Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI
$2 Saturday, February 22, 2014
Dengue outbreak declared by MoH A totAl of seven cases of den-
gue fever have now been confirmed in Rarotonga, prompting local health oficials to declare an outbreak of the virus. All cases are confined to Matavera, takuvaine, Atupa, and Ngatangiia. An additional 11 cases are being classiied by oficials as suspicious. “It’s an outbreak now,” said Health Protection Manager tata Vaeau with Community Health Services. officials continue to wait for results on the irst batch of blood samples that were sent to laboratories in tahiti, in order to rule out the zika and chikungunya virus, which are closely related to dengue. According to the health ministry’s laboratory manager, the test results were expected to arrive this week. Vaeau said two factors could be at play in keeping the virus conined to certain areas of the island, including measures by health officials to contain the virus and the belief that infected persons may not be travelling to
other parts of the island. Messages have also been sent to the outer islands to inform them of the situation in Rarotonga, he said. Community Health Services has stepped up its mosquito spraying efforts by using a three-person team to cover a 200-metre radius around the homes of those carrying the virus. A fogging machine – which is designed to spray large areas – and two mist blowers have been employed by health ministry staff, which will be working over the weekend as part of their efforts to halt the outbreak. Vaeau urges anyone experiencing symptoms of dengue – which include high fever over 38°C, headaches, pain in muscles, joints, and behind the eyes, loss of appetite, and a skin rash – to visit a doctor immediately. “Please, if you are sick, don’t travel and please visit a doctor,” he said. “Don’t go to public gatherings and don’t go to work if you have these symptoms.” - Emmanuel Samoglou
It’s champagne time for Beer!
JAMeS VINI BeeR of the Democratic was oficially declared as the winner of this week’s byelection in Murienua. According to inal results announced by the Chief Electoral office, Beer took 216 votes, topping Kaota tuariki of the Cook Islands Party (CIP), who received 208 votes. If not contested – the results will end over two decades of rule by the CIP in Murienua. Wednesday’s by-election – the second in roughly five months for the constituency – recorded a turnout of around 79 per cent, just shy of the 80 per cent from September vote. the win gives the Demo party 10 seats in Parliament, and closes the gap with the governing CIP, which is left with 13 seats. The remaining seat is held by
Victorious James Beer at the time he heard the result of the preliminary count on Wednesday. 14022034 independent Atiu MP Norman George, a Demo member who is currently waiting to be admitted to caucus by party leader
Wilkie Rasmussen. For the victorious Beer, it was his third attempt to win the seat in Murienua.
In 2010, he was edged out by the current Queen’s Representative tom Marsters. His second attempt came last September in a by-election that came about after Marsters resigned to take up his post at Government House. In that contest, tuariki came out on top by a count of 219 to 194, however those results were later petitioned by the Demos, which alleged violations of the electoral Act of 2004 concerning bribery and treating by the CIP campaign. In the current by-election, Beer campaigned on a broad platform including an 8-point Demo tax policy and ideas for economic development, giving the party an opportunity to bring the “big issues” to the electorate. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Kiwi students settle in for Atiu stint
SIx oCCuPAtIoNAl Therapy students from New Zealand arrived in Atiu this week to work on projects previously chosen by the community. the students are in the Cooks for a six-week placement to work with the Atiu Disability Centre and the Atiuan community, and are being accompanied by Donna Smith from Moeau Services, Rarotonga. Occupational Therapy student tori Bensemann said the first week has seen the young women, who are all in their inal year of study at Otago Polytechnic, settle in on the island. “our goal this week was to fully immerse ourselves in island life. As a result, we have developed almost enough knowledge, between us, to fill an encyclopedia,” she said. “Occupational therapy students don’t ind it easy to be idle. Consequently, we have taken all the opportunities possible to explore and experience Atiu. We
have been presented with many different foods, with Wednesday being the mother of all introductions; sour-sop, sugar cane, arrowroot and taro, to name a few.” the students are working closely with Atiu’s disability coordinator Jude Isaia to deliver a variety of projects in the community. The aim is to kick-start the projects, and work with locals so that the programmes can continue after the students return to New Zealand. Bensemann said the students have enjoyed getting to know the people on Atiu and becoming more familiar with the island. “They say that if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. Student life on Atiu epitomizes this. From running behind a truck and picking up coconuts for pigs or walking into the Ana takitaki Caves, our life right now truly is unbelievable. “Next week will introduce us to the school and some poten-
weather
Saturday
OUTLOOK
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tial clients. We will be evaluating and assessing each person so that they can reach their full potential,” she said.
Occupational therapy is a health profession concerned with helping people to participate in the activities of everyday
life. “An occupational therapist is a chameleon,” said Bensemann. “We can take on many different
colours to help a person achieve their goals and gain back their meaning and purpose.” - Briar Douglas
the students visit the ana takitaki caves with local occupational therapist donna Smith (second from right) and guide Marshall Humphreys. 14022101
Monday
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tueSday
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WedneSday
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Creative Centre Tupapa 5.30pm for 6pm Wednesday Ph 55097
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
worldNeWS nuti no teIA NeI Ao Found asleep on the job A sleepy burglar in the UK who dozed off in the house he was raiding has been jailed after the owner returned to ind him sleeping soundly on a bed. The 22-year-old crook was in such a deep slumber his victim had time to call the police, who arrived to arrest him while he was still asleep. The burglar had smashed a window of the house and stolen a TV, a laptop and an Xbox, leaving them outside the house. He then went back inside, climbed into a bed upstairs and drifted of to sleep.
Pact to end the violence
Ukraine leader strikes deal with opposition in bid to end bloodshed KIeV – ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders have signed a deal leading to an early presidential poll before the end of the year. the election is part of an agreement to end the country’s political and civil crisis. the deal provides for a national unity government, electoral reform and constitutional changes reducing the president’s power. the compromise came after hours of talks, mediated by three european union foreign
world BRIeFS HUGE SECURITY FORCE FOR WORLD CUP BRAZIL – Brazil has announced a security boost of around 70,000 oicers to police this year’s football World Cup. In total, 170,000 people are expected to be deployed to guarantee security across the 12 host cities. President Dilma Roussef said the armed forces could also be brought in if needed. Since last June, protesters have staged a number of street marches, with some violent episodes, raising concerns about security at the tournament. “We have a lot of concerns, not so much about protests which are a democratic right, but rather about potential violence. Earlier this month, a cameraman died after being hit by ireworks apparently launched by protesters. We are committed to preventing violence during any protest activity,” a Justice ministry oicial, Andrei Rodrigues, told reporters. An extra 20,000 security stewards will be trained to work inside the 12 stadiums of the tournament, organisers say.
NAZI DEATH CAMP GUARDS ARRESTED GERMANY – Three men aged 88, 92 and 94 have been detained by German authorities on suspicion of being guards at the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. The homes of a number of men were raided in three German states, months after prosecutors investigating Naziera war crimes announced they were recommending charges against 30 people. The three men taken into custody have been sent to a prison hospital. The three men detained all live in the south-western state of Baden-Wuerttemberg and are suspected of involvement in murders that took place between 1942-45. More than 1.1 million people, most of them Jews, were murdered at Auschwitz.
OBAMA MEETS WITH DALAI LAMA USA – US President Barack Obama has met exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at the White House, a move likely to anger China. The two last met in 2011, in talks that China said damaged Sino-US ties. China describes the Dalai Lama as a separatist, while the spiritual leader says he only advocates greater autonomy for Tibet, not independence. Oicials say the US does not support Tibetan independence but is concerned about human rights in China. Tibet is governed as an autonomous region in China. China has been widely accused of repressing political and religious freedoms in Tibet. Beijing rejects this and says economic development has improved Tibetans’ lives. The Dalai Lama led to India in 1959, after Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in Tibet.
ministers. the German and Polish foreign ministers met protest leaders, who later announced that they backed the deal. The agreement, published by the German foreign ministry, includes the following: the 2004 constitution will be restored within 48 hours, and a national unity government will be formed within 10 days. Constitutional reform balancing the powers of president, government and parliament will be started immediately and completed by September. A presidential election will be held after the new constitution is adopted but no later than December 2014, and new electoral laws will be passed. An investigation into recent acts of violence will be conducted under joint monitoring from the authorities, the opposition and the Council of europe. the authorities will not impose a state of emergency and both the authorities and the opposition will refrain from the use of violence. Illegal weapons will be handed over to interior ministry bodies. Shortly after the deal was signed, ukraine’s parliament approved the restoration of the 2004 constitution, with all but one of the 387 MPs present voting in favour. Parliament also approved an amnesty for protesters accused of involvement in violence and voted for the dismissal of Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko. Despite the agreement, isolated outbursts of violence were reported in central Kiev on Friday morning. It remains to be seen whether the deal will be enough to placate more radical elements of the opposition, including many in the west of ukraine, who have been demanding Yanukovych’s resignation. - BBC
an opposition leader Vitali Klitschko and ukraine President Viktor yanukovych shake hands after signing a deal aimed at ending the crisis that has taken the country to the brink of civil war. AFP
Frank books vandalised toKYo – More than 100 copies of Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl have been vandalised in public libraries in Japan’s capital Tokyo, oficials say. Pages have been ripped from at least 265 copies of the diary and other related books, they added. It is not clear who is behind the vandalism. A uS Jewish rights group has called for a police investigation.
Anne Frank’s diary was written during World War two, while the teenager hid from the Nazis in occupied Amsterdam. In the 1950s and the 1960s, there were competitions in which Japanese teenagers had to reflect on the experience of Anne Frank – thousands of teenagers sent submissions. For many Japanese the book forms the basis of their knowledge about the Jewish holo-
caust. But what might have motivated the attacks remains a mystery. Japan has no history of Jewish settlement and no real history of anti-Semitism. the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a global Jewish human rights organisation, said in a statement that it was shocked and concerned by the incidents, and called for the authorities to investigate. - BBC
Thief may have swallowed ring MelBouRNe – Police in Aus-
tralia are keeping an eye on an alleged thief’s “movements” because of the possibility he swallowed a $200,000 diamond after swiping it from a Cairns jewellers. A 29-year-old English backpacker, was nabbed at a Melbourne airport while trying to board a light to New Zealand. It’s alleged he stole the rare pink argyle diamond from a shop in Cairns last weekend. Detective Acting Inspector Kevin Goan says X-rays haven’t
shown if the man is still in possession of the gem. However, police haven’t ruled out the possibility he swallowed the diamond. Asked whether police were keeping a close eye on his movements, Inspector Goan said: “Most deinitely”. He said it appeared the man had planned the theft and that he likely acted alone. It’s alleged the thief used a mountain bike to getaway after he stole the gem. Police used DNA evidence
found on property the man left in Cairns and CtV footage to track him. In an unrelated case in November, police arrested alleged robber David Watts, who was accused of swallowing two diamond rings during a jewellery store heist in Brisbane. A $27,000 ring was put up for auction after being recovered by police, while the other, worth $35,000, was lost after police threw out a bag of waste without searching it while the suspect was in custody. - AP
Retreat of the tractor brigade
SHOCKED WAITRESSES EARN LARGE TIPS USA – Three waitresses at an Illinois restaurant say they could only stare in disbelief when a woman over the weekend handed them each a US$5000 cheque. The owner of the Boone County Family Restaurant in Caledonia said business was slow Saturday when the customer handed cheques totalling $15,000 to his three waitresses. He said the woman told the waitresses to use the money for school and “everything else in life.” One of the waitresses says a last semester to earn her associate degree in criminal justice was too expensive, but she will now return to university.
RARE OWL STOLEN FROM BIRD SANCTUARY USA – A rare owl which could fetch up to US$4000 on the black market has been stolen from a bird sanctuary in central Washington. The Eurasian tawny owl was stolen last week from his perch at the Raptor House sanctuary in Selah, Yakima County. Raptor House founder Shannon Dalan believes the thief speciically targeted the owl as he walked past three native birds in the sanctuary before getting to ‘Sherman’. Sherman has reddish-brown feathers like tree bark and weighs just under a pound. “He’s spent fourteen years in captivity and he doesn’t know how to hunt. He won’t survive in this kind of weather,” Shannon told KIMA-TV. Birds like Sherman can fetch up to $4,000 on the black market.
