Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI
$2 Friday, March 7, 2014
The The adventurous adventurous are are being being ofered ofered aa chance chance to to view view Rarotonga’s Rarotonga’s beautiful beautiful scenery scenery at at fast fast speeds, speeds, courtesy courtesy of of aa locally-run locally-run business business called called Rongohiva Rongohiva Watersports. Watersports. 14030613 14030613
New business offers thrills on water ExHIlaRaTInG rides aboard a high-powered speed boat are now available to thrill-seeking locals and tourists, thanks to a new “hot-on-the-rock” business. Rongohiva Watersports - a local family-owned company managed by husband and wife Teina and Jackie rongo – is offering the rides aboard their 8.5 metre inflatable speed boat Eturere. Powered by twin 250-horsepower engines, Eturere – which means shooting star in Cook Islands Maori – takes the adventurous on a high-speed voyage off the coast of rarotonga, taking in all the beautiful sights and scenery, but at thrilling speeds. In coming up with the idea for their business, Teina and Jackie - who both come from a marine science background wanted to start a business with the ocean in mind. “It’s to bring an appreciation of the marine environment,”
said Jackie. With plenty of attractions in Rarotonga’s lagoon, they also wanted to take people beyond the reef and into the deep blue. The budding business – which officially got off the ground last month - has generated a lot of local interest, she says. They’ve received interest from groups interested in booking stag and hen parties, and Jackie says she anticipates further buzz once the tourism season kicks into high gear. To get the ball rolling, Rongohiva is currently offering an early Easter special of $55 per person. Future plans include the possible addition of other marine-related activities, such as banana boating. During whalewatching season, they’ll shift into lower gear to get a chance to view a majestic humpback. Private trips are available, and passengers must be at least - ES 12 years of age.
Stark picture of ishery in North SharkS without fins rotting
on the shore, weaker catches, and smaller ish were part of a bleak assessment of the ishery in the Northern Cook Islands that was given to a prominent local scientist during his recent visit there. The informal report was disclosed by Government climate change advisor Teina rongo during Wednesday’s legal workshop on the emerging Cook Island Marine Park, where he was present to release results of a recently-conducted survey of reef environments in the Cook Islands. Rongo had recently spent two weeks in the northern group conducting marine park consultations, where he also took the time to speak with island residents. He was told of sharks – many believed to be by-catch, some inless - washing ashore in Pen-
hryn, along with a dim picture of the pelagic ishery, which includes yellowin, albacore, skipjack, and bigeye tuna. “There’s a deinite decline in the pelagic ishery,” said Rongo, who holds a Phd in Marine Biology. Different migratory patterns due to climate change along with overfishing are two factors believed to be behind the decline, he said. rongo said he was also told by ishers and island elders that the ocean’s currents are changing – along with a shift in seasons – contributing to lower catches and making traditional techniques such as drop-stone fishing not as effective as they once were. “It’s not predictable anymore,” he said. “When it’s time to catch the bigger ish, that’s not happening.”
Combined reports of smaller ish and low catch numbers are key indicators that point to over-fishing “certainly” being a factor, he said. In Manihiki, he was told of large grouper that were once caught by island residents. These days, the fish are nowhere to be found. Much of the data available to oficials comes from ishing vessels, said rongo, adding he wasn’t happy with the current level of monitoring by Government of the ishery. More money needs to be allocated in that area, he said. “We don’t have good records of the ishery ... that’s one of the reasons we went up there, to talk with the old folk.” Rongo said he was told by northern group island residents that they weren’t happy with the current management of offshore isheries, saying the
area lacks “transparency”, such as the number of boats licenced to ish. Some wanted an outright ban on foreign ishing vessels in the nation’s exclusive economic zone. holders of longline fishing licences currently cannot fish within 12 nautical miles from the shores of northern group islands – limits for purse seiners are set at 24 – and a number of residents said they wanted that restriction extended to as much as 100 nautical miles. Residents also said they wanted a greater say in management issues, and reiterated a point previously made by Ministry of Marine Resources secretary Ben Ponia - that money generated by the ishery needs to be redistributed back to communities there. - Emmanuel Samoglou
TUTAKATUTAKA TUTAKA Date
From
To
Mon. 10.03.14
Matavera
Muri/ Ngatangiia
Tue. 11.03.14
Ooa
Ruatonga
Wed. 12.03.14
Avatiu
Pokoinu
Thu. 13.03.14
Black Rock
Rutaki
Fri. 15.03.14
Vaimaanga
Tikioki
The Kota’a can have a wing span of up to 2.2m and can glide continuously over the ocean for several weeks at a time.
DENGUEFEVER weather
OUTLOOK
FRiday
29°
SaTuRday
29°
SuNday
29°
MoNday
28°
TuESday
28°
Creative Centre Tupapa 5.30pm for 6pm Friday Ph 55097
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
worldNEWS nuti no TEIa NEI aO Drongo lost in backyard An Australian man has been rescued by police after getting lost in his own garden. The man had been having a few beers when he went to look for his dog in his eight hectare rural backyard. Wearing only shorts he got so lost in bush on his property that he panicked and called the emergency operator. Police eventually found him uninjured – except for a few scratches and a mass of mosquito bites. Locals have said he epitomises the derogatory Australian term, “drongo”.
Crimea poll ‘illegal’ Crimea votes to become part of Russia, referendum in 10 days SIMFErOPOl – The parliament
in the Ukrainian region of Crimea has voted to become part of russia, and will hold a referendum in 10 days to allow voters to decide on the measure. The parliament said it had decided “to enter into the russian Federation with the rights of a subject of the russian Federation”. It said it had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin
world BrIEFS AFGHAN SOLDERS KILLED IN NATO STRIKE AFGHANISTAN – A NATO air strike in eastern Afghanistan accidentally killed ive Afghan soldiers, oicials said, the latest incident likely to worsen already fraught relations between Kabul and the US-led coalition. NATO ofered its condolences over the deaths and vowed action to avoid further mistakes, but President Hamid Karzai has often seized on botched airstrikes to launch bitter criticism of the international military efort in Afghanistan. NATO’s International Security Assistance Force issued a statement conirming that at least ive Afghan soldiers had been killed accidentally. “An investigation is being conducted at this time to determine the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident,” it said. An ISAF source told Reuters that the soldiers were bombed because they were mistaken for insurgents.
MEN ATTACK FEMALE PROTESTERS RUSSIA – Two members of the punk band Pussy Riot have been attacked by unidentiied men on a trip to campaign for prisoners’ rights. Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina, who spent nearly two years in prison for their irreverent protest against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s main cathedral, were doused with green antiseptic Thursday by ive men in a McDonalds restaurant in the Volga River city of Nizhny Novgorod. In a video Tolokonnikova posted on Twitter, the men also shouted insults, urging the women to leave the city. Tolokonnikova and Alekhina were trying to visit a local prison as part of their campaign to defend prisoners’ rights. Last month, Cossack militia attacked them with horsewhips in Sochi during the Winter Olympic Games when they tried to perform a song mocking Putin.
NAPPY CHANGE COPS MAKE HEADLINES USA – Two police oicers in the US have gotten more than they bargained for when they arrested a mum and dad shoplifting team and discovered their babies needing help in a car. After cuing the couple, the oicers went to investigate their getaway car where they discovered two nasty, stinky surprises waiting inside. Sitting peacefully in the backseat were two babies, whose nappies desperately needed a change. Without hesitation, the men said it was their fatherly instincts that “kicked in”, and before they knew it they were on the ground changing nappies. One of the oicers said he had not necessarily received praise at home. “My wife said that she’s been changing nappies for ive years and she never got on the news about it. I changed one and I end up on the news,” he said.
MEN WHIPPED AND FINED FOR GAY SEX NIGERIA – Four young men were convicted of gay sex and whipped publicly as punishment in an Islamic court in northern Nigeria, a human rights activist said. The four were sentenced and punished on Thursday to 15 strokes for alleged crimes they committed years ago. They also face a year’s imprisonment if they cannot pay a ine of $120. The men, aged between 20 and 22, should not have been convicted because their confessions were forced through beatings, said Dorothy Aken’Ova, the convenor of the Coalition for the Defence of Sexual Rights Network. Under Sharia law in some north Nigerian states, homosexuals can be sentenced to death by stoning or lethal injection, though that sentence has never been enforced.
“to start the procedure”. The new, pro-Western government in kiev has described the move as unconstitutional. Sources in the Crimean parliament have said they are now waiting for a response from Moscow to their request. If the kremlin agrees then the inal decision will be made on March 16 when the people of Crimea decide on the matter through the ballot box. They will be asked a simple question – “do you want to join Russia, or remain part of Ukraine?” The announcement from Crimea’s parliament is likely to increase tensions as European Union leaders gather for an emergency meeting in Brussels to decide how strongly to react to Russia’s military intervention in the Crimean region. US secretary of state John Kerry insisted that “Crimea is Ukraine”, and suggested that any referendum would need to involve all Ukrainians. President Obama said the referendum was illegal and would “violate the Ukrainian constitution and international law”. The US has been a fierce critic of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine’s Crimea region, and had warned Moscow it was considering sanctions. Obama has ordered his state department to issue visa restrictions and travel bans against a number of Ukrainian and russian oficials. The European Union has frozen the assets of ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. Seventeen other senior Ukrainian oficials suspected of misusing state funds and violating human rights have also had their assets frozen. Ukraine’s new leadership says Yanukovych embezzled as much as $37 billion during his three years in ofice. - ABC/BBC
A Russian soldier stands guard outside the Ukrainian base in Perevalnoye, near Simferopol, blocked by Russian troops. AFP
Journalist calls for help CaNBErra – The australian prime minister has released a statement saying he is “deeply concerned” about the charges against australian journalist Peter Greste, after the reporter called on Tony abbott to “speak out” about his case. The award-winning al Jazeera reporter was arrested in a Cairo hotel along with three local colleagues on December 29. The men have been accused of broadcasting “misleading” news about the political situation in Egypt and supporting the banned Muslim Brotherhood. The journalists have denied the charges, which the media outlet
has labelled absurd. The australian has faced court in Cairo for a second time and was asked by journalists if abbott is doing enough to secure his release. “We need him to speak out,” Greste said. “Everybody from the White house down has given their support to us. We haven’t heard from the prime minister.” Greens leader Christine Milne has also called on Mr abbott to intervene in the case. “Tony abbott, we have an australian journalist locked up in Cairo. We want him home,” she said. “We want freedom of press to be respected around the
world and we want you as our prime minister to stand up and intervene.” The Prime Minister’s ofice responded to an aBC inquiry with a three line statement. “We strongly support a free media and the australian Government is deeply concerned about the charges that have been laid against Peter Greste, and the fact that he is currently subject to criminal proceedings in Egypt,” the statement said. “The australian Government has made a number of representations in support of Greste’s release.” - ABC
Russians scuttle own ship YEVPaTORIa – an anti-submarine boat may have been the irst casualty of the Russian incursion into Crimea, but it was hardly an act of violence, much less war. russian seamen scuttled one of their own vessels, the anti-submarine ship Ocha-
kov outside the Crimean town of Myrnyi to block the exit of Ukrainian naval vessels Russian sailors pulled the anti-submarine vessel Ochakov out of a naval junkyard and sank it in the straits that connect the Black Sea with a body of water known as Donuzlav lake.
