Monday 10 February

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Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Monday, february 10, 2014

Taro under major attack on Mauke ArMyWorMS are destroying

whole crops of taro at an alarming rate on the island of Mauke. Although not new to the outer island, the speed in which the pest is devastating and infesting whole crops is alarming farmers on the island. especially as the island has planted many taro patches to feed the expected inlux of people to the island later this year for the Manea Games sports gathering. Mauke resident June Hosking was approached by concerned farmers to raise awareness of the infestation in the media to generate support and resources to control further damage to island crops. Armyworms are the caterpillar stage of a moth. “Armyworms are chewing through large areas of leaves, quickly defoliating whole taro patches, and then migrating to the next patch,” says Hosking. “It turns out the caterpillar has been here for a long time, but no one we spoke to recalls ever seeing infestation like this before.” Hosking says members of the Ngatiarua Tapere called a meeting on Thursday night to address the issue and discuss what can be done to prevent further damage to taro patches in the village. “Some expressed worry that spraying on Monday may be too late in coming. They are considering a slash and burn approach for the worst patches as caterpillars are eating right down to the base in some patches. If they can cut off all the infected leaves and burn them, new growth may have a chance to come through. However, there are also caterpillars dropped on the ground so some think it might be better to burn the ield itself.” eggs of the pest have also been found on banana leaves and hatched larvae have done some damage. “Unfortunately, caterpillars are moving through gardens and have drilled holes in dragon

fruit plants and another grower believes the same caterpillar is drilling into his watermelons.” Hosking says that Mauke agriculture head Taukea raui confirmed their findings that the devastation is in fact being caused by an armyworm invasion. He says unfortunately the common nitrogen fixing plant that looks a bit like a peanut plant, but known locally as pi (not to be confused with the medicinal plant), is a host plant for the armyworm so there is a real concern that they will just retreat to the weed once the taro is sprayed and can re-infest. Mauke resident Ine Aberahama irst noticed a few caterpillars on some taro last Saturday. Four days later when he went to inspect his crops he was horriied to ind whole patches wiped out. He brought the matter to Taukea’s attention, but Taukea says at the time they were unable to do anything about it because there was no spray on the island. Frances Taoro, owner of Katos Store in Mauke and a driving force in Ngatiarua Tapere, was quick to contact rarotonga to order Dipel – a biological control agent. Unfortunately, CITC had none and rarotonga Agriculture is out of stock also. Agriculture officer William Wigmore was able to borrow some from his nephew Arama Wigmore and sent the biological control agent to Mauke yesterday.

Taukea says the local agriculture team will spray on Monday. “I have passed on information for growers to make their own Dipel culture, should they not be able to get more spray in time. As Taukea says though, we are talking about acres of taro patches and it may well not be feasible

to brew up enough culture themselves,” says Hosking. “We are wondering if this unusual outbreak is the result of stress put on our island by the drought. After months of little to no rain for the large part of 2013, December inally saw - MW reasonable rainfall.”

armyworms are chewing through large areas of leaves, quickly defoliating whole taro patches, and then migrating to the next patch in Mauke. 14020722

Heads up on renewable energy for donors

14020704

andrew hosking takes a closer look at the armyworm from taro plants belonging to Ine aberahama.

INTerNATIoNAL donor partners will be updated on local renewable energy projects when they visit the Cook Islands next week. The Government has set targets for 50 per cent of the islands to derive their electricity from renewable energy by 2015 and 100 per cent by 2020. Achieving those ambitious targets will require strong support from development partners. Many of those partners – including government representatives from Australia, New Zealand and China, plus officials from the United Nations and Asian Development Bank – will be attending the fourth annual Development Partners Meeting (DPM), which runs from February 10 to 14, in both rarotonga and Atiu. Progress on renewable energy projects will be highlighted during a meeting on the last of the four-day DPM. - BCS

Fishing company tight-lipped over raids rua offices and his rental unit in Nikao. Also mentioned in the warrant is Samuel Chou – a Luen Thai oficial once described as a “special advisor” to Bishop, a former minister of marine resources. When contacted, Huanan General Manager Vincent Dong said he could not comment on

A foreign ishing company in-

volved in the ongoing investigation of Cabinet Minister Teina Bishop is being tight-lipped after last week’s police raids. Luen Thai Fishing Venture, and its subsidiary Huanan Fishery (Cook Islands) Company, are both mentioned in search warrants that were issued in relation to raids on Bishop’s Ava-

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the matter. Local and New Zealand law enforcement authorities executed additional search warrants last week on various entities, including the ofices of local law irm Little & Matysik PC and the Business Trade and Investment Board. Additional entities related to Luen Thai mentioned in the

search warrant include subsidiary China Southern Fishery (Shenzen) Co. Ltd and the Tan Siu lin Foundation – a charitable arm of Tan Holdings, which is broad umbrella group encompassing Luen Thai. The Tan Foundation donated $50,000 to the government in 2012, which was used to purchase 130 laptop computers

which have been distributed to students across the Cook Islands. Bishop ended his involvement with the marine resources ministry when he handed the portfolio to Prime Minister Henry Puna last September, after police began their investigation into allegations of corruption and bribery. - ES

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Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no TeiA nei Ao Police ill after drug lab raid FOUR police oicers fell ill after inding a drug lab inside a motel room in New South Wales. They went to the motel after receiving calls about a domestic dispute where they allegedly found a clandestine drug laboratory. They arrested a 28-year-old man who was taken to a nearby hospital after falling ill. Four police at the scene also became ill and were taken to hospital for treatment. Police said the oicers were exposed to chemicals while in the motel room.

The evacuation of Homs Reports of attacks as hundreds led out of besieged Syrian city HoMS – More than 600 civil-

ians have been evacuated from the rebel-held old Quarter of the central Syrian city of Homs, state media report. This was despite mortar ire and shooting which activists say killed several people and wounded others. UN and Syrian red Crescent teams also managed to deliver relief supplies to the quarter, which has been besieged by government forces for more

world BrIeFS President zuma’s son investigated SOUTH AFRIcA – South African president Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane, is being investigated for culpable homicide after one person was killed and two were injured when his Porsche 911 sports car ploughed into a minivan in Johannesburg. The crash happened late on the evening of February 1 during heavy rain but was only linked to Duduzane this weekend, just one day after his father announced a general election on May 7. If Duduzane is found to have been driving recklessly, the incident will be another embarrassment to President Zuma, who is already ighting a scandal over a US$20.7 million state-funded security upgrade to his private home. Police conirmed the details of the accident but declined to name the driver or victims, in line with common practice in South Africa.

seCond FataL Bus CrasH in tWo daYs PHILIPPINES – Five people have been killed in a bus crash in the northern Philippines, the second deadly bus accident in two days. Police say the bus was carrying more than 30 people when its brakes malfunctioned and it toppled into a ditch in the northern province of Abra on Saturday. Twenty-eight people were injured in Saturday’s crash. The accident comes a day after a tourist bus plunged into a deep ravine in a remote northern mountain pass, killing fourteen people. Presidential spokesman Herminio coloma says a nationwide safety audit of all public transport has been ordered. “We are investigating the roadworthiness of all types of public transportation, especially buses and public utility vehicles that are the main mode of transportation nationwide,” he said.

neW governor eLeCted in toKYo JAPAN – A candidate backed by Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe has won an election for governor of Tokyo, in a result which analysts said would boost the premier’s pro-nuclear agenda. The widelyexpected victory by former health minister, Yoichi Masuzoe, comes as a relief for Abe, who sufered a rare setback in another local election last month. The 65-year-old Masuzoe, backed by Prime Minister Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party, was the winner by a wide margin, according to media exit polls. “I will make Tokyo the world’s number one city,” he told supporters. Masuzoe’s most prominent rival was former prime minister, Morihiro Hosokawa, who came out of retirement to run and oppose Mr Abe’s plans to make nuclear power a core source of energy and to restart the reactors.

neW deLHi smog Worse tHan Beijing INDIA – Authorities in New Delhi are being urged to consider traic restrictions, after new research suggested the city’s air was more harmful than Beijing’s. This winter, India’s capital has been shrouded in smog leaving a blanket of dust and causing a high rate of respiratory problems. It smells of smoke and leaves a layer of gritty dust upon almost everything out in the open. It slows down traic and even forces the airport to shutdown at times. The winter smog is so bad that many are saying Delhi is worse than Beijing when it comes to air pollution. Most of the smog is generated by the eight million cars on Delhi’s roads. But it’s also exacerbated by construction dust, open ires people burn for warmth, and hundreds of brick kilns in the outskirts of the city.

than a year. on Saturday aid workers were trapped under ire there for several hours. A convoy with relief supplies went into the old Quarter on Sunday, and then vulnerable civilians were brought out – mainly women, children and the elderly. They looked pale and stressed, after surviving for months in violent siege conditions with very little food or medical care. More than a dozen men who came out with the evacuees were detained by security forces and taken away to an unknown location. Sunday was the final day of what was agreed as a three-day humanitarian truce. The governor of Homs, Talal al-Barazi, has said the ceaseire may be extended by a further three days. The operation to help trapped civilians in Homs was the one concrete agreement reached at recent peace talks in Geneva, which are due to resume on Monday. A UN-red Crescent aid convoy came under attack from mortars and gunfire as it was leaving Homs on Saturday. Syrian authorities have blamed the attack on rebels, but they in turn say that President Bashar al-Assad’s forces were responsible for the incident. U N humanitarian chief Valerie Amos has insisted that the UN and aid agencies will not be deterred by the weekend’s violence. She said the events were “a stark reminder of the dangers that civilians and aid workers face every day across Syria”. The red Crescent, in a joint operation with the UN, is trying to deliver food, water and medicine by truck to some 3000 civilians in rebel-held areas. Homs has been a key battleground in the conlict. - BBC

an elderly syrian man is helped by a red Crescent worker upon his arrival at an evacuation station in a regime-held area of the syrian city of homs. AFP

Snow storm hits Japan ToKyo – The heaviest snow in

two decades has struck Tokyo and other areas across Japan, leaving at least seven people dead and more than 1000 injured. Up to 27 centimetres of snow was recorded in Tokyo by late Saturday, the heaviest fall in the capital for 45 years. The storm hit Tokyo on the eve of its gubernatorial election. observers say the heavy snowfall may affect voter turnout in the city of 13 million people.