Today’s Daily Bread How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
Matthew 7:21-29 read: read: John 10:31-42
text: Matthew 7:26 text: Verse 41
A convoy of tractor-riding farmers return to their homes after a threat to descend on Bangkok’s main airport was called of in a rare reprieve for the embattled government after months of opposition street protests. AFP
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Beauty queen killed during protest
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$14,950 a motorcyclist carries wounded Venezuelan beauty pageant contender Genesis Carmona, injured during an anti-government protest in Valencia. the 22-year-old model later died in hospital after sufering a gunshot wound to the head in the protest march. AFP VAleNCIA – A Venezuelan beauty queen was shot to death during an anti-government demonstration as the oil-rich nation descends further into chaos. 22-year-old Genesis Carmona was marching in support of political prisoner and opposition leader leopoldo lopez in Valencia on Tuesday, when she was shot in the head by anonymous assailants on motorcycles. She died Wednesday in the hospital. Carmona, who had been named Miss tourism 2013 for the state of Carabobo, was studying at university when she
joined the protesters. “How long are we going to live like this? How long do we have to tolerate this pressure, with them killing us?’’ a relative told media. She is the latest casualty of the social unrest that has taken over the country after opposition leader lopez called on his supporters to demonstrate against the government on February 12. At least ive people have died as a result of the violent clashes between protesters and riot police. On Tuesday, Lopez, 42, handed himself into the authorities
on Tuesday in the capital of Caracas hoping his ‘unjust’ arrest serves to “wake up” the nation. President Maduro accused lopez of inciting violence as part of a uS-backed coup to topple the socialist government. On Sunday, Maduro ordered the expulsion of three uS embassy oficials. Speaking at the North American leaders’ Summit in Mexico, President Barack obama said the Venezuelan government should stop “making up false accusations” and focus on the “legitimate grievances” of its people. - AFP
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Rape victim convicted KHARtouM – A teenage ethiopian woman who says she was gang-raped in Sudan has been convicted herself of “indecent acts”. The 18-year-old was three months’ pregnant at the time of the alleged attack. She was arrested after an online video of her allegedly being sexually abused was circulated on social media. three men who admitted having sex with the woman and two who distributed the video were reportedly sentenced to being whipped. the three were each sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery, while two got 40 lashes for distributing indecent material. The young woman was sen-
tenced to a one-month jail term but this was suspended because she is pregnant, her lawyer, Samia al-Hashmi, said. She was also ined 5000 Sudanese pounds (US$880). She had also faced charges of adultery and prostitution, which could have led to a penalty of death by stoning, but these were dropped after she convinced the court she was divorced, reports SIHA, a women’s rights group. The campaign group says the woman was house-hunting when she was lured to an empty property and attacked in Omdurman, just across the River Nile from Khartoum. She was found by a police oficer and taken into a local sta-
tion. However, no complaint was iled because it was a public holiday. When the woman later tried to ile a complaint of rape, she was prohibited due to her involvement in the criminal investigation. It says she now faces deportation back to ethiopia as well. the group’s regional director Hala elkarib condemned the conviction, saying it would prevent women from reporting sexual abuse. “the levelling of immigration charges against the victim further denies her protection by the state and protracts the punishment and emotional stress against her whilst she has been subjected to the most brutal of - BBC crimes,” she said.
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalNeWS nuti no te PA eNuA
Castaway denies cannibalism Survivor Jose Alvarenga says he will never go near the sea again SAN SAlVADoR – the Salvadoran fisherman who drifted across the Pacific ocean for more than a year has emphatically denied the question the media have been waiting to ask – had he eaten the body of the
other isherman who set out in the boat with him. His answer to that question, which has been hinted at in many reports sceptical of his story of surviving on ish, birds and turtle blood, was “no”.
paciic BRIEFS DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT PROBABLE VANUATU – There is speculation in Vanuatu that parliament could be dissolved as rival blocs prepare for next week’s vote on a motion of no conidence against the prime minister, Moana Carcasses. Attempts by Carcasses to appoint replacements for three ministers who resigned this week have so far not been successful. Until today, the opposition bloc has maintained its 27 members and Carcasses has the support of 24. A government minister says if the number is unchanged before the planned vote on Monday, the government sees no option but to request the head of state to dissolve the parliament. Opposition sources say if the motion is passed, the new government will try to suspend from the parliament Carcasses, the lands minister, Ralph Regenvanu, the foreign minister, Edward Natapei and the health minister, Serge Vohor .
Jose Salvador Alvarenga, 37, left hospital this week after treatment for the psychological and physical effects of his ordeal, and told reporters he survived because of his faith in God. Alvarenga appeared strong as he left hospital and walked without help, but also seemed disoriented and had trouble speaking. He hugged his mother and father and waved at onlookers outside the emergency room exit and said he would never set sail again. He said he had developed a phobia of the sea. Doctors conirmed he was expressing a real fear of open water. Asked if he would go back to ishing, Alvarenga replied “No. For the moment no”. Alvarenga said he didn’t plan to tell his story and didn’t want to remember the ordeal. The castaway said he had talked to God constantly during his odyssey. “I always had faith that I was
going to survive, asking God every day and every night,” he said. “I never lost faith that one day I would be found.” Asked about the fate of his fishing companion, ezequiel Cordova, 22, Alvarenga said Cordova lived four months in the boat before succumbing to starvation and exposure. Alvarenga has said that he lived on ish, turtles and birds and that Cordova had dificulty eating raw food. Reporters asked if Alvarenga had eaten Cordova to survive, and he answered with an emphatic “No.” “He died of starvation and the sun,” Alvarenga added. He said Cordova’s parents shouldn’t worry for their son because he died praying to God. “the whole time he was asking for forgiveness.” Alvarenga’s story stunned the world when he washed up on a Paciic atoll several weeks ago, seemingly robust and barely sunburned. But he turned out to be swollen, dehydrated and
in pain from the ordeal. He has said he came close to giving up hope of being rescued after several large ships came near his open seven-metre ishing boat but none tried to rescue him, even though sailors on at least one even waved at him. Doctors have been amazed by his physical condition after travelling 12,500 kilometres in a small ishing boat from Mexico to the Marshall Islands. He was believed lost in a storm while ishing off the coast of Mexico. On Tuesday, doctors said he seemed mentally well, though he was now afraid of the sea. “He doesn’t exhibit grave mental disorders like we feared, such as problems with thinking or perceptions,” said a psychiatrist, Dr Fredy Sermeno. Alvarenga underwent a battery of tests at the hospital after being lown to El Salvador. the medical team that examined him at San Rafael Hospital in el Salvador’s 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 was anaemia, doctors said. Salvadoran experts who looked at Alvarenga’s results said they didn’t doubt the veracity of his tale, which left many people sceptical even without any alternate explanation for his appearance on the ebon Atoll. A University of Hawaii study of the prevailing wind and conditions in the Paciic also supported his tale. Alvarenga asked to be given as much privacy as possible amid an international media clamour to get his story. He announced he would travel briefly to his home village of Garita Palmera to see his 14-year-old daughter Fatima, but would not stay long because it was on the coast. He said he couldn’t return there permanently, but said didn’t know where he would go after that. - PNC/sources
BAINIMARAMA’S ‘CAMPAIGN’ CONTINUES FIJI – Fiji’s regime leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has used a speech at a bank launch to ask people not to vote for politicians he says were responsible for the collapse of the National Bank of Fiji in the 1990s. Commodore Bainimarama made the call at the launch of the Home Finance Company Bank, which is a joint venture between the national superannuation fund and the Unit Trust of Fiji. He says the National Bank failed because a greedy elite used it as a personal piggy bank, with both the governments and the Reserve Bank failing in their duties. Bainimarama says the same politicians and hangers-on who were responsible for the scandal now want to be elected in this year’s polls. While not naming them, he accuses them of treating the public as if it was stupid and urges people to call their bluf and “consign them to the dust bin of history”.
BOAT BUILDING DELAY WORRIES ISLANDERS KIRIBATI – The people of Banaba island in Kiribati have expressed their concerns about delays in the completion of a boat being built by the government. The Kiribati Independent reports it has been four years since the project began. The boat, which is big enough to run between Banaba and the capital Tarawa regularly, will help ease problems of food shortages on the island. The boat-building manager of the Betio shipyard says work was suspended at the beginning of the year because they ran out of materials. Tibanga Taratai says they have written a letter to the Ministry of Internal Afairs asking for more materials but they haven’t received a response. The Banaban MP, Timon Aneri, says while work has been suspended he’s hoping funds allocated for this project will be kept aside and not spent on other things. He says the people of Banaba are isolated and they desperately need their own boat.
ISLAND WIRING STANDARDS TO BE CHECKED NIUE – The secretary to the Niue government, Richard Hipa, says the government is waiting for a report before it considers whether to hire an independent inspector to oversee electrical wiring standards on the island. Two young girls were electrocuted last year, resulting in the death of one, which prompted calls for a greater oversight of the quality of electrical work in Niue. The Niue Power Corporation said hiring a qualiied inspector from New Zealand could be a good option to ensure sound practices. The Corporation started an inspection programme of every house on the island in November and Hipa says he’s expecting an update soon. Hipa says the results of the report will help the government decide whether to bring over an inspector and says the government is aware of the importance of having a programme for periodic checks of electricals..
PARIS TO REVIEW ELECTORAL ROLLS NEW CALEDONIA – The French government says it is committed to a transparent process for this May’s provincial elections in New Caledonia amid calls for thousands of voters to be struck of the rolls. The issue has been raised by the president of New Caledonia’s Congress, Roch Wamytan of the pro-independence FLNKS movement in talks in Paris with the French prime minister, JeanMarc Ayrault. Wamytan says Paris will send a team of 10 magistrates to Noumea next week to examine the electoral rolls, which have been restricted to long-term residents in line with a constitutional amendment. Wamytan has demanded that more than 6700 voters be removed while a leading anti-independence politician, Pierre Frogier, says his side has identiied 4000 Kanaks who should equally be struck of.
News from the Paciic region “We’ve got the Paciic covered’
Paciic castaway Jose Salvador Alvarenga is surrounded by his family – his wife Arely Barrera, his daughter Fatima Mabea Alvarenga and his parents Jose ricardo orellana and Maria Julia alvarenga, upon arrival at his home in Garita Palmera, 118km west from San Salvador. AFP
Emotional welcome home GARItA PAlMeRA – the Salvadoran isherman who says he survived 13 months adrift in the Paciic enjoyed an emotional welcome home full of tears, hugs and painful questions about what he would do next. “I am just so happy to be here again with my family,” Jose Alvarenga said, his irst words as he emerged from a car ride from the capital San Salvador to Garita Palmera, a simple beach town of ishermen and small farmers that he once called home. He was accompanied by his parents Ricardo orellana and Maria Julia Alvarenga on the journey home to meet his wife Arely and their young daughter Fatima. “I am overjoyed that my son is here in his home. For me, he has been born again,” beamed
his father, who was wearing a Marshall Islands t-shirt. “If he wants, he can work with me out in the country. Or as a baker, because we have an oven so he could make a fresh start with that.” It was an emotional and an awkward reunion – Alvarenga had not been back to his home town in eight years. When he left for a new life in Mexico his daughter was a small child. Now she is a teenager. Hugging Fatima, now 14, in a tight embrace, Alvarenga admitted he did not even recognise her. “She is just so grown up,” he whispered. Wearing the “Visit Marshall Islands” t-shirt he brought her from the other side of the world, young Fatima was staying close
to the man she, for much of her young life, could not remember well. “I love him so much, I don’t want him to leave again, ever again,” smiled the dark-eyed girl, who has her father’s wavy hair. “I am delighted that he is back,” chimed in his wife, Arely, 36, to a crowd of reporters. the couple separated several years ago when Alvarenga disappeared to Mexico. It was not just a family affair. At least 10 family friends including many who had known Alvarenga as a boy came from miles around to welcome him back, against the longest of odds. Vicente Saavedra, 87, hugged him tightly and sang a song he had written for the castaway.
“I remember how I knew you when you were just a boy. Today you are here with us again, God made it all happen,” crooned the elderly family friend. Alvarenga, who made international headlines with his remarkable story of survival, has cut a frail and disorientated igure in the public limelight. “I don’t know if I am going to live here. But I want to thank everyone for all the support they have given me. I still feel sick and tired,” he mumbled, dressed in a long-sleeved blue and white shirt. For a day at least, after the hugs, laughs and singing, Alvarenga was really back inside the family home that was in his thoughts when lost on the wide blue ocean for months on end. - AFP
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Underage girls for sale racket busted Fiji police claim relatives selling child and teen runaways for sex SuVA – Revelations of a prosti-
tution business involving child and teenage runaway girls has shocked Fiji. In what has been termed as a breakthrough in investigations, Fiji police have uncovered a do-
mestic human traficking racket involving the sale of underaged girls for sex. Confirming this in an interview this week, Fiji Police Force senior investigator at the Human trafficking unit
Corporal Nischal Dass said the girls, aged between 12 and 17 years, were sold by relatives for prices ranging from $80 to $150 (US$42 –US$80) to perpetrators who were mostly older men. “the predominant case that we are on the verge of finalising is a domestic traficking case which involves minors.
Mururoa risks dismissed
And the type of exploitation is sexual exploitation and this has happened here on Viti levu and in one of the Western towns,” Corporal Dass said. He said the girls, who were school dropouts, had run away from their homes and lived with their relatives who arranged clients for them. “these relatives are taking the girls and setting up clients for them for sexual intercourse and they are taking the money,” he claimed. “The girl does not get any part of the money. All she has to do is to eat and live with the relatives and the relatives are living on the earnings of this child. “So the relatives are actually beneiting by selling this child.” He said their investigations revealed that older men paid for sex and younger girls were paid higher amounts.