he said the act was intended to prevent Ukrainian navy ships from leaving a nearby base and going to sea. Russia leases the port of Sevastopol and other bases in Crimea, which serves as the headquarters of its Black Sea leet. - PNC
Politics of the baton
WHO CuTS SuGAR GuIDE bY HALF THE WORLD – The World Health Organisation has cut by half its recommendation for how much sugar people should eat to avoid health risks such as obesity and tooth decay. It says sugar is a key culprit in the obesity epidemic that afects half a billion people worldwide. The recommended sugar intake will stay at below 10% of total calorie intake a day, with 5% the target. The suggested limits apply to all sugars added to food, as well as sugar naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit concentrates. The recommendation that sugar account for no more than 10% of calories was passed in 2002 and works out at about 50 grams a day for an adult of normal weight.
Today’s Daily Bread Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Read: Read: PsalmMatthew 90:1-12 7:21-29
Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 12
Greek riot police used tear gas, pepper spray and batons in scules on Thursday with unionists who took to the streets of Athens to protest over job cuts and the government’s ongoing austerity measures. AFP
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
Barbie’s Girl Scout venture criticised
BOSTON – america’s top doll, “Barbie”, inds herself in controversy once again, this time over a business partnership between her manufacturer, Mattel, and the Girl Scouts. On Thursday, two consumer advocacy groups often critical of corporate advertising tactics – the Campaign for a CommercialFree Childhood and the Center for a New american Dream – criticised Barbie as a “lawed role model for little girls” and launched a petition drive urging the Girl Scouts of the USa to end the partnership. The Girls Scouts said they would not do so. Just a few weeks ago, Mattel incurred widespread criticism – as well as some accolades – for letting Barbie be featured in Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit edition. The Girl Scouts’ partnership with Mattel, announced last august, includes a Barbie-themed activity book, a website, and a Barbie participation patch — the first Girl Scout uniform patch with corporate sponsorship. “holding Barbie, the quintessential fashion doll, up as a role model for Girl Scouts simultaneously sexualises young girls, idealizes an impossible body type, and undermines the Girl Scouts’ vital mission to build ‘girls of courage, conidence and character,’” said Susan linn, director of the Boston-based commercial-
free childhood organization. She said the Barbie patch – targeted at five-to-eight-yearold Daisies and Brownies within the Girl Scout organisation – would transform these girls into “walking advertisements.” “This is product placement at its worst,” said new american Dream’s executive director, Wendy Philleo, who described herself as a longtime admirer of the Girl Scouts. “Our children are already being bombarded by marketers’ pitches at stores, at home, online, on TV, and in school,” said Philleo, whose Charlottesville -based group tries to counter the commercialisation of american culture. The Girl Scouts’ national headquarters in new York rejected the groups’ appeal. “Our partnership with Mattel focuses on career exploration and teaches girls about inspiring women in a fun way,” said spokeswoman Kelly Parisi. “We stand behind this partnership, as it helps us bring to over two million Girl Scouts the message that they can do anything.” That’s the essence of the Barbie uniform patch – a bright pink oval with a gold-letter slogan stitched on it: “Be anything. Do everything.” Barbie – still slim-waisted and long-legged after 55 years – had pursued roughly 150 different careers, and she stretched her
boundaries again in February by posing along with real-life supermodels in Sports Illustrated’s 50th anniversary swimsuit issue. anticipating the criticism that ensued, Mattel promoted the campaign with the catchword “unapologetic.” In announcing the partnership with Mattel last year, Girl Scouts CEO anna Maria Chavez depicted both her own organisation and Barbie as “american icons.” “Together, we are teaching girls that their futures are wide open with possibilities,” Chavez said at the time. Parisi, in an e-mail Thursday, said Mattel gave the Girl Scouts $2 million to implement the Barbie-themed initiatives. at the time the partnership was announced, the Girl Scouts were struggling inancially, with revenue shortfalls prompting the national headquarters to trim about one-fourth of its staff through buyouts and layoffs.
RiGHT: Controversial Amercian icon “Barbie doll” has found herself in the headlines again – irst by appearing in Sports Illustrated’s sexy swimwear edition, and secondly for entering a business venture to help promote the Girls Scouts of America. swimweAr illustrAted
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalNEWS nuti no TE Pa ENUa
Asylum seekers run out of hope Staf given guide on how to handle questions from asylum seekers lOREnGaU – The contractor
charged with the provision of physical and mental health care to asylum seekers on Manus Island has issued staff with a two-page guide on dealing with questions about the detainees’ fears for their personal safety, living conditions and human rights.
The document is designed to help soothe concerns the asylum seekers are expressing in the aftermath of the bloody attacks last month that left one man dead and many others seriously injured. health workers have been told to urge the asylum seekers not to give up hope.
paciic BRIEFS TIKOITOGA ‘RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOb’ FIJI – A former senior Fiji military oicer now in Australia, Jone Baledrokadroka, has praised the selection of Mosese Tikoitoga as the new head of the Fiji military. Brigadier-General Tikoitoga assumed the role on Wednesday as Commodore Frank Bainimarama stepped away from a post he has held since 1999. Baledrokadroka, a former Fiji land forces commander, who moved to Australia after being implicated in an alleged plot to kill Bainimarama, has worked along Brigadier Tikoitoga and rates him highly. He says he is the best candidate for the job, as an infantry man commanding a mostly infantry force and with international training. “His mentality I think is irmly embedded in the apoliticalness of the military and I hope he brings that sort of training to bear on the future of Fiji’s politics.”
REquEST FOR FLOSSE IMMuNITY TO bE LIFTED FRENCH POLYNESIA – The president of the French Senate has been asked to lift the parliamentary immunity of French Polynesia’s president, Gaston Flosse. Reports say the request was lodged last weekend to allow the authorities to detain him over allegations that he abused public funds over arranging free water supply to his residence. Gaston Flosse, who is also a member of the French Senate, was charged last month after police also charged his brother-in-law, Edouard Fritch, who is the president of the territorial assembly. The two have rejected they have done anything wrong and questioned the timing of the probe as municipal elections are due this month.
PAPuANS IN POvERTY DESPITE bILLIONS PAPUA – Many Papuan residents are still living in poverty despite the Indonesian government investing almost US$5 billion in special autonomy funds to the province over the past decade. 31 per cent of the population in Papua is considered impoverished, the highest rate of any Indonesian province. The Jakarta Post reports a member of the Supreme Audit Agency, Rizal Djalil, speaking at a lecture in the provincial capital Jayapura saying the channeling of funds to the province had not been successful. Djalil said Papua’s human development index stood at 65.86 in 2012, an increase of only ive per cent since the funding started in 2002. He said the government should re-examine Papua’s special autonomy laws based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation of special autonomy in the province.
TAXIS CAuGHT OvERCHARGING TOuRISTS AMERICAN SAMOA – Complaints about taxi drivers in American Samoa overcharging cruise ship visitors has prompted police to be stationed at the port when cruise ships arrive from now on. The Department of Public Safety programme coordinator, Fred Scanlan, says some tourists report that instead of paying one straight fare, as is the norm and in accordance with the law, they were charged “per person” when more than one person is taking an island tour by a taxi driver. The oicers will also be at the port waiting for taxis to pull in, where they will ask the tourists where they went and how much they were charged, to determine whether or not they were cheated. Last month there were six cruise ships which visited the territory, and four for this month.
NEW vISA RuLES FOR AuSSIE TRAvELLERS PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Papua New Guinea has conirmed it has removed its visa on arrival arrangement for Australian travellers, after Australia refused to grant the same arrangement for visiting Papua New Guineans. The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority has issued a notice that all Australian travellers need to obtain a visa from PNG overseas missions before travelling to PNG. The new rules came into force on Saturday. The notice instructs all airlines not to allow Australians without visas to board, and if they arrive without visas, they will be repatriated on the next available light, at the cost of the airline.
