Wednesday 12 February by Cook Islands News

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$2 Wednesday, february 12, 2014

Rarotonga’s top junior sailors (from left) Otis Burrell, Martin Marsters, Toutika Ioane, Tyler Davis, Makua Nikoia, TeAkaou Framhein and Helene Johnson have plenty of reason to jump and smile. Missing from the photo is talented Ngarangi Mapu. They are the best ever performing sailing squad to attend the annual Auckland championships held over the Christmas holidays. TeAkaou Framhein made the cut for the gold leet – made up of the top 40 sailors, becoming the irst Cook Islands sailor to do so in the years the club has sent junior sailors to the Auckland regatta. Helene Johnson placed third in the silver leet and third overall in the girls division. Otis Burrell, who only learned to sail last year, won gold in the silver leet. 14021002

High-sulphur diesel will continue to be imported

Rough ly half of the high sulphur diesel currently being stored by Toa Petroleum should be sold by March, said an oficial with the company. Director Brett Porter said the

company has 600,000 litres of fuel with sulphur content of 5700 parts per million in stock – roughly 100 times what is suitable for modern vehicles. “It’ll move,” he said, ex-

plaining that four ishing boats schedule to arrive in March will take around 80,000 litres each – roughly half of the stock. “The point is, we won’t have any problem using this.”

Tuna warnings ignored for too long: Movick PAcIfIc IslANDs nations have

failed to take heed of warnings about risks to the region’s long line fishing industry, says the head of a major agency. The cook Islands is one of 17 members of the Pacific Islands forum fisheries Agency (ffA), which helps countries manage ishery resources within their 200 mile exclusive economic zones. James Movick, Director-general of the ffA, said there has recently been a great deal of media focus on the economic dificulties facing tuna long line ishing vessels in the region. “The albacore long line ishery

especially has suffered massive losses in proits. Vessels have been moored to the wharf indeinitely and many workers have been laid off.” Movick said the risks to the economic viability of the ishery were identiied some years ago. “scientists, fisheries managers and even domestic industry stakeholders have warned against further increases in catch and ishing effort in this ishery.” The concern is not just about conserving the overall resource, but also the impact on long line fishers and the price of fish, he said.

“Despite these warnings and the responsible actions of a small number of ffA countries to cap and reduce catches of albacore at their own national level, there has been a fundamental failure on the part of the regional collective to act on this advice.” he said ffA members have not been able to agree on a uniied regional approach to managing the southern albacore ishery across its range. “our lack of unity and resolve has allowed distant water ishing nations to expand their own isheries and to favour their own - BCS leets.”

not to use the fuel for modern diesel engines. Porter said he will continue to import the fuel, which will be intended strictly for industrial and marine applications. Toa also continues to supply low-sulphur diesel and petrol for modern automobile engines. - Emmanuel Samoglou

PM remains quiet on police raids PRIMe MINIsTeR henry Puna

is keeping quiet after last week’s intensiication of an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption against cabinet Minister Teina Bishop. “No comment,” said the PM’s special advisor Trevor Pitt when asked for comment on the matter. Last week, a number of search warrants were executed on Bishop, including his ministerial ofices in Avarua, a rental unit in

Nikau, and his home in Aitutaki. Additional searches were made by law enforcement officials, who visited the offices of local law firm Little & Matysik Pc and the Business Trade and Investment Board. Pitt said there have been no changes to cabinet as a result of the police activity, and refused to speculate as to whether there would be any changes to his inner circle. - Emmanuel Samoglou

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November, and a consultant had miscalculated the sulphur content at 57 ppm. After a test carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs – which had been tipped off by a member of the public – indicated the higher sulphur content, Porter issued a public statement of apology, informing consumers and advising them

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Additional fuel will be supplied to inter-island shipping boats. Porter said the high sulphur fuel is used all over the world, particularly for older, heavier equipment and boats - which prefer the fuel because of fuel eficiency and lubrication properties. The Toa director acknowledged the fuel has negative impacts on the environment, but said it’s the right of buyers to choose it if they want. on a personal note, Porter said he thinks use of the fuel should be restricted on land. According to global petroleum giant BP, New Zealand currently has legislation in place limiting sulphur content to 50 ppm for all engines except those used in marine applications. Low sulphur diesel generally produces lower emissions, reducing ine particulate matter that has been known to exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Previously, Porter said Toa took shipment of the diesel in

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

worldNeWs nuti no TeIA NeI Ao Nudists face a crackdown The tropical island of hainan has long been a popular getaway for Chinese sun lovers. Now the island’s nudist sunbathers – mostly middle-aged men – are facing a crackdown. The island’s Communist party boss has denounced nudism as “uncivilised” and “un-Chinese” and has ordered police to carry out round-the-clock nudity patrols. Using loudspeakers, they are warning nude sunbathers that if they don’t cover up they could face up to 10 days of “education through detention”.

Massive internet attack huge hack ‘ugly sign’ of future threats to bring down the web INTeRNeT – A massive attack that exploited a key vulnerability in the infrastructure of the internet is the “start of ugly things to come”, it has been warned. online security specialists Cloudlare said it recorded the “biggest” attack of its kind on Monday. Hackers used weaknesses in the Network Time Protocol, a system used to synchronise computer clocks, to lood servers with huge amounts of data.

world BRIEFS SHIRLEY TEMPLE DIES AGED 85 USA – Former Hollywood child star Shirley Temple has died at the age of 85. With her adorable charm and blonde curls, she was one of the most popular stars of the 1930s. After retiring from ilms in 1950 at the age of 21, Temple returned to the spotlight as a politician and diplomat. She died on Monday at home in Woodside, california, from natural causes. “She was surrounded by her family and caregivers,” a statement said. Born in 1928, Temple soon became a major star after getting her irst ilm role at the age of three. She accepted the Screen Actors Guild Awards life achievement award in 2006 Her singing, dancing and acting won over fans worldwide. She was given a special juvenile Oscar in 1935, when she was just six years old. She is the youngest person to receive an Academy Award.

CORBY INTERVIEW MAY BREACH PAROLE INDONESIA – Schapelle corby’s $2 million interview with channel Seven may be in violation of parole. The head of Bali’s corrections Board, Ketut Artha, said all interviews need to be cleared irst and would require co-ordination and supervision by the authorities. “It could be considered a violation of discipline,” he said, saying he would have to remind corby’s brother-in-law and guarantor, Wayan Widyartha, of the restriction. “She should talk to the corrections board about everything like this.” complicating matters is the fact corby’s sister Mercedes has separated from Widyartha. It is believed the corrections board did not know the pair had split up before they granted corby parole. Parole supervisor Putu Andiyani said Corby has been given irm instructions in August directly from Jakarta that she is not to speak to the media.

SUICIDE BOMB TEACHER BLOWS UP CLASS IRAQ – A suicide bombing instructor at a terrorist training camp in Iraq blew up himself and several militants when he unwittingly used live explosives during a demonstration. The teacher, a commander of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, killed himself and 21 other members of the terror group in the Monday-morning blast, reports the New York Times. The group was ilming the propaganda video of a would-be suicide attacker when a technical glitch set of the car bomb, according to army oicials. The incident comes amid the worst protracted period of bloodshed in Iraq in nearly six years. More than 1000 people were killed in January, the highest such igure since 2008, according to government data.

fIRST MCDONALD’S OPENS IN VIETNAM AUSTRALIA – Fast food giant McDonald’s – often seen as a symbol of American capitalism – has opened its irst restaurant in communistcontrolled Vietnam. Hundreds of people queued for the opening of the restaurant in southern Ho chi Minh city. The restaurant is being run by the prime minister’s son-in-law, Henry Nguyen, who lipped burgers at a McDonald’s restaurant while growing up in the US, where his family led at the end of the war, the BBC reports. McDonald’s is following US rivals Burger King, KFC and cofee giant Starbucks into Vietnam, with its 90 million-strong population. A Big Mac costs about US$2.85 at the new outlet, while a bowl of traditional noodle soup can be bought on most street corners for around $1.50.

The technique could potentially be used to force popular services ofline. several experts had predicted that the Network Time Protocol (NTP) would be used for malicious purposes. The target of this latest onslaught is unknown, but it was directed at servers in europe, Cloudlare said. Attackers used a well-known method to bring down a system known as Denial of Service (DoS) – in which huge amounts of data are forced on a target, causing it to fall over. cloudflare chief executive Matthew Prince said his firm had measured the “very big” attack at about 400 gigabits per second (gbps), 100gbps larger than an attack on anti-spam service Spamhaus last year. In a report published three months ago, Cloudlare warned that attacks on the NTP were on the horizon and gave details of how web hosts could best try to protect their customers. NTP servers, of which there are thousands around the world, are designed to keep computers synchronised to the same time. A computer needing to synchronise time with the NTP will send a small amount of data to make the request. The NTP will then reply by sending data back. In this attack, it is likely that many machines were used. The NTP is one of several protocols used within the infrastructure of the internet to keep things running smoothly. unfortunately, despite being vital components, most of these protocols were designed and implemented at a time when the prospect of malicious activity was not considered. Cloudlare’s Prince said that while his irm had been able to mitigate the attack, it was a worrying sign for the future. “Someone’s got a big, new cannon,” he tweeted. “Start of ugly things to come.” - BBC

In what is seen of a sign of things to come, internet hackers launched an unprecedented attack this week exploiting a key vulnerability in the architecture of the internet. PNC

China and Taiwan in talks NANJINg – China and Taiwan

have begun the highest-level talks since the end of the chinese civil war in 1949. Wang Yu-chi and Zhang Zhijun, the top cross-strait oficials from each side, are both attending the four-day talks in Nanjing. Taiwanese oficials said they would raise press freedom after Beijing denied access to some media outlets. Beijing is likely to push Taiwan to pass a free trade deal

that is currently stalled in parliament. speaking to reporters before departing from Taiwan, Wang, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs council, said: “My main aim during this visit to the mainland is to promote mutual understanding between the two sides.” he said he hoped the visit, which “did not come easily”, would go smoothly, and the two sides would not be signing any agreements during the talks.

given the sensitivities, the meeting room had no lags on display, and the oficials’ nameplates had no titles or affiliations. China insists that Taiwan is a part of its territory and has a stated aim of reclaiming the island. Taiwan still calls itself the Republic of china and nominally claims the same territory as the communist government in Beijing, although it does not press these claims. - BBC

Air crash kills 78 people AlgIeRs – An Algerian military

transport plane has crashed in mountains in the north-east of the country, killing all but one of the 78 people on board. The hercules c-130 crashed in oum al-Bouaghi province, en route to constantine, in bad weather conditions. one survivor has been found and the search continues, emergency oficial Col Farid Nechad told public radio. The government and military say 78 people were on board -

not 103 as reported by oficials and local media. They included military personnel and their family members. The survivor is a soldier who is now being treated for head injuries at a military hospital in Algiers. Women and children were among 77 bodies recovered from the crash site. The aircraft crashed into Djebel fertas mountain, some 380km east of the capital Algiers.

