Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI
$2 Friday, February 14, 2014
Damning report savages Raro storm shelters
anotherbiggie…
Another big yellow in was reeled in yesterday morning by a trio of tourists, along with Rarotonga isherman Pupuke Robati (centre). Pictured here (clockwise from top right) are Chris Cox from New South Wales, Andreas Haller, and Michael Welzel – both visiting from Auckland. STORY ON PAGE 9. 14021308
MoST of Rarotonga’s cyclone safety centres are sitting in areas highly exposed to storm surges and need to be relocated inland immediately, says an international researcher. Fes de Scally, associate Professor of Geography at the University of British columbia, says only three out of 15 safety centres on the island are located at a safe altitude. “The greatest risk presently to human life arises from many cyclone safety centres in locations where they are exposed to storm surges or flooding,” he writes in an article titled ‘evaluation of storm surge risk: a case study from Rarotonga, cook islands’. The most important criteria for a cyclone/tsunami safety
centre is a location safe from cyclone hazards such as turbulent winds, storm surges, waves, and looding, de Scally argues. “However, despite recognition by the cook islands government that safe placement of cyclone safety centres is important, most of the current centres are prone to cyclone damage because of their location.” Top priority should be given to relocating these shelters – typically schools, churches and community halls – away from the coastal lowlands to safer spots inland. However, any potential new sites should be evaluated carefully, de Scally says. “Safety centres in the interior valleys would also be required to withstand destructive wind
Digicel eyes Government’s 40% stake in Telecom Cook Islands Fi nanc e Minister Mark Brown said Digicel has indicated they are interested in purchasing the government’s minority stake in Telecom cook islands (Tci). The development comes after reports that the company is on the verge of making a deal to acquire Telecom new Zealand’s (TnZ) 60 per cent stake in Tci. The cook islands government currently holds the remaining 40 per cent share in
the company. Brown, along with Secretary Richard neves, said the Government had yet to receive an offer and no decision has been made as to whether the Government would proceed in selling its Tci shares. “We will deal with that when it comes up,” said Brown. neves said the Government would have to analyse a number of factors before any decision is made to sell its por-
tion of Telecom, including forecasting future cash lows from the company. With its minority 40 per cent stake, the Government currently retains two board members on TCI’s ive-person board. To maintain its presence, neves said the Government would have to hold on to at least 20 per cent ownership in the company. a Digicel representative was in the cook islands last week to
look at the current regulatory environment, along with fees, taxes, and levies that would apply if the company commenced operations here. Brown reiterated his previous public statement yesterday, saying the Government has no intention to become the owner of a telecom company and would waive its right of first refusal on the potential DigicelTnZ deal. His stance on the issue has
drawn wide criticism from a number of circles, with opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen labelling it as “reckless regard as to the interests of (the) cook islands”. Rasmussen said the Democratic Party should jump ahead of Digicel and purchase TnZ’s stake, ofload the shares to local buyers, then proceed to break up Tci into smaller business units. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Fish, calamari, prawn cutlets, seaFood sticks, hot chips, potato scallops, spring rolls, tartare, seaFood & tomato sauce.
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weather
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gusts created by turbulence over Rarotonga’s high peaks and ridges.” He acknowledges that most of the island’s residents live on the coast, which means reaching an inland evacuation site during a disaster could be challenging. de Scally warns that the risk of storm surges in Rarotonga is “significant” and will only increase in future as climate changes leads to higher sea levels. “Storm surges have historically inundated areas of the coastal lowland where virtually all human activities and infrastructure are currently located. The impacts of such events have been particularly severe in the cook islands' capital of avarua and adjacent communities on the north coast of Rarotonga.” He points out that the majority of the cook islands' government functions and commercial, industrial, transportation and communication infrastructure are located along this coast. “Damage to this infrastructure at the shoreline can have serious repercussions throughout the cook islands. any efforts to increase the country's resilience to such impacts must be undertaken within the larger goal of adaptation to future climate changes and rising sea levels.” de Scally’s indings have just been published in the international Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. He has dedicated his paper to the memory of Patricia numa, of Upper Tupapa. - Ben Chapman-Smith
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
worldneWS nuti no Teia nei ao No seats left for love birds Some Chinese couples hoping to cuddle up at the cinema on Valentine’s Day will be out of luck because of a campaign launched by a single man. The unnamed man started buying up odd-numbered seats at a cinema in Shanghai to stop couples sitting together as a prank. others joined his online campaign and now there are no two seats together for the main showing of ‘Beijing Love Story’. The man who started it all said it was just a joke and hoped couples will see the funny side.
Weather out of control Storm of ‘historical proportions’ wreaks havoc in USA’s north-east WaSHinGTon Dc – a huge snow storm is blanketing the densely populated US northeast, after wreaking havoc in southern states. across the typically mild south, more than half a million homes and businesses lack power and thousands of lights have been cancelled. The weather system has affected people in about 22 states from Texas to Maine and has caused a dozen deaths. The storm dumped more
world BRieFS CHINESE NAVY FLEXES ITS MUSCLES cHINA – The chinese military has defended the holding of naval exercises in between Australia and Indonesia. china’s defence ministry says last week’s exercises were not aimed at any particular country. It’s believed the chinese navy has never before held such activities so close to Australia. chinese television reports have showed what appeared to be simulated combat drills, including weapons iring. In a statement in response to questions, the ministry also said that the exercises were “not aimed at any countries” and had “nothing to do with the regional situation”. It added: “china has the lawful right to sail freely in these waters”. The Australian air force monitored the exercises. Foreign Afairs Minister Julie Bishop told Australia Network that “china is an emerging power in our region and globally”.
REFUGEES RETURNED TO MYANMAR THAILAND – Thailand has sent around 1300 Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar dismaying rights campaigners who warned the minority Muslims faced persecution in the former junta-ruled country. Thousands of Rohingya, described by the United Nations as among the world’s most persecuted minorities, have led sectarian violence in western Myanmar in rickety boats since 2012, mostly heading for Malaysia. Many of those who arrived in Thai waters were locked up in overcrowded immigration prisons. Thai authorities began deporting the Rohingya in September through a border checkpoint in the province of Ranong.
PEPPER SPRAY FIRED IN PARLIAMENT INDIA – India’s parliament has erupted in mayhem after a legislator ired pepper spray in the lower house in protest against a bill on a new state. Television footage showed pictures of lawmakers coughing, sneezing and holding scarves to their faces during the incident on Thursday. A few legislators were rushed away in an ambulance while others were given irst aid treatment in the assembly. “The incidents which took place in the house are a big blot on our democracy,” parliamentary afairs minister Kamal Nath told reporters. The furor erupted after home minister Sushilkumar Shinde rose to table a bill for the creation of a new state, Telangana, to be carved out of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
BECKHAM VISITS THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES – English soccer star David Beckham has visited the Philippines to bring some joy to survivors of the country’s deadliest ever typhoon. Hundreds of survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan rushed out of their tent shelters in the central city of Tacloban to welcome the global celebrity. The 38-year-old ex-England international visited a tent city for several hundred families who lost their homes when giant waves unleashed by Haiyan crashed into Tacloban’s coast. Beckham spent more than an hour inside a UNICEF tent set up as a nursery, where he played with dozens of young typhoon survivors. Beckham, who ended his illustrious career last year, is on his second visit to the Philippines in his role as a “goodwill ambassador” for UNIcEF.
than 30cm of snow in the Washington Dc region, before descending on new York. Snow-covered streets were deserted during the morning commute in the nation’s capital, where the federal government shut down its ofices. on Thursday, 25 to 50 centimetres of snow was expected tp fall from north-eastern Pennsylvania to new england. Nearly 5000 lights were cancelled by Thursday morning. Described by the national Weather Service as an event of “historical proportions”, it leaves in its southern wake a wreckage of snapped tree branches and power lines coated in as much as an inch of ice, motorways turned to car parks, road accidents and residents shivering in darkened homes. Forecasters said it was one of the worst storms to strike atlanta, the largest city in the South, since 1973. President Barack obama declared a disaster in the state of South carolina and all northern counties in Georgia, opening the way for federal aid. on Wednesday evening, the Federal emergency Management agency said it was moving supplies, including generators, meals, water, blankets and cots to an emergency centre in atlanta. at least 12 deaths have already been blamed on the storm. Three people were killed when an ambulance slid off a west Texas road, flipped over and caught ire. a firefighter died when an out-of-control vehicle knocked him off an icy highway bridge in Dallas, Texas. a man in Georgia was killed after slipping and falling on a patch of ice. Thousands of vehicles have been stranded on snow-shrouded motorways with some people abandoning their vehicles. - BBC
A worker clears snow from the grounds of the uS Capitol in Washington dC as the united States north-east experiences a massive snow storm described as ‘of historical proportions’. AFP
Warned against interviews SeMinYaK – indonesia’s justice ministry says it would be wise for Schapelle corby to avoid doing media interviews. Since corby’s release from prison earlier in the week, authorities have hinted that she would need to be careful about what she said in public under the terms of her parole. now the deputy justice minister Denny indrayana says the wise thing would be to not do an interview.
indrayana says corby has freedom of speech, but she needs to be mindful of how she uses it. “Because it’s conditional release, it may create a condition that is not good for her,” he said. The deputy minister says a media interview could be cause to have her parole reviewed. He also says public reaction to corby’s words could be taken into account. There have been several re-
ports that the convicted drug smuggler would be giving an exclusive story to a commercial television news network. corby has been holed up in the luxury Sentosa Seminyak resort since her release from Kerobokan Prison on Monday. She spent nine years of a 20year sentence in jail after being convicted of smuggling 4.1 kilograms of marijuana into indonesia in 2004. - ABC
Child euthanasia law passed BRUSSeLS – Parliament in Bel-
gium has passed a bill allowing euthanasia for terminally ill children without any age limit, by 86 votes to 44, with 12 abstentions. When, as expected, the bill is signed by the king, Belgium will become the irst country in the world to remove any age limit on the practice. it may be requested by terminally ill children who are in great pain and who have no treatment available.
opponents argue children cannot make such a difficult decision. in the netherlands, Belgium’s northern neighbour, euthanasia is legal for children over the age of 12, if there is parental consent. Under Dutch conditions, a patient’s request for euthanasia can be fulilled by a doctor if the request is “voluntary and wellconsidered” and the patient is suffering unbearably, with no prospect of improvement.
Supporters of the legislation argue that in practice the law will affect an extremely small number of children, who would probably be in their teens. The law states a child will have to be terminally ill, face “unbearable physical suffering” and make repeated requests to die – before euthanasia is considered. Parents, doctors and psychiatrists would have to agree before a decision is made. - BBC
2500 couples married at mass wedding
‘I’M NOT A LITTLE BOY, I’M A DwARF’ USA – Norwegian police said a 10-year-old boy who got his family’s car stuck in a snowy ditch attempted to pass himself of as a dwarf. Police oicer Kai Lyshaugen said the boy and his 18 month old sister awoke in the night and he decided to take his sister for a joyride in the family car to their grandmother’s house, about 30km away. Police said the car ended up in a ditch and the boy told a passing snowplow driver he was not a child but in fact a dwarf of legal driving age. The snowplow driver waved down a passing police patrol. The boy ended up stuck in the ditch when he tried to make a U-turn to go back home for his driver’s license. The police said the boy and the toddler, who were not wearing seat belts, were not harmed. The children were returned to their parents.