As a depression moved along the Pacific coast on Saturday, the north-eastern city of Sendai saw 35 centimetres of snow, the heaviest in 78 years. Local media said at least seven people have been killed in snow-linked accidents – mostly crashes after their cars skidded on icy roads. Public broadcaster N H K reported at least 1051 people were injured across the country, many of whom had slipped on the ground or fallen while shov-

elling the snow off their roofs. More than 20,000 households were without electricity, while airlines cancelled nearly 300 domestic lights a day after more than 740 lights were grounded. Nearly 5000 people were stranded at Narita airport on Saturday as traffic linking the airport to the capital was disrupted, NHK said. Further snowfall is expected on Sunday in the northern part of the country, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. - ABC

Bushires threaten Melbourne

M e LBoU r N e – Dozens of bushfires are sweeping across southern Australia, fanned by hot weather and strong winds. officials say an unknown number of homes have been destroyed and a ireighter has been injured in the state of Victoria. Some residents have been ordered to leave and lames have spread to the outer suburbs of Australia’s second biggest city, Melbourne. Conditions in Victoria are at their worst since 2009, authori-

ties said. Then, wildfires killed 173 people and destroyed about 2000 homes in a disaster dubbed Black Saturday. emergency crews are also fighting blazes in South Australia and New South Wales. Cooler weather could help the massive ireighting effort although strong, gusty winds continue to fan the lames. More than 70 ires are burning across Victoria and 15 emergency warnings are in effect. Hundreds of ireighters and

dozens of ire engines are battling the blazes. Fire authorities are worried about the threat posed to the coal-fired 1600-megawatt Hazlewood Power Station in Latrobe Valley. Homes have been lost in the Melbourne suburbs of Warrandyte and Mickleham, and in Gisborne some 50km miles) north-west of the city. Victoria Premier Denis Napthine said help was available for anyone impacted by the wildires. - BBC

France facing devastating floods

CLint eastWood saves man’s LiFe USA – Hollywood actor clint Eastwood has been credited with saving the life of a golf tournament director in california who was choking on a piece of cheese. “clint saved my life,” said Steve John, director of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament. “Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. It was as bad as it could have been,” John said of the incident at a drinks reception. “clint came up behind me, and he knew exactly what to do.” The award-winning actor and director said he noticed John had “that look of panic people have when they see their life passing before their eyes”. Eastwood, 83, moved behind John and carried out the Heimlich manoeuvre. “I gave him three good jolts, and that got it out.”

Today’s Daily Bread My grace is suficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Matthew read: read: Genesis 27:6-237:21-29

Text: Matthew 7:26 12:9 Text: 2 Corinthians

Most parts of western France have been put on red alert as the region is bracing for the worst loods in recent years. Devastating rainstorms have battered northern France. hundreds of homes have been evacuated in the town of Quimperle. AFP


Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

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Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalneWS nuti no Te PA enUA

Day of rescue recounted Coconut farmers tell tale of irst meeting with naked castaway eBon AToLL – Two Marshall Islands coconut farmers have talked for the irst time of the moment when castaway Jose Salvador Alvarenga regained contact with humankind after drifting 12,500km across the

ocean from Mexico – and they have described the meal they for cooked for him. The two coconut farmers had just inished tending the trees on their tiny and otherwise unpopulated Paciic island at-

paciic BrIeFS nauru rejeCts nz PoLitiCan’s CLaims NAURU – The Government of Nauru says it rejects statements by the New Zealand Green Party and is calling for an unreserved apology. Green MP Jan Logie said interfering with the judiciary is part of Nauru’s eforts to shut down criticism of what Amnesty International calls a ‘human rights catastrophe’ in its detention camps. The Nauru Government says her comments are Ill-informed, inlammatory, diplomatically irresponsible and unacceptable. It says the country is not in chaos, and the rule of law is operating and respected. It says Logie and her party are promoting a culture of international bullying, arrogance and racism by attempting to interfere in the sovereign right of Nauru to determine who it appoints to key roles in the country.

oll when they were startled by what sounded like shouts. Intrigued, the husband and wife stepped outside their palm hut and were confronted by the extraordinary sight of a naked white man stumbling across the neighbouring speck of land in the atoll’s chain of islets, clutching a knife and screaming wildly in a foreign language. It was the moment when Alvarenga, a isherman from Mexico, who had apparently been at sea for more than 14 months, finally regained contact with “civilisation” in one of the most remote spots on the planet. Amy Libokmeto, 38, and russell Laikedrik, 49, described that remarkable encounter for the first time in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph. Despite his savage appearance and his knife, the figure they were faced by was weak

‘We saw a man, naked, screaming. I thought he maybe fell overboard from a ship and swam ashore.’ and shaking and the couple immediately realised that he must have washed ashore. “ We saw a man, naked, screaming,” said Libokmeto, speaking from the only telephone on ebon atoll, the southernmost tip of the Marshall Islands. “We knew he wasn’t a local because of the colour of his skin and hair. He was limping and swaying at every step. “The other island is so close that we could see his face and

he was rocking left to right and about to collapse. I thought he maybe fell overboard from a ship and swam ashore.” The couple made their way across the shallow strip of coral and urged him by sign language to drop the knife. exhausted, he collapsed into the sand. The two helped the stranger to his feet and walked him towards their home, but he stopped to clasp his hands together and give thanks to God in what they would later learn was Spanish. Despite the tropical heat, the man was shivering and clearly incredibly weak. They brought him a T-shirt and shorts, gave him water and made a fire to warm him. Laikedrik began to cook pancakes. “From my perspective he looked like he was starving,”

his wife said. “When we were feeding him, he was not satisied with one pancake. Then we gave him another and another. We gave him three pancakes.” During that first meal, Alvarenga tried to explain to the couple how he had arrived. “He showed with sign language that he came in with a boat. He pointed to the ocean side of the island. We knew what he was saying and I told my husband to go and ind his boat.” When the castaway’s strength had recovered, she and her husband took him by boat to the main island in the atoll. A Norwegian researcher used the only solar-powered phone to alert authorities in Majuro, and from there the irst word of his incredible story was relayed to a disbelieving world. - The Telegraph

BanKs Committing ‘autHorised tHeFt’ FRENcH POLYNESIA – French Polynesia’s president, Gaston Flosse, has lashed out at local banks, saying with the fees they charge they are committing authorised theft. Flosse says he regrets that the territorial government has no powers to regulate the banks as this is part of the authority of the French state. He also says the banks ofer no help, a reference to his government’s diiculties in overcoming a deep economic crisis. Flosse says banks can charge what they want, claiming that small withdrawals incur huge fees. The issue is contentious across France’s overseas territories and last year, the National Assembly passed a bill to force banks to lower charges to the level that applies in France.

Bringing gLoBaL interest to tHe PaCiFiC THE PACIFIC – The inaugural South Paciic Tourism Exchange is aiming to expose Paciic tourism destinations to the international market. The South Paciic Tourism Organisation is hosting the new event in Auckland from May 22 TO 24, following the cancellation of the long-running Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange. The Marketing Manager of the SPTO, Petero Manufolau, says the timing of the event is crucial, as it will follow on from the TRENZ 2014 expo in Auckland. He says 16 Paciic nations will be represented and 50 international tour wholesalers coming from places like Italy, Belgium, and Scandinavian countries.

Fiji taKes some ComFort in tHird PLaCe THE PAcIFIc – Fiji Sevens’ skipper Osea Kolinisau said the team did not play its natural game resulting in their semi-inal loss to South Africa in Wellington at the weekend. He said the boys inally got their rhythm and later bounced back to beat England for the third spot. New Zealand outblitzed the Blitzbokke to regain the lead in the IRB World Sevens series on Saturday, defeating the South Africans 21-0 in the Wellington inal. After losing to South Africa in the last two rounds in Las Vegas and Port Elizabeth, New Zealand were not to be denied a third time as they racked up their second tournament win of the series. Fiji downed England 14-7 in the play-of for third and Australia beat Canada 12-10 in the plate inal.

Wide suPPort For amnestY Programme AMERIcAN SAMOA – There’s been strong support for the immigration amnesty programme from the various ethnic communities that call American Samoa home. Representatives of the Fijian, Tongan, Filipino, chinese and Korean communities have joined the committee in charge of the amnesty programme, which is intended to make foreigners who are in the territory without proper authorisation, legal. At the suggestion of the representatives from the diferent ethnic groups, there will now be special registrations for each of the communities, in addition to the district registrations already scheduled. The registration begins on the February 18 and will continue for three weeks.

sCHooLs to get internet disCounts TONGA – The Tonga government has announced that ministry of health facilities and schools are to get 50 per cent discounts on their internet charges. The chairman of Tonga cable Limited, the prime minister, Lord Tu’ivakano, says providing fast, eicient and cheaper internet access for the health and education sectors has been one of the government’s objectives. The discounts apply from January 1, 2014, and all the registered schools and Vaiola Hospital have access to the ofer.