Dozens of rescue workers are said to have reached the scene, despite the mountainous terrain and wintry weather conditions. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sent his condolences to families of the victims and has decreed three days of national mourning to begin on Wednesday, said state TV. This is the worst plane crash in Algeria for more than 10 years and the third involving an Algerian military Hercules. - BBC

Sliding into second

TRAPPED IN BATHROOM, STUCk IN LIfT RUSSIA – A US bobsleigher got stuck in a lift barely 48 hours after becoming trapped in his bathroom at the Olympic athletes’ village in Sochi, Russia. Johnny Quinn tweeted a photo of himself trying to pry open the lift door, saying: “No one is going to believe this but we got stuck in an elevator.” A team spokesperson conirmed he eventually managed to get out. Quinn made international headlines on the weekend when he was forced to smash through a jammed bathroom door. The brakeman discovered he was unable to open the door after taking a shower on the opening day of the Winter Games. Quinn used his “bobsleigh push” to burst through the jammed door. A few hours later, he then became stuck with two teammates.

Today’s Daily Bread As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.

Matthew 7:21-29 Read: Read: Romans 11:26-36

Text: Matthew 7:26 55:9 Text: Isaiah

With what is not a recommended skiing technique, US skier Devin Logan slides across the inish at the Women’s Freestyle Skiing Slopestyle inals at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Logan won the silver medal. AFP

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalNeWs nuti no Te PA eNuA

Castaway hailed as a hero Jose Alvarenga arrives home for a family meal and a life of celebrity MAJuRo – Castaway Jose Alvarenga has returned to el salvador in a first class airline cabin 14 months after being lost at sea, presumed dead, in a brokendown, seven-metre-long, opentopped ishing dinghy.

his flight from from Amata Kabua International Airport in the Marshall Islands arrived in Honolulu Monday from where he continued his journey to el salvador via los Angeles on Tuesday where has been hailed

paciic BRIEFS FORMER ATTORNEY-GENERAL IN COURT NORTHERN MARIANAS – The trial of the former attorney general of the Northern Marianas, Edward Buckingham, has begun at the Superior court in Saipan. The trial began on Monday with the civil Division chief of the attorney general’s oice, Gilber Birnbrich, and the AG’s executive assistant, Frieda Demapan, taking the stand as prosecution witnesses. Buckingham is facing eight charges in connection with an alleged violation of election laws and the illegal awarding of a sole-source contract, among others. He led the territory after a penal summons was issued against him last year before eventually being arrested in the US state of colorado after which he returned to the cNMI to hand himself in. Buckingham is the irst attorney general in CNMI history to stand trial on criminal charges.

TENSION ON PNG-INDONESIA BORDER PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Reports from Indonesia says the Indonesian navy has intensiied patrols in the waters of Merauke bordering Papua New Guinea after ive ishermen who were forced by the PNG Navy to swim ashore went missing. The Jakarta Post reports a naval commander saying 25 extra marines had been deployed to strengthen routine patrols. The Eastern Fleet has also deployed a frigate to search for the ive missing men. The ive men were part of a group of ten ishermen who had boarded a speedboat on Thursday to buy sea cucumbers in the PNG village of Kadawa. The speedboat was reportedly intercepted on Saturday by the PNG navy which immediately burnt it and told the ishermen to swim ashore. The paper reports only ive of them made it.

as a hero by friends, relatives and a horde of media. In the village of garita Palmera, 118 km west of the El Salvadoran capital of san salvador, his mother, Maria Julia Alvarenga, has spent days preparing for her lost son’s arrival. The house is decorated for his homecoming. Balloons and ribbons are hung, and a “Welcome home” banner is strung up outside on a palm tree archway. A heart-shaped decoration made by his niece says, “May God bless you.” Media have followed his mother’s every move shopping for food and preparing a homecoming feast. “We will make him a big meal, but we won’t feed him fish because he must be bored of eating that,” she said. “We will make him a big plate of meat, beans and cheese to help him recover.” Two weeks ago Jose Alvarenga was a poor, almost-forgotten, lost fisherman from Mexico, long-believed to have perished at sea. Today he is the world’s most famous contemporary sea-going survivor, potentially poised to become a global celebrity and

likely to become very rich as offers for the “exclusive” story, and even movie rights, lood in. But when two Marshallese coconut farmers irst got a glimpse of Alvarenga on a deserted atoll two weeks ago, they saw a man who owned nothing but a knife and just managing to stand in tattered underwear. on his battered boat, a live bird was tethered by its foot – narrowly missing becoming his next meal. And as he recounted his story, faster than his rescuers could comprehend, Alvarenga ate a meal of pancakes, like he hadn’t had a full meal in months. The first news the world would hear about the El Savadoran’s 12,500-kilometre drift across the Paciic came by bicycle. Mayor Ione deBrum was irst alerted to the mysterious visitor to his island when a boy biked to her ofice from the other side of Ebon. The boy had been dispatched by Amy libokmeto and Russell laikedrik – the islanders who irst spotted Alvarenga, yelling and waving a knife from one island over. DeBrum’s son helped translate the salvadoran’s story, using

spanish skills learned entirely from the animated children’s series “Dora the Explorer.” The story was beyond belief for many. But most of the details that have emerged from interviews with Alvarenga, his family, oficials and his ishermen friends appear to lend weight to his incredible story of drifting across the Paciic Ocean for 14 months surviving on raw ish, seabirds, rain water, his own urine, and turtle blood. Alvarenga said he set off in late 2012 from Mexico on what was supposed to be a one-day ishing expedition. But he and a 23-year-old companion were blown off-course by northerly winds and then caught in a storm, eventually losing the use of their engines. They had no radio signal to report their plight, he said. Alvarenga said that four weeks into their drift, his companion died of starvation because he refused to eat raw birds and turtles. Alvarenga’s claims initially drew widespread scepticism about how he could physically and mentally survive the 14-month slow drift across the

open ocean. But oficials in the Marshall Islands and his fishermen friends have said repeatedly they have no reason to doubt the story. Plans for his repatriation to El Salvador were postponed last week after his health took a turn for the worse. After more than a week in hospital and then a luxury hotel in Majuro, Alvarenga began his journey home on Monday. He posed for photos with dignitaries, including Marshall Islands president, before boarding a plane headed for Hawai’i. Appearing frail but in good spirits, he was taken to the plane in a wheelchair and helped up the stairs by two people. He said that he was very emotional, that he was feeling good and that he was looking forward to getting home. No doubt, this will end only one chapter in the now very public life of Jose Alvarenga, who will be followed by reporters and photographers for many days and weeks to come as he is repatriated with his family and ishermen friends in El Salvador and also in Mexico. - PNC

MINING STAND-OFF DOWNPLAYED FIJI – The head of Fiji’s Mineral Resources Department is playing down suggestions of a stand-of between landowners and a mine developer. The developers are still at the exploratory stage of a proposed gold and copper mine in Namosi, near Suva. A landowner says their relationship with the company has deteriorated to the point where they are completely opposed to any mining plans. But Mineral Resources director, Malakai Finau, says that’s not the case. “There are no major problems between the two but there are some problems from time to time, there are issues, the landowners or the company bring up but at the moment as far as I know the work is continuing as usual.” Finau says it could be another year before the Environmental Impact Assessment is completed.

LESSONS LEARNED IN fIRST TOURNAMENT SAMOA – The Samoan tennis player, Stei Carruthers, is taking plenty of lessons from her opening tournament of 2014. The 20 year old was beaten in the irst round of qualifying at the US$25,000 event in Rancho, Santa Fe, near San Diego. carruthers led early in both sets against American Dominique Schaefer before going 6-2, 6-3. “It was tough and there were a few things I wish I had handled a little bit better to pull through but I have to learn from it and I have to live with that and move on so I can use that in my future matches”. This is Carruthers’ irst full season as a touring professional, having left Samoa to play tournaments in the Americas in the middle of last year.

SEVENS PLAYERS WELCOME NEWS Of PAY FIJI – Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan has welcomed news that his players will be paid for the irst time in almost three months. Financial troubles at the Fiji Rugby Union came to a head last month when the IRB suspended direct funding of more than US$1.5 million. But after signing an agreement with Vodafone last week worth up to US$21 million dollars over ive years, the union said all outstanding payments owed to players and coaching staf would be processed in a matter of days. Ryan says his squad hasn’t been paid since November and deserve recognition. “They’ve worked tirelessly and we’re probably the only team on the circuit that won’t be receiving any money at the moment so hopefully that will change”.

PATROLS TO GUARD MOUNTAIN TRACk PAPUA NEW GUINEA – The MP for Papua New Guinea’s Kundiawa Gembogl district says almost 100 men have completed training in tourism policing as part of eforts to make visitors to the area feel safe. The highest mountain in the country, Mt Wilhelm, is the district’s key tourist attraction. Kulang says the majority of the 92 men will be posted along the track of Mt Wilhelm at ive kilometre intervals to maintain law and order. He says the police training is partly in response to last year’s attack on trekkers on the Black cat track in Morobe province, where three local porters were killed. He says he wants to send a clear signal to the international community that Mt Wilhelm is a safe destination to visit.

