hours of 0600 and 1700 with prize giving at 1830. This comp is open to inancial members of the club and $20 boat registration must be paid at the bar before 2330 on Friday 7th Feb ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The AGM of the cook Islands Game Fishing club will be held on Saturday 1st March at 1400.

DEVELOPMENT HOLDiNGS LiMiTED Our oice will be open from the 6 to 14 February from 10am to 2pm only.

Meitaki maata.

Cook islands Government The cook Islands Government and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Afairs and Trade have issued tender documents for the construction of a 900kw Photovoltaic Array at Rarotonga International Airport. The site is to the west of the terminal and on airport land. Planned total output will be 900kw and energy generated will provide approximately 5% of Rarotonga requirements. The project is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme.

Tender documents are available both on the website of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (www.mfem.gov. ck) and the New Zealand Government Electronic Tenders website (www.gets.govt.nz).

Tenders close February 20th.

Interested cook Islands companies should access the tender documents on the website.

Queries can be addressed to the Project Manager, Mr John Youdale at email john. youdale@beca.com or Rob Hills at email – Rob.hills@beca. com. Those interested in tendering should register with the project manager to ensure they receive any additional notices to tenderers.

76745 / /1915

VEhICLES FOR SALE MTS L300 Petrol Van, Includes new tyre, $3000.Phone 50554.

76726 /36220 /1931

For the sake of your family

GET HELP Call AA - 71744

76716 / /1956

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

Overseas advertising Wecanplaceyourmessageinnewspapersaround the world.

Wewillgetquotesforclassiiedadvertisements and pre-billing.

Contactouradvertisingdepartmentphone22999email:adverts@cookislandsnews.com

76650 / /1933

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

www.cookislandsnews.com

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

DEADLiNES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Consultation on the Biosecurity Draft Regulation 2014.

The Ministry of Agriculture will be conducting a Public consultation Meeting on the Draft Biosecurity Regulations 2014 in each district on Rarotonga. The regulation covers New Quarantine Requirements for Plant and Animals on Import, Export, Fines, Fees and charges. The meeting is open to the General Public. Please make every effort to attend as this is very important for us to know and protecting our Nation at all times.

Ka rave atu Te Tipatimani o te Pae Tanu I tetai uipaanga no runga ite Ture ou koia oki ko te Draft Biosecurity Regulations s 2014. Tei roto I teia Ture nei tetai au akatuke anga ou no runga ite turanga o te apai ua rakau mai mei vao ake ite Basileia, mei te ua kai, atava tiare e te vai atura.

No reira te pati akaaka ia atu nei ki te katoatoa rava kia tae mai tatou kia akarongo ite au tumu manako puapinga no runga I teia Ture te ka riro ite tauturu ito tatou Ipukarea.

Days and Venue of the meeting.

Monday 3 February 2014, 6pm, Puaikura - calvary Hall Tuesday 4 February 2014, 6pm, Avarua - Sinai Hall Wednesday 5 February 2014, 6pm, Takitumu - Avana Meeting House Dr Matairangi Purea Secretary of Agriculture.

76719 / /1792

SITUATIONS VACANT Childcare/Tutor with at least 3 yrs work exp., knowledgeable in child care, fond of playing with kids, love to read educational books and tutorial job, must be honest, reliable, friendly,nonsmoker and non-drinker. Please email your cV to ciral09@yahoo.com and application closes 19 February 2014.

76650 / /1933

reCYCLe

SITUATIONS VACANT

Production/Sales Position (Fulltime) We are looking for an energetic, well presented person to join our organisation. The successful applicant must also have a “can do” attitude and be a team player. Manufacturing experience will be an advantage. The role will require some heavy lifting at times. A current cook Islands driver’s license is essential.

Application forms are available from our premises in Ruatonga.

Application closes Monday 10 February.

76751 / /2107

Local Charter Business looking for experienced Deckhand/Skipper Experience in management, mechanics, engineering an advantage.

Please apply in writing to PO Box 276, Avarua.

76737 /36223 /1931

SITUATIONS VACANT 30-40hr a week oice position available at TNM Ltd in Aitutaki...

Experience & sound knowledge of computers, emails and Excel essential Position entails: stock control & orders, data entry The understanding and previous use of QuickBooks would be beneicial Flexible hours We need you to be honest, trustworthy & reliable Please email application or cV to bishopcruz@aitutaki.net.ck Or write to TNM Ltd PO Box 53 Aitutaki.

