Wednesday 5 March by Cook Islands News

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Wednesday, march 5, 2014

Audit Ofice investigation into BTIB tHe BuSineSS trade investment Board is under investigation by the cook islands audit Ofice and a report will be presented to Parliament. allen Parker, Director of audit, confirmed yesterday that the Audit Ofice is conducting an investigation into the BtiB. He said the Audit Ofice “cannot discuss the details of the investigation until our investigation has been completed and our report tabled with Parliament”. “We are in the process of completing our ield work and will complete the audit report in the next week or so.” Parker said the auditee – in this case BtiB – is normally given 14 days to respond to the indings before the report is tabled with Parliament. the next session of Parlia-

ment has not yet been scheduled. BtiB chief executive terry rangi declined to comment on the matter when questioned yesterday. among its roles, the BtiB oversees foreign company registrations, supports local business growth and links international investors with contacts in the cook islands. the Board has been in the news lately for denying a chinese construction firm - contracted to work on te mato Vai - approval to operate in the cooks. it has not reached a decision yet on whether it will give the chinese civil engineering and construction company (ccecc) foreign enterprise registration. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Beer says to ‘bring it on’ date James Beer, winner in last month’s murienua by-election, is questioning the cook islands Party’s motives for petitioning the vote’s results. “Did anyone expect the ciP to do anything else? to me, it seems both unoriginal and retaliatory,” said Beer. “evidently, the ciP would like a third election in murienua, right before the coming general elections we all know are imminent.” Late last week, a petition for inquiry was filed in the cook islands High court which

laid out various grounds for contesting the by-election’s results, which saw Beer edge ciP’s Kaota tuariki by a vote count of 216 to 208. the petition cites four areas of infraction allegedly committed by the Demos, including bribery, “undue inluence”, 21 unqualified or unentitled voters who managed to be included in the inal results, and a vote which was disallowed but claimed to be valid by the ciP. the development follows roughly half a year of political uncertainty in the constituency, including an earlier petition

launched by the Demo Party after last September’s initial by-election in murienua, which was won by tuariki. that petition – based on allegations of bribery and treating against the ciP – never made it to the High court due to tuariki resigning the seat days before a scheduled court hearing. this time around, Beer said he intends to ight the allegations in court. “i can promise you i will not provoke yet another by-election by running away from a confrontation in court at the 11th hour as the ciP did,” he

said. “regard for the law and consideration of the people of murienua are of the utmost importance. We will deal with these matters before the courts, directly and fairly.” “We will allow the courts to see and hear all the relevant evidence, and we will accept whatever rulings they make.” “in other words, bring it on,” he said. According to a Demo oficial, the party is currently discussing the possibility of filing a response to the ciP petition. - Emmanuel Samoglou

owner of Marlin Queen ishing charters, said he sees plenty of whale sharks but none have ever inspected his boat so closely. “this is the first time i’ve seen one come and hit the outboard. usually they don’t do that.” Ioaba did not believe the ish was being aggressive, just in-

quisitive. ali Haible, daughter of whale researcher nan Hauser, said whale sharks are fairly common in these waters and are known for their curiosity. “Humpback whales here won’t usually come up to the boat but whale sharks are pretty brave and friendly,” she said.

Whale sharks live for between 70 and 100 years and the average adult is 41 feet long and weighs 21 tonnes. Haible said the enormous ish tend to hang out around the FADs (ish aggregation devices) and tuna schools. another local, greg Wilson of cook island Divers, said whale

sharks are known as the “gentle giants” of the ocean. “the ones i’ve seen, you know they’re looking at you but they don’t move at you.” The three ishermen and Ioaba later ended their thrilling morning by landing an 85kg marlin. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Democratic Party candi-

Gentle giant gets up close angLerS onboard the Bobi

marie were thrilled when a curious whale shark approached their boat and head-butted the outboard motor – twice. the incident took place on Sunday morning as one of the ishermen was hauling in a tuna off tikioki. A large in broke the surface,

startling the anglers, before the 8-10 metre whale shark moved slowly towards the stern and nudged the outboard. amazing footage of the event - shot by australian visitor Ben Kierath – shows the beast then returning to head-butt the motor a second time. Skipper Junior ioaba, co-

The whale shark moves in slowly towards the Bobi Marie before giving it a nudge with his massive head. PHOTO BEN KIERATH 14030411 / 14030412

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no teia nei ao Virus comes in from cold An ancient virus has “come back to life” after lying dormant for at least 30,000 years, scientists say. It was found frozen 30-metres down in a deep layer of the Siberian permafrost, but after it thawed it became infectious once again. The French scientists say the contagion poses no danger to humans or animals, but other viruses could be unleashed as the ground becomes exposed by climate change. Ancient strains of the smallpox virus, which was declared eradicated 30 years ago, could pose a risk.

Putin defends stance Putin slams Yanukovych ousting, says force will be a ‘last resort’ moScoW – russian president

Vladimir Putin says his country will not go to war with the people of ukraine, but he reserves the right to use force to protect citizens there. Putin delivered a robust defence of russia’s actions in crimea on tuesday and said he would use force in ukraine only as a last resort. But tension remained high on the ground. Russian forces ired warning shots in a confronta-

world BrieFS meetinG called oVer PomPeii collaPse ITALY – The Italian government has called for an emergency meeting to discuss how to save the ancient city of Pompeii from further ruin, following fresh collapses at the weekend. The culture Minister has asked oicials to explain why a tomb wall and part of an arch fell down after heavy rain. Several other features have collapsed over the past three months. Archaeologists, commentators and opposition politicians accuse the government of neglect and mismanagement of the site, the BBC reports. Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 2000 years ago. The site was accorded world heritage status by Unesco in 1997.

BritisH Pm’s aid linKed to cHild Porn ENGLAND – One of UK prime minister David Cameron’s closest aides has resigned after being arrested on child pornography allegations. Patrick Rock has been closely involved in drawing up government policy on internet porn ilters. He quit after the prime minister learned he was at the centre of a police probe over images of child abuse. Detectives from the National Crime Agency searched No. 10 Downing Street and examined IT systems and oices used by Rock, deputy director of the Downing Street policy unit. Rock was a protege of Margaret Thatcher and has held a series of senior posts in the Conservative Party. He has been close to Mr Cameron for many years. Described as the Prime Minister’s ‘policy ixer’, the unmarried 62-year-old had been tipped as a leading contender for a conservative peerage only weeks ago.

asYlUm seeKer FoUnd in sUitcase MOROCCO – A man has been arrested after he allegedly attempted to smuggle a man into the Spanish enclave on the north coast of Africa in a suitcase. The 39-year-old Moroccan man was approached by Spanish police as he tried to enter Melilla. When the police tried to talk to the man he led, leaving the authorities with the suspicious suitcase. When they opened it they were surprised to ind a 19-yearold man from Mali had squeezed in an extremely uncomfortable position. It is unclear what became of the asylum seeker. Every year thousands of would-be refugees attempt to get into the European Union via Spain’s African enclave.

PoPe Uses sWear Word dUrinG sermon VATICAN – With millions of people hanging on your every word, it was a slip-up Pope Francis would really have preferred not to make. In an accidental slip of the tongue, Pope Francis uttered an Italian swear word during his weekly blessing in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Sunday. While delivering his speech in Italian, instead of saying “caso”, the word for a case or example, the Pope said “cazzo”, which is a serious swear word. He quickly corrected himself, but several videos of the gafe were soon circulating on YouTube. The blunder does not seem to have prompted a malicious response, with most people saying he should be forgiven. “Even the Pope does mistakes,” read the title of one of the uploaded clips. In his sermon, the 77-year-old Pope had been urging for a peaceful solution to the crisis in the Ukraine.

tion with ukrainian servicemen at an air base, and russian navy ships were reported to have blockaded the strait separating the ukrainian Black Sea peninsula from russia. at his first news conference since the crisis began, Putin said russia reserved the right to use all options to protect compatriots who were living in “terror” in ukraine, but force was not needed for now. Putin denied the russian armed forces were directly engaged in the bloodless seizure of crimea, saying the uniformed troops without national insignia were “local self-defence forces”. “as for bringing in forces, for now there is no such need, but such a possibility exists,” he said. “What could serve as a reason to use military force? it would naturally be the last resort, absolutely the last.” Western sanctions under consideration against russia would be counter-productive, he said. A senior US oficial said Washington was ready to impose them in days rather than weeks. the russian Foreign ministry warned that moscow would retaliate. in Washington, uS President Barack obama acknowledged that russia had legitimate interests in ukraine but said that did not give Putin the right to intervene militarily. Putin said there had been an unconstitutional coup in ukraine, and Yanukovich, who fled to russia last week, was still the legitimate leader. no ukrainian government elected “under such terror as we see now” would be legitimate, he said. ukrainian Prime minister arseny Yatseniuk told reporters in Kiev that the ukrainian and russian governments had begun consultations on the crisis “at the level of ministers”. He gave no details. - PNC/Reuters

russia’s President Vladimir Putin said he reserved the right to use “all means” to protect russian citizens in the ukraine should the necessity arise. AFP

Obama: ‘Act of aggression’ WaSHington – the uS has accused russia of an “act of aggression” over its alleged deployment on ukraine’s crimean peninsula. President Barack obama said russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertion that no troops had been mobilised was “not fooling anyone”, and that russia had no right to intervene in crimea. Secretary of State John Kerry,

visiting Kiev, praised the “restraint” of the new government. troops in what appear to be russian uniforms are surrounding ukrainian military bases and other installations, while two ukrainian warships are reported to be blocked by a russian ship in the port of Sevastopol. in one hint of progress on tuesday, ukraine’s new Prime minister arseniy Yatsenyuk said

tentative talks had taken place between russian and ukrainian ministers. He described them as “rather timid” but “irst steps”. Yatsenyuk has insisted that there are no grounds for russian troops to be in ukraine. earlier, Putin said ukraine was in “chaos” having been seized by “nationalists” and “anti-Semites”, and that russia had a right to protect russian citizens in the country. - BBC

Dialogue with opposition urged geneVa – united nations Secretary general Ban Ki-moon has urged the Venezuelan authorities to “listen carefully to the aspirations” of protesters and engage in dialogue with the opposition. His comments came before a meeting in geneva with Venezuelan Foreign minister elias Jaua. Ban said protesters “must resort to peaceful means in delivering and conveying their messages”. eighteen people have died in

weeks of anti-government demonstrations. Jaua, who is in geneva for a meeting of the un’s Human rights council, said Venezuela was the victim of a “psychological war” perpetrated by the media. “the propaganda carried out by some national and international media corporations conveys the wrong idea that there is widespread chaos in our country and indiscriminate repression against the people,” he said. it was aimed, he said, at por-

traying Venezuela as a country that violates human rights to “justify foreign intervention”. the protests began in the beginning of February in the western states of tachira and merida, when local students took to the streets to demand more security after an alleged rape of a local woman. many students were arrested. on February 12, the opposition called for marches in caracas and other cities to demand the release of all the protesters detained. - BBC

cuban cigar industry smokin'!