News from the Paciic region “We’ve got the Paciic covered’

Marshall Islands coconut farmers amy Libokmeto and russell Laikedrik have told of the day they found castaway Jose alvarenga naked and screaming to them from an uninhabited atoll. They later recovered his boat. PNC/AFP

Castaway still in Majuro MAJUro – The Salvadoran man

who says he spent more than a year drifting across the Paciic ocean before making landfall in the Marshall Islands is too weak to travel home and will remain in the island nation for a while, an oficial has said. Jose Salvador Alvarenga’s health is “very frail” and he will not return home until he is able to make the journey, Diego Dalton, an oficial with el Salvador’s embassy in Tokyo, said on Saturday. Alvarenga, 37, washed ashore late last month. He was taken last week to the Marshall Islands’ capital, Majuro, where he has been resting at a hotel. Dalton arrived in Majuro late on Friday and met Alvarenga and local oficials. “At this moment, there are no travel plans or definite itinerary,” Dalton told reporters. “His return will depend on when his health allows the long journey back.” Dalton did not comment further on Alvarenga’s condition. Alvarenga’s spritely appearance on Monday while greeting hundreds of wellwishers in Majuro had many questioning his story. But Alvarenga looked much weaker on Thursday during a

brief public appearance at the hotel, and had to be assisted into the room by two people while others stood by ready to help. oficials said then that Alvarenga needed to be taken back to the hospital for more medical checks and that it would probably be three or four days before he was it enough to travel back to el Salvador. The isherman’s astonishing tale of survival, during which he allegedly spent a harrowing 14 months at sea, living off raw fish, shark meat and turtle blood, has made headlines across the world. In Mexico, a man who says he is Alvaenga’s best friend revealed he may have survived the ordeal because he was trained in guerrilla warfare. Fernando reivera, who drank with Jose at a bar the night before he left, dismissed those questioning his remarkable account, saying they are not at all surprised he survived the debilitating journey – because he was the toughest man he knew. It is now claimed that before moving to Mexico, Alvarenga belonged to a guerrilla army in his native el Salvador, where he was trained in jungle warfare. He told friends he was in the army for three years and was in-

volved in territorial battles with other militia, which is where he is said to have developed his skills for survival. Speaking from the bar in the Mexican resort of Costa Azul, where he last saw Alvarenga on the night before his fateful voyage, best friend Fernando reivera said: “He was a real tough guy. The toughest man I knew. He could handle anything and now we know he can survive anything. “He told me he was in a guerrilla army in el Salvador and received really hard training. That is why he was so tough. “of course, when he went missing for all that time, we thought he was dead but now we know he survived, I can actually understand why. “It is because he was a resilient man, he knew all the tricks of survival and even drank turtle blood at home to help boost his immune system.” It has emerged that Alvarenga split his time in Mexico between two ilthy shacks. He would spend March to September in what passes for little more than a hovel in Parendon, near the coastal town of Tonala, in the Chiapas region of southern Mexico. He would spend the rest

of the year living in a rickety wooden hut, 70km away in Costa Azul, where he only had a hammock for bedding. The building, which is just yards from where he set sail on his infamous journey, has now mostly been destroyed, except for the remnants of its rotting foundations. Both buildings were shared between at least four ishermen, who would rent the properties together, depending on the season. Friends in Costa Azul described Alvarenga as a “harddrinking party guy” who would regularly knock back beer, tequila and smoke marijuana. Bellarmino rodriguez Solis, 64, whose son owned the sevenmetre iberglass boat in which Alvarenga made his epic journey, described him as a “great laugh” and a man who could out-drink anyone. He said: “Jose was so much fun. He had a great sense of humour and loved to get drunk, like most fisherman. He also liked to smoke marijuana. “He loved tequila and beer. I can’t wait to get drunk with him again when he finally comes back to us. This is where he considers his home.” - Daily Mail/The Guardian


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Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

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‘Free and fair elections unlikely’ SUVA – The current political

environment is Fiji is not conducive to the holding of credible elections. This is the message to the newly-formed electoral Commission from the Fiji Labour Party. Fiji’s political parties are due to meet with the newly-appointed electoral Commission this week. NFP, SoDeLPA, Fiji Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party have been contacted about the meeting by the Commission chairman, Benn Chung young. The meeting is expected to focus on a number of election issues, some of which are raised in a letter by the FLP to the electoral Commission written by party leader and deposed former Fiji prime minister Mahendra Chaudry. “The FLP realises that the Commission faces a difficult challenge, not the least of which is to set up an independent electoral machinery practically from

scratch in a short time frame of about six months, if the elections are to be held in September, as promised. “your Commission may well be apprehensive about its own functional autonomy and authority in light of the fate of the Constitution Commission headed by Professor yash Ghai. “Be that as it may, you will admit that the current environment is hardly conducive to the holding of credible elections. “People and political parties are still not free to express their views openly. Draconian decrees restricting the right to freedom of association, expression and assembly continue to remain in force. “With elections due in September, there is a dismal lack of preparation and the electoral process remains under the control of the regime and its Attorney General. “We admit that you have just been appointed to ofice but we believe that the Commission needs to move fast to take charge

‘People and political parties are still not free to express their views openly. Draconian decrees restricting the right to freedom of association, expression and assembly continue to remain in force.’ of the process, if it is to gain the conidence and approval of the people of Fiji. “The Fiji Labour Party has a number of serious misgivings and reservations about the process as is currently in place. of equal concern is the restrictive environment in which the nation is expected to go to the polls.

“We believe that it is the Commission’s duty to insist that the basic rights and freedoms of the people are fully restored as provided for in the Constitution, if the upcoming elections are to be regarded as free, fair and credible. “To this end, the Commission will need to engage with the regime to obtain a satisfactory outcome acceptable to the people and in conformity with internationally accepted norms for free, fair and credible elections. Chuadry has listed his party’s main areas of concern: - Lack of preparedness for elections and a Supervisor of elections is yet to be appointed. As a result, staff in the elections ofice operate without direction or an approved work plan. Matters relating to recruitment of appropriately qualified staff and their training for the conduct of the elections remain to be inalized. This unsatisfactory situation is likely to continue until the appointment of a Su-

pervisor of elections. - electoral Legislation and regulations have not been promulgated and there has not been any consultation with the political parties on the subject. It has been suggested that the draft legislation may be revised or amended as the regime sees fit, with the possibility that it may not conform to international norms. As matters stand, and judging from the experience of the Ghai Commission’s draft constitution, it is not unlikely that the regime’s version of the legislation may not be in conformity with internationally accepted norms. Should this happen to be the case, then the integrity and credibility of the elections would be seriously compromised. - The elections ofice is still controlled by the Attorney General. This must cease forthwith. The electoral machinery must function completely independent of the regime. - A signiicant 20 per cent of

eligible voters are yet to be registered, according to statistics obtained from the elections ofice. FLP had suggested to the Permanent Secretary in charge of elections to consider house-tohouse visits by elections ofice staff, particularly in settlements and villages in both rural and urban centres, as in the past, to ensure maximum possible registration. There has been no response to this request. - one-day elections. The logistics of holding elections within one day, given Fiji’s geographical and other constraints, is mind-boggling. The civil service does not have the capacity and the resources, let alone adequate numbers of experienced and trained personnel to successfully conduct credible elections in the very short span of just one day. Chaudry says: “It is thus virtually impossible for anyone to accept that credible elections are possible in such an oppressively controlled environment.” - PNC/websites

Contemporary Paciic island art on show SyDNey – From tattooing to a coconut fibre “Lady Gaga” dress, the latest in contemporary Paciic Island art is on show in Australia, after the opening of the annual Maketi Ples – or Market Place – exhibition at the Shapiro Gallery in Sydney. The artists come from cities as well as remote atolls and mountain villages around the Paciic region but the one thing they have in common is the quality of their work. “GoGo Gaga” is a igure hugging coconut ibre sheath decorated with shells. “I created this dress because in 2012 there was this Paciic Island Leaders Summit in Japan, so it’s just my way of showing Japan and the whole world that we can do it, something unique back in the islands,” said Tongan aritist Sione Maileseni. The name of the dress made it a hit in the Paciic, as well as in Japan, with Miss Papua New Guinea choosing to wear it to compete in the 2013 Miss South Paciic pageant. Artists exhibiting at Maketi Ples come from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands and Marshall Islands as well as Tonga. Contemporary paintings and drawings are hung alongside

more traditional work such as carving from the Trobriand Islands in PNG. PNG bilum-wear artist Florence Kamel is exhibiting a translucent indigo maxi-dress made from tightly knotted fibre. She is a frequent exhibitor in Australia but many of the other bilum artists, from the Goroka Billum Weavers Association and the omie artists collective live in remote regions. The omie artists, immortalised in Drusilla Modjeska’s 2012 novel ‘The Mountain’, number over 100 and come from 12 isolated villages in the eastern mountains of oro Province. They are best known for their bark cloth painting but bilums (characteristic PNG woven bags) are creating new income and respect for women says ruth Choulai, the Creative Director of Maketi Ples. “Not every woman can be a bark cloth painter but every woman can weave a bilum,” she said. From Fiji, the rako Pasiika Artists, Dancers and Musicians Collective is showing its new fine masi (bark cloth) lampshades. “What drove this project was

reviving our cultural skills,” said collective member Paul Domeniko. each locality has its own masi patterns but many are being lost as making and printing skills die out. The lampshade designs featured in Sydney come from the island of Moce, home to the collective’s lead dancer. “It was very emotional for us to see her making her irst masi material and printing her irst masi design,” Paul Domeniko said. Building lasting partnerships between Australian and Paciic arts industry businesses based on high-quality art is the aim of Maketi Ples. “The craftsmanship has to be of a very, very high standard, because we’re trying to change that perception of Paciic artisan work being tourist made only,” creative director ruth Choulai said. The strategy seems to be working. Caroline Sherman, from the famous Sherman Galleries family, stumbled across the exhibition as it was being set up and visited four times before it was open. “I’m blown away by the absolute beauty and just incredible

versatility of all the different textures,” she said. Sherman’s not-for-profit fashion house is investigating ongoing relationships with PNG and Marshall Islands artists. Samoan artist Lalovai Peseta has paintings on show but increasingly, in his practice, he is taking his art off the wall and onto the human body. “I’m a Samoan artist and tattoo is Samoan art. I just love to use it all the time, no matter if it’s on a canvas, skin, on material or even wools,” he said. Lalovai Peseta’s new wife, Nikki Mariner, is his muse and his canvas. The pair met when she asked him to design a tattoo for her. She now has a tattooed wedding ring, as well as armbands and a traditional hand tattoo. “She’s the inspiration, she loves art, she loves my art – so all the art that I’m doing now is not just from my ideas, but also her ideas,” Lalovei Paseta said. Paseta will be holding four live tattooing demonstrations before the exhibition closes on February 16. Maketi Ples is a project of Pacific Trade and Invest – the Pacific Forum’s Trade Promotion arm. - ABC