76596 / /2408

We are currently seeking the following: 1. Assistant chef/cook 2. Pastry chef 3. Professional Bartender/ Supervisor All positions require skilled, experienced, matured and hands on person.

To apply: Email cV to beachbar@waterline.co.ck or call 56214.

76571 / /2247

Female Waitress required for a restaurant. Training provided for the right candidate. Experience preferred. Phone 22279 or 75422

Gas burner 4 ring, great for cooking large pots $200. Trader Don 22919.

76723 / /2199

76750 / /2058

FOR SALE

SITUATIONS VACANT

We are on the move Front oice looking for energetic with a good personality positive person to join our Reception operation.

Fulltime work available and must be keen and willing to learn.

Experience deinitely a bonus but not essential.

Carpenter / Handyman Full time work for the right applicant who is versatile and able to help our small team complete our renovation project.

Contact Louis 55369 or email: Louis@clubraro.co.ck 76733

Classiieds

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Paciic resort Hotel Group A Great Place to Work…

Job Opportunities Kia orana! - the edgewater resort & Spa are currently seeking full time and part time staf. If you are a team player and have the ability to work under pressure and multitask - then we are looking for you! All applicants must have: Good communication skills, be honest and reliable, conidence and personality - full training will be provided for the right applicants. the positions available are: • Restaurant cleaner (6-12midday) • Waitress / waiter (full & part time) • Demi chefs • Kitchen hand • Housekeeping Supervisor • Housemaids For further queries, please contact the Hr & training Manager Jef TIKITAU on ph 58008 or Lynn MATAIO on ph 55469. Application forms are also available from reception. look forward to meeting you!

76629

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

www.paciicresort. com

76521

11

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

Nukutere College names prefects cATHolic school nukutere

college looks forward to a positive year of growth and has appointed school prefects to lead the way in 2014.

The school formally announced and blessed their new school prefects at a special mass at St Joseph’s cathedral last friday.

The school leaders will be responsible in bridging the gap between teachers and students and helping drive the school into the new year.

The school community has

overcome many challenges since a wing at the school was burned to the ground in an arson attack last october. A replacement building is set to be constructed and completed by the end of this irst term of school.

Meanwhile the school is doing its best to accommodate its growing roll with year 11 students taking learning outdoors where a tent serves as their classroom. it’s a challenge principal George Rasmussen said is

BIRThDAy

happy5thBirthday toourBeautiful

tahana Lots of love Mummy, Daddy, tamaivaandallofyour FamilyandFriends.xxx SITUATIONS VACANT The Ministry of Health has the following vacancies: 1. Laboratory technician (Phlebotomist), Rarotonga Hospital 2. Dental trainee An application form and job description is available upon request.

Address applications or queries to Human Resources Manager, PO Box 109, Ministry of Health, Rarotonga, cook Islands, Phone (00 682) 29664 or email m.anguna@health.gov.ck Date for inal receipt of applications: 7 February 2014.

76638 / /1720

SERVICES RENOVATiONS DEcKS, KITcHENS OR cOMPLETE HOUSES, MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENTS. FREE QUOTE, NO OBLIGATION. RING RIMATOA BUILDERS on 55070 or see Gus at our workshop in Nikao (opp Dentist, formerly Land Holdings Premises).

76748 / /2625

helping build the resilience of the school’s high achieving students.

During the new prefects’ inauguration and blessing mass father freddy Kaina used a paw paw and its seeds to tell each student that they have great human potential, but need to nurture that potential.

The new school prefects will be led by head boy Anthony Kaina and head girl Raita Tiere.

The remaining prefects include – deputy head boy Reynold Akaruru, deputy head girl Bobbiejo Healey, Allandra Donnelly, Deputy Head Girl Bobbiejo Healey, Geomar George, faustina Ufamarata, Jessie nicholson, Kataraina Piri, clayton Mani, Jonathan Samuela and naboua Taoro.

The special mass for the blessing of the prefects was attended by Ministry of Education secretary Sharyn Paio, who congratulated the students on their nZQA achievements; and Sister Margaret, who supplied the photos from the special mass.