sinGaPore most eXPensiVe citY SINGAPORE – Singapore has topped 131 cities globally to become the world’s most expensive city to live in 2014, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The city’s strong currency combined with the high cost of running a car and soaring utility bills contributed to Singapore topping the list. It is also the most expensive place in the world to buy clothes. Singapore replaces Tokyo, which topped the list in 2013. Other cities making up the top ive most expensive cities to live in are Paris, Oslo, Zurich and Sydney, with Tokyo falling to sixth place. India’s major cities including Mumbai and New Delhi - were found to be among the least expensive in the world.

today’s Daily Bread Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Matthew 7:21-29 read: read: Proverbs 4:10-19

Text: Matthew Text: James 7:26 5:20

A woman smokes a cigar during the havana Cigar Festival in Cuba. The production of Cuban cigars experienced an eight per cent growth in 2013 adding uS$447 million to the Cuban economy. AFP

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no teia nei ao

Pistorius breaks down in court

Pretoria – murder accused oscar Pistorius broke down in court as his defence lawyer argued that reeva Steenkamp was so badly brain damaged by the gunshot to her head she couldn’t possibly have screamed. His advocate Barry roux made the claims in response to a neighbour’s testimony that she heard a woman’s screams after shots were ired on the night the model was killed. He told the court: “We will have experts state that there was serious brain damage after the shot to the head, that it would not have been possible for her to scream at all. “With the head shot, she would have dropped down immediately.” the Paralympian was seen bent double in the dock, with his hands behind his head, as the court heard details of the bullets hitting Steenkamp and the removal of fragments from her head during the post mortem. a relative handed him a handkerchief which he used to wipe tears from his eyes. Prosecution lawyer gerrie nel interjected to say it was the last of four shots that struck Steenkamp’s head, the irst two hitting her right side, the wall and her shoulder. roux’s comments came during ierce cross-examination of one of the state’s key witnesses, michell Burger, a university lecturer who lives near the athlete’s

Lawyer argues Steenkamp was so badly brain damaged by gunshot she couldn’t have screamed

Oscar Pistorius reportedly broke down in court as his defence lawyer argued that reeva Steenkamp was so badly brain damaged by the gunshot to her head she couldn’t possibly have screamed for help. The athlete’s lawyer Barry roux made the claims in response to a neighbour’s testimony that she heard a woman’s screams after shots were ired on the night the model was killed. AFP Pretoria home. Burger replied: “as i said yesterday, i heard her voice just after the last shot.” in an emotive second day of the murder trial, Burger wept in the witness stand as she told

how she was still haunted by the screams she heard that night. Her account was backed up by her husband, charl Johnson, who said he also heard a woman’s screams before and after gunshots.

Children suffering geneVa – People fleeing conlicts in Central African Republic and South Sudan are growing increasingly sick and hungry with children particularly at risk. among the latest deaths were 15 malnourished children who “died before they could be saved” at the weekend, having crossed from central african republic into cameroon. “i think ‘tip of the iceberg’ is a very appropriate way of putting it,” uniceF spokesman Patrick McCormick told a news brieing in geneva. Violence in central african republic and neighbouring South Sudan has displaced about 1.8 million people across the region. “We’re really noticing a trend in all refugees that they’re in very poor physical shape. Some are suffering from malaria, diarrhoea, respiratory infections,” melissa Fleming, spokeswoman for the un refugee agency unHcr, said. “many have been hiding in the bush for up to a year in the central african republic, which has signiicantly impacted their state of health. “Very disturbingly, many children up to the age of five are showing varying degrees of malnourishment.” Fleming said the poor state of health of the 15 children who died in cameroon was an indication of what’s probably worse inside the country. many of those fleeing from

cession of shots i heard a lady scream again and shortly after the last shot.’ the Paralympian claims he had mistakenly thought

He said: “We were under the impression someone had been attacked in their house in a very secure complex. “i remember during the suc-

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

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King tides swamp low islands State of emergency declared as tides inundate Marshalls’ atolls maJuro – a state of emergency

has been declared in marshall islands due to king tides which have inundated communities living on low-lying atolls. almost a thousand people have been displaced in the capital of majuro, with another 246 evacuated on the separate

island of arno, according to un igures. Four evacuation centres have been set up in schools and churches in majuro. The United Nations Ofice for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, regional ofice for the Pacific says waves washed

paciic BRIEFS neUtralitY oF Fiji militarY essential FIJI – An academic says Fijians will be hoping that their new military commander will be “utterly professional and have the tenacity to maintain a sense of independence from political inluence”. The land force commander, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, has become the country’s new military commander with current commander, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama stepping down so he can launch a political party and contest elections he has promised planned for September. An Auckland University lecturer in Paciic studies, Dr Steven Ratuva, says Colonel Tikoitoga will have to try and depoliticise, and re-professionalise, the army. He will have to be able to move the military forward to respond efectively to the demands of the state in a more democratic climate, which “Fiji presumably will have after the election”.

PNG GIVES US$10 MILLION FOR ELECTIONS PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Papua New Guinea has oicially committed US$10 million to Fiji for preparations for the 2014 Election planned for September. The irst payment of $3 million will be made at the end of this month to the Elections Oice. The donation was formalised after a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two governments on Tuesday. PNG’s prime minister Peter O’Neill pledged the elections assistance last year. Fiji’s Ministry of Information says a further $10 million will be discussed and dispatched in 2015. Papua New Guinea has commended the work carried out by the Fijian Elections Oice. The PNG Government’s chief secretary, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, is in Fiji to work out the details for rolling out the assistance.

no cHoice BUt to remoVe sPeaKer TUVALU – Tuvalu’s prime minister Enele Sopoaga says he had no choice but to remove the speaker of parliament, who wasn’t a government MP. On Monday, Sir Kamuta Latasi was removed after seven years in the position when the prime minister’s motion was supported by two-thirds of MPs during the irst parliamentary session for the year. Otinielu Tauteleimalae Tausi, a former speaker who won a by-election in January, has been appointed to the role. In July last year Sir Kamuta was criticised when he adjourned parliament before opposition MPs, led at the time by Sopoaga, could debate a motion of no-conidence in the then prime minister Willy Telavi. Sopoaga says he had little faith in Sir Kamuta.

sanitation conditions assessed FIJI – Health oicials in Fiji are assessing the sanitation conditions in some villages before 400 people still in evacuation centres after last week’s loods can return to their homes. The Disaster Management Oice director, Manasa Tagicakibau, says 11 evacuation centres are still open in the central division of Fiji. Tagicakibau says while most houses were not damaged, looding has not receded in some villages and debris still needs to be cleaned up. He says health oicials are doing what they can to make sure people do not get sick from water-borne diseases or dengue fever. “They are moving around with chemicals to neutralise larvae in stagnant waters. They are also conducting assessments on individual households and communities before they can really tell people to move back into their houses.”

cHicKens, GardeninG encoUraGed TONGA – A pilot programme promoting backyard gardens and the raising of chickens is being extended in three villages in Tonga, in an efort to improve the food supply. The Community Development Trust has been working with the villages on the main island of Tongatapu over the past three years by providing fertile soil to 20 homes, so families could establish their own gardens. The Trust’s executive director Sione Faka’osi says they also promoted poultry farming by providing local chickens, fences and posts. Faka’osi says they are preparing to scale up the programme to at least 100 homes from each village over the next two years.

lodGe maKes lonelY Planet toP ten PAPUA NEW GUINEA – An eco-lodge in Papua New Guinea has been named by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten eco-stay places in the world for 2014. Nuli Sapi, owned by cousins Maniana and Isiah Mwado, is made up of four traditional bush material bungalows in Logeia Island in Milne Bay. Isiah Mwado, who has always lived in the area, says making the list was a surprise as he did not know Lonely Planet was visiting. Mwado says the bungalows, built among mangrove trees on the water, were constructed by his family with locally-sourced materials and help from the community. He says the lodge encourages visitors to get involved in local activities.

over shorelines, sending water, rubbish and debris across roads and properties. there are no reports of fatalities or serious injuries, however a state of emergency has been declared. Preliminary assessments in the capital majuro show 69 homes have been damaged. the rairok elementary School, a waste site, cemetery and airport road have also been damaged by the lood. evacuation centres have been established in schools and churches with many staying in hotels or with family and friends. on arno atoll 36 homes were damaged and 246 people displaced. a number of outer islands have also been affected, however information is yet to be obtained. the severity of the tides was expected to ease by Wednesday morning. marshall islands climate change minister tony de Brum says recovery efforts have begun. But he says areas once assumed safe to build on may not support housing in the future. “i’m talking about a short term solution to a long term problem,” he said. “Perhaps we can ind a way to make more permanent moves for people who are already much too close to the shoreline. “We are hopeful that those houses that are far away enough from the shoreline that they may be able to be repaired in such a way that a similar tide within the next ive to 10 years can be staved off,” he said. “We are hopeful they can start

A photograph posted on social media shows the extent of the high tide looding which has led to widespread property damage in the Marshall Islands. ABC repairing and returning soon.” While high tides are expected at this time of the year in the marshall islands, de Brum stresses that “this is far from normal”. on parts of the island, water from the lagoon and the ocean sides have risen so far they had met in the middle. the government has established an emergency operations centre and has been holding national Disaster committee meetings with humanitarian partners, including red cross and the international organisation for migration, which are already providing aid in the country. De Brum has called on australian political leaders to do more to help the Pacific deal with climate change. “When the king tides come, and the salt inundates, it doesn’t

go away,” he said. “the salt remains in the soil and in the groundwater. “if the people of australia understood a little better and were able to see the kind of affect that climate change is having on the small island countries i am sure they will have something to say to their leadership.” the marshall islands are comprised of 29 atolls which lie at an average of two metres above sea level, making them vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Parts of the islands lie just 30cm above water, and a sea level rise of 80cm would inundate two-thirds of the islands, according to projections. this is a scenario which could occur by the end of the century, according to the un’s climate science body, the iPcc. any relocation will be within the islands themselves, said

de Brum – the idea of leaving the marshall islands remains “repugnant” to islanders, and could be counterproductive in diminishing the imperative to stop polluting. currently, people from the outer islands are flowing towards the capital of majuro, where there are schools, hospitals and economic opportunities, as disappearing shorelines cause their own atolls to become uninhabitable. meanwhile, he said, people who already live in majuro are worried about how they will ind the space to accommodate more people as the island itself shrinks. He said: “there’s less land throughout the atoll for the accommodation of our friends and neighbours from the other islands.” - ABC/PNC