Fijian Paul domeniko with his masi design lampshades. ABC

samoan painter and tattoo artist Lalovai Peseta. ABC

giant trevally caught off the rocks APIA – A Japanese man visiting Samoa, Makoto omura, has caught what is believed to be one of the biggest ish to have ever been caught off the rocks in Samoa. Weighing 27 kilograms, the giant trevally was hooked on a rock between Poutasi and Saleilua last week by a Japanese visitor from Auckland, New Zealand. “We found a nice fishing spot on the rock that sits on the small black sand beach,” a friend

of omura, Toshio Suzuki, explained to the Samoa observer. “At irst cast Makoto hooked a huge barracuda (saosao) which crashed his lure and took half of it. “So he brought out his strongest lure and cast it to the same place where he hooked the barracuda. “Suddenly his lure got hit and the reel sounded like crazy. The giant trevally took 200 metres of line straight to the deep blue

sea and the long ight started.” Less than 40 minutes later, the ish inally gave up the ight. “one of my local friends jumped in to the sea and grabbed the tail of the trevally to bring it on land.” By that time, omura was exhausted. “But he was so excited to see his biggest catch in Samoa. He said it was one of the best moments of his life,” his friend said. - Samoa Observer

LEFT: Makoto Omura with what is believed to be the biggest ish ever caught of rocks in Samoa. SA


6

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Ringi appeal quashed by court SACKeD Director of Immi-

gration Kave ringi’s appeal against a court decision accepting his dismissal as lawful has been quashed. According to a Court of Appeal judgement released to the public on Thursday, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Jim Gosselin was entitled to and lawful

in dismissing ringi. Court of Appeal judges Justice David Williams, Justice Sir Ian Barker and Justice Barry Paterson ruled that the notices of dismissal handed to ringi by Gosselin were valid and that ringi had no complete and written employment contract that could trump the standard dismissal provisions provid-

ed in section 34 of the Public Service Act 2009. They also stated that although there is no legislation specifying who should have appointed ringi as Director of Immigration (or Principal Immigration oficer as the title is formally known) it was the “Minister responsible for Immigration” that appointed

him; and Gosselin had the authority to dismiss ringi as a head of department on behalf of that Minister. ringi, represented by local lawyer Brian Mason, had taken Gosselin and the AttorneyGeneral Henry Puna to court in 2013 over unlawful dismissal. They argued that only the Minister of Foreign Affairs and

Immigration had the jurisdiction to dismiss him. They also argued that the dismissal failed to comply with and was in breach of sections of the Public Service Act regarding termination of employment, and that ringi had a written contract that contained terms for termination that trumped the Act.

A trial was held on March 14, 2013 before High Court judge Justice Sir Hugh Williams, who later declared the dismissal lawful in a reserved decision. An appeal was then lodged against that decision, appearing before the Court of Appeal in November 2013 at the High Court in Avarua. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

Young man given second chance in court

THe HIGH CoUrT on February 6 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Tui Short, who made the following judgements: Vaipeka Tonitara, 23, appeared on a charge of common assault. Tonitara entered a plea of guilty to the charge through his counsel, Wilkie rasmussen. rasmussen advised the court Tonitara wanted to take responsibility for his actions and deal with the matter that day. Police prosecutor Maevarangi Kirikava said the assault occurred at the rutaki passage bus stop. Tonitara had been attending a party and hit and kicked the complainant several times after the complainant intervened in an argument he was having with another person. In mitigation rasmussen said he knew the defendant personally, and knew him to be a calm and passive person. “This is his irst appearance, he doesn’t drink alcohol and is an obedient young fella. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding,” rasmussen said. He added that Tonitara had a job and was able to pay a ine. Prosecution also recommended a ine. They advised the JP that although common assault has a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment, it is at the JP’s discretion to ine an offender rather than imprison them according to the Criminal Justice Act 1980-81. JP Short told Tonitara rather than sending him to jail he is giv-

ing him another opportunity to discipline himself and control his anger. He fined him $250 plus $30 court costs, and advised him to “find a good woman and be fruitful.” Jaikib Berg, 19, charged with careless driving causing bodily injury, had left rarotonga and is in New Zealand. Police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo told the court a warrant was issued on December 19 for Berg’s arrest but was not served. He asked that another arrest warrant is issued, as Berg may return in a month. Rongo Tarai, 20, appeared in court charged with assault on female. An adjournment was made to February 20 as more charges may be laid. Tarai was also advised to seek counsel. John Pepe, 30, did not make an appearance to court. According to his lawyer Wilkie rasmussen, Pepe had known he had to appear. Police prosecutor Tararo asked that an arrest warrant is issued. rasmussen agreed with issuing a warrant, saying that it is probably the most effective way to get him to court. Pepe is charged with possession of cannabis and possession of a utensil. Beniamina Patia, 16, has been

placed back in remand after being charged with escape from custody. Patia also has three charges of contempt of court to deal with. Police prosecutor Tararo asked that Patia be placed in remand for two weeks on the grounds that there is a high possibility he will reoffend adding that this was not the first time Patia has breached court orders. His matter was adjourned to February 20. Daniel Ahau, 32, appeared for sentencing on a charge of common assault. It was revealed in court Ahau was drunk when he committed the assault, punching the victim from behind and then in the face. Police prosecutor Maevarangi Kirikava told the court Ahau was remorseful and took responsibility for his actions despite saying he was provoked. He added that this was Ahau’s second appearance; he had appeared to court around nine years ago for a similar charge. Kirikava recommended a 12 month probation term. Probation Services, on the other hand, recommended a six month suspended sentence. JP Short convicted Ahau and placed him on a six month suspended sentence, telling

him that the court is hopeful he doesn’t appear in court again. Tiare Kura, 20, pleaded guilty to a charge of excess blood alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ined $250 plus $30 court costs and a reparation fee of $150 for the medical test to assess his blood-alcohol level. Police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo told the court Kura was stopped by police on the main road in Panama. A blood test taken afterwards revealed Kura had been driving with a blood alcohol level of 204mg per 100ml of blood, double over the limit of 80mg. Kura, appearing to court wearing a singlet and shorts, was then told to wear proper dress by JP Short who told him to dress properly or be sent out of court. Douglas Taripo, 19, appeared to court charged with unlawful taking. Police prosecutors asked for an adjournment so that Taripo can seek legal counsel and apply for legal aid. Before passing his judgement JP Short noticed that Taripo had already been allowed two weeks to ind counsel, when he asked him why he did not Taripo replied that he was too busy. “you were too busy to protect yourself from going to jail?”

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

asked Short, “I get the feeling you are making a joke of this court. “This is your inal warning. If you appear on the 20th without legal counsel, the court will make a move. you know where you will go,” he said. Teerui Kimiora, 60, charged with excess breath alcohol, did not appear to court. Defence counsel Tony Brown, stood on behalf of his client who he said had to be at work. He told the court he had not received disclosure from the police on the matter, suggesting that maybe a warrant can be made for prosecution oficers who do not submit disclosures they promise to. Police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo made an apology on behalf of the police, however warned counsel that a formal application must be made before he can appear on behalf of an absent client. An adjournment was made to February 20. Matauti Taoro , 20, charged with assault on constable, driving under the influence and driving while being disqualiied, appeared to court for a callover. Taoro asked for time to seek counsel and an adjournment was made to February 20. He was also advised to seek legal aid. Watson Edward, 41, entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of refusing to permit a medical officer to take a blood specimen. Brown explained that when in the emergency room, Watson did not understand he was asked for a blood specimen. He said that because Watson was drunk he was unable to answer medical oficers on a conscious level. An adjournment was made to February 20. Teinaki Williams , 17, appeared to court for a charge of wilful damage. Williams indicated he could not afford legal counsel and wished to deal with the matter that day. Police prosecutor Maevarangi Kirikava told the court Williams had punched the rear view window of a rental car that had two young children sitting in the back. Kirikava said Williams admitted to smashing

the window but did not realise there were children in the car, he had only seen someone allegedly pull a inger at him. Kirikava recommended Williams be placed on 12 months probation and ordered to pay reparation costs valued over $700. JP Short sentenced Williams to the 12 month probation supervision and ordered him to pay costs, warning him not to appear again for smashing windows. Moearo Ponga, 60, had his matter adjourned to February 20 by police who said they are looking into making changes to Ponga’s charges. Samuel Morris, 20, pleaded not guilty to possession of cannabis and possession of a utensil. Morris’ lawyer Wilkie rasmussen did not realise his client had a new charge of common assault; he asked that all matters are adjourned to discuss the charges with the police and his client. An adjournment was made to February 20. Tracy Hunt, 52, pleaded not guilty through counsel to a charge of careless driving causing injury. Defence counsel Tony Manarangi told the court he had only just received the case and asked for an adjournment to receive full disclosure from police. An adjournment was made to February 20. Elisa Kalina Webb, 20, and Davinia Webb, 26 both charged with common assault, had their charges withdrawn by police for want of prosecution. Both women were released. Teariki Araipu, 23, appeared in court on a charge of burglary. Araipu had pleaded not guilty to the charge and indicated that he would represent himself. JP Short asked Araipu if he had prepared his case, to which he said no. An adjournment was made to 20 February for a call-over and an order was made for police to provide Araipu with full disclosure of the facts of his case. Metua Moeroa Tangatapoto, 27, appeared to court on a charge of assault on a female. As it was his irst appearance prosecution asked that Tangatapoto be allowed time to seek counsel. An adjournment was made to February 27 and Tangatapoto was released on bail on the condition he does not interfere with the victim. - MWK

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

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Former taxi head leaves

MATA Price, a driving force behind the

Mata Price (right) was instrumental in creating a more standardised taxi service on rarotonga during her time at the Cook Islands Taxi association. she is pictured with taxi driver alice Faaumu with their newly painted vehicles last year. 13082602

Family violence meet for key stakeholders reCoGNITIoN of the role the

country has to eliminate family violence is coming to fruition in a workshop dedicated to helping the Cook Islands judiciary and stakeholders come to a better understanding of how to tackle family violence and youth justice issues. The three day workshop being held at the University of the South Paciic in Tutakimoa from today will cover aspects of a new

Cook Islands Family Law Bill that is hoped to be tabled with Parliament this year, and there will be discussion about the processes the Cook Islands judiciary and stakeholders can take when dealing with domestic violence cases. youth offending will also be addressed including discussing the idea of a Pasiika youth Court; a court that has been established in New Zealand for youth offenders.

