Saturday 15 February by Cook Islands News

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 saturday, February 15, 2014

Brazen spree in Puaikura RobbeRs broke into four neigh-

bouring homes in Puaikura early Friday morning and stole valuables lying just metres away from where the occupants were sleeping. Louise Christy and her husband were fast asleep when two people cut open their wire mesh door and entered the Aroa home just after midnight. “My husband heard noises. He went out and started yelling and they took off.” she said the robbers had been rifling through paperwork on the table and managed to escape

with a wallet containing $1500 in cash. The couple were leaving for sydney yesterday afternoon and had taken the money out in advance to pay their rent. Christy said the robbers cunningly managed to stop her dog from barking by feeding it ish. “our dog usually barks at anything but he was quiet.” she said her husband struggled to get a look at the robbers but they were wearing ‘hoodies’. Three other households - all next door to each other - were Continued on page 13

young female leaders from arorangi School (from left) tiamarama tuivaga, teuira tapena, rangina akava, teinaki remuera, Meran Munro, Mii terepita and peace ambassador Meilani Payne soak up the sun in a fun photo shoot on the jetty behind their school. the full story and list of the schools prefects as well as more photos feature on page 14. 14021410

Two conirmed cases of dengue in Raro PUbLIC health officials have reported two positive cases of dengue fever in Rarotonga. Director of Community Health services Dr Rangi Fariu said both patients that have come down with the denguelike symptoms currently reside in Matavera. Since the indings were irst reported to officials, the two patients have had their properties assessed for spraying of mosquitoes – which plays a key role in preventing an outbreak. while health officials have conirmed the cases to be positive, blood samples have been sent to laboratories in New Zealand and Tahiti for analysis to determine the speciic strain of dengue, as four different variants of the virus exist. The tests are also needed to rule out the zika or chikungunya virus - both mosquitotransmitted viruses which have caused concern amongst regional health oficials. Results are expected within a week, said Fariu. symptoms of the three viruses are similar, said Fariu,

and can include high fever over 38°C, headaches, pain in muscles, joints, and behind the eyes, loss of appetite, and a skin rash. A patient may experience a delay of 7-14 days after infection and before symptoms appear. A third case residing in Takuvaine has been described as “suspicious”, said Fariu. C ITC Pharmacy manager shannon saunders said she has had a number of customers come in with dengue-like symptoms, and has heard second-hand of other cases as well. The majority of them have not gone to the doctor, she said. “This concerns me, as how are the Ministry of Health to gain accurate information about the prevalence if people are not informing them they have had ‘something’?” she asked. saunders said she has heard a number of different reasons as to why members of the public haven’t taken time to visit a doctor, saying they are too tired to go to the hospital, they have already recovered, they can’t af-

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ford it, and they “don’t want to sit up there for hours”. “However, it does need to be reported,” she said. Fariu agrees, saying the public must assist health oficials in preventing an outbreak. “It is very important if people have headaches, bone and joint pain, rashes, and pain in the back of the eyes, then they should seek attention,” he said. As soon as they come across a suspected case, Fariu said an investigation begins including

spraying for mosquitoes. “It’s expensive in terms of cost, but I think this is cheaper compared to the costs of hospitalisation if the disease were to spread,” he said. Oficials say the best prevention for both viruses is to avoid being bitten by daytime-biting mosquitoes by applying insect repellent on exposed skin during the day, while ensuring living areas are free of mosquito breeding places. one case of dengue was re-

ported locally in each of the last two years, and the last outbreak of the virus occurred in 2009. A total of 11 dengue epidemics were reported across the Pacific last year, according to media reports. The regional situation is being monitored by a number of groups, including the world Health organisation and Public Health Division at the Secretariat of the Paciic Community. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Digicel knows change coming DIgICeL, the global telecom company interested in becoming the majority shareholder of Telecom Cook Islands - is aware of the government’s intentions to open the market to competition, said Finance Minister Mark brown. brown said the government is planning to introduce new legislation this year that will remove the current monopoly operating in the Cook Islands. Continued on page 13

Fuel tender decision delayed further PoweR authority Te Aponga Uira has still not decided on the winner

of a major fuel storage contract, despite the current contract being due to expire in two weeks. Companies competing for the contract - which involves transporting diesel from the ship to tank farms and then delivering it daily to TAU - were originally told a decision would be made by December 17. Two months later, those companies are still waiting. “The current situation is that the award announcement has been delayed to allow the committee more time to complete its evaluation,” said Te Aponga Uira’s (TAU) chief executive Apii Timoti. Triad Paciic Petroleum currently holds the fuel hosting contract, which expires at the end of February. Timoti said TAU has sought a temporary extension of the existing contract with Triad.

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Two companies known to have tendered for the new two-year deal are Triad and Toa Petroleum. The contract is a source of tension in the Cook Islands fuel industry due to its links to the ‘Toagate saga’ – in which the government is court-bound to guarantee Toa Petroleum an annual proit of $1.2 million from 2010 to 2018. That came after government fuel volumes were moved from Toa to Triad Paciic Petroleum, negatively impacting Toa’s ability to be proitable. both Toa and Triad have indicated that winning the upcoming fuel hosting contract is of high importance to them. Toa has recently been in the media after it admitted to selling diesel containing an excessively high amount of sulphur.

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Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

worldNews nuti no TeIA NeI Ao Mosquitos as paratroopers German scientists at Dachau concentration camp researched the possible use of mosquitoes as weapons during World War Two. a researcher speculates that the scientists were investigating the possible use of malaria transmitted via mosquitoes as a biological weapon. He speculates that such insects could have been dropped over enemy territory. There is evidence that the nazi biologists investigated a particular type of mosquito which could have lived without food and water for four days after being airdropped.

Thousands lee volcano Indonesia’s mount Kelud erupts, volcanic debris rains on villages sURAbAYA – Tens of thousands

of Indonesians have fled their homes after a volcano erupted in east Java. Mount Kelud spewed ash and debris over a large area, including the city of surabaya, about 130km away. Oficials said two people died after their houses collapsed under the weight of ash. Airports in surabaya, Yogyakarta and solo shut down because of low visibility. There are also fears that debris could

world bRIeFs us and china discuss north korea CHINA – US Secretary of State John Kerry says Chinese oicials have reassured him that they will work to rein in North Korea’s nuclear programme. After meeting President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Kerry said he was satisied that China “would not allow a nuclear programme over the long run” in North Korea. China is North Korea’s main ally and trading partner. Kerry said China “will not allow instability and war to break out in the region”, and said Beijing was prepared to take “additional steps” if Pyongyang did not comply. Kerry refused to be drawn on what speciic measures China would take. Kerry said the talks also focused on china’s territorial disputes with its South-East Asian neighbours. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his country was determined to protect its national interests.

river levels rise as More rain falls ENGLAND – Thousands of sandbags are being piled up to protect homes and businesses as more heavy rain and gale-force winds sweep across southern Britain. With river levels expected to rise, the Environment Agency has made 30,000 sandbags available to properties near the Thames in Berkshire and Surrey. Princes William and Harry have helped pile sandbags in Datchet, Berkshire. In Wales, more than 16,000 properties remain without power following Wednesday’s winds of up to 180kph. A man has died in hospital after being hit by a falling tree in his garden during Wednesday’s storm. The Environment Agency has issued 24 severe lood warnings covering parts of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

us diGs out froM deadlY storM USA – The snow-weary eastern US is digging out from yet another mammoth storm, as the deadly weather creeps through New England and eastern canada and another storm approaches. US media counted up to 21 people dead as a result of the storm, which was blasting New England and eastern Canada with heavy snow and powerful winds, a day after ploughing through southern and eastern US states. The Canadian weather service predicted up to 50 centimetres of snow in parts of eastern Canada, as lights were cancelled and roads closed on Friday. Further south, the sun had come out, but roads were dangerously icy as commuters returned to their morning commute.

italY to announce neW PriMe Minister ITALY – Florence mayor Matteo Renzi is expected to be ofered the chance to become Italian prime minister, as talks begin on forming a new government. President Georgio Napolitano is starting consultations following the resignation of Enrico Letta. He was ousted in a vote called by Renzi at a meeting of their centreleft Democratic Party. The 39-year-old would be Italy’s youngest prime minister. Letta was under increasing pressure over Italy’s poor economic performance. After accepting the prime minister’s resignation, Napolitano’s oice said talks would begin with political leaders on inding a replacement. The consultations would be conducted swiftly to ind an “eicient solution” and they would conclude on Saturday.

damage aircraft engines. Yogyakarta airport manager Andi wirson said the runway was covered in a ive-centimetre-thick layer of ash. officials raised an alert on Thursday about an hour before the volcano erupted. They urged people living in 36 villages within 10km of the volcano to evacuate. Tens of thousands fled to temporary shelters. Oficials said two people died when their homes caved in under the weight of gravel and ash. some of the evacuees tried to visit their houses on Friday morning to gather their possessions, but were forced to turn back by the stream of volcanic ash and rocks from the volcano. “The whole place was shaking – it was like we were on a ship in high seas,” one resident told AFP new agency. “We led and could see lava in the distance lowing into a river.” Thick dust in villages close the volcano has made it dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles to be on the road. Mount Kelud, which had been rumbling for several weeks, erupted on Thursday evening. Oficials said on Friday that the eruption was gradually subsiding. experts say the volcano tends to quieten down after a large eruption, and more big eruptions are unlikely. The 1731-metre Mount Kelud has claimed more than 15,000 lives since 1500, including around 10,000 deaths in a massive 1568 eruption. The volcano last erupted in 1990, killing dozens of people. A powerful eruption in 1919 killed around 5000 people. There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. earlier this month, Mount sinabung on the island of sumatra erupted, killing at least 14 people. - BBC

Citizens negotiate a thick haze of volcanic ash in the Indonesian city of yogakarta after the eruption of Mount Kelud which as forced tens of thousands to lee their homes. ABC

Policy upsetting Indonesia JAKARTA – Indonesia says it will

raise Australia’s asylum seeker policy with the United states. Jakarta has stepped up its protest to the policy, calling in the Australian ambassador in Jakarta for a meeting with a senior oficial this week. Indonesia’s foreign affairs minister Marty Natalegawa says Australia was already violating its international commitments. but he says putting people in lifeboats and sending them back

to Indonesia is an escalation. Natalegawa says he will inform the Us secretary of state John Kerry about Australia’s actions and let oficials draw their own conclusions. Natalegawa says he’ll discuss Australia’s policy with other countries as well. Natalegawa said it was “unhelpful” to bilateral relations for Australia to keep pursuing its policy of turning back asylum-seeker boats.

He made the comments after the Australian government said it had entered Indonesian waters without permission while trying to stop asylum seeker boats. Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said his government is committed to continuing the policy of turning back boats, and lifeboats are now being used to send asylum seekers rescued from unseaworthy vessels back to Indonesia. - ABC

Protest over Corby’s parole JAKARTA – More than 100 Is-

lamic hardliners have protested against the Indonesian government’s decision to approve schapelle Corby’s parole from jail, saying she should receive the death penalty. The convicted drug smuggler was released from prison in bali on Monday and has since been holed up in the luxury sentosa seminyak resort. on Friday, a crowd of mostly men from the Islamic Defenders Front and other hardline groups

gathered in the capital Jakarta demanding Corby’s parole be revoked, saying the justice minister “should be ashamed” for green-lighting her freedom. “This person brings marijuana into our country and is freed? That is simply unjust. where are our rights?” senior FPI member Haji Awit Masyhuri said. “she should have been given the death penalty – all drug trafickers should,” he said, adding that the Indonesian government had shown special treat-

ment for Corby because she was Australian. one protester using a megaphone shouted that president susilo bambang Yudhoyono was “bowing down to Australia” by granting Corby a ive-year sentence cut in 2012, paving the way for her eligibility for parole. “Drugs are not our culture. That’s Australia’s culture. In Indonesia drugs means the death penalty – why did we free her?” the protester shouted. - ABC

Winter Games enter second week

CORBY’S TELL-ALL INTERVIEW ON HOLD USA – Schapelle Corby’s tell-all TV interview has been put on hold, with Indonesian authorities reportedly assured by her family she will not speak to media “for the time being”. Three members of the Bali Parole Board visited 36-year-old Corby in her villa at the Sentosa Seminyak resort. Parole oicer Ketut Sukiati told media that Corby’s brother-in-law Wayan Widyartha had assured them she would follow instructions from Indonesian authorities not to do the interview. Ketut also said corby’s family wanted to return to their compound in Kuta but were reluctant to leave because of the large media presence following her every move.