Under the media spotlight Maria Julia Alvarenga, the mother of castaway Jose Alvarenga, prepares his favourite dishes for a homecoming meal. AFP

Key wants an apology WellINgToN – New Zealand

Prime Minister John Key wants Japan to apologise for one of its whaling ships going into its exclusive economic zone. The Shonan Maru No 2, one of the security escorts for the Japanese leet, entered New Zealand’s 200 nautical mile EEZ on Friday. While not illegal, New Zealand had made it clear to Japan’s government that any such action would be unwelcome and offensive.

The Japanese Ambassador in Wellington received a dressing down this week, and Prime Minister Key went further saying he would like an oficial apology. “That would be good,” he said. “We’ll see what happens from here, but whether there’s an apology – we’ll wait and see.” The New Zealand foreign ministry said the ship did not enter New Zealand’s territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the coast, but did breach its EEZ, which covers

from 12 to 200 nautical miles offshore. foreign minister Murray McCully earlier said New Zealand was strongly opposed to Japanese whaling in the southern oceans, and further action might be taken. Japan’s government spokesman defended the whaling ship’s intrusion into the EEZ. “We believe there was no problem with the movements of our ships from the point of view of international law,” said

yoshihide suga, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary. “This ship was taking protective moves and intruded on the EEZ as one part of that.” Japan, which says that whaling is a cherished cultural tradition, hunts whales under a scientiic research provision in the moratorium on whaling. New Zealand has supported Australia’s case against Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean in the International court of Justice. - ABC/Reuters

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalNeWs nuti no Te PA eNuA

‘Flying Coconut’ eyes up bobsleigh sochI – Tongan luge star Bruno Banani has sug-

gested he will make another tilt at the Winter olympics, but not necessarily in the same sport – with a hint that he may try to put together a Tongan bobsleigh team. The 26-year-old, now nicknamed ‘The Flying Coconut’ – who changed his name to that of an underwear company – inished in 32nd place in the luge competition in Sochi. While outside of his original aim of making the top 30, Banani says he and his team were very happy with his performance. Bruno Banani says he’s unsure if he will continue with luge and admits he is also contemplating trying his hand at bobsleigh at the 2018 Games

in South Korea. “so many people in the luge family are pushing me and saying ‘if you stop doing luge then try also bobsled’, because now I almost know all the luge track, which is the same for the bob. I only need some strong and fast guys from Tonga to push the sled and then we slide down. “It is only an idea but we will see. I think everything will depend on money and if it’s possible it won’t be hard to do it if we have the inancial support.” Banani is staying in sochi until the closing ceremony and says he’s looking forward to relaxing and watching some of the other sports on offer, including ice hockey. - PNC/RNZI

Bruno beats the Aussie

NuKu’AlofA – Australia may have won the Rugby League World cup but Tonga has a faster luger, boasts the Matangi Tonga online news site. Tonga’s first winter Olympian, Bruno Banani, beat Australia’s Alexander ferlazzo to 32nd place in the Luge Men’s singles at the sochi Winter olympic games – pushing the Aussie back into 33rd place by

less than half a second. The luge Men’s singles ended on sunday at the sanki sliding Centre with Banani finishing 32nd out of 39 lugers. he finished ahead of lugers from countries that actually have snow – Australia, Norway, Korea, Moldova, India, Bulgaria and Chinese Taipei. Bruno was six seconds short of the winner and gold medal-

list Felix Loch of Germany who produced a track record of 3 minutes and 27:526 seconds (3:27:526). Silver went to Albert Demchenko of Russia (3:28:002) and Bronze to Armin Zoeggeler of Italy (3:28:797). Bruno Banani’s oficial time was 3 minutes and 33.676 seconds (3:33.676). - Matangi Tonga

Tonga’s luge competitor Bruno Banani inished in 32nd place in the Winter Olympics competition and has hinted that he might try to put together a bobsleigh team for South Korea in 2018. AFP

Fiji trade unionists targeted while PM free from scrutiny SUVA – The fiji Trades union

congress says trade unionists are being targeted for their political involvement, while the Prime Minister and military commander, frank Bainimarama, is free to do whatever he wants. The fiji Broadcasting corporation reports that the government is looking into the possibility of strengthening certain laws within the Political Parties Decree after unionists made public their association with political parties. under the decree, public oficers, which include trade unionists and military oficers, are not allowed to publicly express political views or hold ofice in a proposed political party.

But the president of the fiji Trades union congress, Daniel urai, says frank Bainimarama has not been limited in what he can say or do in politics. “When will Frank himself step down from his role as prime minister? When will he resign to campaign for his political party? And any minister in this government for that matter. Those are the things that we need to look at. “What we see now is trade unions being targeted while they are free to do whatever they want to do, while they are being paid by tax-payers funds, and they are public oficers in general. So these are things we need to have clariied.” The Pacific Islands forum

Ministerial contact group is to visit Fiji this week, ahead of the general elections promised for September. The group is expected to arrive on Friday for a two-day visit. No other details are available. The forum group last visited Fiji last April, when it told the fiji government that the international community had clear expectations about the lead-up to the general elections. The group emphasised the need for citizens and political parties to be able to nominate for elections, campaign openly and to participate without hindrance in the political process and public debate. - RNZI

Nauru urged to reconsider media visa charge increases WellINgToN – The New Zea-

land foreign minister, Murray Mccully says he has encouraged the Nauru government to reconsider its dramatic escalation in journalists’ visas. Nauru’s foreign minister, David Adeang was in Wellington this week for talks over the New Zealand aid package to Nauru’s justice sector. New Zealand has committed to maintain the aid but has demanded more transparency after last month’s controversial removal of key judicial personnel. last month Nauru also hiked journalists’ visas from A$200 to $8000 – a move widely seen as

an attempt to shut down international media criticism. Mccully says he told Adeang media scrutiny is vital if there’s to be greater transparency. “While it was not for me to try and propose domestic policies for Nauru, it seemed to me they might want to consider the role of the media and the impact of that visa policy on our, as I say, our overall objective of rebuilding conidence.” The New Zealand government says it will continue to support the Nauru justice sector but it wants to see changes after last month’s controversial deportation of the resident magistrate and the denial of

a visa to the Australian based chief justice. Mccully says he has been re-assured after meeting with Adeang and the aid will continue but the funding agreement has been amended. “Obviously if we are going to continue to fund the justice sector we want to be able to ensure that the appointment process is respectable and that’s going to generate good candidates. “So we have got amendments being made that will give us visibility on the process and the ability to exercise our rights if we are not satisfied that the spirit of our agreement is being met.” - RNZI

February Courses RangaRanga Kikau with Ruta Pirangi February 17th-28th, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4-5pm Learn innovative decorative weaving forms to adorn weddings and parties. Introduction to Journalism with Emmanuel Samoglou February 17th-March 24th, Mondays 7pm8.30pm Learn to write your own stories. Beginners welcome. Ukulele with Rudy Aquino February 18th-February 28th, Tuesdays, Fridays 4-5pm Bring your own ukulele and learn to perform a song. Star Navigation with Tua Pittman February 18th-March 17th, Tuesdays, Thursdays 7-9pm Learn about the history of wayinding and how to navigate the night sky. French for Travelers with Lauriane Botella February 20th, 10 weeks, Thursdays 5-6.30pm Learn beginning French conversation.

March Courses Fun with Herbs with Josie RattleWichman Saturday, March 1st, 10am-2pm Spice up diferent dishes and eat away.

Developing Your Own Home Yoga Practice Saturday March 1st, 9am-12pm Learn a yoga programme you can practice at home. Photography with Melanie Cooper March 3rd-24th, Mondays, 5.30-7.30pm Bring your own camera and snap away. Water Safety with Augustine Kopa, CIFA March 4th – May 29th, Tuesday, Thursday 5-8pm Geared towards tourism operators. Hula with Kanoe Aquino March 4th - March14th, Tuesday, Friday 4-5pm Learn a simple hula to the ukulele. Vegetarian Cooking with Nima McBride March 6th-27th, Thursdays 5.30-8.30pm Cook creative vegetarian recipes. Basic Computing Skills with Michelle Williams - Mitchell March 18th-27th, Tuesday, Thursday 5-7pm Learn the basics for beginners. Computers provided.

Grab a few friends and have them join you for a fun night of learning enrichment…

For more information or to enroll phone us on 22 628 Or email Violet Tisam at violet.tisam@citti.edu.ck Or visit our Ngatangiia Campus during oice hours All Courses $50, except RangaRanga kikau no cost. 76830

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

leTTeRs reta

What are Digicel’s real plans for Cooks?

Dear editor, firstly, thank you for publishing my last letter on telecommunications in your paper of saturday February 8. I would like to take the opportunity to ask the following question: has the Minister for Telecommunications and/or TCNZI stopped to consider the possibility that Digicel has no intention of purchasing any shares in TcI? In 2010, Digicel made an offer for TCI shares. When this was accepted, rather than completing the purchase, Digicel lowered their offer price and, not surprisingly, it was rejected. I sincerely believe that they did not intend to purchase TcI shares then and that they do not intend to purchase TCI shares now. So why go through the court-

purchasing the then monopoly operator our Telekom not long before entering the bidding for the second license. Editor, I draw your attention to the article “Digicel executive holds Talks In honiara” (http:// pidp.org/archive/2008/June/0613-17.htm) “Digicel’s move to buy shares into our Telekom came after attempts to challenge our Telekom’s 15 year monopoly license. This license is set to be reviewed by the government with plans to remove the monopoly later this year.”

Any employee caught divulging such detailed information to a competitor would be sacked immediately and escorted to the door. And yet the Minister for Telecommunications and TNZI are willingly taking part in what I believe amounts to corporate espionage by handing over sensitive information that will no doubt be extremely damaging for TcI and the interests of cook Islanders in the event a second license is granted to Digicel. under the circumstances, I therefore demand that Digicel

all. I can go on Prime Minister and highlight the huge staff turn-over within this agency for the past 12 months. A few have made their way to South Australia for better employment and this, in turn, has a continuous impact on our labour market. Out of any Government institution why, to this extent, is there high staff turnover within this state-owned enterprise? The buck stops with you yourself, the leader of this country.