It is brought to the Cook Islands as part of the Paciic Judicial Development Programme funded by NZAID and administered by the Federal Court of Australia. Judge Peter Boshier, a former New Zealand Principal Family Court judge and current New Zealand Law Commissioner, will be chairing the workshop along with Chief Justice Tho- MWK mas Weston.

recent overhaul of rarotonga’s taxi service, is saying farewell to the Cooks today (Saturday). Former president of the Cook Islands Taxi Association (CITA) Price, who has also been chair and secretary of the association, is returning to the United States after around 18 months in the Cook Islands. Though Price grew up in the Cooks, she moved to the United States to attend school. In July 2012, she moved back to rarotonga to look after her parents’ home while they went overseas. Her father Larry was also previously president of the taxi association, and kicked off a plan to standardise and improve the taxi service on the island. Price continued the push for an over-

repeat offender bailed A rePeAT offender who was

held in remand for six weeks has been released and placed on a 24 hour curfew. Vaikaloa Taufahema, 19, who was charged with theft and three counts of burglary, appeared to court on Thursday where his lawyer, Tony Brown asked the court to release Taufahema on bail with the “strictest of conditions”. He argued that the police had not given him full disclosure of the facts for each charge, saying they should have been sent six weeks ago to Taufahema’s previous lawyer Charles Petero.

Cabinet to attend development meet MeMBerS of Cabinet will be focused on this week’s Development Partners Meeting, which begins today in rarotonga. Government representatives from China, New Zealand and Australia, along with officials from development agencies such as the United Nations, european Union and the Asian Development Bank will be in attendance at the week-long conference. Finance Minister Mark Brown will be a central player in the donor roundtable talks, according to special advisor Trevor Pitt with the ofice of the Prime Minister. Topics on the meeting’s agenda will include the National Development Plan, tourism, isheries, equality, and agriculture. The meeting will travel to the island of Atiu on Wednesday to obtain a perspective on development issues in the Pa enua. It is expected a number of ministers will be present on the island, including Brown, Minister of Health and Atiu MP Nandi Glassie, and education and Tourism Minister Teina Bishop. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Teariki Heather, and Minister of Agriculture Kiriau Turepu will

be in rarotonga all week and are also scheduled to attend donor roundtable meetings. Prime Minister Henry Puna is scheduled for a return medical visit to New Zealand, leaving mid-week with a possible return

on the weekend. In addition to his role in the development meeting, Brown said he will also be attending the launch of the Bank of Cook Islands renewable energy loan scheme, which provides assist-

ance for households looking to implement some green energy solutions. The Finance Minister is expected to say some words on behalf of the Prime Minister at the - ES programme launch.

WEEKLY TRAVEL DIARY FOR CABINET MINISTERS MINISTER PORTFOLIOS TRAVEL Prime Minister, Attorney General, Energy, Justice, EMcI, Public Service, commission, Marine Resources, Transport, Foreign Afairs and Immigration

Monday, February 3 to Monday, February 10: cOOK ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

Kiriau turepu

Agriculture, BTIB, NES

Monday, February 10 to Monday, February 17: cOOK ISLANDS

teina Bishop

Education, Tourism

Monday, February 10 to Monday, February 17: cOOK ISLANDS

mark Brown

Finance and Economic Management, Head of State, commerce, FIU, Pearl Authority, Telecommunications, Financial Supervisory Monday, February 3 to Monday, commission, Superannuation, PERcA, February 10: cOOK ISLANDS Financial Services Development Authority, Minerals and Natural Resources.

Henry Puna

teariki Heather nandi glassie

haul of the industry, working with the Business Trade Investment Board and Cook Islands Tourism to bring different drivers under the umbrella of the association, including standardising fares and giving the vehicles a lick of green paint to make them easy to spot. Current CITA president Ivor Nicholas said he is sad to see Price leave rarotonga and the taxi association. “In all her roles she provided leadership and energy – I’m very sad to see her go because she’s very capable. She made things happen.” A farewell dinner was held in Price’s honour at the Ariki Café in Tutakimoa this week, with members of the taxi association, BTIB, tourism and others in attendance. - Briar Douglas

Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure and Planning, cultural Development, House of Ariki, Police

Monday, February 10 to Monday, February 17: cOOK ISLANDS

Health, Parliamentary Services, Ombudsman, Internal Afairs

Monday, February 10 to Monday, February 17: cOOK ISLANDS

Police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo apologised on behalf of the police for not dispatching the information sooner, however, he opposed bail because of the high possibility that Taufahema will reoffend. He referred to cases where Taufahema committed crimes while he was on bail. Brown told the court he spoke to Taufahema’s immediate family who insisted they are willing to take him in. He said that Taufahema had an oppor-

tunity to be useful to his family by working at home making ukulele. Presiding Justice of the Peace Tui Short granted Taufahema bail on the conditions that he stay at home in Ngatangiia at all hours under the supervision of his parents, and that if he is to work he must do so at home or apply to the court to be able to work outside of home. His case was adjourned to February 20. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia


8

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Seven glimpses of very different lives

SeVeN young women from dif-

her holidays to work.

ferent walks of life will share glimpses into their world at the 7x7 Series presented by the Cook Islands Business and Professional Women’s Association. Set to be interactive and dynamic – each speaker will spend seven minutes sharing what they do or speak about particular topic of interest at 21.3Vaina Bar and Bistro in Nikao tomorrow. The event will start at 7pm and follows on from the hugely popular 7x7 Series in 2013. “The aim is to give each speaker seven minutes to talk about their area of expertise,” says Glenda Tuaine, the 2013/14 elected president of the association. “This is an event I had been involved in when I lived in New Zealand and really enjoyed watching and listening to a broad range of speakers giving a really great synopsis on what they do or on a particular topic of interest. Last year’s 7x7 event was hugely entertaining and eyeopening to what our speakers deal with every day in their chosen professions and I am sure these leading young women will show us just what girl power is all about!” This event is the second and will see the following speakers take the podium. Journalist Rachel Reeves – rachel has written for the Cook Island News, escape Magazine,

Vaiana Dance of 21.3 Vaiana Bar and Bistro – Vaiana is the

and several other publications. She has taught english in Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal. rachael recently left her job as a journalist for easy reader in Los Angeles to come home to the Cook Islands to write a book. Her grandmother is from Atiu.

Senior isheries oficer Georgia Langdon – Georgia moved from Australia three years ago and irst travelled here to compete in Vaka eiva as a junior. Working for Marine resources firstly in the pearl division where she was based in Manihiki for two years she has now moved to the offshore isheries division. Georgia gained a scholarship to study at Duke University in the United States of America in her irst year living here. Her dad is from Mauke.

the globe for jobs right here in rarotonga! She is also currently developing another organisation “Volunteer raro” enticing and coordinating tourists to give back while visiting our shores “ethical travel”.

Kitesup owner Brynn Acheson – Brynn owns Kitesup a kitesurfing school that includes stand up paddleboarding, stand up paddle board yoga and pilates, with her partner Ina Nooroa.

They have recently opened a retail store in Muri next to Delilicious. She has been here for four years and originally from Whiteish, Montana, USA.

Turama Photography owner Brie Zeeman (nee Mangakahia) – Brie with her husband are the owners of Turama Photography aptly called in recognition of the central role light plays in the art of photography. They expanded their online

presence and diversified their marketing strategy starting a blog and a Facebook page, which garnered over 100 viewers in one day. Brie is in high demand for her photographic skills. She shoots weddings, food, travel, landscapes, portraits, and commercial events.

Jana Epati, a student with opportunities – Jana is currently studying for a double degree in Law and Commerce at Auckland University but returns home in

Cook Islands Jobs director Luana Bosanqet-Heays – Luana has worked for numerous high proile organisations such as the NZ government, Greenpeace, The Green Party, NZ Unite Union, Auckland University of Technology in Auckland and Te Ipukarea Society. She now runs her own online job search company “Cook Islands Jobs” attracting interest both locally and from across

Senior isheries oicer Georgia Langdon will be one of seven young women sharing glimpses into their lives during the 7x7 series presented by the Cook Islands Business and Professional Women’s association tomorrow at 21.2 Vaiana’s in nikao. 14020729

owner operator of “Vaiana’s Bar and Bistro” in Nikao where the young BPW event is being held on Tuesday 11. At the opening of the beach bar Vaiana pledged to her family, that she would put the money she made from the bar towards rebuilding their family house that burnt to the ground a week before Vaiana’s opened. She studied abroad and returned to raro two years ago. The fee to be a member of the CIBPWA is only $20 and the event will provide an opportunity to re-new memberships or for new members to join. The 7x7 entry fee will be $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers and includes a burger of your choice with chips and one drink of wine, beer or juice to be served at the interval. “Please come along on the night. The event is open to all women and even men if you feel like coming too,” says Shannon Saunders vice president and key organiser for this event. “The event starts at 7pm and we will be at Vaiana’s from 6pm onwards should you like to come down earlier for a drink and causal networking.” CI B PWA will also be announcing several new projects for 2014 so make sure you come - BPW/MW along.

