Monday 10 March

Page 1

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Monday, March 10, 2014

cases CCECC eyeing legal Zika-like keep coming action against Pitt n eAr ly 130 people have

The chInA civil engineer-

ing construction corporation (ccecc) is considering legal action against former Business Trade and Investment Board chairman George Pitt and the publishers of a local weekly newspaper over an article which contained a conlict-of-interest allegation against Deputy Prime Minister Teariki heather. last week, Pitt penned an article in the weekly cook Islands herald, which alleged heather had secured a “$7 million back room chinese deal” with the ccecc to have local construction company T&M heather undertake work on the Te Mato Vai water infrastructure project. According to the article, allegations were made that T&M heather was on the verge of signing a contract with the ccecc, which would include the ability to subcontract TMV work to other local irms. “ccecc regards the allegations contained in the article as false and motivated by malice on the part of the author of the article, which is attributed to George Pitt,” reads a ccecc press statement.

to spend further funds on general transport of equipment and materials around rarotonga.” The statement said the company has begun calling for expressions of interest in the provision of services by local businesses. Public advertisements were run for a week during February. “The advertisements attracted a strong, enthusiastic, response from local businesses and cc ecc has now commenced the process of evaluating the expressions of interest received. In assessing those it is currently contacting a range of suppliers, talking through the scope of the work and seeking quotations. Although it has not yet done so, in due course ccecc expects to award contracts to local businesses that meet its requirements. “The public of the cook Is-

The statement says Pitt has disclosed “commercially sensitive information” which was provided by the ccecc to the BTIB “... as part of its promise to maximise the involvement of local businesses”. “It appears that Mr Pitt has disclosed that conidential information improperly,” reads the statement. “Worse still, Mr Pitt has seriously misrepresented that information in a way that appears calculated to damage the reputations of ccecc, T&M heather limited, DPM Teariki heather and the Government of the cook Islands.” The statement says the facts are very different from the allegations contained in the article. “current estimates of potential local input over the life of the project are approximately: • $5 million for building materials; • $1.5 million in machinery and heavy equipment hire; • $1.5 million in local labour; and • $0.135 million in other services. “Additionally, ccecc expects

lands and local businesses will be aware of the relationship between Deputy Prime Minister Teariki heather and the civil engineering company, T and M heather limited. however, the public and local businesses can be assured that T and M heather limited will be treated by ccecc in the same way as other local businesses when decisions are made regarding contracts for local goods and services.” last week, Pitt was fired by cabinet from his role of board chairman with the BTIB for alleged “incompetence and misconduct”. commenting on the firing, Finance Minister Mark Brown said Pitt had a “confrontational” approach which included writing articles deeply critical of local politicians. - Emmanuel Samoglou MMark Ebrey

been affected by a zika-like outbreak since the irst cases were reported at the start of February, says the Ministry of health. Director of community health Services Dr rangi Fariu said more and more people are turning up at hospital showing symptoms. “The numbers keep going up,” he said. As of Friday morning, the number of reported cases was at 128, including eight from Aitutaki. Most of those have tested ‘weak positive’ for dengue but that coulda also indicate the zika virus, as the two are from the same virus family. Fariu said symptoms being shown by patients appear to be more consistent with the less severe zika virus. “I think what we’re seeing is a mild form. People are getting the symptoms but most

recover in a couple of days,” he said. Specialists from the World health Organisation (WhO) and from around the region have looked at blood samples and all believe it looks like zika. Another 100 blood samples were sent to Tahiti last Friday and the results should come back in the next week, providing a clearer picture. In the meantime, the Ministry’s clinical management and preventative measures will be the same. Fariu said there have been no cases reported outside of rarotonga and Aitutaki “We’ve spoken to people in the outer islands and there are none from there.” he said there has been a request from one man in Mangaia to stop flights to the island, in an effort to prevent the virus spreading.

Continued page 7

Pasifika smiles all round

By-election petition to be considered today The recenTly filed petition

concerning last month’s Murienua by-election results will be the focus of a court meeting scheduled today. In a judicial conference scheduled for 12:45pm, Justice hugh Williams will be meeting in chambers with legal teams for both political parties. lawyer Tina Browne is working on behalf of the Democratic Party with Tony Manarangi for the cook Islands Party (cIP). The petition was filed last month by the cIP, which laid out grounds to dispute the byelection’s results, which saw Demo candidate James Beer edge the cIP’s Kaota Tuariki by a vote

count of 216 to 208. The petition alleges the Demos committed a number of violations of electoral laws, including bribery, ‘undue influence’, 21 unqualiied or unentitled votes included in the inal results, and a vote which was disallowed but claimed to be valid by the cIP. As of last Friday, the Demos had yet to ile a response to the petition’s allegations or make any counterclaims in court. lawyer Browne said she was scheduled to meet with oficials from Beer’s Murienua electoral committee over the weekend to discuss how the party will be responding to the petition. - ES

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Mareko’s general manager Cherelle Chan is all island charm and smiles at the Pasiika Festival over the weekend. Mareko’s joined a number of local vendors that ventured across to New Zealand for the annual festival that celebrates all things Paciic.As well as arts and craft stalls, the Cook Islands village at the Western Springs Park also included stalls selling delicious Cook Islands food and, on stage – dancers and singers entertained. More Pasiika Festival images apopo. 14030914

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Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no TeIA neI AO Enough to make you cry Criminals in Pakistan have been caught allegedly trying to smuggle heroin inside hollowed-out onions in an attempt to thwart snifer dogs. security forces in Karachi uncovered the plot when they raided a home in the city and seized 61.5kg of “high quality” drugs. according to the country’s anti-narcotics Force a gang was hollowing out onions, inserting capsules of heroin, then capping the onions with glue. in the end, the gang were apprehended following a surveillance operation

Ukraine in Russia’s grip World leaders urge russia to de-escalate the Crimea crisis SeVASTAPOl – Tens of thou-

sands of people in Ukraine have held rival pro-unity and pro-russian rallies, as Moscow continues to strengthen its grip on crimea. Pro-russia supporters beat up their opponents in Sevastopol, crimea. In the eastern city of luhansk, pro-russian activists seized regional ofices forcing the governor to resign. UK and German leaders telephoned russian President

world BrIeFS WHEEL FIRE SPARKS AIRBUS EVACUATION NEPAL – An IndiGo light from Delhi to Kathmandu evacuated passengers using a slide chute after its rear wheel caught ire after landing in the Nepalese capital. “After parking, the ground engineer observed smoke and ire from the right brake assembly. All 175 passengers, one infant and six crew members are safe,” a statement from the airline said. Kathmandu Airport’s general manager Rishikesh Sharma said one of the rear wheels of the plane caught ire as the aircraft was heading to the parking bay. The cause of the ire, that was quickly doused, was not immediately known. The low-cost airline launched in 2006 is a privately held success story, famed for placing the largest-ever plane order of 180 Airbus A320 aircraft worth more than $15 billion in 2011. It’s now India’s largest airline.

CHINA TO TIGHTEN AIR POLLUTION LAWS CHINA – China says it will tighten environmental legislation and force polluters to pay compensation following renewed blasts of toxic air. The speaker of the ceremonial parliament Zhang Dejiang said in a report on Sunday that businesses were responsible for the environmental damage they caused and must be held to account. He said legal revisions were being prepared, but ofered no speciics. January saw air pollution density readings about 20 times as high as considered safe by the World Health Organisation. China has repeatedly emphasised the need to control pollution, but has been reluctant to enforce even those paltry measures already announced, largely out of a fear of social disruption and increasing the burden on an already slowing economy.

‘GREAT WALLS’ mAy BE TORNADO CURE USA – Building three “Great Walls” across Tornado Alley in the US could eliminate the disasters, a physicist says. The barriers – 300m high and up to 260km long – would act like hill ranges, softening winds before twisters can form, the BBC reports. They would cost $US16 billion to build but save billions of dollars of damage each year, said Prof Rongjia Tao, of Temple University, Philadelphia. The proposed walls would not be strong enough to block a tornado in motion. Instead, they would soften the clashing streams of hot southern and cold northern air, which form twisters in the irst place, Prof Tao said. “If we build three east-west great walls, one in North Dakota, one along the border between Kansas and Oklahoma, and the third in the south in Texas and Louisiana, we will diminish the threats in Tornado Alley forever,” he said.

mUSLImS UPSET By CROWE’S ‘NOAH’

Vladimir Putin to urge him to pull back from crimea. The region is to vote to secede next week. Addressing a huge crowd in Kiev, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy yatsenyuk pledged not to give a “single centimetre” of Ukrainian land to the Kremlin. Ukraine’s defence minister has said Kiev has no plans to send the army to crimea. Warning shots were fired when the Organisation for Security and cooperation in europe’s unarmed military mission tried for a third day to enter the peninsula. They had been turned back twice before by pro-russian forces, but this was the irst time shots were ired. crimea’s pro-Moscow authorities have ordered all remaining Ukrainian troop detachments in the province to disarm and surrender, but at several locations they have refused to yield. Moscow denies that russian speaking troops in crimea are under its command but a convoy of hundreds of russian troops were ilmed pulling into a military base north of Simferopol on Saturday. President Putin has said russia has the right to invade Ukraine to protect russians living in the former Soviet republic. Pro-russian forces are now in de facto control of the region ahead of the referendum, which Kiev says is illegal. Interim Prime Minister yatsenyuk is to fly to the United States this week to discuss the crisis with President Barack Obama and US oficials. Washington has warned Moscow that any moves to annex crimea would close the door to diplomacy. On Saturday, Obama rounded up world leaders to demand russia “de-escalate the situation.” - BBC/PNC

Unidentiied soldiers guard the Crimean parliament building next to a sign that reads ‘Crimea Russia’. Moscow denies that Russian speaking troops in Crimea are under its command. AFP

Russia ‘miscalculated’

lOnDOn – russia has made a “big miscalculation” in entering crimea, UK Foreign Secretary William hague has warned. he said that Western countries could impose “far-reaching” economic sanctions if no diplomatic solution was reached between russia and Ukraine. hague warned Moscow that european policies could be “recast” to reduce russian leverage

over europe. P M David cameron has phoned russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him to de-escalate the crisis. Downing Street said President Putin agreed it was in “all our interests to have a stable Ukraine”, during the conversation – which also included German chancellor Angela Merkel – on Sunday morning.