SEvEN NOW DEAD FROM DENGuE IN FIJI FIJI – Fiji’s Ministry of Health has conirmed the death toll from dengue fever in Fiji has risen to seven. It says over 3500 people have contracted the mosquito borne illness. The Minister of Health, Dr Neil Sharma says the risk of dengue infection will continue in the aftermath of heavy downpours last week. He says the Ministry is carrying out an extensive clean up campaign after the adverse weather in an efort to curtail the outbreak. He says he wants the public to clean up their surroundings and clear out all vessels containing stagnant water as this is the main breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The aBC has also been given a letter written by an asylum seeker that was smuggled out of the centre. It claims those in detention are now living in fear of their lives. There are five inquiries under way into the violent events that unfolded in the detention centre on February 17 and led to the death of an Iranian asylum seeker and the hospitalisation of many others. at some point there will be an official explanation and a conclusion and perhaps even some recommendations, the aBC reports. But inquiries aside, as time goes on, more and more is being learnt about the terrifying events of that night. We know that it resulted in the death of one man and that many more were badly beaten and badly wounded, writes national security correspondent Michael Brissenden. Earlier this week an australian G4S security guard described to the aBC the details of what was a terrifying night as asylum seekers were hunted down room by room and bashed by enraged local contract staff armed with machetes, sticks and metal bars. The guard said PnG police stood by as the violence escalated and in some cases participated in the violence and intimidation. It is an experience that has traumatised many of the staff
‘We came to australia to seek asylum. now we are living frightened and all of our lives are in danger in a brutal country in the middle of nowhere.’ and the asylum seekers housed in the Manus Island detention centre. according to the G4S guard, the asylum seekers are now asking who they can trust, who will protect them and who is going to keep them safe. These questions are also being asked of contractors for the International health and Medical Services (IhMS), which is responsible for the mental and physical health care of detainees on Manus Island. There have been so many questions from the asylum seekers there in the past few weeks that the IhMS has seen fit to provide its employees with two pages of suggested responses for the most frequently asked questions. If they are asked, “How can we feel safe here?”, the company suggests the reply should be: “We understand that you feel
unsafe after all that’s happened. It will take a while to feel safe again and we are all working to try and make that happen.” according to expat australian staff and those in detention that the aBC has spoken to, there is now a real suspicion and hostility between the asylum seekers and locals and a real fear that things could easily get out of control again. If asked, “Will they do it again?”, the IHMS suggested response is to say that: “This was an extraordinary event and we have never seen anything like it before. We hope it’s never repeated. “Security is a big concern here right now to protect you. What we suggest is to not antagonise the local people and we hope that they will treat you with respect too.” In all there are 15 frequently asked questions, including “How can we trust anyone?”, “Why have our human rights been violated?” and “How can I get through this?”. To the question “When will I get out of here?”, the suggested answer is: “We are sorry, we don’t know the answer to this question.” Other questions with prepared answers are “Why doesn’t australia care?” and “Why shouldn’t I hate australia?”. The suggested answer: “We can understand why you would feel this way. We are certain that from your own experience you
understand that the people of a country are not the same as the government. There are many australians who care and want to hope.” and IhMS staff are urged to help at least keep some hope alive: “There is always hope. It may not seem like that now in the middle of all this, but there are people who love you and people who will support you. “You need to keep strong and build resilience.” But resilience is in short supply inside, reports Brissenden. The aBC’s PM programme has been given a letter written by one of the detainees and smuggled out by an expat G4S employee. The four hand-written pages match with the other detail and testimony that has leaked so far about the events of February 17 and the short conclusion at the end underlines the hopelessness and despair. “We have escaped from our countries because of dangerous situations and human rights,” it reads. “We came to australia to seek asylum. It’s always claimed that australia is the irst country all around the world who protects and defends human rights, but now see what happens with us – lots of us get serious injuries and one of us died. “Now we are living frightened and all of our lives are in danger in a brutal country in the middle of nowhere.” - ABC
Execution methods assessed POrT MORESBY – The United
nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Dr Christof Heyns, is in Papua new Guinea assessing the newly-imposed death penalty. Death by legal injection has been legislated as the preferred method for judicial killings in PnG. Previously, hanging was the only option for capital punishment but it is now considered barbaric and has been removed
from the statutes. In a statement, Dr Heyns said he will analyse the death penalty issue and assess the country’s level of conformity to international law in the practices of capital punishment. PnG’s Justice Minister Kerenga Kua met with Dr Heyns on Wednesday to explain that only a small number of serious crimes, including gang-rapes, will incur the death penalty. “We need to ind the kind of criminal penalty they in their
psychology, in their world, in their mindset can understand and respect and therefore be deterred,” Kua told Paciic Beat. “I went through all of that with the learned doctor and he was appreciative but whether he agrees or not is really not our issue. “But I think it is important for us to enable him to understand how and why we’ve come to be where we are.” Dr Heyns will present a comprehensive report on his 12-day
visit to PnG in a forthcoming session of the U N human rights Council in 2015. PnG’s government re-introduced capital punishment last year following an outcry over a spate of horriic murders and gang-rapes. Earlier this year Roy Trivedy, the Un’s resident coordinator in PnG, urged Port Moresby to rethink the policy, saying it was a “setback for human rights” in the country. - Paciic Beat
Beating inquiry well overdue Rights group criticises Fiji regime over delays in charging suspects SUVa – amnesty International has criticised the Fiji government for failing to charge anyone over a much publicised video showing police allegedly torturing prisoners. The graphic footage posted online on YouTube showed one handcuffed man being savagely beaten with batons and metal bars, and another being set upon by a dog as the animal’s handler encourages it. amnesty International has said it suspects the footage was taken two years ago and shows prison escapees being abused by as yet unnamed men. Fiji police have reportedly identified the attackers as security personnel. In December last year, police
said an investigation into the incident had been completed, and a ile was being examined for possible prosecutions. There has been no word on the investigation since then. But amnesty International new Zealand’s executive director Grant Bayldon says a year on from the incident there is still no evidence of a proper investigation. “We would’ve expected far more progress in a year,” Bayldon told Paciic Beat. “It’s widely known in Fiji who the faces are on that video. They’re in full view, there’s very good evidence of what took place. Really a year to open a ile is just not good enough.” Bayldon says the delay is not
because of a lack of resources but due a lack of accountability. “The interim Prime Minister of Fiji, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said shortly after the incident that he would stand by his men and on the face of it, that’s what is happening here,” Bayldon said. “There seems a real reluctance to actually effectively investigate this.” But Bayldon says amnesty will work hard to make sure people don’t forgot about the incident. “Torture is never acceptable and neither is a government not investigating, not following up and not ensuring that justice is done,” he said. “They also need to ensure that the victims have been properly looked after and it doesn’t happen again in Fiji.” Bayldon says allowing police
to get away with torture does not bode well for Fijian democracy. “We need to remember that Fiji is building up to elections later this year,” he said. “In an environment where there is fear of security forces, where there is a lack of freedom of expression, freedom of speech in Fiji, this really has chilling implications for the future of democracy there.” amnesty says it will raise the torture video when Fiji’s human rights record is reviewed by the United nations later this year. It’s also calling for an independent and transparent investigation into these events. radio australia has contacted the Fiji police and the interim government, but they have not yet responded. - ABC
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalNEWS nuti no TE Pa ENUa
Evacuees return home, for now Tides swamp low-lying islands, seen as sign of things to come MaJUrO – Hundreds of people
in the Marshall Islands’ capital of Majuro who sought temporary shelter after severe looding have now returned home. The Marshall Islands is under a state of emergency following a high tide and storm surges. On Monday, nearly 1000 people in Majuro and another 246 on the island of arno, were forced to evacuate by epic king tides that inundated the lowlying communities. Many parts of Majuro atoll are just 30 centimetres above sea level and the islands as a whole are on average just two metres above sea level. While no deaths or serious injuries have been reported, a state of emergency has been declared and at least 70 homes have been severely damaged. Disease is also a concern as the loodwater poured through a landill and disturbed parts of a cemetery. Some parts of Majuro are often looded during February and March when the region is prone to high tides. alson kelen, a resident of a small island located about a mile from the downtown area of Majuro, said the king tide was the highest he had ever experienced. Senator Tony de Brum, the
Minister assisting the President, said king tides were a regular phenomenon, but not at the damaging levels seen this week. “This is far, far from being a normal situation,” he told the aBC. “I put that down to climate change. These things are far more intense than before and leave more destruction behind than they used to.” This week’s loods are being called the worst in decades. King tides occur periodically when the sun and moon align during perigee – the point at which the moon’s orbit passes closest to Earth. Sea level rise is exacerbating just how high these king tides turn out to be. Sea levels appears rising faster in the Central-West Paciic than anywhere else in the world. Climate change is a major concern for Paciic island states such as the Marshals, kiribati and Tuvalu, where many atolls are barely a metre above sea level and risk being engulfed by rising waters. Ultimately, however, migration may be the only option for many islanders. already there has been mass migration within the country, as people from the outer atolls stream into Majuro.
A high tide energized by storm surges washes across Ejit Island in Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands this week, causing widespread looding and damaging scores of homes. Oicials blamed climate change for the severe looding which forced more than 1000 people into evacuation centres. AFP While Majuro is far from being high ground, it does offer people, no longer able to live off the land in areas where salt water has crept into wells and agricultural lands, alternative
ways to make a living. The Marshall Islands have spearheaded efforts to forge international action on climate change. In September, the Pacific Islands Forum – which
Plan to mine important wildlife reserve in PNG
POrT MORESBY – an austral-
ian company has applied for a licence to mine one of Papua new Guinea’s most important wildlife reserves. Crater Gold Mining limited has 180 square kilometres of exploration licences in and around Crater Mountain, a globally signiicant biodiversity hotspot. It was declared one of PnG’s few wildlife management areas in 1993 after local landowner leaders became concerned about declining numbers of birds of paradise and other fauna. Crater Gold says it could be PnG’s next large-scale copper and gold resource. The company wants to fast-track mining in the reserve to fund development. “What we have identified here is a project which can go into production in the near term,” managing director Greg Starr said. “Ongoing work has shown the potential for a multi-million ounce resource, and if like other gold-porphyry systems, could be many millions of ounces.” Starr says the mine will take up just one and a half square kilometres of the reserve’s total area of more than 2,000 square
kilometres. But conservation groups say mining will have a “dramatic” impact on wildlife and rivers in the area. robert Bino, from the research and Conservation Foundation of PnG, says mining also kills off forest-based businesses. “Some of the tourists that have come to Crater because of pristine conditions, come and see the wildlife in the forest and experience village life with the people,” he said. “I think if we have mining in Crater it may affect potential to attract tourists – that’s what I think.” Bino says the PnG Government should live up to its obligations to protect the country’s biodiversity. “There should be more commitment from the government to exclude those other competing activities within those areas designated as conservation areas, or protected areas throughout the country,” he said. “What we see is that we have gazetted areas throughout the country but there is also these competing activities encroaching onto those so-called protected areas.
“So we would like to see more political will to support these initiatives to protect biodiversity and our biological resources.” Cater Gold’s Starr believes the mine will bring beneits to the remote part of Papua new Guinea. “While it is a small scale project in the beginning, we are looking to grow the project to the much larger scale, and that means you get jobs, infrastructure to enable coffee to get out, infrastructure associated with education, and medical facilities always come with these things and business opportunities,” he said. Starr says he’s conident landowners will agree to change the boundaries of the wildlife management area. “We will work with the landowners to discuss with them the issues that they see and the impact on the environment and if that is something that we all agree is appropriate, then that will be the case but we will go through the process. “as I say, this will have minimal impact because it is underground and because it is a very small area that we are covering.” - ABC
News from the Paciic region ‘Making a splash in a big ocean’
includes the Marshall Islands, australia, New Zealand, and 14 other nations – issued the Majuro Declaration, calling for increased measures to curb climate-altering emissions.