Today’s Daily Bread Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour.
Matthew 7:21-29 Read: Read: ecclesiastes 4:9-12
text: Matthew 7:26 text: Verse 9
A couple hold hands as they are married during a mass wedding event held by the uniication Church in South Korea. 2500 couples from 52 countries were married at the event, only the second such event since the death of their controversial church founder Sun Myung Moon. AFP
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
Political unrest in Venezuela
National guard oicers ire tear gas during an opposition demonstration against the government of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas this week which left three dead. A court has since ordered the arrest of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges or terrorism and murder. AFP
caRacaS – a Venezuelan court has ordered the arrest of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges including murder and terrorism linked to street protests that resulted in the deaths of three people the day before. The US-educated Lopez has for two weeks helped organise sporadic demonstrations around the country to denounce President nicolas Maduro for failing to control inflation, crime and product shortages. The president accuses him of sowing violence to try to stage a coup similar to the one 12 years ago that briely ousted late socialist leader Hugo chavez, though there is little indication that the protests could topple Maduro. “Without a doubt, the violence was created by small groups coordinated, exalted and financed by Leopoldo Lopez,” said Jorge Rodriguez, a leader of the ruling Socialist Party and mayor of the caracas area where Wednesday’s biggest marches took place. Shortly before a caracas court upheld a request from the Public Prosecutor’s Ofice to order Lopez’s arrest, the opposition leader blamed armed government supporters for firing on peaceful protesters. “The government is playing the violence card, and not for the irst time. They’re blaming me without any proof. i have a clear conscience because we called for peace,” Lopez said. - Reuters
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalneWS nuti no Te Pa enUa
Mending relations with Fiji Leaders hold talks in Suva with aim of rebuilding political ties canBeRRa – australia is moving a step closer to normalising its relationship with Fiji. Fo r e i g n M i n i s t e r J u l i e Bishop is in Fiji this week for the meeting of the Ministerial contact Group of the Pacific
islands Forum. She is scheduled to hold talks with her Fijian counterpart Ratu inoke Kubuabola and interim-prime minister and coup leader Frank Bainimarama with the aim of stepping closer
paciic BRIEFS NEw FORUM ‘IN TUNE wITH GRASSROOTS’ FIJI – The President of Fiji says the recently-established Paciic Islands Development Forum is more in tune with the grassroots than the Paciic Islands Forum, which he says is afected by outside inluences. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau spoke at a function in Nauruthis week, praising the President Baron Waqa for his presence at the new forum in Fiji last year, and criticising the long-standing Paciic Islands Forum. He says the presence of civil society and business groups at the meeting meant it was a genuine Paciic Islands grouping. He called the period in Fiji since the 2006 coup a social, economic and political revolution, and promised that it will produce a genuine democracy that meets the highest international standards.
STAR GOLFER EARNS TOP SPORTS AwARD FIJI – Golfer Lydia Ko has won the Supreme Award at the Halberg Awards in Auckland on Thursday night. She earlier won Sportswoman of the Year after an outstanding season where she successfully defended her canadian Open title and turned professional while still a teenager. Ko said she was enjoying the moment, but knew she had a lot of years in golf still ahead. Motor racer Scott Dixon beat All Black Keiran Read, cyclist Aaron Gate and equestrian Andrew Nicholson for Sportsman of the Year. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was judged Coach of the Year and the All Blacks won Team of the Year, after going through the season unbeaten. The Emerging Talent Award went to 14-year-old champion swimmer and Gabrielle Fa’amausili.
CONCERNS OVER SYNTHETIC MARIjUANA AMERICAN SAMOA – Authorities in American Samoa have raised concerns about the appearance of synthetic marijuana in the territory. Samoa News quotes a police captain, Peau Leuma, as conirming the latest case involved a high school, where a student was caught selling the drug, which is also known as ‘spice’. A police oicer says the drug’s efects include paranoia and giddiness. Spice is a mixture of herbs and spices that are typically sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THc. Like many other illegal drugs, synthetic marijuana is not tested for safety, and users don’t really know exactly what chemicals they are putting into their bodies. Authorities say synthetic drugs can be extremely dangerous and addictive. Health efects from the drug can be life-threatening.
FEARS OF FOREIGN wORKERS ALLAYED SAMOA – The Samoa Ministry of Labour has allayed fears about foreigners taking jobs from locals, saying the sector is monitored closely. The cEO of the ministry, Auelua Samuelu Enari, says foreigners are not allowed to enter into work on the reserve list, which includes retail, public transport, car rental and Samoan artwork markets. Auelua says the ministry shut down a supermarket last year that was operated by non-citizens. He also says naturalised citizens should not be employing non-citizens in their shops, and he will continue to monitor them. “We continue to monitor that, and with the assistance of the immigration and the ministry for revenue also, we can manage the trade style, because when work permits are issued it’s a speciic sector that work permits are issued to.”
HONIARA TO STOP BETEL NUT VENDORS SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Honiara city council in Solomon Islands is to stop all vendors from selling betel nuts, tobacco products and hawking other goods along the city centre’s main streets. The city council has told the Island newspaper it will be an attempt to ensure the city is clean as stipulated in its ordinances. The council says it will stop vendors from selling betel nuts, tobacco products and any other hawking from the commercial heart of Honiara to Kukum Hot Bread and including Chinatown. It has called for the people’s co-operation for the clean-up exercise.
KIRIBATI DENGUE OUTBREAK ABATING KIRIBATI – The head of Public Health in Kiribati says he believes the dengue outbreak in Kiribati has inished for now despite some people still presenting with fever. Dr Peatao Tiira says more than 100 cases of dengue appeared over December and January but tests on patients with high temperatures now indicate a normal inluenzatype illness. He says the dengue strain detected this season is the same found in French Polynesia and New caledonia. Dr Tiira says he believes it started in Fiji. He says dengue is nothing new in Kiribati and it may well return soon as it is raining again this week. “After the rain falls, we expect that. We prepare ourselves for dengue outbreak and all the other diseases related to rainfall.”
to full relations. new Zealand’s Foreign affairs Minister Murray Mccully will also be part of the talks. a formal restoration of ties is not expected before elections are held. Speaking to australia network on the eve of her departure, Minister Bishop said it is time to embrace Fiji and support planned elections. “We want to normalise relations with Fiji. We want to build the political ties, the defence ties, the economic ties again. “Fiji is an important Pacific nation. i believe it is time that australia embraced Fiji, that we work with Fiji not only along with new Zealand but also with other Paciic nations. “Foreign Minister Kubuabola has assured me that an election will be held by September so we should support Fiji in its efforts to bring back democratic institutions and hold a free and fair election and that is what i will be aiming to achieve this weekend in Fiji.” in 2006 commodore Frank Bainimarama seized executive power in a coup. extensive economic and travel sanctions are still in place and Fiji is currently suspended from the commonwealth grouping of nations. earlier the country expelled australia’s High commissioner to Fiji. Veteran aBc Pacific correspondent Sean Dorney has also been expelled and is currently banned from entering the country as a reporter.
Australia’s foreign minister Julie Bishop is in Fiji for a meeting with Fiji’s regime leaders as part of her government’s policy of moving towards re-establishing political ties after the elections. AFP More recently, australia has been working with new Zealand and other Pacific nations to promote free and fair elections in Fiji. During last year’s australian election campaign Bishop indicated she believed it was time to resolve the issue and she promised the coalition would work to change foreign policy in relation to Fiji. Fiji’s interim government says an election will be held by September this year. “i’d be looking to have a productive and wide-ranging discussion with the Fijian authorities including with the foreign minister and the prime minister and others,” Bishop said. “We want to be sure we can support
Fiji return to democracy.” amnesty international is urging Bishop and Mccully to put human rights on the agenda during their diplomatic visit to Fiji. During the two-day visit, the Ministerial contact Group delegation will meet a range of groups and Fiji government representatives to produce a report updating Forum leaders on election developments. amnesty’s Fiji campaigner, Michael Hayworth, says the ministers should take the opportunity to raise critical issues such as Fiji’s restrictions on freedom of expression. “in the lead-up to elections, we are seeing a crackdown on free speech, we are seeing people
not able to protest, and we are of course seeing people not being able to join trade unions or non-government organisations. “Fiji really needs to take a U-turn on these human rights abuses and the australian and new Zealand governments need to play a role in that by raising their issues with their counterparts.” Meanwhile, Fiji’s electoral commission has briefed a commonwealth delegation in Suva over the country’s approaching elections. The commonwealth’s deputy secretary-general, Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, met the commission’s chairperson, chen Bunn Young this week. - ABC/RNZI
‘Yesterday’s men’ reject claims SUVa – Fiji’s Sodelpa Party has
rejected claims by the prime minister that rival politicians want to re-empower the same elites who brought Fiji to its knees. in a speech in Kadavu, commodore Frank Bainimarama, also labelled unnamed others
planning to contest the election as “yesterday’s men and women”. Sodelpa says this is the height of arrogance and accuses commodore Bainamarama of being the one who has brought Fiji to its knees. it says under his rule civil-
ians have been tortured and the deaths of soldiers have never been investigated. Sodelpa says the regime has created decrees that suppress basic human rights and freedoms, adding that he and the attorney general have written their own constitution and
foisted it on the nation. it also rejects the prime minister’s claim of there being a level playing ield, saying in his regime it’s the family connections and those close to him that get the jobs and the rewards. - RNZI
Refugee options considered PoRT MoReSBY – Papua new
Guinea says it will seek the help of the australian government and the United nations in deciding whether to resettle refugees within the country. Under australia’s asylum seeker policy, anyone arriving in australian waters by boat will be sent to PnG for offshore processing.