Today’s Daily bread I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Matthew 7:21-29 read: read: Philippians 4:10-20

text: Matthew 7:26 text: Verse 11

a russian band plays in front of the olympic rings during a medal presentation at the Sochi Winter olympic Games which have just ended the irst week of the two-week long competition. AFP

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

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$17,950 rio de Janeiro’s archbishop orani tempesta blesses the restoration work about to start on the statue of Christ the redeemer, atop Corcovado Hill, in rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this week. the statue was damaged in several places, including at its right middle ingertip by lightning on January 16, 2014. AFP RIo De JANeIRo – A team of specialists began working Friday to restore the mountaintop statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, brazil’s most iconic monument, which was damaged last month by a lightning strike. Restoration of the giant statue crowning Corcovado mountain began after Catholic Archbishop orani Tempesta blessed the workers. The Rio Archdiocese, owner

of the statue, entrusted the work to a group of rappelling mountain-climbers to avoid the use of scaffolds, so as not to suspend visits while repairs are underway. The work begun today is expected to take four months and will focus on the hands and head of the statue. Plans also include expanding the area covered by lightning rods and overhauling the m o n u m e n t ’s e l e c t r i c a n d

hydraulic systems. Private irms are helping the archdiocese defray the cost of the repairs, about US$833,000. Christ the Redeemer, elected as one of the seven wonders of the world in a 2007 online poll, was struck by lightning last January that damaged the third inger of the right hand. The statue, created in 1931, is visited every year by some 700,000 tourists. - EFE

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“The goal of the warning quite simply is to give consumers the right to know what are well-established medical impacts from consuming these beverages,” Monning said. “we’re talking about a public health epidemic that will take more lives than gun violence.” Calbev, the California arm of the washington DC-based American beverage Association, noted that the industry already posts calorie counts on the front of many beverage containers as part of its “Clear on Calories” campaign that began in 2010. Also, drink bottles already have detailed ingredient lists and nutritional information. “we agree that obesity is a serious and complex issue,” the group said in a statement, but it called Monning’s bill “misleading” because it said just six per cent of calories in the average American’s diet come from soda, fruit, sports and energy drinks, compared with 11 per cent in

sweets and deserts. Moreover, it said most calories are consumed in the form of fats, oils and starches in food. The group would not put a price tag on complying with the proposed legislation but said the measure would increase the cost of doing business in California. The medical groups backing Monning’s bill countered with their own data, saying sugary drinks are the largest source of added calories in American’s diet in the last three decades. They also said one soda a day boosts an adult’s chances of being overweight by 27 per cent and a child’s by 55 per cent, and it can increase the risk of diabetes by 26 per cent. Monning equated the warning labels to similar efforts to control alcohol and tobacco and dismissed suggestions that the labelling would be another example of “nanny government”. - AP

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sACRAMeNTo – California could become the irst state in the Us to require warning labels on sodas and other sugary drinks under a proposal a state lawmaker announced Thursday. The law would require the warning on the front of all beverage containers with added sweeteners that have 75 or more calories in every 12 ounces. The label would read: “state of California safety warning: Drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.” Democratic senator william Monning, who proposed the bill, said there is overwhelming research showing the link between sugary drinks and those health problems, adding that the wording was developed by a national panel of nutrition and public health experts. The bill has the backing of the California Medical Association and the California Centre for Public Health Advocacy.

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Travel sanctions reviewed australia to announce easing of Fiji travel sanctions within days sUVA – Australia’s Foreign Min-

ister Julie bishop said a review of travel restrictions on members of Fiji’s coup-installed government is under way and will be inished within days. During her visit to the

country, bishop has met with Fiji’s interim prime minister, Frank bainimarama, in the capital, suva, as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact group (MCg), which has been tasked

paciic BRIEFS australia’s fijian voters to reGister FIJI – The Fiji Elections Oice started its campaign to register Fijians living in Australia on Friday to vote in the 2014 General Election in September. The irst registrations took place in Sydney at the Canterbury Fijian Parish Church. In all, ive registration teams from the Elections Oice will be registering potential voters until February 22 at multiple locations across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Fiji’s Information Ministry says the teams will be in Sydney, canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as other major towns and cities across the three states. It says the complete program is available on the Elections Oice website or from the Fiji High Commission in Canberra. Every Fijian over the age of 18 is being encouraged to come forward and is required to produce a valid Fijian passport.

students PaY for daMaGe to school Bus AMERIcAN SAMOA – Nineteen of the 21 high school students who played a role in the stoning of a school bus last year in American Samoa have been ordered to pay the costs of the repairs to the damage. The bus was transporting Tafuna High School students after a volleyball game at Fagaitua when it was stoned with rocks in front of an automotive shop in Aua. The stoning of the school bus last year resulted in the cancelation of school sports competitions, the changing of future sporting games, and a community meeting with school, government and traditional oicials on ways to end violence in school sports. As a condition of their 24 months probation, the students are to between them pay restitution to the Department Of Education to repair the damage caused to the bus, which is estimated at close to $7,000.

concerns for injured PreGnant WoMan NAURU – The Refugee Action coalition in Australia says the government there is being inhumane in sending a pregnant woman back to Nauru after receiving medical treatment for a blow to the stomach. The 31-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, who is 28 weeks pregnant, was brought to Brisbane after being struck in the stomach by a soccer ball. She has been treated and legal action is now underway in an efort to prevent the Australian government from expelling her to Nauru, which the Coalition says has poor medical facilities. Its spokesperson, Ian Rintoul, says it’s a disgrace the government is inlicting unsuitable conditions on a mother to-be. Rintoul says there are at least ive pregnant women in Australian asylum seeker detention camps.

fears foreiGners takinG joBs allaYed AMERIcAN SAMOA – Tri Marine International is to educate the local ishing industry in American Samoa on how to provide high quality tuna for the company’s Samoa Tuna Processing facility. The fresh and frozen facility project is due to open in Pago Pago next month. It will buy fresh ish from local ishing boats, which will see that better quality ish is bought, like sashimi. The ish is then packed and shipped to of-island markets. Tri Marine’s chief operations oicer, Joe Hamby, says local boat owners play a key role in the new operations, and he says a new senior manager will help oversee these operations.

kiriBati Minister forced to resiGn KIRIBATI – The Kiribati minister of labour, Boutu Bateriki, has resigned – a week after he was in court on charges of beating his former wife. The move comes after calls by two MPs for him to step down. Bateriki and his former wife were in court this week but their case was adjourned until February 18. One MP, Patrick Tatireta, says government has supported the family bill to protect children and women from abusive men and the behaviour of the minister undermines the conidence of people in the government.

with monitoring the country’s transition to democracy. The M Cg is in Fiji this weekend to assess the country’s progress towards holding the much-promised free and fair elections in september this year. The team is led by the New Zealand foreign minister, Murray McCully, and includes Bishop, who is making her irst Fiji visit as Australia’s foreign minister. bishop said while Australian travel restrictions remain oficially, they have been substantially eased. “since we became the government, we have issued visas to all those who have applied for them,” bishop said. “In effect, we have agreed to visas for about 56 people including those from ministers and senior oficials.” Australia imposed sanctions after Commodore bainimarama seized power in a military coup in 2006. bishop said her meeting with Fiji’s prime minister is a signiicant step along the way to normalising ties between the two countries. It’s the irst meeting between a senior Australian minister and Commodore bainimarama since 2008. After additional discussions with electoral officers and the attorney general during her visit, Bishop said she’s conident that Fiji will hold its first democratic elections by october and that Australia has offered to provide election observers. bishop said they have canvassed ways in which the two

australia’s foreign minister Julie Bishop and new Zealand’s foreign minister Murray McCully are in Suva this weekend and have both opened the way for easing travel sanctions in discussions with Fiji regime leader Frank Bainimarama. PNC

‘since we became the government, we have issued visas to all those who have applied for them.’ countries could engage in trade, investment, and educational exchanges and discussed possible defence and military connections. New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said New Zealand had also eased travel sanctions in recent months. M c C u l l y, c h a i r m a n o f the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact group, which is the primary vehicle for Pacific nations to engage

with Fiji on elections progress, said the MCg would meet a range of government and nongovernment representatives to get a “broad picture of recent developments.” The M Cg is made up of ministers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New guinea, samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. New Zealand, Australia and the european Union were providing technical and financial assistance for the upcoming elections and considering other ways to assist Fiji’s return to democracy, he said. “New Zealand has progressively eased sanctions as Fiji moves closer to credible elections. “Last year we formally lifted all sporting sanctions and we intend to continue to review sanctions as further progress is made toward free and fair elections,”

McCully said in a statement. Last month, New Zealand allowed a top regime figure, brigadier general Iowane Naivalurua, into the country, but McCully says despite that concession, sanctions on the military remain. New Zealand was among a group of Pacific nations that imposed sanctions on Fiji after the military takeover in 2006. The Fijian government has pledged to hold elections in september. Human rights groups say the Fijian authorities have been violating rights in the run-up to the elections with attempts to limit free speech, the right to protest and targeting of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and political parties to restrict public debate. - ABC

Police boss charged with assault wewAK – A police station com-

mander in Papua New guinea’s east sepik province has been charged with assault of a woman who tried to lay a complaint on behalf of an alleged rapevictim last year. An 18-year old girl claimed she was raped by a group of oficers from Wewak police station

during a raid on her village in early December. The president of the east sepik Council of women says she and two others were beaten by the head of the police station when she went to report the incident a few days later. A police team from Port Moresby was sent to investigate and

the assistant police commissioner Donald Yamasombi says the police station commander was charged yesterday with three counts of assault. “He appeared at the wewak district court and he was allowed out on 2000 kina bail, so he’s now currently out on bail. “At the same time he was

served his suspension and he’s also suspended from active duties for 21 days.” Yamasombi says they expect to lay more charges against the oficer within 21 days. He says the investigation into the alleged rape is continuing. - RNZI

Overhaul of PNG land-lease system PoRT MoResbY – The chief commissioner of Papua New guinea’s land scandal inquiry says a new system of land-leasing is needed to put traditional landowners in charge of agricultural and other development. The Commission of Inquiry found widespread abuse and fraud had resulted in huge ar-

eas of forest being opened up to timber companies with no plans for development beyond clearfelling the land. Many of the leases were issued without consent of landowners, who are still waiting for the PNg government to act on its promise to cancel the lawed special Agricultural and business Leases, or sAbLs.

Chief commissioner John Numapo says a new enforceable, legislative and policy framework is needed. “we have recommended in our report that the current sAbL set-up be done away with entirely,” he said. “we believe any reforms to the law or process may not satisfactorily remove the loopholes

and some of the inadequacies or permissive ambiguities that have currently been used to abuse the sAbL process. “The government should look at setting up a new process that is more user-friendly and the people are comfortable with and they are able to take charge of it.” - ABC

siX Month justice revieWs ‘untenaBle’

Renewed call to defend media freedom

NAURU – A plan by the Nauru government to closely vet the work of the chief justice is an untenable proposition according the last man to hold the post. Geofrey Eames, who cannot enter Nauru after its government revoked his visa last month, says he now accepts that his job has gone. The Nauru government has given cronyism as one reason for his removal, but Eames says this is an insulting and ridiculous claim that has no basis in fact. The government also says the work of the new chief justice would be reviewed by the government every six months. Eames says such a condition would likely mean no one would apply. “The notion that the chief justice will be assessed every six months absolutely destroys any semblance of the independence of the judiciary.”

of the Paciic Islands News Association has appealed to members to uphold the original reason for the formation of the organisation – to defend media freedom. Monica Miller from American samoa says too many media organisations have abandoned PINA and it’s almost like a divorce.