Bainimarama names successor

SuVa – commodore Voreqe Bainimarama’s 15 years service as the republic of Fiji military Forces commander has come to an end. and succeeding the Fijian regime leader in his military role is the current Land Force commander, colonel mosese tikoitoga. commodore Bainimarama earlier disclosed the name of his successor on a talk-back show on national radio on tuesday. radio australia’s reporter in Fiji, Samisoni Pareti, said colonel tikoitoga is considered a “loyalist” who’s defended the involvement of Fiji’s military in

Fiji’s new military leader Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga. the country’s political process. “When commodore Bainimarama has been looking

around for successors, the fact that he’s an oficer that’s stood by him through thick and thin – colonel tikoitoga must have shone right through,” he said. Fiji’s military has held an elaborate ceremony to farewell Bainimarama and welcome his successor in Suva which took place yesterday. in resigning as commander, Bainimarama will now concentrate on his new political career in the lead up to the country’s parliamentary elections. The country’s irst elections since the coup in 2006 are expected by September 2014. Bainimarama stated in the

talk-back show that colonel tikoitoga’s appointment has been endorsed by the president, ratu epeli nailatikau. colonel mosese tikoitoga was formally handed the duties of military commander yesterday in a ceremony that was televised live on local television. Bainimarama said the handover ceremony was not to farewell him, but to welcome the new commander. commodore Bainimarama has served in the military for 29 years and will leave after 15 years of service as its commander. - PNC/sources

Maori King won’t greet royals turangaWaeWae– new Zea-

land’s maori king has refused to meet Prince William during a royal tour next month. Prime minister John Key says Kensington Palace had hoped Prince William would visit King tuheitia at the turangawaewae marae during his april 7-16 trip to new Zealand with wife catherine and baby son Prince george. But King tuheitia’s office has rejected the offer, arguing the 90 minutes allotted for the visit to the maori leader’s base

in the north island was not long enough for proper protocols to be observed. Prime minister Key said: “my understanding is the palace offered King tuheitia’s people an opportunity for the Prince to visit. they were offered a 90-minute slot. “that was longer than pretty much any other engagement they have and King tuheitia’s people decided that wasn’t long enough and on that basis, they rejected him actually attending.”

Key says 90 minutes was a “quite generous” amount of time, given the royals’ busy schedule, and it was a shame the visit would not go ahead. “it’s rather disappointing because i think Prince William would have enjoyed going to turangawaewae,” he told tV3. “But it was King tuheitia’s people who said 90 minutes is not long enough. if you look at the royals’ programme, there are very few places where they’re there for an hour, let alone 90 minutes.

“of course he has to travel, he has to it different things in. So in the end King tuheitia’s people said ‘if you can’t make it longer than 90 minutes then don’t come’ – so they’re not coming.” King tuheitia is descended from the irst Maori King Potatau te Wherowhero. the position does not have any constitutional status or legal powers in new Zealand but carries great symbolic importance for some maori. - ABC/PNC

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

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Samoa MPs meet behind closed doors aPia – in Samoa, a meeting of

the ruling Human rights Protection Party caucus, called to discuss the issue of members reportedly defecting to form a new party, has been held behind closed doors. the six hour-long meeting that started at 3pm yesterday cancelling all of Prime minister tuilaepa Sailele malielegaoi’s afternoon appointments finished at 9.30pm.

Prime minister tuilaepa returned from Washington in the weekend to a reported widening rift within his party. tuilaepa told reporters after the meeting that he would call a press conference to discuss the outcome of the caucus meeting. central to the six-hour meeting was the future of the Finance minister Faumuina tiatia Faaolatane Liuga. Sources told talamua that all

the caucus mPs who attended were each given a chance to speak on the issue. Faumuina’s ability to lead and continue as the minister of finance has come under close scrutiny given the indings of a Parliamentary committee report that pointed to mismanagement and corrupt practices at the Samoa Land corporation during his time as the minister in charge of that portfolio.

Some governments mPs have said that the issue now becomes an issue of confidence in the minister. the report was tabled last month and is due to be fully debated when parliament resumes on march 18. the debate will give mPs a chance to speak on the report that has recommended legal action and will also give the minister and the government a chance

to answer and explain the issues raised in the report. Some H r PP m Ps first attempted to remove the minister last may when they wrote to the prime minister to remove him ahead of the Parliamentary committee’s report. Former cabinet minister tu’u’u anasi’i Leota, led the campaign against the finance minister and he was widely reported in the media last week

that he had broken away to form a new party. tu’u’u attended last night’s meeting and is reportedly still an HrPP Party member. While the law bars him from forming a new political party, tu’u’u can resign and become an independent mP and is on record as saying that he will resign from HRPP if the inance minister remains. - Talamua/PNC

Chinese travel agents check out Vanuatu Port ViLa – Vanuatu is likely

to break into the chinese tourist market in a few years from now and the Vanuatu tourism office (Vto) is confident that the number of chinese tourists visiting Vanuatu will increase. the biggest number of 20

chinese approved travel agents from Beijing, Shanghai and guangzhou are currently in the country checking out everything from Five Star Hotel accommodation to food to customs and culture products and more.

it is clear they are looking for something different as they are clicking on their digital cameras at almost everything that they see, report the Vanuatu Daily Post. “it is an opportunity handed to local tour operators on a plate

New tourism strategy aPia – Tourism in Paciic island countries is expected to receive a boost with the completion and soon to be launched regional tourism strategy. The South Paciic Tourism organisation (SPto) is into the inal lap of country consultations through workshops and stakeholder discussions at a regional level to seek feedback on the irst draft of a new overarching Paciic Regional Tourism Strategy (RTS) for the iveyear period from 2015-2019. this week SPto is in a series of consultations with public and private sector stakeholders in Samoa as part of the regional consultations.

according to SPto ceo, ilisoni Vuidreketi, the intention is to formulate an updated medium-term strategic framework to guide the industry in developing and implementing specific action plans at a regional level. “this strategy we believe will correspond to prioritised regional needs and enjoy the greatest degree of support and ownership among tourism stakeholders,” he said. Vuidreketi said the proposed rtS is envisaged as a high-level strategic planning exercise that will identify and prioritise an integrated series of regional initiatives for the development

and promotion of the tourism sector for the Paciic region. “the new rtS will build on the 2003-2013 rtS and its 2006 review, but also take into account current national tourism strategies and research studies undertaken in the intervening period as well as notably any national strategies being carried out,” he said. He adds the new rtS will cover the ive-year period 20152019 and will be developed in close consultation with all SPto members and industry stakeholders in the region, so as to ensure the widest possible buyin and support. - Talamua

Politician denies charges aPia – Samoa’s Deputy Prime

minister, Fonotoe nuafesili Pierre Lauofo, has vehemently denied in court all police evidence against him and his associate minister, muagututagata Peter ah Him. muagututagata is facing one count of failing to comply with the use of a breathalyzer and one count of obstructing police duties. Fonotoe is charged with one count of obstructing the police. the court heard evidence from 13 police officers supporting the two charges against the associate minister and one

against the deputy prime minister. Fonotoe and muagututagata decided to give evidence after the presiding judge, Vaepule alo Vaemoa Vaai, had ruled after the prosecution witnesses that there is strong evidence for a prima facie case against the pair. Fonotoe told the court he had not obstructed police when they stopped the associate minister’s car for an alcohol test last october. He also denied telling the associate minister to drive away. Four police oficers gave evidence on monday telling the

court Fonoto’s car had pulled over and tried to interfere with the performance of their duties. During witnesses testimonies, lawyer for Fonotoe, Donald Kerslake questioned the relevance of constable Penehuro Paniani’s testimony to the case. Paniani gave witness as to Fonotoe and muagututagata’s presence at the Leons night club in apia on the night of october 4, 2013. that was the same night the breathalyzer incident occurred which led to the charges against the two politicians. - RNZI

Castaway back in hospital San SaLVaDor – the Salva-

doran castaway who survived more than a year at sea will soon travel to mexico to see the family of the young isherman who perished on the same remarkable journey. Jose Salvador alvarenga has applied for a visa to visit mexico and has begun other preparations so he can go soon, his lawyer Benedicto Perlera said. alvarenga, 37, is currently in hospital after being readmitted for swelling in his feet – a condition attributed to a parasite he contracted after eating raw ish and birds during his time at sea. He had earlier spent a week

in the same San rafael state hospital after his return to el Salvador. “He hopes to be able to take a medical clearance to the mexican embassy”, Perlera explained, adding, “he wants to talk to the family of the young man”. alvarenga was brought to the hospital by his parents, ricardo orellana and maria Julia alvarenga. He is visited daily by his lawyer, who did not reveal where the fisherman has been living since returning to el Salvador. alvarenga washed ashore in the marshall islands on January 30, telling reporters he sur-

vived a 12,500km voyage in a seven-metre ibreglass boat after leaving Mexico’s Paciic coast 13 months earlier. He said the mexican fisherman with him on the trip died because he could not stomach a diet of urine, turtle blood, raw ish and bird lesh. the family of the dead 24-year-old, ezequiel cordoba, who live in the town of Pijijiapan, in the southern state of chiapas, had asked to speak with alvarenga, who has the help of sponsors to fund his trip across the border, his lawyer said. - PNC/sources

to sell their products to the chinese.” Vanuatu national tourism office global marketing manager, allan Kalfabun says the country is very lucky to be included also on the accredited list of tourist markets for china. thanks to international Finance corporation Vanuatu is chosen as one of the destinations for the chinese to visit. He says Vto is focused on investing in emerging markets

and china is one of those emerging markets. asked his prediction of what the future holds for tourists from china to visit Vanuatu, Kalfabun replies, “the emerging market of asia is a very good market; the fastest growing tourist market is china. “We are hoping to get a spin off from that growth and we are looking at a few years away, to be able to develop chinese collaterals, for example having the

chinese menus and having the chinese hotels information in their rooms. the biggest challenge for us of course is that we do not have direct service from china as yet. “our unique selling points are selling our customs and culture. We are mandated by the government to grow the numbers to Vanuatu apart from australia, new Zealand and new caledonia which are our prime markets.’’ - Daily Post