There are currently 1300 detainees on Manus island. PnG’s Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato says oficials have started processing refugee applications. But the country does not have a visa category for refugees and there’s been little public information about how, and where, they might be resettled. Pato said the option of reset-
tling refugees in a third country will also be explored. “So what the cabinet has decided recently is to appoint a group of eminent Papua new Guineans who will be assisted by relevant expertise from the Un, from the australian Government, and other responsible stakeholders, to come up with relevant policy framework de-
termining the question whether those asylum seekers will or will not be settled in PnG,” he said. The Manus island detention centre was first set up by the government of then-prime minister John Howard in 2001. it was closed by the Labor government in 2008, but reopened by Labor in november 2012. - ABC
Chief justice denies cronyism SYDneY – nauru’s beleaguered
chief justice is denying allegations of cronyism and says new Zealand should consider axing its $600,000 of funding for the Paciic nation’s judiciary. chief justice Geoffrey eames is in australia and unable to return to nauru after the government cancelled his visa and deported the island’s only magistrate, Peter Law.
nauruan cabinet minister charmaine Scotty has accused eames and his associates of cronyism. eames told Radio new Zealand’s checkpoint programme on Thursday he has never been given any details of the alleged charge. “i’m appalled by these comments having been made because only yesterday, this min-
ister was one of two ministers who gave assurances to Foreign Minister Mccully about their commitment to the integrity and transparency of future judicial appointments.” eames said new Zealand should review the funding, as nauru’s assurances of not interfering in judicial appointments have not been kept. new Zealand’s Foreign af-
fairs Minister Murray Mccully told checkpoint he would consider official advice before deciding whether funding should continue and is not interested in what eames is saying. “i’ll make an assessment after i’ve received a report from New Zealand oficials and after they’ve had a careful look at what’s actually being done.” - RNZI
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalneWS nuti no Te Pa enUa
Illegal residents to face deportation SUVa – Fijians residing illegally in new Zealand could soon face deportation. The new Zealand government has identified a total of 771 Fijians staying illegally in new Zealand. Responding to questions
from the Fiji Times newspaper, immigration new Zealand said overstayers, regardless of nationality must appreciate that if there were no special circumstances that called for the grant of a visa, they were expected to leave new Zealand
Bruno thanks his fans tonga’s Winter olympic’s luger Bruno Bamani has thanked his suporters and is looking forward to heading home to see friends and family. AFP
or face deportation. “in 2012-13 immigration new Zealand deported over 790 people whose visas had expired were unlawfully in new Zealand or who had committed offences and were deported directly from prison,” immigra-
tion new Zealand said. “immigration new Zealand advises that all individuals residing in new Zealand unlawfully have a legal obligation to depart.” The ministry said those residing unlawfully in new Zealand
should contact them to discuss their circumstances and determine the best option available. “if an individual has any information about the whereabouts of people unlawfully in new Zealand, we encourage them to contact us.”
The highest number of Fijians living illegally in new Zealand was 1055 in the year 2011. Pacific island countries, Samoa and Tonga top the illegal immigrants list with 2686 and 2889 people respectively. - Fiji Times
Vava’u under the microscope nUKU’aLoFa – The most am-
bitious study ever undertaken in the island group of Vava’u in Tonga is expected to reveal much more about the plants and animals of the archipelago. Biologists are just embarking on a mission to conduct biodi-
versity and ecological assessments of land and marine sites. it’s a collaboration between the Tonga government and the Secretariat of the Paciic Regional environment Programme. Bruce Jefferies from SPReP says the ultimate goal is to add
to Tonga’s protected area. Jefferies says they will also be looking at a marine special planning approach for the archipelago, a practice being used more and more in Paciic islands. “not just put protected areas in place but look at zoning ar-
eas for no-take, fisheries, zoning areas for community based isheries, some for commercial fisheries and for tourism of course which is important here, so that a whole suite of activities can take place now in the marine environment.” - RNZI
Ship waved back to lost isherman
Castaway Jose Alvarenga is still in hospital in San Salvador and has not yet made it home to the village where friends and family are waiting patiently to spark up the welcome home celebration. AFP San SaLVaDoR – The Salvadoran man who
SocHi – Tonga’s Winter olympics star Bruno Banani is looking forward to returning home to see his friends and family. The 26 year-old, nicknamed ‘The Flying Coconut,’ inished in 32nd place in the luge competition in Sochi. Banani plans to spend the next few days relaxing in Russia and watching some of the other sports on offer before heading back to his base in Germany and then on to Tonga. He says the support he’s received, over the last few weeks especially, has been incredible. “i just want to say thank you
for everyone: every Tongan and non-Tongan because i received messages from all around the world how proud they are in what i do. “i just want to thank the Royal Family, the Princess, all the support and everything. i just don’t have all the right words to say thanks to them. i just did the best that i could. “Like i said, let’s rest for now and see what’s coming for Tonga in the next Winter olympics.” Bruno Banani says he’s keen to return for the 2018 Games in South Korea and could try his hand at bobsleigh. - RNZI
drifted 12,500 kilometres to the Marshall islands from Mexico says several ships passed by during his ordeal but they ignored his cries for help. This was revealed by el Salvador’s health minister, Maria isabel Rodriguez, who had spoken to Jose Salvador alvarenga after his
return to San Salvador where he is in hospital care. He had drifted for 14 months from Mexico, arriving in the Marshall islands last month. The minister says according to alvarenga’s account several boats passed by during his ordeal, including some close to him.
He says one ship’s crew waved back at him but did not stop to help. in a short video released by the health ministry, alvarenga said from his hospital bed that he was doing well but pleaded with journalists who have followed his every move since he returned home to leave him alone. - RNZI
Tahiti tourism smothered by French PaPeeTe – a publisher in
French Polynesia says the territory’s tourism sector is suffering because French-style management is smothering its personality. a new report by the court of auditors in Paris says the French Polynesian tourism sector is in
crisis because of a lack of professionalism, a failure to implement a long-term strategy and high travel costs. The publisher of the TahitiPacifique magazine, alex du Prel, says a number of hotel chains were built in the early 2000s because of a tax write-off.
He says the hotel managers were imported from France and did not understand Tahitian culture, tainting the tourist experience. Du Prel says another mistake has been managing the country’s tourism sector from Paris. “it was only last year, that
the irst time that the president from Tahiti went to Hawai’i to see how they’re doing tourism. “Before that it was always to Paris. Tourism in France has nothing to do with tourism on tropical islands.” - RNZI
Senators inspired by Australian women politicians MeLeKeoK – Two senators
from Palau say the women in politics they met during a recent visit to australia have inspired them to be better politicians and better able to represent their people. Jerilin Senior and Rukebai inabo spent time in the australian capital, canberra, and visiting the constituencies of australian senators and MPs, as part of the Paciic Women’s Parliamentary Partnership Programme. Senator inabo said she’s “learned to be a better politician” by spending time with
australian women politicians, watching how they work. “i have learned so much from being here and i think i’ll be a more productive senator,” she said. “it’s not campaigning, it’s keeping in touch with the people. “one australian senator also mentioned the fact that you maintain that relationship and you come to know the issues that affect your people. That makes you a more effective senator. “i also learned a lot from par-
ticipating in the parliament’s proceedings, like the invitation of the Honourable Karen andrews, an MP, to be in her committee on public works, oversight on a certain project. “They explained that the committee is very important because it’s parliament’s way of making sure the peoples’ money is not wasted.” Senator inabo says she also met australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who she described as “wonderful.” “She’s a very strong person and she asks what we need from
her,” inabo said. “She offered help where she can and we really appreciated that.” Senator Senior says last time she visited australia it inspired the beginning of a centre for women’s empowerment in Palau.
This time round she says it has been a more personal journey: “I’ve been in ofice for a year and I must say it’s been a dificult year. The irst year in ofice was just a tremendous sacriice for my family, my children, because the schedule is hectic. “So for me to be able to con-
nect with these women parliamentarians here in australia, to address those basic issues of family life, for me to realise that i’m not the only one going through these struggles, for me that was the most important part.” - Paciic Beat
News Newsfrom fromthe thePaciic Paciicregion region “We’ve got the Paciic covered’
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
Saturate We should be kind Orange to one another County with ads Dear editor, i would like to say a huge thank you to air new Zealand for choosing the cook islands for their new safety video on all their lights worldwide. This is a huge boost for the destination and a fantastic opportunity to increase our tourism revenue. i would also like to take this opportunity to ask the Tourism corporation a number of questions about their USa marketing strategy, as i have just returned from there and was surprised at the absence of any visible advertising in the Los angeles (LaX airport area). i did see huge billboards for other tropical destinations, which are a lot further away with multiple stops and plane changes, but nothing about the cooks. i am sure you are aware that LaX is the seventh busiest airport in the world and the number 1 airport in numbers of origin and destination passengers with a catchment within an hour’s drive of over eight million people and a further 30 million state-wide, yet we struggle to ill one small plane once a week? The caribbean takes longer to get to with transit stops than it does to ly LAX/RAR. Hawaii takes ive hours from LAX and just over nine hours to get here. Hawaii had 7.99 million visitors in 2012; we just need a few of these people to be full all year round. i believe the orange county area should be saturated with promotions on radio/local television – use the video, it is fantastic. There are four million people right there with a medium household income a lot higher than new Zealand and australia. They do not bring bins of food here or buy duty free alcohol. They eat out a lot and spend more per person. We also need to build a decent golf course to attract visitors. All the other Paciic island destinations are building them or have them in operation. i know you have appointed a new marketing manager in La and he seems very well versed in the american scene. i hope he reads this and i wish him well in his endeavours and look forward to seeing many more US visitors in the future. Meitaki Maata nick Reeves
Dear editor, i respond to Papa Teariki Simiona’s letter of 8 February. of course i support our Grey Power pensioners in their protest on tax issues as i don’t think pensioners should be taxed at all, and i don’t like what RMD did to my aunty nancy and others when it took money from their bank accounts for back-tax without their permission, but i cannot support Grey Power while it streams ads on television night after night claiming that the Prime Minister and this government don’t care about pensioners, because it just isn’t true and its un-christian! at the heart of my letter of February 4 was my observation that the agreement by the previous government and new Zealand’s government to allow new Zealand pensioners to collect their pension and be taxed here instead of new Zealand was lawed, for the following fundamental reasons; 1. it divided pensioners into rich and poor, the rich being those in Grey Power collecting $350 a week from new Zealand and able to pay for these nasty ads on television and the poor being local pensioners who collect $100 a week only and can’t afford to pay for ads to air their grievances, and struggling to survive recession. 2. it created the very tax issues Grey Power is now protesting against because, having agreed to tax new Zealand pensioners here rather than new Zealand, the previous government chose not to tax them and caused a backlog of unpaid tax, making new Zealand pensioners tax avoiders. 3. it gave rise to the spectacle we are now witnessing, with foreign tax collectors employed
by RMD taking the law in their own hands on how tax should be collected and telling government to butt out, claiming that tax legislation put in place by previous governments empowered them to do that and challenging anyone to take them to court and prove otherwise, thus leaving government powerless to help Grey Power pensioners. it seems to me it is clear enough the spectacle we are now witnessing is the outcome of failures on the part of previous governments so how Grey Power interpreted that to be the fault of this government is beyond comprehension. i will leave this matter here save to say for every action there is a reaction, meaning if Grey Power leaders continue with these nasty ads to try and terrorise the Prime Minister and his government into submission it may provoke a backlash against Grey Power