The Marshall Islands also committed itself to setting an example for the rest of the world by converting schools and hospitals to solar energy. - PNC sources
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
lETTErS reta
A grey reef Shark cruises the waters of the outer islands.
Cults not Christian says professor
Photo Gmcdonald. 14030637
Oceania bid to protect endangered sharks MOrE than 60 people from nine countries met recently to develop a plan to implement the new appendix II listings for sharks under CITES, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which will have ramifications for the future of the shark in trade in the Paciic. The workshop was hosted by the Fiji Department of Environment, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Coral reef alliance. all eight CITES parties in Oceania—australia, Fiji, new Zealand, Palau, Papua new Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, plus one non-party, Kiribati—attended the meeting. The Cook Islands is not a party to CITES, however a government oficial said the country adheres to its regulations when trading with nations that have signed to the treaty. The workshop brought together regional and international experts with decades of experience in CITES, fisheries management, environmental advocacy, and shark conservation to provide advice to the governments. Three species of hammerhead sharks, porbeagle sharks, oceanic
whitetip sharks, and both species of manta rays were added to CITES appendix II in March 2013. at the workshop, participants discussed the obligations countries must meet in order to successfully implement appendix II listings and ensure sustainable trade in these species. This requires the development of non-detriment indings, which are scientiic assessments that determine if continued trade in a species is sustainable or if it will threaten the species with extinction. If so, trade must stop. The countries also discussed how to issue permits when trade has been shown to be sustainable. The countries agreed that non-detriment indings are unlikely for oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) and both species of manta rays (Manta birostris) due to their current vulnerability and existing measures, such as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission retention ban for oceanic whitetip sharks and the appendix I listing by the Convention on Migratory Species for giant oceanic mantas. When the appendix II listings go into effect on Sept. 14,
2014, trade in these two species will be prohibited in 19.2 million square kilometres of ocean, an area the size of China and the United States combined. Workshop participants made it a priority to establish better data for hammerheads —preferably on a regional level, and regional funding is needed to implement these listings as soon as possible. The australian and New Zealand Governments, as Oceania representatives on the CITES Standing and animals Committees respectively, will request funding for research and capacity building from the CITES Secretariat. “It was very exciting to see all of the countries across Oceania cooperating on the implementation of these listings,” said Imogen Zethoven, director of Pew’s global shark conservation programme. “The Paciic Islands continue to be leaders on global shark conservation.” Countries are also coordinating with Pew and Dr. Demian Chapman to schedule training assistance for shark fin identification, so that the new protection measures can be easily enforced. - Release / ES
Dear Editor, Since my different visits in recent years to Rarotonga as Professor of Theology coming from Germany at Takamoa Theological College I observe with sadness the growing splitting of the society here. as “religion is the hinge of society” the Cook Islands’' nation which is still celebrating the arrival of the Gospel as the most important turning point in history seems to forget the meaning of it. Under the guise of “freedom of religion” cults have come from abroad which by their very teachings even challenge the constitution of these
islands as a Christian nation. With much foreign money their “missionaries” entice Christians to switch to their made up human visions. They are those of whom Paul in his letter to the Galatians says: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed” (1, 8). I do not back out of naming them. They are above all the “Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints” and the “Jehovah's Witnesses”. These cults are not Christian at all! Worldwide they do not belong to the World Council
of Churches and should also not be given admission here to a similar group. The canon or rule for Christianity in its different branches are the creeds of old which confess God in Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit and Christ as Saviour alone! Historically these go back to the years 325 and 451 and unite Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches as the Christian Ecumene. remember: There is nothing new in the Christian doctrine, except it is false! reverend Dr karl-heinz kuhlmann, PhD Takamoa Theological College
Congratulations to all for dog outcomes Dear Editor, Congratulations to all of the individuals here on rarotonga who have contributed to improving the dog situation! I applaud the efforts of the Esther Honey organisation and their staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves for a humane approach to control of the animal population! We have visited the Cooks numerous times over the last 30 years and have certainly noticed that your free sterilisation and education programmes have made a huge difference. This is good news for friends of ours who had a scooter accident with dogs and as a result never re-
turned to rarotonga. I am a humane society volunteer in our small town back home and I know that it is a challenge to encourage citizens to have their animals under control, consider sterilisation, and promote humane treatment of all animals. Through education
and awareness we all contribute to making the world a more humane place for everyone and our animal companions. Meitaki for making our visit a more pleasant island experience! Catherine from Canada (name and address supplied)
Tax deducted at source by MIA Dear Editor, In case people got the wrong inference from Kurt Scheel’s letter to the editor on Tuesday, BCI would like to advise they only process the pension payment schedule from Internal affairs. It does not calculate the payment due and so does not deduct anything from a payment due, unless authorised by the pensioner. The difference in payment to the pensioner concerned may well be the income tax due on the pension that came in to force on March 1, 2014. If any pensioner does have any queries regarding income
tax on their pension, the Ministry of Internal affairs staff have indicated they are very happy to assist in getting the right tax rate for them. To avoid getting taxed at the highest rate, obtaining a rMD number before going to Internal affairs will greatly assist in determining the correct tax rate. If you do not have one, please apply to the RMD. Remember to take in a photocopy of your birth certiicate or passport with you when you go there though.” Rod Fox Manager Customer Service & Marketing, Bank of the Cook Islands
Ask SF owners Dear Editor, about the Superfund I read your February 4 paper where the Judge said the fund is unconstitutional, so does that mean it is now illegal? The chief of the fund said “The judgment is being dealt with by counsel and government”. But when will they ask the board and the members who own the money?
Cook Islands News Building Maraerenga Avarua Rarotonga PO Box 15 Rarotonga Tel (682) 22999 Fax 25303 Email: editor@cookislandsnews.com or adverts@cookislandsnews.com
www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to Saturday
Why does the Government make the decision to have an appeal, this should be the decision of the owners who are the members. Members must be angry, so when will you ask them what they think? Thanking you Old guy (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
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
Large waves breaking outside avatiu Harbour on Wednesday. 14030526
Pa Enua cop huge swells Big swells have been battering some of the outer islands this week but no major damage has been reported yet. While surfers were enjoying the solid waves in rarotonga on Wednesday, there was concern that the high surges could impact more vulnerable, low-lying islands. Elizabeth Wright-koteka, Chief of Staff at the Ofice of the Prime Minister, has been in contact with people in the Pa Enua to check on their wellbeing. “We have received advice from the island government ofices that the seas were high and on some islands did encroach on the land but there has been no significant damage experienced.”
Wright-koteka said she was still waiting to hear from oficials in Palmerston, Pukapuka and nassau, as of yesterday afternoon. The big north-west swell put a halt to work on the Mangaia Harbour upgrade, according to Infrastructure Cook Islands. a spokesman said high seas forced the ICI crew to put down tools yesterday morning. “It’s died down a bit today so we’ll probably be able to resume work by Monday at the latest,” he said. large waves were still hitting Rarotonga’s north-west coast yesterday, although the swell appeared to have eased a little overnight. - Ben Chapman-Smith
Taio Shipping’s MV Maungaroa II was docked in Avatiu Harbour yesterday. 14030616
Fingers crossed for Pukapuka teachers FOUr TEaChErS who have
The boys from Taio Shipping were busy loading up the MV Maungaroa II yesterday in preparation for her trip to Atiu. The vessel is scheduled to head to Pukapuka next week. 14030618
Super Brown owner pleads not guilty SUPEr BrOWN owner George Taoro Brown has pleaded not guilty to a charge of receiving stolen property. Brown, who is also the Mayor of atiu, appeared in the High Court yesterday after being arrested and released on bail last Friday. he is alleged to have received $13,779 worth of stolen cigarettes, knowing they had been dishonestly obtained. Represented by lawyer Tina Browne, the 46-year-old entered a plea of not guilty.
Justice of the Peace John kenning adjourned the case to March 19, when high Court judge Sir hugh Williams will be in the country. Brown was released under the same bail conditions - that he must surrender his passport and report to the police station at 5pm every Friday. his case was also adjourned to March 19. a spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said the cigarettes in question had allegedly been stolen from the Cook Islands
Trading Company (CITC). The man alleged to have given Brown the cigarettes – named Richard Hoepper – also appeared in court yesterday. Hoepper faces charges of receiving stolen goods and theft by inding. He appeared without a lawyer and entered no plea. Brown’s arrest on Friday came after police turned up at his Tupapa store the previous day to interview him and his employees. Just hours before his arrest,
Brown told CINews he had received “a few” cartons of Winield cigarettes for resale from an individual on Wednesday, without paying for them. When police arrived at the store with a search warrant, he directed them to the cigarettes and said to take them away if they were stolen, Brown said. “How are you supposed to know?” he asked. “You never know what’s legit these days. If it’s stolen stuff, I would have never taken it.” - Ben Chapman-Smith
been stuck in rarotonga waiting for transport to Pukapuka are likely to be leaving by boat next week. Taio Shipping is sending a vessel to the remote northern island and the Ministry of Education is planning to put its long-suffering staff members on board. The new principal, two teachers and returning tertiary programme co-ordinator were supposed to have started their new contracts at Niua School in late January. However, no passenger boats have been to Pukapuka since December and the island’s runway was damaged by rain the same month, ruling out lights. although repairs to the runway are now underway, it will take at least two to three weeks before the surface is safe to land on. Tere Utanga, the Ministry of Education’s Director of Human Resources, said the fastest way to get his staff to Pukapuka will be onboard Taio Shipping’s MV Maungaroa II. “We looked at it and decided to take advantage of the boat.
We’re looking at putting them on, hopefully next Thursday. We always had that in mind, whichever goes irst.” Meanwhile, the departing principal and two teachers – who have been stuck in Pukapuka –will be heading back down to rarotonga on the Maungaroa II’s return voyage. The Ministry of Education chartered a plane for Pukapuka weeks ago but that flight will now be rerouted to Penrhyn, Utanga said. One of the teachers leaving Pukapuka has a new contract in Penrhyn, where he will be heading with his family after making it to rarotonga. Utanga said he is not sure how much it will cost to transport the teachers with Taio Shipping and he is waiting on an invoice. Travelling north on the Maungaroa I I usually takes about four days but Utanga said the teachers are “all good” about that. “Most of them are keen to go. They’re all keen to start their new contracts.” - Ben Chapman-Smith
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
Water tank for local vet clinic
Esther Honey has received a new water tank to help solve recent water shortages at the clinic. The 10,000 litre concrete tank was installed last month at the vet service, which had been having problems with water supply since December. T&M heather and PTS Plumbing got the tank up and running and the work was paid for by the Cook Islands Investment Corporation – which leases the Nikao property – with help from the Government’s $1500 water tank subsidy. Minister of Finance Mark Brown, who announced the subsidy in March, said “needy organisations” such as the vet service – which provides its services for free or at minimal cost – can qualify for the fund, along with households that do not already have a tank installed. He said the tank will help the Esther Honey Foundation continue to do its work. “These guys work on a shoestring to provide a service to the community – let’s give them the help we can.” Under the subsidy, tanks must be connected to the mains water supply and are intended to provide a reservoir of water during periods of low rainfall.