“The prime minister made clear that we, along with our european and American partners, want to work with russia to ind a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, including crimea”, a spokesman said. cameron urge Putin to support the formation of a contact group that could lead to direct talks between the governments of russia and Ukraine. - BBC

Anti-nuclear rally in Tokyo TOKyO – Tens of thousands of Japanese citizens have turned out for an anti-nuclear rally in Tokyo, as the nation prepares to mark the third anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. Demonstrators congregated at Tokyo’s hibiya Park on Sunday, close to central government buildings, before marching around the national parliament. They gathered to voice their anger at the nuclear industry and prime minister Shinzo Abe’s government, which has

announced its intention to restart the Japan’s nuclear reactors after two years of inactivity. “I felt it’s important that we continue to raise our voice whenever possible,” yasuro Kawai, a 66-year-old businessman from chiba prefecture, said. “Today, there is no electricity lowing in Japan that is made at nuclear plants. “If we continue this zero nuclear status and if we make efforts to promote renewable energy and invest in energy saving technology, I think it’s possible

to live without nuclear power.” Tokyo resident Michiko Sasaki, 80, said Japan’s national priority should be to think about how to end nuclear power and to rebuild the northern region hit by the disaster. “In this small nation of ours, there are so many nuclear plants. We are prone to earthquakes,” she said. “Unless we end it now, what will happen in the future? Politicians must think about children of the future.” - ABC

No legs, no fear

EGYPT – Egypt’s top Islamic body says the big budget Hollywood biblical epic ‘Noah’, starring Russell Crowe, is irreligious and should not be screened in the country. Al-Azhar institute, one of the region’s main Sunni Muslim authorities said the movie violated Islam by portraying a prophet. The ilm has already angered some Christian institutions in the United States, with Crowe’s reportedly unconventional portrayal of Noah, AFP reports. The Paramount Pictures website said the ilm would be released on March 26 in Egypt, and a day later in other Middle Eastern countries. Egypt has censored other movies in the past, including the blockbuster ‘The Da Vinci Code’ after protests from the Orthodox Coptic Church.

STREAKERS NOT WANTED AT ANCIENT SITE PERU – Security at the Peruvian historical site of Machu Picchu has been increased after a recent string of streakers invading the centuries-old Inca citadel. Late last year, guards arrested two male tourists who were caught streaking at the site. More recently, a video of a couple streaking at Machu Picchu went viral on YouTube, prompting others to follow suit, The Guardian newspaper in London reported Friday. Ricardo Ruiz Caro, Peru’s new regional director of culture, announced recently that park guards will increase surveillance to “avoid these unfortunate events that threaten cultural heritage.”

Today’s Daily Bread For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the lord. live as children of light.

Matthew 7:21-29 Read: Read: Ephesians 5:1-10

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 8

Japan’s Takeshi Suzuki competes to win the bronze medal during the Men’s Downhill Sitting event at the Paralympic Olympic games in the Rosa Khutor stadium near Sochi. Suzuki lost both legs after being involved in a car accident when he was a school boy. AFP


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Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

worldneWS nuti no TeIA neI AO

Cruising altitude accidents rare

Experts ponder chances of a catastrophic failure in light

KUAlA lUMPUr – Malaysia

Airlines light with 239 people on board has most likely crashed into the open ocean. The most dangerous parts of a light are takeoff and landing. rarely do incidents happen when a plane is cruising seven miles above the earth. So the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines jet well into its flight Saturday morning over the South china Sea has led aviation experts to assume that whatever happened was quick and left the pilots no time to place a distress call. It could take investigators months, if not years, to determine what happened to the Boeing 777 lying from Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala lumpur to Beijing. “At this early stage, we’re focusing on the facts that we don’t know,’’ said Todd curtis, a former safety engineer with Boeing who worked on its 777 jumbo jets and is now director of the Airsafe.com Foundation. If there was a minor mechanical failure or even something more serious like the shutdown of both of the plane’s engines the pilots likely would have had time to radio for help. The lack of a call “suggests something very sudden and very violent happened,’’ said William Waldock, who teaches accident investigation at embry-riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.

Sharp eyes aboard a lying Soviet-made AN-26 used as a search aircraft by the Vietnamese Air Force look for missing Malaysia Airlines light MH370 over the southern seas of Vietnam. A senior source said on Sunday that Vietnamese searchers had reported a possible sighting of wreckage from the missing Boeing 777. AFP

Possible wreckage sighted in ocean KUAlA lUMPUr – Possible

debris from a missing Malaysia Airlines light has been found in the sea off Vietnam, oficials say. Six Australian passengers were among the 239 people on board Malaysia Airlines flight M h370, which disappeared en route to Beijing from Kuala lumpur. The plane last had contact with air trafic controllers 120 nautical miles off the east coast of the Malaysian town of Kota

Bharu on Saturday. no distress signals were received from the Boeing 777200er before its disappearance. Vietnamese authorities say more aircraft will be dispatched at irst light to investigate objects found in the water about 80 kilometres to the south-west of Tho chu Island in the south of the country. “We received information from a Vietnamese plane saying that they found two broken

objects, which seem like those of an aircraft, located about 80 kilometres to the south-west of Tho Chu Island,” the oficial from the national committee for Search and rescue, who did not want to be named, told AFP news agency. “As it is night they cannot ish them out for proper identiication. “They have located the position of the areas and lown back to the land.”

Two large oil slicks, which authorities suspect were caused by jet fuel, were detected late on Saturday further south off the island chain. royal Malaysian Air Force chief rodzali Daud says radar data shows that the aircraft may have turned back from its scheduled route to Beijing. “We looked back at the recording and there is an indication, a possible indication, that the aircraft made a turn-back

and we are trying to make sense of this,” he said. “It is, in some part, corroborated by civil radar. “But we are still looking for areas from our international agencies.” International police agency Interpol confirmed that two passengers on the flight had used stolen Austrian and Italian passports, raising suspicions of foul play. - ABC/PNC

It initially appears that there was either an abrupt breakup of the plane or something that led it into a quick, steep dive. Some experts even suggested an act of terrorism or a pilot purposely crashing the jet. “either you had a catastrophic event that tore the airplane apart, or you had a criminal act,’’ said Scott hamilton, managing director of aviation consultancy leeham co. “It was so quick and they didn’t radio.’’ no matter how unlikely a scenario, it’s too early to rule out any possibilities, experts warn. The best clues will come with the recovery of the flight data and voice recorders and an examination of the wreckage. Airplane crashes typically occur during takeoff and the climb away from an airport, or while coming in for a landing, as in last year’s fatal crash of an Asiana Airlines jet in San Francisco. Just nine per cent of fatal accidents happen when a plane is at cruising altitude, according to a statistical summary of commercial jet airplane accidents done by Boeing. captain John cox, who spent 25 years lying for US Airways and is now ceO of Safety Operating Systems, said that whatever happened to the Malaysia Airlines jet, it occurred quickly. The problem had to be big enough, he said, to stop the plane’s transponder from broadcasting its location, although the transponder can be purposely shut off from the cockpit. One of the first indicators of what happened will be the size of the debris field. If it is large and spread out over tens of miles, then the plane likely broke apart at a high elevation. That could signal a bomb or a massive airframe failure. If it is a smaller ield, the plane probably fell from 35,000 feet intact, breaking up upon contact with the water. “We know the airplane is down. Beyond that, we don’t know a whole lot,’’ cox said. The Boeing 777 has one of the best safety records in aviation history. - AP

Fake passports prompt hijack concerns KUAlA LUMPUR – Oficials investigating the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner with 239 people on board suspect it may have disintegrated in midflight, a senior source said on Sunday, as Vietnam reported a possible sighting of wreckage from the plane. International police agency Interpol confirmed that two passengers on the flight had used stolen Austrian and Italian passports, raising suspicions of foul play. An Interpol spokeswoman said a check of all documents used to board the plane had revealed more “suspect passports” that were being further investigated. She was unable to say how many, or from which country or countries. Malaysia’s state news agency quoted home Minister Ahmad

Zahid hamidi as saying the passengers using the stolen european passports were of Asian appearance, and criticisied border oficials who let them through. “I am still perturbed. can’t these immigration officials think? Italian and Austrian but with Asian faces,” he was quoted as saying late on Sunday. nearly 48 hours after the last contact with Flight Mh370, mystery still surrounded its fate. Malaysia’s air force chief said the Beijing-bound airliner may have turned back from its scheduled route before it vanished from radar screens. “The fact that we are unable to ind any debris so far appears to indicate that the aircraft is likely to have disintegrated at around 35,000 feet,” a source involved in the investigations in Malaysia told reuters.