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9

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Free programme to help smokers quit SMoKerS wanting to kick the

habit will have some extra help from next week. Free patches, gum and lozenges will be available through the Ministry of Health from Tuesday. The products help to curb cravings for cigarettes by delivering small doses of nicotine to those in the process of quitting. Those on the programme can also measure their progress by checking in each week and breathing into a ‘Smokerlyzer’ – a hand-held device that measures carbon monoxide, which is

higher in smokers, with a single breath. The device acts as a motivational tool by giving people concrete feedback as they quit. Ministry of Health health promotion oficer Maina Tairi Mataio said people will receive patches along with gum or lozenges to help them quit, with quantities varying depending on the person and how much they smoke. The free programme will typically last six to eight weeks for an average smoker, but may last longer for some people, said Mataio.

After signing up to the smoking cessation programme by phoning or visiting rarotonga hospital or the community health clinic in Tupapa, people will be asked to come back each week to pick up more nicotine-replacement products as needed, and to measure their progress with the Smokerlyzer. The products were purchased by the Ministry of Health and are free to the public. Interested people can phone the Tupapa community health clinic on 20066. - Briar Douglas

Ministry of Health health promotion oicer Maina Tairi Mataio hopes free nicotine replacement products will help smokers who want to quit. 14020724

Stats strategy to enhance data use

HoW To improve the way oficial information is collected and used was the focus of a government workshop last week. The National Statistics ofice hosted the four-day workshop at red Cross in Tupapa from Monday, which was attended by representatives from across government departments. Having launched the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) in May, the workshop this week focussed on big-picture strategies and goals, with participants creating vision and mission statements for the plan, as well as discussing broad objectives and “core values” to guide the process. A inal workshop in May will focus on inalising the plan. Facilitating the workshop was Gerald Haberkorn, director of the statistics for develop-

ment division for the Secretariat of the Paciic Community (SPC), and Gay Tejada, regional programme co-ordinator for Asia and Pacific at PArIS21/oeCD (Partnerships in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century) – who both plan to return to the Cook Islands in May. The development of the strategy stems from a lack of information in the past on which to base key decisions, said Haberkorn. “We had no stats, no data in the developing countries to do anything with.” Tejada said this has improved in recent years, and the strategy will help to further those improvements in the Cook Islands. She added that more people outside of government are also becoming increasingly interested in having reliable statistics.

“In the last five years we’re having more buy-ins from outside of government. Governments are not the only stakeholders – strengthening statistics means strengthening the whole country to make its decisions.” She said a goal of the work is to improve the relationships between statisticians, planners and policy makers so that decisions are based on evidence and data, and results are measured as part of routine. The project is funded by PArIS21 with help from SPC, and the two organisations have also assisted other Paciic countries in initiating the strategy including Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. - Briar Douglas

Air NZ safety video showcases Cooks SoMe oF the biggest names in

modelling are featured in a new safety video shoot in the Cook Islands and about to be released by Air New Zealand as reported in CI News on Saturday. The airline has partnered with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to produce ‘Safety in Paradise’, shot in stunning Aitutaki late last year. Starring in the video are Chrissy Teigen, Ariel Meredith, Hannah Davis and Jessica Gomes. Supermodel Christie Brinkley, who once graced the covers of three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazines, makes a special guest appearance. “Safety in Paradise” is being released on February 12 to coincide with the start of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 50th anniversary global celebrations. Halatoa Fua, chief executive of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, said the video offers major publicity that will raise awareness of the unique

people and environment of the Cook Islands. He said the corporation is now planning its trade activities to dovetail the hype and awareness from the video, which will be shown on all Air New Zealand lights. “The Cook Islands will be proud of its friendly people and the stunning backdrop of Aitutaki being featured on the new Air New Zealand safety video and Sports Illustrated,” Fua said. Air New Zealand said it hopes the video will not only engage customers in core safety messages but also drive growth on its Auckland-rarotonga and Los Angeles-rarotonga services. Jodi Williams, Head of Global Brand Development, said working with Sports Illustrated was “a phenomenal opportunity” to grow the airline’s brand and promote the Cook Islands. “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has a massive worldwide television, online and print campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversa-

ry and we’re incredibly excited to feature in that activity.” More than 61 million people read the magazine each year and the safety video shoot will feature in the special anniversary edition. “This is money-can’t-buy global attention focused on a key destination and our airline,” Williams said. Collaborating on ‘Safety in Paradise’ was a special chapter in the magazine’s five-decade history, said Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day. “our partnership with Air New Zealand is brilliant in every way. We were able to create a raucous safety video in the true spirit of SI Swimsuit and our Kiwi friends,” she said. ‘Safety in Paradise’ will be released online onWednesday and will be progressively rolled out across lights from the end of February. Air New Zealand yesterday uploaded behind the scenes footage for the video, which can be seen on youTube. - BCS

Participants from across government departments attended the workshop. 14020632

Big demand for fish grants ALMoST 100 applications from local small-scale fishers have been received by the Ministry of Marine resources (M M r for funding under its isheries grants scheme. According to MMr the response has been widespread with nine islands responding and the most number of applicants were from Mitiaro Island. The total of $170,000 has been requested compared to $40,000 which the MMr normally budgets each year. A small committee led by Don Beer, chairman of the Cook Islands Fishing Association and Kori raumea, MMr director, are currently in the process of vetting proposals. “Given the size of the kitty is much smaller than the total requests it will be a tough job allocating the grants this year,” says Ben Ponia, MMr secretary. The small grant scheme is funded from a development fee that is deducted from foreign ishing licenses issued by MMr. A c c o r d i n g t o Po n i a , i n

2012/13 the MMr collected $430,000 of development fees from foreign fishing companies. However the treasury only allocated $200,000 into the MMr development facility which funds the grant scheme.

“of course, we would like to have all of the development fees collected by MMr returned to help grow this scheme but we are mindful that other priorities are out there,” he says. - MMR Release

TENDER

PORTS AUTHORITY

FOR SALE BY TENDER “AS IS WHERE IS” 1 x Daihatsu Truck To view the above equipment contact: Andre Tuiravakai at the Ports Authority Oice on ph 29123 or mob 56772. Submit written tenders to: General Manager, Port Authority by courier or deposit into tender box at Ports Authority Oice, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Mark as “DAIHATSU TENDER”. Tender closes on the 14th February 2014. Please direct all enquiries to General Manager, Ports Authority. Phone: +682 21921; Fax: +682 21191 Email: bim.tou@ports.co.ck 76824


10

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai Fax 25303

22999

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

TUATUA AKAKITE

HULAnesian Fitness! Hour of awesome workout Topshape Tuesdays 4.30pm Muri Meeting house Saturdays 8am Info 72996

Rarotonga Netball Centre Inc. Annual General Meeting Date - Wednesday 26 February 2014 Venue - NCI Oice Time - 6pm Agenda 1. Opening Prayer 2. Previous AGM Minutes 3. Matters Arising from Minutes 4. President’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Election of Oice Bearers 7. Other Matters 8. closing Prayer President.

Oire Teimurimotia Uipaanga Ka raveia tetai uipaanga nate Oire Temurimotia ki roto rai i to tatou ngutuare Kent Hall. Ruirua 11 February 2014 ite ora 7 ite aiai. Patianga kite au Pu tapere, te au mata ote au taokotaianga sports, TA, Kent Hall committee, Neighbourhood watch, education, religious ete vai atura. Aere mai oronga mai i toou marama ei tauturu rai ia tatou. Akamaroiroi mai Nate Tekeretere.

76722 /36216 /1931

Assembled Landowners Meeting Marama Te Kai 16B & Aretou 16c Matavera. Rangi Teariki Tuavera Ta Akaau Te Aukava Ta Enua Taunga Tamaiva Ukarangi Ukarangi Tuawa Ainga Nikoia Tukara

At courthouse Tuesday 11 February 2014 at 11am. Your presence will be appreciated. Tuawa Line.

76789 /36290 /2557

Ph 22336

Classiieds • Phone 22999

• adverts@cookislandsnews.com

WhAT’soN Co ld stail

“Be

@ Aro’A BeAchside inn

st C ock

shipwreck hut

Bee

r”

The

FeB 10

recycle

foundation

animal Clinic

76654 /36182 /1931

76812 /36352 /1931

PhoNe 22166

sUnset bar-b-Q seafood Menu

PUBLIC NOTICES

Araura Enua 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 on the island of Aitutaki Tuesday 11 February 2014 10.00 am in the Island council chamberOrongo. 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 efort 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 I te Ture ou koia oki ko te Draft Biosecurity Regulations s 2014. Tei roto I teia Ture nei tetai au akatuke anga ou no runga I te turanga o te apai ua rakau mai mei vao ake I te 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 I te au tumu manako puapinga no runga I teia Ture te ka riro I te tauturu I to tatou Ipukarea. Dr Matairangi Purea Secretary of Agriculture

atthesUnsetresortarorangi

shipwreckhUt

@ aroabeachsideinnarorangi

Ph 22 166

Ph 23004

nUmanga SAtUrdAYS 6pm with -Jake on da kamaka Ukulele reservations required avarUa town oPeN MoNDAY To sUNDAY

SAT

F

restaUrant

OPENopen

from thUrsday 13th febrUary

VALeNTINes DAY sPeCIAL MeNU

7 NIGHTS

@ 6pmplus free glass of bubbly to reservations

live entertainment! FRI SUN TUE

Tani and rose or Tara kauvai 5-8pm a la carte dinner from 6pm Lincoln Mail 5.30-8.30pm BBQ dinner from 6pm Lincoln Mail 6.00-8.00pm a la carte dinner from 6pm

openeveryothernightforalacartedinner6-9pm

LUNCh

11am to 2.30pm

avarUa town Ph 22 279

SERvICES Daniel Maitoe’s Massage still open Monday- Friday , Evenings only Phone 28691 for more details. 76854 / /2120

Mower Grasscutter, chainsaw repairs As well as chainsaw sharpening Phone 71733.