www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday
under the one china Policy provision for social, economic and cultural developments. and, yes, the Sheraton site is one of three options currently being considered as the lagship/feeder resort for the Rarotonga gateway to the world, and an offer to develop the property has been passed onto landowner Pa ariki following the failure of Mirage Group to proceed with a ive-star resort development on november 15, 2013. it goes without saying this Prime Minister and his government understand that only growing the economy out of recession and paying new Zealand wages will stop depopulation and paying local pensioners the same as new Zealand pensioners will remedy the failures of past governments, so how about giving the poor b’s a break? Be kind to one another! Tim Tepaki
Allow marijuana medical uses Dear editor, Why is it that although the Government of the cook islands would like to bring cannabisrelated laws to the new Zealand standards, its system still looks to sanction any individual making use of this plant? Scientiic research has demonstrated that the cannabis plant is powerful and effective natural medicine. Furthermore, statistical data has proven that its consump-
Cook Islands News Building Maraerenga Avarua Rarotonga PO Box 15 Rarotonga Tel (682) 22999 Fax 25303 Email: editor@cookislandsnews.com or adverts@cookislandsnews.com
from the wider public, with innocent new Zealand pensioners the likely collateral damage. on the matter of completing the failed Sheraton, money is not the issue. The art of development is to develop a good idea that money will surely follow, as investors want their money to work for them and they are always looking for a good idea to invest in. and yes a good idea has been developed to increase GDP by some 65% and grow the economy out of recession, which is based on this government’s initiative of breathing life into dying economies of the outer islands so their people can come home, driven by expanding tourism to the outer islands to accommodate a visitor increase of some 30% since the crash of developed economies in late 2008 and funded by chinese two per cent concessionary loans
tion does not lead to criminal behaviour, violent or otherwise, contrary to the use of alcohol and other hard substances. With the knowledge that the marijuana herb has been a primordial and sacred plant for many historical societies in human history, contemporary societies are now increasingly rediscovering and recognising the heath benefits that result from the use of this particular herb. it is to be underlined that statistics again prove that there has not been one recorded death anywhere in the world due to marijuana use alone. Scientific and medical research led by famous and wellknown doctors and professors have established that the different chemicals of the marijuana plants essentially protect the human cells instead of destroying them, as it is commonly believed. While the rest of the world reacts to this wave of change and seek to make changes to the benefit of their society, here in the cook islands, the tendency would be to rather watch and remain silent while non-violent individuals go to prison for personal use or cultivation of this plants. Times are indeed changing and the prolific scientific discoveries on the matter are all converging towards the positive and safe beneits resulting from the use of marijuana plants. Most importantly, from a medical perspective, it is most effective for those suffering from cancer, arthritis, depres-
sion, glaucoma, diabetes, and insomnia amongst other illnesses. However, one should bear in mind that marijuana, as a gift from natural has uses well beyond the medical sphere and can be used in countless different industries such as textile, paper, and construction and would most certainly contribute to the boosting of any economy. The fact that nowadays many people look down on this plants and it’s use is a result of ignorance and a good deal of misinformation. as an elder, i would like to testify to the reality the use of this plant has brought to me during my illness and would like to see the Government provide a medical initiative upon the matter. it would be helpful to people like me if for example, two licensed doctors could legally write out prescriptions for patients and, in that way, the Government could beneit from its sale instead of the informal provider on the streets it would be a beneicial and innovative way of bringing more money in a sustainable and independent way rather than waiting for others countries to help and provide to us. in an attempt to awaken our society to newer and greater realities, this issue needs to be publicly discussed and i encourage people out there to speak their minds. God created this plant in all his wisdom but somehow along the way, men have started to think they know better. God bless. an awakened conscience. (name and address supplied)
Publisher John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com Chief executive Oicer 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 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 Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Sales and Marketing Manager Susan Tealby susan@cookislandsnews.com Advertising Assistant Ledua Vivian Engu adverts@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
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
By-election loss could bring Government down: George aTiU MeMBeR of Parliament norman George said a Demo victory in next week’s by-election in Murienua could potentially bring down the ruling cook islands Party Government. The outspoken independent MP laid out several possible scenarios on how the Government could fall if Democratic Party candidate James Beer comes out on top over the ciP’s Kaota Tuariki next Wednesday. one possible scenario includes a defection of ciP MPs from Parliament.
“There’s a possibility three members of the ciP could break away and form a coalition with the Democratic Party,” he said. The atiu MP said he couldn’t reveal the names of ciP government members who would cross the loor, and refused to admit or deny Tupapa M P George Maggie and aitutaki MP Teina Bishop as possible loor crossers. Further scenarios offered by George should the Demos emerge victorious include a call for snap elections by Puna – who would see his party’s fortunes
as diminishing in the lead up to upcoming general elections later this year or in early 2015 – or even a potential mutiny by ciP MPs against the PM. “They will be in disarray, and that they might actually run a coup against the Prime Minister and topple him,” he said. ciP defeat would result in widespread finger pointing, with party MPs trying to assign blame, he said. “i reckon the Prime Minister may cop it, with Deputy Prime Minister (Teariki Heather) pos-
sibly taking the throne,” he said. Two additional by-elections held since the 2010 vote that ushered in the ciP government under Prime Minister Henry Puna have resulted in Demo wins, bolstering the party’s presence in Parliament. The ciP currently holds 13 of Parliament’s 24 seats to the Demo’s nine, with the vacant Murienua seat and independent atiu MP norman George left in the balance. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Atiu independent Member of Parliament Norman George. 14021329
Real Valentine’s Day memories
Papa Jef Griiths and the love of his life, Maoroa tairi Kimi Makiaranga, together on their wedding day in 1962. 14021215
‘Be proud, and locally owned!’ “i aM VeRY concerned that the government might be considering
with internet and email which has also affected our website environment.gov.ck, most recently the external defacing of our website which resulted in the issues that the smoke signaller writes about. These are being ixed as they occur and we would suggest you keep trying to access the webpage to view the eia. alternatively, you could contact our ofice to get the report emailed to you or make arrangements to view a hard copy.”
OLDIES ID
jANDAL UNIFORM
ReSPonDinG To Wednesday’s p8 article ‘Single computer system
a SMoKe signaller responds to yesterday’s smokie Handle the Jandal:
needed’ a smoke signaller writes: “Before the Financial Secretary worries about streamlining the government computer system, how about supplying all the correct info for us pensioners who are advised to register our RMD number with the Ministry of internal affairs. They failed to tell us all that in addition to our RMD number we are also required to present either our passport or birth certiicate. A simple case of MFeM not knowing what was on the form produced by Ministry of internal affairs. Wonder how many wasted trips we have all made?”
“in reply to the Police safety gear issue, so you think then that the oficer was dressed properly for the job wearing jandals with a full uniform? Come on koe, I don’t think so. If you had read the smokie properly you would know what i was getting at. anyway, are jandals part of a police uniform? Gosh, I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one who noticed it but had the guts to say something. So i wasn’t the one complaining – it turned out to be you.”
beachside dining
AH, TECHNOLOGY a SMoKe signaller texted recently: "i went to the airport to take our
naTionaL environment Service director Vaitoti Tupa writes: “in
class photo at exactly the same spot as the airport staff photo to celebrate the airport’s 40 years, and guess what, I couldn't ind the two trees!" SS: Well spotted! if you look closely at the staff photo supplied by the airport authority for the advertisement on page 8 of Wednesday's CI News, you'll see the two lamboyant trees in full bloom are identical and were probably inserted by someone using digital photo editing software to make the picture look more appealing (similar to the technique used on the recent photo of two dolphins at Muri). i'm curious though - where are the two people wearing white shirts whose relection is in the bottom left glass panel below the right hand tree?
regards to one of the smoke signals on the eia for Te Mato Vai and the national environment Service website, please be aware that the national environment Service has been experiencing ongoing issues
KeeP the smokies rolling in! Smoke Signals and interesting island photos will be accepted by email (smokesignals@cookislandsnews.com), or text to 188 or a phone call to the newsroom on 22-999.
“To THe DRiVeR of a black car driving towards ngatangiia just past
the MTV store on Saturday afternoon, you were seen overtaking a red Honda Wave motorbike which had indicated to turn right. now it's idiots like you that cause major accidents. Luckily the woman driving had more common sense to stop after she noticed you in her rear view mirror.”
NES NET PROBLEMS
ngatangiia cicc church. “She’s the best wife anyone could ever have had, we always compromised,” he says. “We had a very happy marriage for 34 years, until suddenly one night ... mate (dead).” “Just like that,” he says. Maora passed away in 1999 in Townsville, australia where the couple had been living. To this day, Papa Jeff says he has no idea how the love of his life passed away. “no one knows ... the doctor doesn’t even know,” he says. Papa Jeff continues to live alone in Tupapa on Karekare alley, thinking often about Maora, especially on Valentine’s Day her birthday. - Emmanuel Samoglou
romantic
selling Telecom cook islands,” a smoke signaller texts to 188. “i believe that Telecommunications Minister Mark Brown and Prime Minister Henry Puna are only listening to Financial Secretary Richard neves' advice. That's ine Richard, you're not a Cook Islander, TCI was built by cook islanders and it's time we took it back. The PM said we're coming of age with our 50 years self government, yet we're not good enough to run our own phone company. That’s a shame. it is better that we own it rather than all our money going to foreigner companies. come on koe, stand up, be proud, and cook islands owned.” SS: Telecom cook islands is a joint venture company that is 60 percent owned by Telecom new Zealand and 40 percent by the cook islands government.
IDIOT AT THE wHEEL
VaLenTine’S is a day of celebrating love. For Papa Jeff Grifiths, it’s a day to reminisce. Papa Jeff met the love of his life, Maoroa Tairi Kimi Makiaranga Grifiths, in Rarotonga roughly 55 years ago. Maora was born on February 14, 1941 in Mangaia, and the story of how they met is Hollywood material. The year is 1958 - Jeff, at the time a young motor mechanic employed by ciTc, sees Maora washing her hands, compliments her on her beauty, and asks to take her away. Maora says he must ask her father for permission irst. Father consents, beginning nearly four decades of love. The two were married on october 19, 1962 at
at its best sunset @ 7.15pm open for ala carte from 6.00pm
Valentines dinner menu special 3 course menu @ $60.00 or 2 course menu @ $50.00. complimentary champagne cocktail. starters slow roast pork belly with asian lavours served with apple, chive and wasabi slaw. te ika mata with crispy breadfruit wafers prawn and mango cocktail with lime and coriander dressing. mains herb and honey crusted lamb rump with potato and cheese croquette, slow roast red onions and rosemary jus akari (fresh coconut) coated pan fried ish illets with coconut, sweet chilli and cumin sauce, grilled banana and maniota fries poached chicken breast with a cream cheese, mushroom and basil illing over tomato parmesan risotto. desserts Freshmangomoussewithchocolatedippedmeringuekisses passion fruit panna cotta with passion fruit ice and berry couli chocolate, banana and caramel won tons with ice cream
phone 27189 for reservations
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
Majorie Crocombe makes a point at yesterday’s book launch with the life size painting of her in the background. 14021321
Final donor meet eDUcaTion, health and re-
newable energy will be on the agenda at a major meeting with international donors today. The Development Partners Meeting began on Monday evening with a networking event, followed by presentations from cook islands delegates to donor partners on Tuesday, on topics such as disaster risk reduction and public expenditure.