If the plane had plunged intact from close to its cruising altitude, breaking up only on impact with the water, search teams would have expected to find a fairly concentrated pattern of debris, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the investigation publicly. Asked about the possibility of an explosion, such as a bomb, the source said there was no evidence yet of foul play and that the aircraft could have broken up due to mechanical causes. “The outcome so far is there is no sign of the aircraft,” Malaysian civil aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul rahman said. “On the possibility of hijack, we are not ruling out any possibility,” he said. - Reuters

A relative of a passenger on board Malaysia Airlines light MH370 reacts to news of the missing aircraft at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing. AFP


4

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalneWS nuti no Te PA enUA

Japan slashes tuna take by half Unilateral move to reduce bluein tuna catch in the Northern Paciic TOKyO – Japan plans to reduce by half the amount of juvenile bluefin tuna taken from the northern Pacific starting in 2015, compared to the 20022004 average. The Fisheries Agency has decided to increase protection for bluein tuna amid international concerns about declining stocks,

according to Japanese media. Studies have found stocks of bluefin tuna, prized by sushi lovers, have fallen dramatically, with juveniles forming the majority of specimens now being caught, pushing the species closer to extinction. last year, an international conference involving Japan

paciic BRIEFS PySCH TESTS NEXT STEP IN ARmING POLICE AMERICAN SAMOA – The hiring of a psychologist to conduct a mental evaluation of police oicers is the next step in American Samoa’s Department of Public Safety’s move to arm the local force. The Department will also begin an outreach programme to help the public understand why it feels police need to carry weapons and the evaluation and training process that is involved. The Commissioner, William Haleck, says the Department is hiring Dr Gene Anderson to conduct psychological evaluations of the 40 oicers who will undergo training to carry weapons. “I can assure the community and the public that I am not rushing into this thing and all oicers have to be mentally and physically it and be able to pass the irearms course and testing that is involved in this thing, at the rate of 100 percent, otherwise they cannot carry the weapon.” Haleck says weapons training will not begin until July or August.

HOTEL OWNER SELLS ICONIC FIJI RESORTS FIJI – A veteran hotel and resort owner in Fiji says selling out of his successful ventures was in the interests of guaranteeing continuity for his staf. Geofrey Shaw, the former owner of Castaway Island Resort and Outrigger on the Lagoon, recently announced he was selling the resorts after 40 years in Fiji. He says securing the future of dedicated staf was a major priority in the sale. Shaw received the Visionary Award at last month’s AON Excellence in Tourism Awards in Nadi, and says he will still remain as a consultant to the new owners, the Outrigger Group of companies. He says some of his greatest experiences include working with staf as they rebuilt after cyclones in 1997 and 2012. “Those rebuild days were exciting, they were extraordinarily hard work, but the outcome speaks for itself once again Castaway is right back on its platform.”

BASIC COmPETENCy TESTS WORRy TEACHERS AMERICAN SAMOA – The president of the Federation of Teachers in American Samoa, Peni Te’o, says some of his colleagues are anxious about a new mandatory test. Five hundred public school teachers are to be tested on their reading comprehension, writing and basic mathematics this Saturday as part of a reform of the education system. Teachers need to pass the test, known as Praxis I, to be able to continue teaching. The director of education, Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin Finau, says if teachers don’t pass the irst time they can sit the test again but they must pass on the second attempt. Te’o says some teachers are wary of the change. “There is some nervousness making it mandatory to take the test and also the fear of failing.” The director of education, Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin Finau, says the motivation is to help raise student achievement.

UN DELEGATION DUE IN NEW CALEDONIA NEW CALEDONIA – A United Nations delegation is due in New Caledonia this weekend as part of a mission to accompany the territory’s decolonisation process. The visit of the seven diplomats and experts comes amid acrimony among the two main political camps over the electoral rolls for the May provincial elections. The French authorities say the UN visit is not one of control but one to take in the facets of the New Caledonian reality. The proindependence side has called for more than 6,700 names to be struck of the roll, saying they are ineligible to vote. The rolls are being examined by special commissions, including magistrates from Frances’ top court. One anti-independence politician, Pierre Frogier, has labelled the UN visit an afront.

VETO OVERRIDE mEASURE APPROVED AMERICAN SAMOA – The Legislature of American Samoa has oicially approved a measure that gives lawmakers the authority to override – or veto – a vote by the territory’s governor instead of the US Secretary of Interior. The measure now goes to the governor, who will prepare an oicial communication to the chief election oicer for placing the issue on a referendum for voters to decide on in the November 2014 general election. The governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, has already publicly supported the proposal. Our correspondent says because the measure requires amending the American Samoa Constitution, the legislation will go to the U.S. Congress for inal approval, if its endorsed by voters.

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

agreed to cut each nation’s quota for juvenile bluein tuna in 2014 by more than 15 per cent from the 2002-2004 average, according to Kyodo news. But Japan, the world’s biggest tuna consumer, has concluded bluefin tuna stocks will not suficiently increase unless the quota is “signiicantly reduced”, the newspaper yomiuri said. researchers have concluded that Tokyo’s goal of raising bluein tuna stocks to about 50,000 tonnes will not be achieved even if each country reduces its catch quota by 15 to 25 percent. Stocks of bluefin tuna aged four or older in the northern Paciic are estimated at 26,000 tonnes, according to the agency. The agency will explain the plan at a meeting of the government’s Wide Area Fisheries coordinating committee today. The sharp cut may lead to a rise in sashimi prices at supermarkets and restaurants, but the agency said it places a higher priority on protecting bluefin tuna amid concern about declining stocks. - AFP

Japan has decided to cut back its Paciic bluein tuna take by 50 per cent, a move that it hopes will reverse declining numbers despite the afect it will have in the Tokyo ish markets. PNC

Churches urged to speak out Paciic churches asked to stand up against indonesian ‘atrocities’ SUVA – Paciic churches are being asked to speak out about alleged atrocities conducted by Indonesian security forces on people in the province of Papua. churches must stand and speak for the rights of the voiceless in the community. And they should speak in a united voice on the atrocities conducted by Indonesian security forces on the people of West Papua, a church leader has sermonised. Paciic Conference of Churches General Secretary, reverend Francois Pihaatae, said the church had remained silent for too long and therefore played a part in the victimisation of Papuans. “here we have in our own backyard, in Melanesia, a people who are being oppressed because of their wish to discuss self-determination and they are being silenced by their colonisers,” rev Pihaatae said. “The church must speak for the oppressed. It must be the

voice of the voiceless to bring justice to those who suffer.” he was speaking at the launch of the single ‘rise Morning Star – Freedom for West Papua’ by Fijian artist Seru Serevi in Suva on Thursday. Relecting on the Bible story of Jesus raising lazarus from the dead, rev Pihaatae said while the West Papuan people continued to struggle, their hope for freedom was truly alive. “The lazarus story shows that there is hope, even in death,” rev Pihaatae said. “This week a group of proIndonesian Papuans came to Fiji and spoke about economic development and progress. These are good things, but not if economic progress is built on the suffering, pain and death of the people.” he said that while the people of West Papua had no avenue to voice their frustrations, hurt and anger, it fell to others – including the church – to take up

“The church must speak and address this issue of West Papuan self-determination not only through the pulpit but also taking this to the highest ofices in the Paciic.’ the cause. “We congratulate Seru Serevi for this bold move in speaking for our brothers and sisters through his music,” rev Pihaatae said. “now the church too must speak and address this issue of West Papuan self-determination not only through the pulpit but also taking this to the highest ofices in the Paciic. “Our governments must no longer feign ignorance of the situation. It is time to act despite the image Jakarta would like to

portray.” “We must be the voice of those who cannot be heard – not only in West Papua but throughout the region. “Since Pcc was founded, it has played a prophetic role. We speak out about injustices that are still going on,” he said. “To address issues that are affecting people – that’s the role of the churches.” reverend Pihaatae says the church’s role was not to decide whether West Papua should seek independence from Indonesia. he says the church’s role was to empower the people and to facilitate dialogue. reverend Pihaatae says the church will not support any economic growth built on the discrimination of minorities. “If the development and economic growth of Indonesia is built on discrimination of other people or minority people or built on the violation of human rights or other things that affect the rights of the people, that for us is not acceptable,” he said. - PacNews