- Matariki Wilson

Nukutere College’s school leaders (from left) deputy head girl Bobbiejo Healey, head girl Raita Tiere, head boy anthony Kaina and deputy head boy Reynold akaruru with Ministry of Education secretary Sharyn Paio and school principal George Rasmussen. 14020309

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

support staf Vacancies exist for the following part time positions: 1. Teacher Aide (Inclusive Education) • Apii Te Uki Ou (2 positions) • Rutaki School (1 position) • Takitumu School (1 position) 2. Teacher Aide (ECE) - 2 positions • Arorangi School • Omoka School, Penryhn 3. Grounds/Maintenance position: Avatea School 4. Receptionist (fulltime): Ministry of Education, Nikao Applications close on Friday 14 February 2014. Job Descriptions available from the ministry or at: www. education.gov.ck Please submit a cover letter with curriculum Vitae and references to: Director Hrm Division P. o. Box 97 rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, Fax (682) 28357 or email: vacancy@ education.gov.ck

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Classiieds

need a little

76740

TE MATO VAI PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT

Project Administrator We are seeking an experienced Project Administrator to carry out the administrative and inancial tasks for the PmU. the position is an interesting and challenging one and will appeal to anyone who enjoys working in the water industry and with a range of stakeholders.

If interested, please contact oice or email sarah@kew. com.ws for copy of a job description.

All applications should include a covering letter, recent CV, evidence of qualiications and relevant references and be emailed to the Project Manager with details below.

Project Manager Te Mato Vai Project Management Unit ICI Compound, Arorangi latu@kew.com.ws Closing Date: Monday 10 February 2014 For more information, contact Ph 28851 76749

Finance Oicer – Cook Islands As the Finance Oicer you will support and work closely with the Finance Manager, Westpac Cook islands to ensure the administration of the Westpac business is streamlined and eicient. Your role is responsible for accounts payable including liaising with suppliers for conirmations and updates on balances. additionally you will prepare and analyse various inancial reports.

You have core personal principles that see you behave as a dynamic, focused and disciplined professional. Your ‘can do’ attitude allows you to be nimble yet operate with a sense of accuracy and urgency in all that you do.

knowledge and experience: •

evidence of being a strongly organized and structured person, with a ‘can do’ attitude to all activities and challenges

•

Strong Oice Administration experience

•

Proven skills in written and verbal communication

•

exemplary technology skills using applications related to the administration Function of a business.

•

Proven track record in contributing to business performance through operational eiciency.

•

ideally you will be tertiary qualiied with a relevant accounting Degree.

tell us why you think you are the right person for this job by submitting your written application along with your CV, by 10 February 2014, to: nick rous, Finance Manager, Westpac Cook islands, email: nickrous@ westpac.com.au or deliver to Westpac Branch, avarua.

69221

We deliver.

Get your daily news delivered to your home or business

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

12

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

Nursing school opens in Rarotonga cooK islanders can now become qualiied nurses without going overseas.

The cook islands nursing School opened yesterday, with the previous school having closed in 2008 due to gaps in the curriculum.

Mary McManus, who is now principal of the school, led the development of a new curriculum while in her previous role at new Zealand’s AUT (Auckland University of Technology), along with chief nursing oficer at Rarotonga hospital ngakiri Teaea.

While the course will currently see students qualiied to work in the cook islands and fiji, McManus said there is still a need for nZQA accreditation to have the student’s work recognised in new Zealand – a process she said has already begun. “it is urgent that nZQA accreditation is obtained for this programme within two years - it is critical if we are to look these students in the eye and say they are receiving a world-class education.”

McManus said nursing in the cook islands can be especially challenging, with nurses expected to be skilled in three broad areas: hospitals, public health, and working in the outer islands.

Even newly graduated nurs-

es are likely to grapple with “a highly sophisticated level of nursing” because of the variety of tasks they are required to do in the cooks, she said.

Teaea said having a nursing school in the cook islands will help with the shortage of qualified staff in recent years, and increase the number of local nurses.

“We are pleased to see the opening of a nursing school to train our very own cook islanders, who understand our culture and have connections to the community.”

Around 80 people attended the formal opening of the school, including eight of the twelve students who have been accepted into the Diploma of nursing – with three students still to arrive from Mangaia and one from new Zealand.

While some of the students were already based in Rarotonga, most have roots in the outer islands, with three students from Atiu, three from Mangaia, two from Penrhyn, one from Rakahanga, one from Pukapuka and one from Mitiaro.

The diploma is being accredited through the cook islands Tertiary Training institute, but classes are currently being held at Rarotonga hospital.

Across the three year programme, the course will include

about 60 per cent theory and 40 per cent practical work, and students will increasingly be able to help out at the hospital as they progress. in the third year, they

will also visit the outer islands as part of the practical component of their studies. funding for the school has been received from the World

Health organisation, the nZ Aid Programme, the cook islands government and also a donation of equipment from the counties Manukau District Health Board.