Dass said the perpetrators were normally people looking for young girls for sex. He said the girls were taken to low cost hotels for a few hours. “there is no timeframe. It has happened in the day time, in the evening, depending on when the client is available to come or when the girl is available. She has no other client, she is sold. “the clients are locals and of the major races in Fiji. They use the girls for two to three hours. They walk in, pay the receptionist for those hours, do their thing and walk out.” He said it took the unit oneand-half years to build a case. Dass said it was the responsibility of parents to keep track of the whereabouts of their children. “They should be aware of which activities children are involved in and parents should
also be aware of what the children possess.” For instance, he said if a child had an iPad, the parents should ask themselves whether they could afford it. He said offences of human trafficking begs a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre executive director Shamima Ali said the indings of the investigations were shocking. Ali said while such things have been happening in the country, the law should come down hard on those involved. She said the centre was aware of such cases and assured that help was available for victims. “It is sad to know of these kinds of incidents. I hope the victims are sent to the right place and to experts for counselling,” she said. - Fiji Times
‘Treasure your marriages’ lABASA – Fiji police chaplain
Isireli Kacimaiwai has offered sound advice by urging police to treasure their marriages. At a brieing in Labasa in the north iof Fiji early this week, ASP Kacimaiwai said it was important for police oficers to maintain their marriages for the sake of their children. “When your marriage works, your children will look up to you
The Joint Commander of Armed Forces in French Polynesia has recently toured Mururoa Atoll and has dismissed the risks of the atoll collapsing and downplayed concerns of radioactivity levels and the health problems of former test site workers. AFP PAPeete – A veterans’ associa-
tion in French Polynesia has criticised a senior army oficial for her apparent lack of concern about the effects of nuclear testing in region. France conducted nearly 200 nuclear tests in French Polynesia between 1966 and 1996. the French government has admitted in the past it’s possible the Mururoa atoll could cave in because it has been sapped by the underground tests. The territory is set to embark on a four-year renovation of infrastructure and facilities on former test sites. the Joint Commander of Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Rear Admiral Anne Cullere, has recently toured the area. She has dismissed the risks of Mururoa atoll collapsing and downplayed concerns of radioactivity levels and the health
problems of former test site workers. Rear Admiral Cullere has also been quoted in local media as saying French Polynesian veterans should be proud of their contribution to France. Roland oldham, the head of French Polynesia’s nuclear tests veterans association Moruroa e Tatou, said he inds her comments shocking and “offensive”. “Especially when they know that Moruroa e tatou, the organisation for the victims has been battling for the past 13 years to get compensation and we hardly get any compensation,” he said. “Rear Admiral Cullere does know that most of the members of our organisation, we are 4500 members, but 85 per cent of our members are sick and have problems – mainly cancer. “those people are former
workers, and when she does the statement like this I think it’s very sad.” Oldham says previous attempts to fix facilities at the sites have failed and locals have little conidence in the upcoming project. “We’ve known for many, many years already that the civilian system is down because most of the cables giving the information about movement of the atoll are old and have broken down,” he said. “I must say that when you look at parts of the atoll, especially the road on the north side of the atoll, the road goes on and then suddenly there is no road. “All these holes now they’ve blocked with cement, and most of these holes now are under the level of the sea, which is another big worry.” - ABC
Flosse scoffs at charges PA P e et e – the president
of French Polynesia, Gaston Flosse, has been charged with abuse of public funds. the charges relate to the town of Pirae paying for the water supply to the Erima neighbourhood, where he and other top politicians live. This comes just a day after his son-in-law and territorial assembly president, Edouard
Fritch, was charged over the same issue. In a statement, Flosse says there has been no hint of any wrongdoing as the water supply was connected with neighbouring Arue that served the French nuclear weapons testing programme. He says furthermore the alleged infractions predate 2001 and are therefore prescribed.
The statement says it is mysterious that the media is summoned at the same time as the president and the matter is raised just weeks before the municipal election. It describes the local newspaper, which reported about Fritch’s case, as the newsletter of the prosecutor’s ofice. - RNZI
and this will have a very positive impact on them,” he said. “They will tell themselves that mum and dad are holding hands in ensuring their marriage will last. “Love your spouses and treasure your families because this is your responsibility,” he said. ASP Kacimaiwai said God was “watching us and he knew our every move”.
“If we do good things, God will reward us accordingly, and if we do bad things, we will reap the rewards. “It’s also important that we put our trust and faith in God so he can lead us every day. “our soldiers survive wars and when questions are asked about their survival, I usually say that it’s the power of prayer.” - Fiji Times
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6
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
letteRS reta
Doing is the thing Dear editor Nick Reeves’ letter dated Feb 14, “Saturate Orange County with ads” was spot on. However, the Cooks is not a well-known destination from any place in the US, especially the West Coast. Cook Island tourism needs to spend some cash and make the destination known. Ads in travel magazines, our
Sunday papers have travel sections that could have ads and articles. or offer a promotion. When I irst went to the Cooks, Air New Zealand gave away a free three-day cruise from LA to Mexico. there is much that can be done, but it should actually be done. Chuck Baran Vancouver, Washington, uSA
‘Big bang’ no answer Dear editor, I disagree strongly with your reported comment from Air Rarotonga MD, ewan Smith that “the reality is that big hotels and development will be needed on the outer islands before they become major tourist
destinations”. Roger Malcolm is right to suggest there is a huge market out there and I see evidence of it every week in the emails I receive through my website inquiring about visiting the outer islands. Most recently, that interest went through
Due Diligence: Personnel Dear editor, the te Mato Vai Master Plan gives us the roadmap to build a good water system, but we have to exercise due diligence in getting the right people for the job. We know that the Chinese will supply the majority of workers for Phase one, the installation of the Ring Mains and that the project is supposed to start very soon. Rumours abound!! “the Chinese are employing criminal labour”, “the Minister has already short cut the immigration process and visas have been issued” – and that “BtIB has intervened and stopped it”. Who knows, or cares what is true! What we need is due diligence in the admission of foreign workers – and we have laws placing that responsibility on BItB and Immigration. let us let them do their job without political interference – and be accountable for it.
Here’s what people think letters to the editor Email: editor@cookislandsnews.com
The ambitious Te mato vai water project may have been launched in ine style but one interested observer anaru in Ruaau has dissected the draft master Plan and posed a number of points that he thinks should be addressed to provide some reassurance to the Cook island public. he is so passionate about the subject and his desire to ensure that everyone fully understands the implications he has personally paid to have his material translated into maori. The last of his ive contributions is published below. With this, and the other Tmv letters on this page, this subject has all but been exhausted in the present phase. The time to see whether the project managers have listened to public concerns will be when the inal master Plan is released. accordingly we will not be publishing any more letters on this subject until that time, but will continue to monitor progress on the news pages. If they do their job properly, we will get the skilled workers we require, and criminals or people who are a potential heath threat will be rejected. An area of concern for me is the lack of detail in the Master Plan on the “who” of the inspection processes. the specifications and inspections required are well documented, but without independent, skilled, coura-
geous inspection/supervisory personnel, the project will fall to graft and corruption. We need independent, unbiased supervisors for the project who will monitor contractors and ensure adherence to the speciications, and who will report out to the public on regular basis – identifying which contractors are up to par, and which are not meeting standards.
We need simple, honest updates on the progress of Phase one and much more real consultation before Phase two moves on much further. there has been too much going on behind closed doors and not nearly enough real public involvement. What do you think? Anaru in Ruaau
the roof when the BBC carried a report on radio, tV and on line about a visit by one of their journalists to Palmerston. I received nearly 400 emails in nine days asking about how people could get there and to other islands they had subsequently learned about. In my opinion, two things are putting those potential visitors off…the logistical challenge arising from the Air Raro timetables and the cost of the airfares. I would agree the outer islands may never become “major tourist attractions”, but the reason I disagree with Mr Smith is that the people I am hearing from are not looking for big hotels and development. Quite the reverse! What appeals to them is an almost intangible magic that they see in the unspoiled nature of the outer islands. I have been
fortunate enough to have visited some of those islands and what made those visits so special were the people and their environment. I felt like I was staying with friends whose generosity of spirit and pride in showing me the beauties of their home island made the absence of development irrelevant. the biggest issue though is that there is next to no information out there about the outer islands (other than my website and Papa Mike Hollywood’s excellent handbook). So, I would urge Mr Smith and the tourism department to stop concentrating on what isn’t there, and look for opportunities to capitalise on and sell what is. John Roberts Website author, www. cookislands.org.uk, england
‘Moemoea Vai’ much more credible alternative Dear editor One of the very smallest public water treatment plants in all of New Zealand is located at Papakura. the operational manual is about 250 pages in length. there are two to three workers at the plant seven days a week. Water quality is tested constantly. te Mato Vai proposes to put 12 (yes twelve) separate water
treatment plants in the hills of Rarotonga. Who exactly is going to service these seven days a week? Who is going to test the water constantly? look around Rarotonga at all the once-new infrastructure and tell us why these water treatment plants are going to be any different. We are very very good at putting infrastructure in place
and very very good at not bothering to maintain it. The only exception is our international airport and the only reason we keep it up is because there is an overseas agency that would shut it down if we failed. It would be more appropriate if we called it Moemoea Vai. Dream on (Name and address supplied)
Akateretere anga tau no te au tangata angaanga Ki te etita, Kua akaari mai te parani maata ote Mato Vai i tetai akaraanga no te maani atu i tetai
ngai maani anga vai meitaki no tatou, inara, ei akapapu atu i teia, kia tau te akateretere anga e te iki anga ite au tangata tau
tikai e te matutu, no te rave atu ite angaanga. Kua kite oki tatou e ka apai mai rai a tinito i tona au tanga-
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
ta angaanga, no te tuanga tai (1) o te parani, note akatuanga ite ngai akamouiai te au tumu paipa, e kare e roa iatu ana kua akamata ia te angaanga. te aere nei te rongo e, ko te au tangata angaanga a te tinito e apai mai nei, e au tangata kua rave ana ite au angaanga kino. Kua tikoti poto ua ra te Minita ite tuanga ote tikaanga tomo mai ki roto ite basileia (Immigration) e kua maani ia te au peapa akatikaanga (Visa) no ratou kia angaanga i konei. Kua tamanamanata e kua tapu ia teia e te BtIB. Koai tei marama, koai oki tei kite atu eaa tikai te tikaanga? Ka anoano ia tetai akateretere anga tau e te tika, no runga ite apai mai anga ite au tangata angaanga mei vao mai, e ture katoa oki tetai no te reira, i raro ite akateretere anga a te BtIB e te Immigration. e vao’o ua ia ratou kia rave i ta ratou angaanga, ma te kore roa e tamanamanata ia e te porotiki, e kia vai rai te au apainga kia ratou. Me akara meitaki ia te tu ote angaanga ka rave ia, ka rauka i reira ite apai mai ite au tangata tau e te tu karape tikai ei rave ite au angaanga, e kia patoi iatu teia au tangata rave kino,
e te tamanamanata i te oraanga tangata. toku manamanata maata, kare e akamarama anga ite au mea rikiriki i roto ite parani maata, no runga ite tuanga akarakara e te raverave anga. Inara, me kare e tika anga tikai ote au tangata tu karape, matutu ite pae akarakara matatio pera kite turanga akatere, ka puapinga kore takiri teia akakoroanga ite au angaanga kino e te orureau. Ka anoano tatou i te akaaere takake e te mako, ei akatanotano ite au pu ote angaanga, mate akapapu kia aru ia tei ikiia, e naai e ripoti putuputu kite iti tangata, ite akakite e, koai te pupu angaanga (contractors) e angaanga meitaki nei, e koai tei kore i aru ite turanga ote angaanga tei oti ite akatika ia. Ka anoano ua tatou i tetai manga akairo tika tikai, no runga ite Tuanga Tai (1), kia maata atu te uriuri tuatua tika tikai kite iti tangata, i mua ake ka neke mamao atu ei te tuanga Rua (2). Kua maata roa te au angaanga na muri ite au ngutupa e kare te iti tangata i akakite ia ana. EAA TOOU MANAKO? Signed: Anaru in Ruaau
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 vivian@cookislandsnews.com Advertising adverts@cookislandsnews.com Oice Manager Tere Joseph tere@cookislandsnews.com Accounts Manager Tangi Tauira tangi@cookislandsnews.com Reception Kura Tauira reception@cookislandsnews.com Oice Staf Apii Tua apii@cookislandsnews.com Graphic Design & Layout Mahai Daniel mahai@cookislandsnews.com Adam Tutuvanu adam@cookislandsnews.com Web Developer Daniel Rolls dan@cookislandsnews.com Print Manager Dan Johnston danj@cookislandsnews.com Printers Dennis Campos, Lai Gukisuva
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Get results then celebrate
‘Safety in Paradise’ was shot in aitutaki late last year and features international supermodels and local personalities. 14020738
Air NZ video launched in Aitutaki AIRNeW ZeAlAND’S glamorous new in-light safety video had its oficial Cook Islands launch at an event in Aitutaki last night. More than 2.5 million people have already viewed the video – featuring scantily-dressed swimsuit models in the Cook Islands - since it went live on Youtube 10 days ago. ‘Safety in Paradise’ was ilmed in Aitutaki late last year and Cook Islands tourism Corporation is hoping it will boost the country’s global proile. Karla eggelton, Director of Sales and Marketing, said the launch presentation at tamanu Beach in Amuri last night was held primarily to thank all the locals involved. “We want to acknowledge the hard work of the Cook Islands people and people of Aitutaki that helped contribute to such a
“MoSt PeoPle celebrate achievements once the results are shown,” writes a smoke signaller. “It seems premature to be celebrating te Mato Vai with monuments, massive kaikai, and a ceremony causing trafic disruption requiring eight police oficers when I still have dirty water trickling out of my taps. Get it right people – do some work, get some results – then you can think about slaughtering 100 pigs and holding street parties to celebrate. It’s all back to front; now there is the risk that this ornate monument that has been erected will stand as a permanent reminder of another of Cook Islands government’s failed schemes. When will we learn? Only in Raro!”
GET ON WITH IT A SMoKe signaller writes: “local water engineers have complained
successful programme.” As well screening the new video on a blow-up screen, Air New Zealand general manager David Bridge shared a few words and showed behind-the-scenes footage and bloopers. A presentation was also given to highlight the level of exposure and results achieved so far from the video. eggelton spoke about how Cook Islands tourism will be leveraging the video in the global market. “We also want to make sure the people of Aitutaki can see future business opportunities for their island,” she said. A similar event will be held at the Paciic Resort in Rarotonga on Monday to acknowledge all those from the island who played a role in producing the video. - Ben Chapman-Smith
for years about the poor state of our old asbestos pipes. My understanding is that 50 per cent is lost through leakage from old pipes. the percentage quoted in tMV meetings was 60-70% loss. Whichever igure is correct, the issue of wastage of a very precious resource through leaky old pipes can be corrected by replacing them as soon as possible. enter the $23 million ring main replacement project courtesy of the China tied soft loan. The fact is the contract has been signed and if government were to renege that can lead to litigation. If so, odds are the government would lose, a la toagate. So let's get on with it. Proposed work at the intakes is to be funded by a $15 million grant by New Zealand. That component may be a window of opportunity for landowners and the community to demand more detail than was presented at the recent round of tMV meetings.”