“In times of drought, at least you’ve got a tank to be able to ill,” said Brown. While the foundation did already have a tank, at only 1190 litres it was not enough to cover its water usage. Esther Honey Practice Manager amy Compton said the new tank has meant there is now enough water to keep the animals clean and hydrated; to clean equipment for operations and other veterinary tasks and to wash laundry. Some volunteers also live on the property while working for Esther Honey, and need water each day. “We’re so grateful for the tank – it’s so great to have enough water to function properly.” Compton said the process of getting the tank was a fast one, with the tank installed soon after she illed in the application. Brown attributed this to the work being done by private sector companies, which receive the subsidy following the work, and said the Government wants to use this approach in future projects. “It’s about money for them (private companies). The more tanks they install, the more money they get – so they get it done quickly.” - BD
From left: Joe Tetauru and Andy Kapi from PTS Plumbing, Esther Honey practice manager Amy Compton holding a certiicate of recognition for T&M Heather, and Minister Mark Brown with a certiicate for the Cook Islands Investment Corporation. 14030633
Burglar targets tourists
POlICE are investigating three burglaries and one incident of theft committed in rarotonga this week, with victims including visitors to the island. The irst burglary took place in arorangi on Tuesday between 2am and 7am, when $650.00 was stolen from a tourist’s room. Senior Sergeant Maevarangi Kirikava said police suspect the offender entered the room while its occupant was asleep.
another room was broken into at the same accommodation provider about 24 hours later. The female occupant – also a visitor to the Cook Islands – turned on the light and the male offender ran off. She was able to provide police with a description of the perpetrator and Puaikura Police officers are speaking to a person itting the description.
Searching for Raro’s best boss a change from employee focus lOCal job search resource Cook
Islands Jobs is running a competition to ind Rarotonga’s best boss. Over the next two weeks, the upstart company is running an “Employer of the Month”' contest, where happy employees can let the world know why there boss is a great person to work for. The contest will run on a monthly basis, with a winning entry chosen by the company. This month’s prize is a cocktail voucher for both the winning nominator and their boss
at Manuia Beach Hotel's beachfront restaurant and bar, which CI Jobs thanks for supporting the initiative. The competition is open to both, private sector and government workers. “Cook Islands Jobs thinks it is important to recognise good employment practice and those workplaces and bosses that go the extra mile to keep employees safe and happy,” said Cook Islands Jobs director luana Bosanqet-Heays. “Many companies recognise
great employees through an employee of the month scheme, so why not turn the tables and congratulate employers for good practice.” apart from recognising great bosses, Bosanqet-Heays hopes the contest will help employment agencies with their recruitment efforts, as jobseekers may be more inclined to apply for positions with businesses recognised as being “great employers”. To enter, all you need to do is email jobs@cookislandsjobs. com with your name, your boss’
lands Marine Park participated in a workshop earlier this week meant to deal with key issues in laying a foundation for the emerging conservation zone. The Cook Islands Marine Park (CIMP) – recently named “Marae Moana” and encompassing 1.1 million square kilometres of the nation’s exclusive economic zone – is currently in its initial planning stages. The park’s steering committee has identified legislation as an important area in development, which was the focus of Wednesday’s workshop at Crown Beach
Resort and Spa. a number of options for establishing a legal foundation of the park were on the agenda, including the creation of new laws and amending legislation, such as existing environment and marine resources acts. along with legal matters, oficials have identiied a number of issues to be dealt with by stakeholders, such as determining if special funding should be allocated and whether an “agency, body, or organisation” is required as part of the park’s development. Oficials have also been asked to consider if the marine park’s
regulations end “at the high water mark”, and how land-based activities threatening ecosystems within the park will be addressed. CIMP steering group Co-Chair kevin Iro said of additional consideration for stakeholders were “Raui” – traditional laws – and how they will it into the marine park’s “ethos”. Iro said each island has a different set of raui, which must also be taken into account. He said he hoped all questions would be dealt with suficiently during the workshop, which would allow the steering group to bring a set of recommenda-
our beaches for swimming, ensure that you keep an eye on your property,” he said. Police have also been called out to two road accidents this week. a student sustained minor injuries after crashing into a dog on the back road in Takuvaine on Wednesday at 9pm. The second crash involved a male who was charged for being under the inluence of alcohol. Police are waiting on blood results to show how much alcohol the man had consumed. - Ben Chapman-Smith
name, place of employment, and a little write-up about what your boss has done that makes them deserving of the title “Employer of the month”. Entries can also be made via Facebook. The winner will be announced via the company’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/comehomekukis on Friday March 14. Cook Islands Jobs was started by Bosanqet-Heays last year, in an effort to help lure Cook Islanders living abroad back home. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Workshop focusing on emerging marine park STakEhOlDErS of the Cook Is-
The two burglaries are suspected to be linked to the same person and charges are likely to follow, kirikava said. another crime took place on Wednesday at 9:15am when a couple had their bag stolen while out swimming at Fruits of rarotonga beach in Titikaveka. a backpack with cricket gear was also taken from a private residence at about 1am yesterday. Senior Sergeant kirikava reminded members of the public to lock their houses at night and when they go out. “also, if you are going to use
tions to government for consideration. additional issues discussed by workshop participants included income distribution to the outer islands, budget allocations for conservation, and raising environmental awareness. announcement of the marine park was made by Prime Minister Henry Puna during 2012’s Paciic Islands Forum. at the time, the Government outlined their vision for a park which takes into account sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental conservation. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Through her company, Cook Islands Jobs, local businesswoman Luana Bosanquet-Heays is leading the search for Rarotonga’s best employer. 14030614
Good promotion for IWD 2014 EVERYBODY should be aware that it is International Women’s Day tomorrow thanks to the efforts of the Cook Islands National Council of Women. launching of the Executive Summary of the Cook Islands Family Health and Safety Study locally titled “Te ata O te ngakau” (Shadows of the Heart) which is the first national report and indings that bring to light the level, scope and different types of domestic violence against our women and their families in the Cook Islands takes place today. local television supported by Cook Islands Television, Minis-
try of Health and Ministry of Internal affairs will be screening a Cook Islands National Council of Women series “Snapshots from the Heart” which features intimate interviews of four minutes with four ordinary Cook Islanders (Three women and a man) doing extraordinary things as a celebration of IWD 2014 a radio link up programme supported by the Cook Islands National Council of Women to invite all its members and women and their families to take this opportunity to air their support and activities relating to this day is also being held. - Mark Ebrey
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Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
churchTalk te akONOaNGa
Season of Lent is ‘pre-season training’ SPOrTS followers, as you sit
back to enjoy the current competitions beginning at this time of the year, like Super 15 Rugby, or the Nrl series or the aNZ Trans Tasman Netball competition, just think of all the pre-season training that has gone in over the last couple of months to get the athletes into prime condition to participate. as well as the normal physical training, there have been camps to bond the team; psychologists to ensure the correct mental attitude of the players; dieticians to ensure the body peaks at the correct time. Managers of players are involved to achieve a favourable inancial return for the player. The discipline required of the players is demanding and if the acceptable code is transgressed then the player will hear pretty quickly about failing to give loyalty to the team and one’s team mates. If sportsmen and women are prepared to make such great sacriice to be the best in their field, just how much personal sacriice are we, the professional followers of the lord, prepared to make in our struggle with ourselves, with the powers of the spiritual world, and with the mystery of how we come to prefer God’s will to our own? In each of the gospels, Jesus teaches that those who want to follow him must deny themselves and take up their cross, and that those who lose their life for his
sake will ind it: (Mt 16: 24 – 25; Mk 8:34 – 35; luke 9 23 – 24; Jn 12:25) For Christians we might say lent is our time of pre-season training for the team of the lord, as we are his ambassadors in the world. We began on Wednesday of this week our pre-training for the great feast of Easter. around the various islands of the country on Wednesday it should have been easy to spot who was Catholic at least by looking at who had been marked with ashes on their foreheads.
What do ashes mean? The liturgical use of ashes originates in Old Testament times. ashes symbolise mourning, mortality and penance. For instance, in the Book of Esther, Mordecai put on sack cloth and ashes when he heard the decree of king ahasuerus, 485 - 464 BC of Persia to kill all of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire (Esther 4:1). Job, whose story was written between the seventh and ifth centuries BC, repented in sackcloth and ashes. (Job 42:6.) Prophesying the Babylonian captivity of Jerusalem, Daniel (550 BC) wrote: “I turned to the lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3) In the ifth century BC, after Jonah’s preaching of conversion and repentance, the town of nineveh proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth and sat in
ashes (Jonah 3: 5 – 6).These Old Testament examples evidence both a recognized practice of using ashes and a common understanding of their symbolism. Jesus himself also made reference to ashes: referring to towns that refused to repent of sin although they had witnessed miracles and heard the good news, Our lord said, “If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago. (Matthew 11:21.) Eventually, the use of ashes was adapted to mark the beginning of lent, the 40-day preparation period for Easter starting in about the eighth century. It has been observed ever since to this day. The meaning was that when ashes were marked on the forehead it was to show that the person was prepared to repent of their sins during the lenten fast. In our present liturgy for ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on Palm Sunday the previous year. The priest blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross and saying, “Remember, man you are dust and to dust you shall return” or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”. as we begin this holy season of lent in preparation for Easter, we must remember the signiicance of the ashes that we
have received; we mourn and do penance for our sins. We again convert our hearts to the lord, who suffered, died and rose for our salvation. We renew the promise made at our baptism, when we died to an old life and rose to a new life with Christ. Finally, mindful that the kingdom of this world passes away, we strive to live the kingdom of God now and look forward to its fulilment in heaven.