Progress on rights of women slow SUVA – Women in the Pacific region face some of the highest domestic violence rates globally and are the worst represented politically, the Pacific Islands Forum has warned as the world marked International Women’s Day on March 8. The PIF Secretariat’s gender adviser Seema naidu said progress on advancing women’s rights was being made, but it remained “slow and inconsistent” in a region where traditional attitudes still dominate. “Women already have limited rights within our small societies,” she told AFP. “It’s largely limited by patriarchy, by culture and the different conditions

there in the Paciic.” Fiji-based naidu this week travelled to new york to highlight the plight of Paciic women at the Un’s annual meeting of the commission on the Status of Women. research released by WhO last year found 68 per cent of women in areas of the Pacific reported suffering physical or sexual abuse from their partner. In Fiji, an independent report found one woman a day suffered permanent disability as a result of domestic violence, while in Papua new Guinea, Amnesty International said allegations of witchcraft were often used as a pretext to abuse women.

naidu said the geographic isolation of many Paciic island communities meant women often had no access to legal aid, health services or even proper policing to protect them. She said women’s advancement was also stalled by the frequent disasters, such as cyclones, that hit the islands, because it forced them to concentrate all their resources on providing for their families. “They are the last ones to eat and they become the managers, the ones that try to ensure that there’s food,” she said. “It’s an added burden of responsibility.” naidu said the result was a region where only ive percent

of parliamentarians are women, the lowest rate in the world. “The biggest challenge in terms of women’s leadership is the prevailing attitude towards leadership – it’s seen as very masculine,” naidu said. “The mindset needs to change.” however, she said there have been advances, such as Samoa last year introducing a 10 per cent quota for women in parliament and Tonga passing domestic violence legislation. “It hasn’t changed at the pace we want but there has been some progress,” she said. “Apart from commitments, there needs to be real action on the ground.” - AFP


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Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalneWS nuti no Te PA enUA

Major upgrade for Samoa’s gateway APIA - The World Bank has approved a US$25 million grant to Samoa for the Samoa Aviation Investment Project to improve the safety and oversight of international air transport and associated infrastructure throughout the island nation. The Samoa Aviation Investment Project will invest in key international aviation infrastructure, upgrade navigational and communication equipment – and provide technical assistance and support capacity development for regulatory oversight, and operation and management of Samoa’s airports and regional aerodromes. The improvements made under the project will beneit the hundreds of thousands people who travel to and from Samoa each year, including tourists, travellers visiting friends and relatives, and those who use air travel for business, education, or health reasons, the World Bank said in a statement.

Samoa’s remote, geographically dispersed islands and small population relies on safe and reliable air services to connect to each other, to connect the country to larger markets, and to facilitate important industries such as tourism. “Aviation plays a vital economic and social role in Samoa, providing links to essential sectors, like health and education,” said chris De Serio, World Bank Transport Specialist. “Improved safety and reliability will also encourage growth in the tourism sector allow Samoa to increase exports of high value commodities that depend on fast delivery, both of which contribute to economic development in Samoa.” A major component of the project includes investments at the Faleolo International airport. This investment will include resurfacing of the runways aned the upgrading of runway light-

ing to high intensity energy eficient LED light. Air trafic control equipment; secure communications, power supply and operations will also be upgraded along with installation of air navigation aids and the latest ire safety equipment; Two water storage tanks for fire fighting will be installed anong with security improvements such as the installation of closed circuit television. Other components of the project include strengthening the policy and regulatory environment and supporting improved management capacity in the aviation sector. The Samoa Aviation Investment Project is a US$38.64 million dollar project being financed by a US$25 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) with co-financing from other partners, including the Paciic Infrastructure Facility (PrIF), which is inanced by the govern-

The World Bank has given the go ahead for a US$25 million overhaul of Samoa’s Faleolo International Airport and its associated inter-island aviation infrastructure. PNC ment of Australia. It is part of a series of projects implemented under the Paciic Aviation Investment Programme (PAI P) that are

designed to increase aviation safety and security across the Pacific – focusing on developing key airport infrastructure for international travel such as

runways, navigation aids and lighting; aviation sector reform, and improving airport management and operations. - World Bank

Detention centre media reports slammed SyDney – The governments of nauru and Papua new Guinea are complaining about media reports surrounding asylum seeker detention centres they host. nauru has specifically criticised an SBS Dateline programme which featured allegations of violence, mistreatment and neglect. And the Prime Minister of PnG has blasted the media for publishing what he calls unveriied reports that portray Manus Island locals as violent criminals. nauru Opposition MP Mathew Batsuia says the allegations about mismanagement and violence at the detention centre are not surprising given the nauru government’s media policy. “To some extent they’ve got themselves to blame because they’ve shrouded the whole processing centre in some kind of secrecy and as a result people can only speculate.

“Some reports that come out of the centre you’ve got a tendency to sort of believe it because it’s coming out under this environment of secrecy.” The SBS Dateline Programme carried allegations from a number of Salvation Army staff who used to work at the nauru detention centre. They claim there was a lack of medical assistance, there were beatings, staff were told to walk away from asylum seekers attempting self-harm, and there was a shortage of sanitary items for women. Batsuia says some of the claims in the SBS report warrant a police investigation but he won’t specify which ones. The nauru Government however, has issued a statement criticising the SBS report. “It is typical of the agendadriven, false and unethical media reporting we have come to expect, particularly from SBS and ABc Australia.

“It’s a shame that these reporters care more about creating scandal than reporting the truth. “The comments about the nauru government are incorrect and at no stage was the government offered the right of reply.” Batsuia says it is not uncommon for the government to criticise media coverage. “We’ve complained since this government has come in that they seem to banning and censoring a lot which I think weakens our system of governance. “We need opposing views or media to be given more freedom. So if they’ve got nothing to hide they shouldn’t fear being scrutinised.” In Papua new Guinea, Prime Minister Peter O’neill has criticised sections of the media, especially the foreign media, for publishing what he calls unveriied reports about the Manus Island detention centre. he reportedly says some

media have sought to portray Manus locals as “machetewielding warriors who attacked asylum seekers”. he says he’s upset by such unveriied reports which paint a very bad picture of PnG. The editor of the PnG Post courier newspaper, Alexander rheeney, says the local media is also struggling to find out what’s going on. he’s just been to Manus Island, but says he found many locals afraid to talk. “The Post courier did publish an editorial a couple of days ago basically calling for access and for more information to be disseminated to Papua new Guineans so they can be able to make a more informed decision and have a more informed decision about the whole facility and the whole agreement that was signed between the two governments.” Back in Australia, Greens Senator Sarah hanson-young

Women need to play leading roles SUVA – Pacific communities

must allow more opportunities for women to lead and play critical roles in development in all levels of society. Speaking on the World Women’s Day of Prayer in Suva, Fiji, last week, Pacific conference of churches General Secretary reverend Francois Pihaatae said women were not second class citizens. rev Pihaatae said men continued to hold power within the region but they must learn to share these responsibilities in

a loving manner as ordained by the teachings of the Bible. “This is about partnership, sharing a journey and Paul’s letter to the ephesians is quite clear on this,” he said. “We often hear that Pacific cultures confine women to service – cooking, caring for children and other support roles – and that therefore they must merely serve and listen,” rev Pihaatae said. “In fact women are primary health care givers, they are educators and mentors.

“This modern, developing Pacific must allow for our women to translate those age-old roles into the present day equivalent which means meaningful, leading roles in government, the church, politics, in villages and civil society.” The theme for World Women’s Day of Prayer 2014 was living Streams. rev Pihaatae said organisers must be commended for the inter-denominational aspect of the event.

But he warned that leaders must take the opportunity of Women’s World Day of Prayer to allow women equal voices in communal, national and particularly church events. “Too often women spend their time cooking and decorating at these events,” he said. “The time has come for women to take their rightful place in the meeting houses, at the discussion tables to contribute to debate and development.” - Solomon Star

Belated gold medal for Samoan weightlifter APIA – A positive drug test has handed Samoan weightlifter, nevo Ioane Vaipava, a commonwealth gold medal. he has been awarded the gold medal in the 62kg category after test results proved that the gold medallist in Penang last year,

Mohd lazat, of Malaysia, was found positive for an anabolic steroid. “It was confirmed just this week in an email that the Malaysian tested positive for steroid drugs,” said coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork.