In the inal day of the weeklong event, delegates will meet at the Red cross building in Tupapa today to discuss key topics in more detail. The cook islands receives around $35 million in aid each year, and attendees of the meeting will discuss how the money should be used in the future. - Briar Douglas
Kevin Crocombe speaks passionately about the legacy created by his father and mother, Ron and Majorie Crocombe. 14021315
Book launch marks life of Papa Ron PaSSionaTe words were expressed by speakers at the launch of Ron crocombe: e Toa
Valentine’s island night special
– a 650 page compendium of Paciic writings to celebrate his life and work – at USP yesterday. Son Kevin crocombe spoke at length about his pride in the legacy left by his father and the commitment shown by his mother Marjorie in getting the latest publication off the ground. The family also acknowledged the work put in by Rod Dixon and co-editor Linda crowl, as well as thanking the authors of all the stories in the book. Kevin crocombe told the gathering that the book was a culmination of four years’ tireless work led by his mother and had come to fruition in the “truest style of Papa Ron” who spent his life in learning about,
teaching, reading, writing and publishing about his beloved Paciic islands. From his tiny institute of Paciic Studies he was responsible for the publication of more than 400 books on the Paciic. “This was a phenomenal task and a huge legacy of Paciic studies to the world. it was a true success story and still a lasting legacy to this day.” crocombe said that during all that time Marjorie crocombe had been his partner in this work for more than ive decades; also writing, teaching, recording, publishing all that time. Marjorie crocombe told the gathering she was glad to have this definitive closure to Papa Ron’s life and even though she had sworn not to get involved in
another book, she couldn’t help herself and the very next day she was back encouraging another person to record the history of surveying in the cooks, saying this was knowledge that belonged to everyone and should be captured in a book. She took a swipe at USP for closing down the institute of Paciic Studies after Papa Ron’s death, but gratefully acknowledged their funding of this latest book. one of most moving parts of the launch ceremony was the oficial unveiling of a painting by nanette Lela’ulu of Majorie crocombe in full academic regalia sitting in a chair alongside the empty chair favoured by Papa Ron. - Mark Ebrey
Join us on saturday evening for our Fabulous island night with superb Feast, featuring delicious local food island night entertainment by orama and live entertainment with tara & boyZe till late dining 7 – 8.30pm show starts 8.30pm
bookings essential: phone edgewater resort & spa on 25435. complimentary transfers provided from anywhere on the island
Fashion designer ellena tavioni takes a closer look at Ron Crocombe: e toa at yesterday’s book launch. Copies are now available for public sale at $50 each.
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
Tourists catch another biggie cHaLK up another monster
Rarotonga isherman Pupuke Robati expertly carving up some ultra-fresh yellow in sashimi for locals and a number of curious onlookers at the Avatiu western harbour. 14021309 – 14021312
yellow fin catch for what’s amounting to a big season for Rarotonga. a trio of tourists along with master isherman Pupuke Robati hauled in a 59kg yellow in tuna, caught off one of the ish aggregation devices (FaDs) that have been deployed around the coast of the island. Rounding out the fishing crew were chris cox from new South Wales, along with Michael Welzel and andreas Haller, both German natives currently living in auckland. The fish came on a double strike and cox had first crack with the rod, saying he didn’t think it was such a big fish at first.The three tourists acknowledged Robati did most of the work. Haller, who does most of his ishing in freshwater, said he is used to catching fish in the 10 kg range. “For me, this is a big ish,” he said. The four were ishing on Captain Tama’s boat, T-Pearl. “Last week we hooked up a bigger one, and it broke the rod,” said Tama. The 59 kg yellow in follows a number of big catches landed by local ishers recently. nearly 400 kg of fish was caught in last weekend’s an-
Keep pets at home to avoid ish poison PeT oWneRS are encouraged to
watch out for their animals grabbing a ishy snack on the sly, after recent cases of ish poisoning at esther Honey. ciguatera fish poisoning, which can affect humans as well as animals, is caused by eating
fish contaminated with toxins that are produced by small organisms living on or near coral reefs. Not all ish in the lagoon will have the toxin, but as it cannot be detected by looking at or tasting the ish, Esther Honey prac-
tice manager amy compton said it is best to avoid pets eating any reef ish, such as if they wash up on shore. “it’s always a good idea to discourage dogs and cats from eating lagoon ish, because we don’t really know when the algae will
An esther Honey volunteer comforts a puppy previously stricken by ish poisoning. 14021328
bloom in the lagoon (causing the toxin),” said compton, who said the vet service has seen some recent cases of the poisoning. “Making sure your dog’s not going hungry can help discourage foraging, but the only way to ensure you know what your animal is eating is to keep it collected on your property.” She added not all animals would eat fish that washed ashore. “every dog is different – some will eat anything, others are more discerning.” Signs of ish poisoning in animals include rigidity or wobbliness. “They might be really stiff, or have dificulty walking and be unable to stand,” said compton. Animals with ish poisoning may also have dificulty breathing or take rapid breaths, and may drool or make groaning noises. “The locals seem quite familiar with it,” said compton, adding some have brought their pet to esther Honey already knowing what the problem is. She said recovery from fish poisoning tends to be a long process, but many pets do return to health with proper care. “it requires a lot of nursing care … but for a lot of cases we can - BD turn it around.”
nual Weighmaster’s competition, including a hefty 35.8 kg yellow fin reeled in by cook islands Fishing club president Don Beer. In November Aitutaki ishermen Mii Raera and Brothers Ua hooked onto an 85kg yellow in, which they battled for roughly two hours before hauling into their boat. and a month earlier, Rarotongan ishermen Corey Fisher,
cameron Thorp, and evaraima Koteka landed two gargantuan yellowfin, tipping the scales at 72kg and 82 kg. Ministry of Marine Resources Secretary Ben Ponia said he expects fish numbers to peak around Rarotonga during the current summer months, when the larger and mature ish come closer to shore and the surface to feed. - Emmanuel Samoglou
murienua democratic party public rally
meet James beer when: saturday 15 February 2014 starting time: 6pm location: behind the tennis court, rarotonga hotel
main speakers: wilkie rasmussen (leader) and James beer (candidate) all puna, supporters, friends and families of the democratic party are cordially invited to our public rally and meet the candidate James beer and hear him talk about national and murienua policies including some exciting projects in the pipeline. plates of food will be sold at $5.00 aere mai, tapiri mai, oro mai secretary general
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Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
churchTaLK te aKonoanGa
Living above mediocrity THe LaST time we met, i mentioned that mediocre living has a tendency to turn us into a bag of moaners and complainers, paralysed in our ability to see beyond our present situation. When people allow themselves to be trapped in this negative mindset, more often than not, they will point the inger at others or, worse still, blame God for all the woes that surround them. The truth is our creator God purposed that every individual human being should grow up and live life above mediocrity. if that be the case, how then can we live above mediocrity when life seems to overwhelm us? We then looked at three of ive things to do to enable us to rise above mediocre living: First, remember that God is never at fault, he created everything “very good”. Second, remember that my relationship with God is based on obedience. Third, remember to work in partnership with God and others. now, let us look at the last
two things we need to do. Fourth: Remember that my heart attitude determines my level of relationship with others. note that when God made adam a partner suitable for him, He did it in secret – He put adam to sleep. (Genesis 2:20b-22). Let me say this; relationship is not just a physical thing. Relationship is an attitude of the heart – relationship is developed and matured in the secret recesses of the heart. our heart-attitude towards another person determines the level of your relationship with that person. in the old Testament book of 1Samuel16:8b it says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” When my heart-attitude towards God is right, then my heart-attitude towards other people tends to be right. So, the lesson to learn is this: i need to constantly examine and develop my heart-attitude towards others. Five, remember to listen to
celebration
on the rock apowerFul,excitingchurch Join us this weekend for our sunday morning service 10am. aere mai, aere mai te katoatoa, te atua te aroa! across the road the airport, nikao
assemblies of god church
sunday school: 9am -10.15am
God’s voice only. a fifth thing to do is remember to listen to God’s voice only. There are many voices that we hear every day. We hear the voices of our parents, of our siblings, of our spouses, of our friends and work colleagues, of our business partners - we hear their voices. We hear voices on the radio and television – there are many voices. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; i know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27. Unfortunately, people have a tendency to listen to all sorts of voices other than God’s, and we wonder why we experience so many problems in life. Three things happen when we listen to voices other than God’s: 1. it raises doubts about the truth of God’s Word 2. it creates distortion of God’s Word 3. it redesigns my perceptions. in the Book of Genesis 3:1, it tells us that the serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say ….” not only did this voice raised doubt in the mind of eve, but it also distorted what God had previously said to adam and eve. note also verses 4 –5 which says, “You will not die; God knows when you eat it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” i want you to see how the devil did it - he mixed a lie with truth and half-truths. He is doing exactly the same thing today. “nah! That’s not what God really meant. isn’t it cool! Go on man, go on girl, try it out, after all, everybody’s doing it. This is the 21st century – all that old fashioned stuff in the Bible is not for today.” We find in Genesis 3: 6 the consequence of entertaining other voices. When the woman saw it was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom, eve’s whole perception of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and the consequence of disobeying God was totally changed – redesigned by the other voices she entertained. When that happens to us, we become insensitive to the Word of God. We no longer see the truth, or relevance, or the consequences of God’s Word. Eventually you will ind yourself, not only looking, but touching and ultimately take the whole bait that the devil speaks into your mind. The lesson to learn is this: listen to and follow the Word of God.
PART TwO
The Bible says in corinthians 10:13, “You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” i am sure that for many of you, 2013 has been a testing year, but when you look back now, you will have a greater appreciation of the way that God has enabled you, and empowered you at times, to turn dificulties into opportunities, defeats into victories. and you are a stronger person today because of your obedience to the counsel of God’s Word and a
closer relationship with Jesus christ our Lord. i challenge you, as you leave 2013 behind you, and you journey through 2014, don’t carry any of your 2013 baggage with you. Leave that behind! The Bible says, “So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. and we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.” (Hebrews 12.1b) Remember: “You were created to make a difference!” and that difference starts with a partnership with Jesus christ. Jesus said, “… without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15.5b).