PAY FOR PUKAPUKA’S SOIL “tHe PuKAPuKA request to be compensated for the taking of their soil is reasonable,” writes a smoke signaller. “that is their motu that will be dug up for public use on a public facility with the airport. After all, we pay for kirikiri and gravel, sand, and soil for roads or landscaping purposes here on Rarotonga. So it is only fair that the same practice should apply to Pukapuka. Besides, it is the law that a person cannot have their property taken without being compensated for the loss. An airport is a public facility and it is up to government to provide an adequate budget, including the purchase of soil, to do the job.”
ETCHED IN STONE “GReAt NeWS!” a smoke signaller writes about the stone commemorating the start of Te Mato Vai project. “They have found the basalt rock to record the collective government’s folly. Please ensure the names of the perpetrators – Heather, Puna, and Brown – are etched in stone so my grand and great grand children will know who they are.”
VAPOUR TRAIL “WHAt’S uP with that vapour trail in Monday’s afternoon sky?” a smoke signaller asks in a text to 188. “Did Henry Puna sell our airspace to the Chinese to test out new ballistic missile equipment? or was it just him zooming on his new jetsetter globetrotter tester bot?”
TAHITI LEAGUE A SMoKe signaller texts: “I noticed two sponsors of two NRl teams during the Auckland Nines league competition. one was the Canberra Raiders sponsored by Huawei, a company that was doing work with telecom Cook Islands long ago. the other, which takes the cake, is the Manly Sea Eagles with Air Tahiti Nui on their backs...seriously? How about Air Raro for a team? This is a huge promo for our airline.”
DRUMMING SUPPORT A SMoKe signaller responds to Monday’s front page article and
photo ‘tamariki drumming up a beat’ which mentioned the group has no support from government: “If they were old enough to vote, maybe they would get some funding!” 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.
Photography course BuDDING photographers can
build their skills with a community course held next month. the course caters for various skill levels – though tutor Melanie Cooper says a basic understanding of a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera will help things along. “the course can be catered to expand your interests or simply explore the many exciting styles of photography as we cover technical aspects, perspectives, framing your ideas and gauging natural light. “the class will be informal, interactive and most importantly about having fun.” Cooper is a wedding, portrait and commercial photographer based in Rarotonga with local and internationally published
work, and has been working in the industry for 20 years. She said she feels fortunate to be able to do work she loves. Cooper, who attended Avatea Primary School as a child and has also lived in New Zealand and Australia, has been based in Rarotonga for the past six years. The $50 photography course is held at the Cook Islands tertiary Training Institute’s Ngatangiia campus on Mondays from March 3 to March 24 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. 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
otago Polytechnic occupational therapy students on atiu wasted no time in getting into the thick of things as they familiarised themselves for their six-week placement doing projects previously chosen by the atiu community. they are seen here on an earlymorning coconut run with teaukura Isaia to feed his pigs. 14022102
ON THE STREET
- Staf reporters
Do we need a full-time aged care facility in Rarotonga?
Goodley Marsters Andrea Rongokea Jodie Thompson We do because I think young people here are busy and not very keen to look after the elderly. I’m from Palmerston and we are very close with our relatives but it’s not always the same here in Rarotonga.
Yes, I deinitely think there should be that option available to take the burden of families. It’s not going to be for everyone but with more and more young people leaving to live overseas, to have that option for the elderly would be good.
Yes I think it’s a good idea. It’s another option if they need more care and the families need help.
Dawn Crummer
Claudia Maaka
Kaine Napa
Vaiana Dance
George George
Absolutely – there’s nothing around and there’s deinitely a need for it. If I won the lotto I’d start one myself.
I think it is a good idea. In NZ, we have little lats for them to live, and they can also do things as a group.
Yes and no. Yes, because a lot of our people are moving overseas. No, because it’s in our culture to take care of our own.
Yes and No. Yes because our pensioners pay tax and that should be used to build a home. No because it’s the families responsibility to take care of their own.
Deinitely – our lifestyle these days have changed and there doesn’t seem to be that same care for the elderly in the next generation.
8
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
BCA Gallery director Ben Bergman with renowned art dealer and gallerist John Gow – a founding partner of Gow Langsford Gallery in Auckland – who was on the island this week to be part of the irst ever catalogue auction at the Taputapuatea gallery on Monday night. 14021807
Patronage keeps galleries going PAtRoNAGe is what keeps
art galleries delivering lively programmes was one of the main messages renowned art dealer John Gow shared as guest speaker at the irst-ever catalogue auction by the local BCA Gallery in Taputapuatea. “Patronage or support is very important for galleries as this helps fulfil lively programmes,” says Gow. Gow, who describes himself as a gallerist, has over 30 years experience in the art business and is impressed with the work the local BCA Gallery carries
out. Gow is a founding partner of Gow Langsford Gallery in Auckland. The gallery has earned a reputation representing prolific contemporary New Zealand artists. His work as a consultant for private and public collections has given him an understanding of the process of selecting and value of art. He has been following the progress and growth of the BCA Gallery and described the local works carried and exhib-
ited by the gallery as lively and impressive. He says the art on auction at the gallery on Monday night, attended by more than 50 art lovers and buyers, was a great cross-section of local art. He adds that anyone can buy art and says there are two important points a buyer should take into consideration when deciding to buy art. “The first thing is to buy what you like – you have to live with it,” says Gow. “Good art keeps on giving. I can’t imagine my life not being
surrounded by art. Whenever I move to a new place – the irst thing I do is hang my art and immediately it feels like home.” Gow says to him, a place without art feels soulless. “Art feeds the soul.’ the other advice Gow has for irst time art buyers is to speak to professionals such as BCA Gallery director Ben Bergman then buy what you like and enjoy discovering new things about it you never saw before. - Matariki Wilson
Marine Park christened as new ‘Marae Moana’
tHe CooK ISlANDS Marine Park has been oficially named ‘Marae Moana’. the announcement was made by Prime Minister Henry Puna yesterday, who is in Aitutaki for a government ministers meeting between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. In late November, Puna launched the search for a uniquely Cook Islands name
with which to brand the Cook Islands Marine Park. “Last year a logo competition produced an incredibly unique logo designed by June Hosking and now we have an equally unique name to complement this logo” said marine park communications advisor Jaewynn McKay. the name – Marae Moana – was one of six entries submit-
ted by Tereora College seventh former Bouchard Solomona. Solomona, who resides in tupapa, will receive $250 cash as the prize for his effort. In total over 140 entries were submitted from around the Cook Islands. “the PM chose that name because it’s simple and straight forward, and captures what the marine park is all about, the sa-
Two months for cyclones CooK ISlANDeRS have so far
had a cyclone-free season but the Meteorological Service says there are still two months left and people should stay prepared. The tropical cyclone season oficially runs from November 1 to the end of April and the only threat to the Cooks has come from Cyclone Ian, which ended up tracking south at a safe distance. Arona Ngari, director of the Cook Islands Met Service, said the sea surface temperature across the central and eastern Paciic has been high in the past six months.
“Although there is a slight decrease of it recently, the trend will be kept throughout the duration of the tropical cyclone months. This would mean that the risk for a tropical cyclone is still there.” High sea surface temperatures are the irst sign of cyclogenesis (forming of cyclones) and are normally a good indication for lifespan of cyclones, he said. Rainfall patterns are still showing a neutral phase of the el-Nino/Southern oscillation (ENSO) phenomena, which suggests below average cyclone activity is likely for the
Cook Islands. “Historical records have proven that February is the most active month for tropical cyclones, thus it will be a relief once February has passed. Regardless, the chaotic status of nature can always have the last say in terms of any incipient cyclone,” Ngari said. To be well-prepared for a cyclone, each home should have a battery radio, good supply of drinking water, canned foods, torches, candles and spare gas bottles. Another precaution is to secure windows and tie down roofs. - BCS
www.cookislandsnews.com
credness of the ocean,” said Puna’s special advisor, trevor Pitt. the winning name together with the logo will be used extensively on products, printed material, clothing, media releases, websites, and pretty much everything associated with the Cook Islands Marine Park. At this stage, the Marine Park will encompass approximately 1.1 million square kilometres of the southern Cook Islands’ exclusive economic Zone. the design of the marine park is still in progress and it is hoped that it will be fully legally designated and zoned by the end of 2015. - ES/Release
CI isheries oficers sharpening their investigative skills FISHeRIeS oficers from across the Pacific have spent the past three weeks sharpening their investigative skills to better detect isheries offences. Cook Islander Rima Manavaikai, from the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), is among those heading home from Fiji this weekend after completing the fifth Pacific Islands Fisheries evidence and Investigation training Course. the training course is designed to build the oficers’ knowledge and expertise to help them do their work more effectively. Manavaikai, a licensing and compliance officer, joined 22 other inspectors, investigators and enforcement officers from all over the region. “The three-week study and training schedule helps them boost management of their national marine resources, identify offences in isheries legislation, grow their understanding of
evidence required for criminal prosecutions, and plan more effective investigations,” said lisa Williams-lahari, Media oficer for the Paciic Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Participants sat through lecture sessions and did follow-up practical exercises to apply their new knowledge in a range of ways. They also participated in boarding and inspections of ishing vessels in Suva Harbour, Williams-lahari said. the final sessions involved simulated court hearings to help the oficers grasp the importance of proper evidence gathering. The course was run by the FFA and held at the University of the South Pacific’s School of Maritime Studies in Suva. one of the trainers was FFA Surveillance Operations Oficer Peter Graham, who used to be the director for policy and legal division at MMR. - BCS
the Marine Park’s logo, adorned with the new name. 14022122
WoF scheme for sewerage touRISM operators are being
encouraged to get a ‘Warrant of Fitness’ for their sanitation systems under a new scheme. the WAtSAN unit of the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will be presenting a WoF scheme to the tourism industry on Tuesday. It is speciic to moderate and high load sanitation systems – typically those used by commercial and tourism establishments. Having a current Warrant of Fitness issued by the Ministry
of Health will be a pre-requisite to attaining accreditation under the tourism Accreditation Scheme. “the Warrant of Fitness Scheme does not introduce any requirements that were not already legislated for,” says WAtSAN Acting Director tekao Herrmann. the WoF scheme is scheduled to come into force in the middle of 2014, in time for this year’s tourism accreditation round. the WoF scheme will be part
of the Waste Management and Sanitation Improvement Initiative, which is funded via the joint Australia and New Zealand aid programmes and is being delivered by WATSAN, working with partners in government and the private sector. All tourism operators are encouraged to attend the meeting on Tuesday February 25 from 5.30pm at the edgewater Resort. - WATSAN/BD
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Cooks, NZ ministerial meeting underway in Aitutaki tHe tHIRD Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is currently underway in Aitutaki. The two-day meeting - described as a retreat-style affair between Ministers from both countries - begun yesterday when oficials lew to the island. on the table for discussion are taxation issues, qualiication criteria for the New Zealand superannuation scheme, the development relationship and a general discussion on the special partnership between the two countries. Oficials will also be discussing opportunities for New Zealand’s involvement in celebrations as part of next year’s 50th anniversary of self-government. Prime Minister Henry Puna, Finance Minister Mark Brown, Health Minister Nandi Glassie, tourism Minister teina Bishop, Finance Secretary Richard Neves, and Director Josh Mitchell with
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration are representing the Cook Islands at the meeting. the New Zealand delegation includes Foreign Minister Murray McCully, Member of Parliament Alfred Ngaro, High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers, Deputy Secretary for International Development Craig Hawke and Paciic Division Manager Andrew Needs – both with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and trade. Deputy NZ High Commissioner Aimee Jephson said the meeting is a chance to reaffirm the positive relationship between the two countries and review strategies for maintaining its close partnership. the last joint ministerial meeting was held in February 2012 in Queenstown. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Desperate tourist turns to Air NZ AN AuStRAlIAN tourist was
so disenchanted with his Muri holiday that he has written an open letter to Air New Zealand Chief executive Chris luxon and copied it into prominent politicians and officials here. What got New South Wales’ Dr Norman Sanders so upset was the smell and flies he said emanated from a battery hen operation right in the middle of Rarotonga’s prime tourist area. His letter said: “I have been impressed by the competence and service of Air New Zealand over the years. When my wife and I noticed a fare reduction for the Cook Islands last year, we decided to give it a try. The flight over was up to the usual standard and we found Rarotonga absolutely delightful. We have become disenchanted with Hawaii and Southeast Asia and thought we had found the perfect vacation destination. “We stayed at Muri, right
on the lagoon, with snorkelling, kayaking and sun baking just outside the door. But then, the wind shifted. Suddenly, we were choking in the stench of manure. With the stench came hordes of flies. From paradise to hell in seconds! “It didn’t take long to find the source: A battery hen farm incredibly sited in the middle of Rarotonga’s prime tourist area! Our hosts told us they had been trying to get it closed down for years, to no avail. No wonder they wanted it out of the area. They and other operators were losing business because of the pollution. the stench even penetrates as far as te Vara Nui, Rarotonga’s spectacular island dance show. We tried burning mosquito coils in our room to mask the smell in order to sleep at night, but the combined stink was totally disgusting. “A Swedish woman we met had been coming to Rarotonga for 10 years over the three
month Stockholm winter. She had booked for the usual three months this year, a prize booking for the resort during the slack tourist time in the Cooks. She got so fed up with the stench that she left after only six weeks and vowed never to return. “This is very bad word-ofmouth publicity in a potentially lucrative market! Your flight bookings are being jeopardised by the present situation. As you are well aware, there are plenty of other tourist destinations chasing the holiday dollar. “The stench is horribly unpleasant, but isn’t the worst hazard of the chicken farm. odour from chicken farms is not caused by a single compound. It is actually the result of a large number of contributing compounds including ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). “Ammonia is the most sig-
nificant component. Elderly people, children, and people with lung diseases, such as asthma or emphysema, may be especially sensitive to ammonia and should avoid exposure. there is certain to be an impact on local residents as well as tourists. “Promote the Cook Islands by all means, but you should include the following when you issue a ticket: Warning! A visit to the Cook Islands may be injurious to your health! “I know that you normally look after your customers very well. Perhaps you could pass along these concerns to Cook Islands tourism officials.” Dr Sanders copied his letter to tourism Minister teina Bishop, opposition leader Wi l k i e R a s m u s s e n , C o o k Islands Tourism Industry Council President Stephen Lyon, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation General Manager Graeme West and the Cook Islands News. - ME
Long journey home for ‘Fred The Raro’ oN tHuRSDAY February 6, 2014 39- year-old Fred Tararo, aka ‘Fred the Raro’, who is of Mauke decent, passed away unexpectedly on his way to set up for the Waitangi Day Bastion Point concert. Fred was a scaffolder working for the Auckland based ‘Kiwi Krew’, a large team of ‘roadies’ who work many public events. After a post mortem to determine cause of death Fred was returned to family on Sunday February 9. What unfolded over the fol-
The late Fred Tararo. 14022010
lowing days was a heartfelt show of respect and grief at the loss of Fred with one minute’s silence being observed at Dolly Parton’s concert and then Thursday over 100 Kiwi Krew members, wearing t-shirts in Fred’s honour, simultaneously downed tools to cry a haka as Fred’s body was driven by at what was to be his next scheduled work venue eminem’s ‘Rapture’ concert. Kiwi Krew also paid for Fred’s seven-year-old daughter Akaroto Grace Tararo to accompany dad home to Mauke.