Forty days for the season of Lent The word lent comes from the anglo-Saxon word “lencten”, referring to the lengthening of the days in spring. This becomes a little confusing for us in the southern hemisphere as the current season is in fact autumn not spring and in the tropics we are not too conscious of the seasons anyway. However, our general knowledge of the seasons is enough to know that there is a time of the year after pruning away dead growth there will be new growth that will lead to plenty of fruit on the trees. The penitential season of lent is the period of forty days beginning on ash Wednesday. It is a season of the Church year that remembers the forty days Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness before he began his public ministry of preaching for repentance. Six Sundays are within the season, the last Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week. In the season of lent Christians are called to imitate the forty days of prayer and fasting of Jesus. That it is forty days is significant. When God punished the sinfulness of mankind by the lood, the rain lasted forty days and forty nights. Moses led the Hebrews people out of bondage in Egypt, but they wandered forty years in the desert before reaching the promised land. Elijah fasted and sought God’s will on Mount Horeb for forty days. Jonah prophesised the destruction of Nineveh in forty days.
ourselves turning away from God or we can become indifferent to God. I think it is timely to look at what it means to be indifferent. Many of us today have allowed ourselves to become blind to the situations of degradation and poverty that we encounter when walking or driving around our islands. How many of us passively accept certain types of behaviour that we once knew to be wrong. One might say it is a culture of silence. What is our reaction when we see the advertisement on television asking us to put a stop to violence against women! This appears to be a sad reality that surrounds us. Yet have we grown accustomed to violence, as if it were a normal part of our daily news. Worldwide we get used to seeing our brothers and sisters sleeping on streets, as they have no roof to shelter them. We are used to seeing refugees who search for freedom and dignity but are not received as they should be. So we get used to living in a society that claims to be able to do without God. We might say our
hearts have become anaesthetised – have been put to sleep – and we no longer react. lent, then, is a season for putting in the hard training to change our route in life. For recovering our capacity to react when faced with the realities of evil in our own lives or those of others. lent can be lived as a time of conversion, of renewal at a personal and community level by drawing closer to God through trusting in the Gospel. Help me prepare my mind and heart, lord, so that I may answer your invitation to new life with a resounding “Yes!” Bishop Paul Donoghue Catholic Church
Celebration
on the Rock APOWERFUl,ExCiTiNGChURCh join us this weekend for our Sunday morning service 10am. Aere mai, aere mai te katoatoa, te Atua te aroa! ACROSS ThE ROAD ThE AiRPORT, NiKAO
Assemblies Of God Church
The value of Lent
CES seminary graduate Taylor picture with her Dad Tui and Mum Joanna after the graduation ceremony. 14030543
Sole CES graduate beats challenges ThE ChUrCh of Jesus Christ
of latter-day Saints held it’s Church Education System graduation ceremony on Sunday 16 February at the arorangi lDS conference centre. Sole seminary graduate for 2013 Taylor Rangi was the centre of attention due to her completion of four years of attending early morning scripture study and completing the required course work. “I found it very challenging, especially getting up so early in the morning” said Rangi. Seminary students are required to be
at class at 6.00am in the morning for one hour of scripture study and learning on school days Monday to Friday. Her competitive nature helped her to focus on completing the tasks at hand and there was some friendly rivalry amongst her fellow students. “I especially wanted to outdo some of the boys in our class” said rangi. This internal competition amongst some of the students helped Rangi keep her focus and strive to complete the required reading and assignments. a highlight for rangi
was the last seminary class when she could not contain herself any longer at having completed the four years of scripture study. “When I said amen after the closing prayer of my last class, I felt elated and expressed, yes....I have done it.” In her address to her fellow students and all the supporters, friends, families and associates Rangi thanked everyone for their wonderful encouragement and support throughout the four years. lDSPaD
lent offers me the gift of 40 days to do 40 days of heavy training for the lord. It is season to re-evaluate whether all that I do is focused on the ways of the lord as expressed in the Gospel. Whatever is not focused on the gospel must be rooted out or turned away from. like training for sport it needs a daily commitment or routine. and I must be constant at it. Even to stop for a few days shows quickly in unitness and in the case of the spiritual journey we can find
Sunday School: 9am -10.15am
Apostolic Church Weekly Programme Sunday to Friday Rarotonga Apostolic Church Bishop Tutai Pere - 23778/55177 Dial-A-Prayer 26777 Church Services on Sundays at 10am and 7pm Radio and Television Ministr y at 11am and 4.30pm. Mid-week services on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. Aitutaki Apostolic Church - Pastor Noo Mataiti - 31269. Atiu Apostolic Church - Pastor Nikau Tangaroa - 33778. Mangaia Apostolic Church Pastor Ngametua Papatua - 34065. WE PREACh GOD iN jESUS AND jESUS iN GOD
FOCUS 2014
“AhEAD OF TiME GOD” “jESUS” “TE ATUA MOMUA i TE AU MEA RAVARAi” “KO iESU” “iamhethatliveth,andwasdead;and, behold,iamaliveforevermore,amen; andhavethekeysofhellanddeath...Ko auteiaeoranei,imateanaraioki:eina,e oraaturaiauetuatauuaatu,amene!Tei iakutetaviriotemateetoade” Revelation/Apokalupo 1:18
All services cater for both Maori and English speaking brethren. Contact: Bishop Pere on email: tpere@oyster.net.ck
jESUS iS TRUE GOD
10
Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL
PhONE
adverts@cookislandsnews.com
Fax 25303
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
TO ThE LANDOWNERS OF PAENUI SECTION 89B, ARORANGI A meeting of the landowners in respect of the above land will be held at the Ruaau meeting house, Arorangi on Friday 7 March 2014 at 5pm. Would all landowners please attend this meeting for the purpose of conirming whether or not consent will be provided to the sale of a Deed of Lease dated 14 August 2010 by a mortgagee to the relevant purchasers. Details may be obtained from Charles Little at Little & Matysik P.C., Cook Islands Lawyers, Avarua, Rarotonga, Tel 21619, Fax 21615 or email: charles@ lawyers.co.ck
Get together Day for the Takuvaine CICC YOUTH... If you want to be part of a dynamic team Come along... Come Home “Jesus is the true Light of our Path to Everlasting” Time: 5pm - 7pm (Fun Hour) Matua & Ioane’s Residence Meeting at 7pm Takuvaine Meeting House Agenda: Election of new oice bearers Year Plan 2014 Kia Orana E Kia Manuia Secretary
77417 / /1780
Classiieds • Phone 22999
• adverts@cookislandsnews.com
77445 / /2531
TUATUA AKAKITE Ngati URI Te pati iatu nei te Kopu tangata URI kia tae mai ki te rua o ta tatou uipa’anga a te Monite ra 10 o Mati 2014, ki ko ite are uipaanga o Akaoa, Arorangi ite ora 7pm. Tumu manako maata no te tao’anga URI MATAIAPO. Teia Patianga na Danny Mataroa. 77415 /36664 /1931
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
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.
ShIPPING NOTICES Please be advised that the oices of Little & Matysik P.C. will be closed on Friday, 7 March 2014 as the irm will be shifting oices. As from 8:00 am, Monday, 10 March 2014 Little & Matysik P.C. will be open for business from our new premises located in the two storey building behind the Empire Movie Theatre. Our contact details will otherwise remain the same. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our clients. Thank you. Little & Matysik P.C. 77412
Cook Islands Towage Ltd (Barge) Shipping Notice The barge will be loading next week Thursday 13 March and Friday 14 March for Atiu Mauke and Mitiaro. Receiving cargos from Monday 10 March and onwards. For further information please contact oice on 27674. Meitaki Maata.
SERVICES
FOR SALE
VEhICLES FOR SALE
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
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. Phone Contact 54355 or 73407.
DAIhATSU COPEN 600cc Turbo Convertible, manual, 2x seater Sale price $4,500
77230 /36564 /1931
FOR RENT
FOR hIRE TAMARUMARU TENT hIRE Phone 23787, 78103,79171 or 51188 jeralee@oyster.net.ck
77387 /36650 /1931
1 bedroom cottage, Arorangi. Phone 21118 home, 25433 work or 73764. 77413 / /2230
1 and 2 bedroom unit Arorangi, close to main road. Phone 73530 or 21444. 77438 / /2419
Rooms from $70 week, Including power, hotwater. Suitable female, sober habits. Arorangi Ph 20201, 9-5pm.
77418 /36684 /1931
18 foot aluminium ishing boat on trailer with 50HP Yamaha four stroke, extras, $22,000 ono. Phone 54322. 77447 /36722 /1931
VEhICLES FOR SALE 1996 NISSAN CABSTAR PICKUP TRUCK Manual, Runs Well, Few Rust, $15,000 ono.. Call Goose; 55954.
MAzDA DEMIO 1.5ltr Hatchback Auto/air con/electric windows. Colour: white Sale price $10,000 Nissan March Cabriolet 1.3ltr. Sale Price $3,500.00 contact Arthur 55422, email : workshop@polynesianhire.co.ck
77333 / /2543
SITUATIONS VACANT Groundsman part time. Phone 51143.
3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, water tank & solar hot water Inland Matavera. Ph 51153.
77409 / /2643
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.
77381 /36655 /1931
AKEN TFOR SALE
2 bedrooms fully furnished lat, Ruatonga. Phone 23756. 77379 /36643 /1931
77129 / /1939
1 four drawer metal iling cabinet, $80. Phone 27300. 77448 / /1931
Banana cooked and frozen, ideal for poke. $10 per kilo. Phone 51143. 77410 / /2643
Coconuts, $40 per 100. Phone 51143. 77411 / /2643
RECyClE
Male Baker, preferably with at least 5 yrs work esp.in the same ield that specialising 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
TENDERS
TE MARAE ORA, MInISTRY OF HEALTH COOK ISLAnDS
77239
MITSUBIShI COLT 1.4ltr Hatchback. Auto/air con/electric windows. Colour: red Sale price $10,000
2x male pigs, 8 month old, $150 each. Phone 22459.
77352 / /1917
PUBLIC NOTICES
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 29664.
TOYOTA ESTIMA 2400cc Automatic, 8 seater Sale price $12,000
77390 /36682 /1931
3 bedroom furnished, Ariki Road Atupa, $245 per week plus bond, long term, careful tenants required. Phone after midday 22411.
77430 / /1853
77437 / /2463
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR ThE PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES FOR ThE PURPOSE OF ThE EVALUATION OF ThE hEALTh SPECIALIST VISIT (hSV) PROGRAMME
Casual ads must be prepaid. Cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.