That is why Jesus christ came to earth in the irst place, to die on the cross for our sins and to reconcile us back to God. Without the shedding of His blood, there would be no forgiveness for sin, without His death, there would be no life, and without His resurrection, there would be no eternal life. May God bless your weekend and please take the time to familiarise yourself with the Bible, the Word of God. You may be amazed how God can speak to you in so many different ways. Ps Tevai Matapo, aoG church.
apostolic church weekly programme sunday to Friday rarotonga apostolic church bishop tutai pere - 23778/55177 dial-a-prayer 26777 church services on sundays at 10am and 7pm radio and television ministr y at 11am and 4.30pm. mid-week services on tuesdays and thursdays at 7pm. aitutaki apostolic church - pastor noo mataiti - 31269. atiu apostolic church - pastor nikau tangaroa - 33778. mangaia apostolic church pastor ngametua papatua - 34065. we preach god in Jesus and Jesus in god
Focus 2014
“ahead oF time god” “Jesus” “te atua momua i te au mea raVarai” “ko iesu” “iamhethatliveth,andwasdead;and, behold,iamaliveforevermore,amen; andhavethekeysofhellanddeath...ko auteiaeoranei,imateanaraioki:eina,e oraaturaiauetuatauuaatu,amene!tei iakutetaviriotemateetoade” revelation/apokalupo 1:18
all services cater for both maori and english speaking brethren. contact: bishop pere on email: tpere@oyster.net.ck
Jesus is true god
Former St Josephs School principal Sister Celine made an impact in the lives of many young Cook islanders in her 11-years at the school where she was farewell with lowers and hugs. 14020511
11
Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
Workshop participants observe a mock scenario based on the Pasiika youth Court model. 14021217
Youth court to get major shake-up DeaLinG with young offenders in a uniquely cook islands way may be a reality with a new type of youth court being planned by our judiciary. The Pasifika Youth court, a Samoan fono-based youth court that embraces the family and community being a part of the youth judicial process in a uniquely Pacific way, was introduced to stakeholders at the Family Violence and Youth Justice Workshop on Wednesday. The court acts as a last resort, for youth who have admitted to their crime. it can be adapted to the customs of the country it is in and is made up of the community the youth belongs to. its concept is to re-connect youth to
their cultural roots and reduce reoffending. a mock “courtroom” scenario was set up, facilitated by Justice of the Peace John Kenning, with pareu-clad tables arranged in a circle facing each other and a woven mat on the loor. “The situation now is that [youth] are isolated. in this court everyone sits on the same level... nobody is ignored,” explained Kenning to the wide-eyed and enthusiastic workshop participants. according to Kenning the court can be implemented under the current Prevention of Juvenile crimes act 1968 and can be held at a meeting house in the youth’s village or vaka.
The court is opened with a prayer, and begins with pa metua addressing the youth. a judge who has overseen the youth’s process from their irst appearance in court to a precourt family conference presides over the court. Pa metua, community agency representatives, the court registrar, a youth advocate and/or lay advocate, the young offender, parents or guardians of the youth and anyone else from their family make up the rest of the circle. “The most important thing is that it is all about the youth,” said workshop speaker senior sergeant Kevin Kneebone of the new Zealand police, “the fact that they can sit as part of a cir-
cuit, and feel supported, takes the pressure off.” issues arose around finding lawyers who may be asked to represent the youth and family pro bono and the inancial costs for holding the court, which will be raised through the planning stages. a proposal for a cook islands version was asked to be drafted by justices of the peace for overview at a closed courtroom activity on Thursday. “Pasifika court and Te Kooti Rangatahi (new Zealand Maaori Youth court) have totally changed the face of the youth judicial process, we would like to be able to bring the community to that process,” said Kenning. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia
Justice of the Peace John Kenning facilitates a mock courtroom scenario as it would be in a Pasiika youth Court. 14021218
‘Open door’ policy for Tuariki
By-election candidate Kaota tuariki hopes to get more residents connected with the government’s water tank subsidy programme if victorious in next week’s vote. 14021210
iF eLecTeD as Member of Parliament for Murienua, cook islands Party candidate Kaota Tuariki said he will keep his ears and eyes open to residents in the constituency. “My policy for Murienua is that there will be an open-door discussion,” he said. Tuariki, whose campaign team includes constituency chairman Tare Mareiti and campaign manager Patrick arioka, is running against the Democratic Party’s James Beer in next week’s by-election. The ciP candidate has been approaching homes in an effort to drum up support, and said many constituents he has spoken to aren’t keen on heading back to vote, roughly five months after the initial Murinenua by-election. “People aren’t happy about
going back to the polls,” he said. Despite this, Tuariki said his campaign is seeing more support this time around, even without placing any advertisements on television or radio. An area of policy identiied by Tuariki that he says is important for Murienua residents is getting people to sign up for the government’s water tank subsidy programme. “People are going to run out of water soon,” said Tuariki. “it’s not like the old times ... there has to be some reserves.” on tax issues, including the contentious issue of taxing new Zealand-paid supers, Tuariki said he will be supporting the Government’s approach. “instead of talking about tax, that is the Government’s responsibility,” he said, add-
Time for clubs to share stories cLUBS anD societies of all
kinds are the heart and soul of any community – often run by volunteers who work tirelessly on behalf of their members, families and their wider community. Most do it because of their love for their particular inter-
est and don’t expect to receive any recognition for it. These unsung heroes deserve a pat on the back and one way the cook islands news can ensure they get one is by publishing the names of officials elected at the annual meeting along with any high points from
the president or chair’s annual report. We have to rely on the clubs to provide us with the details – it is impractical to expect us to send a reporter to your meetings generally – and we’d prefer that the information is sent in by email, if possible, to editor@cookislandsnews.com
However, hard copy reports will gladly be received at the front ofice. We also encourage clubs to take pictures of any presentations where members or officials are being recognised for outstanding service or achievements and send those in as well.
ing, “i think they’ve handled it to the best of their ability.” one area of improvement his election team identiied is providing adequate training for government workers. constituency chairman Mareiti – a collector of the nZ pension himself – said he was given wrong information by inance ministry oficials in the tax department when he approached them in 2010. Both Mareiti and Tuariki said there needs to be better training to deal the complex issue, as well as others. “i think not enough information was given to staff,” said the candidate. Tuariki said the current cam-
paign is totally different than the last one, and the support of the government at all of our functions has been a big help. “This campaign is about giving the choice to the people, and who they want to stand for them,” he said. The Murienua ciP team is also looking to turn over a new leaf, and move beyond the allegations of bribery and treating from the last by-election. “We’ve never accused the other team of wrong doing, but they keep accusing us,” said Tuariki. “We have a new approach,” adds Mareiti. “We leave the past behind and look forward to what’s ahead of us.” - ES
Beer slams Telco stance DeMocRaTic PaRTY candidate James Beer has slammed the government’s position concerning a potential sale of its minority stake in Telecom cook islands (Tci). Finance Minister Mark Brown conirmed yesterday the global communications company has indicated it is interested in purchasing an undisclosed portion of the government’s 40 per cent share of Tci. “Mark Brown’s thinking about the economy is back to
front,” said Beer. The Finance Minister has ruled out any attempt to exercise its irst right of refusal on the deal, and said running a telecom company is best left to the private sector. Beer said if the country took ownership of Telecom cook islands, the rate of return would be far greater than selling it to Digicel. “We would own that asset,” he said. - Emmanuel Samoglou
12
Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai
PUBLIC NOTICES
NiGht COURSE ENROLMENtS FOR 2014 If you want to take up a new challenge for 2014, work towards a Trades qualiication and learn some practical skills, then now is the time to start. CITTI - Faculty of Trades and Technology, Arorangi is ofering the following course for new enrolees: Building Construction: Pre-Building Trade Certiicate Stage one Date: Wednesday 19 February Time: 5.30pm Please bring your current Passport or Birth certiicate. For more information contact Alister or Edith on phone: 21471 or email e.nicholas@citti.edu. ck 76963 / /1795
E tuatua akakite teia na Rangi-etu-roa Tunui ki te atu enua o Aroko 4A, Ngatangiia kia tae mai ki tetai uipaanga no te uriuri manako no runga i tetai matara oro tika atu na roto ite Turanga Are o Rangi-etu-ora Mave e tona tiaki ou a te Monite ra 17 February 2014 ite ora 6pm ite aiai ki te Are Uipaanga Muri, Nukupure. 76962 /36445 /1931
PUBLIC NOTICES 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. 76654 /36182 /1931
1pm sharp. Material deadline for display adverts 24 hours prior.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Netball Cook islands merchandise sale at Punanga Nui Market, Sat 15 Feb from 8-11am. Bib sets, balls; hoop sets; whistles; nets & other items. First come, irst serve! Netball Love It, Live It, Play It! (Netball in Paradise 4-9 Dec 2014). Enquiries to Admin Manager, NCI on 22840 or 54243, Email: admin@netball.co.ck; web: www.netball.co.ck 76959 /36444 /2113
AGM NCI will be holding its AGM on Monday, 24 February 2014, 6pm at NCI’s oice, Nikao. Agenda: 1.Annual Report 2.Financial Report 3.Election of Elected Board members 4.Remits Enquiries to Admin Manager, NCI on 22840 or 54243, Email: admin@netball.co.ck 76682 /36192 /2113
For the sake of your family
GEt hELP Call AA - 71744
PUBLIC NOTICES
Please be advised that BCI will be open on the following dates between the hours of 9.00am and 12pm for registrations to be accepted
Patianga akaaka kite au Atu Enua. Tuaroa Section 29B Takitumu Akakoroanga Tukuanga tika ate Kopu tangata note Turoa Clinic Titikaveka. Venue at the Turoa Clinic at 5pm Tuesday 18 February 2014. 76941 /36425 /1931
SITUATIONS VACANT
Saturday 15th February 2014 Saturday 8th March 2014 Saturday 22nd March 2014
PUBLIC NOTICES
FOR RENT
in the matter of the cook Islands Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1986. Take note that under section 57 of the above Act, I, Mr Jaret Moore on behalf of Go Cook Islands have applied to the Motor Vehicle Licensing Authority for a Licence to carry on business as a motor vehicle dealer, at Vaimaanga, Rarotonga. The application will be heard after 28 days of the irst appearance of this notice. Any person who desires to object to the application may serve notice of his/her objection to the Motor Vehicle Licensing Authority at the Ministry of Transport, P O Box 61, Rarotonga. The person giving the notice of objection shall also cause a copy of the notice to be served on the applicant within 7 days after giving it to the Licensing Authority.
2 bedroom partly furnished lovely home in Aroa $200 per week. Contact Helen 55717.
Reka Sunday Roast with chocolate eclairs choice of roast beef, chicken or pork - served with mashed potatoes, veggies and gravy. chocolate eclair 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. 76922 / /2046
SERVICES 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 style $45 Treatment, cut and style $55 Gift Vouchers. Phone 22811. 76911 /36413 /2489
Autism Cook islands
Payment can also be made via online Bill Pay and by Direct Debit. If you wish to pay online, please enter your plate and phone number in the reference ield If you wish to pay by direct debit, please call into the front oice of BCI to collect a form for lodgement with your bank. ‘Please contact Simona or Tangi on 29341 for more queries or email: cash@bci.co.ck
ph 24065/55976
tiateura@oyster.net.ck
VEhICLES FOR SALE
afordable oice space in town. Contact Helen 55717. 76916 / /1935
FOR hIRE TAMARUMARU tENt hiRE Phone 23787, 78103,79171 or 51188 jeralee@oyster.net.ck 76752 / /2463
FOR SALE Sharp fridge/freezer 4 sale. Phone 57813. 76953 /36438 /1931
18ft aluminium boat, 75hp outboard, trailer, $15,000. 1x trail bike, 650cc, $2500. Phone 76900 mobile. 76930 /36424 /1931
Kai Moana Sale - Frozen Tuna & Wahoo Slices $8.00 a kilo Tuna & Wahoo Loins $10.00 a kilo Tuna & Wahoo Blocks $10.00 a kilo Marlin Loins $12.00 a kilo Of Cuts 3 Bags for $10.00 76942 / /2533
VEhICLES FOR SALE black honda Fit car $16,000 ono Phone 56449 or 70858. 76844 / /1931
GARAGE SALE Saturday 15 opposite Tav’s Ltd. Both mens m& ladies clothing. Big & beautiful sizes. 76954 /36440 /1931
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
DAihAtSU COPEN 600cc Turbo convertible, manual, 2x seater Sale price $4,600
777
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
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 MAzDA DEMiO 1.5ltr Hatchback Auto/air con/electric windows. colour: white Sale price $10,000
FOUND Notices are FREE To encourage honesty and good citizenship. A Cook Islands News public service.