NoUMeA – A former president

she says PI NA no longer enjoys the conidence of many of its former members and questions whether the current leadership is serious about safeguarding media freedom. “Are we doing our duty and will the PINA we pass on to the next generation be one that we can be proud of?” she said. “P I NA’s mandate is enshrined in its constitution and,

unless it is changed, protection of free speech and freedom of expression is in there.” Miller was speaking as part of a panel discussion at the Third Paciic Media Summit in Noumea. Miller led PINA for seven years in the days when it was seen as the major champion of media freedom in the Paciic. she says PINA needs to refo-

cus on its main objectives if it’s to regain wider support. “In divorce there is always the chance for the couple to settle their differences,” she said. “while we don’t want to dwell on the past, we need to look at the causes of the breakup and ix them and make the marriage work again.” - ABC

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

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Fragile castaway pleads for privacy sAN sALVADoR – Castaway

Jose salvador Alvarenga is pleading to the world media to leave him alone. while he has surprised doctors with his good physical condition, they are cautioning that he is psychologically fragile as he recovers from what he has described as more than a year adrift at sea surviving on raw ish, turtles and bird blood. All of the doctors who examined Alvarenga after he returned to his native el salvador said he appears shaken and has asked to be given as much privacy as possible amid an international media furore over his apparent ordeal. “I want to be alone with my family. They should give me time to talk after I have recovered, because right now I’m in no shape to explain anything,” Alvarenga said from his hospital bed in a video shown to the press on wednesday by the ministry of public health. “That’s what I’m asking them, that they leave me in peace, so I can recover, that they don’t bother my family, so I can be well. Nothing more than that.”

Alvarenga underwent a battery of tests after being taken to hospital upon his return home from the Marshall Islands, where he showed up after what he has described as 10,500km journey from Mexico across the Paciic that began when his small ishing boat was thrown off course by bad weather. He told doctors that several large ships came near his small fishing boat but none tried to rescue him, even though sailors on at least one even waved at him. “They passed close by, he asked them for help and they didn’t want to provide it,” said el salvador’s minister of public health, Maria Isabel Rodriguez. “There was one that almost destroyed his little boat because it came so close, but nobody helped him.” Although he was close to despair, “his desire to live was greater, he thought of his family and said that he wanted to live”, Rodriguez said. The medical team that examined Alvarenga at the san Rafael hospital in the salvadoran capital said he was in remarkably good physical health, with no

skin lesions from overexposure to the sun and no cardiovascular or kidney issues. His only physical problem, doctors said, was a case of anaemia. “All of the exams have been basically close to normal. It’s incredible,” Rodriguez said. she and other salvadoran experts who looked at Alvarenga’s results said they had no doubt about the veracity of his tale, which left many sceptical even in the absence of an alternate explanation for his sudden appearance on the Marshall Islands’ ebon atoll. “He challenges ideas about human physiology that we’ve had for a long time, but miracles exist and I don’t think there’s any reason to doubt him,” hospital director Yeerles Ramirez told reporters. Rodriguez said that after Alvarenga arrived at the san salvador airport on Tuesday and saw dozens of waiting reporters, photographers and cameramen, “he quickly fell into a depression and started crying because he’s not ready to talk to the whole world”. Alvarenga, 37, has asked for tortillas and a pupusa, a thick

Castaway Jose alvarenga is comforted by his father ricardo orellana in the San rafael Hospital in San Salvadore where doctors say he is physically well but psychologically fragile. AFP stuffed corn tortilla that is a salvadoran speciality, and he has already eaten a tortilla with cheese, Rodriguez said. The fisherman will remain hospitalised for at least two days while he rests and undergoes a series of exams, among them a test of his kidney function, Ramirez told reporters outside the hospital.

Alvarenga’s story stunned the world when he washed up on ebon almost two weeks ago, appearing robust and barely sunburned after more than a year at sea. The journey back home after a week of rest and medical treatment in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro was marked by long layovers in Honolulu

and Los Angeles, where doctors checked his health and ability to continue the trip. Meanwhile, in his parents’ home village of of garita Palmera, friends and relatives are still waiting patiently to get the party started to celebrate Alvarenga’s homecoming. - AP/PNC

Aid programme needs accountability CANbeRRA– Australian Foreign Minister Julie bishop says the country needs an aid program with a strong culture of accountability. bishop has singled out Australia’s second largest aid recipient Papua New guinea in calling for greater scrutiny of overseas aid. In a speech at the Australian

National University in Canberra, bishop says Australia needs a “more effective and eficient” aid programme. “I take issue with those who focus on quantity not quality,” she said. “There are many examples in domestic policies where billions of dollars have been poured into aid programmes, only to

find that standards have gone backwards. “when we get it right, we can make a real difference, and we can do this by focusing on our region.” There will be new mutual obligations requirements with partner countries so that both parties are held accountable for outcomes, and poor performing

programs will be reviewed - and if appropriate, lose funding. bishop says there are issues across the region for Australian aid funding, but she’s singled out Papua New guinea. “It’s distressing to know that despite the fact that Australia invests about half a billion dollars each and every year into Papua New guinea it will not meet

one of its Millenium Development goals. In fact, it is going backwards,” she said. The Australian government has cut $4.5 billion over four years from the aid budget, but bishop is promising the new approach with trade as its focus will be more effective. “we’ll work with partner governments to build the criti-

cal institutions and the policies that they need to facilitate trade and promote functioning economies,” bishop said. “This is all part of what I call ‘economic diplomacy’. “we are still one of the most generous donor nations in the world. we remain amongst the top 10, per capita.” - ABC

Young people hold the key to social change ALoFI – A young Niuean leader says education and awareness are the keys to change. Inangaro Vakaafi is determined to bring positive change to her community and country. It’s a passion she says was instilled in her at home. “I had two very strong parents with very strong opinions and views. And I have six brothers so they really challenged me and they helped build me into the person that I am today.” A member of the Niue Youth Council and also a board member and vice chair of the Paciic

Youth Council, Vakaafi says some of the issues that impact on women and youth in Niue include sexual and reproductive health and rights, non-communicable diseases, climate change, and domestic violence. she says that when it comes to some issues, particularly sexual diversity and reproductive health and rights, young people tend to be more open minded than their elders. but she believes that education can start to break down those divisions. “I think the key is educating

people. educating people to be more accepting. because the reason that people don’t support certain issues is because they don’t know much about it, and if you don’t know much about it then there’s resistance. “so if we could educate people to be more open minded, accepting and whether or not they come on board that is totally up to them, but we just want to make sure that the voices of the marginalised, those that are discriminated against are put out there. because they’re part of our society.”

Vakaai says gender inequality is another big issue in Niue, and she says that the lack of women in parliament is something that needs to change. “Although we have a lot of women who are now taking up senior positions within government departments, that hasn’t really transferred into the political side of things. “we’ve only got two women parliamentarians. but if you look at the population we make up more than 50 per cent. so you would think that if we really wanted more women in par-

liament we should have more seats.” she urges young people – both female and male – to develop themselves to take up leadership roles in the future. “In order for development of any kind you have to have good leadership. And if you don’t like the leadership that’s there you have to step up to the mark. “but before you do that you have to build yourself. so, for example, working within the community, working within your home, your church groups, being part of a national youth

council.” “we realise that as good as the work we do in our communities, the people who hold the power to make change and make decisions on our behalf are the politicians. And we’re lobbying them now but we also have to look at thinking of ourselves as potential politicians – maybe in the future or now. “but we have to get ourselves into those positions to make the changes for the future that we want.” - ABC

Village theme for Auckland’s Pasiika festival AUCKLAND – Aucklanders can get ready to “island hop till they drop” next month as western springs Park is transformed into 11 Pacific island villages for Pasiika Festival 2014. The event is the biggest celebration of Paciic Island culture and heritage in the world, giving people the chance to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and colours of the Paciic – without even leaving Auckland. Auckland Tourism, events and economic Development (ATeeD) manages the delivery

of the festival with the essential support of representatives from the local Paciic Island communities. ATeeD chief executive brett o’Riley says the event is a coming together of Auckland’s Pacific island communities to celebrate their identity in the largest Paciic city in the world. “For the first time in the festival’s 22-year-history we welcome a new island nation – Hawaii – to the festival family, alongside Aotearoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, sa-

moa, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu,” says o’Riley. “with 1000 performers on 11 stages, 200 food and craft stalls cooking up over 150 different food dishes for two days in one place, Pasiika is set to be a fantastic event.” The ist day of the event, Saturday March 8, will be a day of high energy and bustling markets, he says. As well as main stage performances and incredible island flavours, visitors can see demonstrations, such as tradi-

tional tattooing, and take part in workshops to learn authentic island crafts and customs, including garland making and drumming. workshops will take place in each village at their uniquely

decorated fale – the traditional meeting place in any Paciic island community. Sunday March 9 will start with an interdenominational church service and have a more laid back programme of en-

tertainment including church choral groups – reflecting the values of faith and family that are celebrated throughout Pacific Island communities on a sunday. - Press Release

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

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

the domestic violence prevention team at the Cook Islands Police will receive local advice with an outside perspective when Cook Islander Sergeant Stan nikoro (far right) joins the team. From left are domestic violence co-ordinator Sergeant Pauline rangi, Police Commissioner Maara Tetava, Paciic Prevention of Domestic Violence programme manager Cam Ronald, and head of community relations Senior Sergeant rebecca Hosking-ellis. 14021426

domestic violence mentor Sergeant Stan nikoro and Senior Sergeant Kevin Kneebone at the Family Violence and youth Justice Workshop last week. 14021427

Digicel – what’s New cop the background on the As sPeCULATIoN runs rife about Digicel’s move to buy Telecom Cook Islands, now is a good time to look at the telecommunication company’s background and reputation. Digicel is a mobile phone network provider with 13 million customers in 31 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and oceania. It is owned by billionaire Irishman Denis o'brien, who founded Digicel in 2001 by launching a cellular phone service in Jamaica. His new company lured in 100,000 customers in just 100 days and now has a market share of more than 70 per cent in Jamaica.Digicel’s strategy has been to target newly liberalised telecommunications markets – steering clear of europe, for example - where it has had numerous legal battles with incumbent state operators. It is known for its aggressive marketing approach,

for cutting the cost of mobile phone ownership and rolling out mobile money services. Digicel set up a sister operation in the Pacific Islands in 2006 and has since moved into samoa, Papua New guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu and Fiji. It offers an online top up service and per second billing, which mean mobile call charges are rounded up to the nearest second instead of the nearest minute or 30 seconds. Cook Islands Telecommunication Minister Mark brown told CINews in December that Digicel was looking to buy out Telecom New Zealand’s (TNZ) 60 per cent stake in Telecom Cook Islands (TCI). The company has made two previous attempts to buy TCI, the most recent in 2009 when it was preparing to pay around $20 million for the company’s assets. Digicel said at the time that its decision to withdraw from the negotiations was in-

launch date: markets:

april 2001

31 worldwide 24 in the Caribbean and Central america 6 in the Paciic

Customers:

13 million

employees:

5,500

Retail stores:

over 1000

investment:

over us$ 4.5 billion

luenced in part by the weakening of the New Zealand dollar. outside of telecommunications services, Digicel is known for throwing its considerable inancial weight into the community by sponsoring national sports teams. It recently commenced legal proceedings against the Fiji Rugby Union after the union signed a $40 million sponsorship deal with a consortium led by Vodafone, a Digicel competitor. Digicel believes it has

matched the offer and should be given the sponsorship. The 55-year-old o'brien recently told The Financial Times he is planning a “massive push” this year to expand his business into next-generation mobile and fixed line services. Digicel, which is headquartered in Jamaica and incorporated in bermuda, grew revenues by eight per cent in 2013 to about $2.8 billion. - Ben Chapman-Smith