If you are unable to look after yourself how otherwise can you take care of the country with employment issues? This action by Ministry heads within your government should have bearing on your leadership as well. Take a look at this week’s newspaper as there is an application of countless vacancies within BTIB. Don’t you guys have any sense of compassion for our people being laid off and also being forced to go? Where is

your christian understanding and how are these people going to pay off their mortgages? This is election year, Prime Minister, and for your government to continue to do enough damage for our young people is appalling. Should your agencies continue to go down this line and lay off public servants will only determine your government winning at the next election. sad tikae! (Name and address supplied)

be blocked from bidding for a telecoms license in the cook Islands, or from purchasing any successful bidder for a period of at least ive years thereafter. I further demand that, in the unlikely event that Digicel go ahead and buy TcI, the government must irst set a date for the issuance of a second license to ensure the cook Islands’ people and businesses reap the beneits of a competive telecoms environment they have for so long been denied. In the words of the old proverb: “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”. I believe the Minister has failed on every front of telecommunications. He has shot himself in the foot so many times on the subject and he has not once responded to any correspondence put to him by me, including ignoring the 3200 signatures we gave him on May 2, 2011 in a petition which he said he would acknowledge publicly but never did. Where is his integrity? My response to the Minister’s comments in your paper of Tuesday february 11 editor, “Govt doesn’t want another Toagate”, cannot and should not be compared with because there is a huge difference between the two, which clearly shows his ignorance or should it be his arrogance? The Minister is politicking. Meitaki Maata William framhein

Dear editor, I note the letter to the editor by William framhein accusing me of being “deficient” on my thinking. I was also accused of being rude and undigniied because I cancelled an appointment with him. Mr Framhein conveniently forgets that we had already scheduled a meeting which would include a Skype hook-up with his Australian business partner on the previ-

ous Thursday at 11am. However, he called on the same day to postpone the meeting to friday because he was unable to make it. I then scheduled our meeting for Friday at 11 am but was then requested earlier in the day by the PM to do our friday radio show at the same time because he was laid up with the lu. My office then contacted William and advised him of the last minute commitment that I had

and requested a reschedule to the following week. It seems he can cancel appointments without blame but I get to be accused in the daily newspaper of being rude for doing the same thing as him. If William wants to buy the TCNZ shares that I suggest he talks to TCNZ and make an offer for their shares. If he has the inancing support from his overseas investors then I am sure TCNZ will consider their offer. But do not expect the taxpayers of this country to bankroll or guarantee the purchase of privately held shares in a NZlisted public company. That

is not the role of government. The government role remains in regulation and the government remains committed to bringing the new Telecommunications Bill before the house as soon as possible. Mr editor, the telecommunications policy by the Demos is a poorly thought out and as shockingly wasteful as their newly released tax policy which will cost the country millions of dollars. I will write more on this matter in my next letter. Kia Manuia Mark Brown Minister for Telecommunications

ship dance again? Whenever a company enters into negotiations with a potential buyer, it reveals masses of commercial secrets that it would never otherwise release, including their cost structure, their organisation structure, their marketing plans, their partnership deals, their distribution plans, their proitability and, their long term strategy. In other words the kind of information that would be simply invaluable to a competitor. TcI handed over all that information to Digicel back in 2010,

but that is obviously out of date, so it would appear that Digicel has decided to ask TcI to hand over the same information again. Just like last time, I have no doubts that Digicel will walk away from the deal once it has gathered all the competitive information it needs in preparation for a bid for a second telecoms license. If this sounds like fantasy, then compare this scenario with that of the Solomon Islands. In a move uncannily like that which we are currently witnessing, Digicel expressed an interest in

ner forcing them to resign from service after lengthy years? I have a family member and also other staff members within one of the state-owned enterprises that had recently tendered their resignations due to the poor management of their superior. The head of this particular agency has poor macro leadership quality and has no sense of good management at

Open letter to Prime Minister Kia orana Prime Minister Te akaaroa I toku au taeake te akano’o ia nei mei runga I ta ratou ngai angaanga Kavamani As we approach a by-election in Murienua that will determine the fate of your government I have a simple question that I want to come out in the public arena. Why is your Government continuing to intimidate public servants and in a brutal man-

Turn record off Common courtesy works both ways

Dear editor, I support the recent letter to the Editor about the “whinging Grey Power”. Turn the record off. We get it - you don’t want to pay any tax (and you don’t want to be taxed by NZ or Cook Islands) for pensions you receive from NZ particularly you do not want monies from bank accounts seized which is quite legal in accordance with s192 of the Income Tax Act. Nowhere does it say you need a high court order

irst. Still, I suppose, if you don’t have to pay taxes Grey Power can buy up the Telecom shares as Wilkie suggests. I’m sure Grey Power could lead the telecommunication industry quite brilliantly and while Grey Power is at it, why don’t they buy up the TV station so they can show disrespectful and disgusting ads 24/7 on a new TV channel devoted to haranguing the PM! The Emperor’s new clothes (Name and address supplied)

Praise for KATA Dear editor, something must be said about the editorial cartoonist KATA. Not so much said but somehow visually recognised. I have had the pleasure, and indeed honour, to have worked with Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonists and highly honoured cartoonists and cover artists of The New Yorker magazine. Believe me, these New Yorkers have a very deep

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

well from which to draw (pun intended) when it comes to subject matter as it relates to societies’ foibles. KATA's ability to visually represent the cook Islands culture with single panelled cartoons highlights the high level of skill and intellect it takes to be a world class artist of social comment. Bravo KATA!!!! John charles Davies, usA

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 Sales and Marketing Manager Susan Tealby susan@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

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

Donor partners visit Atiu as part of week long gathering INTeRNATIoNAl donors will be visiting Atiu today for a taste of what life is like in the outer islands. Delegates at the fourth annual Development Partners Meeting met at Red cross in Tupapa yesterday to hear presentations on topics such as plans for development and how this will be measured, disaster risk management projects, public expenditure reports and performance in the public sector. The cook Islands receives around $35 million in aid each year, and attendees at the meeting yesterday discussed how aid is received and what should happen with aid in the future. Today’s meeting in Atiu will include presentations on income-earning opportunities in the outer islands, living off the land, and equitable access to income and resources. finance Minister Mark Brown – who is chairing the event – said the trip to Atiu is an important part of the meeting, because the Pa enua are vastly different to Rarotonga. “Inequality in the cook Islands can be demonstrated by growth in Rarotonga and depopulation in the outer is-

lands.” he said Atiu is similar to and representative of other outer islands in the Cooks, and would give development partners a good idea of challenges faced in the Pa Enua. These challenges include isolation, depopulation and management of resources such as water. “You will experience firsthand what it is like living in the outer islands,” said Brown. Mayors from the southern group will also take part in the local government session in Atiu, which will look at island governance issues, agriculture in the Pa enua, and environment and waste management. Donor partners will be taken on ield visits to the coffee plantations in Atiu and other places to provide a close-up perspective on life in the Pa Enua. Delegates will return to Rarotonga on Thursday for further meetings between government and donor partners. A series of sector meetings on health, education and renewable energy will be held on Friday morning from 8am at Red cross to conclude the event. - Briar Douglas

EU Ambassador on irst visit

euRoPeAN union Ambassador to the Cook Islands Andrew Jacobs presented his credentials to Queen’s representative Tom Marsters on Monday. In a morning ceremony at government house in Titikaveka, Jacobs addressed the QR, highlighting areas of cooperation such as water, sanitation, and disaster relief. A number of dignitaries were present, including several european consular oficials based in Rarotonga, Prime Minister henry Puna, and traditional leaders. Speaking afterward, Jacobs said the EU is interested in working with the Cook Islands to de-

opment Partners Meeting being a case of all talk and no action were alluded to by an overseas delegate yesterday. sub-regional officer for the Paciic Gavin Wall from the Food and Agriculture organisation of the united Nations said it is important that the cook Islands government stays focused on taking action on what is discussed at the meeting. “The rhetoric is easy,” he said. “It is very easy for individual ministries to slip into old habits… instead of focussing on the collective effort.” Wall said issues of a lack of capacity in the cooks should not

be a barrier to making progress, referring to previous comments about missing or unmanaged data. “Imperfect data is not an excuse for not making decisions,” he said. “One still has to go forward.” Minister of finance Mark Brown, who chaired the meeting, said in response that he agreed it is important for action to be taken. In an earlier presentation, economics and policy development consultant Petero okotai identiied data collection and management as a key area for capacity development. he said data in the cook Islands has often been incomplete

Cops concerned by bike racing MoToRBIKe races by school students are causing a headache for police. senior sergeant Tuaine charlie said some students are driving to and from school in groups of motorbikes, and some young people are racing each other in the street. The issue is causing worry for police, said Charlie. The problem has been evident for “a while” and police

are asking families to help address it, he said. He said the police would like parents to keep an eye on how their teenagers are travelling to school, and talk with their children about safety on the roads. “We’d like to give a message to the parents that this is happening with young teenagers going to school.” - Briar Douglas

the Pacific, Jacobs was Head of a unit for North Africa and the Middle east, under the Directorate general for Development and Co-operation, also known as EuropeAid. he has also previously served as head of operations in the european commission's Delegation in Bangkok, covering Thailand, Myanmar, cambodia, and Laos, as well as the Head of Operations in the Vietnam Delegation. Ambassador Jacobs - also accredited to Niue, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, the federated states of Micronesia, samoa and Tonga -

replaces former ambassador Aziz M’babe. This is his irst visit to the Cook Islands and, later this week, he will also be attending the round table session as part of the Development Partners Meeting (DPM). Jacobs is also scheduled to make courtesy calls on Prime Minister henry Puna, Deputy Prime Minister Teariki heather, as well as senior government oficials to discuss matters of mutual interest and areas of future cooperation. Jacobs – who is posted in Fiji - is married with three children, and speaks english, french, Italian and Spanish. - ES

Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters, Tuaine Marsters, and eu Ambassador to the Cook Islands Andrew Jacobs, and wife Hilary Jacobs. 14021005

Talk cheap, says UN partner DANgeRs of the current Devel-

velop local export industries and continue collaborating towards the nation’s development. Additionally, he said the european bloc is keen on pursuing fisheries partnerships with Paciic nations. Most recently, the country received support through the european Development fund (eDf) for the construction of the cyclone management centre in Pukapuka, which was completed in 2012. The eu and cook Islands have maintained diplomatic relations since 2001. Prior to his posting as the head of the eu Delegation for

or not collated or analysed, making it dificult to determine national trends. “Often data was collected, but not enough to make informed decisions.” he added that this is changing, making reference to the National strategy for the Development of statistics (NsDs), launched in May last year. “We are starting to actively measure our own development and are trying to look at it in a holistic manner… so we have transparency and accountability in what we do as a country,” he said. “We actually do collect a lot of data as is – it was merely a matter of managing that data better.” Public service commissioner Russell Thomas said productivity in the workplace also needs attention, and will improve when people are clear about what is required of them. “We are looking for people to be more productive in their work … When people are clear about their responsibilities and their roles, they will do that.” - Briar Douglas

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You are warmly invited to the launch of

RON CROCOMBE

E TOA!

40 chapters and 651 pages celebrating the life and work of Emeritus Professor Ron Crocombe edited by Linda Crowl, Marjorie Crocombe and Rod Dixon at

USP Cook Islands Thursday 13 February at 12 noon Food and refreshments catered by the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa Copies of the book will be available for purchase at $50.00

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

Police attitudes need to change New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers delivers her opening speech at a workshop focusing on solutions to family violence and youth justice. 14021008

ATTITuDe changes in our police force and legislation review were some of the major issues being presented on the irst day of the Family Violence and Youth Justice Workshop on Monday. Attending the opening of the workshop were Deputy Prime Minister Teariki heather and New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers who emphasised the need to act to bring an end to domestic violence and ind solutions for youth offending. “family violence and youth offending are two, often interrelated challenges that unfortunately New Zealanders and Cook Islanders are all too familiar

with... left alone, they begin to tear at the very fabric of society,” said Kempkers. some changes to act upon included the attitudes officers in the police force have towards domestic violence, even being participants in it. Results from a survey presented by Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) programme manager cam Ronald, testing cook Islands police attitudes towards domestic violence, showed that attitudes towards domestic violence among Cook Islands police oficers is just as compelling as in the community, with a high number of police not sure about how to

Participants ill out a survey at the opening day of the Family Violence and Youth Justice Workshop on Monday. 14021015

deal with domestic violence or admitting they have used violence against their partners or children. According to Ronald, PPDVP works with police to help strengthen police capability when dealing with domestic violence cases, and help the police realise that violent crime is police business. “We are here to help the cook Islands police do their job,” he said. In a presentation by Crown Law solicitors Cheryl King and Martha Henry, mention was made about a review of current legislation that does not recognise domestic violence in mar-

riage as a criminal offence. The review is currently underway and will be consistent with a new Family Law bill that is hoped to be tabled before parliament this year. The workshop will run until Wednesday, with the new family law bill and a comparison between the new bill and old legislation being discussed today. Youth justice issues and solutions, including the Pasifika Court for youth offenders, will be discussed on Wednesday. On Thursday a closed door mini court room scenario for participants to practice new solutions will be held. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

Workshop facilitator Judge Peter Boshier at the Family Violence and youth Justice Workshop. 14021010

Single computer system needed sTReAMlININg the govern-

ment computer system is a goal that was discussed at the Development Partners Meeting yesterday. financial secretary Richard Neves said there are currently a number of unconnected computer and email systems in government, with different departments operating their own

systems. “It’s just not a very efficient way to run the back room of the government, so we’ll be looking at that.” Public service commissioner Russell Thomas said having one central system to which all government departments are connected will improve productivity, including streamlining updates

or upgrades of the computer system. “It means we will have centralised updating of things like anti-virus software for Windows –rather than all ministries going out and purchasing their own anti-virus software.” Neves said government has been focussing on areas for improvement “where there is low-

hanging fruit and, with a bit of effort and attention, we can get there”. he said many improvements have already been made but some areas, such as the procurement process, still need more work. “We really need to get our procurement systems up to speed so that our private sector - BD can compete.”

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

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“goldmine” Jewellery store Main Rd, Avarua Tel: 24823

The Black pearl Jewellers Ambala Rd, Muri Tel: 23598/74146

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT & THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF THE COOK ISLANDS

pUBlIC NOTICE FOR pENsIONERs In getting ready for the 2.5% VAT increase on 1 April 2014, from 1 March 2014 the local Cook Islands pension will increase by 25% for both the over 60 and over 70 categories.

60-69 pension 70+ pension

2013 regular social welfare payments Monthly Annual 400 4800 500 6000

2014 regular social welfare payments Monthly Annual 500 6000 625 7500

To ensure fairness, and to direct the increased payment towards those most in need, from 1 March 2014 the local Cook Islands pension will also become part of your taxable income. To help ensure that individuals receive the correct payments and are not left with tax debts at the end of the year, pensioners will need to register their Revenue Management Division (RMD) number with the Ministry of Internal Afairs by 20 February 2014. If you do not have an RMD number, the Ministry of Internal Afairs can organise one for you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free and easy to do. All other social welfare payments will also increase by 10% from 1 March 2014 but will not require you to register your RMD number. When combined with the personal income tax cuts, every pensioner in 2014 (regardless of income level) will have more money in their hand than they did in 2013, which will assist in adjusting to the VAT change on 1 April 2014. A tax calculator has been made available at www.mfem.gov.ck/tax for individuals to estimate how the changes may afect them.

pensioners are encouraged to contact a Welfare Oicer in the Ministry of Internal Afairs, ph 29370 in Rarotonga, or the Internal Afairs Oicer in pa Enua before 20 February 2014. There is a simple one page form required.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

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PUBLIC NOTICES

SERvICES

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

vEhICLES FOR SALE

LAND NOTICE Kindly reminding all Landowners on land Kamae section 48D2, Takitumu for a land meeting (MOAO) today Wed 12 February 2014 at 11am at the Avarua court House for Tereapii Tumutoa and Ringi Tuakeu Tumutoa.

Palmerston Meeting The AGM of the Marsters Family will be held Wednesday 12 February, 7pm, Pukapuka Hall to select the Board of Trustees for the Palmerston Meeting House. Nomination forms are available from Nane Holmes @ USP or Email naneholmes@gmail.com

Peyroux Motor Services Friendly, Local, Professional & Honest Repairs to string trimmers, chainsaws, mowers, marine & stationary engines, Vaimaanga. Phone 52414.

2 bedroom renovated house semi- furnished available end February, 250 per week. Phone 55803.

Ride-on mower Masport Mercury 1600hp. Goes well, $1300 ono. Ring or text 71216. Under carriage needs some work.

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.

76898 / /2442

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Rarotonga Bowling will be held on Saturday 1 March 2014 at the Rarotonga Bowling club at 12pm. Agenda: • Opening Prayer • Minutes of the last AGM • Matters arising from the minutes • Adoption of Minutes • President’s Report • Treasurer’s Report Election of New Oice Bearers • President • Vice President • Treasurer • Secretary General • club captain • Vice club captain • 3x committee Members Other Matters closing Prayer. 76809 /36372 /1855

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.

76724 /36213 /1931

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 76816 / /1780

FOUND Wallet found at Muri on Sunday. Phone 50593. 76861 /76861 /1931

SERvICES

76654 /36182 /1931

Reka Sunday Roast with chocolate éclairs choice of roast beef, chicken or pork - served with mashed potatoes, veggies and gravy chocolate éclair w/fresh cream for dessert. 12pm - Sunday 16 February celebration on the Rock church $15.00 Fundraising for a new playground for the toddlers in the church. Ph Tina Iro on 79368 for all pre orders

Pool Doctor * Water testing * chlorine * P.H down * Bufer Discounted rates FREE DELIVERY Phone Tony 56599. 76290 /36406 /1708

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

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. 76707 /36208 /1931

Valentines Day special Treatment, Blow wave and Styles $45 Treatment , cut and Styles $55 Gift Vouchers . Phone 22811.

ph 24065/55976

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2 bedroom partly furnished lovely home in Kavera $200 per week.contact Helen 55717 76915 / /1935

2br cottage at Blackrock with direct beach access. Furnished and well appointed. Email enquiry to deepblue@oyster.net. ck 76825 / /2424

afordable oice space in town. contact Helen 55717 76916 / /1935

FOR SALE Large F&P freezer, excellent cond $600. Ph 22285 or 55441 view. 76903 / /2442

76911 /36413 /2489

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

76904 /36409 /1931

Solar Panels for sale 200 watt, $375 each. 2 x kilowatt installers $1035. Install 2 kilowatt inverter 10 x panels $6200. Phone 20527 or 55796. 76908 /36410 /1931

Sharp Fridge/ Freezer Only 1 year old, $750 ono. Phone 57813. 76888 /36397 /1931

Sunbeam cafe series cofee machine $150 ono Roland Deep fry $250. Kia Mentor car $3000 ono canon camera still new $500 Phone 51142. 76901 /36405 /1931

76814 / /1832

PUBLIC NOTICES

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

DINING Restaurant & Beach Bar VALENTINE@THE WATERLINE RUSTIC & ROMANTIC but not Basic. 3 course Menu @ $65 per head or 2 course Menu at $55 Both options include complimentary Drink on Arrival. Ala carte Menu also available Starters Tiger Prawn cocktail OR Lamb Salad (Roasted Pepper, Feta cheese, Red Onion...Drizzled with Orange Vinaigrette Mains Rib Eye Medallion On a Milanese Risotto with Sautéed Zucchini, Honey Glazed carrots Finished with Shallot compote in Red Wine OR Pan Seared Salmon crusted with Herbs on a Spinach Potato Mash, Served with Green Beans, Beetroot and choron Sauce. Dessert Arorangi Passionfruit cheese cake with Berry coulis and Vanilla Ice cream BOOKINGS APPRECIATED @ 22161 or 56214 777