CRiME thRivES WhEN GOOD PEOPLE DO NOthiNG
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 : workshop@polynesianhire.co.ck
76920
SITUATIONS VACANT
76915 / /1935
76801 /36373 /1764
Are you keen to try out paddling this year? Ngakau Toa Vaka Canoeing club will be holding a series of paddling workshops & training sessions for novice paddlers and those interested in taking up this exciting sport. Workshops will begin this Saturday 15 February 2014, running every Saturday for 4 weeks, until 8 March 2014. All welcome. Bring a friend and join us on Saturdays at Avarua Harbour from 2pm - 4pm. Look out for our club banner and weather permitting. Email ngakautoavaka@gmail. com or call Vaea - 55029/ Dani - 53118. 76952 /36439 /1783
Motor vehicle Registration Registration for the 2014-2015 year
casual ads must be prepaid. cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.
DO SOMEthiNG
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 76840 / /1620
Wedding Co-ordinator: 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. 76893 / /1969
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. 76650 /36283 /1933
foundation
ph 22336
Animal Clinic
Fax 25303
22999
• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com
adverts@cookislandsnews.com
RAtES Minimum $5.80 incl. VAT for 1-15 words.
DEADLiNES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is
Classiieds
PhONE
preferred
need a little
13
Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
CooK ISLANDS SPoRTS & NATIoNAL oLymPIC CommITTee
JOb vACANCiES As part of the restructuring process within CISNoC, the following full-time positions are available; • Sports Manager • Administration Oicer • Finance Oicer Based in Rarotonga, the appointees will report to the Ceo / Secretary General of CISNoC and will be responsible for the daily business conducted and coordinated through CISNoC. For a full listing of the Job Description, please contact the CISNOC Oice, or email Robert Graham on rgraham@cisnoc.org.ck All applications will be in strict conidence. Applications close Friday 14 February 2014 at 12noon. 76559
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 16 February 2014. 76899 / /2107
Chef required. Tamarind House/Rickshaw With Asian and International cooking experience Please send CV & Refs to Box 50 Rarotonga. Phone 26487 and ask for Sue or Julie 76937 /36428 /1697
housekeeper Should have enough experience in housekeeping. Must be reliable, honest and able to work without supervision. Non-drinker & non-smoker is a plus. Send CV to onubayhome@ gmail.com 76931 / /2284
Job Opportunities Kia orana! - The edgewater Resort & Spa is currently seeking full time and part time staf. If you are a team player and have the ability to work under pressure and multitask - then we are looking for you! All applicants must have: Good communication skills, be honest and reliable, have conidence and personality - full training will be provided for the right applicants. The positions available are: • Restaurant cleaner (6-12midday) • Waitress / waiter (full & part time) • Demi chefs • Kitchen hand • Housekeeping Supervisor • Housemaids For further queries, please contact the HR & Training Manager Jef TIKITAU on ph 58008 or Lynn MATAIO on ph 55469. Application forms are also available from Reception. Look forward to meeting you! 76629
Applications are invited from qualiied, motivated and experienced professionals for the following curriculum advisory and administration positions: 1) Director of Planning and Development Responsible for supporting the development of mid-term and annual business planning, policy development, school reviews, compliance and annual reporting. 2) Planning and Policy Oicer Policy review, research and development, including consultation with stakeholders. 3) Learning and teaching Curriculum Advisors (2 positions) Provide advice on current pedagogical practice aimed at improving student achievement preferable at the secondary level, state major and supporting subject areas. An application pack is available from the ministry website at: www.education.gov.ck Please send completed application forms with CV and references to: Director - Human Resources management ministry of education P o Box 97 Rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, fax (682) 28357 or email vacancy@ education.gov.ck Applications close on Friday 14 February 2014. 76728
www.cookislandsnews.com
Grounds man 4 hours per week, mainly weed cutting. Phone 51143 76956 / /2643
WANTED A live in house girl/baby sitter is needed for long term. contact 56980. 777
No roll impact from asbestos FiFTY-one students have left
avarua School following the discovery of asbestos, but Secretary of education Sharyn Paio said the number is not unusual. Paio said she received a report from avarua School detailing where the students have moved to. Thirty students had moved schools within Rarotonga, while others had gone to new Zealand,
SITUATIONS VACANT Retail Manager Raromart is looking at relocating in a few months time and is now looking at hiring an experienced shop manager. This is a career position and we are looking for someone who can successfully implement the expansion projects that we have planned for Raromart over the next 24 months. Email sunny@paciicapprel.co.ck or call 21060. 76946 / /1741
Local Charter business looking for experienced Deckhand/Skipper. Experience in management, mechanics, engineering an advantage. Please apply in writing to PO Box 276, Avarua. 76737 /36223 /1931
australia, Fiji and the outer islands. The asbestos was discovered during the school’s christmas break, and Paio said it is not unusual to have some students change schools at the start of the year. “From what i’ve seen, those movements could have happened anyway. We always get some shifts at this time of year, and as the biggest primary school on the island, avarua is probably the most likely to feel the effects of that. “Undoubtedly some parents will still be concerned about it, and probably a few did move schools because of the asbestos – i don’t know if they did or not. But from that data, there’s noth-
ing alarming there.” Paio said ciic have been “very open” about the situation and have been thorough in their checks of the school. “They wouldn’t have told us it was safe for the children to return if it wasn’t. They’ve been very fussy, which is a good thing.” avarua School opened a week later than other schools on the island, to allow time for the soil to be removed. Results of asbestos tests done after the students returned to the school are expected this week, and Paio said there will also be on going tests for asbestos ibres. “We are trying to get back to normality, but health and safety comes irst.” - BD
VEhICLE FOR SALE
WANTED TO RENT
2011 Daelim Ace Motorcycle Very low kms $2000 ono. Phone 26335 or 50142 for inspection .
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.
777
WANTED TO BUY i am looking to buy a second hand scooter in excellent condition up to $800. Automatic, Please call 73208.
76867 / /2171
FOR FREE
76944 /36419 /1931
SITUATIONS VACANT
Washing machine, dining suite, lounge suite, stove. Contact Helen 55717. 76917 / /1935
Has your drinking got out of control? Call 71744
The following opportunities now exist for motivated, enthusiastic and energetic people to join the team at the business trade investment board. 1. business Development Manager 2. Trade and Marketing oicer 3. Senior Finance & administration Oicer. Applicants must be self motivated, proactive and have the ability to take a project through to completion. Computer literacy with exceptional organisational abilities complemented with experience and qualiications an advantage. Contact Agnes Teiti for job descriptions on phone 24296 or email; agnes.parker@cookislands.gov.ck Written applications with a current CV may be sent in conidence to: btib Private bag, Rarotonga or email the above mentioned. Applications close 3pm, Friday 14 February 2014. 76822
Smelling test Pure Organic Atiu Vanilla Essence Punanga Nui Market Every Saturdays Ph50769 76885 / /1896
SITUATIONS VACANT
Ministry of Education Applications are invited from qualiied and experienced professionals for the position of Communications and Media Co-ordinator. 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, email vacancy@education.gov.ck Applications close on Wednesday 26 February 2014. 76910
CooK ISLANDS AUDIT oFFICe
AUDitOR - FiNANCiAL AUDitS Support Staf Vacancies exist for the following part time positions: 1. Teacher Aide (Inclusive Education) • Apii Te Uki Ou (2 positions) • Rutaki School (1 position) • Takitumu School (1 position) 2. Teacher Aide (ECE) - 2 positions • Arorangi School • Omoka School, Penryhn 3. Grounds/maintenance position: Avatea School 4. Receptionist (fulltime): Ministry of Education, Nikao Applications close on Friday 14 February 2014. Job Descriptions available from the ministry or at: www. education.gov.ck Please submit a cover letter with Curriculum Vitae and references to: Director HRm Division P. o. Box 97 Rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, Fax (682) 28357 or email: vacancy@ education.gov.ck 76740
We are seeking a dedicated and ambitious person to join our Financial and Crown audit team. Relevant accounting, inancial management or audit experience would be preferable, however training will be provided. Preference will be given to individuals with, or working towards, a relevant tertiary qualiication, speciically in the area of accounting or inance. A good knowledge and understanding of Government and business systems is preferred. Applicants must be computer literate and possess very good written and oral communication skills. If you have an inquisitive mind, a keen interest in accountancy and investigative assignments, work well individually and as part of a team, please send your CV to: Anne mcmahon email: anne.mcmahon@cookislands.gov.ck Fax: 25231 Applications close 4pm, Monday 17 February 2014. 76833
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14
Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
Accounting support for women in business neTWoRKinG, development
and leadership skills are the cook islands Business and Professional Women’s association’s mission statements. To drive this statement – the executive committee have launched their ‘Dollars and Sense’ project for 2014. The new initiative builds on the work established by the ‘Vital Voices’ project of 2012/13 to support women in business with initiatives that lead them to success. as Vital Voices was a mentoring programme for women in
Rarotonga who were establishing their businesses, Dollars and Sense takes that foundation one step further by providing access to accounting packages and four hours of training with a certiied accountant or book keeper to set up the successful applicant’s accounts properly. “Dollars and Sense was in development last year and with the support of the new Zealand High commission we are now able to deliver the irst round of the project,” says ciBPWa president Glenda Tuaine.
“We had to make sure the application process was robust and that our selection criteria matched what we want to achieve which is helping women in business take the next step to successful business accounting.” ci PBWa recognised that practical tools such as accounting software and an expert’s time in setting up books was the best form of support. new Zealand High commissioner Joanna Kempkers offered strong support and knowledge to the development of the project
which now is underway and calling for applications. if you are interested in applying please contact ciBPWa via email and request a digital form at cookislandsbpwa@gmail.com or you can pick up an application from with ciTc pharmacy or The computer Man. applications close on the February 28 at 5pm. You do not have to be a member of ciBPW to apply and applications are for women only. - CIBPW/MW
Women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to grow their business thanks to a new ‘dollars and Sense’ initiative by BPW. 14021302
Telecom puts 3G through paces TeLecoM is giving its new 3G mobile network “a good workout” to iron out any problems before the service is officially rolled out. The company is looking at how many people are accessing the service, how much data they use and whether connection speeds vary in different parts of the island. “To give the network a good workout we need as much data to be used as possible. We want you to use 3G for all the things you can think of but especially the sorts of things you would normally use it for, and we want your feedback,” Telecom said
on its website. Telecom cook islands signed a contract with chinese telecommunications company Huawei early last year for the purchase and installation of a 3G mobile network for Rarotonga. it claims the service will enable users of mobile devices to browse the internet about 10 times faster than on the current 2G network. Sales and marketing manager Damien Beddoes said Telecom had 10 cell towers up before the project started but two of those – in Muri and arorangi – have been moved to improve the signal for 3G.