1pm sharp. Material deadline for display adverts 24 hours prior.
77349 / /2306
PUBLIC NOTICE
RATES Minimum $5.80 incl. VAT for 1-15 words.
DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is
22999
preferred
InFRASTRUCTURE COOK ISLAnDS
PRICE ORDER 11/2014 PuRSuANT to the Control of Prices Act 1966 and the powers delegated to me as provided under section 30 of the said Act, I hereby make the following Order: 1. This Order is cited as Price Order 11/2014 and shall come into efect on the 7th day of March 2014 for Origin Energy 2. Maximum wholesale & retail selling prices for LPG sold on Rarotonga shall be at the rate speciied in the schedule below 3. Value Added Tax is included in the prices herein set 4. Price Orders 06/2013 and 20/2013 are hereby revoked 5. The prices herein set are the maximum that may be charged although less may be charged if so desired. Given under our hand 6th day of March 2014. Brian Terrence Hagan, Chairman of the Price Tribunal Tatiana Burn, Member of the Price Tribunal.
SChEDULE OF PRICE ORDER ITEM
WhOLESALE PRICE AND RESELLER PRICE
RETAIL PRICES Rarotonga
LPG per kg
3.73
5.01
LPG 9kg20lb
-
45.09
LPG 13kg30lb
-
65.13
Efective date March 7 2014
TENDER Rarotonga Road Network Improvements Supply and Construction of Road Network for Project City 3 hotmix – Contract No. C13/13.2, Chip Seal – Contract No. C13/13.3 Under the Asian Development Bank Economic Recovery Support Programme (ADB – ERSP), the Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) is managing a number of projects related to water supply network upgrade and road network improvements on Rarotonga. These contracts involve the improvements of road network within the areas from Panama through Avarua Township to Tupapa. A copy of each tender document can be collected during work hours from the ICI oice in Arorangi. Note that a non-refundable deposit of $200 will be required before each tender document is issued. Tenders close at 3pm Friday, 21 March 2014, and must be submitted to the ICI Oice in Arorangi in accordance with the requirements of the Tender Document. Enquiries to: Tenga Mana Project Engineer Email: tenga.mana@ici.gov.ck Phone: +682 20321 77076
76315
11
Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
SITUATIONS VACANT
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 MondayFriday (approx 20 hours per week). Please email your application and CV to pash@oyster.net.ck Please call Michelle on phone 21546 or 57104.
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
Live in Nanny Required to look after 3 adorable babies, please email kavera@oyster.net.ck with your CV and references. 77389 /36652 /1931
cafe staf wanted. Ph 28465.
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.
77322 /36616 /1982
77371 /36699 /1902
77258 / /1873
LABOURER/PLANTING/ CLEANER Job involves digging, planting, cleaning Must be reliable, lexible and hardworking. Call me, phone 55041. 77432 / /1931
SITUATIONS VACANT
Vacancy Clerk of the house of Ariki
The House of Ariki is seeking a qualiied, self-driven and highly motivated person with relevant experience for the position of Clerk of the House of Ariki. Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English and Cook Island Maori and will be expected to be knowledgeable on Cook Islands Maori traditions and customs. A job description can be obtained from the Oice of the Public Service Commissioner. Applicants must deliver a cover letter and CV to Ms Rangi Tutai, Oice Assistant, Oice of the Public Service Commissioner or email the same to rangi.tutai@cookislands.gov.ck by 4pm on Friday 7th March 2014. Contact phone (682) 29421
SITUATIONS VACANT
Wage review panel hears submissions PEOPlE in the outer islands have
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
Nanny required Non smoker/non drinker, honest, reliable. Cleaning and cooking required. Mail CV to Marcelle_rossouw@ hotmail.com 77221 /36572 /1931
Assistant Sales person needed at The Dive Shop. Female at least 25yrs old, honest and reliable, customer friendly, must know how to sell surf clothing, indent ordering. Please send CV to PO Box 418. Applications closes 17 March 2014. 77377 / /1999
called for a separate minimum wage to compensate for their high cost of living. a panel is currently reviewing the Cook Islands minimum wage, which has been set at $5 per hour since 2006. Part of its review has involved listening to feedback from the public on whether and how much the wage should be increased. Panel member anthony Turua said a number of verbal and written submissions have come in from the Pa Enua (Outer Islands), mostly from aitutaki. “Some of them are asking for a separate minimum wage for the outer islands, considering the transport cost and cost of living.” Turua, who is president of the Cook Islands Workers association, said the review panel will be taking that recommendation
77310 / /2423
WANTED Part time house cleaner for light house work, lexible hours. Phone 54322. 77446 /36722 /1931
Internal Afairs Minister Nandi Glassie will be given the minimum wage report tomorrow. 13042203
BIRThDAy happy 4th Birthday to our Nuk’s Power Angel
Michaela Tangatakino hope you don’t drive vouvou nuttz..lollove you always from Mum & Dad, Gramp’s in Mangaia & Mitiaro
SITUATIONS VACANT
The SIF provides combined Cook Islands and new Zealand support to Cook Islands Civil Society Sector to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in the community and is focused on 6 priority areas: Gender equality, Children & Youth, Disabilities, The Elderly, Domestic Violence and Mental Health. The SIF Board now invite proposals for Project Funding in the following eligible project areas • Community Education Projects • Training • Workshops • Awareness raising activities • Income generation •Organisational Strengthening Please note Infrastructure projects and International travel are not encouraged, but will be considered on a case by case basis. For further inquiries please contact the SIF Manager on telephone 29378 or email angeline.tuara@cookislands. gov.ck Ministry of Internal Afairs. The deadline for submission of Project Funding Application is Thursday 24 April 2014. no applications will be accepted after this date. 777
OvErsEAs AdvErTisiNg We can place your message in newspapers around the world. We will get quotes for classiied advertisements and pre-billing. Contact our advertising department phone 22999 email: adverts@cookislandsnews.com
tween $6 and $10. Patricia Tuara Demmke, who is chairing the panel, said the inal decision rests with Glassie. “He doesn’t have to agree with us but we provide him with our indings and recommendations. It could be higher than what we state, or it could be lower.” Glassie is due to release his decision on april 1. Other members of the panel are James Webb, Economic advisor for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management and Chamber of Commerce president Steve anderson. - BCS
SITUATIONS VACANT A position is available for a fully qualiied Electrician -Must be fully certiicated with 5 years experience -Required under NZ/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
MInISTRY OF InTERnAL AFFAIRS
Social Impact Fund (SIF) Project Funding
into consideration. “I think there are merits in it because basic needs are quite expensive for all the outer islands.” Submissions on the minimum wage, which closed on February 21, were taken in writing, over the phone, during talkback radio sessions, and at a public meeting. The panel is preparing a report to present to Internal affairs Minister nandi Glassie this Saturday. Turua said most people have called for the minimum wage to be increased and the panel is looking to suggest it rises to be-
SITUATIONS VACANT
School and Tertiary Institute Vacancies Applications are invited from suitably qualiied and experienced individuals for the following part-time positions: 1. Teacher Aide (ECE) - Rutaki School 2. Teacher Aide (Inclusive Education) – Takitumu School 3. Grounds/Maintenance Person - Avatea School 4. Oice Secretary: Mangaia School 5. Training Broker (Mangaia)– CI Tertiary Training Institute. To develop, manage and implement community education programmes in consultation with the wider island community. 6. School’s Guidance Counsellor (Aitutaki) – A full time position serving the school communities, based at Araura College. Applications close on Friday 7 March 2014. Job descriptions and application forms are available from the Ministry or at: www.education.gov.ck Please submit cover letter with Curriculum Vitae and references to: Director HRM Division Ministry of education P. O. Box 97 Rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, Fax (682) 28357 or email: vacancy@ education.gov.ck
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 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, PO Box 96. Inquiries can be emailed to ariokap@gmail.com
77185
77008
MInISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Project Oicer VACANCY
12
Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
Warriors battle the Sharks today
a WIN will be on the minds of both the Takuvaine Warriors and aitutaki Sharks today as the two clubs face off at arutanga ield in aitutaki this afternoon. The match will also determine the team that will face the Titikaveka Bulldogs in the second semi-inal of the inaugural navy Epati Cup Challenge. The avatiu Eels have already
booked their grand finals spot and await their opponent for the battle for the inaugural cup challenge. Today’s Sharks and Warriors game is set to kick off at 5pm with a league masters game scheduled at 4pm as a curtain raiser match for the main game that is sure to draw all of aitutaki to the arutanga grounds.
Back on rarotonga – the Swamp in avatiu will play host to the under 16 clash between the Eels and the Bulldogs scheduled to kick off at 4.30pm. On Saturday, the ngatangiia Sea Eagles will face tough competition in the Titikaveka Bulldogs and will want to see their supporters out in full force on their home ground.
APPRECIATIONS
at raemaru Park the arorangi Bears will play host to the Tupapa Panthers in what should be a bruising encounter in the premier men’s grade. as the avatiu Eels premier grade are on a bye this week – the clubs under 19 and reserve grade will play the Warriors on Saturday at the Swamp while the baby under 14 Eels will meet
MEMORIAM
the Bears on Saturday at Rae- MW maru Park.
Saturday 8 Eels vs Warriors at Avatiu – 3pm Under 19, Ref-P. ngaroi
This week’s draw: Friday 7 Sharks vs Warriors at Arutanga – 4pm Masters, Ref-a.
assisted by Club Oficials, 4.30pm Reserves, Ref-T. Benioni assisted by Club Oficials.
Tanga, 5pm Premiers, Ref-a.Emile assisted by S.Willis/a.Tanga (Sub Oficial-S.Teiotu)
Saturday 8 Bears vs Panthers at Raemaru Park – 12pm Under 14
Friday 7 Eels vs Bulldogs at Avatiu –4.30pm Under 16, Ref-P.ngaroi assisted by S.Teiotu / P.Mitchell.
Saturday 8 Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs at Nukupure Park – 3.30pm Reserves, Ref-S.Teiotu assisted by T. Manuel/J. Murray, 5pm Premiers, Ref-T. ngaputa assisted by T. Manuel/J. Murray, (Sub Oficial-S. Teiotu).