While farewells ran smoothly at the New Zealand end plans for the journey home proved to be more challenging. With Fred and New Zealand family members booked to arrive in Rarotonga on Sunday, February 16, the plan was to get everyone on Mauke’s regular Monday flight. Air Raro were sorry to inform the family that there would be no light to Mauke until Friday, February 21. They couldn’t guarantee a light any earlier than that, but could make a plane available for charter on Sunday, February 16, to arrive in Mauke after 6pm so as not to disrupt any church services. On Friday, February 7, Mauke’s Tararo family representative tonga tararo informally approached Mayor George Samuela who was leaving for the Atiu forum and explained the need for a Sunday light. The Mayor said he saw no problem with this, but it would be in the hands of the deputy mayor at the following week’s council meeting. To the dismay of the family the council ruled against the
Sunday light without consulting with the local Tararo family and informed Air Raro by email of their decision. Air Raro then informed family in Rarotonga who were organising lights. After receiving a call from the Raro family to say the Sunday light was blocked by Mauke’s council, tonga approached deputy mayor Terepai. Air Raro managing director ewan Smith replied to the council to further explain the situation with plane schedules necessitating a Sunday light. However, the deputy mayor informed tonga the decision against a Sunday flight remained and that Mauke’s Religious Advisory Council (RAC) would not approve the light. At this point in time, tonga says, the RAC hadn’t met. tonga then visited individual RAC members from the CICC, Catholic and SDA churches to explain the situation, as well as Mauke’s MP tai tura who sits as ex-oficio on council, thus having no vote. At the R AC meeting on Thursday February 13, having
read ewan Smith’s letter, the two CICC orometuas and lDS representative voted against the Sunday flight, whilst the Catholic and SDA orometuas approved. The Rarotonga family had previously informally ap proached Head of C I CC Moutaiki and he could see no problem with the Sunday light under these circumstances. With no other course of action tonga handed RAC and council members an open letter expressing the family’s disappointment. In the letter he mentions Sunday flights have been allowed in the past and in fact in recent years the council even allowed commercial work, with a barge being unloaded at the harbour on a Sunday. The family agree with keeping Sunday as a rest day and non-commercial, as this is important for their family also who have a tradition of Sundays being a ‘bring and share kai manga’ family day. However, tonga points out, there are exceptions to every rule. He notes: “We understand the local rule was that Sunday
flights were only acceptable when there is an emergency, such as a sickness or a death. However you look at this, it is a death.” The Tararo family are grateful that once it was obvious a Sunday light was out of the question Air Raro went out of their way to ensure a light for Fred and eight family members on Monday, February 17, and a few hours after arrival Fred was laid to rest in what is to be the irst lawn cemetery on Mauke. The family have agreed to a new look sustainable family burial ground that will be low maintenance, low on resources, using just one wheelbarrow of sand and one bag of cement for the plaque strip, and aesthetically pleasing, in harmony with an environment of gardens and lawn. He says this will reduce the burden of cost as families won’t be pressured to compete with bigger and fancier graves. Everyone will be represented equally and a record system will ensure names of those buried are not lost to future generations. - June Hosking/Mauke
Richard and Shaun are back in Rarotonga for our irst visit of the year Sunday 23 February to Wednesday 5 March Please call us for information on how life insurance can protect your family.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE
Kiwi Krew mates go all out to honour their fallen friend Fred Tararo. 14022009
Call us about your business loan protection. Secure your business for your family in the event of tragedy, Loans, Debts, and Mortgages don’t die when we do! There is a solution. ---------------------Phone now on 77281( Gemma ) or 53221 from Feb 23 to arrange an appointment to see Shaun & Richard
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
WeeKeND
Young brain development part of solution to youth crime u N D e R S tA N D I N G h o w a young brain works is now a serious consideration within youth justice systems the world over. thought-provoking presentations, enthusiastic stakeholder participation and precedent-setting legislation were all a part of the recent Family Violence and Youth Justice Workshop held at uSP; however the most compelling was the description of how young minds work and its relation to tangible results of the work being done by our community to help prevent youth crime. Our own system here in the Cook Islands has undergone a change based on that understanding, and it has already proven to work. Senior Sergeant Kevin Kneebone (NZ Police), community policing advisor to the Cook Islands, presented the research to a wide-eyed audience at the workshop. Why do teenagers take risks and are so impulsive? Why do they ignore their parents but follow their peers? Basically, they just can't help it. the research, originating from the uS, is compiled and used by the Brainwave Trust, a not-for-proit organisation to create awareness amongst the community about the developing human brain. You can learn just how sophisticated your baby’s brain is and the impact love, support and security or arguing, fighting and abuse really have on a developing mind. You can also learn why
our youth act the way they do. the basic findings are that an adolescent brain is not yet fully developed, the frontal lobes – the part of the brain that we use for decent decision making – have been proven to fully mature when we reach our 20s to mid 30s. Research has also found that when emotions are high or when they are around their friends, a young person’s ability to avoid risky behaviour is weakened. We all know what that feels like. According to a paper by New Zealand Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft, a justice system that does not acknowledge these basic facts about our young brains leaves youth isolated and more likely to offend again. “Police-led, communitybased interventions work better than court responses,” he writes. They work because almost all young people who offend are only “desisters” or youth who offend when they are going through their teenage years, but who desist from committing crime by the time they reach their mid-20s. They really are just “going through a phase”. Here in the Cook Islands youth justice processes that understand how youth think and react has been implemented. Currently, interventions are being used by the community relations division (CR D) of the police, together with community agencies like Punanga tauturu, school counsellors,
Youth crime – the facts • 83 cases were laid with the children’s court between 2012-13, compared to 162 in 2011-12 • 20 young people were placed on probation in July 2012 compared to eight in June 2013 • According to Cook Islands law a child can be sentenced to supervision under a community youth officer. If the offence is serious, such as murder, the Children's Court can refer the matter to the High Court where the child is subject to being sentenced just as an adult would be. • The maximum length a child can be placed under supervision with a community youth officer is three years. • The maximum length a child or young person can be sentenced to probation is a minimum of one year and maximum of two. • According to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Act 1968 a child is a boy or girl under the age of 16. A young person is a girl or boy over the age of 16 but under the age of 17. • The minimum age for criminal liability is 10. Rakei toa, Rotaianga Men’s Support Centre, amongst others, and government departments such as the Ministry of Justice and the Gender and Youth division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In their presentation , the head of the CRD, Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hosking-ellis described the processes police use when a child or young person is found to have committed a petty or dishonest crime such as tagging, wilful damage or theft and explained how they must acknowledge a child’s parentage, environment, history, education and anything else that is relevant. Alternative resolution is the next step the CRD are concerned with; the
during discussion Mama teina etches asks that Kevin Iro’s Cook Islands Sports academy is brought back. 14021906
police either give a warning to the youth for minor offending, or divert them. Diversion is the intervention phase of the process; the police, stakeholders, the child or young person and their families, and the victim if they wish, get together and ind ways of resolving the issue without any charges being laid. It is up to those involved to formulate a plan and could involve an apology, reparation or community work or anything the parties agree to. Regular visits to catch up and educate youth and their family to resolve underlying issues is also included. An example of this is the collaborative effort made between families, schools, police and community agencies in dealing with nine youth who were expelled from school for cannabis related offences. None of them had to go through the court system and most of them are back at school. “Alternative resolution is about empowering the family. We let the family deal with
the problem if they can, if they can't we assist,” said Hoskingellis, “we don't have all the answers, all we are here to do is help them.” According to Kneebone alternative resolution is a preferred way of dealing with youth offending , because youth not only become aware of what they are doing, or what their brain is doing, but gain the skills and support to stop doing what they are doing. He said it is important for the community to understand that the police are a component of their community, not owners of it. one great example of effective alternative resolution was given by Constable Matapo Makara, who described his work alongside Reverend Ngara Aratangi of CICC Nikao, going from home to home doing regular visits to help youth that have been in trouble in the Nikao area. “From 2011 to 2013 there has been no crime committed in the Nikao area by those youth,” said Makara. According to police, over the 2011 to 2013 period since this process was implemented there has been a decrease in children and young people committing crime. Annual reports by the Ministry of Justice also show a huge decrease in cases being laid in the children's court. However, Sergeant Kneebone found problems with the inal “last resort” of the youth judicial process that involves the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC), saying that the current system is “broken”. If the matter is serious and it is in the public interest for the child to be charged and dealt with it is referred to the chairperson of the JCPC, if they are available. the committee then meet and decide whether to summon the child to court and charge or punish them, impose restrictions like curfews or dismiss the matter altogether. “In all my years of working
here, I’ve never seen a good result come out of JCPC,” said Kneebone. “this might be the area that needs a lot of tidying up.” In the place of JCPC he suggested the Pasiika Court that was later demonstrated at the workshop. This type of youth court is Pacific-oriented, and incorporates cultural values familiar to us such as prayer, and involves the whole community; village elders, family, community agencies and others. Pasiika of court includes the youth as a part of the solution instead of just the problem. At the end of the presentation participants went wild with discussion and laughter over stories, ideas and suggestions. Kneebone then posed the question “What would the community like the police to do?” the general consensus from participants was that things need to be dealt with differently, that there needs to be a change in the way youth justice is dealt. one participant said there needs to be a programme for school leavers and lamented the loss of Kevin Iro’s Cook Islands Sports Academy. Kevin Iro himself spoke about JCPC and how it is currently being utilised in alternative resolution and intervention. He said he would endorse JCPC if is used this way and works. Another participant said there is not enough preventative work being done especially in the outer islands, and that government ministries need to be involved. “When I came here in 1969 the JCPC was spelled F-A-MI-l-Y,” said Justice of the Peace John Kenning, “and every home had one.” “If we try to replace family responsibility with government organisations it’s never going to be the same,” he said. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia
Brainwave, a not-for-proit organisation spreading awareness about child and adolescent brain development. SOURCE PPDVP WEBSITE 14021903
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
the juvenile crime prevention lowchart shows the process police take when dealing with youth. the sections in white are those that could be replaced by a Pasiika Court. SOURCE COOK ISLANDS POLICE 14021904
Discussion among participants at the Family Violence and Youth Justice Workshop relected the desire for the community to change the way youth justice in the Cook Islands works. 14021125
14021905
Papa Iro rangi talks about his discovery of youth from other villages committing crime in arorangi.