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

www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday

block in Raro

geTTINg the chance to return

home to paradise eight weeks a year as part of your job doesn’t always come easy, but domestic violence prevention mentor sergeant stan Nikoro will be one of those lucky few. Recently in Rarotonga for an introductory visit and to attend the Family Violence and Youth Justice workshop, the Cook Islander says he is delighted he got the opportunity to work with the Cook Islands police. “It has always been an objective of mine to keep coming back to the Cook Islands,” says the 51-year-old. born in Manihiki, his parents moved to Rarotonga when he was nine months old and spent his schooling days at Rutaki and Papaaroa schools. “Cook Islands Maori is my first language... which is better than my english,” he laughs. After graduating from Tereora College, he left for New Zealand at the age of 18. He has been living and working in Auckland since, doing a wide range of policing duties in the west Manukau areas of otahuhu, Mangere and Papatoetoe. Married for 32 years to wife Angela, together they have three children and one grandchild. Nikoro is funded by the Paciic Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) of the New Zealand police and will be making week-long visits to the Cook Islands, seven to eight times a year. He will be mentor-

ing police and working with the juvenile court in-between policing in Auckland and being a community policing advisor in Timor Leste. He will be bringing 14 years policing experience to the domestic violence team at the police, along with a passion for helping his community. “Cam [Ronald] and the team here have already established the foundations here in the Cook Islands, my role is to continue that and ine tune it,” he said. He will begin his mentoring role in June. PPDVP programme manager Cam Ronald said their team have been working with the domestic violence programme in the Cook Islands for eight years and that staff changes had allowed Nikoro to get the Cook Islands position, where he will be mentoring for the next two years. He said PPDVP provide for local sustainability by sending advisors over the short-term. “we want local people to do it the local way,” he said, “we will be involved with the Cook Islands until at least 2016, when there will be a re-assessment.” Police Commissioner Maara Tetava said he was pleased to have Nikoro on the team, and that he welcomes the move by PPDVP to put him in the role. “we are strong enough now to work on our own, but someone like stan brings an outside perspective,” he said. - MWK

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

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Executive Oicer for Palmerston Arthur Neale. 14021442

Atiu trip changed view of Pa Enua

DoNoR partners should feel more conident in the decisionmaking of outer island governments after a trip to Atiu, says an executive oficer from the Pa enua. Arthur Neale, executive officer for Palmerston, attended the Pa enua forum as part of the Development Partners Meeting in Atiu. The trip to the outer island was part of a week-long trip, which concluded on Friday in Rarotonga. Neale said outer islands governments have taken on more responsibility and decisionmaking power in recent years. “The attitude has been we’re like pigs at the trough. The government’s position now is, the outer islands are going to be the decision makers.” He believes the meeting has helped build relationships between international donors and the outer island governments. “what I hope for the donors is that they can have the conidence in the outer island governments. It’s not how it was in the past, when (decision-making) was from the top down. “The mayors feel they have to play their part. It’s not a case of dependence, it’s developing partnerships. The donors should feel confident, and I came away with that sense, from

the comments of the donors.” Neale said time spent on Atiu was important to “expose donors to the uniqueness of the Pa enua”. “what I hope the partners would have gained is to understand the unique challenges of the Pa enua. we all know the challenges – isolation, transportation, high cost and de-population. but that also presents opportunities, so they would need to be looking outside the norm. “It’s more about the little things – you’re working with small communities, inclusive communities, households. At the same time, they need infrastructure – then you’ll get improvements in, say, transport. And I think government is addressing some of that. “The important thing is, they’re still Cook Islanders – no one should miss out.” He also said it is important for island governments to work together as well as with international partners. “In the past it’s seemed like island governments were working in isolation. we need to be networking among ourselves as well. Palmerston’s problems will be unique, but there are lessons we can learn from other outer islands.” - Briar Douglas

Cyclone Martin book underway THe NewLY formed Cyclone Martin Trust, in conjunction with Cook Islands News, has commissioned a writer to produce about 200 pages chronicling the devastation wrought in the northern group by Tropical Cyclone Martin 17 years ago. The storm, which swept the atolls of Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Pukapuka on November 1, 1997 claimed 19 lives and traumatised hundreds more. Many believe Martin, which had a particularly tragic impact on the island of Manihiki, greatly accelerated outward emigration from the northern group. The book will fall under the subgenre of narrative journalism, and will comprise survivors’ stories, historical snapshots, and an analysis of emergency response efforts. The purpose of the project, articulated by its publishing brief, is to “provide an accurate record of the devastation, and a documentary of the experiences of survivors and (a documentary of) how an isolated tropical island society copes with disaster and changes in the course of future recovery”. “Those who survived still have vivid memories of events during this disaster, events

both tragic, and uplifting,” reads the project description. “It is time for us to bring together these stories, and record them as an important part of the history of Manihiki. For many it will be painful, but we believe it will also be a healing process for most. It is also important these stories be recorded for the sake of our issues, as well as other communities who can beneit from the lessons we learned, particularly when we are all faced with global warming and rising sea levels.” The idea of documenting the response to Cyclone Martin is to shed light on what worked and what didn’t – lessons that become increasingly relevant in a region coping with rising sea levels. The book will be heavily illustrated in colour. Under a joint agreement, it will be published by the Cyclone Martin Trust, Cook Islands News, and its publisher John woods. Cook Islands News’ production supplier PaciicNews will provide artwork and design support. “we don’t want to publish for the purpose of exploiting it or sensationalizing it,” woods said. “we want to do it more as

a social responsibility to document it and to give descendents and other Cook Islanders some real knowledge of how these things happen and how bad they can be.” The Cyclone Martin Trust was formed with the aim of employing a journalist to record Martin’s historical impact on Manihiki in the form of a book. The trust intends to recover its operational costs through book sales, and to earmark all proits, if any, for charitable purposes on Manihiki. Already, the trust has received several donations from businesses associated with Manihiki and the pearl industry to assist with its printing and production costs. Its members will be approaching others to assist in raising further capital to cover the expenses of employing a writer and printing a book. An interim committee comprising pearl farmer and former Manihiki mayor Kora Kora, former Red Cross secretary-general Niki Rattle, and Anna Katoa, among others, will be spearheading the project. Rachel Reeves, who worked for three years as a journalist with Cook Islands News, has

been contracted to complete the research and writing. she returned to Rarotonga this week to undertake the task of speaking with survivors and compiling their stories into a historical narrative. over the coming months she will be interviewing people on Rarotonga, Manihiki and Rakahanga, and in Auckland. “I’m very conscious of the sensitivity surrounding the tragedy,” she said. “I don’t want to force people to talk to me – I just want to give them an opportunity to share their experience. I see this book – and this event – as evidence of the fortitude of the human spirit. This is the ultimate human narrative – a story about people with incredible strength and resilience, and the resolve to overcome trauma and tragedy and to move on with their lives.” The trustees envision launching the book in time for the 17th anniversary of Cyclone Martin in November. Anyone who is willing to talk about Cyclone Martin should not hesitate to email Rachel at rachel.reeves@live.com, ring her on 75894, or ring Niki Rattle on 55598. - RS

anna Katoa, niki rattle, rachel reeves, and John Woods discuss the Cyclone Martin book project. 14021415

on the street

- Staf reporters

The CIP’s Kaota Tuariki is running against the Demo’s James Beer in next week’s murienua by-election. Who’s going to win?

Tuma Mataiti

Koekoe Mokotupu Noo Mataa

I’m pretty sure James beer will win. grey Power are supporting him and they’ll be strong voters. That small donation he made will help.

I hope James beer will win because he seems to be talking sense about taxation and water, which is the most important issue.

Elina Rocka

I believe the CIP will win. I’m for James beer – I They’re sticking to their think it will be him. policy, but it’s not really a good one.

Rakahanga MP Taunga Toka I think James beer is going to win. He has good ideas.

Ngarima George

Tutu Rairoa

Eddie Framhein

I think Kaota will win because the CIP in Murienua is strong. It will be harder for James beer because he is not a community person.

I think James beer is in with a good chance. I think he will be the man to win.

James beer. He’s got the better policy.

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Joint effort cuts youth offending wHeN IT comes to youth offending, the police have been making headway more than the public know. only a small percentage of youth, especially children under 16, end up in the courts. A police presentation at the Family Violence and Youth Justice workshop on wednesday, revealed that the majority of youth are supported and steered from the courts and back into their communities. Facilitated by senior sergeant Kevin Kneebone of the New Zealand Police and presented by senior sergeant Rebecca Hosking-ellis, the presentation informed workshop participants on police policy and practice in relation to youth justice, and how it has been working. According to Hosking-ellis, head of the Police Community Relations Division, the police and the community wanted to help children and young people before they get to the courts and saw that a policy of community diversion initiated in 2011 kept children on the right track, even seeing a decrease in youth crime. “These kids are back at school and a lot of them have found jobs,” she said, “This is something not everybody knew, we knew about it and saw we must

apply it.” Part of the policy was the result of community police training in 2011 by Sergeant Kneebone and sergeant Nga Utanga, a Cook Islander working for the New Zealand police, who helped design and develop diversion processes for at risk youth in the Cook Islands. The crux of that policy involved co-operation between police, community agencies and youth justice stakeholders to meet regularly, visit and work with at risk youth, and allow families who are ready and willing to take responsibility. Constable Matapo Makara gave an example of his work alongside Reverend Ngara Aratangi of the CICC church in the Nikao area, knocking door to door and talking with families of once-troubled youth, and found that within the three years they have been doing so there have been no offences committed in Nikao by those youth. senior sergeant Paraia Vainerere also spoke of the New Zealand Army/Cook Islands Police co-operative blue Light Youth Leadership programme held in November last year, where 27 of the initial 32 young men who went through the intensive boot

camp are either in full employment or back at school. A buzzing atmosphere surrounded the presentation, with commendations for police, a few good ideas and stories being discussed by participants. “I think what the police are doing with their community unit is outstanding,” said Justice of the Peace John Kenning, “I am supposed to be the judge for the children’s court, and I didn’t know.” - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

Senior Sergeant rebecca Hosking-ellis explains police policy and practice in helping at risk youth. 14021401

Hospital work to inish in March

Contractors press ahead with work on the hospital in august last year. 14021443

UPgRADes to Rarotonga Hospital should be completed next month. The buildings have been undergoing major renovations since last year, but are due to be inished by March 21. secretary of Health Liz Iro, in a presentation at the Development Partners Meeting on Friday, said hospital services operating in different areas than normal will soon shift to more permanent places. The upgrade will see some areas of the hospital become much more spacious, including

the waiting room. one area – the “treatment room”’ – that used to hold patients with a wide variety of concerns has been extended to allow patients and their families more privacy. A special ‘grieving room’ for people who lose someone close to them is also part of the refurbishment, as is making the building more accessible for people with disabilities – such as creating parking spaces especially for those with disabilities, and putting handrails next to toilets. - Briar Douglas

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CU R IoUs minds are being sought after for a community course in journalism. The course targets those interested in expressing their views and telling stories about what happens in the world. Tutor emmanuel samoglou, who is the political reporter at Cook Islands News, said journalism is an exciting option for Cook Islanders. “Imagine if you became a professional journalist here. You could work in the Cook Islands, you could work in New Zealand, you could work in Australia – you’ve got a great jumping-off point from here,” he said.