The students who are accepted into the programme will have their studies funded and be paid a basic salary.

- Briar Douglas

Teachers of the nursing programme Maine Beniamina (left) and Isoa Bahi (second from left) stand with chief nursing oicer Ngakiri Teaea (front row, third from left) and some of the irst students who have been accepted into the new school. 14020229

Principal of the nursing school Mary McManus. 14020226 Secretary of education Sharyn Paio (second from right) was among the crowd that attended the opening of a new nursing school in Rarotonga. 14020224

director of the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute Owen Lewis addresses the crowd at the opening of the nursing school. 14020227

From left: Teacher of the nursing programme Maine Beniamina, principal of the school Mary McManus, chief nursing oicer at Rarotonga hospital Ngakiri Teaea and nursing school teacher Isoa Bahi. 14020230

13

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

Flight Times | Voyage details FROM ARRiVES

tuesdAy FeBruAry 4 Nz746/745 AKL 2.10PM DJ163/162 AKL 11.55PM thursdAy FeBruAry 6 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

ARR

TIARE MOANA 20 - ETD AUCK 04/02, ETA RARO 15/02, ETA AITUTAKI 17/02

tuesdAy FeBruAry 4 AKL AKL

3.10PM 1.05AM

AKL PPT AKL

5.25PM 3.50PM 1.30AM

Air Rarotonga

International Flights

FLiGHT

0800 1030 1530

AITUTAKI AITUTAKI AITUTAKI

0850 1120 1620

OLOMANA 23 - ETD AUCK 15/02, ETA RARO 23/02, ETA AITUTAKI 26/02

Shipping TIARE MOANA 21 - ETD AUCK 24/02, ETA RARO 07/03, ETA AITUTAKI 09/03

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at cook islands news

Su-Do-Ku EASY

Su-Do-Ku HARD

Crossword

instructions

instructions

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

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

Monday’s answer answer to Monday’s puzzle

hÄgar the horrible

here

see your business/products in this space. Phone 22999

Situation: A southerly prevails over Southern cooks. meanwhile, a weak trough lies over the group. A trough of low pressure lies slow moving just north of Northern Cooks.

Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: cloudy periods with brief showers. moderate south to southeast winds. moderate seas.

Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers.

For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers.

Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers.

For the Northern Cooks: cloudy periods with some showers. Isolated thunderstorms expected.moderate northeast winds. moderate seas.

Further outlook: cloudy periods with some showers

TUE high 12.47AM 1.04M

1.15PM

1.07M

7.02AM 0.26M

7.28PM

0.25M

4

Low

Rarotonga Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Tuesday

Tides

1m SW

1m NW N

WEd high 1.33AM 1.00M 1.59PM 1.03M

5

Low

7.47AM

0.30M

8.15PM

0.30M

28°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

SE 10KTS New Moon Feb 28 10.00PM

First Quarter Feb 6 9.22AM

Full Moon Feb 14 1.53PM

Sunshine hours

Third Quarter Feb 22 7.16AM

0.9

ArAPo - AmiAmA TUE 4 TaNu (Planting) Tanu i te meika Plant bananas.

Humidity

5

[

insert aDVert

Weather Forecast to Midnight Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

WEd

By Lee Falk & sy Barry

®

[ 4

By Dik Browne

®

the PhantoM

TUE

answer to Monday’s puzzle

0.9m NW

TauTaI (Fishing) Marie te marama. Kua teitei Po ika. Moon is slow, up high. Fish nights.

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

0.9m SW

y

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Morning

88%

Night

71%

Morning

90%

Night

73%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

TUE

4

Sun Rise 6.24AM Sun Set

7.22PM

Moon Rise 11.20AM Moon Set 11.09PM

WEd Sun Rise 6.24AM Sun Set 7.22PM

5

Moon Rise 12.15PM Moon Set 11.52PM

Aitutaki

28° SE 10KTS

Mangaia

26° SE10KTS

Mitiaro

28° SE 12KTS

Atiu

Penrhyn

28° SE 12KTS

30 NE 04KTS

Mauke

28° SE 12KTS

14

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 cook Islands News

Panthers vs Eels at Tupapa

tarekareka

4.15pm Under 16 5.15pm Senior Reserves

SPoRT ‘We’ve only got 80 minutes – one shot’ A ToP management team has

Tokahere:

been assembled to get the cook islands national rugby team ready for the one-off test match against fiji in June.