Try our whole grill lobster! ed

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Reservations recommended Ph: 27619

oPeN DAILY for breakfast 8-10am AND LUNCh 12-2PM

76816 / /1780

PUBLIC NOTICES

Mon to Sat $7.00 Lunch pack takeaway $10.00 Dine in special

DoNT MIss ThIs legendary remake!

dinner

5.30pm to 10pm 7 days Mon-Tue: $12.95 specials Thursday: Indo Chinese Specials Friday: Bufet Nite ($19pp) All you can eat Sunday: Tandoori night Other nights: A-la-carte

CoMINgsooN

PRICE ORDER 05/2014 Pursuant to the Control of Prices Act 1966 and the powers delegated to me as provided under section 30 of the said Act, I hereby make the following Order: 1. This Order is cited as Price Order 05/2014 and shall come into efect on the 7th day of February 2014 for TOA PETROLEUM LTD. 2. Maximum selling prices for fuel imported into the Cook Islands shall be at a rate speciied in the schedule below except the island of Aitutaki. 3. For the Outer Islands, prices established have been reviewed and updated to include freight, wharfage, boating, reeing, drum/container cost, evaporation and cartage costs. 4. Value Added Tax is included in the prices herein set. Import Levy is exempt for Outer Islands excluding Aitutaki as per Exemption Order 03/09/2010. 5. All previous references in any Price Order as to the selling prices listed in this Order are hereby revoked upon efective dates above 6. The prices herein set are the maximum charged although less may be charged if so desired. Given under our hand this 7th day of February 2014. Brian Terrence Hagan, Chairman for the Price Tribunal Madeilene Sword, Member for the Price Tribunal.

MoN - WeD 6PM&8.30PM

SCHEDULE OF PRICE ORDER

bigscreen,dolbysoUnd,UnbeatableblockbUstermovies

ITEM

Ph 189 for Updates on the movie hot line

“WhAT’soN”

every Monday & Thursday - call Advertising on 22999 or adverts@cookislandsnews.com

76707 /36208 /1931

Action Man Mowing Services All jobs big or small, free quote. Also introducing coconut tree de-nutting services. Give Clint a call on 52074. 76743 / /2561

Self Storage Raro U Store it!! -Secure & Private -Short or Long term -For oice, Shop or Home Storage. Phone 22188 or 26189. Email beach@moanasands. co.ck 73695 / /1744

FOR SALE 8 piglets, 15kg to 20kg. The lot $450. Phone 71570. 76851 /36382 /1931

vEhICLES FOR SALE 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5L Auto, Power steering, Air con, cD/Radio-AM/FM, central locking, Electric windows, Alloy wheels, Driver/passenger airbag. Luxury motoring with plenty of boot space, well maintained stylish vehicle. Very reliable $13,000. Ph 25325, Monday - Friday. 1999 Toyota Granvia 3.4L Petrol Automatic Roomy 8 Seater van, Perfect vehicle for the family Many great features - Power Steering, ABS brakes, Alloy wheels, Tinted windows, central locking, Driver/Passenger airbag, Sunroof, cD/Radio & Air conditioning to complete the package. Runs well $10,000 Ph 25325, Monday - Friday. 76814 / /1832

Our food our passion 6pm till late

E

Ph 20 002

A

Ph 26 860

C

PUBLIC NOTICES Grounds Maintenance Services Need your lawns and hedge trimmed and/or maintained? No job is too big or too small for us to handle. Give us a call at T&S Ltd on 29069 or 70716/52914 for a free quote.

sunset BBQ w/ GarTh younG - PianO 6PM sunset Cocktails w/ w/RuDy aquinO 5.30PM – 7.30PM sat seafood BBQ w/ Jake nuManGa - ukuLELE 6PM

TUE THU

LeBonVivant

PUBLIC NOTICES TO: THE LANDOWNERS OF PAUA SECTION 8D1, LOTS 13 AND 14, NGATANGIIA The Vendor of a Deed of Lease of the above land situated in Ngatangiia, Rarotonga in the area of 2,206m2 has entered into an agreement for the sale of the remainder of the term of the Deed of Lease by way of assignment. The sale is subject, among other things, to the landowners residing in Rarotonga waiving their right of irst refusal in respect of the sale and (in the event of them waiving that right), the consent of the majority of the landowners residing in Rarotonga to the sale by way of assignment. Should you wish to exercise the right of irst refusal as a landowner and purchase the leasehold interest you have one month from Friday, 7 February 2014 to notify us in writing. Details of the proposed sale, including the price and purchaser are available to landowners whose names appear on the Register of Titles, on request to: charles Little at Little & Matysik P.c., cook Islands Lawyers, Avarua, Rarotonga. Tel 21619, Fax 21615 or email: charles@ lawyers.co.ck

76741 / /2561

76823 / /1792

Tues Seafood Night – Entertainment Tani and Rose Thu Pub Night – Entertainment Tara Kauvai Sun BBQ – Entertainment Local String Band

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

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

DIESEL

RETAIL PRICES TO WHOLESALE CONSUMERS IN EFFECTIVE TO DATE Retailers/ Southern Northern Bulk Users Rarotonga Group Group

2.73

3.01

3.29

3.35

February 8, 2014

2012 White Toyota Hilux petrol, Aluminium Tray Rust proof, 29,500 ono Contact Mariana 55286. 76777 /35033 /1931

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

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

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

Classiieds

PHONE

preferred

Need a little

EMAIL


11

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

SITUATIONS vACANT

SITUATIONS vACANT

Quality Assurance Manager The Airport Authority has a vacancy for a Quality Assurance Manager to head its Quality Assurance unit at Rarotonga international Airport. If you understand the dynamics of Airport Quality Management Systems, have proven work experience in a compliance auditing role, is a team player able to work and motivate people with at least 5 years of senior management work experience, this may be your opportunity. Please forward your written application with your cV to the chief Executive of the Airport Authority, P.O.Box 90, Avarua, Rarotonga. Applications close 12:00pm February 21st 2014. For any queries and for a copy of the position description please email jngamata@ airport.gov.ck 76840 / /1620

Housekeeper Should have enough experience in housekeeping. Must be reliable, honest and able to work without supervision. Non-drinker & non-smoker is a plus. Send cV to onubayhome@ gmail.com or ring 76872 777

Autism Cook Islands Ph 24065/55976

tiateura@oyster.net.ck

CHEF REQUIRED. Full time position available. Must have at least 5 years experience in a head or 2nd chefs capacity. Applicant must be reliable, honest and able to work unsupervised. A knowledge of food costing and the ability to create and implement menu changes is required. Please email current cV to bullibaise@gmail.com or call 54668 for an interview. 76786 / /2592

We are currently seeking the following: 1. Assistant chef/cook 2. Pastry Chef 3. Professional Bartender/ Supervisor. All positions require skilled, experienced, mature and hands on persons. To apply: Email cV to beachbar@waterline.co.ck or call 56214.

SITUATIONS vACANT

SITUATIONS vACANT

Job Opportunities OFFICE AND FINANCE MANAGER Manage the Finance and Administrative duties of the Authority, meeting MFEM inancial reporting requirements, and the administering of correspondence and marketing materials. For more details on the position, please email jdavis@ fsda.gov.ck This may be a Part-Time or Full-Time position depending on the skills of the successful candidate. Conidential applications should be made in writing and include a CV and sent by email to jdavis@fsda.gov.ck Applications close Friday 14 February 2014. 76700

76571 /36270 /2247

childcare/Tutor with at least 3 yrs work exp., knowledgeable in child care, fond of playing with kids, love to read educational books and tutor, must be honest, reliable, friendly, Live in,non-smoker and nondrinker. Please email your cV to ciral09@yahoo.com and application closes 19 February 2014. 76650 /36283 /1933

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

The following opportunities now exist for motivated, enthusiastic and energetic people to join the team at the Business Trade Investment Board. 1. Business Development Manager 2. Trade and Marketing oicer 3. Senior Finance & administration oicer. Applicants must be self motivated, proactive and have the ability to take a project through to completion. Computer literacy with exceptional organisational abilities complemented with experience and qualiications an advantage. Contact Agnes Teiti for job descriptions on phone 24296 or email; agnes.parker@cookislands.gov.ck Written applications with a current CV may be sent in conidence to: BTIB Private Bag, Rarotonga or email the above mentioned. Applications close 3pm, Friday 14 February 2014. 76822

SITUATIONS vACANT

COOK ISLANDS AUDIT OFFICE

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PRICE ORDER 6/2014 Pursuant to the control of Prices Act 1966 and the powers delegated to me as provided under section 30 of the said Act, I hereby make the following Order: 1. This Order is cited as Price Order 06/2014 aand shall come into efect on the 7th day of February 2014 for TOA LPG. 2. Maximum wholesale & retail selling prices for LPG sold on Rarotonga shall be at the rate speciied in the schedule below 3. Value Added Tax is included in the prices herein set 4. The prices herein set are the maximum that may be charged although less may be charged if so desired 5. Maximum retail prices as per price order 06/2013 are not part of this application and remain unchanged. Given under our hand 7th day of February 2014. Brian Terrence Hagan, Chairman of the Price Tribunal Madeilene Sword, Member of the Price Tribunal. ITEM