“I ind it a very exciting profession. You get to visit the most exotic places; you get to talk to the most interesting people.” samoglou said no prior knowledge is required for the course. “It’ll be very basic. I’m not looking to provide formal journalism training – I’d just like to whet people’s appetites.” He said people who would make good journalists are those who are “naturally curious, who like turning over rocks – and, in particular, someone who likes telling people what they found”. The course will cover the roots of journalism and how it

came to exist, differences between print, online, radio and television journalism, and the basics of reporting – a good taster of what the profession is like. “I’ll be looking to see people’s thought processes, whether they’re asking the right questions – whether they’re asking all the questions,” said samoglou. To ind out more or enrol in the course, call CITTI on 22628, come by and pick up an enrolment form or email Violet Tisam (violet.tisam@citti.edu.ck) or Amelia borofsky (aborofsky@ gmail.com). - Briar Douglas

Atiu students to get Crocombe funding ATIU sTUDeNTs are about to beneit from the Ron Crocombe scholarship Fund. The Cook Islands Library and Museum society has made its irst distributions from the fund. The fund arose from a bequest made by the late emeritus Professor Ron Crocombe, a well-known expert in politics, governance, history, culture and language in the Paciic. The bequest provides that

interest on the capital in the fund may be distributed annually by the society as trustee for the purpose of furthering the education of Atiu people, particularly those living on the island of Atiu. The society is pleased to announce it has agreed to make, in principle, three distributions to beneiciaries, which include 34 students at enuamanu school in Atiu, for NCeA exam fees, one USP student course fee, and 20

students on a possible job experience expedition to Rarotonga. “we’re pleased that we are able to continue what Professor Ron Crocombe dedicated his life to – namely the education of people in the Pacific, particularly those that are disadvantaged.” said society Patron gwen welland. In accordance with the terms of the bequest, grants will be offered in February each year. - JM for CILAMs

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Avarua names student leaders

new prefects Shalom Kaho, ethan tutai, Maira Kelleher and tiare Kauvai are proud to be role models in avarua School for 2014. 14021438

TweNTY-FoUR students were named as prefects at Avarua school on Friday. The list of 12 boys and 12 girls was read out at a special assembly at the school grounds, which the students were welcomed to with a turou. After receiving their badges, the students’ loved ones congratulated them with piles of ei’s. The prefects for 2014 include brian Akava, Lee Harmon, Andrew Herman, Raitiavatea Herman, Roimata Karika, Kayne Matapo, Dane Newnham, Carlos Tapoki, ethan Tutai, Roimata Vakapora, graham Viking, Terepoto william, Miara Kelleher, Tiare Kauvai, Terahi Thompson, Christina Areai, Isabelle Mana, Teokotai Tupou, Kaiti Tangaroa, shalom Kaho, Helene Johnson, Nicole Marurai, Mavalea Vavia

and Dawn Tokorangi. Deputy Principal Tapita Aiturau said the students were chosen by representatives of the school’s parents, rather than the teachers. each student was interviewed and Aiturau said she looked over the final selection of students. The ceremony also congratulated students who were awarded other leadership roles, including librarians and peace keepers. Librarians include Terii Teuru, Caleb Pokia, Uwiniu Maro, Jallie Takairangi, bourjnev Maeva, Karatiana Aroita, georgette Anthony and Natalia Tuaati. Four students were named as peacekeepers, including Rosabelena Kautai, Puruha emmanuela, Charlie Thompson and Ngametua Ngametua. - Briar Douglas

the prefects were welcomed to the ceremony with a turou. 14021434

Students were given ei’s by their friends and family after receiving their badges. 14021435

St Joseph’s prefects Elijah Hole and Carey Tanga-Winterlood decked out in ei after their special investiture ceremony. 14021424

St Joseph’s Schools prefects damus tomokino, Cherie timoti and Francis terepo are excited to be new school leaders.

14021423

St Joseph’s prefects urged to show strength and wisdom PRAYeRs of strength and wisdom were bestowed on the newly invested st Joseph’s school prefects at a special mass at the Avarua Cathedral yesterday. 16 new prefects and two peace ambassadors were in-

vested as leaders of the school where they vowed to maintain the special character of the school and to help the teachers in their rolls. each prefect was assigned a year class that they will monitor

over the school year. There is no head boy or girl among the prefects who will all equally have the same responsibilities. The new school prefects are Carey Tanga-winterflood,

Avana Hagai, elijah Hole, elizabeth Haurua, Francis Terepo, Unaonga Tiere, Konelio Rea, Maire Henry, Jofido eroni, Anna Marie Henry, Damus Matakino, Akevai Purua, Trina Ahau, Cherri Kado Timoti, Ni-

cholle evangelio and Charlene Akaruru. Two peace ambassadors were also invested during the special ceremony with the responsibility of helping make the school a peaceful and harmonious place

to learn. The two peace ambassadors are Ana Marie Tutai Herman and Kiarn whatarau. whatarau says he is proud to be the schools ambassador and looks forward to a great year. - Matariki Wilson

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

weeKeND

Life in the Pa Enua:

“THe IsLAND that can’t seem to get any respect,” writes Papa Mike Hollywood, in his Cook Islands Handbook. He’s talking about the outer island of Mangaia – nearly as large as Rarotonga, but “... an island that lacks a secure economic basis.” ongoing construction work on the island’s harbour has

highlighted some of its major development challenges, and Helen Henry - a resident and former island secretary - says the decrepit state of much of its machinery is one of the biggest obstacles to providing an improved life for residents. when crews began to carry out work last month on upgrading the harbour infrastructure,

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much of the machinery had to be transported by barge from Rarotonga. “The machinery on Mangaia used by government personnel to deliver services to the people is clearly ancient and in dire need of replacement or major overhaul to say the least,” says Henry, before providing some examples to back up her claims. she says the crane for lifting cargo from barge to shore is situated on a 1998 Hiab truck, with a tree trunk as one of its stabilisers. The Hitachi wheel Loader once used to transport cargo along the quay area to the storage bay caught fire and was burned to a crisp. The TCM Loader - the only remaining piece heavy machinery capable of assisting in cargo movement – is inoperable after blowing its pump by using the incorrect engine oil and through a lack of regular maintenance along with untrained operators. workers don’t have adequate transportation to service the island’s water intakes. Instead, they have to borrow a truck. since the days of Tuaine Tuara – a former island secretary - Henry says many requests have been submitted to various budget committees, cabinet ministers, finance and infrastructure ministries, donors and visiting delegates for funding to replace or purchase new machinery. “No matter how detailed or brilliantly written the submission, it is very dificult to con-

vince decision-makers who sit behind desks in air-conditioned ofices that appropriating funds for much needed machinery is a sound investment to help an island develop,” she said. “They are oblivious of what goes on in the islands and use textbook models to make estimates or theories on what these communities need to survive.” The outspoken island resident points out that the same people writing strategic documents and government policy that aims on “improving the quality of life...”’, are the same ones “ignoring the fact that the Pa enua are actually a part of the Cook Islands.” There aren’t enough people, there’s not enough revenue generated for the Crown, and there is no indication of development – are some of the views of policymakers, says Henry. An additional argument she often hears is that Rarotonga needs more funding because it has more residents. “How will Mangaia ever develop if people continue to focus on these setbacks?” she asks. This week, the Cook Islands hosted its fourth annual Development Partners Meeting, where a number of delegates from the nation’s donor partners heard presentations on topics such as development plans, disaster management, public expenditure reports, and performance in the public sector. Include in the itinerary was a trip to day trip to Atiu, where the international group of delegates were given the opportu-

nity to see the challenges faced by government in improving life in the outer islands. she wasn’t commenting on that meeting in particular, but Henry says these types of minitrips by oficials are often futile exercises. “Delegates visit on a Monday and depart on a wednesday to conduct assessments of all sorts including, what Mangaia needs to grow,” she says. “How can you possibly gather the right information in just two days?” “They drive around the island, talk to a few people, meet with Council and they are off again. You have to live the life to understand its problems.” “It makes me mad to know that in my four to five years of residence on Mangaia, the amount of money spent on visiting delegations to “check out” our needs could have actually resolved some of those needs by now, and still nothing gets better.” when a barge arrived last month in Mangaia loaded with equipment and supplies to be used for the harbour upgrade, bill Doherty of Landholdings Ltd - a project contractor – took time to help island citizens unload cargo from a shipping boat that had recently arrived. “All their gear was sitting on the wharf ... we didn’t mind helping out,” he said, adding the state of disrepair of the island’s equipment was obvious. “It affects their ability to get things done.” Henry said she was grateful for Doherty’s generosity, partic-

ularly because the island’s cargo shed was “battered beyond use” after the 2005 cyclones, and all efforts to have it repaired or rebuilt have failed. “Today, if you don’t turn up to the wharf to collect your cargo, it will sit in the rain as there is nowhere to store it on the harbour area,” she said. Henry and Doherty’s sentiments are echoed by Mangaia Member of Parliament Tetangi Matapo, who says the problems have halted much-needed infrastructure improvements on the island. Matapo said an island plan has been drafted, including plans for upgrades to water infrastructure, road works, and better health facilities. “but there’s no machinery to do the work,” she says, adding the island’s development issues are compounded with nation-wide problems such as depopulation and a shrinking workforce. In a bid to kick-start the local economy, fellow Mangaian MP winton Pickering bought a fleet of heavy machinery for the island in 2006 – part of big plans at the time which included a 12-unit resort and harbour reconstruction. The resort was built, but Henry says bookings are slow these days. “some people may state that his efforts or ventures have failed, but I see beyond that,” she says. “If anything, he paved the way, now all it needs is for the leaders of this nation to take notice of his personal efforts and

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equipment was recently brought on a barge by Landholdings Ltd to complete work on Mangaia’s harbour. the island had little machinery of use to contribute to the project. 14021439

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

weeKeND

Mangaia stagnates Decrepit machinery inhibits progress support it.” “Rarotonga was once like this, and look at it now,” continues Henry. “People lood to Raro because of opportunity.” with the harbour improve-

ment project, Henry has a renewed degree of optimism, saying she can visualise how with improved facilities, other opportunities have the possibility to low.

“Maybe someone will actually pay attention and allow funding for new equipment and machinery, focus more attention on building up the capacity of government workers, privatising some services, so that the community can finally enjoy ‘an improved quality of life...’” - ES she says.

A sign of better times. Mangaia MP Winton Pickering had a leet of heavy machinery to the island in 2006, with the aim of improving infrastructure and developing Mangaia’s potential. the equipment has since become decrepit. 14021441

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mangaia is currently receiving an upgrade to its harbour facilities. resident Helen Henry hopes the infrastructure improvements will usher in a new era of economic development. 14021440

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Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

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

e kaReRe PuaPinga maaTa Teia no ko i Te kavamani o Te kuki aiRani ei tapapaanga no te akakakeanga o te vaT a te ra 1 o aperira, mei te ra 1 o mati, ka kake te moni a te au metua pakari e 25 patene no te nga tuanga mataiti i runga ake i te 60 e te 70 mataiti.

60-69 pension 70+ pension

2013 regular social welfare payments marama mataiti 400 4800 500 6000

2014 regular social welfare payments marama mataiti 500 6000 625 7500

mei te ra 1 o mati, ka riro katoa te moni Pakari a te kuki airani ei moni angaanga te ka tero ia. ei tauturu i te au metua pakari kia koi i te tutakianga tano, e kia kore e Ä ka kaiouanga tero i te openga mataiti, ka anoano ia te au metua e koi nei te moni pakari kia retita i to ratou numero tero (Rmd) ki ko i te Tango Ropianga i mua ake i te ra 20 o Peperuare 2014. me kare aau numero Rmd, ka rauka i te Tango Ropianga i te tauturu iakoe. e mama ua i te rave kare e tutaki. ka kake katoa te au moni akamaruarua a te kavamani e 10 patene mei i te ra1 o mati 2014. inara kare koe e anoano ia kia retita i toou numero Rmd me e papukore kore koe i te meitaki e rauka mai nei no roto i taau moni e koi nei i teia taime e te au tauianga o te moni akamaruarua a te kavamani, komakoma atu ki toou pu angaanga me kare ki toou opita no te tuanga o te ropianga oraanga, me kare e taomi atu i teia i runga i te roro uira www.mfem.gov.ck/tax e taangaanga katoa atu i te calculator no te tero tei akatuera iatu ki te katoatoa kia kite koe i te teroanga o te moni. ka rauka ia koe i te akara eaa ta teia au tauianga ka akatupu ki toou turanga, tei runga i te website: www.mfem.gov.ck/tax tetai calculator ei tauturu ia koe.

Te akamaroiroi ia nei te au metua e koi nei te moni pakari kia aravei i te au opita angaanga o te Tango Ropianga i runga ia Rarotonga me kare aravei atu i te au opita Tango Ropianga i runga i to kotou au enua tatakitai. apai mai i to kotou Passport me kore peapa Ra anauanga (birth certiicate).

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Short term gain, long term pain “IT wAs indeed a sad day for all Cook Islanders when the Minister of Finance decided to tax our local pensioners,” a smoke signaller writes. “I mean, how low can you go? This is plain stupid economics. It’s sad also because Mark brown is courting Digicel to buy the Cook Islands’ 40 per cent share in Telecom Cook Islands. The only reason why he is selling our shares is because government is broke and needs the money; otherwise why sell our national assets to a foreign company? short term gain will be followed by long term pain. This pain will be unbearable when value added tax is increased to 15 per cent. wait for more people closing shop and going overseas.”

ute ‘stuPiditY’ A sMoKe sIgNALLeR texts to 188: “After seeing kids sit-

ting on the edges of the utes/trucks these past few weeks or so, I guess the police and parents don’t care that this is a supposed no-no law wise, or is it?” [ss: It definitely is in New Zealand]. “either way, stupidity reigns when you let your kids sit like this. It doesn’t take much of a jolt for one to fall off and be damaged forever. shame on all of you who let this happen.”

valentine’s heart shocker “IT wAs geNeRoUs of westpac to donate a defibrillation ma-

chine to the Rarotonga sailing Club,” a smoke signaller writes following yesterday afternoon’s dedication at the RsC at Muri of the life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest. “Perhaps they should buy one

to keep at the bank in case a pensioner collapses after finding out his life savings have been grabbed by Mark brown & Co.”