“The gold medal was automatically removed from the Malaysian and he is now banned for two years. That means we have now won the gold medal.” At the time of the games, Vaipava had to contend himself with the silver medal.

however, Vaipava is now the commonwealth champion. “That means nevo is ranked number one as we head to Glasgow for the commonwealth Games this year,” said Tuaopepe. - Samoa Observer

says the only way to ind out the truth is to hold a Senate inquiry. “The advantages of the power of a parliamentary inquiry is that it gives people parliamentary privilege. “Witnesses putting forward their testimony cannot have that used against them outside those sessions. So it protects them from being prosecuted by the government. “I must say it’s very concerning that the Immigration Department is continuing to contact and intimidate workers who were there on the night, stopping them.” The inquiry would be the third into the violence on Manus Island – Papua new Guinea authorities and the Australian Immigration Department have al-

ready commissioned their own inquiries. Post-courier editor rheeney says he supports the move for an Australian Senate inquiry. But he says there would need to be safeguards for any PnG citizens asked to give evidence. “Papua new Guineans would want to be careful. Sometimes they wouldn’t feel really comfortable that the sort of information they would divulge in such a forum might have implications for their security and all that later.” SBS has requested comment from the governments of nauru and Papua new Guinea for this report, but at the time it was completed there had been no response. - SBS/PacNews

Smokeless ires

POrT MOreSBy – A project to

help people produce charcoal is making life a little cleaner and more proitable for a group of Papua new Guineans. The six-year project in lae to help people grow suitable species of trees to produce and sell charcoal, as well as charcoal stoves, is funded by the Australian centre for International Agricultural research. Project leader Dr Ian nuberg, from the University of Adelaide, says it is a novel idea because 75 per cent of people use wood for cooking. “We found that people were very interested in having these charcoal stoves,” Dr nuberg said. “Mainly the people who had businesses as hot food vendors because a lot of these hot food vendors are all next to each oth-

er in a marketplace and when they’re using normal irewood it makes lots of smoke.” A group of producers has set up a cooperative to make and sell charcoal and charcoal stoves. Jessie Abiuda-Mitir, from PnG Forestry research Institute, is monitoring the project and says it has helped those involved to diversify their incomes. “They’re mostly unemployed villagers who are subsistence farmers,” she said. Abiuda-Mitir says charcoal is also a cleaner and more eficient source of energy for cooking. “Because of its smokelessness, it’s clean energy that they’re using and they tend to use that information to inform their neighbours who are also getting involved in using charcoal.” - ABC

We cover the Paciic


6

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Estall to get day in court The lOnG-AWAITeD trial of

manslaughter accused James estall will kick off the irst criminal and civil high court judge session for the year. The high court at Avarua will be abuzz during the next couple of weeks, with the judge and jury trial scheduled to last until Friday. estall was charged with manslaughter, excess breath alcohol and dangerous driving causing death in June 2012, after being in a fatal road accident that caused the death of 22-year-old Kulani Takai elikana. estall, represented by lawyer norman George, pleaded not guilty to the charges in September that year. The trial will start with jury selection on Monday. If estall’s trial does not proceed, stand-by trials for burglary accused Ponatu Ua or Umuumu Peraua will take over. In week two, civil court cases are due to appear with lawsuits being the focus on Monday. Australian investor christine Backer will be suing Vaka Television chief executive David reuther and others for $7170 while landholdings ltd owner Bill Doherty will also be appearing in a lawsuit against the cook Islands herald for $185,000.

criminal sentencing will continue on Wednesday, with Kapiri ngatoko being sentenced for assault with intent to injure, and criminal call-overs including ex-police officer Davinia Webb for theft as a servant, eliesa Sivaro and Sakaraia Sucuigau for rape and indecent assault, and ngati-Tane Vano for manslaughter and dangerous driving causing death. Super Brown owner George Taoro Brown, charged with receiving stolen goods, is also due to appear on Wednesday along with richard hoepper, who allegedly sold stolen cartons of cigarettes to Brown. hoepper has been formally charged with receiving stolen goods and theft by inding. criminal procedures will commence on Friday with napoua Benioni appearing for sentencing on a charge of possession of a class c drug and Patrick Arona for cultivation of cannabis. The high court for both weeks will be presided over by Justice Sir hugh Williams, who arrived on Sunday afternoon. Justice Williams is the current new Zealand electoral commission president and a retired judge for the high court of new Zealand. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

Visitors Helen Bonny and John Chalmers were having dinner when someone picked up this small, black handbag containing nearly $2000. 14030741

Tourists disillusioned after bag was stolen A VISITInG Australian couple

are unlikely to return to rarotonga after having nearly $2000 stolen while they were out for dinner this week. helen B onny and John chalmers, from Sydney, were enjoying a meal at high Tide Bar and Grill on Wednesday

night when someone picked up a handbag from beside their table. The bag was found 200 metres away in Punanga nui Market the next morning, minus about $500nZ, $1200AUS, a pair of ray-Ban sunglasses, an iPhone 4 worth $400, and a Samsung digital camera.

Aitutaki second best in South Paciic AITUTAKI has been voted the

second best island in the South Paciic by popular travel website Tripadvisor. The website has just released the results of this year’s Traveller’s choice Awards, which put French Polynesia’s stunning Bora Bora in irst place. Aitutaki, which was also ranked seventh-best island in the world, is described by Tripadvisor as a small island encased in a triangular bar-

rier reef, boasting incredible lagoons. “relax with an intimate picnic on the alabaster beach of one of Aitutaki’s minor islands, uninhabited and lined with swaying palm trees. Despite its heartbreaking beauty, Aitutaki isn’t (yet) looded with tourists, due to its relatively dificult-toreach location,” it said. Travellers are told not to miss the chance of a cruise out to famous One Foot Island or to get

out ishing on Black Pearl Fishing charters. “For off-the-beaten-sandbar vacationing, Aitutaki is a prime destination, especially for those seeking unbridled romantic ambiance.” Fellow cook Islands holiday favourite rarotonga also featured highly, coming in as the fifth best island in the South Paciic. The best island in the world was Ambergris caye, located

on the border of Mexico and Belize. - Ben Chapman-Smith

Top 10 islands in the world 1 Ambergris caye, Belize 2 Providenciales, Turks and caicos 3 Bora Bora, French Polynesia 4 Marco Island, Florida, US 5 lewis and harris, Scotland, UK 6 naxos, Greece 7 Aitutaki, cook Islands 8 nosy Be, Madagascar 9 easter Island, chile 10 Ko Tao, Thailand

“We went to pay the bill and it was gone,” Bonny said. “I’m mostly gutted about losing the camera.” The couple said they had the bar to themselves at irst, before a group of seven men and one woman arrived and starting playing pool nearby. Police have questioned one of the men, who denied being responsible, and the crime is under investigation. Bonny and Chalmers are lying back to Australian on Saturday and doubt they will be coming back. “Most people are really nice but if you were robbed, would you come back? Talking to the locals, they were saying there’s so much crime here,” Bonny said.

leTTerS reta

Where’s the beneit in chasing NZ super? Are yOU nearing 60 years old

and thinking of going to new Zealand for the almighty pension? here is some food for thought. The cook Islands pension starts at 60 years old, so by the time you have sat around twiddling your thumbs in a country you probably don’t want to be in for ive years, you could have banked $32,000. To catch up with your cook Islands mates who have been enjoying the good life at home, with family and friends, it will take almost ive years. yes, you will now be nearly 70 years old and gone through the stress and expense of relocating backwards and forwards. Then, at 70, your cook Islands pensioner mate gets a jump in

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

chalmers warned that tourists will avoid rarotonga if it gets a bad name. “Tourists need to be more aware it’s not the safe place they think it is,” he said. The couple said they should not have been carrying so much cash but there was no safe available in their room, at a wellknown resort. “If I had a safe it wouldn’t have happened. I’ve travelled heaps and always put my money in a safe, just taking out whatever I need,” Bonny said. Anyone who has information about this alleged theft can make a conidential phone call to crime Stoppers cook Islands on 22-200. - Ben Chapman-Smith

pension dollars. remember you are getting older! Be careful, new Zealand is about to change the pension age to 67 – you could be stuck there even longer – while your mates back home receive another $12,000. Don’t forget if you stay behind you also get free medical assistance and, if needed, free transfers to new Zealand and access to new Zealand's best specialists every year. not much benefit really to head south, unless you are one of the sneaky few who are breaking the law by going backwards and forwards so they get the best of both worlds. But then you have to live with this! number cruncher (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


7

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

localneWS nuti no roto i te IPUKAreA

The team at Catlin Seaview Survey have developed photographic technology capable of shooting high-resolution, 360-degree A whale breaches of Rarotonga. Photo Nan Hauser 14030737 images from the undersea world. 14030732

Whales to be ilmed Cabinet in country by expert in Cooks One OF the world’s top underwater photographers is coming to the cook Islands later this year to capture stunning images of whales swimming in our waters. richard Vevers, a photographer estimated to have filmed 300 miles of ocean loor, will be visiting the cook Islands in collaboration with Google. Vevers and his team at catlin Seaview Survey have developed cutting-edge technology capable of shooting high-resolution, 360-degree images from the undersea world. renowned local whale researcher nan hauser, who has been working with Google, recently met Vevers and convinced him to bring his project to the cook Islands. “I showed him underwater footage in clear, beautiful blue water and he just said ‘Ok’.”

The new photographic equipment – based on Google’s Street View technology – uses three cameras to create one panoramic photo. “It creates a virtual reality,” hauser explained. The team from catlin Seaview Survey will be in the cooks in July, during the whale season. As well as taking photos, the team will be working with Google to provide a live online stream of the whales. hauser said Vevers and his team could have gone anywhere in the world to ilm whales but chose the cook Islands. “Do you know how great that is? I told them this was the best place. There’s no boat trafic and it’s got clear water.” hauser, into her 17th whale season in the cooks, said she will definitely be in the water during ilming.