A national squad will be selected in late April, with 30 players to be chosen and moved to a camp in mid-June.

The one-off test match against fiji in Suva is a Rugby World cup qualifying match which has inspired the campaign slogan of “one Win – one Dream”.

Two warm up matches will take place before the fiji tour with one conirmed for Wednesday June 18 against the Auckland Blues development squad.

A inal squad of 25 players will be selected to take on fiji for the one-off test on June 28.

The cook islands Rugby Union has kicked off the “one Win – one Dream” campaign by introducing the management team led by head coach Barry George, assistant coach Brent Semmons, manager cam Kilgour, assistant manager nooroa Tokahere and physio cam Simmiss.

Today we share a few words from assistant manager nooroa

Can you give us a brief overview of your rugby experience over the last few years? i’m a recent addition to the coaching and management world which is probably harder than playing on the ield. i finished playing with East Tamaki and made the jump over to Papatoetoe to join the coaching team, taking the reserves team in irst year coaching before being promoted to the premier team competing for the elusive Gallagher Shield. i spent 2012 and 2013 with counties Manukau under 18’s rep team mixing coaching and management (managing is by far the toughest gig) and currently coaching my club sevens team to second place in the Auckland club competition and a spot at the national club tournament mid-february, so good learning curves are being thrown at me.

The last two years have been full on, and i'm in with the cooks to personally develop my coaching career, and also understand the craziness of managing an international team.

ICBH on netball train

Any connections to the Cook Islands or Cook Islands rugby in the past?

My dad Twiggy hails from Manihiki and Rakahanga and my mum from Aitutaki and Rarotonga, so full Kuki but pretty plastic as i have yet to go there, and i struggle with the lingo – working on it at the moment. i played for the cook islands in 2003 straight out of Auckland Grammar in the oceania tournament vs Tahiti, Solomon islands and niue. i also played in the Auckland cook island field days and Augustine challenge cup (just quietly won ield day ive times and Augustine cup three times) for Rakahanga and i’m now coaching the team when i'm able to it them in.

What made you want to take on this role? one of the reasons i took on the assistant role was mainly around the ambition i have to see the cooks compete with the top tier teams and kick the ball off at a Rugby World cup.

A few school mates played for the All Blacks and relive moments playing the big boys, so to see our boys in that same arena would be amazing.

i also took the role on as this is as close as i could get to learn from some of the high calibre coaches available, and also to learn from renowned players like Stan (Stanley Wright) and franco (francis Smith). i have ambitions to coach the cook islands in the future, but for now it's all about learning and building a path to get there.

Do the Cook Islands have the players to beat Fiji?

My dad always told me that the cooks were the sleeping giants and it was only a matter of time and direction before big things happened.

With the management and coaches tied in with the great job our organisation back in the cook islands are doing we have the right mix to get into fiji and cause a shock around the world.

We've only got 80 minutes, so it's all about being unique and taking a brand of rugby they've never come up against.

Do we have the right players? yes.

Can we beat them? Deinitely, it's one shot, one dream.

This is a big year for Cook Islands Rugby and the test match v Fiji is a huge opportunity to get to the 2015 RWC in England – what do

Cook Islands national squad assistant manager Nooroa Tokahere (left) with head coach Barry George is looking forward to developing his rugby coaching career and learning from the high calibre team tasked to lead the Cook Islands against Fiji. 14020312 we have to do to beat Fiji?

We all know that the fijians, if given space, can destroy some of the best defences in the world, so we will have to igure out how we outsmart them, draw them into a game plan they've never faced and completely take them

off their game. i think the game will be won in the collision and fringes of the ruck – the team to dominate this space will take it – hopefully they're in our cooks’ colours.

- CIRU/MW

14020311

APii TAnGATA of island Bike and car Hire (left) along with netball umpire Peua Teautoa come together for a photo to mark the partnership between the hire company and netball body. netball cook islands (nci) is pleased to announce the newlysigned sponsorship agreement

with island Bike & car Hire (icBH) which was signed by general manager Kristina Tatum. netball cook islands look forward to this alliance with icBH during 2014, speciically when the Paciic Netball Series is staged on Rarotonga from June 2 to 7 at the Telecom Sports Arena. - MW

The Cook Islands national rugby union team that lifted the Oceania Cup in July 2013 after beating PNG 37-31 in the inal tournament game which earned them the opportunity to play a one of test against Fiji for the inal spot at the Rugby World Cup in 2015. 13071402

Memorieso f suMMer

FinaL Week! entries closing Friday 7th

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!