Good eXPosure “weLL DoNe AIR New Zealand for an awesome safety video featur-

ing the Cook Islands,” a smoke signaller texts about the airline’s new video that features Cook Islanders with bikini clad models from sports Illustrated and which coincides with that magazine’s 50th anniversary. “The video is great support for us locally. Carry on with your Kia ora greeting as well around the world.”

Go local “ALL THIs PRess and who is James beer trying to fool?” a smoker

signaller texts to 188. “All of the components in his campaign are not relevant to the Murienua electorate. He is pushing Demo policy on a national government front. I’ve read nothing about what he can do for his voters. one must question his campaign strategy.”

nikao touch ResPoNDINg To THURsDAY’s article ‘Touch rugby start-

ing’ a smoke signaller texts to 188: “Nikao field is only known as Nikao field, so scratch your Tepuka grounds. Thank you very much!” ss: Touch rugby organisers referred to the venue as being the Tepuka grounds and our writer clarified the text to state “…Nikao sports field – also known as the Tepuka grounds.” The touch season kicks off on Monday February 24.

Direct funding the ‘best way’: Brown FINANCe minister Mark brown says direct budget support is the way forward for the nation’s development partners. Direct budget support is an injection of funds into the nation’s budget, giving government a greater say on how those funds are spent, as opposed to development programmes drafted by partners with restrictions, he said. “It gives a tick of assurance in the government’s inancial management systems,” said brown. The Cook Islands and the european Union signed an agreement last week to provide $4 million in direct budget support for a sanitation programme over

a three year period. “It gives assurance to our citizens that funds ... are being managed in a manner that is internationally accepted,” he said. Last week, the Cook Islands hosted its 4th annual Development Partners Meeting, which was attended by delegates from across the region including organisations such as the Asian Development bank and UNesCo. brown said a roundtable meeting with development partners was a great chance to showcase the growth and progress achieved to date. The government was also afforded the opportunity to show the challenges in improving life

in the outer islands during a trip to Atiu. european Union Ambassador to the Cook Islands Andrew Jacobs said travelling to the island allowed him to get a closer look at life in the outer islands and gain insight into development issues such as depopulation, geographical constraints, and high transportation costs. The trip was also an opportunity to see how regional aid support is deployed in the outer islands, which will become useful at an upcoming regional aid programme meeting in suva later this month, he said. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Finance Minister Mark Brown and european union ambassador andrew Jacobs discussing areas of co-operation between the Cook Islands and the european bloc during a meeting last week. 14021119

Brazen spree in Puaikura Continued from page 1 robbed within the same hour. one couple woke to find the robbers had stolen wallets and mobile phones from right beside their bed. “They got up and saw the door open and wind was blowing through the curtain. A wallet was taken from trousers hanging over a chair next to them,” Christy said. The robbers broke into another neighbour’s house by climbing up on the balcony, onto the

second loor. Again, they took valuables from right beside where the female occupant was sleeping. They escaped with money, sunglasses and alcohol, indicating the offenders spent “quite a bit” of time in the house, Christy said. The Anchor’s Rest, an accommodation provider, was also robbed, losing cash, cigarettes and mobile phones. Police arrived and were at the scene until about 2.30am.

Oficers from the Puaikura Station were investigating the four crimes yesterday but no one was available to comment. Christy said the incident has left her worried about the level of crime on the island. “It’s not the safe place we want it to be. It’s scary, I’ve got a nineyear-old daughter and this puts fear into me.” she warned other people to be careful and lock their things away safely in their homes. - Ben Chapman-Smith

don’t sPaM Me A sMoKe sIgNALLeR wRITes: “As just one of the customers with

no choice but to use the Telecom Cook Islands monopoly, I register my displeasure at receiving spam text messages from the said monopoly. bugger off TCI.”

ciGGY fiX A sMoKe sIgNALLeR responds to the Thursday smokie ‘out of puff’ which joked that CITC being out of bic lighters and matches for two weeks has helped stem smoking on the island: “Triad Petrol station at Tutakimoa has lighters and matches.”

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.

digicel knows change coming Continued from page 1 “They are quite comfortable with that,” he said. The legislation has the potential to drastically alter the regulatory environment by allowing competition in what is currently a protective regulatory environment. outlined in the upcoming bill will be a pre-determined fee that an entity wishing to compete in the local industry would have to pay to access the existing network.

brown has indicated Digicel is interested in purchasing Telecom New Zealand’s 60 per cent stake in TCI, and on Thursday, he said the company is also eyeing the government’s 40 per cent stake. The inance minister said the government has no interest in becoming sole owner of TCI and would waive its irst right to pick up TNZ’s stake in TCI, pre-empting any potential acquisition by Digicel. His position has drawn con-

siderable criticism from members of the public with some saying the latest developments provide a lucrative opportunity for local investors and the government. “People have to take the emotion out of it,” said brown, saying the telecommunications industry has been drastically altered over the past decade. “For me, it doesn’t make sense to spend money to own that company.” - Emmanuel Samoglou

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Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

kidsPAge VIRTUES the gifts within

Cleanliness Tu Ma

arorangi Primary School prefects and peace ambassadors jump for joy after their investiture as youth leaders for the school. 14021413

“…In every aspect of life, purity and holiness, cleanliness and refinement, exalt the human condition…” Selected Writings of ‘abdu’l-Baha, pp. 146-147

Top line up at Arorangi

Cleanliness means washing often, and keeping your body clean. Cleanliness can be in your mind as well as your body. a clean mind means that you can concentrate your thoughts on things that are good for you. You can “clean up your act” by deciding to change when you have done something you aren’t proud of or when you have made a mistake.

DIsTINgUIsHeD guests includ-

I am practicing cleanliness when I … • Keep my body fresh and clean • Remember to care for my teeth every day • Get in the habit to of putting my things away • Put only healthful things in my body • Use clean language • Ask the Creator to help me clean up my mistakes. I keep myself fresh and clean. I put my things and my life in order. With God’s help, I am able and willing to clean up any mistake.

virtuescookislands@gmail.com

arorangi Primary School head girl rangina akava with her proud mum tehui Fariu.

14021414

ing Member of Parliament Teariki Heather, Queens Representative Tom Marsters and Puaikura paramount chief Tinomana Tokerau Ariki were among the proud Arorangi community at the village’s school prefect induction ceremony yesterday. Ten Arorangi Primary school students were nominated to be the school’s youth leaders and peace ambassadors for the 2014 school year and will no doubt take inspiration from the leaders that attended the ceremony. The prefect badges were blessed by orometua Tinirau soatini before they were pinned on each of the school leaders. The prefect team will be led by head boy Tuiate Tuariki and head girl Rangina Akava. They will be assisted by deputy

head boy Leonard Varu and deputy head girl Mii Terepita as well as new prefects Henry Mamanu, Ngametua Mataara, Tiamarama Tuivaga, Teuira Tapena, Tini Maruhi, Meran Munro, Teinaki Remuera and Johnny Daniel. The school’s two peace ambassadors are Meilani Payne and Revan Tauaputa. Head girl Rangina Akava has been at Arorangi school for eight year and believes she was chosen to be a school leader because, “I have the mouth to say things.” “I’m proud of myself and look forward to improving the school from attendance to attitude,” says Akava. The confident young leader adds that she is looking forward to the experience of being the head girl of the school for 2014. - Matariki Wilson

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Aged care facility urgently needed NeeD for a dedicated facility for elderly people was highlighted at a meeting with international donors on Friday. Director of Funding and Planning at Rarotonga Hospital Ana silatolu gave a presentation for the Ministry of Health at the final day of the Development Partners Meeting. with no dedicated facility for elderly people in the Cook Islands, she said one area that

needs to be addressed is that some elderly people are residing at the hospital long term. “They are dumped there by families. one of the oldest patients has been living at the hospital for 27 years.” secretary of Health Liz Iro said mental health care – including for elderly patients – requires attention. “we have very limited mental health provision, of care. with the increase in the eld-

erly population and conditions such as dementia, this is becoming quite a challenge. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced in November that it will be launching a feasibility study on whether the Cooks needs an aged care facility and what that facility would be like. Dr Henry Tikaka Henry, director of services at Rarotonga Hospital, said previously that there is no specific geriatric

unit at the hospital and elderly patients are “integrated into the other wards”. He said in November there is a ward for “displaced people, whose families didn’t want to own them”, but that was for adults of any age. That ward will be removed at some point in the future, he said. - Briar Douglas

Secretary of Health Liz Iro. 14021446

Tutorials

Tutorials for Semester 1 begin Monday 18 February, 2013. TUTOR

COURSE CODE

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

accounting aFP01 aFF01 af100 af102 af201 af205 af208

Tairi Herman azia Buksh Farish ali anand naidu Siva Goundar Siva Goundar anand naidu

5.30-6.30pm 5.30-6.30pm 4.30-6.30pm 4.30-6.30pm 4.30-6.30pm 4.30-6.30pm 4.30-6.30pm

computer ISF21 UU100

4.30-5.30pm

mii manuela

4.30-5.30pm

economics eC100 eC101

Sarah Samuel azia Buksh

5.30-6.30pm 5.30-6.30pm

education

upgrading work is rapidly drawing to a close at rarotonga Hospital, but it doesn’t provide for much needed age care facilities, with elderly people being “dumped there by families, with one of the oldest patients having been there for 27 years. 14021444

eD152 eD153

ana andrew ana andrew

eD215

Teina Tearii

eD252 Cee31/ UEP001 Cee32/ UEP002 Cee33/ UEP003

Teina napa

4-5pm 4-5pm 4.30pm5.30pm TBa 3-4pm

ana andrew

3-4pm

ana andrew

3-4pm

english LLP13 LLF11

andrew James

4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm

Geography GeP01 GeF01

5-6pm

Celste BarrettWatson

4.30-5.30pm

history HYP01

Celste BarrettWatson

6-7pm

law

the Weekend crossword LOVE IS IN THE AIR

mG101 mG201 mG206 mG302

1. austerity (11) 5. donkey (3) 8. Soft felt hat (6) 10. Leans back (8) 11. tina turner’s husband (3) 13. Begrudging (9) 14. atmosphere (4) 16. February 14, _ day (10) 19. Climbed (8) 21. Sports stadium (5) 23. See 26 across (4) 25. Slow tempo Latin music (6) 26a & 23a. new CInSF Board Member, _ _(7,4) 27. See 3 down (7)

mG309

4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm

TBa TBa Paul allsworth Liz Ponga

5-6pm 5-6pm 4.15-5.15pm 4.30-5.30pm 5.30pm6.30pm

Paul allsworth

Mathematics maP11 maP12 maP13 maF11 ma101

Teaea Parima Teaea Parima

5pm-6pm 6pm-7pm TBa

Farish ali Farish ali

4.30-5.30pm 5.30-6.30pm

tourism TS106 TS207 TS310 TS311 TS108

DOWN

anSwerS On page 16

4.30-5.30pm martha Henry

Management

ACROSS

2. Lovers (11) 3a & 27a. one closest to you, your _ and _ (7,7) 4. roman god of love (5) 6. Can be partly seen through (15) 7. Spanish rice dish (6) 9. Popeye’s girl (5) 12. Concur (5) 15. Vase (3)

LW110 LW111 LW205

TBa TBa TBa TBa TBa

4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm

core courses 17. Swap (5) 18. Sea bird (4) 19. extent of claim (5) 20. Couch (5) 22. run away together (5)

24. Fester (3)

* maori-english: english-maori

UU200

Satellite Tutorials

Check the campus for times

* All tutorials will be held at the USP Centre * Please ensure you attend all classes or call to advise your tutors for non-attendance. If your course does not appear in the list above, please contact us on 29415 for assistance. USP students in the outer islands – please contact your local USP Co-ordinator or email sheron.subhasni@usp.ac.j for advice on tutorial arrangements and tutor visits.