Guam monitoring Ukraine crisis

Visits by russian tourists are an integral part of the Guam tourism industry. PNC Hagatna – the guam Visitors

Bureau is watching closely the current international crisis centred on the crimean peninsula in ukraine. there are concerns the crisis may impact a growing segment of the island’s tourism industry, according to a statement from Karl Pangelinan, the visitor bureau’s general manager. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” Pangelinan said. “of course guam’s tourism industry wants to continue welcoming russian visitors and our island is certainly benefiting from this new market.” Pangelinan added that situations like these show the increasing need for the island to continue to diversify its source markets. “For now, we will continue showing our russian visitors the hafa adai spirit guam is famous for,” he said. Hafa adai is a greeting in

chamorro, the native language of the islands of the northern marianas and guam. observers are concerned that tensions between ukraine and russia could result in political and economic sanctions that may impact the low of Russian visitors to guam. reports from the visitor bureau show a steady increase in the number of russian visitors since January 2012 when the uS Department of Homeland Security granted a visa waiver allowing russian tourists to visit guam easily. Last year, about 8000 visitors from russia travelled to guam. according to a report from visitor bureau, during fiscal 2013, russian tourists spent an average of uS$1500 per person, per trip while on the island. eighteen per cent of russian travellers interviewed last fiscal year were repeat visitors, and stayed for an average of

13.6 days. the top motivation for choosing to travel to guam was the island’s beaches and “natural beauty.” russian tourists were also attracted to the island because of the visa waiver and for “relaxation and pleasure,” the report stated. By comparison, visitors from Japan – guam’s largest source market – stay on guam for only about three days and spend about $480 per person. guam’s governor, eddie calvo, said he and his deputy, ray tenorio, are praying for providence over the decisions coming from obama and russian and ukrainian leaders. “We hope their decisions are made in the best interests of our freedom, ever mindful that the price of freedom is paid with the blood of the brave,” calvo said. - Marianas Variety

Nation behind ishing ban Koror – the president of Pal-

au, tommy remengesau, says people in his country are all behind a proposal to ban overseas commercial operators from ishing in Palau waters. Palau is finalising plans to turn its 600 thousand square kilometres exclusive economic zone into a protected area. remengesau says Palau is not

going into it blindly but instead doing the analysis to ensure it can make up for the uS$5 million in lost funds from ishing licenses and fees. “While it may be a billion dollar industry we are really getting peanuts and breadcrumbs. “maybe if we concentrated our efforts on ecotourism, sports ishing, catch and release, inter-

national sports tournaments, this could also be a sustainable low of revenues for our people as well as to our government.” remengesau says the ban is part of regional efforts at conservation and also in line with Palau’s traditional practices of sustaining food stocks, known as “bul”. - RNZI

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

A white tip reef shark cruises Cook Islands waters. (PHOTO STEPHEN LYON.) 11112561

Shark in regulations must be enforced, says conservationist a KeY individual behind the creation of the cook islands Shark Sanctuary says regulations meant to protect sharks should be enforced, not applied arbitrarily by government oficials at their own discretion. Director Stephen Lyon of the Paciic Islands Conservation Initiative (Pici) – who led efforts to establish the 1.9 million square kilometre shark sanctuary along with fellow conservationists – was reacting to a recent incident where shark ins were discovered by maritime police during the inspection of a Chinese-lagged longlining ishing vessel. Several other undisclosed violations were reported by police, who didn’t lay any charges after receiving instructions from oficials in Rarotonga to allow the boat to proceed to its destination. under cook islands regulations, violations can face fines ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, with each shark constituting a separate offense. ministry of marine resources

Secretary Ben Ponia said the government is currently pursuing the matter with chinese government officials and the Western central Pacific Fisheries commission (WcPFc). referring to the incident which occurred nearly two weeks ago, Lyon commended the oficers that conducted the operation, but said the cook islands missed out on potentially earning over $100,000 in ines should it have chosen to charge the vessel and its captain for the violations. “unfortunately we now have a pattern emerging where infractions against our shark regulations are not being enforced by the ministry of marine resources, a situation that is raising concern,” he said. “the law should not be something that is arbitrarily applied.” Lyon said because every infringement is referred to mmr’s Secretary for his decision on whether or not to impose a ine, it creates a system that makes only one person responsible.

“it seems that as long as we have a system that empowers one individual above all else, and that individual is not willing to make the decisions the law calls for, then improvement can only come from a change in the system, or the individual that controls it,” he said. Pointed criticism was also levelled at Prime minister Henry Puna, who also holds mmr as part of his ministerial portfolio. “as the cook islands continues to attempt to develop a marine Park, once touted as a great environmental achievement by our Prime minister, his portfolio of marine resources continues to increase foreign fishing, attempts to open up a rori (sea cucumber) export business to china, and ignores our shark protection regulations,” said Lyon. “if the cook islands is serious about having strong environmental principles, as one would expect of a nation trying to establish a marine park, the Prime minister needs to get mmr in

order.” this latest report follows an incident which occurred last September when local authorities made a decision not to charge a Spanish-lagged longliner, which was found to have shark carcasses with ins attached on board. at the time, Ponia cited “humanitarian reasons” which required the boat to dock in raro-

www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday

island councils to drum up support for a shark sanctuary – culminating in the creation of the protective zone in December 2012. “Sharks are still being targeted and exploited for their ins, and unless people make a stand, this gruesome and unnecessary practice will continue,” added Lyon. - Emmanuel Samoglou

LetterS reta

Stop trying to avoid taxes Dear editor, From what i read about Dennis tunui and his grey Power cohorts, i can only surmise they

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

tonga after reports that a crew member was in need of medical attention. over a year ago, Lyon, along with conservationist Jess cramp and local organisers, circulated petitions and ran an awareness campaign with support coming from traditional leaders, conservation groups, ishing clubs, tourism organisations and outer

are greedy and obviously have no interest in the welfare of their nZ pension members let alone the local pensioners from the cook islands. they have spent their entire working lives earning good money in another country then return to the cook islands and enjoy all the benefits of our home country at no cost. Free medical, free medication, free referral to nZ all paid for by the cook islands taxpayer and generations of cook islands pensioners. Dennis and his members earn $21,000 pa for a single pensioner or $28,000 pa for a couple with the nZ pension. in new Zealand they would pay $2750 per annum for income tax on a fortnightly pension. Here in the cook islands they are taxed at a lesser rate and would only pay $1935 per annum. Yet they still call the cook islands government a cruel government. it makes me sick that they believe our cook islands people owe them. compare that to our local cook islands pensioners. When the new government came into power all pensioners received

$400 per month or $4800 pa. these are people who lived and worked their lives here in our home country and when they retire they only collect $400 a month. Since being in power these last three years our government has now increased the pension for over 60s to $500 a week and for the over 70s it has increased their pension every year until now they will receive $625 per month. a 20% increase in the pension just in the last year. i congratulate the government for doing what it said they would do for our cook islands pensioners. they have the long-term aim of increasing the pension for over 70s to reach $10,000 pa. i say good on you and keep going forward. to Dennis tunui and grey Power, stop trying to get out of taxes that you were supposed to pay in new Zealand. Your game is not about helping pensioners, it all about politics. Shame on you and shame on your sick and pathetic advertising. tumu enua (name and address supplied)

Publisher John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com chief executive Oicer Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com General Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com Editor Mark Ebrey mark@cookislandsnews.com Deputy Editor Matariki Wilson matariki@cookislandsnews.com Reporters Emmanuel Samoglou emmanuel@cookislandsnews.com Ben Chapman-Smith ben@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Reeves rachel@cookislandsnews.com Court Reporter Merita Wi-Kaitaia merita@cookislandsnews.com Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Sales and Marketing Manager Susan Tealby susan@cookislandsnews.com Advertising Assistant Ledua Vivian Engu 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

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

60+ ($250 fortnight)

Pensions paid out on Saturday

70+ ($312.50 fortnight)

Payment

Tax Deducted

0% form submitted (earn below $11,000)

$250.00

287

$312.05

267

18.5% form submitted (earn $11,000 to $30,000)

$203.75

$46.25

$254.69

$57.36

27.5% form submitted (earn $30,000 to $80,000)

$181.25

$68.75

$226.56

$85.49

30% form submitted (earn $80,000 and over)

$175.00

$75.00

$218.75

$93.30

$75.00

422 214 636

$93.30

306 112 418

Marginal tax rate

Total forms received No form received Total people paid

Students

need small motors

LaWn m oWe r motors and

other small engines are needed at the trades school in arorangi. the trades campus of the cook islands tertiary training institute (citti) is calling for donations of small engines that people may have lying around, said Head of School alister anderson. “they don’t have to be working – we just want to be able to practise pulling them to bits and putting them together again.” tutor ina george said the school has a few small motors but there is not enough for all the students. “With the numbers we have, we need more of them to work with.” those who have a small motor that they no longer want can either drop it off at the arorangi campus, or phone the school on 21471 to have it picked up. only motors that do not need to be returned should be offered. - Briar Douglas

Tutor Ina George is hoping for some more small motors at CITTI to help students learn how the engines work and how they are built. 14030405

$175.00

Number of people

Payment

Tax Deducted

$218.75

Number of people

Provide RMD number or be taxed at the highest rate cooK iSLanD pensioners are being encouraged to provide their rmD number before april 1 to ensure they receive their full pension payout. those who don’t will be taxed at the maximum rate and not be able to claim it back until they submit their annual tax return at the end of the year. the ministry of internal affairs has extended the period by which pensioners are able to submit a form in order to receive the correct amount of the pensioner. those pensioners who have not submitted a form will get the opportunity to submit it before tuesday, april 1 and the ministry of internal affairs will make an adjustment to ensure that people get the correct amount. “For example, if you are 70 years and over and earning below $11,000 year, and have not submitted a form, submit your rmD form declaring your income by april 1 to the ministry of internal affairs,” a ministry press release says. “Your next pension payment

(if you earn below $11,000 a year) will be for the regular $312.50 plus an additional $93.75 to correct for not submitting a form earlier (a total of $405.25). For a 60-year-old pensioner that will be $250 plus $75 (a total one-off payment of $325). “We strongly encourage everyone entitled to a pension to submit their rmD form to internal affairs as soon as possible to ix this administrative issue so they can enjoy their full beneit,” the release says the ministry of internal affairs paid 1054 pensioners on the island of rarotonga last Saturday. it was described as an ambitious pension run, as this was the pension payment that incorporates the combination of the 25% increase in pensions from march 1, 2014 and the new tax changes. the pension for those 60 and over increased from $200 a fortnight to $250 a fortnight, and for those aged 70 and over from $250 a fortnight to $312.50 a fortnight. it is a requirement for a

pensioner to submit an rmD number and choose which tax bracket they would prefer to be in. For many pensioners who earn no other signiicant income in a year that should be the 0% bracket. By march 1, 728 pensioners

illed out their forms while 356 pensioners had not and, therefore, had more of their pension deducted at source. “if forms are not received by the end of march, then pensioners are advised that the next opportunity to correct for any

underpayment would be during their tax return at the end of the year. if they have had too much of their payment withheld, they will receive a refund from rmD once their tax return is processed,” the ministry release says. - MIA release/Mark Ebrey

Annual licencing of Motor Vehicles 2014-2015 year Please be advised that BCI is now accepting payment of annual licence fees. Please note the following schedule of times and methods for paying for your licence. Method of payment

Available to

Location for payment

Date

Time

Online

WBC and AnZ clients

www.anz.com www.westpac.co.ck Please enter plate and phone number in reference ield.