“I don’t know how to use the camera but I’ll probably film them ilming.” catlin Seaview Survey is aiming to increase public awareness of the impact humans are having on the world’s marine ecosystems. “It will enable change to be clearly monitored over time and will help scientists, policy makers and the public at large to see and understand the issues reefs are facing and work out what needs to be done to best protect coral reefs now and into the future,” the group says on its website. hauser has just returned from the World Ocean Summit in San Francisco, which she attended as a guest of Google Ocean. She will be collaborating with Google on numerous projects in the future, she said. - Ben Chapman-Smith

PrIMe Minister henry Puna returned from personal leave over the weekend, and will be resuming his normal routine for the coming week. Originally scheduled to return late last week, Puna decided to extend his stay in new Zealand after being asked by the cook Islands community there to participate in their Pasiika Festival activities.

“We told him that’s not our decision. We can only make recommendations to our boss, the Minister.” Fariu said cruise ship visitors are being told to take precau-

tions before disembarking. “We do ask the agents here to warn them when they come ashore to make sure they use repellent and long sleeves. But that’s all we can do to.” Any planes arriving from Ta-

hiti are sprayed when they land, he said. The Ministry is asking people who are suffering from symptoms consistent with dengue or zika to stay at home for at least the irst week, to prevent it spreading. - BCS

regular ministerial schedule for the coming week. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Teariki heather, Finance Minister Mark Brown, education and Tourism Minister Teina Bishop and Agriculture Minister Kiriau Turepu will all be in the country this week. - Emmanuel Samoglou

WEEKLY TRAVEL DIARY FOR CABINET MINISTERS MINISTER PORTFOLIOS TRAVEL Prime Minister, Attorney General, Energy, Justice, EMCI, Public Service, Commission, Marine Resources, Transport, Foreign Afairs and Immigration

Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17: COOK ISLANDS

Kiriau Turepu

Agriculture, BTIB, NES

Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17: COOK ISLANDS

Teina Bishop

Education, Tourism

Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17: COOK ISLANDS

mark Brown

Finance and Economic Management, Head of State, Commerce, FIU, Pearl Authority, Telecommunications, Financial Supervisory Monday, March 10 to Monday, Commission, Superannuation, PERCA, March 17: COOK ISLANDS Financial Services Development Authority, Minerals and Natural Resources.

Henry Puna

Zika-like cases keep coming From page 1

health and Internal Affairs Minister nandi Glassie returned on Friday from new Zealand where he participated in negotiation training for the Pacific delegation which will be in attendance at the upcoming 47th commission on Population and Development - organised by the United nations Population Fund. he will be resuming his

Teariki Heather Nandi Glassie

Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure and Planning, Cultural Development, House of Ariki, Police

Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17: COOK ISLANDS

Health, Parliamentary Services, Ombudsman, Internal Afairs

Monday, March 10 to Monday, March 17: COOK ISLANDS

Get noticed.

Be seen in the best newspaper on the rock!

for advertising solutions contact susan tealby at cook islands news p: 22999, m: 72039, e: susan@cookislandsnews.com for more details


8

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

Aitutaki Deputy Mayor Tekura Bishop welcomes the oicial delegates to the opening of the Aitutaki Game Fishing Club. 14030606

Oicial delegates invited to the Aitutaki Game Fishing club Opening. 14030607

New clubrooms are facility for all to use AITUTAKI Game Fishing club’s

new clubrooms were officially opened on February 22 with special guests that included the Prime Minister henry Puna, Minister Murray Mccully, Minister Teina Bishop, nZ high commissioner Joanna Kempkers, chinese Ambassador Wang lutong, cook Islands Tourism corporation chair ewan Smith and ceO halatoa Fua, along with Mayor John Baxter and the Aronga mana of Aitutaki. The programme started with the traditional turou from Deputy Mayor Tekura Bishop who welcomed the guests into the ishing club. Master of ceremonies J J Browne welcomed all the guests to the official opening with a special welcome to all who have travelled from overseas. The island religious Advisory council blessed the club with prayers that the club will be a place for all to enjoy. Speeches followed, with all congratulating the hard work from the past and current members of the ishing club who have over many years have worked and fundraised to make their dream come true. Minister Mccully encouraged these dreams and he mentioned that these are projects that new Zealand are please to support especially when it is evident that members are enthusiastic to do most of the fundraising and hard work themselves. The fishing club has been a

venue where many of the sports codes have fundraised for their own respective sports as well as hold their different sporting events and functions and these will sure to continue in the future. The Aitutaki Sports Association had young representatives of each code cutting the “rauti” ribbons to open the upstairs section of the club. The irst ribbon was cut by young harold Baxter on behalf of the sport of ishing followed by other sports codes. The last rauti ribbon was cut by Minister Mccully who was then led into the new section of the club by the ishing club President clive Baxter. The night ended with a traditional umukai prepared by the local “rainforest” Mens club and a ire show performance by Te Aito dance troupe. The fabulous voice of Andre Tapena and his band entertained the local crowd who danced to the sweet traditional love songs late into the night. The Aitutaki Game Fishing club members and executives along with the cook Islands Game Fishing club Association would like to thank all the sponsors, members, Ministers, Aronga mana, Aitutaki businesses, Aitutaki sports, and the cook Islands Tourism corporation for their continuous support. “In closing we are always humbled by the gratitude of our good friend Mr Gary Parlour who has continued to show his a love for our island of Aitutaki and the

sport of ishing,” a club spokesman said. “Finally a great mention and a big ‘meitaki atupaka’ to Daniel Maoate and his team of builders who have worked extremely hard over the past months we thank you all for your expertise, workmanship and dedication to the building of our club.” - AGFC

14030608

Aitutaki Game Fishing Club President Clive Baxter shakes hands with Hon Minister Murray McCully.

Harold Baxter cuts the irst Rauti Ribbon to represent the sport of Fishing. 14030609

Table Tennis sports representatives Juiel Thompson, Oroaere Kamoe and Lance Kamana (Back Row) cut the rauti ribbon for their sport code. 14030610

‘Healthy smiles’ aim of week Free dental checks will be carried out at the bus stop shelter opposite the police headquarters this coming Thursday as part of a list of activities the dental department of the Ministry of health will be carrying out as part of “World Oral health Day” on March 20. The oral health awareness

Oral health care will be the focus of next week’s ‘World Oral Health Day’. 14030727

programme will celebrate the “healthy smiles” theme and will begin its week of activities on Monday. Dental practitioners will be running proper oral health care lessons at Avarua School as well as running awareness programmes on television, radio and through the newspaper.

A radio talk back show will be run on Tuesday with the debate to focus on adding fluoride to water. More radio talk shows will be held on Wednesday and on Thursday dental health professionals will be out in the community promoting oral health care as well as conducting a free dental check in the heart of Avarua town centre. Quick global facts on oral health care and diseases: • 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral disease in their lifetime ranging from caries periodontal disease and oral cancer. • Only 60% of the world’s population have access to oral health care. • 60%-90% of school children worldwide have dental caries. • The incidence of oral cancer is between one and 10 cases per 100,000 in most countries. • Oral cancer is the eighth most common form of cancer in the world and the most costly to treat • The risk of oral cancer is 15 times higher when the two main risk factors, tobacco use and alcohol are combined. • 5%-10% of public health ex-

penditure in high income countries is related to oral health. • Toothache is the number one reason for absenteeism from schools in many countries. • High consumption of sugar is the number one risk factor for tooth decay and diabetes. • Tobacco use is responsible for up to half of all periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases are directly linked to diabetes, heart disease, pre-term birth, low birth weights. • Oral health has also a huge impact on general health and other issues such as self –conidence, problems with social interactions and disrupts crucial functions like speaking and sleeping. • The first line of oral health care is with the individual through prevention, especially good brushing habits and regular check-ups. • There are over one million qualified dentists worldwide however; they are not equally distributed leaving many poorest and most needy regions of the world with fewer than one dentist per 300,000 people. So make the most of the free dental check-up this Thursday and keep on smiling. - MW


9

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

nga Pouto, Pastor robin Mesetipu and wife, Royal solomon Islands Police Force and community staf working alongside Nga. at right is the chairman of the Public Service Commission in honiara City, Elim Tangironga. 14030705

RAMSI doing good work in Solomons, says Nga Pouto rAMSI is achieving good results

in the Solomon Islands, according to a cook Islands senior police oficer who has been seconded there. nga Pouto has recently returned on leave from his assignment with rAMSI in honiara where he is a community Policing Advisor mentoring Solomon Islands police oficers. Prior to taking up his deployment in honiara, nga spent two months training in canberra, Australia, to understand his rAMSI role, then a month in the Sulu Seven ofice in Honiara looking after resources, managing staff deployments and handling telephone enquiries. After his canberra training nga was promoted to Acting Inspector at the cook Islands Police. he was then fully deployed into his role as a community Policing Adviser and says he is very happy with the outcomes being achieved in this ield.