For the sake of your family

76741 / /2561

Autism Cook islands

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76680 /36062 /1931

76881 /36389 /1931

GET HELP Call AA - 71744

PUBLIC NOTICES

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL COOk ISLANDS PENSIONERS It is highly important for all Pensioners to read the chart below and come and meet us at these locations stated in the chart. The purpose is to complete a Cook Islands Pension Registration Form before the 20 February 2014

TimeTable for oaP Tax regisTraTion form 2014 Venue

Date

Time

Meeting Venue

Tupapa

Wednesday 12, February 2014

1pm - 3pm

Intaf Conference Room

Matavera

Wednesday 12, February 2015

3pm - 6pm

Matavera CICC hall

Ngatangiia

Thursday 13,February 2014

1pm-3pm

Avana Meeting house

Titikaveka

Thursday, 13 February 2014

3pm-6pm

Titikaveka Sunday School hall

Rutaki

Friday, 14 February 2014

1pm-3pm

Rutaki Meeting house

Punanganui

Saturday, 15 February 2014

9.am - 11am

Punanaganui Market

Calvary hall

Monday 17, February 2014

1pm - 3pm

Calvary hall

Nikao

Tueday 18, February 2014

1pm- 3pm

Nikao hall

Avatiu/ Ruatonga

Wednesday 19, February 2014

1pm - 3pm

Avatiu Meeting house

Takuvaine/Takuvaine

Wednesday 19, February 2014

3pm- 6pm

Te Kapuanga 76920

Notice is hereby given that our client, Intel Corporation, a Delaware U.S.A. corporation of 2200 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, California 95052-8119 U.S.A. is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:

To be used in connection with computer software; computer hardware; computer utility software; computers; hand held computers; mobile devices; micro computers; mini computers; personal digital assistants; portable and hand held electronic personal organizers; smart phones; computer peripherals; computer electronic devices; consumer electronics equipment, namely, cameras, camcorders, audio and video recorders and players, MP3 players, CD recorders and players, DVD recorders and players, cellular phones, and global positioning systems consisting of computers, computer software, transmitters, receivers, and network interface devices; network interfaces; computer input and output devices; storage devices; computer memory upgrades; portable electronic memory devices which can be connected to any computing device through an interface for transporting data; and memory cards; computer parts; plugs, sockets and other contact connections; data processing equipment; couplers; cables and adaptors; routers, bridges, gateways, and hubs; modems; computer terminals and printers for use therewith; computer networking hardware; computer router, switch and hub operating system software; computer hardware and software for wireless communications; cables for electrical and optical signal transmission; optical ibers; computer hardware and peripheral devices that perform high-speed data transmission by way of optical communication; optical communication devices; optical transmitters, optical receivers, optical data links and optical transceivers; optoelectronic components; optical transmission, receiving, switching and networking equipment; computer software and hardware for transferring, storing, and transporting electronic data between electronic storage devices; computer data communication hardware; computer data communication hardware, software, and irmware for use in the ield of computer communication to enable data communication between computers and computer related peripheral devices; software for interfacing with client applications; computer hardware and software for providing synchronous data acquisition, synchronous control, synchronous monitoring of equipment and instrumentation; digital interfaces for computers for audio recording; software for audio editing, recording and production; scientiic, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; ire-extinguishing apparatus. Our abovementioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned Trade Mark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our clients. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agents: Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. 2875 Michelle Drive, Suite 170 Irvine, California 92606 United States of America Telephone: (714) 283-1155 Facsimile: (714) 283-1555 email: info@hilbornehawkin.com 76886

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

vEhICLES FOR SALE

SITUATIONS vACANT

Black Honda Fit car $16,000 ono Phone 56449 or 70858. 76844 / /1931

Toyota Hiace van, $5000. Runs well. contact Peter Etches, main road Matavera or phone 21660 or email etches@oyster. net.ck

SOLD

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 non-drinker. Please email your cV to ciral09@yahoo.com and application closes 19 February 2014.

Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) FISHERIES OFFIcER (Part-time, Mangaia) The MMR has a vacancy for a part time oicer based on Mangaia. Applicants should be familiar with local isheries and able to work closely with traditional leaders, Island council and the ishing community. Qualiications and skills are required. For further information contact Uirangi Bishop on telephone 28730. Please provide a letter of application and cV addressed to the Secretary, PO Box 85, Avarua or by email (rar@mmr.gov.ck). Application closes 4pm on Friday 21 February 2014.

76650 /36283 /1933

76834 /36412 /1971

76860 /36386 /1931

1x Daihatsu car, $2500 ono 1x Blue Honda Wave, 5 months, $2500 ono. Phone 55803. 76882 /36390 /1931

SITUATIONS vACANT

TENDERS

SITUATIONS vACANT HOSPITALITY/OFFICE Front of the house. You must be honest, computer literate, friendly, good spoken English, and proud to be a cook Islander showing our visitors the Kia Orana & Meitaki feeling. The position is 40hrs pw, lexible shifts. Variety role including oice and reservations. We are happy to train the right applicant. call Aro’a Beachside Inn, Arorangi, on 22166. 76864 / /1997

Grounds man, cleaner, housemaid/general duties. Looking for reliable, honest and hard working persons. Flexible hours. Full time workers. 2 persons required. PO Box 477. Tel 21139.

SITUATIONS vACANT

We require an Administration Assistant to join our small and diverse team. Accuracy and attention to detail is the call of the day along with experience in stock control, book keeping, and customer care. Flexi-hours are ofered to the right applicant. Email your cV and covering letter to drink@water.co.ck by 16th February 2014.

A live in house girl/baby sitter is needed for long term. contact 56980. 76912 /36414 /1931

76737 /36223 /1931

WANTED

SITUATIONS vACANT

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.

Wedding Coordinator: are you an eicient little bee who is conident on computers, loves talking to people (especially brides), loves to plan & organise events, and loves dealing with beautiful things & settings? Do you have a positive go-getter attitude & bubbly personality? If this sounds like you, we need you to join our Events Department at crown Beach Resort & Spa. Please email your c.v. to Sonya Kamana: sonya@crownbeach.com - good pay and beneits for the right person.

76786 / /2592

vEhICLES FOR SALE

76893 / /1969

76899 / /2107 CHEF REQUIRED.

Local Charter Business looking for experienced Deckhand/Skipper Experience in management, mechanics, engineering an advantage. Please apply in writing to PO Box 276, Avarua.

76921 / /2018

SITUATIONS vACANT

DAIHATSU COPEN 600cc Turbo convertible, manual, 2x seater Sale price $4,600 TOYOTA ESTIMA 2400cc Automatic, 8 seater Sale price $12,000 MITSUBISHI COLT 1.4ltr Hatchback. Auto/air con/electric windows. colour: red Sale price $10,000

SITUATIONS vACANT

MAzDA DEMIO 1.5ltr Hatchback Auto/air con/electric windows. colour: white Sale price $10,000

Job Opportunities

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 14 February 2014. Please direct all enquiries to General Manager, Ports Authority. Phone: +682 21921; Fax: +682 21191 Email: bim.tou@ports.co.ck 76824

PUBLIC NOTICES

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!

Nissan March Cabriolet 1.3ltr. Sale Price $3,500.00 Daihatsu Copen convertible 600cc /Turbo/electric roof. Sale Price $4,500.00 contact Arthur 55422, email :

76840 / /1620

workshop@polynesianhire.co.ck

foundation

ph 22336

Animal Clinic

PORTS AUThORITY

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, PO Box 90, Avarua, Rarotonga. Applications close 12pm, February 21 2014. For any queries and for a copy of the position description please email jngamata@airport.gov.ck

WANTED TO BUy Washing machine, Dining Suite,Lounge suite, Stove. contact Helen 55717 76917 / /1935

SITUATIONS vACANT

76629

ENVIRONMENT SERVICE PUBLIC NOTICE

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports Government Departments, Agencies and the General Public are hereby advised that the environment Service has received the following application for a Project Permit as required under Section 36 of the environment Act 2003. Application: 1. TE MATO VAI PROJECT Project: Phase.1 – The Proposed Ring Water Reticulation Upgrade (Ara Tapu and Ara Metua) for Rarotonga. Land: Te-Au-o-Tonga District, Puaikura District, Takitumu District. In accordance with subsection 5 a) and c) of Section 36 of the environment Act 2003, any person, Government Agencies or Organisation who wish to make a written submission for or against the granting of a Project Permit by the environment Service for this applications, may do so within 30 days commencing on the 30th day of January 2014. Written submissions may be in Cook Islands Maori or english be submitted to the National environment Service no later than the 28th day of February 2014. eIA Reports for the above applications may be viewed at the following venues or on NeS Website: www.environment. gov.ck NES Oice Takuvaine, Super Browns Kiikii 6-11 Shop Muri Wigmores Vaimaanga Rite Price Shop Akaoa Turamatuitui Shop Tereora

National Library Maraerenga, Matavera Traders Matavera Muri Akapuao Store Akapuao Kavera Shop Kavera, Oasis Nikao Tauae Shop Takuvaine

Director environment Service 777

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

Applications are invited from qualiied, motivated and experienced professionals for the position of Communications and Media Coordinator. Applicants will be required to: • Develop and manage the Ministry’s annual media programme. • Create and manage content for the Ministry’s Website. • Support compliance with the OIA • Support staf in the development and use of multimedia for professional development and presentations. Applicants should have • 2-3 years experience managing communications or media projects. • Knowledge of and operational experience with media hardware and software (Final Cut, Photoshop) including website management • Excellent Communication (oral and written) including report writing, preferably in both CI Maori and english • Tertiary qualiication major in the following areas: marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent. A full job description and 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 Wednesday 26 February 2014. 76909

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

Safety shelters on the radar for outer islands islands. four outer islands – Rakahanga, Palmerston, Nassau and Penrhyn – have been identiied as being the most in need of safety shelters, he said. “some of these islands are only metres above sea level and very vulnerable.”