Kevin Iro says the Juvenile Prevention Committee is being utilised as part of youth intervention. 14021902
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
kidsPAGe VIRTUES the gifts within
Helpfulness Tu Tauturu “Do not refuse a kindness to anyone who asks it if it is in your power to perform it,” Proverbs 3:27 Helpfulness is being of service to someone. When you are being helpful you do useful things that make a diference. Helpfulness can be doing something that others cannot do for themselves, things they don’t have time to do, or just little things that make life easier. There are times when you feel helpless. That is a good time to ask God for help and to let others be helpful to you. There is plenty of help if you’re willing to ask. I am practicing helpfulness when I … • Notice when someone needs help • Do a service without being asked • Give people what they need . not always what they want • Listen to someone who needs to talk • Care for my own needs • Ask for help when I need it. I am helpful. I care for myself and others. I look for helpful ways to make a diference.
virtuescookislands@gmail.com
‘Keeping it local’ aim for Apii Potiki Te Uki Ou ASPIRAtIoNS of Apii Potiki te uki ou head teacher Fern Miles of “keeping it local” and to make the school a recognised bilingual centre is being supported by Dr Marg Sellers – a lecturer in early childhood programmes. Dr Sellers was recently on the island where she visited the early childhood centre at Apii te uki ou and was impressed with the school’s vision. She has worked across many areas of early childhood for about 30 years in city and rural settings in Aotearoa in state, private, community and distance learning programs. In the past decade she has worked in teacher education programs at Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua and currently at RMIT. one of her particular interests is with early childhood education programs that honour the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples, supporting these from an academic perspective by bringing research and theory alongside the practical aspirations of teachers. She says Miles’ aim of focusing on the local at Apii Potiki te Uki Ou is an authentic way of optimising children’s wellbeing and their learning spaces where children live and learn with and through the Indigenous Maori cultural heritage through and within their learning. “Becoming a recognised bi-
lingual centre enhance learning opportunities for all the children and their families involved in the centre,” says Dr Sellers “For papa’a students this means extending their learning opportunities through learning a second language – te Reo Maori – and being exposed to Maori cultural understandings or akonoanga.” She says this aligns with the Cook Islands early childhood curriculum statement, which works with the principles of te Reo, akonoanga,
holistic development, family and community, empowerment and relationships and with the integrated strands of involvement, identity, inquiry, communication and contribution. “Fern talks about focusing on the local and Ina Tamarua (of the Ministry of Education) describes it as bringing a strong local lavour to all that happens within the centre.” “Bringing the principles of te Reo and akonoanga to the fore, that is, leading with these two
principles, opens opportunities to gradually ease towards developing Apii Potiki te uki ou into bilingual centre,” says Dr Sellers. She adds that it is about the children and adults together thinking, doing and being things Maori and building partnerships with the parent community towards achieving this ideal. Fern Miles says that Dr Sellers gave the staff exciting ways to claim their “keeping it local” vision in a workable way.
“She is really excited with our vision of keeping it local and involving the parent body to achieve this end,” says Miles. Dr Sellers will keep in touch and continue to support Apii Potiki te uki ou into the future. “My thanks goes to Debi Futter-Puati for introducing us.” there are still spaces available for students at Apii Potiki te uki Ou for kids aged two to ive. the school is open till 2pm and parents can contact the school on 23509 or 23510. - MW
Apii Potiki Te Uki Ou head teacher Fern Miles (far left) Dr Marg Sellers (far right) and children in front of the early childhood centre’s new kikau hut which was created with the help of parents as the school looks to achieving its vision of keeping it local. 14022116
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Partnership emphasised at launch tHIS WeeK saw the official
launch of the te Mato Vai water partnership - the largest infrastructure undertaking in the modern history of the Cook Islands. A number of dignitaries from the Cook Islands, New Zealand and China were present at the morning ceremony, held outdoors beside the ofices of the
New Zealand High Commission. Addresses were made by Prime Minister Henry Puna, New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully, Chinese Ambassador to the Cook Islands Wang lutong, and Finance Minister Mark Brown. Work on the $60 million project is expected to formally commence later next month.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters and NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully in discussion at Thursday’s TMV launch ceremony. (Credit: Xinhua news agency) 14022012
Four protesters were stationed on the north side of roundabout holding a quiet demonstration against the water infrastructure project. 14022023
Protest held at TMV launch effects of chlorine – a potential water treatment method - on the reef environment, and outstanding land issues. “We decided we’re not going to let this happen without a complaint,” she said. Ingram said she has signed a petition currently in circulation that aims to halt the project. As of yesterday afternoon, the petition had garnered 600 signatures according to one of
A SMAll protest against te Mato Vai was held Thursday during the water infrastructure project’s launch event. the demonstration was held on the north side of the main road, across from the ceremonial proceedings. Describing herself as a concerned citizen, protestor Imogen Ingram listed off a number of criticisms of the project, including inancing, potential
its organisers. upon completion of the launch ceremony, the protestors were approached and greeted by Finance Minister Mark Brown, who engaged with them for a brief talk of the project. A short exchange between Brown and Ingram included debate on various elements of te Mato Vai’s project scope and potential land issues at intake sites. - ES
on saturday evening join us for our fabulous
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Complimentar y Transfers provided from any where on the island.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TE MATO VAI PROJECT DETAILED DESIGNS The Project Management Unit (PMU) for the Te Mato Vai project invites Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualiied and experienced parties for the purpose of the development of detailed designs for Stage 2 of the Te Mato Vai on the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The EOI documents will be available from the PMU oice at the Infrastructure Cook Islands Compound, Arorangi or downloaded from the WATSAN website http:// watsan.gov.ck/water-partnership and the Paciic Water and Wastes Association website http://www.pwwa. ws/ member’s page and the Cook Islands Government Procurement website http://www.procurement.gov.ck/ Complete EOI proposals must be delivered to the address below before 12:00pm, Cook Islands time on 7 March 2014 in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “TMV-EOI.001/2014 Expression of Interest - Detailed Design for the Te Mato Vai Project” to the following address: Te Mato Vai Project Management Unit PO Box 3286 Rarotonga Cook Islands all enquiries to: Project Manager, latu@kew.com.ws Phone: +682 28 851, Mobile: +682 52 807 /
The WeekEnd Crossword 50 YEARS ACROSS 1. See 25 across (11) 5. extinct bird (3) 8. digital image representing person (6) 10. Harmful substance in tobacco (8) 11. returned Serviceman’s association (3) 13. raro water infrastructure project (2,4,3) 14. 365 days (4) 16. amazing (10) 19. Glue (8) 21a & 18d. demo candidate for Murienua (5,4) 23. Venison producer (4) 25a & 1a. uS swim suit magazine (6,11) 26. Potential shareholder in tCI (7) 27. Climbs (7)
DOWN 2. Sensible (11) 3. Violent windstorm (7) 4. the very best (5) 6. retaliatory actions (15) 7. airport taramac (6)
anSwerS On page 15
9. raro bakery (5) 12. essential (5) 15. Flow back (3) 17. raro tennis coach, Malcolm _ (5) 18. See 21 across (4)
19. Increased (5) 20. angry (5) 22. Stoneworkers (5) 24. ovum (3) 24. Fester (3)
* Maori-English: English-Maori
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Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
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Parent/Anau teacher/student interviews: Thursday February 27 at 2pm-5pm. Parent/Anau teacher/student conferencing interviews will be taking place on Thursday 27 February between 2pm and 5pm. The interviews will be conducted just with your child’s Anau teacher (not the subject teachers) and will take 10-15 minutes each. The purpose of this meeting is discuss this year’s academic goals for your child and also to address any questions you may have. In accordance with our Learning Charter it is expected that your child will attend the interview with you The meeting is designed to help students succeed in their academic studies, so parents and caregivers are urged to make every efort to attend please. Interviews with subject teachers will take place next term. Please contact your child’s anau teacher if you wish to make an appointment, or if you have not received a phone call from your child’s anau teacher. Meitaki Maata Bali Haque.
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
Te Anau a Robert Nicholas e Kaitara Nicholas E uipaanga ta tatou I Avana Meeting house A te Ruitoru ra 26 February. Ora 5.30pm. Please kia tae mai. Teia Kapikianga na Aunty Fanau.
China Civil Engineering construction Corporation (CCECC) CCECC has been appointed the general contractor for the construction of the Rarotonga Ring Mains in the Te Mato Vai project. CCECC is now commencing to source local services and resources. In particular we are seeking expressions of interest for the following: labourers for trench digging, pipeline laying, backilling and other physical works (CV required); machinery hire including excavators, trucks, loaders, trailers, water trucks, as well as fuels; ııbuilding materials including sand, aggregates, cement, blocks; and ııchip sealing for road repair. Service providers and contractors should contact Mr. Nicky Nie, Assistant Project Manager of CCECC. Phone 29396 or Email: niekefeng@gmail. com
Uri Maraka Uipaanga Kopu Tangata, Te pati ia atu nei te kopu Tangata Uri Kia tae mai ki te uipaanga a te Monite ra 24 February 2014 kiko i te Are Uipaanga o Akaoa, Arorangi i te ora 7pm. Tumu maata Tao’anga URI MATAIAPO. Teia Patianga na Fanny Mataroa 58907.
77071 /36518 /1931
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE 5pm Thurs 28 Feb 2014 at the Hall 2013 AGM Minute Chairperson’s Report Treasurer’s Report Principal’s Report General business Election of 2014-2015 PTA Bring a plate of light snacks. All parents & caregivers are encouraged to attend. 77067 / /2591
Hulanesian itness- Monday 5.15pm Muay Thai itness- Tuesday 5.15pm Kavera Blue meeting houseTab’s 52031. 77094 / /1931
77074 / /2299
Tereora College AGM Tuesday March 4 5pm in the Princess Anne Hall Chairperson’s report Principals Report Financial reports Election of oicers Food festival 2014 General business.
Apii Potiki Te Uki Ou. Still a few vacancies at our learning centre. Age: 2 1/2 to 5 years Open till 2 pm Ring 23509 or 23510 for more information. 77084 / /1952
Meeting for the Uriarau family reserve on the 25 February 2014, Time 5pm at the Maraerenga meeting house. Aere mai. 77098 /36488 /1931
77073 / /2299
777
Cook Island Tourism Industry Council General Meeting Date – Tuesday 25 February 2014 Venue – Edgewater Resort Conference Room Time – 5.30pm Agenda: 1. Presidents update to members 2. WATSAN WoF Presentation 3. Te Mato Vai Project 4. CI Telecommunications 5. Other Business Also we would like to invite the Media to our general meeting. Look forward to hearing from you at your earliest. Kia Manuia Kristina Tatam Secretary CITIC. 777
Casual ads must be prepaid. Cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.
1pm sharp. Material deadline for display adverts 24 hours prior.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
RATES Minimum $5.80 incl. VAT for 1-15 words.
DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is
22999
preferred
777
Rarocars are pleased to announce the commencement in employment of their qualiied service manager KEN PAGE from New Zealand. If you have an outstanding issue with any Great Wall vehicles, we would encourage you to bring your vehicle into Raro Cars at your earliest convenience for Ken and the team to have a look at and ix. Outside customers are also invited to bring their vehicles in for a free evaluation of their problems. Phone 22060 for more information. 777
PUBLIC NOTICES
ChURCh NOTICES
Sunday 23 February ‘We slander God by our very eagerness to work for Him without knowing Him’ 8.30am - Church updating news with Intern Tangaroa Uea on Radio Matariki 10.00am - Sunday School for all ages ‘Control Your Speech’ James 3:10 11.00am - Worship - Preacher: Elder Iliesa Ma’afu - fellowship luncheon - Alive for Jesus radio ministry with Minister Nga Kamana 2.30pm - fellowship with fellow inmates - Tangaroa Uea 4.00pm - TV Ministry - SPDC Council 2013 Opening by Presiding Bishop Charles Ellis III 7.30pm - Young Married’s Evening Service Aere mai te katoatoa rava! Everyone most welcome! Contact: Church Caretaker Elder Iliesa Ma’afu 22765, DialA-Prayer 26777 Email: tpere@ oyster.net.ck 77061 / /1632
ChURCh NOTICES
The Café will be closed for annual holiday from Monday 24 February. Re-open Monday 3 March. Meitaki Maata.
‘’THE EPHESUS DOOR’’ What is this? How can it challenge a Christian today? Find the answers at the New Hope Church this Sunday at 10.30am. All Welcome. 77082 / /1733
777
SERVICES
LOST LOST KEYS – bunch of keys lost at the BCI stadium on Wednesday 19 February – has a gym card and 2 po box keys on it. Please phone Tina Iro on 79368 if you have found them. 777
Pool Doctor * Water testing * chlorine * P.H down * Bufer Discounted rates FREE DELIVERY Phone Tony 56599.
76978 / /1931
76680 /36062 /1931
THE SALON Permanent Hair Straightening – Full Head from $180.00 Cut, Treatment & Style – from $45.00 Head Massage, Treatment & Style – from $55.00 Highlights – from $120.00 De Lorenzo Hairspray – Light Hold & Firm Hold $22.00 Open Tuesday – Saturdays from 9am – 6pm Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 8pm For colour, cuts, highlights, straightening, hair styling & makeup services. PH 22811. 777
Self Storage Raro U Store it!! -Secure & Private -Short or Long term -For oice, Shop or Home Storage. Phone 22188 or 26189. Email beach@moanasands.co.ck 73695 / /1744
FOR RENT 3 bedroom furnished house, Ariki road, Atupa. Long term. Careful tenants required. Phone 22411. 77096 / /1931
Oice or Shop space for rent peaceful and tidy surroundings - $150.00 per week - 3 available. Located Manu Manor near town - please phone Tina Iro on 79368 to view. Available 31 March, 2 bedroom fully furnished house in Matavera, long term preferred. Contact 52241 or 21398. 777
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.
SITUATIONS VACANT
Peyroux Motor Services Friendly, Local, Professional & Honest Repairs to string trimmers, chainsaws, mowers, marine & stationary engines, Vaimaanga. Phone 52414.