WHOLESALE PRICE AND RESELLER PRICE

RETAIL PRICES Rarotonga

LPG per kg

4.08

4.81

LPG 9kg20lb

36.72

43.29

LPG 13kg30lb

-

62.53

Efective date February 8,2014 76315

AUDITOR - FINANCIAL AUDITS We are seeking a dedicated and ambitious person to join our Financial and Crown audit team. Relevant accounting, inancial management or audit experience would be preferable, however training will be provided. Preference will be given to individuals with, or working towards, a relevant tertiary qualiication, speciically in the area of accounting or inance. A good knowledge and understanding of Government and business systems is preferred. Applicants must be computer literate and possess very good written and oral communication skills. If you have an inquisitive mind, a keen interest in accountancy and investigative assignments, work well individually and as part of a team, please send your CV to: Anne McMahon Email: anne.mcmahon@cookislands.gov.ck Fax: 25231 Applications close 4pm, Monday 17 February 2014. 76833

COOK ISLANDS SPORTS & NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

JOB VACANCIES As part of the restructuring process within CISNOC, the following full-time positions are available; • Sports Manager • Administration Oicer • Finance Oicer Based in Rarotonga, the appointees will report to the CEO / Secretary General of CISNOC and will be responsible for the daily business conducted and coordinated through CISNOC. For a full listing of the Job Description, please contact the CISNOC Oice, or email Robert Graham on rgraham@cisnoc.org.ck All applications will be in strict conidence. Applications close Friday 14 February 2014 at 12noon. 76559

Kia Orana! - The Edgewater Resort & Spa is 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, have 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

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 76740

Applications are invited from qualiied, motivated and experienced professionals for the following curriculum advisory and administration positions: 1) Director of Planning and Development Responsible for supporting the development of mid-term and annual business planning, policy development, school reviews, compliance and annual reporting. 2) Planning and Policy oicer Policy review, research and development, including consultation with stakeholders. 3) Learning and Teaching Curriculum Advisors (2 positions) Provide advice on current pedagogical practice aimed at improving student achievement preferable at the secondary level, state major and supporting subject areas. An application pack is available from the Ministry website at: www.education.gov.ck Please send completed application forms with CV and references to: Director - Human Resources Management Ministry of Education P O Box 97 Rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, fax (682) 28357 or email vacancy@ education.gov.ck Applications close on Friday 14 February 2014. 76728

www.cookislandsnews.com


12

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

aitutaki sharks powerhouse prop Mau George sets himself up to punch his way through the Titikaveka Bulldogs on Friday where the Bulldogs walked away victors 32-22. 14020901

ANNIvERSARY

happy happy 1st Wedding Anniversary

Taooa & Annie

Vaevaemaki Luv you always desperate defence by the aitutaki sharks foils an attempt by the Bulldogs to score a try.

14020904

IN MEMORIAM

Bulldogs winger sailosi nagi looks for oncoming sharks defenders as he gets ready to pin his ears back and bolt to the try line with back up hot on his heels. 14020909


13

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

FLIGHT

FROM

ARRIVES

International Flights

MONDAy FebrUArY 10 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM NZ19 LAx 7.00AM tUesdAY FebrUArY 11 NZ746/748 AKL 2.10PM VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM

TO

DEPARTS

AKL AKL

1.05AM 8.15AM

AKL AKL

3.10PM 1.05AM

Air Rarotonga

Flight Times | Voyage details RARO TO ARR MONDAy FebrUArY 10 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 0900 AITUTAKI 0950 0900 MANGAIA 0940 1100 ATIU 1145 1330 MAUKE 1420 1600 MITIARO 1650

DEP

TO

ARR

0910 1140 1640 1910 1010 1000 1205 1440 1710

RARO RARO RARO RARO ATIU RARO RARO RARO RARO

1000 1230 1730 2000 1055 1040 1250 1530 1800

DEP

TO

ARR

TIARE MOANA 20 - ETD AUCk 04/02, ETA RARO 15/02, ETA AITUTAkI 17/02 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

1115

RARO 1200

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.

Saturday’s answer Answer to saturday’s puzzle

Answer to saturday’s puzzle

hÄgar the horrible

By Dik Browne

®

The PhANToM

By Lee Falk & sy Barry

®

naringaiakarongo

Me kai kava auraka e akaoro Weather Forecast to Midnight Situation: A southerly wind low prevails over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over Northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine apart from brief showers.Moderate southerly winds. Moderate seas. Moderate easterly swells. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Fine. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Occasional rain and few thunderstorms over most places.Moderate north to northeast winds.Moderate seas. Further outlook: Some showers and few thunderstorms.

Humidity 10

Tue

11

Forecast Map 2pm Monday

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

Mon

A CooK ISLANDS NEWS PuBliC ServiCe MeSSaGe

Mon high 6.09AM 0.75M 6.34PM 0.83M

10

Low 12.00AM 0.46M 12.08PM 0.49M

1.3m e

n

Tue high 7.18AM 0.76M 7.42PM 0.84M

11

Low

1.07AM

0.46M

1.15PM 0.49M

26°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

SW 04ktS new Moon Feb 28 10.00PM

First Quarter Mar 8 3.27aM

Full Moon Feb 14 1.53PM

Sunshine hours

Third Quarter Feb 22 7.16aM

10

ArApo - AkAoti tAmAteA mon 10 Tanu (Planting)

TauTaI (Fishing)

Tanu i te painapa, Tautai te opunga maniota e tae ua atu ki te marama. Fish when the 13 o te po. Time to plant moon is setting. pineapple and maniota right through to the 13th night (from akaoti amiama).

Morning

74%

Mon sun rise 6.27AM sun set 7.19PM

night

78%

10

Moon rise 3.40PM Moon set 2.59AM

Morning

75%

Tue

night

79%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Rarotonga Monday, February 10, 2014

11

sun rise 6.28AM sun set

7.19PM

Moon rise 4.26PM Moon set 3.49AM

1m e Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

y

Stationary

Swell direction and size

outer Islands Weather outlook Monday, February 10, 2014 Aitutaki

28° SW 04ktS

Mangaia

27° SW 04ktS

Mitiaro

26° SW 04ktS

Atiu

26° SW 04ktS

Penrhyn

28° n 05ktS

Mauke

26° SW 04ktS


14

Monday, February 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Oi! Kua kite ainei koe...

tarekareka

SPorT

Pokutekute

sharks vs Bulldogs action

Red passionfruit/ passilora rubra is an invasive pest, takore ia!

—Page 14

Dogs bite Sharks out south Bulldogs 32 vs Sharks 22 Eels 20 vs Sea Eagles 16 Panthers 34 vs Warriors 4 LoCAL rugby league support-

ers were treated to an action packed weekend of games from a one sided match to a 30 point thrashing. Crowds flocked to the Titikaveka field on Friday to watch the first outing for the visiting Aitutaki Sharks team. They certainly impressed from the get go in their new green and gold uniforms that could have easily been mistaken for the national league uniform. However, on the ield, it was hosts the Titikaveka Bulldogs that had all the ingredients for a formidable team – pace out wide, mobile forwards, speedy backs and of course a vocal home crowd. The Bulldogs were in control of the match almost right throughout except for those moments of brilliance by the Sharks that resulted in booming tries that had staunch Sharkies supporters up on their feet and dancing. Big Mau George was devastating for the Sharks and touched down twice for his side, however, tries were more frequent for the Bulldogs with veteran Lloyd “Bacon” Matapo running rings around the Sharks like a schoolboy. His bulldozing runs up the middle drew massive cheers from Bulldogs supporters while the seemingly effortless runs by tall timber winger Sailosi Nagi had all in awe. The Bulldogs new Fijian im-

port, who also happened to be a Nagi look-a-like and stationed on the other wing caused havoc for the Sharks and proved to be a worthy addition to the Bulldogs side. Despite strong defences and yard gaining attacks – the Sharks were their own worst enemies as unforced errors mounted and were capitalised on by the Bulldogs. As the clock wound down the intensity of the match built to where it looked like the Sharks believed that they could get across the line twice to put the Doggies away. However, it wasn’t to be their day, although Sharks fans were proud of their boys and the respectable score they put up against the Bulldogs class act side. Meanwhile at the Happy Valley things did not go the Takuvaine Warriors’ way as defending champions Tupapa Panthers pulled out all the stops to trounce them 34-4. The Warriors will have to polish up their game within the week as they will face the Avatiu eels who have won two from two so far this season. The eels faced a pumped Ngatangiia Sea eagles side that gave as good as they got keeping their supporters cheering and hoping and the eels crowd on the edge of their seats. The match was played with lots of passion from both sides

that traded tries and their fair share of errors. A last minute try to the eels sealed the deal over the Sea eagles in a match that could have gone either way. The local league buzz just

two weeks into the new season is “Fijian imports” with a number of clubs opting to look off island for players with the X-factor to support the local lads through the season. As expected, there is plenty

of talk over this import practice with some saying it shows that there is little faith in local lads doing the damage on their while others says that bringing in players with a new style of playing can only mean good

things for the game locally. What is known is that import players have certainly boosted the performances of local clubs on game day. - Matariki Wilson

The Bulldogs lanky winger sailosi nagi breaks into a grin as he realises a try is most deinitely on. nagi continues to be a danger man for the Bulldogs and helped his team put the visiting aitutaki sharks away. 14020908

Hash run in Matavera HASH run 1746 will be set by 2

4 DA rD from her residence on the Matavera straight, beachside not far from the CIFA soc-

cer grounds. Look for the sign and lags. run starts at 5.30pm and all runners and walkers are welcome. See you there. oN oN

Last year’s Takuvaine hard man Travel Tou Jnr is this year’s in the blue, white and green of the Titikaveka Bulldogs. 14020905

a Bulldogs hardman is wrapped by his aitutaki sharks equal Mau George. 14020912

The Bulldogs new Fijian import charges into the sharks defence line at the Titikaveka ield on Friday. 140209010


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