Bears vs Eels, ref-J.hosking assisted by D. Crummer/ T. George, 1pm Under 16, ref-T.Taurarii assisted by J. Hosking/ T. George, 2pm Under 19, ref-P. Mitchell assisted by T. Taurarii/ D. Crummer, 3pm reserves, ref-N. Takaiti assisted by B. Bishop / T. Taurarii, 4.30pm Premiers, Ref-T.Taomia assisted by B. Bishop/ P. Mitchell (Sub OficialN. Takaiti /T. Taurarii).
3x3 beach volleyball set for this Saturday
Caleb iete Samatua
IT’S BEaCH volleyball weather
W
e, the family would like to return our heartfelt gratitude for the support shown throughout this time for the loss of our iete. To our family and friends who expressed their love, kindness and generosity, we appreciate you.
In Loving Memory of our Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend
Robert and Sheryl, Krystal and Raven and the Samatua Family, would like to thank you all from the bottom of their hearts.
‘Rest in Peace We love you’ Psalm 121: 1&2
Tuakana Teamoke Numa Who left us on 3 March 2013 It has been over a year that you left us and we all miss you very much, but have not forgoten your loving smile and loving words of wisdom
and the local association has organised a fun beach volleyball competition for this Saturday at the beach courts in Nikao. The tournament is open to anyone and everyone and will be a three on three format. The tournament is free and has been organised to generate interest in the sport and get volleyball lovers back in action. Games start at 9am on Saturday and have been organised by the local association with the support of visiting Czech beach volleyball player David landa. landa has gladly volunteered his time to organise the competition which the association is very grateful for.
There have been regular beach volleyball sessions that have been attracting a handful of energetic players to the nikao beach courts nightly. Wednesday evening is training night for any player interested. Volleyball is slowly gearing up for the season ahead with plans to run the social indoor volleyball tournament starting on March 18. For more information regarding beach volleyball or about being part of the volleyball family, contact Hugh Graham on 52287 otherwise grab a couple of mates and rock up to the beach courts in nikao this Saturday for hot fun in the sun. - Matariki Wilson
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13
Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
FLIGhT FROM ARRIVES FridAy MArCH 7 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM NZ46/61 AKL 1.55PM SAtUrdAy MArCH 8
TO
DEPARTS
AKL SYD
1.05AM 3.05PM
NZ60/47 NZ18 VT33
AKL LAx PPT
6.40AM 11.59PM 3.50PM
SYD AKL PPT
5.30AM 10.30PM 2.50PM
RARO TO FridAy MArCH 7 0800 AITuTAKI 1030 AITuTAKI 1530 AITuTAKI 1800 AITuTAKI 0900 AITuTAKI 0900 MANGAIA 1330 MAUKE
air Rarotonga
International Flights
Flight Times | Voyage details ARR
DEP
TO
ARR
0850 1120 1620 1850 0950 0940 1420
0910 1140 1640 1910 1010 1000 1440 1710
RARO RARO RARO RARO ATIu RARO RARO RARO
DEP
TO
ARR
1000 1230 1730 2000 1055 1115 RARO 1200 1040 1530 1600 MIT 1650 1800
TIARE MOANA 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
GOT A STORY? text us on
or call us at Cook Islands News
Su-Do-Ku EASY
Su-Do-Ku hARD
Crossword
Instructions
Instructions
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.
Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the blank squares so that no digit is repeated in each row, each column or each 3 x 3 square.
Answer toThursday’s puzzle
Answer toThursday’s puzzle
hÄGAR the horrible
By Dik Browne
®
ThE PhANTOM
By lee Falk & Sy Barry
®
DRiNK then DRiVE iT MAy AS WEll BE MURDER
A COOk ISLANdS NEWS PuBLIC SERvICE MESSAGE
Weather Forecast to Midnight Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Situation: An easterly wind low prevails over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Cloudy periods with some showers. Moderate north to northwest winds. Moderate seas. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Occasional rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms. Moderate northwest winds. Moderate to rough seas.Moderate northwesterly swells. Further outlook: Occasional showers and few thunderstorms.
FRI
7
High
1.51AM
0.92M 2.12PM 0.97M
Low
8.00AM 0.34M 8.30PM 0.33M
7
SaT
8
1.1m Se
1.7m NW
N
SaT High 2.32AM 0.86M 2.55PM 0.91M
8
Low
8.41AM 0.38M 9.17PM
0.38M
29°
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
9
ArAPo - roto AMiAMA fri 7 TaNu (Planting)
1.6m Se
TauTai (Fishing)
Kua akaipoipo te rakau. Pollinate.
Marie te marama. Kua teitei Po ika. Moon is slow, up high. Fish nights.
Humidity FRI
Rarotonga Friday, March 7, 2014
Forecast Map 2pm Friday
Tides
Front Key:
Cold
Warm
Occluded
Stationary
1.1m Se
y
Swell direction and size
Outer Islands Weather Outlook Friday, March 7, 2014
Morning
76%
Night
78%
Morning
76%
Night
77%
Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
FRI
7
SaT
8
Sun Rise
6.39AM Sun Set
Moon Rise 12.45PM Moon Set
7.01PM -
Sun Rise
6.39AM
Sun Set 7.00PM
Moon Rise
-
Moon Set 12.05AM
Aitutaki
28° SE 10KTS
Mangaia
28° SE 7KTS
Mitiaro
27° SE 10KTS
Atiu
Penrhyn
27° SE 10KTS
28° NW 11KTS
Mauke
27° SE 10KTS
14
Friday, March 7, 2014 cook Islands News
Week 6 league draw, beach volleyball tournament —PAGE 12
tarekareka
SPOrT
First d-league points to Aitutaki IT WaS a tough ask for the ai-
tutaki men’s cricket side in the opening round of the Domestic league last weekend as the boys from araura played three matches in 24 hours. Batting irst, aitutaki opened their first D-league campaign with a win over the Cook Islands women’s national team. The national women’s side got off to a great start reaching 42 for one courtesy of a 37 run partnership between Punanga Kaveao (16 runs) and Marii kaukura (12) before being dismissed for 64. aitutaki’s Teararo Pokoina made light work of the run chase scoring 38 runs before top edging to keeper Daena Kataina off the bowling of Benedicta Matapo. aitutaki won the game just one wicket down. aitutaki’s second match against the World XI was a runs feast as over 450 runs were scored. Batting irst, the expat World side piled on 251 runs for the loss of six wickets courtesy of three half centuries coming by way of Glenn Miller (64), Cameron Thorp (54 not out) and a master class performance from Jeff Viniconbe (66). nga Taiti was the pick of the aitutakian bowlers collecting three wickets from his four overs. aitutaki threw everything they had at the run chase reaching 195 all out in reply with Morgan Upu reaching 35 and Sunga Monga hitting his way to 36. World xI opening bowler and left armer Denne Bourke was in top form collecting four scalps for 37 runs from his four overs. aitutaki’s third match up was against the lads from Wale. after winning the toss captain Daniel Mataiti elected to bat irst. aitutaki got off to a good start before losing three quick wickets to Pukapuka opener Takatua
Puiki. Tairi Paulo (38) and Pastor Zekaria (23) provided a fight back for aitutaki as they reached 132 runs before closing their innings all out. Wayken Punga had a good day with the ball collecting three wickets from his three overs. aitutaki had Pukapuka on the ropes early in their run chase until a blazing innings from youngster ngametua Tariau put the Pukapuka side back in the game with a cameo 44 off just 14 balls. Tight bowling from Nga Taiti (four wickets) set up a double wicket over from Shane Munokoa (three) that levelled the balance of the game. Needing just 20 runs for the win Pukapuka lost four quick wickets and it looked like the talented aitutaki team would take the win, however, number 11 Takatui Puiki glanced a ball off his legs to bring up the Pukapuka victory with a four. aitutaki will return in three weeks’ time to take on Rarotonga and with four points and a win over rarotonga, aitutaki still have a chance of making the inal. This weekend’s round two
Aitutaki ielders have a crack at stumping the wickets of a World’s player at Turangi last week. 14030624
sees the rarotonga side take on the Cook Islands national women at 11am and the World xI take on Pukapuka at 3pm, both matches are scheduled for the Turangi Oval on Saturday. Points: World xI four points
(one win from one game), Pukapuka four points (one win from one), aitutaki four points (one win from three), Cook Islands Women 0 points (0 wins from one) and Rarotonga 0 points (0 wins from 0 matches). - CiC/MW
Hori Miller swipes a shot for four for his Worlds side against Aitutaki.
14030628
The stumps go lying of the wicket of Worlds batsman Corey Fisher. 14030627
Taea competes at indoor world champs TWO REGIOnal Olympians
headline a 10-strong Paciic contingent competing at the World Indoor athletics Championships in Poland this weekend. Sprinters Patricia Taea from the Cook Islands and lovelite Detenamo from Nauru attended the last World Indoors in Turkey two years ago, before competing at the 2012 london Olympics. The Executive Director of the Oceania athletics association, Yvonne Mullins says this year’s meet is a big opportunity, especially for the newcomers. “It’s a long way from home. The weather’s a lot different from what it would be in their own federations, obviously, and for many of them it will be the first time they've ever had the opportunity to compete in an indoor arena,” says Mullis. “It’s one that a lot of the best athletes in the world go to [and] for many of them the 100m runners they will head over there and they will do the 60m or, in
the case of Sally Pearson, she'll do the 60m hurdles and she will be up against Sharon Kwarula from Papua new Guinea, who has been competing very well in the US circuit this year. “It will be a good hit-out for all of our athletes before they head off to our Oceania Championships in the Cook Islands in June this year.” For many of the regional athletes, including Cooks athlete Patricia Taea, they competed at the Mini Games in Wallis and Futuna last year which, for a couple of them, was their best and their irst hit-out. Mullins is expecting personal best times set by her regional team of athletes. “I think we’d all be looking for some personal bests, obviously, but most of all we try and look for national records so we can see that there’s a whole lot of development going on in their federations,” says Mullins. “The girls from Nauru and
the Cook Islands have lowered their national records over and over, over the last 12 months so we will be looking for some
good performances from them,” says Mullins. “We think all in all national records and personal bests – I’m
not convinced we’re going to get anybody through to the finals but, of course, we will be hoping our golden girls, Sally Pearson
and Valerie adams, will do that for the Oceania region.” - rNZi/MW
Cook Islands Olympic sprinter Patricia Taea (101) is part of a 10-strong Paciic contingent at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland and is pictured here in competition during the Wallis and Futuna Mini Games last year. 14030631