Anytime

Direct Debit

non government or fleet vehicle owners

Please contact BCI on cash@bci. Anytime co.ck for direct debit form

Anytime

Cash/ Cheque

Personal vehicle owners

BCI banking area

Mon – Fri

9am to 3pm

Cash/ Cheque

non personal vehicle owners

BCI front oice

Mon – Fri

9am to 3pm

BCI will be extending its hours to the Public on the following dates only: 26 & 27 Feb 14 3pm - 5:30pm 26 & 27 Mar 14 3pm - 5:30pm 12 & 13 Mar 14 3pm - 5:30pm Opening Saturday as well: 8 & 22 Mar 14 9am - 12noon For those paying by online banking or direct debit, please note your sticker will be available for collection from the front oice at BCI in three working days from payment. Private Vehicle Fees only (please contact BCI on 29341 for non personal rates) POWER CYCLE MOTOR CYCLE UP TO 100cc MOTOR CYCLE OVER 100cc CARS, STATIOn WAGOnS UP TO 2600cc CARS, STATIOn WAGOnS UP OVER 2600cc VAnS OR PICK UPS UnDER 2.25 TOnnES VAnS OR PICK UPS OVER 2.25 TOnnES TRAILERS TRACTORS

COST FOR FULL YEAR 14.00 26.00 62.00 38.00 47.00 44.00 82.00 26.00 38.00

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

Tutor Ina George (second from left) introduces BCATS students damon Tamariki, Sam Koiatu, rhyse Shedden and Brandon Kermode to the ways of welding. 14030407

Tereora College year 13 student Arama henry works on building a wooden stool. 14030408

Students up-skill with year-long trade training courses at CITTI Year-Long trades programmes for young people who are less suited to traditional classroom work are being run for the irst time through the cook islands tertiary training institute (citti). the classes began in February and run until the end of Semester two in november, giving students an academic qualification in recognition of their work. there are two programmes

for senior tereora college students, who are identiied by the school or of their own accord as being suited to the hands-on classes. “They’ve identiied students who are not as settled in the classroom as they’d like to be, and have a more practical nature,” said head of school alister anderson. this includes 15 students enrolled in a “construction academy” course, where they learn

construction skills for eight hours a week, and another 15 students who spend 15 hours a week at a “trades academy” course learning various trades, including automotive and electrical skills. a separate group of 12 young people are enrolled in a Building construction and allied trades Skills (BcatS) course, where they spend 25 hours a week learning a range of trades. the BcatS students are most-

ly tracked down by citti staff, who identify young people in the community who may have become disillusioned with school and would enjoy the practical nature of learning a trade, and offer them a chance to sign up. “it’s very project-based – they’re doing very hands-on work,” said anderson. this can range from small projects at the trades school to real-world projects that are needed by people in the com-

Tereora College students spending part of their day at the trades campus of CITTI in Arorangi. 14030409

Stack of tyres moved on itS neW location may be a mys-

tery, but a massive stack of old tyres has been moved and is no longer a risk to the public, says the ministry of Health. Landowner arthur Pickering was warned last month to move a pile of 500-odd tyres from his Vaimaanga property or face legal action. the tyres were seen as a potential large-scale breeding

site for day-biting mosquitoes, which transmit the dengue virus. twenty-one positive cases of dengue have been confirmed since the start of February. Public Health Protection Oficer Charlie Ave said his inspectors have been back to the property and found the tyres no longer there. ave has “no idea” where Pick-

ering has put them but said that “at the end of the day we’re happy they’ve been removed”. Pickering, who owns two vehicle rental businesses in rarotonga, said he has addressed the issue and “everyone can move on now”. He would not say where the tyres have been moved to but has previously suggested locking them away in a shipping

container. “they’ve been put away somewhere where, at a later time, i can keep using them,” he said. Pickering plans to use many of the tyres for landscaping around his property and intends to advertise for people to come and collect them when he has inished. - Ben Chapman-Smith

munity – for instance, some students helped install windows in a house at the request of the owner in exchange for food. the courses include both theory and practical work, with the emphasis of assessment being on the

completion of hands-on tasks. “if they build something, we can say they’ve done some maths because they had to measure. they’re assessed in a practical manner,” said anderson. - Briar Douglas

Fund wants more from Pa Enua

Pa enua non-government organisations are being encouraged to apply for a share of a $260,000 fund. the Social impact Fund (SiF) is available across the cook islands, and helps fund 12-month projects offering a service to vulnerable people – including youth, the elderly or disabled, women, and those dealing with domestic violence or mental health issues. manager of the fund angeline tuara said last year’s funding attracted few outer islands applications, and this is something she would like to see changed in 2014. “i’m hoping to see more applications from the outer islands – and quality applications.” in 2013, 46 applications were received for the year-long funding initiative including 12 from the outer islands. one application each was made from atiu, mauke, mitiaro, aitutaki, and rakahanga. there were seven applications from mangaia, with the higher number attributed to having the fund’s outer islands representative living on the island. in november, tuara visited other southern group islands – aitutaki, atiu, mitiaro and mauke – to talk to residents about the funding available and encourage applications. She said the trip also helped her to establish relationships with people on the islands who will be able to assist organisations with applications and ensure they meet the criteria of the fund.

“i found it allowed me to have a look at some contact people on the outer islands to support our existing services and the projects we are funding.” She said while infrastructure projects often focus on pressing issues such as water supply, and therefore easily come to mind for Pa enua residents, it can be a challenge for them to identify a project targeting this particular fund. “in the outer islands, the hardest part for them is often coming up with a project. “they want to know how the infrastructure projects are coming along – when you talk to the island councils, these projects are in the pipeline, but the people don’t know that.” another part of the SiF – programme funding – offers longterm funding between $50,000 and $165,000. applications for this part of the fund will not reopen until the end of the threeyear contracts signed by successful organisations last year. interested people can contact angeline tuara at the ministry of internal affairs on 29378 or email angeline.tuara@cookislands.gov.ck applications close april 24. - Briar Douglas

retraction In the story “TMV petition passes 1000 signature mark”, Sam napa is erroneously mentioned as a member of the Te Mato Vai Petition Committee. napa is not associated with that group. CI news regrets the error.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

Local and regional health oicials in discussion at yesterday’s health information systems workshop, held at Crown Beach Resort. 14030419

Workshop aims for better health data BuiLDing a stronger health

information system was the focus of a workshop yesterday, which was attended by government officials from a range of ministries. Held at the crown Beach resort in arorangi, local government workers and were joined by regional health experts to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current health information system – which includes data such as the number of births, deaths, and the causes of death. manager of statistics and medical records tearoa iorangi from the ministry of Health said the ministry is currently in the process of establishing the World Health organisation’s statistics framework, which aims to provide greater information about health in the country. “after today, we will be able to come out with a clear standing of where we are in establishing a health information system in the cook islands,” he said. Dr audrey aumua, a health systems specialist with WHo, said a measure of strength for a health system is based on the quality of information it uses to make decisions. the current dengue outbreak provided a prime example on the importance of information gathering, she said. accurately recording data such as where people live and which properties have been sprayed by community health staff helps oficials in their efforts to curb the spreading of the disease. aumua said health information is also created outside the system – such as the justice ministry’s recording of births and deaths- providing reason for the inclusion of government workers from various ministries at the workshop. contacted by the ministry of Health to bring her knowledge and aid efforts to improve information systems, Secretary

Nicola Hodge from the Paciic Health information network said an area for improvement locally is to capture more detailed information on speciic causes of death. By doing so, Hodge said the health system would be in a better position to deal with issues such as the proliferation noncommunicable diseases (ncDs). “that information is needed is important for the health ministry to determine what services are needed,” said Hodge, who also works as a researcher at the university of Queensland. - Emmanuel Samoglou

Secretary Nicola Hodge from the Paciic Health Information Network, Specialist Dr. Audrey Aumua from the World Health Organisation, and Manager Tearoa Iorangi from the Ministry of health, pictured here (L-r) at yesterday’s workshop. 14030420

Still no news on dengue conirmation DoZenS of people in rarotonga are waiting to find out whether they have the dengue virus. the ministry of Health said 21 people have been conirmed as having dengue fever, two have tested negative and another 46 have results pending. Health Secretary elizabeth iro said many blood tests have come back as ‘weak positive’, which are not conclusive enough. rarotonga Hospital is only able to carry out rapid Dengue tests and a number of blood samples have been sent to tahiti for more conclusive results, she said. “We’re waiting for conirmation. We need to be sure if we can count them in the oficial numbers.” a reason some people might be testing ‘weak positive’ is because they are already recovering from the virus when tested,

she said. meanwhile, results of the first batch of blood samples sent to tahiti last month have now come back and a report should be released this week. it is expected the results will indicate which of the four possible types of dengue virus rarotonga is dealing with. Oficials have also been waiting on the results to see if the zika or chikungunya virus are present. iro said 300 rapid Dengue test kits being sent to rarotonga by the Secretariat of the Paciic Community are due to arrive early this week. The irst cases of dengue fever were conirmed at the start of February. two teams of Health officers are continuing to spray insecticide in a 200-metre radius around the homes of people found carrying the virus. - Ben Chapman-Smith

health Inspector Charlie Short sprays insecticide around Avatea School yesterday. 14030402

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

health inspectors (left to right) roger nehemia, Charlie Short and Thomas Akai Marsters stand next to a fogging machine being used to spray large areas with insecticide. 14030404

Tutaka checks underway next week tutaKa health checks will be

kicking off in rarotonga next week and property owners are being asked to start cleaning up their sections. the ministry of Health will being inspecting every residential and business property on the island, starting in the area between matavera and muri on monday.