“We have erected one new tower at Kent Hall, and have one more tower planned to go up in Vaimaanga,” he said. The cell towers stand between 30 and 40 metres tall, just high enough to get above the tree line. Setting up the new service has not been all plain sailing; upgrading to 3G recently caused weeklong disruptions to Telecom’s broadband customers. Beddoes said Telecom will be contacting some customers on the trial version to ask questions about coverage, connectivity, speed and overall ex-
perience. “it’s actually a requirement of Huawei and Telecom that we do these tests before the work can be signed off,” he said. Telecom has not yet released its price plans for 3G but customers wishing to use the test version are being offered “special pricing” deals, listed on its website. Beddoes said Telecom will be testing the service until the end of February, possibly longer. no official launch date has been set but the company has set its eyes on the first three months of 2014. - Ben Chapman-Smith
telecom technicians install a new 3G unit on the cell site above tereora College in Nikao. 14021303
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15
Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
FLiGht FROM ARRivES FRIDAy FeBrUAry 14 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM Nz46/61 AKL 1.55PM SAtUrdAy FeBrUAry 15
tO
DEPARtS
AKL SYD
1.05AM 3.05PM
NZ60/47 NZ18 VT33
AKL LAx PPT
6.40AM 11.59PM 3.50PM
SYD AKL PPT
5.30AM 10.30PM 2.50PM
RARO tO ARR FRIDAy FeBrUAry 14 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 0900 AITUTAKI 0950 0900 MANGAIA 0940 1330 MAUKE 1420
air Rarotonga
International Flights
Flight times | voyage details DEP
tO
ARR
0910 1140 1640 1910 1010 1000 1440 1710
RARO RARO RARO RARO ATIU RARO RARO RARO
DEP
tO
ARR
1000 1230 1730 2000 1055 1115 RARO 1200 1040 1530 1600 MIT 1650 1800
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
GOt A StORY? text us on
or call us at cook islands news
Su-Do-Ku EASY
Su-Do-Ku hARD
Crossword
instructions
instructions
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.
answer tothursday’s puzzle
answer tothursday’s puzzle
hÄgar the horrible
by dik browne
®
the phantom
by lee Falk & sy barry
®
drink then driVe it may as well be murder
A COOK ISLANDS NEWS PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE
Weather Forecast to Midnight
Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Situation: A southeasterly wind low prevails over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains over the eastern parts of Northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine apart from brief showers. moderate southeasterly winds gradually turning northeast. moderate seas. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: occasional showers and few thunderstorms over the eastern parts.`Fine apart from brief showers elsewhere. moderate northerly winds.moderate seas. Further outlook: Some showers.
Humidity FRI
14
SaT
15
Morning
77%
Night
70%
Morning
79%
Night
63%
Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
FRI
14
Rarotonga Friday, February 14, 2014
Forecast Map 2pm Friday
Tides High 9.47AM 0.85M 10.02PM 0.92M Low
0.8m S
3.41AM 0.39M 3.58PM 0.41M
0.7m Ne
N
SaT High 10.23AM 0.89M 10.39PM 0.94M
15
Low
4.17AM 0.37M 4.36PM 0.38M
29°
Sun, Moon & arapo
SE 08ktS New Moon Feb 28 10.00PM
First Quarter Mar 8 3.27AM
Full Moon Feb 14 1.53PM
Sunshine hours
third Quarter Feb 22 7.16AM
11.1
ArAPo - UA fri 14 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).
FRI
14
SaT
15
Sun Rise
Po ika i te maiata. Maroro tu. Fish at dawn. Good for lying ish.
6.29AM Sun Set 6.30AM
Front Key:
Cold
Warm
Occluded
Stationary
1m Se
y
Swell direction and size
Outer Islands Weather Outlook Friday, February 14, 2014 7.17PM
Moon Rise 6.31PM Moon Set 6.18AM Sun Rise
0.8m S
tAutAi (Fishing)
Sun Set
7.16PM
Moon Rise 7.09PM Moon Set 7.08AM
Aitutaki
31° SE 06ktS
Mangaia
28° SE 10ktS
Mitiaro
29° SE 08ktS
Atiu
29° SE 08ktS
Penrhyn
30° NE 09ktS
Mauke
29° SE 08ktS
16
Friday, February 14, 2014 cook Islands News
tarekareka
SPoRT
500 plus athletes to compete in Oceania Champs MoRe than 500 international athletes will converge on Rarotonga in June for the oceania athletics championships. athletics cook islands has secured the rights to host the event that will run from June 24 to 26 and will see athletes compete in the under-18, open and masters divisions. athletes and officials from across new Zealand, australia, French Polynesia and the wider
Paciic will take part in the three day competition. open and under-18 athletes will compete in a full list of track and field events while masters athletes will contest for top honours in the 60 meter dash, long jump, shot put, discus and javelin. in preparation for the athletics event – teachers, volunteers, senior school students and members of the sports family are
asked to help make the event a success starting with attending a technical officials’ workshop on Monday 17. The workshop will be held at the national sports ofices in nikao starting at 6pm and delivered by Yvonne Mullins. For more information on how you can be part of this event – contact the national sports ofice on 24095. - Matariki Wilson
Imports on the way iMPoRT players from Fiji are already a talking
point among rugby league clubs and supporters on the island and proving to be a handful for their opponents and more are on their way to the island. Three of the country’s shining league players have secured three month contracts in the cook islands according to a report in yesterday’s Fiji Times, and they will no doubt be keenly watched by local die-hard league fans. Vodafone Fiji Bati representatives ilisavani Jegesa, who is currently training with the Fiji Warriors side preparing for the Paciic Rugby Cup, Kinoya Sea eagles utility iliesa cakau and Makoi Bulldogs utility Sisa Balekolo will ly out of the country next week. The trio will miss the Four nations qualifying match against Samoa in april. Fiji national league development officer Jo Dakuitoga said the trio’s profiles impressed the cook islands’ club. “one will be centre, wing and fullback,” Dakuitoga said. “This is the fruit of our development plan. We want to continue sending players overseas to be exposed at international level.” He said Jegesa, cakau and Balekolo were part of the Fiji Residents elite squad preparing for the match against Samoa.
Jegesa was also training with the Warriors side. Warrior team manager Joe Brown conirmed to the Fiji Times that Jegesa had not been attending training. Dakuitoga said the trio will ly out next week and that their visas and plane tickets are ready. “We just want to wish them a good outing in the cooks islands and hope they gain valuable experi- Fiji Times/MW ence there.”
the Cook islands will host the oceania Athletics Champs in June later this year that will include under 18, open and masters athletes. 14021327
Team effort lands beauty
More talents from Fiji like this new winger for the Bulldogs are heading to the rock. 14021326
Mini-Mods at Avatiu JUnioR athletes aged six to 11
are encouraged to get involved in the junior league academy programme designed keep kids active with the emphasis on playing safe following the motto of ‘stay well to play well’. The junior league development programme, irst introduced over the festive school holidays and now known as the ‘Mini-Mod’ is set to run again at the Avatiu ield this Saturday after last week’s successful programme. Kids from across Rarotonga are invited to take part in the programme which filled with lots of rugby league drills and skills and of course loads of fun games including the popular ‘Kuki Tag’. The event kicks off at 10am and parents are encouraged to take your kids along and make sure they have the right gear for physical activity, water bottle and spare clothes to change into
after their sweat out. a free bus provided by cook’s island Bus Passenger Transport will begin its run to collect kids from across island at 8.50am on Saturday from Raro Fried chicken in avarua heading towards Tupapa stopping at the Tupapa Meeting House at 8.53am continuing on to the Matavera Packing Shed at 9am, Kia orana Store at 9.04am, Muri Meeting House at 9.07am, enua Manea at 9.11am, Kent Hall – Titikaveka at 9.15am, YWaM at 9.20am, Wigmore’s Superstore at 9.25am, Rutaki School at 9.30am, aroa nui Hall at 9.35am, corner Store at 9.40am, nikao Field/ Tepuka Store at 9.42am, avatiu Rugby Field at 9.45am. - MW
nga).
Friday 14 Aitutaki Sharks vs Tupapa Panthers at Arutanga ield – 3.30pm-Juniors
Saturday 15 Ngatangiia Sea Eagles v Tupapa Panthers at Ngatangiia – 3pm-Snr
Games, Ref-Taua Benioni, 4.15pm-Masters, Ref-The Host club Sharks, 5pmPremier, Refs-Sean Willis, Touch JudgesTua Ngaputa/Andrew Tanga (Sub-Oficial
Reserve, Ref-Johnny Hosking, Touch Judges-Simiona Teiotu/Taua Benioni.
Friday 14 Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Arorangi Bears at Titikaveka – 4.15pm-Under 16, Ref-Tutai Taurarii, Touch Judges-Tavake Manuel/Poto ngaroi, 5.15pm-Snr Reserve, Ref-Pius Mitchell, Touch JudgesTavake Manuel/Poto ngaroi.
Saturday 15 Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Aroroangi Bears at Titikaveka – 3pm-Under 14, Ref-Tutai Taurarii, Touch Judges-Dawn crummer/Tavake Manuel, 3.50pm-Under 19, Ref-Tangi Taomia, Touch JudgesDawn crummer/Tutai Taurarii, 5.15pmPremier, Ref- arthur emile, Touch Judges-Johnny Hosking/Tangi Taomia (Sub Oficial-Simiona Teiotu/Dawn Crummer).
Saturday 15 Avatiu Nikao Eels vs Takuvaine Warriors at Avatiu – 2pm-Under 19, Ref-Bishop Bishop, Touch Judges-Jeffery Murray/Poto ngaroi, 3.20pm-Snr Reserve, Ref-Pius Mitchell, Touch Judges-Jeffery Murray/Poto ngaroi, 4.50pm-Premier, Ref-Tua ngaputa, Touch Judges-Bishop Bishop/Pius Mitchell (Sub official-Tua Duyer/Sean Willis)
14021301
LocaL fisherman Brendon nicholas shares a photo with his 240kg blue marlin with the president of the cook islands Game Fishing club Don Beer who helped him bring in the monster.
The ish was caught on Monday morning by nicholas on board Dawn Breaker charters at the Titikaveka FAD (ishing aggregate device) using a Halco Laser Pro and treble hooks.
Beer helped nicholas reel in the ish by abandoning his boat, jumping aboard Dawn Breaker to land the marlin. also pictured is Papa Joseph Vakatini ariki. - MW