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

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PUBLIC NOTICES

PRICE ORDER 08/2014 Pursuant to the Control of Prices Act 1966 and the powers delegated to me as provided under section 30 of the said Act, I hereby make the following Order: 1. This Order is cited as Price Order 08/2014 and shall come into efect on the 15th day of February 2014. 2. Maximum wholesale & retail selling prices for LPG sold on Aitutaki shall be at the rate speciied in the schedule below 3. Value Added Tax is included in the prices herein set 4. All previous references in any Price Order as to the selling prices listed in this Order are hereby revoked upon efective dates above 5. The prices herein set are the maximum that may be charged although less may be charged if so desired Given under our hand 14th day of Febraury 2014. Brian Terrence Hagan, Chairman of the Price Tribunal Tatiana Burn, Member of the Price Tribunal.

SCHEDULE OF PRICE ORDER ITEM

RETAIL PRICES AITUTAKI ($NZ)

LPG per kg

4.70

LPG 9kg20lb

42.30

LPG 12kg26lb

56.40

LPG 45kg100lb

211.50

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

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

efective date

February 15 2014

76977

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

To encourage honesty and good citizenship.

PURSUANT to the Control of Prices act 1966 and the powers delegated to me as provided under section 30 of the said act, I hereby make the following Order: 1. This Order is cited as Price Order 07/2014 and shall come into efect on the 15th day of February 2014 for TNM LTD. 2. maximum selling prices for fuel imported into the Aitutaki shall be at a rate speciied in the schedule below. 3. For the Outer Islands, prices established have been reviewed and updated to include freight, wharfage, boating, reeing, drum/container cost, evaporation and cartage costs. 4. Value added Tax is included in the prices herein set. Import Levy is exempt for Outer Islands excluding aitutaki as per exemption Order 03/09/2010.. 5. all previous references in any Price Order as to the selling prices listed in this Order are hereby revoked upon efective dates above. 6. The prices herein set are the maximum that may be charged although less may be charged if so desired. Given under our hand this 14th day of February 2014. Brian Terrence Hagan, Chairman of the Price Tribunal Madeilene Sword, Member of the Price Tribunal.

SCHEDULE OF PRICE ORDER ITEM

WHOLESALE TO Retailers/ Bulk Users

RETAIL PRICES CONSUMERS IN Rarotonga

EFFECTIVE DATE Southern Northern Group Group

PETROL

2.23

2.54

N/A

February 15, 2014

DIESEL

2.21

2.51

N/A

February 15, 2014 76976

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

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

Landowners meeting Wednesday 19 February 2014. Annie’s cafe Internet, Panama at 6pm. Request for Occupation Right on Kaikaveka Section 103E1 by Annie Kingi and Angeline Haurua.

CHURCH NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NGATANGIIA/MATAVERA RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB FUNDRAISING EVENING WITH THE ‘SEA EAGLES’ FAMILY WHEN: Tonight Sat 15 Feb WHERE: Ngatangiia/Matavera club House TIME: 7.30pm onwards BAND: Ru & The Boys THEME: Island wear WHO cAN cOME: Anyone and everyone most welcome ADMISSION: $5 There will be spot prizes to be won and plates of curry on sale 76981 / /2428

Bahai’i Faith? Curious? Watch Baha’i on Air This Sunday at 5pm “Spiritual Unity” A talk with Mona and Alan Walters and/or join us for devotions 10am at the Baha’i Centre, Muri. This week’s theme: cleanliness. Next week: Helpfulness.

A Cook Islands News public service.

It is with regret that we will be closing the gallery ‘The Art Studio’ as of the 28 Feb. We would like to thank all our wonderful customers and supporters from within the community and especially sponsors ANZ, Air NZ, Paciic Resort, CITC liquor and the Bond Store. We have had an amazing ride with you all. Meitaki maata e kia manuia Ian and Kay George. 76803 / /2079

ReCyCle PUBLIC NOTICES

The public is hereby advised that there will be disruption to traic at the roundabout in Avarua on Wednesday 19 February 2014 around 10am to allow the installation of the Te Mato Vai monument beside the oice of the new Zealand High Commission; this work will take approximately 30 minutes. On Thursday 20 november 2014 between the hours of 8am and 12pm, the roundabout in avarua will be closed to allow for the Te mato Vai project launch program. During these hours traic will be diverted in the following areas: 1. Traic travelling from Tupapa village will be diverted to the empire Theatre road 2. Traic travelling from Avatiu/Ruatonga area will be diverted to the energy Centre road The Cook Islands Police will be at each of these areas to assist with the diversion of traic. All enquiries to Daryl rairi, Deputy Project manager, telephone 55064 or email daramide@oyster.net.ck 76992

76979 / /1632

TENDERS Motor Bike for Tender Zongshen 125-15 New October 2013, Black, Excellent condition. For viewing see Wayne at Rarocars or phone 22060. Closing date is 22 February 2014. 76969 / /1902

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

PUBLIC NOTICE TE MATO VAI PROJECT LAUNCH PROGRAM

Sunday 16 February 2014 ‘Many ignore the Bible because that is the only place to ind out the truth about eternal life, hell and damnation’. 8.30am - Church updating news with Intern Tangaroa Uea on Radio Matariki 10.00am - Sunday School for all ages ‘Show Your Faith by your Works’ - James 2:26. 11.00am - Worship - Bishop Tutai Pere BA, Lth. - fellowship luncheon - Alive for Jesus radio ministry with Elder Teiaa Potoru 1.00pm - Hospital Visit 2.30pm - fellowship with fellow inmates 4.00pm - He Motion DVD TV ministry with Bishop T.D.Jakes 7.30pm - Bishop Pere’s Power point teaching Aere mai te katoatoa rava! Everyone most welcome! contact: Bishop Pere 23778/55177 Dial-A-Prayer 26777 Email: tpere@oyster. net.ck

777

76973 /36452 /1931

FOUND Notices are FREE PRICE ORDER 07/2014

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

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

PORTS AUTHORITY (RAROTONGA) PRICE SCHEDULE BY-LAWS 2014 The public are advised that at a special meeting of the Ports Authority Board held at Rarotonga on the 31st day of January 2014 the Board adopted the above bylaws which amend the prices payable by users of the port at Rarotonga. The bylaws have been printed and are open to public inspection (with copies available) during oice hours at the oice of the Board at the Avatiu wharf. The new tarif will take efect on and from 24 February 2014.”

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

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

Peyroux Motor Services Friendly, Local, Professional & Honest Repairs to string trimmers, chainsaws, mowers, marine & stationary engines, Vaimaanga. Phone 52414. 76680 /36062 /1931

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

76938 / /1694

SERVICES FOUNDATION

Ph 22336

animal Clinic

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

22999

preferred

answers to crossword on page 15

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

FOR RENT 5 year old, fully furnished 3 bedroom family home for rent in Turangi Valley, past Bill Kaman’s. Open to view 5 - 7pm this Thursday and Friday. 76957 /36441 /1931

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

FOR SALE

GARAGE SALE

Sharp fridge/freezer 4 sale. Phone 57813.

Garage sale next to new netball court in Avatiu. New & old womens, mens, girls, boys & 2 year old clothings, Sizes 10-16, Household items, kids toys, shoes.etc Phone 70922.

76953 /36438 /1931

18ft aluminium boat, 75hp outboard, trailer, $15,000. 1x trail bike, 650cc, $2500. Phone 76900 mobile. 76930 /36424 /1931

Solar Panels for sale 200 watt, $375 each 2x kilowatt inverter, $1135. Install 2 kilowatt inverter 10x panels $6200. Phone 20527 or 55796. 76908 /36410 /1931

STIHL chainsaw MS, In excellent condition, $900. Phone 26617 or 52412. 76993 / /2270

VEHICLES FOR SALE

76879 /36457 /1762

Saturday 7.30am to 12pm Tupapa Back road of Super Brown, turn right Follow signs Good prices, all sorts. Phone 22410 or 54048. 76971 /36449 /1931

Next to Motor Centre clothes, books, toys Bric a Brac Helmets, coat hangers, clip. 777

SITUATIONS VACANT

DAIHATSU COPEN 600cc Turbo Convertible, manual, 2x seater Sale price $4,600 TOYOTA ESTIMA 2400cc Automatic, 8 seater Sale price $12,000 MITSUBISHI COLT 1.4ltr Hatchback. Auto/air con/electric windows. colour: red Sale price $10,000 MAZDA DEMIO 1.5ltr Hatchback Auto/air con/electric windows. colour: white Sale price $10,000 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

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@paciicapparel.co.ck or call 21060.

Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) FISHERIES OFFICER (Part-time, Mangaia) The MMR has a vacancy for a part time oicer based on Mangaia. Applicants should be familiar with local isheries and able to work closely with traditional leaders, Island council and the ishing community. Qualiications and skills are required. For further information contact Uirangi Bishop on telephone 28730. Please provide a letter of application and cV addressed to the Secretary, PO Box 85, Avarua or by email (rar@mmr.gov.ck). Application closes 4pm on Friday 21 February 2014. 76834 /36412 /1971

76950 /36430 /1931

2011 Daelim Ace Motorcycle Very low kms $2000 ono. Phone 26335 or 50142 for inspection . 76965 /36443 /1931

GARAGE SALE Back road Atupa, house in front of P& D electronics: Lots of clothes, shoes, 2 x wooden cots, wooden change table, linen, sofa bed, mirror & drawer set good for girls room, toys etc etc. 76974 / /2358

WANTED TO BUy

WANTED TO RENT

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

Second hand working washing machine and fridge/freezer, double/queen mattress. Phone 52031.

Wanting to rent long term 2 bedroom house prefer Rutaki, Vaimaanga,Titikaveka. Also wanting to buy late model Diesel 4Wheel double cab Truck. Phone 74767.

76931 / /2284

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

Sales Assistant Bright, articulate, honest person to work in our cIPS image sales team. Interested in photography, printing or electronics will be to your advantage. Numerate and able to handle money with honesty is a must. Call Colin on 55570 for interview. CV and references will be required.

76650 /36283 /1933

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

CULTURAL DANCERS WANTED! Recruitment process has begun for a limited time for male and female dancers who are passionate about our culture. Work in a great environment at Rarotonga’s top entertainment venue and earn a weekly wage doing something you love! Students welcome. Ph 24006 or 55579. 76884 / /2512

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

Has your drinking got out of control? Call 71744

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS Employment Opportunity MINTAFF, invites applications for the position of GENDER PROJECT COORDINATOR, in its Gender and Development Division. Applicants must be self motivated, proactive and have the ability to co-ordinate projects through to completion. A good knowledge and understanding of Gender and Development is preferred. Applications close on Friday 28 February 2014,. Job descriptions available from the Ministry. Please submit a cover letter with curriculum Vitae and references to: Eva Mapu PO Box 98, Rarotonga or email: eva. mapu@cookislands.gov.ck 76995 / /2039

Maintenance person to do work around the house, with sober habit, Send CV to P.o Box 418. 76997 /36459 /1999

76893 / /1969

Grounds man 4 hours per week, mainly weed cutting. Phone 51143

SITUATIONS VACANT INFRASTRUCTURE COOK ISLANDS

76956 / /2643

VACANCY – ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

SITUATIONS VACANT COOK ISLANDS AUDIT OFFICE

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

Small 2 second hand car in good working order and condition. Phone /text Andy on 71972. 76991 /36458 /1931

WANTED TO RENT

777

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

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 56195.

777

76867 / /2171

76885 / /1896

FOR FREE Smelling Test Pure Organic Atiu Vanilla Essence Punanga Nui Market Every Saturdays Ph 50769.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Job Opportunities

76946 / /1741

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.

76868 /36388 /1931

76968 / /1804

76737 /36223 /1931

Mitsubishi Colt Plus 2004, immaculate condition, been on Rarotonga 2 years, $11,500. Phone 52955/56616.