Public Health protection oficer Charlie Ave said inspectors will be looking for any potential mosquito breeding sites, such as water-illed containers, coconut husks or old tyres. they will also be on the look out for illegally-built or poorlymaintained septic systems, open drainage, overgrown grass or

hedges, and animals tied up too close to the house. tutaka was originally scheduled to take place in april but the ministry of Health has brought the date forward because of the dengue fever outbreak. People who do not meet the tutaka requirements will be issued with a warning notice and

given a timeline to meet. if the issues are not resolved a inal notice will be given, then a ine handed out under the Public Health act. ave said individuals can be fined up to $1000 and commercial property owners up to $10,000. “We don’t want to go to that

extent though,” he said. one of the biggest problems the ministry faces each tutaka is how to deal with overgrown vacant properties. “Basically, many of the landowners are not in rarotonga. the responsibility then falls on their relatives here to look after it,” ave said.

too often, nobody is willing to put their hand up and take care of the property though, he said. tutaka will be carried from ooa to ruatonga next tuesday, avatiu to Pokoinu on Wednesday, Black rock to rutaki on thursday, and Vaimaanga to tikioki on Friday. - Ben Chapman-Smith

PUBLIC NOTICES

2014 WOMen’s WOrld day OF PRAYER 6 March 2014, 6pm, Apostolic Church, Tupapa-Pue, Rarotonga

PROGRAMME THEME - STREAMS IN THE DESERT READInG: JOHn 4: 1 - 41 Welcome Speech: Sister Carmen Temata Opening Prayer: Mother Patricia Pere Opening Song: Apostolic Church Women’s Choir Preaching of the Word of God: Elder Teiaa Potoru Ofering: Sister Theresa Tutai - Isaiah 41:18-20 Women 1: SDA WOMEN (10 minutes) • Song of Praise. • Pray for the women, children of Egypt and worldwide, that one day may see peace and justice gush forth like streams lowing in the desert. Women 2: LDS WOMEN (10 minutes) • Reading: John 4:7—15 • Pray for healing against illness, poverty and pollution in the land, that good health is directly correlated to the importance of having quality water in the land. Women 3: CICC WOMEN (10 minutes) • Pray for forgiveness against barriers of racial, social and religious. • Hymn Women 4: CATHOLIC WOMEN (10 minutes) • Pray for adoration/love to grow within modern and civilize multitude - global. • Sunday School Presentation Women 5: AOG WOMEN (10 minutes) • Song of honor to celebrate God’s fulillment of the “Living water ofered by Jesus and through Jesus” • Pray for thanksgiving for the churches are striving for unity in Christ. Women 6: APOSTOLIC WOMEN (10 minutes) • Intercessory Prayer - Sister Mary Maafu • Words of Blessings for “Women in Christian Church” - Sister Miimetua Tupa WWDP President (Cook Islands) – Henrica Wilson 1. Announcement of Hosts for 2015 2.Closing remarks Closing Song: Apostolic Church Women’s Choir Closing Prayer: Mother Patricia Pere. 77382

Pukapuka students (left to right) Michael Auora, rite William, Tavini Mataora, Taraa ravarua and Teaute ravarua. 14021911

Pukapuka boat should be en route next week HoPe is on the horizon for ive

students in Pukapuka who have been waiting for a boat to bring them down to rarotonga. the students were supposed to have started at tereora college at the end of January but no passenger boats have been to the island since December. taio Shipping’s Josh taio said the company’s vessel mV maungaroa ii is scheduled to head to remote northern island of Pukapuka next week. He said the ship has been out of action for a number of months, having its engine overhauled, but is currently doing a trial run to mauke.

“then she’s up to Pukapuka next week,” he said. teresa tararo, the ministry of education’s outer islands co-ordinator, said she has been given the same update from taio Shipping. “i’ve been told the week of march 10,” she said. the journey to Pukapuka takes about four days, meaning the students could be back in rarotonga by the end of next week, or early the next. tekemau ribabaiti, acting Principal of niua School in Pukapuka, recently told cinews that the ive students are eager to start their schooling in raro-

tonga. “they really want to go. they’re really frustrated but what else can they do?” When they do inally make it to rarotonga, the students may struggle to catch up with their peers, he said. ribabaiti himself is supposed to have left the island, after retiring at the end of last year. the lack of transportation means he is stuck waiting for his replacement, niua School principal tyronne Weerasinghe, to arrive. under a government assistance scheme, 41 secondary students from the outer islands are being supported to attend tere-

ora college this year. All but ive of those made it to Rarotonga in time for the irst day of school on monday. the outer islands education assistance scheme was set up because Pa enua students are restricted with the level of schooling they can access. it covers each student’s travel to rarotonga and back to their island at the end of the school year and provides a $50 weekly living allowance to guardians. For those in the north, the ministry of education pays only for a boat fare because air transport is too expensive. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

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DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

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

Casual ads must be prepaid. Cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.

PUBLIC NOTICES

FOR RENT

VEhICLES FOR SALE

ARAARA AKAKITE KI TE ANAU A KAIRAKAU RAUA KO POPUARE Te pati akaaka iatu nei ki te anau a Kairakau raua ko Poupouare kia tae mai ki tetai uipaanga kopu tangata te ka rave ia a te Varaire ra itu no Mati (07/03/2014) i te apa no te ora a (4.30pm) i te aiai ki te ngutuare o Tepaeru Samuela i Maraerenga i tua ki tai i te are toa “The Convenience Store”. Ko te akakoroanga o teia uipaanga no te rotai anga a te anau a Kairakau raua ko Poupouare te ka rave ia a teia mataiti ki mua. Ko teia te au tamariki i raro: 1.Kurauru I (m) 2.Okirua (m) 3.Teretura (f) 4.Teruautu (m) 5.Moeauri (m) 6.Akepo (f) 7.Ngatipa (m) Ko tetai uatu te ka inangaro i te uiui marama, taniuniu atu ia Tai Manavaroa ki runga i te numero 53-784.

Apii Te Uki Ou School Incorporated Annual General Meeting to be held at school Tuesday 11 March 2014 at 6:30pm A)Opening Prayer. B) Apologies c) Adoption of the minutes of the last AGM. D)President’s report. E)Treasurer’s report. F)Principal’s report. G)Head Pre-School teacher’s report. H)Election of members of the Board and subcommittees. I)Consideration of any constitutional amendments. J)General business. K)Closing Prayer. All are welcome to attend.

ROBERT/KAITARA NICHOLAS FAMILY MEETING AVANA MEETING HOUSE WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2014 AT 5.30PM AGENDA: NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF MANAVAROA/TUPAKAU TITLE Notice by Phillip Nicholas Komono o Manavaroa.

Rooms from $70 week, Including power, hotwater. Suitable female, sober habits. Arorangi Ph 20201, 9-5pm

1996 NISSAN CABSTAR PICKUP TRUCK Manual, Runs Well, Few Rust, $15,000 ono. Call Goose; 55954.

77386 /36651 /1931

COOK ISLANDS RUGBY UNION Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 26 March 2013 @ 5pm, CISNOC Buildings in Nikao/Rarotonga. AGENDA 1) Opening prayer. 2) Adoption of minutes from AGM held 26/02/14. 3) 2013 Presidents Report. 4) 2013 Financial Report. 5) Election of Oice bearers for 2014 - 2016 term. 6) Other matters: a) 2014 CIRU Rugby Calendar. 7) Closing prayer. For further information contact Ben Koteka on cirugby@rugby. co.ck or mb:54469.

TE MATO VAI PROJECT SOCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENTS The BTIB are undertaking two assessments in respect of the Te Mato Vai project. The assessments are in two parts, one being a social impact assessment & one an economic impact assessment. The purpose of the assessments is to determine the impact the project will have on the wider community. The assessment will be carried out by way of written & verbal submissions given to the BTIB oice. To all members of the community, businesses & NGOs. Tell us what you think. What are your concerns? How will the project afect you both in a positive or negative way? For further details please contact the BTIB oice. Submissions may be sent to btib@ cookislands.gov.ck or delivered to the oice. Deadline for submissions Friday 14 March, 2014.

77376 / /1839

77349 / /2306

77143 / /1952

SERVICES Pool Doctor * Water testing * chlorine * P.H down * Bufer Discounted rates FREE DELIVERY Phone Tony 56599. 77328 / /1708

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

77333 / /2543

2 bedrooms fully furnished lat, Ruatonga. Phone 23756. 77379 /36643 /1931

3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, water tank & solar hot water Inland Matavera, Ph 51153. 77381 /36655 /1931

FOR SALE 24 foot modern style traditional ishing canoe for sale. Only two years old. Mint condition, 30hp yamaha outboard has done low hours. A very economical, reliable and seaworthy boat. Has center console steering and comes with VHS radio, two speaker sony stereo, lockable storage, navigation lights, compass, 8 rod holders, and new anchor chain/rope.

SITUATIONS VACANT Male Baker, preferably with at least 5 yrs work exp.in the same ield that specializing in baking, pastry, and cake, hardworking, honest, team player and goal oriented person. Please email your CV to ciral09@yahoo.com and the application closes 17 March 2014. 77241 / /1933

Has your drinking got out of control? Call 71744

ACCOUNTS PERSON castaway Resort is looking for a Part-time Accounts person. Quickbooks experience is essential. We are prepared to pay a top hourly rate for a suitably qualiied person. Flexible hours of work: Monday - Friday (approx 20 hours per week) Please e-mail your application and CV to: pash@oyster.net.ck Please call Michelle on PH:21546 or 57104. 77258 / /1873

PUBLIC NOTICES

77390 / /1931

20ft container $2500. Phone 26817 hm, 56817 mob. 77378 /314861 /1931

1 Roland piano 4500s, $150. 1 four drawer metal iling cabinet, $100. Phone 27300. 77392 /35926 /1931

VEhICLES FOR SALE

Motor Vehicle Registration Registration for the 2014-2015 year Please be advised that BCI will be open on the following dates between the hours of 9am and 12pm for registrations to be accepted

Saturday 15 February 2014 Saturday 8 March 2014 Saturday 22 March 2014

76743 /36544 /2561

Penno Builders NZ qualiied Free quotes New homes Renovations/repair container homes Gib stopping Painting All work considered. Phone Zane Penno 58493 or jumpshipzp@gmail.com

Payment can also be made via online Bill Pay and by Direct Debit. If you wish to pay online, please enter your plate and phone number in the reference ield If you wish to pay by direct debit, please call into the front oice of BCI to collect a form for lodgement with your bank. ‘Please contact Simona or Tangi on 29341 for more queries or email: cash@bci.co.ck