We can place your message in newspapers around the world. We will get quotes for classiied advertisementsandpre-billing. Contactouradvertisingdepartmentphone22999email:adverts@cookislandsnews.com

safety shelters are also important on Rarotonga, said Carlson. However, he said it is likely the shelters will be created using existing structures, rather than building them from scratch. “We will work in partnership with village leaders and church leaders to retroit and certify existing community church halls to be used as safety shelters. “Maybe we can work with existing buildings so they are suitable to be used as shelters, rather than build new shelters.” - Briar Douglas

SITUATIONS vACANT

cReATINg safety shelters for use in disasters will be an upcoming project for emergency Management Cook Islands. Director charles carlson said at the Development Partners Meeting on Tuesday that the project is in the pipeline for Rarotonga and the outer

OverSeaS aDvertiSing

76700

WANTED TO BUy Second hand working washing machine and fridge/freezer, double/queen mattress. Phone 52031. 76868 /36388 /1931

WANTED TO RENT Wanted to rent 2-3 bedroom fully-furnished home sought by new editor at the cook Islands News. Needs vege garden space, good kitchen, washing machine. Two year rental agreement preferred. call Mark Ebrey on 56 195

COOK ISLANDS SPORTS & NATIONAL OLyMPIC COMMITTEE

76867 / /2171

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

RoAD crashes, a home intru-

sion, domestic disputes and excessive noise kept police busy over the weekend. Two separate crashes occurred early saturday morning, with those involved having been at the same bar in Avarua. The irst was a collision between a car and a motorbike in Avatiu, with the male driver of the motorbike admitted to hospital for treatment. In another incident, two motorcycles driven by males collided near the Met service office in Nikao. Both motorbikes had passengers, with one female passenger admitted to

hospital for observation. senior sergeant Tuaine charlie said alcohol and speed were likely contributors to these two crashes, and both are still under investigation by police. on sunday morning, a company truck crashed into a power pole on the back road in Tupapa. The driver and passenger were not injured; however the power pole needs to be replaced. Charlie said the male driver claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, and was sent to the hospital to have a blood sample taken as alcohol was possibly a factor. The weekend also saw an

Five noise complaints

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.

Revellers end up in hospital beds

2 bedroom fully furnished house, close to town, for long term rental. Phone/text Andy on 71872. 76912 /36414 /1931

FIVE CASES of excessive noise were reported over the weekend, with police being called to three after-hours parties in Arorangi and two in Takuvaine. senior sergeant Tuaine charlie said those responsible for the noise were spoken to and warned. “The community is request-

FOR FREE

IN MEMORIAM

Kia Orana Mama Mata’s FREE cook Islands language class, change of venue due to amount of space. Opposite Vonnias West shop in Arorangi next door to Ministry of infrastructure cook Islands. (Orange and grey wall). Starts at 6.30pm, Phone 27156. You are Welcome. E noo ra Mama Mata. 76758 /36249 /1931

FOR FREE Smelling Test Pure Organic Atiu Vanilla Essence Punanga Nui Market Every Saturdays Ph50769 76885 / /1896

Classiieds • Phone 22999

• adverts@cookislandsnews.com

ed by the police to be considerate of noise being emitted from noisy and loud parties. Please communicate with neighbours and also be considerate of the hours, especially early hours of the morning. Police will follow up with owners to reach some solution to better minimise noise or eliminate noise altogether.”

Arorangi resident raise alarm when an intruder entered the house. “Somehow the intruder managed to gain access into the house and one of the persons inside the house was disturbed and managed to raise the alarm before the intruder could cause any harm to the persons inside the house,” said Charlie. he said the police have spoken to the residents of the house and will be following up on the information provided. Police were called to three domestic disputes, with one involving brothers in Matavera. The other two disputes were between couples, and one case involving a wife being assaulted by her husband is still under investigation. The other couple and the brothers were spoken to by police and managed to resolve their problems, said Charlie. People with information about the above incidents can call crime stoppers on 0800 222 00. All calls will remain anonymous. - Briar Douglas

SERvICES Salon de Hermies at Banana court. Hair and beauty services for men and women Valentines SPEcIAL Xpress Manicure & Pedicure $35 Hermie’s back. call 22278. 76914 / /2164

Autism Cook Islands ph 24065/55976

tiateura@oyster.net.ck

SITUATIONS vACANT

Piri-Ariki

Tamaao BEM (Piri Maao)

loving father We remember you today. Memories, photos and an Empty chair. Your unconditional Love, your powerful inluence Gave us wealth of knowledge, we should be grateful. Though life goes on, Life will never be the same.

You will always live in our hearts. Ngatokorua & Teokotai, children and grandchildren.

SITUATIONS vACANT

COOK ISLANDS AUDIT OFFICE

support staf

AUDITOR - FINANCIAL AUDITS

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

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.

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.

76740

76833

76822

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

Cook Islands News reporter Ben Chapman-Smith (second from left) is one of a number of journalists and broadcasters from across the Paciic gathered to learn about the economics of the massive tuna industry. PHOTO: FFA Media. 14021029

BIRThDAy

Need for more informed Elsa tuna media coverage Dearest

hAppY BIRThDAY & hAppY 29 YEARs TOgEThER, I AM sURE YOU ENJOYED ThIs DAY WITh ThE ChIlDREN Thank you for help & dedication over the last 3 years.

love from geof & Children

VAlENTINE spECIAls @ Tauae shop (back road takuvaine)

MINI hEARTCAKEs @ $5 gIFT pACKs AVAIlABlE Orders in by Thursday 2pm on Mobile: 73173 happy Valentines everyone!

cooK Islands News reporter

Ben chapman-smith has joined contemporaries from all over the Paciic in Noumea this week to learn more about the tuna industry. He is attending a two-day workshop called the Tunanomics Pacific Media Initiative – which is part of the Paciic Media summit – aimed to improve the way media reports on all things tuna. James Movick, from the Pacific Islands forum fisheries Agency (ffA), said the media plays an important role in pro-

viding information about the multi-million tuna industry. “Recognising that role and given the importance of tuna isheries issues in our member countries and across the region, the forum fisheries Agency aims to improve our work with media partners,” Movick said. “We are here because we want to hear your challenges and questions when it comes to reporting tuna fisheries in the Paciic,” he told reporters. During the two days, the journalists will be visiting a local ish processing site, Noumea’s main

ish market, and participating in workshops. Movick said now is a good time to be talking about tuna. “Much has been published in the media recently about the crisis facing some sectors of the tuna ishery. Some articles have focused on the loss of jobs and revenue, highlighting the public’s need to understand more about the economics of the tuna isheries.” closer to home - in the cook Islands - major issues affecting the industry include the subsidising of offshore ishing vessels

and the proposal to allow Spanish purse seiners into our waters. Movick said the Western and Central Paciic Ocean tuna ishery, which includes the Cook Islands, has been estimated at worth about US$6 billion dollars annually. The tunanomics workshop is being run by the ffA, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific community and Pacific Islands News Association and with funding support from the eu and government of Japan. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Auditors assessing eco-certiication

AuDIToRs were recently in the cook Islands undertaking an assessment of the nation’s albacore long line ishery for the purpose of obtaining a globally-recognised standard of sustainability. An assessment is currently being carried out by independent auditors Macalister elliott and Partners ltd to evaluate the ishery against the Marine Stewardship council’s (Msc) principles and criteria for sustainable ishing. The Msc is an eco-labelling programme that aims to promote what they describe as the best environmental choices in seafood. The cook Islands long line tuna ishery is managed domestically by the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), and regionally by the Western and central Pacific fisheries commission (WCPFC). Vessels are owned by Luen Thai Fishing Venture Ltd (LTFV) - including afiliated companies huanan fishery company and china southern fishery (shenzhen) Company – which instigated the audit process. In 2012, a total of 13 Luen Tahi affiliated boats caught 2,352 metric tonnes (MT) of albacore, according to data provided by MMR. Provisional numbers for 2013 still being processed by ministry oficials show 15 Luen Thai boats brought in 2,302 MT. senior scientist Jo gascoigne and marine ecologist chrissie Sieben were both in the Cook Islands last week undertaking audit work.

gascoigne said her team looks at three aspects for possible certiication, including local management of the stock and whether rules for overishing are in place to ensure populations remain healthy. Additional performance indicators include ecosystem management with an emphasis on by-catch, along with effective national and regional fishery management. While in Rarotonga the as-

sessment team further consulted with various stakeholders to gather evidence. Public comments are welcome and can be submitted via email to Chrissie.sieben@macalisterelliott.com. The auditors said a report will be available in 5-6 months for peer review, which is also posted online for a 15-day period to allow public comment. luen Thai is also offered the opportunity to prepare an ‘action

plan’ to address indings by the auditors. The MSC says certiication allows a ishery to maintain existing markets while establishing new opportunities with retailers that have sustainable seafood sourcing policies. There are 17 Msc certified tuna isheries across the Paciic and Indian oceans of which seven are the highly migratory Albacore species. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Cut taxes for local ishers: Economist GOVERNMENTS in the Paciic

region should consider cutting taxes on local ishing companies to help them stay aloat, says an economist. Roseti Imo, from the forum fisheries Agency (ffA), said smaller-scale ishing businesses are being forced out of the market by high costs and competition from subsidised foreign vessels. This is a trend seen throughout the 17 countries – including the cook Islands – belonging to the forum fisheries Agency, he said. “What we are saying is they (governments) need to reduce taxes on the ishery. This might give the Minister of finance a bit of a headache, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent tax cut,

maybe just until catches improve.” Imo also suggested relaxing duties on fuel, bait, ishing gear and other long line ishing costs. He said ishing costs are very high because most of the materials have to be imported to the Paciic Islands, which adds freight costs. “These high cost items are putting stress on our local ishers. Every time there’s a fuel increase it’s going to affect the long liners faster,” he said. local companies are struggling to compete with the heavily subsidised chinese vessels, which can afford to spend more time of fthe water and have smaller, more eficient ishing boats. “subsidies create an uneven

playing ield for domestic long liners. These subsidies lower the ishing cost of a vessel so all the domestic vessels get moored to the wharf.” Imo, who is a bio-economist, said another way to help local ishers would be to increase license fees for foreign vessels. governments should also look at reducing the number of ishing vessels they allow to operate in their respective waters. “There are too many ishing vessels. The profits are being spread among a lot of vessels.” He said innovative ways of managing fishery resources – such as the idea of introducing a fishing quota in the Cook Islands - would also help. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