77060 / /2046
76290 /36406 /1708
TENDERS
SERVICES
2 bedroom partly furnished home in Upper Tupapa $200 per week. Contact Helen 55717. 777
FOR SALE 8 & 9 month old pigs for sale Price: $150-$250 Call Ph: 75661. 76970 / /1931
INFRASTRUCTURE COOk ISLANDS
TENDER Rarotonga Road Network Improvements Supply and Construction of Road Network for Project City 3 Hotmix – Contract No. C13/13.2, Chip Seal – Contract No. C13/13.3 Under the Asian Development Bank Economic Recovery Support Programme (ADB – ERSP), the Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) is managing a number of projects related to water supply network upgrade and road network improvements on Rarotonga. These contracts involve the improvements of road network within the areas from Panama through Avarua Township to Tupapa. A copy of each tender document can be collected during work hours from the ICI oice in Arorangi. Note that a non-refundable deposit of $200 will be required before each tender document is issued. Tenders close at 3pm Friday, 21 March 2014, and must be submitted to the ICI Oice in Arorangi in accordance with the requirements of the Tender Document. Enquiries to: Tenga Mana Project Engineer Email: tenga.mana@ici.gov.ck Phone: +682 20321 77076
School and Tertiary Institute Vacancies
SITUATIONS VACANT
Applications are invited from suitably qualiied and experienced individuals for the following part-time positions: 1. ECE Teacher Aide - Rutaki School 2. Grounds/Maintenance Person - Avatea School 3. Oice Secretary: Mangaia School 4. Training Broker (Mangaia)– CI Tertiary Training Institute To develop, manage and implement community education programmes in consultation with the wider island community. 5. School’s Guidance Counselor (Aitutaki) – A full time position serving the school communities, based at Araura College. Applications close on Friday 7th March 2014. Job descriptions and application forms are available from the Ministry or at: www.education.gov.ck Please submit cover letter with Curriculum Vitae and references to: Director HRM Division Ministry of education P. O. Box 97, Rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, Fax (682) 28357 or email: vacancy@ education.gov.ck
We are looking for it and healthy men and women, have good communication skills, computer literate, have NCEA level 2 qualiications and above, to join our team of police oicers doing their best to keep our people, our visitors and our country safe.
77089
77009
COOk ISLANDS POLICE SERVICE
VACANCIES NEW COPS
DOG RANGER We are also looking for a person to take on the role of dog ranger. Must be it and healthy, have good communication skills and with good attitude. For inquiries contact our recruiting oicers on phone 22499 during working hours. Application forms can be picked up from the public counter at Police National Headquarters in Avarua or any Police station in the Outer Islands. The deadline for the submission of applications is 1600hrs Friday 28th February 2014.
15
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
FOR SALE
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
Ride-on mower 16hp, $1100 ono, goes wellSome work on under carriage. Phone / Text 71216. 77095 / /1931
777
Washing Machine –Brand New Samsung WF1752WPW/XSA, 7.5kg Energy and water eicient Front loading Recently imported Still in original packing $1300. Call Sean cell 53380 or Home 22550. 777
20ft & 40ft containers for sale limited stock Call 24441 or 55242 for details. 777
Freezer, new in box, Mitsubishi 160l vertical model: MF-U160CW-A. Phone 21414 / 52414. 777
VEhICLES FOR SALE
Front Oice We are looking for frontline staf in a resort with a well established work environment with the spirit of hospitality Must have the following: Strong customer service skills, Honest, punctual and reliable, Hardworking and dedicated worker, Quick learner, Outgoing personality , Roomaster an advantage. If you have the following criteria, come and ill in an application form and attach a CV for further information contact Jef TIKITAU on 58008.
Staf required to work parttime in our busy restaurants on any of our Spectacular Over Water Night Shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Cashiers required with proven experience in POS. Bar and Wait staf, experience preferred. Must be punctual and reliable with great communication and team work skills. Please email your CV to manager@tevaranui. co.ck. Or phone Alan 24006, or call into our main oice at Muri Beach to ill in an Application.
77080 / /1759
77087 / /2512
Experienced Waitress/Waiter Kikau Hut Restaurant We have a vacancy for a person who has previous experience as a waitress or waiter for our busy restaurant. If you have a neat personality, enjoy working with people, love the hospitality industry, can work at night, are looking for a part-time job (approx 20hours a week), like to be busy and you want to be part of a small team - then we have a job for you. Contact Kevin on 55869 77072 / /1820
Black Honda Fit Car For sale brand new used for 3 Month Only. $16000 Phone 56449 or 70858. 77077 /36520 /1931
2000 Passat Car Auto, Dark blue color and stylish. Runs well, $8500 or make an ofer. Phone 51767. 777
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
a highly qualiied, motivated and experienced Carpenter/ Builder • Must have at least 5 years work experience in the Building Industry • Senior supervisory skills • Must be honest, reliable and of sober habits • Commitment to excellent and quality work output Please apply in writing with CV to: Pati Ravarua Executive Oicer Pukapuka/Nassau Island Administration PUKAPUKA Phone/Fax: (682) 41712 Email Address: eopuka2@oyster.net.ck Applications close 3pm, Friday 7 March 2014.
Bartender wanted for busy bar, nights from Tuesday – Saturday. Apply in person or phone 24516 or 50498 777
foundation
Ph 22336
777
SITUATIONS VACANT Volunteer Positions Environmental NGO needs your help The Paciic Islands Conservation Initiative is looking for local volunteers to assist in our programmes. Graphic Designer/Website Design for conservation projects. Print layouts for media. Website graphic design and coding abilities are desirable. 2-5 hrs/wk. Media Writing and editing press releases, blogs and social media feeds. 2-5 hrs/wk. Accounting/Book-keeping Managing accounts, preparation of accounts for auditing, maths aptitude and computer literacy are imperative. 1-2 hrs/ wk. Please call 53550 or email team@picilonline.org for information about these volunteer opportunities. 777
Maintenance person to do work around the house, with sober habit, Send CV to P.o Box 418. 76997 /36459 /1999
Looking for a kitchen hand & counter girls to work in a takeaway cafe soon to open. Phone 76017 or 74345. 777
answers to crossword on page 13
77015
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
Chief executive Oicer
GARAGE SALE
Tina Browne’s residence, Nikao. Starts 9am. Saturday 22 February. Phone 20165.
Handyman/Laundry hand Full time work for the right applicant who is versatile and keen. Please go to the Reception desk and ill out an application form.
Due to continuing growth and high occupancies, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, Sanctuary Rarotonga on the beach and Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa have a wide range of employment opportunities seeking enthusiastic, motivated staf serious about a long term career, in all areas of all three Resorts operations, in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, on a full or part time basis, including school leavers such as; - Purchasing Oicers - Accounts Oicers/Qualiied Senior Accountants - Activities & kids Club Oicers - Restaurant & Bar Servers - Chefs & kitchen Hands - porters - Security Oicers - Room Attendants - Laundry Runners - Gardeners - Front Oice/Spa/Tour Desk Receptionist - Duty Managers - Sales Coordinator - Qualiied Tradesmen including Plumbers, Mechanics, Electricians, Carpenters, Refrigeration Engineers, Painters, Tilers etc. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to relate well to guests and staf alike and be able to work shift work. Previous experience is preferred however full international standard training will be provided to the right candidates. For more information on the position and the Resort visit our website www.TheRarotongan.com or apply to Human Resources on; Email hr@rarotongan.co.ck Phone (682) 25-800 ext 8069
777
777
77097 / /1931
777
SITUATIONS VACANT
76937 /36428 /1697
200cc Fiver bike for sale, $1990 ono. Phone 76779.
At P&D Electronics Saturday 22 February from 7.30am. All items from $1 upwards. Phone 55300.
Maire Nui Tropical Gardens Groundsperson/Gardener A great opportunity to join an inspiring team and learn new skills while working in an ideal and healthy environment. If you are a hard worker, likes to keep it and loves gardening, this may be the job for you. Varied work including garden maintenance and involvement in the organisation of weddings & events. No qualiication needed, just a good attitude to life and be fun to work with. Phone: 55795 or send a CV to info@heliconiahideaway.com
animal Clinic
White queensize sheets, $20 pr. Boxed valances pale blue single, $20. Boxed valances white queen, $25. Navy sun awning retractable 2.9m x 1.5m, $650. Aluminium casement door white, $450. Wooden table + 2 chairs, $200. Commercial electrical switchboard, $200. Ironing boards, $25. Cane bedheads, $100. Fencing approx 1.4mx2.4m, $150. Vanity top, $50. Sky dish + decoder. Phone 53965 or 79431.
SITUATIONS VACANT
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
The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (“CINSF”) is a national superannuation scheme designed to assist all employees save for their retirement. The Fund is currently seeking an experienced, pragmatic, and energetic Chief Executive Oicer with proven experience in meeting targets to efectively manage and oversee the Fund’s business operations and continue to build and develop the business in accordance with the Cook Islands National Superannuation Act, Trust Deed, vision and values. Based in Parekura, Rarotonga, this varied and challenging role requires a strategic business manager with strong operational experience and proven leadership qualities. Reporting to the Cook Islands National Superannuation Board, the CEO will contribute to the direction and operations of CINSF by developing strategy for the business and efectively directing and developing the team (Operations, Client Services, Risk and Compliance and Administration Services) in the provision of all services to our members, employers and service providers. The CEO will develop and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, manage staf to achieve key business objectives; monitor the industry, market and trends and undertake business development and marketing activities to ensure continued high member satisfaction and engagement levels. Essential Criteria • Minimum of 5 years experience in a senior management role • Demonstrated capacity for clear strategic thinking, planning and problem solving • Strong leadership, interpersonal & communications skills • High level of business development and marketing skills • Proven record of success in human resources and leadership • High degree of commercial & business acumen, strong understanding of inancial management and budgetary control skills • Experienced in the operational management of ICT and Oice Administration • Ability to develop new innovative solutions that address structural and operational barriers that stand in the way of achieving successful business outcomes • Capacity to efectively represent and promote the business and its vision and values Applications are to be in writing, (including applicant’s CV and the names of two referees) to be addressed to the CINSF Acting Chairman. Applications to be delivered to the Oice of the Financial Secretary or emailed to richard.neves@cookislands.gov.ck no later than 4pm, Monday 3 March 2014. All applications will be treated in the strictest of conidence. A job description can be obtained by emailing etuatina.drollett@cookislands.gov.ck 77002
16
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
17
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
WANTED
SITUATIONS VACANT
A live in house girl/baby sitter is needed for long term. Contact 56980.
biRthdAYS
biRthdAYS
happy 9th birthday
777
WANTED TO RENT Fulltime Kitchen Hand LBV Muri is looking to employ a hard working, reliable person to work 6 days per week. Shift work and lexible hours. Come to Our Stores (Avarua / Muri) to Fill out an application form. Fulltime Baker Experience required, and on the job training ofered. This is a sole charge position with scratch baking. Shift work and lexible hours. Come to Our Stores (Avarua / Muri) to Fill out an application form. 777
UATIONS VACANT
Nanny required Non smoker/non drinker, honest, reliable. Cleaning and cooking required. Mail CV to Marcelle_rossouw@hotmail.com
1-2 bedroom house near town, long term. Phone 76017. 777
FOUND Notices are FREE To encourage honesty and good citizenship. A Cook Islands News public service.
777
We deliver.
Get your news delivered to your home or business daily.
Every edition, (almost) anywhere on the island, rain or shine Phone our oice on 22999 for delivery rates and conditions
MEMORIAM
have a great day maygodkeepyousafealways lovefromallyourfamilies here and overseas
lots of love from Jo, shona and katrina
look who’s 21 today
SITUATIONS VACANT
samantha
Tepai
22 february 2014 happy21stbirthdaytoyou my beautiful daughter!! may the good lord bless & guideyouthroughthelong journey you are planning & dreaming of. love you heaps mum, and not forgetting your late dad.
NEW YEAR – NEW CAREER At CITC we give everyone the opportunity to earn while you learn, we run NZQA accredited training courses up to Level 4!
CITC AVARUA
happy 8th birthday to our son
Cashier – Part time – 11am – 2pm Mon-Fri some Saturdays! • Involves assisting customers with their purchases, completing all point of sale transactions, balancing and reconciling cash. Suit a reliable person who can welcome our visitors with a big smile.
SUPERMARKET
mama Turou samuela
5th december 1935-23 february 2012 in loving memory of our mama etu who left us 2 years to day 23 february We have not forgotten you our mama. a true mother can neverbereplacedandweholdaspecialplaceinourheartswe miss our mama. your spirit lives within us and we will always remember and cherish your smiling face from all your children, grand great grand children Ritua kath koteka and all the families.
love you always your dad nz galumalemana Tanielu vainiu sister samantha and danielle(stat es) yournanasamoaandPapasasa mum r you g ettin forg not Tutana, nana mama aurupa aunties , uncles, cousins aitutaki, Raro, nz, australia ia manuia lou aso fanau. love you son.
SITUATIONS VACANT
TUATUA AKAMEITAKIANGA Te Rauka nei i Te anau, e Te koPu TangaTa o PuaTi maTaiaPo Tei TakoTo ake nei a
PaPa ngaTeina ngaPaRe i Te oRonga aTu i Ta maTou Reo akameiTakianga ki Te au Taeake Tei TauTuRu mai i To maTou TumaTeTenga. Reo akameiTaki ki Te Tuanga o Te aRe maki i Te au TaoTe, neTi i Ta RaTou Tuanga i Rave, PeRa kaToa Te Tuanga o Te funeRal diReCToRs i Ta RaTou Tuanga i Te RaveRave anga ia PaPa i RoTo i Te Pia anuanu. • Te Tango TuTaRa o Te TuRe (moJ), Te akaTeReau a mR Tingika elikana eTeToou au • oPiTa angaanga. • Te au PuTuPuTuanga evangelia oTiTikaveka, sda, aPosToliC ChuRCh, lds ChuRCh e Te Cook island ChRisTian ChuRCh. • Tamakeu maTaiaPo mama PuReTu e Tona ui RangaTiRa • nga mema o TakiTumu a selina naPa maTenga, kiRiau TuRePu • Te kauono o Te aRiki vaine a mR & mRs Tom eTuaine maRsTeRs • Te nga maTaiaPo e vaRu o TeimoRimoTia (PeiPei uTu) • Te aRonga o Te T&m limiTed
no Ta koTou TauTuRu • CiTC no Ta koTou TauTuRu • inangaRo TuPuna e Te koPu TangaTa • PeTeR enua, PaPa moo no Te Rima TauTuRu • Tekao heRRmann e Te koPu TangaTa noTe RimaTauTuRu • Te CiTv, Te RaTio, no Ta koTou TauTuRu • TangoRoPianganoTakoTou TauTuRu • Te aRonga angaanga Tei RaveRave mai i Te Tuanga o Te kai • Te auTaeakeTei koRe iTaikuia i Runga nei, aRiki mai i Te Reo akameiTakianga a Te koPu TangaTa.
aeRe kaToa aTu kiTe aRonga Tei aToRo mai i Te kave PuRe ki To maTou PaPa. salamo:77 kua kaPiki Toku Reo i Te aTua, Toku Reo Tei kaPiki i Te aTua, e kua akaRongo maiRa aia iaku. i Toku Ra TumaTeTenga. Te aTua To TaTou
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES At CITC we give everyone the opportunity to earn while you learn, we run NZQA accredited training courses up to Level 4!