SITUATIONS VACANT

The Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) is seeking qualiied, motivated and experienced individuals for the position of Electrical Inspector. Relevant qualiication and experience in electrical systems, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Renewable energy regulatory and standards is highly desirable. Preference will be given to individuals with a strong understanding of emerging changes in the electrical sector, Solar PV systems, and Power systems in the Outer Islands. applicants must be computer literate and possess very good written and oral communications skills in both english and Cook Islands maori. All Applications must be submitted in conidence with a covering letter, updated CV, evidence of qualiications delivered either by emailing to mac.mokoroa@ici.gov.ck or hard copy inside a sealed envelope addressed to: mr. mac mokoroa Secretary Infrastructure Cook Islands PO Box 102 rarOTOnGa For further queries or copy of the Job description, please contact Diane Charlie-Puna on ph 20321 ext 705 or email diane.puna@ici.gov.ck. application will close 3pm Friday 28 February 2014. 76927

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 position of Communications and Media Coordinator. applicants will be required to: • Develop and manage the Ministry’s annual media programme. • Create and manage content for the Ministry’s Website. • Support compliance with the OIA • Support staf in the development and use of multimedia for professional development and presentations. applicants should have • 2-3 years experience managing communications or media projects. • Knowledge of and operational experience with media hardware and software (Final Cut, Photoshop) including website management • Excellent Communication (oral and written) including report writing, preferably in both CI maori and english • Tertiary qualiication major in the following areas: marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent. a full job description and application pack is available from the ministry website at: www.education.gov.ck Please send completed application forms with CV and references to: Director - Human resources management ministry of education P O Box 97 rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, fax (682) 28357 or email vacancy@ education.gov.ck applications close on Wednesday 26 February 2014. 76909

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Mangaia reef fun wins comp CoNNIe Halligan’s photo Charlle Maeva Mclean enjoying the summer break on the reef in Mangaia playing in the blowhole has won this year’s Cook Islands News Memories of summer Photo Competition. More than 180 images from snap happy readers were received making judging the best photo a dificult task. winners were selected each week during the ive-week competition and the top ive images were lined up side by side and debated over by CI News general manager Tony Fe’ao and deputy editor/photojournalist Matariki wilson.

The merits of each photo was weighed and in the end the beaming face of Charlle Maeva Mclean taking delight playing on the reef in Mangaia stood out. Halligan’s photo was also the week one winning shot with the image of emile John ‘holding up’ motu Taakoka sent in by Paul Lynch was the winning photo in week two. The brilliant photo of Patience Matamaru Councillyna Tanga (Lyna) trying to convince Renee Kimi to take her for a cruise on a hot day by puckering her lips was priceless and won week three of the competition.

The image of Vienna bounsall and samson Ngamata cooling down under the sprinklers sent in by simon bounsall was the standout shot in week four and in week ive – there was a tie. It was difficult to pick be-

tween the image of baby Israel Maoate rolling around in the mud while feeding pigs or Tylani Ataera (7) and soul Ataera (5) with their moray eel catch. All weekly winners will receive a blown up print version

of their image with the ultimate winner taking away the brand new Nikao camera. CI News will contact all winners next week to arrange for your prints and to present the major prize winner with their

new camera. Meitaki maata to everyone that took part in the competition and we encourage you to keep sending images you think are outstanding and newsworthy. -MW

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

Connie Halligan sent in this fantastic photo of Charlle Maeva Mclean enjoying the summer break on the reef in Mangaia playing in the blowhole. this image not only won week one of the competition but also the overall competition for the brand new nikon camera. 14011202

secretary general

valenTines

specials

availableTillWednesday 19 febRuaRy neW insTo Re! beef lamb loin

ChoPs 10kg $112.00ctn $11.50kg RoTi WRaPs 240g

aussie Ribeye

sPeC ial

$20.70kg baCk insTo Re!

$2.50pkt aPPles

$4.50kg

self Raising flouR 500g

duCk bReasT

$49.70kg baCk insTo Re!

$2.20pkt Red gRaPes

sPeC ial

boneless TuRkey

(aPRoX 2kg)

$9.30kg

sPeC

ial fRozen salmon filleT $36.10kg

$19.30ea TomaTo PuRee 400g

$3.50ea sPeC ial

sPeC ial

mushRooms

$22.30kg

oPening houRs

mondays to Thursdays 8am - 5.30pm fridays 8am-6pm saturdays 8am-3pm Check us out on sT JosePh Rd, avaRua. Ph 22259.

sPeC ial

besT foods 48oz

sPeC ial

$15.90ea beeTRooT

sPeC ial

$6.70kg

Wealsodosea/aiRfReighT foR ouTeR islands, so PlaCe youR oRdeRs noW!!!

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

Flight Times | Voyage details FLIGHT

FROM

ARRIVES

DEPARTS

AKL LAX PPT

6.40AM 11.59PM 3.50PM

AKL

5.25PM

AKL AKL

3.10PM 8.15AM

International Flights

NZ60/47 NZ18 VT33

SYD AKL PPT

5.30AM 10.30PM 2.50PM

air Rarotonga

SAturdAy FEBruAry 15

SundAy FEBruAry 16 NZ46/45

AKL

4.10PM

MondAy FEBruAry 17 NZ746/745 AKL NZ19 LAX

2.10PM 7.00AM

RARO TO ARR SAturdAy FEBruAry 15 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 1100 ATIU 1145 SundAy FEBruAry 16 1230 1730

AITUTAKI AITUTAKI

1320 1820

DEP

ARR

0910 1140 1640 1910 1205

RARO RARO RARO RARO RARO

1000 1230 1730 2000 1250

1340 1840

RARO RARO

1420 1930

DEP

ARR

TIARE MOANA 20 - ETD AUCK 04/02, ETA RARO 15/02, ETA AITUTAKI 17/02 OLOMANA 23 - ETD AUCK 15/02, ETA RARO 23/02, ETA AITUTAKI 26/02

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

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at Cook Islands News

Su-Do-Ku MEDIUM

Su-Do-Ku HARD

Crossword

Instructions

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

answer to friday’s puzzle

hÄgaR the horrible

by dik browne

The PhanTom

by lee falk & sy barry

domesTiC violenCe

is neveR ok man uP and geT helP.

A COOk ISlANDS NeWS PUBlIC SeRVICe MeSSAGe

Rotaianga Men’s Support Centre 74687 • Alcoholics Anonymus 71744

Weather Forecast to Midnight

Rarotonga Saturday, February 15, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Saturday

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

SaT High 10.23AM 0.89M 10.39PM 0.94M Situation: a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers lies northeast Low 4.17AM 0.37M 4.36PM 0.38M of the area. It is expected to gradually move southwest and afect the group from Sun High 10.58AM 0.92M 11.15PM 0.95M tomorrow. a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains over Low 4.51AM 0.35M 5.12PM 0.35M northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Today: Cloudy periods with some showers over and east of aitutaki. Fine apart from brief showers elsewhere. Tomorrow: Showers and thunderstorms over most places.moderate northeasterly winds. new Moon First Quarter Full Moon third Quarter moderate seas. Feb 28 Mar 8 Mar 16 Feb 22 Further outlook: Some showers. 10.00PM 3.27AM 7.09AM 7.16AM For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers today. Showers and thunderstorms tomorrow. ArApo - MAitu sat 15 Further outlook: Some showers. tanu (Planting) tautaI (Fishing) For the Northern Cooks: For the northern Cooks: Occasional showers and few tanu i te painapa, Kake te moi. Kupenga i thunderstorms. Isolated heavy falls expected. maniota e tae ua atu te aiai. Fish for moi. net moderate northerly winds.moderate seas. ki te 13 o te po. time ish in evening. Further outlook: Some showers.

0.5m S

1m e

29°

Sun, Moon & arapo

to plant pineapple and maniota right through to the 13th night.

Humidity SaT

Sun

Morning

73%

night

74%

Morning

74%

night

77%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

SaT

Sun

Sun rise

6.30AM 6.30AM

0.5m S

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

1m Se

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Saturday, February 15, 2014 Sun Set

7.16PM

Moon rise 7.09PM Moon Set 7.08AM Sun rise

E 15kts

Sunshine hours

Sun Set

7.16PM

Moon rise 7.46PM Moon Set 7.58AM

Aitutaki

30° E 12kts

Mangaia

28° E 10kts

Mitiaro

27° E 12kts

Atiu

Penrhyn

27° E 12kts

29° E 05kts

Mauke

27° E 12kts

Saturday, February 15, 2014 cook Islands News

volleyball news

tarekareka

sPoRT

— MondaY

Bulldogs to host wild west Bears MAINTAININg their winning

ways will be foremost on the minds of the Titikaveka bulldogs and Arorangi bears when they go head to head in Titikaveka today. The bulldogs just managed to edge out the Takuvaine warriors in their opening game of the season before running down the Aitutaki sharks in week two. The bears edged out the Ngatangiia sea eagles in week one of the season and take to the ield fresh today after a break last weekend. The flying Fijian wingers and formidable forward Lloyd Matapo will be the players to watch out for in the bulldogs outit while the young talented players that dominate the bears

are sure to shine. other games today will be played at the Avatiu swamp where the Avatiu eels matches will take on their cousins from the Happy Valley the Takuvaine warriors. while the eels have won two from two early this season – the warriors are never to be underestimated. -MW

Saturday 15 Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Arorangi Bears at Titikaveka – 3pm-Under

14, Ref-Tutai Taurarii, Touch Judges-Dawn Crummer/Tavake Manuel, 3.50pm-Under 19, RefTangi Taomia, Touch JudgesDawn Crummer/Tutai Taurarii, 5.15pm-Premier, Ref- Arthur emile, Touch Judges-Johnny

Hosking/Tangi Taomia (sub official-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, 3.20pmsnr 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).

Saturday 15 Ngatangiia Sea eagles v Tupapa Panthers at Ngatangiia – 3pm-snr Reserve, Ref-Johnny Hosking, Touch Judges-simiona Teiotu/Taua benioni.

Expect to see barn storming runs at the Titikaveka ield today when the Bulldogs face of against the Bears. 14020906

Successful 20th memorial golf tournament sweLTeRINg conditions and

keen golfers made the 20th Hugh Henry Memorial golf Tournament held on saturday a resounding success. In sweltering hot conditions, a ield of 97 golfers hit the Rarotonga golf Course. A combination of members, business house members, veterans, friends and family enjoyed a fabulous day in memory of Hugh. He was an honorary life member and extremely active golfer in his day. The tournament was not only a tribute to the memory of Hugh, but also in honour of, and a mark of respect to, other amazing golfers and good friends who have since passed away. The Hugh Henry family turned out in force with four sons and a daughter present. The tournament, which has been held continuously since 1995, exceeded all expecta-

tions. The event turned into a marvelous occasion, with dancing, kaikai and prize giving. In spite of the heat and humidity, many players carded good rounds in this stableford tournament. The overall winner with 45 points, on a count-back from John Teiti, was Anabeth Tetauru. These two were followed by Tingika elikana and John sadgrove on 44 points, Lincoln Mail, Taiora Henry and Des eggleton (43), David street, Henry story, Jordin Manuela, Olly Silk, (42), Autino Tairea (41), Cedric Toru, william Howard, Alan Hardie, Takapuna Vaikai, (40), and Pape Aviu, Kris williamson, Haimona browne, Moeroa Matheson, Tania Karati, all on 39 points. Helen Henry reminded the crowd of the generous gesture made by the late sir Howard Morrison.

In March 1994, Sir Howard initiated the irst of many concerts, where he was the guest artist. They were a huge success and raised substantial funds for the Hugh Henry Memorial Trust. Proceeds from these concerts enabled the Trustees to pay tuition fees for a student attending waikato University, a music scholarship to produce a personal CD, and sponsorship of a number of students to attend various Cook Islands Hospitality school courses. Over the last 20 years Hugh’s family has grown in numbers and spread to all corners of the Paciic. However, golf continues to be one of their favourite sports. stuart Henry represented the Cook Islands for many years, especially at the eisenhower Competition held in Canada and his son steven is on a 4 handicap in Australia and Nicholas continues his interest in

the goling world. Therefore, it was not difficult to make the decision as to how the funds remaining in the Trust should be dispersed. with the approval of the trustees John Tierney, John Herrmann and Tupui Ariki Henry, it was decided to mark

this 20th anniversary with a special gift. on behalf of the family, Helen Henry presented a cheque for $15,000 to the Rarotonga golf Club. The Henry family wishes the members and executive of the RGC a successful goling year.

They look forward to ‘teeing off’ again at the Hugh Henry Memorial Tournament in 2015. The executives of the Rarotonga golf Club, the Members, and all the many goling friends wish to thank the Henry Family for their extraordinary gener- NAGA osity.

Local golfers, pictured on tour recently, emerged as some of the top golfers in last weeks Hugh Henry Memorial Golf tournament. 14020621