77230 /36564 /1931

777

FOR RENT 2 bedroom partly furnished home in Upper Tupapa $200 per week. Contact Helen 55717. 77335 / /1935

PUBLIC NOTICES

Cook Islands Football Association Annual General Meeting

ENVIRONMENT SERVICE PUBLIC NOTICE

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports

Date: Thursday 20 March 2014 Time: 5pm Venue: CIFA Headquarters at Matavera Agenda 1. A declaration that the Annual General Meeting has been convened and composed in compliance with the Statutes of CIFA 2. Approval of the agenda 3. Address by the President 4. Appointment of Members to check the minutes 5. Appointment of scrutineers 6. Approval of the minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting 7. President’s activity report 8. Financial report 9. Votes on proposal for amendments to the Statutes, the Regulations governing the application of the Statutes and the standing orders of the Annual General Meeting (if applicable) 10. Discussion of proposals submitted by the Members and the Executive Committee 11. Appointment of independent auditors (if applicable) upon the proposal of the Executive Committee 12. Election of Oice Bearers 13. Any further items proposed by the Members or the Executive Committee of CIFA 777

• adverts@cookislandsnews.com

due to a staf bereavement, the Ministry of Justice oice will close on Wednesday 5 March 2014 from 8am to 1pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. Tingika Elikana Secretary of Justice. 77331 / /1796

PUBLIC NOTICES

Classiieds • Phone 22999

77324 /36612 /1931

77352 / /1917

SITUATIONS VACANT

Government Departments, Agencies and the General Public are hereby advised that the Environment Service has received the following application for a Project Permit as required under Section 36 of the Environment Act 2003. Application: 1. MR ROBIN GRANT Project: Sand Mound Foreshore Protection Land: Avaavaroa Part Section 11A1, Titikaveka, Takitumu - Rarotonga In accordance with subsection 5 a) and c) of Section 36 of the Environment Act 2003, any person, Government Agencies or Organisation who wish to make a written submission for or against the granting of a Project Permit by the Environment Service for this applications, may do so within 30 days commencing on theO5th day of March 2014. Written submissions may be in Cook Islands Maori or English be submitted to the national Environment Service no later than 4 April 2014. EIA Reports for the above applications may be viewed at the following venues, • National Environment Service Oice • Takamoa Library and Museum • National Library Or on the national Environment Service Website: www. environment.org.ck Director Environment Service. 77385

TE MARAE ORA, MInISTRY OF HEALTH COOK ISLAnDS

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION OF THE HEALTH SPECIALIST VISIT (HSV) PROGRAMME The Ministry of Health (MoH) invites Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualiied and experienced parties for the purpose of the evaluation of the Health Specialist Visits (HSV) Programme. HSV is a tripartite arrangement between the MoH, the Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) and the Aid Programme of the new Zealand Ministry of Foreign Afairs and Trade (MFAT). The EOI documents will be available from the oice at the Ministry of Health, Avarua Rarotonga or downloaded from the Ministry of Health website http://www.health. gov.ck/ Complete EOI proposals must be delivered to the address below before 12pm, Cook Islands time on 13 March 2014 in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “HSV EVALUATION” to the following address: Ministry of Health PO Box 109 Rarotonga Cook Islands All enquiries to: Temarama Anguna Email: m.anguna@health.gov.ck Phone: +682 29 664. /

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

SITUATIONS VACANT Paciic resort hotel Group A Great Place to Work... We are currently seeking the following: • Guest Service Agent • Porter / Security • Restaurant & Bar Staf • chefs and cooks • Team Leaders & Supervisors To apply email:rarotonga@paciicresort. com or contact Nan on 51724. 77225 / /1866

Nanny required Non smoker/non drinker, honest, reliable. Cleaning and cooking required. Mail CV to Marcelle_rossouw@ hotmail.com 77221 /36572 /1931

Mechanic A position of automotive mechanic has become available in our busy workshop. The successful applicant will be punctual, reliable, experienced, and have a broad understanding of mechanical repair. If you want to join our team contact Ken Page, Rarocars phone 22060. 77371 / /1902

Assistant Sales person needed at The Dive Shop. Female a least 25yrs old, Honest and reliable, customer friendly, must know how to sell surf clothing, indent ordering, Please send CV to P.O Box 418, Applications closes 17 March 2014. 77377 / /1999

Housekeeping Full time position available - on the job training provided. Immediate start. Front Oice Receptionist Full time position available for an honest, reliable, bubbly personality to join our team. Shift work available - evenings/ weekdays/weekends (roster rotates). RoomMaster knowledge an advantage. Ph: 23000 speak to Daena or Liana Email: info@muribeachclubhotel.com 77323 / /2162

SITUATIONS VACANT

Inspiring equal rights aim of Women’s Day Women’S equality has made

SALES & RESERVATIONS CO-ORDINATOR An exciting full-time opportunity for a Sales and Reservations Co-ordinator is now available to represent Rarotonga’s premium entertainment facility Te Vara Nui Village, including our Spectacular Over Water Night Shows, along with our Jungle Quad Adventure, Coconut Tours. Based at our busy Muri Beach Sales Oice and reporting directly to the Managers and Village Directors. The ideal candidate will possess: • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written • Great customer service, professional and friendly personality, enjoys dealing with guests • Ability to conidently prioritise tasks and complete them within designated time frames • Accurate record keeping and a methodical work ethic • Previous experience in the tourism industry preferred Please send your expression of interest along with your CV to mananger@tevaranui.co.ck or PO Box 86, Avarua. Phone Alan 24006 or call into our main ofice at Muri Beach to ill in an Application. 77301 / /2512

Experienced Pastry Chef Experienced Bar Tender Seamstress/Housemaid We require the above experienced staf to join our team. Please send up to date CV to P O Box 1050. 77129 / /1939

RECyClE

GEO PORTAL OFFICER Applications are invited for a Disaster Risk Management (DRM) & Climate Change (CC) Geo Portal Oicer to be based at the Emergency Management Cook Islands oice. This position will involve the on-going maintenance of our DRM & cc GEO PORTAL that is currently been developed. Must have good communication skills and conident in public speaking both Maori and English and committed to learn and expand their knowledge in this ield. A Diploma in Information Management, Geography or related discipline or a degree in Information Management, Geography or related discipline is required. In particular some knowledge on the use of Mapinfo and/or QGIS, conducting hazard mapping and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) management. A job description can be obtained from the SRIC-CC Oice at the OPM Oice in Tutakimoa or for more information email Michelle Foster michelle.foster@cookislands.gov.ck or ring 25494 ext 830 Applications close 4pm, Friday 7 March 2014. 77123 / /1842

cafe staf wanted. Ph28465. 77322 /36616 /1982

positive gains but the world is still unequal. that’s a theme that will be addressed over and over again during the next week as people get ready to celebrate international Women’s Day. international Women’s Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action. inspiring change is the 2014 theme for this year’s international Women’s Day and encourages advocacy for women’s advancement everywhere in

community are invited to attend and share an evening with like-minded women. tickets are $25 each with drinks and nibbles provided while you share with fellow women, network and discuss ways to advocate the advancement of women starting with women in the cook islands community. For more details, contact any member of the BPW. - Matariki Wilson

www.cookislandsnews.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

La Casita & Rickshaw Muri Positions available: Supervisor with Bar skills, POS skills & Front of House experience Friendly, Well-spoken and welldressed essential. Waiters & Waitresses - experience preferred, training can be given Kitchen Hands - experience preferred Please phone: 26487 between 9am - 2pm Ask for Komera, Sue or Julie. Email refrences to: : tamarind@ oyster.net.ck

Bartender wanted for busy bar, nights from Tuesday - Saturday. Apply in person or phone 24516 or 50498.

Live in Nanny Required to look after 3 adorable babies, please email kavera@oyster.net.ck with your CV and references.

77116 /36502 /1931

77389 /36652 /1931

77300 / /1697

BIRThDAy

A position is available for a fully qualiied Electrician -Must be fully certiicated with 5 years experience -Required under NX/Aus standards - Have professional attitude with customers at all times - Willing to work and train alongside other team members - Reliable & trustworthy -Complete tasks on speciic timeframe -Above award wages for the right applicant Apply in writing with cover letter + CV to email christine.raroac@gmail.com 77310 / /2423

Kathleen heather and joy!

SITUATIONS VACANT

you journey in life!

here & afar. MInISTRY OF InTERnAL AFFAIRS

every way. it calls for challenging the status quo for women’s equality and vigilance inspiring positive change. the day is marked globally on march 8 however the local cook islands Business and Professional Women’s association will be celebrating the occasion this coming Friday. a soiree will be hosted at the ngatipa new Zealand High commission’s residence and all women from across the

Looking for a kitchen hand & counter girls to work in a takeaway cafe soon to open. Phone 76017 or 74345. 77118 /36497 /1931

WANTED TO RENT Wanted to rent long term fully furnished or partly furnished 3 bedroom house in Titikaveka, Tikioki or Vaimanga. Phone 22936. 77316 /36598 /1931

For the sake of your family

GET HELP Call AA - 71744

BIRThDAy

happy Pusday

Uncle Ricky have a blast fun dea

in Auckaland, and cum Back in all the Piz piz !! Plenty kiss frm ur nieces Eileen, black, mama mum & Dad Brothers and sisdas.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Request for Proposal – Individual Contract for Local Consultants – Cook Islands The United nations Development Programme (UnDP) hereby invites consultants to submit proposals for the following consultancy services • Biodiversity Mainstreaming and Protected Areas (PA) Field Level Local Consultant R2R Cook Island • Social Economic and Institutional Expert Local Consultant R2R Cook Island All interested consultants are invited to visit the following web link to access instructions and relevant documents: http://procurement-notices.undp.org All proposals are to be submitted in the following manner; • Letter of interest and availability • Cover Letter • CVs including past working experience • Financial Proposal • All relevant documents must be submitted via email to procurement.ws@undp.org before 5pm, Saturday 15 March 2014. Late proposals will not be considered. Any request for clariication must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to this email: jaime.aguinaga@undp.org or procurement.ws@undp. org 77070

IN MEMORIAM Akamaaranga i to matou Metua, Papa, Vouvou, Metua meitaki e te taeake meitaki