ADMINISTRATION Customs Controller – join the ‘A’ team! • This is a challenging exciting role that involves the timely preparation and iling of necessary customs documentation to ensure the eicient clearance of all goods received by Airfreight and Seafreight for all Divisions of CITC. Along with maintaining accurate records for all duty and levy payments and preparing monthly reports. To join the ‘A’ team you will need previous customs experience, attention to detail and be computer literate with good Excel skills. Tarif understanding would be a bonus.
HUMAN RESOURCES Human Resources Assistant – never a dull moment! • This busy, varied position involves answering phones, assisting with recruitment enquiries and providing administration assistance. To join this fun team you will need to be conident, have good computer and organisation skills and a great telephone manner. Talk to us today about starting a career in Retail! For further details and a full job description contact Eileen or kai on phone 23-191, mobile 54-181 or Email: kLouis@citc.co.ck 77038
Deli Assistant – Food prep experience an advantage! • Full of variety, this position involves preparing, cooking and serving of food and small goods over the counter. You will need a big smile, good customer service skills and basic food preparation experience! Meat Packer/Butcher – Good knife skills or previous retail meat experience! • Working in our butchery department, this involves preparing meat for sale and serving customers over the counter. You will need to be organized and able to work with a small team.
LIQUOR Sales & Merchandising Assistant – full of variety! • Completing all point of sale transactions, balancing and reconciling cash, rotating and displaying of stock and helping customers with their purchases. You will need to be accurate with cash and have great customer service skills.
BUILDING CENTRE Sales Assistant/Merchandiser – Some electrical experience an advantage! • Working in the electrical department you will be helping and advising customers with their purchases and making sure your department is fully stocked and well displayed. You will need to be customer focused and have good attention to detail. Talk to us today about starting a career in Retail! For further details and a full job description contact Eileen or kai on phone 23-191, Email: kLouis@citc.co.ck 77026
www.cookislandsnews.com
18
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
German entrepreneur hunts for new product CoCoNut, noni and pawpaw have caught the eye of a visiting German businesswoman who owns a thriving natural cosmetics company. Anja-Kristina Voss is on holiday in the Cook Islands for two months and is keen to ind new products to sell under her brand Jislaine Naturkosmetik. “Everywhere I go now, I have a look if there are products that make sense to launch under my brand. I’m having a serious look at products here.” one ingredient of interest is the noni, which grows in abundance in the Cook Islands. “I don’t know how you can use it for cosmetic purposes but I’d like to talk to someone who
anja-Kristina Voss, who runs a natural cosmetics company in Germany, displays a range of the products she sources from all over the world. 14022113
biRthdAY
ashley mii Rairi happy 7th birthday
happy birthday mii wishing you all the best on your special day today. ithasbeensevenyearsnowsinceyouhavecomeintoour livesbringingwithyoujoy,happinessandlaughter.aspecialoneto youfromyourgreatgrandmamamaJane,PapaRaandmamaake inaustralia,Papametuinmangaia,yourauntydeeandunclePai innewzealand,youruncleanthonyandauntymoetuinmangaia andtherestofthefamiliesandfriendshereinRarotonga,mangaia, new zealand and australia.
lastlywishingyouahappy7thbirthdaysweetheart,loveyou always mum & dad
knows all about it,“ she said. She is also curious to ind out whether the ubiquitous pawpaw could be used in cosmetics. “It’s interesting as well – maybe like face mask or hand lotion with pawpaw as the main ingredient.“ Voss, from Hamburg, founded the business in November 2011 and has seen her sales revenue triple in the irst two years, while supplying about 100 stores in Germany. She sources inished products from all over the world, including coconut oil from the Philippines, shea butter from West Africa, a plant-based sponge from China, and traditional olive oil soap from Syria. She would happily consider sourcing coconut oil from the Cook Islands if the price was right, she said. One inished product she has identified in the Cook Islands is a coconut lotion infused with frangipani oil. Voss is staying in Muri and said highlights of her trip so far have included the cross-island trek, visiting Aitutaki, and sampling the culinary delights of Punanga Nui and Muri Night Market. She has been able to continue running her business over the internet. Anyone keen to chat with Voss about her search for a new product should email info@jislaine. - BCS de
sPeCials available Till Wednesday 26 febRuaRy
PoRk Ribs
sPeC ial
ChiCken nibbles
$6.50kg
$5.50kg
lamb loin ChoPs 10kg
ChiCken Thigh filleT
$112.00 or $11.50kg
$8.50kg
neCTaRines, PeaChes & Plums
baCk insTo Re!
nz gReen/Red Cabbage
baCk insTo Re!
lamb osso buCCo
sPeC ial
$7.90kg
sPeC ial
baCk insTo Re!
heaT & eaT Cooked RoasT beef
$8.50kg
shelled edamame beans 454g
Colby Cheese sliCes 200g
$6.10pkt
$4.50pkt
nz mandaRin
$9.40kg
oPening houRs
mondays to Thursdays 8am - 5.30pm fridays 8am-6pm saturdays 8am-3pm Check us out on sT JosePh Rd, avaRua. Ph 22259.
gingeR & gaRliC
sPeC ial
baCk insTo Re!
Wealsodosea/aiRfReighT foR ouTeR islands, so PlaCe youR oRdeRs noW!!!
19
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Flight Times | Voyage details FLIGHT
FROM
ARRIVES
TO
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 22
SuNDAy FeBrUArY 23 NZ46/45
AKL
4.10PM
MONDAy FeBrUArY 24 NZ746/745 AKL NZ19 LAX
2.10PM 7.00AM
RARO TO ARR SATuRDAy FeBrUArY 22 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 1100 ATIU 1145 SuNDAy FeBrUArY 23 1230 1730
AITUTAKI AITUTAKI
1320 1820
DEP
TO
ARR
0910 1140 1640 1910 1205
RARO RARO RARO RARO RARO
1000 1230 1730 2000 1250
1340 1840
RARO RARO
1420 1930
DEP
TO
ARR
OLOMANA 23 - ETD AUCK 15/02, ETA RARO 25/02, ETA AITUTAKI 26/02 TIARE MOANA 21 - ETD AUCK 27/02, ETA RARO 07/03, ETA AITUTAKI 09/03
Shipping OLOMANA 24 - ETD AUCK 04/03, ETA RARO 17/03, ETA AITUTAKI 19/03
GOT A STORY? text us on
or call us at Cook Islands News
Su-Do-Ku MEDIUM
Su-Do-Ku HARD
Crossword
Instructions
Instructions
answer to friday’s puzzle
answer to friday’s puzzle
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.
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
Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Situation: A southerly wind low prevails over Southern Cooks.A weak trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers remains slow moving over Northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine apart from brief showers. Moderate southerly winds. Moderate to rough seas. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Cloudy periods with brief showers. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Cloudy periods with some showers over most places. Isolated heavy falls and thunderstorms expected. Moderate east to northeast winds. Moderate to rough seas. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers over Suwarrow. Occasional showers and few thunderstorms elsewhere.
SaT High 2.15AM 0.90M 2.31PM 0.97M
22
Low
8.17AM
22
Sun
23
0.6vm ne
2.2m Se
0.36M 8.58PM 0.36M
n
Sun High 3.04AM 0.87M 3.22PM 0.95M
23
Low
9.06AM 0.38M 9.54PM 0.38M
28°
Sun, Moon & arapo
s 10kts new Moon Feb 28 10.00PM
First Quarter Mar 8 3.27AM
Full Moon Mar 16 7.09AM
sunshine hours
third Quarter Feb 22 7.16AM
6
ArAPo - KoreKore tAi sat 22 tanu (Planting) tanu i te kai katoa. Plant all.
tautaI (Fishing) tokerau te matangi. a’ai e te o’opu. north wind. tuna & Skipjack.
Humidity SaT
Rarotonga Saturday, February 22, 2014
Forecast Map 2pm Saturday
Tides
2.2m SW Front Key:
Cold
Warm
Occluded
1.9m Se
y
Stationary
Swell direction and size
Outer Islands Weather Outlook Saturday, February 22, 2014
Morning
82%
night
70%
Morning
84%
night
72%
Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
SaT
22
Sun
23
Sun rise
6.33AM
Sun Set
7.12PM
Moon rise 11.55PM Moon Set 1.22PM Sun rise
6.34AM
Sun Set
7.11PM
Moon rise 12.49AM Moon Set 2.20PM
Aitutaki
27° s 06kts
Mangaia
27° NE 10kts
Mitiaro
27° NE 10kts
Atiu
26° NE 10kts
Penrhyn
29° NE 10kts
Mauke
27° N 10kts
20
Saturday, February 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Team triathlon today
tarekareka
SPoRt Knock-out turnout at Village Festival DeSPIte the morning showers
on Wednesday, the afternoon weather turned out just right for the irst 2014 sports ‘Village Festival’ held at Victoria Park in tupapa. A ‘knock-out’ turnout saw around 125 children aged between ive and 13 years enjoy the after school fun activities with Just Play soccer, rugby, netball and new comer rugby league. A rotational system was set up with each sport code delivering fun activities to groups of up to 15 kids at one time, giving the young ones the opportunity to experience a good variety of skills and drills and most of all have fun while keeping active. “We were overwhelmed with the awesome turnout from the children of tupapa-Maraerenga as well as those from nearby villages,” says Just Play project manager Michelle Paiti.
“this was the biggest turnout since this programme began in March last year and we hope it continues throughout the year with a challenge now for all villages to match or better this number.” Regular water breaks were conducted throughout the afternoon giving the children the opportunity to hydrate and exchange thoughts with their friends of what they enjoyed so far. on one of those occasions children were asked about how their irst 2014 Village Festival was going for them and shouts of enjoyment echoed throughout the park. “We are having fun!” With the excitement slowly coming to an end all the children were gathered together for a group photo to commemorate the irst 2014 Village Festival.
Paiti handed out ‘health cards’ to help remind the kids the importance of eating five servings of fruits and veggies a day, drinking water is best and keeping active through activities such as these village festivals. “We are encouraged by the response and feedback from many parents and are now looking to increase our festivals,” says Paiti. Paiti would like to thank all the parents for organising and encouraging their children to attend as well as all partners for the continued support and assistance in improving the lifestyles of our children for the future. Paiti also acknowledges the continued support of the Australia Aid and oceania Football Confederation (OFC). - CIFA Media
Badminton for kids Badminton development oficer Eric Gamez is coaching kids at Princess Anne Hall at tereora College with loads of fun to be had. Coaching sessions run every Monday from 4.30pm at $10 per session. Gamez has identiied young talented badminton players who recently had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand to improve their skills at a training camp. He believes there are many more young local kids with the skills and talent for the sport which has many international opportunities. For more information – contact eric on 74809 or take the kids to Princess Anne Hall on Monday. - Matariki Wilson
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— 2PM 200M SWIM, 8KM CYCLE, 2KM RUN
Fun was the main feature of the irst village festival of the year with more than 120 kids enjoying the after school sporting activity. 14022112
Rival clubs go head to head leAGue battles today will be at
Raemaru Park and Tupapa ield with two tough match ups in store for fans. At tupapa field, defending champions the tupapa Panthers will go head to head with the titikaveka Bulldogs in what should be an interesting math up. on paper both teams are evenly matched and it will all come down to game day today. the Bulldogs have been on a winning rampage so far while the Panthers have only had one loss and will want to make that their last too, no doubt. Both teams boast talented club and import players for what should be a dynamic battle at Victoria Park. Meanwhile at Raemaru Park – the new Avatiu eels import players will make their debut for the club while Arorangi will be boosted by their vocal supporters on home ground. this should be a bruising encounter and generally sparks fly when these two rival clubs lock horns. Yesterday saw the main match between the visiting Aitutaki Sharks and Ngatangiia/
Matavera Sea eagles. - MW saturday 22 Tupapa Panthers vs Titikaveka Bulldogs Tupapa Field – 3.50pm-under 14, Ref-tutai taurarii, touch Judges- Poto Ngaroi/Johnny Hosking, 5pm-Premier, Ref- Sean Willis, touch Judges- tua Ngaputa/Tutai Taurarii, (Sub Oficial-Simiona Teiotu/Johnny Hosking).
saturday 22 Arorangi Bears vs Avatiu Nikao Eels at Arorangi Field – 2.30pm-under 16, Ref-
Andrew tanga, touch Judges-taua Benioni/Jeffery Murray, 3.30pmunder 19, Ref-Puis Mitchell, touch Judges-Andrew tanga/Dawn Crummer, 4.50pm-Premier, Ref-Arthur emile, touch Judges-tangi taomia/ Nga Takaiti, (Sub Oficial: Taua Benioni/Jeffery Murray).
saturday 22 Ngatangiia sea Eagels vs Takuvaine Warriors Ngatangiia Field – 3pm-Snr Reserve, Ref-Bishop Bishop, touch Judgestua Ngaputa/Simiona teiotu.
the tupapa Panthers take on the titikaveka Bulldogs in an interesting match-up today at Victoria Park. 14020428
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