FLIGHT FROM ARRIVES ThUrSdAy FEBrUAry 13 Nz748/749 AKL 12.30AM Nz46/745 AKL 4.10PM VT35/36 PPT 2.50PM FridAy FEBrUAry 13 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM Nz46/61 AKL 1.55PM

DEPARTS

AKL AKL PPT

1.30AM 5.25PM 3.50PM

Air Rarotonga

International Flights

Flight Times | Voyage details

1.05AM 3.05PM

AKL SYD

RARO TO ARR DEP WEdnESdAy FEBrUAry 12 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 0910

ARR

RARO

1000

1030

1120

1140

RARO

1230

1530 AITUTAKI 1620 0900 MANGAIA 0940 1100 ATIU 1145

1640 1000 1205

RARO RARO AITUTAKI

1730 1040 1250

1410

RARO

1500

1300

AITUTAKI

MAUKE

1350

1410

MITIARO 1500

DEP

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

1310 ATIU

1355

1520 RARO 1610

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at Cook Islands News

Su-Do-Ku EASY

Su-Do-Ku HARD

Crossword

Instructions

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

Answer to Tuesday’s puzzle

hÄgAR the horrible

By Dik Browne

ThE phANTOM

By lee Falk & sy Barry

DOMEsTIC VIOlENCE

Is NEVER OK A COOK ISlANDS NEWS PUBlIC SERvICE MESSAgE

gET hElp.

Weather Forecast to Midnight

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Situation: A south to southeast wind low prevails over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains slow moving over Northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine. Moderate south to southeast winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Fine. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Occasional showers and few thunderstorms over the eastern parts, ine apart from brief showers elsewhere. Moderate northerly winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook: Some showers.

humidity Wed

Thu

Morning

79%

Night

71%

Morning

75%

Night

68%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Rarotonga Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Wednesday

Wed High 8.18AM 0.78M 8.37PM 0.86M

Low

2.08AM 0.44M 2.19PM

0.6m S

0.47M

0.6m Ne

Thu High 9.07AM 0.82M 9.23PM 0.89M

Low 2.59AM 0.41M 3.14PM 0.44M

30°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

S 05ktS New Moon Feb 28 10.00PM

First Quarter Mar 8 3.27AM

Full Moon Feb 14 1.53PM

Sunshine hours

9.9

Third Quarter Feb 22 7.16AM

ArAPO - UnA wed 12 TANu (Planting) Tanu i te painapa, maniota e tae ua atu ki te 13 o te po. Time to plant pineapple and maniota right through to the 13th night (from Akaoti Amiama).

TAuTAI (Fishing) Ika tauira. Po meitaki i te tautai i te maiata. schools of small ish. Good to ish at dawn.

Wed sun Rise 6.28AM sun set 7.18PM

Moon Rise 5.10PM Moon set 4.38AM

Thu sun Rise 6.29AM sun set 7.18PM

Moon Rise 5.51PM Moon set 5.28AM

1m Se Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Aitutaki

31° S 04ktS

Mangaia

28° S 08ktS

Mitiaro

29° S 05ktS

Atiu

29° S 05ktS

Penrhyn

30° Ne 08ktS

Mauke

29° S 05ktS

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 cook Islands News

Touch rugby season update

tarekareka

sPoRT Best performing sailing team praised —APOPO

sTAuNch support from the sailing family and wider community is what drove the junior sailing team to success says coach and national sailor Junior Charlie. The success of the junior sailing team was praised and acknowledged at the Rarotonga sailing club on saturday but it was the support of family, friends and sponsors that made it possible for the sailing stars to attend the Auckland championships over Christmas. The young team of otis Burrell, Martin Marsters, Toutika Ioane, Tyler Davis, Makua Nikoia, TeAkaou framhein, Ngarangi Mapu and helene Johnson have been hailed as the best ever performing team the club has sent to the annual Auckland regatta. The sailing squad competed in two separate regattas with all sailors making the top 10 in the open Bic competition and top 40 in the Optimist champs. TeAkaou Framhein was the top performer of the team making the cut for the gold leet, the top 40 sailors of the regatta. framhein gained five places in race seven and eight, inish-

ing 15th and 14th place to put him 40th place overall out of 91 sailors. “This is a huge achievement for his first time sailing in the open grade,” commented coach Junior Charlie at the time. In the silver leet the local rising sailing stars dominated the course with some outstanding racing from helene Johnson and Tyler Davis, Toutika Ioane, Ngarangi Mapu and Martin Marsters. “Helene was the highlight of the day, sailing with a lot of pride and beating a lot of boys in the silver leet, placing her in third overall out of 45 sailors in the silver leet and third female – a very talented young girl and someone to watch out for in the future!” Tyler Davis finished sixth, Toutika Ioane 13th, Makua Nikoia 20th, Ngarangi Mapu 25th and Martin Marsters 32nd out of 45 sailors in the silver leet. Also in the spotlight was upand-coming young sailor otis Burrell, who just learned to sail last year. He closed his competition inishing irst in the green leet out of 55 sailors.

Rarotonga’s best ever performing sailing team (from left) Helene Johnson, Otis Burrell, Martin Marsters, Toutika Ioane, sailing coach Junior Charlie, TeAkaou Framhein, Tyler Davis and Makua Nikoa have been praised and acknowledged for their fantastic performance in Auckland over Christmas. 14021003 charlie says he is so proud of his team and their performances. “I’m just so proud of the kids and they all came up through the learn to sail programme at the club.” “We owe this success to the kids parents and our sponsors for supporting us.” The team would like to thank cook Islands sailing, Rarotonga

Sailing Club and well as BCI Bank for allowing the team to sell tickets in front of the bank. While the team was in New Zealand they received plenty of support from Auckland consul Rosie Blake and family, Vincent Peters and family, Pekamu Maoate and family and the crew at Radio PI. The sailing team were also the best dressed thanks to sponsor-

ship from captain Tama’s lagoon cruizes, the Mooring café, Aroko Bungalows and Orometua Tereora. The team would also like to thank their supporters and sponsors on the outer islands including the Aitutaki sailing Club as well as their media partners. The team also thank the Manly sailing club and Kohimarama

sailing club members for their help and support during the regatta. Parents who would like to get their kids into sailing can contact coach Junior charlie on 70858 or pop down to the Rarotonga sailing club on saturday and register your interest and your child may be the next sailing star of the country. - Matariki Wilson

After school netball all go AsPIRINg netball players wanting to improve their skills and understanding of the game can do so through the after school netball programme starting on Tuesday 18 February. Netball cook Islands have developed an after school netball programme to help young girls enjoy their netball more by understanding the game better. The programme will be run at each of the six local clubs on the island. The programme is also beneicial for club oficials and coaches who wish to pick up new skills to pass on to your team. The programme is for girls of all ages and all netball abilities. Due to uniformed organisations such as the Brownies and girl guides holding their gatherings on a Monday – the netball programme will run Tuesday to Friday for the ive weeks. The irst day of the after school

netball programme, which will run for an hour starting at 4pm, will be held at the Arorangi courts on Tuesday 18 followed by Avatiu courts on Wednesday 19, Takuvaine on Thursday 20, Tupapa on Friday 21, Ngatangiia on Tuesday 25 and Titikaveka courts on Wednesday 26. The programme will continue on the same rotation for the rest of the four weeks. Development oficer Luciana Matenga is encouraging all six netball clubs on the island to get on board and support the programme which will beneit your future netball stars. All players are encouraged to have the right footwear and exercise gear plus a bottle of water, towel and a spare t-shirt to change into after the sessions. For more information on the programme or to get a copy of the programme dates – contact luciana Matenga on 22840. - MW

Get your junior netballers ready for the season by taking advantage of the free after school netball programme starting on Tuesday 18 by the development team at Netball Cook Islands. 14021123

Primary schools kids prepare for football festival PRIMARy school students are polishing up their football skills in readiness for the 2014 Primary school Round cup set to kick off next month. staff from the cook Islands football Association technical department will be visiting schools across Rarotonga to coach aspiring football players. Tahiri elikana and Anthony

samuel are set to help mini football players improve their skills with drills and fun games while at school. school children from year four through to year eight will have the opportunity to sharpen their football skills and to interact with their peers. “We are looking at promoting the game through the visits

and we will guide them at these coaching sessions,” says technical director Tuka Tisam. “To improve and keep up their football skills and techniques for all the school children is important, so they have the opportunity to touch the ball during the tournament.” The school programme will run till the end of term one

starting with the very successful senior primary school championship for year seven and eight (form one and two) students and wrapping up with the one day tournament for students in grades four, ive and six. year seven and eight students from Avarua, Nikao, st Joseph, Arorangi, Rutaki, Te

uki ou, Imanuela Akateimia, Takitumu, Papaaroa, Avatea, Titikaveka and Nukutere have been receiving weekly football coaching and, will no doubt, shine on the field on game day. students from Te uki ou, Nukutere college and Arorangi got their irst taste of fun football drills and games on Mon-

day when they were visited by Elikana and Samuel. “We encourage not only our teachers but our parents to get involved during the tournament, as we have seen last year, it motivates the students and they have fun.” - CIFA Media/MW