Papa Kapuariki Joseph

MInISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

Project Oicer VACANCY

Itianga ra: 6 Okotopa 1938 Opuanga ra: 5 Mati 2011

The Ministry of Agriculture requires the services of a dynamic and self-motivated person to join their policy, planning and project team. You will be part of a team responsible for receiving analysis and monitoring of ongoing and developed projects planned for social, environmental and economic growth in the Agriculture Industry and other activities in the Cook Islands. An ability to communicate efectively with growers, stakeholders, community and others at all levels of society is an absolute necessity. Fluency in Cook Islands Maori and English is essential. Remuneration will depend on qualiication and experience. The vacancy closes at 4pm Tuesday the 11 March 2014. Job descriptions may be picked up from the Ministry of Agriculture Oice or requested by email. CV’s with covering letters should be addressed to the Director of Policy, Planning and Projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, P. O. Box 96. Inquiries can be emailed to ariokap@gmail.com 77008

To matou Metua Tane meitaki Metua tane inangaroia Mii mii ia koe i te ao e te po Kare koe e ngaropoina ia e matou Kua kite matou, tei te rima katau koe o te Atu

Papa,

I pray to our heavenly father to look over us, I wish and pray, if the lord could give us another chance to talk to you, sing to you and climb all over you But he had taken you from us, to another beautiful place, till we meet again Papa

I love you Papa From Takau Inangaroia Mama Tangi Joseph lOVE yOU AlWAys Tangi, Nooroa, your children and all your grandchildren

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

FLIGHT FROM ARRIVES ThuRSDAy MArCH 6 NZ748/749 AKL 12.30AM NZ46/745 AKL 4.10PM VT35/36 PPT 2.50PM FRIDAy MArCH 7 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM NZ46/61 AKL 1.55PM

DEPARTS

AKL AKL PPT

1.30AM 5.25PM 3.50PM

AKL SYD

Air Rarotonga

International Flights

Flight Times | Voyage details

1.05AM 3.05PM

RARO TO ARR WEDNESDAy MArCH 6 0800 AITUTAKI 0850

DEP

ARR

0910

RARO

1000

1030

1120

1140

RARO

1230

1530 AITUTAKI 1620 0900 MANGAIA 0940 1100 ATIU 1145

1640 1000 1205

RARO RARO AITUTAKI

1730 1040 1250

1410

RARO

1500

1300

AITUTAKI

MAUKE

1350

1410

MITIARO 1500

DEP

ARR

TIARE MOANA 21 - ETD AUCK 2/03, ETA RARO 09/03, ETA AITUTAKI 11/03 OLOMANA 24 - ETD AUCK 08/03, ETA RARO 20/03, ETA AITUTAKI 22/03

Shipping TIARE MOANA 22 - ETD AUCK 22/03, ETA RARO 30/03, ETA AITUTAKI 1/4

1310 ATIU

1355

1520 RARO 1610

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at cook islands news

Su-Do-Ku EASY

Su-Do-Ku HARD

Crossword

Instructions

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

Answer to Tuesday’s puzzle

hÄGAR the horrible

Answer to Tuesday’s puzzle

By Dik Browne

ThE PhANTOM

By lee Falk & sy Barry

DOMEsTIC VIOlENCE

Is NEVER OK A CooK ISlANDS NEWS PuBlIC SerVICe MeSSAge

GET hElP.

Weather Forecast to Midnight

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Situation: A trough of low pressure lies slow moving over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and showers lies slow moving over northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Fine. Occasional showers and few thunderstorms. Moderate north to northwest winds. Moderate seas. For Rarotonga: Occasional showers. Further outlook: Brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Some showers and possible thunderstorms about Suwarrow, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Fine apart from brief showers elsewhere. Moderate northeast winds. Moderate to rough seas. Further outlook: Some showers.

Wed high 12.28AM 1.02M 12.47PM 1.06M

Low

Thu

1.1m Se

6.38AM 0.26M 7.05PM 0.24M

1.7m NW

Thu high 1.10AM 0.98M 1.30PM 1.02M

Low

7.18AM 0.30M 7.47PM 0.28M

27°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

Ne 04kts new Moon Mar 30 8.45Am

First Quarter Mar 8 3.27Am

Full Moon Mar 16 7.09Am

Sunshine hours

Third Quarter Mar 23 3.46Am

ArApo - oAtA wed 5 TAnu (Planting) Tanu i te meika. Plant bananas.

1.1m Se

TAuTAI (Fishing) Po ika. Kua marama roa. Fishing nights. Moon is long, far away.

humidity Wed

Rarotonga Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Wednesday

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

1.1m Se

Swell direction and size

Stationary

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Morning

73%

night

77%

Morning

76%

night

78%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Wed Sun rise 6.38AM Sun Set 7.03PM

Moon rise 10.58AM Moon Set 10.31PM

Thu Sun rise 6.38AM Sun Set 7.02PM

Moon rise 11.52AM Moon Set 11.18PM

Aitutaki

28° Ne 04kts

Mangaia

28° e 05kts

Mitiaro

27° e 05kts

Atiu

Penrhyn

27° e 05kts

28° Nw 06kts

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014 cook Islands News

mixed touch tournament

tarekareka

SPort

—niKao Field todaY 5pm

Speedy sevens squad selected HeigHt, speed and power make up the

16-man rugby sevens training squad with a lot of new names that have impressed head coach chad tuoro over the last three months of training. the training squad is being described as the future of cook islands rugby sevens and are in preparation for the Hong Kong rugby sevens series. From this group the inal 12 players will be selected to pull on the green and gold of the cooks and compete at the Hong Kong tournament as well as compete for the chance to be on the 2014/2015 irB World Sevens Series. Four of the 16 man squad, namely Simon marcel, teu Paerau, greg mullany and Josh Petero attended the irB sevens academy in canberra australia last week. “This development on and off the ield will be huge going forward,” commented team manager cam Kilgour who also attended the academy. “teu Paerau, from aitutaki, was outstanding at the irB academy in canberra and the hard work that he has put in over the last few months was evident and could be a deciding factor in the inal selection of the 12 players who will travel to Hong Kong Sevens for the march 28 to 30 tournament.”

the players have been selected from the wider 2014 cook islands national Sevens Squad of 29 players. the 16-man cook islands rugby sevens training squad includes – teina Savage (rarotonga), greg mullany (Brisbane/mitiaro), Simon marcel (Pukekohe/rarotonga), Louis makuare (Brisbane), Francis Smith (tasman/rarotonga), teu Paerau (aitutaki), Josh Petero (Sydney/aitutaki), Harry Berryman (Sydney), chay raui (auckland/ mitiaro), reece Joyce (Bombay/rarotonga), Sean Fletcher (Brisbane/rarotonga), James raea (auckland/rarotonga), Junior taia (rotorua), Junior Kira (auckland/aitutaki), Harvard ioane (auckland), iro teariki (auckland). Players not available include Koiatu Koiatu, ashley Drake, Junior napara and reece teinakore. the 16-man squad will assemble in auckland on march 20 for final fitness testing before the inal squad of 12 players are selected to travel to Hong Kong. the cook islands sevens team will depart auckland on march 23 bound for Hong Kong. the three-day irB Hong Kong Sevens tournament will be played from march 28 to 30. - Matariki Wilson

Four of the seven Cook Islands players that attended the IrB academy in Australia last week have made the cut for the 16 member sevens training squad including Aitutaki boy Teu Paerau. 14030401

Dynamic mixed touch rugby at Nikao today Women’S touch rugby team

Bounty Hunters lived up to their names when they showed their experience and conidence by dominating their opponents FBi on monday. While the Bounty Hunters posted eight points against the FBi crew, the losing side should be happy with their three tries against their fancier foes, which they will surely build on as the tournament progresses. mitiaro ladies nukz Power edged out Vaine toa 3-0 while Da ropaz touched down four times against the nukz Power in the open men’s competition. team itiki Power showed their power against the Western Stallions edging out their opponents 8-6.

today the attention turns to the mixed tournament with games scheduled to kick off at 5pm at the Nikao ield. First up the Justice side will take on Wackies on field one while it will be the battle of the government departments on field two when the moe side take on the mFem Kings. team 007 will want to better their drawn score line last week when they take on the tumuke Smurfs today on ield one and the mongoose are sure to have more laughs on ield two when they take on team 1mFem. the northern Stormers will face off against nukz Power on ield one while Tereora College meet the Hottie Yachties on ield two.

Westpac will want to cash it in against the healthy Live Smart team while Bci transactions will want to get their money’s worth against Telecom on ield two. Get along to the Nikao ield for exciting games in the dynamic mixed touch rugby division. - MW Today’s draw at the Nikao ield – 5pm on ield one Justice vs Wackies, on ield two MOE vs MFEM Kings, 5:30pm on ield one 007 vs Tumeke Smurfs, on ield two mongoose vs 1 mFem, 6pm on ield one Northern Stormers vs Nukz Power, on ield two Tereora college vs Hottie Yachties, 6:30pm Westpac vs Live Smart, on field two Bci transactions vs telecom.

nukz Power men charge the line in their open game against da ropaz who won the encounter. 14030414

Senior school pride in soccer ScHooL pride was on the line last

Wednesday as year seven and eight primary school students engaged in the irst football round of the Rarotonga Primary School round cup competition at the ciFa complex in matavera. this annual competition brings together teams from eight schools around rarotonga with teams of girls and boys battling it out for their schools on the ield. the support of parents, teachers and team mates pushed the players on the ield to go the extra mile with cheering ringing out across the ciFa grounds. CIFA development oficer Tahiri elikana commented that the skills

demonstrated certainly spelled out the success of the competition now in its ifth year. “it was great to see lots of energy with the primary schools showing off their dribbling skills and goal scoring ability.” the matches were played in hot conditions and were evenly contested with each school ielding a number of outstanding stars that created highly competitive games. overall it was an exciting, fun filled, competitive start to the first round of the rarotonga senior school cup competition. First round results – (senior girls) avarua 5 vs nikao 0, arorangi 2 vs

nukutere 2, Papaaroa 2 vs te uki ou 1, avatea 0 vs titikaveka 0, (senior boys) avarua 7 vs nikao 0, avatea 4 vs titikaveka 1, arorangi 3 vs nukutere 2, Papaaroa 1 vs te uki ou 1. Primary schools will return to the football ield today for more action. Senior girls round 2 – 2.45pm on Field 1-avarua vs te uki ou, Field 2-Papaaroa vs nikao, Field 3-avatea vs nukutere, Field 4-arorangi vs titikaveka. Senior Boys Round 2 – 3.20pm on Field 1-avarua vs te uki ou, Field 2-Papaaroa vs nikao, Field 3-avatea vs nukutere, Field 4-arorangi vs titikaveka. - CIFA Media/MW

Avarua and nikao school girls battled with passion for school pride in round one of the primary school football round cup competition at the CIFA complex in Matavera. Action continues today. 14030413