“We have done our very best and the feedback from the community, churches, Island council and non-Government Organisations have been very supportive.” nga said his role is to mentor, train and coach Solomon Island police oficers in community policing and help them develop their capacity in this role. It has reached the stage where nga’s role is deinitely that of support – the Solomon Island police do all the real front line work, he says. “But there is a need for them to step up further,” nga says. “rAMSI will not continue forever and the local police have to take responsibility for ensuring all of the good work that has been achieved continues.” And while the situation has markedly improved in the Solomons since the rAMSI project began, the small island nation still has the dubious reputation of having the highest rate of do-

mestic violence in the world. For his part, nga’s contribution has been recognised with his appointment as Acting Paciic Island Commander and as chair of the Paciic Island Commanders Group; a group that meets twice a week to talk over issues and staff welfare matters. It has been an honour to work with senior Australian and new Zealand police, including some superintendents. “I am the youngest one there and it is quite humbling to be sitting there with them and all their experience.” he has also been highly active in church circles, being asked to preach widely across a range of denominations including Assembly of God, Methodist and Apostolic congregations and he “is very happy to do so”. he will be returning to honiara on March 15 to continue his role for another three months before turning home on leave again.

Nga Pouto and Constable Audrey in Munda, Western Province. 14030707.

Chief of the ranadi Interior Community, John Ata, and children with Nga Pouto. 14030706

Maximise exposure for your business Be seen in the best newspaper on the rock!

Contact Susan Tealby on: P: 22999, M: 72039, E: susan@cookislandsnews.com


10

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL

PHONE

adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Fax 25303

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPLICATION LAW PRACTITIONERS ACT 1993-94 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Reg.5 Notice is hereby given that Michael Privett REED QC of Auckland, New Zealand has iled an application seeking admission as a barrister and solicitor, of the High Court of the Cook Islands and that the application will be considered by the Chief Justice thereafter. Any person wishing to show cause why the application should not be granted may lodge with the Registrar of the High Court at Avarua, Rarotonga a written statement of the grounds of their objection. If such a statement is lodged and veriied by aidavit or statutory declaration within 14 days of the date of this notice, the objector will be entitled to appear and be heard on the hearing of the application. Dated this 10th day of March 2014 Claudine Henry-Anguna Registrar of the High Court

NOTICE OF APPLICATION LAW PRACTITIONERS ACT 1993-94 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Reg.5 Notice is hereby given that Geofrey Denis CLEWS of Auckland, New Zealand has iled an application seeking admission as a barrister and solicitor, of the High Court of the Cook Islands and that the application will be considered by the Chief Justice thereafter. Any person wishing to show cause why the application should not be granted may lodge with the Registrar of the High Court at Avarua, Rarotonga a written statement of the grounds of their objection. If such a statement is lodged and veriied by aidavit or statutory declaration within 14 days of the date of this notice, the objector will be entitled to appear and be heard on the hearing of the application. Dated this 10th day of March 2014 Claudine Henry-Anguna Registrar of the High Court

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

77495 / /1796

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. 77349 / /2306

PUBLIC NOTICES

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE notice is hereby given that our client, intel Corporation, of 2200 mission College Boulevard, santa Clara, California, 95052-8119 U.S.A. (a Delaware corporation), is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:

QUARK To be used in connection with Electronic security apparatus and surveillance apparatus; computerised telecommunications and networking equipment; computer hardware and software; computer irmware; computers; computer installations; personal digital assistants; electronic control devices for the interface and control of computers over global computer and telecommunications networks; networked data processing devices; distributive computing software; mobile computing software; integrated circuits; computer chip sets; semiconductor processors; microprocessors; computer memories; operating systems; data processors; central processing units; computer peripherals; storage devices, including lash drives; security systems for computer hardware and software, including irewalls, network access server hardware for creating and maintaining irewalls; virtual private network (vpn); computer hardware and computer server operating software for creating and maintaining irewalls; printed circuits; telecommunications equipment and computer networks; apparatus for testing and programming integrated circuits; downloadable electronic publications; structural parts and ittings for all the aforesaid goods; instructional manuals sold as a unit with the aforementioned goods, in International Class 9. Our abovementioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned Trade mark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent: Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. 2875 Michelle Drive, Suite 170 irvine, California 92606 united states of america Telephone: (714) 2831155 Facsimile: (714) 283-1555 Email: info@hilbornehawkin.com 777

Classiieds • Phone 22999

• adverts@cookislandsnews.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

TUATUA AKAKITE

NOTICE TO ALL NONO GROWERS PAST AND PRESENT: Cook Islands Noni Marketing is presently buying noni fruit, 50 cents/kilo. Please contact Junior, 23-088 if you need drums to be delivered.

Uipaanga Na Te Au Taunga Maani Vairakau Maori E kapikianga, e patianga teia i te au Taunga maani vairakau Maori katoatoa, e te aronga maoro tei taangaanga i ta tatou akonoanga Maori kia tae mai ki tetai uipaanga puapinga ki te ngutuare o Mama Mou i Matavera a te Monite ra 10 no Mati i te ora rima (5.00 pm) i te aiai. Me e rapakau maki ana koe na roto i te amani vairakau Maori e te maoro, noou teia kapikianga. Te tumu manako - kimi ravenga no te paruruanga i te au rakau ta tatou e taangaanga ana i roto i ta tatou vairakau, e tetai au manako keke. Me e uianga taau taniuniu mai i aku i runga i te numero tereponi 75 176 Tekeretere Te Vaka Taunga - Te Rito O Te Vairakau Maori

77456 / /2019

Annual General Meeting (2014) of St Joseph Parents/ Teachers Association. To all parents, caregivers and supporters of St Joseph School, please be advised of our AGM on the 11 March 2014, 6 pm, at St Joseph School. Agenda - Minutes arising from AGM 2013 - Chair Report 2013 - Treasurer Report 2013 - Principal’s Report 2013 - Election of 2014 PTA Oice Bearers Other matters. Kite i te Atua e te Kite Pakari Chair/Carl Glassie. 77295 / /2210

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

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” When: Tuesday 11 March 2014 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 77445 / /2531

Landowners meeting Tuesday 11 March 2014 at Utia Matata’s residence Arorangi Akaoa at 6pm Request for Occupation Right for Shannon Ataera on land Rupe 92H Arorangi. Enquiries phone Pepe on 56359 or 20040. 77468 /36761 /1931

TUATUA AKAKITE

77481 /36501 /1931

ShIPPING NOTICES 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 cargoes from Monday 10 March and onwards. For further information please contact oice on 27674. Meitaki Maata. 77430 / /1853

Ngati URI Te pati iatu nei te Kopu tangata URI kia tae mai ki te rua o ta tatou uipa’anga a teia po 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. 77416 /36664 /1931

77143 / /1952

SERVICES 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 77230 /36564 /1931

PUBLIC NOTICES foundation

ph 22336

animal Clinic

PUBLIC NOTICES

77494 / /1796

DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

22999

preferred

Small houses, cabins, huts, container homes, renovations, tiling. Uninished jobs. Phone 79923. 77408 /36657 /1931

TENDERS

TE maraE Ora, minisTry OF HEalTH COOK islanDs

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION OF THE HEALTH SPECIALIST VISIT (HSV) PROGRAMME The ministry of Health (moH) invites Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualiied and experienced parties for the purpose of the evaluation of the Health specialist Visits (HSV) Programme. HSV is a tripartite arrangement between the moH, the Cook islands ministry of Finance and Economic management (mFEm) and the aid Programme of the new Zealand ministry of Foreign Afairs and Trade (MFAT). The EOI documents will be available from the oice at the ministry of Health, avarua rarotonga or downloaded from the Ministry of Health website http://www.health. gov.ck/ Complete EOi proposals must be delivered to the address below before 12pm, Cook islands time on 13 March 2014 in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “HSV EVALUATION” to the following address: ministry of Health PO Box 109 rarotonga Cook islands All enquiries to: Temarama anguna Email: m.anguna@health.gov.ck Phone: +682 29664. 77239

inFrasTruCTurE COOK islanDs

TENDER Rarotonga Road Network Improvements Supply and Construction of Road Network for Project City 3 Hotmix – Contract No. C13/13.2, Chip Seal – Contract No. C13/13.3 under the asian Development Bank Economic recovery support Programme (aDB – ErsP), 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


11

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

2 year old house for sale, $20,000 ono. Phone 24858 or 74345.

73696 / /1744

Action Man Mowing Services All jobs big or small, free quote. Also introducing coconut tree de-nutting services. Give Clint a call on 52074. 76743 /36544 /2561

FOR RENT oice or Shop space for rent peaceful and tidy surroundings - $150 per week - 3 available. Located Manu Manor near town - please phone Tina Iro on 79368 to view.

77470 /36763 /1931

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 centre 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. 77390 /36682 /1931

VEhICLES FOR SALE

FOR SALE 77479 /36601 /1931

Simpson 9.5kg top load washing machine, Excellent condition. Phone 55508. 77459 /36742 /1639

Quality New & Used Furniture just arrived at The Furniture Centre. Ph21285.

• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Classiieds

need a little

77462 / /1986

DAIHATSU COPEN 600cc Turbo Convertible, manual, 2x seater Sale price $4,500 TOYOTA ESTIMA 2400cc Automatic, 8 seater Sale price $12,000 MITSUBISHI COLT 1.4ltr Hatchback. Auto/air con/electric windows. Colour: red Sale price $10,000 MAzDA DEMIO 1.5ltr Hatchback Auto/air con/electric windows. Colour: white Sale price $10,000 Nissan March Cabriolet 1.3ltr. Sale Price $3,500.00 contact Arthur 55422, email : workshop@polynesianhire.co.ck

VEhICLES FOR SALE Isuzu diesel tip truck for sale, $18,000 ono. Phone 24858 or 74345.

77322 /36616 /1982

Female Waitress required for a restaurant. Training provided for the right candidate. Experience preferred. Phone 22279 or 75422. 77461 / /2199

Male Baker, preferably with at least 5 yrs work exp.in the same ield that specialises 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. Experienced Pastry Chef Experienced Bartender Seamstress/Housemaid We require the above experienced staf to join our team. Please send up to date CV to P O Box 1050. 77129 / /1939

ITC Intern Intake ITC Intern Intake Do you like working with computers? - Gain hands on IT experience - Earn Industry Qualiications - Develop a career pathway - Earn some $$$ Now accepting applications from school leavers. For more information contact Robert Matheson on 29357 or email: vacancy@ education.gov.ck Applications close 21st March 2014. 77490 / /1795

Live in Nanny Required to look after 3 adorable babies, please email kavera@oyster.net.ck with your CV and references. 77389 /36652 /1931

Chef wanted evening and plus cleaner phone 2111,25433,73764. 77473 / /2230

SITUATIONS VACANT SHOP MANAGER 3-5 yrs work exp.in retail business to oversee the full operation of the shop but not limited to shopkeeping, cashiering, banking & stock inventory. Important qualities: reliable, trustworthy, polite,honest, customerfriendly, non-smoker and nondrinker. Please email your CV to ciral09@yahoo.com and application closes 17 March 2014. 77217 / /1933

Sales Person An opportunity for a self motivated sales person to capitalise on face to face sales. This role is an uncapped commision only. If you have the skills, apply in writing with CV to The General Manager, PO Box 797, Rarotonga, before 13 March 2014. 77419 /36685 /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.

All AROUND BEAUTICIAN- at least 5 yrs work exp.in a salon, reliable, hardworking, honest, customer-friendly and able to work with minimum supervision. Please email your CV at korana@oyster.net.ck Application closes 17 March 2014.

LABOURER/PLANTING/ CLEANER Job involves digging, planting, cleaning Must be reliable, lexible and hardworking. Call me, phone 55041.

77216 / /1933

77432 / /1931

PUBLIC NOTICES

Nissan Bluebird Auto Few rust Wind screen crack Runs well $1400 ono Call 57333. 77493 /36811 /2113

cook islands ph 24065/55976

tiateura@oyster.net.ck

SITUATIONS VACANT

minisTry OF aGriCulTurE

Project oicer VACANCY 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. CVs 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 77008

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER nCi is responsible for provision of netball services in the Cook Islands. We require a well organised, self-motivated and efective communicator for the above position (the position is for a short term contract of 3months with the main objective being to manage the PNS Event in June). responsibilities include • Maintaining and enhancing further development strategies and policies for all levels of netball, • Working with our Netball Centres and stakeholders to promote our sport and the ‘national netball’ brand • Creating opportunities for inancial growth through sponsorship, funding agencies and fundraising. • Event Management of the Paciic Netball Series (PNS) from 2-7 June. This position requires one who is willing to operate on the frontline when required. Experience in the sports industry is an added advantage. Experience managing inances and people is expected. salary range: to be negotiated Please email admin@netball.co.ck CEO application form or any further enquiries. The completed form should be returned with any supporting documentation Applications close: 25 March 2014. /

77377 / /1999

77469 /36763 /1931

Autism

SITUATIONS VACANT

cafe staf wanted. Ph 28465.

77241 / /1933

77060 /36638 /2046

Goats 4 sale prices from $200 down to $80. Phone 20037.

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

minisTry OF inTErnal aFFairs

Social Impact Fund (SIF) Project Funding 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

POrTs auTHOriTy

Ports Authority General Manager The Ports authority is a Crown owned statutory Corporation established by an act of the Cook islands Parliament in 1995. The Act is called the Ports Authority Act 1994-1995. Applications are invited from suitably qualiied individual for the position of General manager of the Ports authority with proven experience in meeting targets to efectively manage and oversee the Ports overall business operations. The applicant should possess the following qualiication and experience: • A degree in Business Management and strong understanding of inancial discipline • A minimum of at least 5 years senior management experience • Sound understanding of Sea Port operation management • Proven ability in management and leadership skills • Strong written and oral communication skills both in English and maori • High level of interpersonal and representational skills • Computer literate – Words, Excel and PowerPoint • Ability and experience to maintain good working relationship with all key stakeholders and customers • Ability to work under extreme pressure Written applications supported by CV, two referees and copies of qualiications addressed to: Chairman Board of Directors Ports authority P O Box 84 rarotonga Job description can be obtained from the Ports authority oice. Closing date of application is Friday 28 March 2014 @ 4.00 pm All applications will be treated in the strictest of conidence. Enquiries and further information: Contact Chairman of the Board, Phone: 22114; Mobile: 56890; e-mail: kauvaicustoms@oyster.net.ck 77443

FOUND Notices are FREE To encourage honesty and good citizenship. A Cook Islands News public service.

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


12

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

danger man dennis!

Dennis Heather of the Bears looks for a gap in the Tupapa defence line ive metres from the try line.

mar10

what’son

14030908

eer ”

the

Co sail ckt Co

“B

phone 22166

est

@ Aro’A BeAchside inn

ld B

shipwreck hut sUnset Bar-B-Q western menu

atthesUnsetresortarorangi

shipwreckhUt

@ aroaBeachsideinnarorangi

ph 22 166

ph 23004

YoUng tUesdAYs 6pm with -garth Reservations Required on the Piano

avarUa town open mondaY to sUndaY

Tues Seafood Night – Entertainment Tani and Rose Thu Pub Night – Entertainment Tara Kauvai Sun BBQ – Entertainment Local String Band

SAT

F

restaUrant

open dailY for Breakfast 8-10am and lUnch 12-2pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Reservations recommended Ph: 28619

open everY evening

OPEN 7 NIGHTS

for al la carte dining eUropean foodwith pacific flavoUrs

@ 6pm

live entertainment!

FRI SUN TUE

Tani and Rose or Tara Kauvai 5-8pm a la carte dinner from 6pm Lincoln Mail 5.30-8.30pm BBq dinner from 6pm Lincoln Mail 6.00-8.00pm a la carte dinner from 6pm

openeverYothernightforalacartedinner6-9pm

lUnch

avarUa town ph 22 279

14030911

Our food our passion 6pm till late

E

ph 20 002

A

ph 26 860

C

Spoon Marsters directed his Bears side to a 29-12 victory over Tupapa on Saturday.

sunset BBQ w/ GarTh younG - PIANO 6PM sunset Cocktails w/ W/RUDy AqUINO 5.30PM – 7.30PM sat seafood BBQ w/ Jake nuManGa - UKULELE 6PM

TUE THU

leBonvivant

Try our whole grill lobster! ed

dinner

11am to 2.30pm

5.30pm to 10pm 7 days

Mon to Sat $7.00 Lunch pack takeaway

mon-Tue: $12.95 specials Thursday: Indo Chinese Specials Friday: Bufet Nite ($19pp) All you can eat sunday: Tandoori night Other nights: A-la-carte

$10.00 Dine in special

Andre Iro barges through the tackling hands of Tupapa defenders.

14030909

r16 mon-wed

BEGINS ThURSDAY 13 MARCh

6.00pm 8.30pm Bigscreen,dolBYsoUnd,UnBeataBleBlockBUstermovies ph 189 for Updates on the movie hot line

“what’son”

every Monday & Thursday - Call Advertising on 22999 or adverts@cookislandsnews.com

Teina Savage charges forward to Tupapa and dotted down one of the defending champions’ two tries. 14030912


13

Monday, March 10, 2014 cook Islands News

v FLIGHT

FROM

ARRIVES

International Flights

MONdAy MArch 10 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM NZ19 lax 7.00AM tuesdAy MArch 11 NZ748/749 AKL 12.30AM NZ746/745 AKL 2.10PM VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM

TO

DEPARTS

AKL AKL

1.05AM 8.15AM

AKL AKL AKL

1.30AM 3.10PM 1.05AM

Air Rarotonga

Flight Times | Voyage details RARO TO ARR MONdAy MArch 10 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 0900 AITUTAKI 0950 0900 MANGAIA 0940 1100 ATIU 1145 1330 MAUKE 1420 1600 MITIARO 1650

DEP

TO

ARR

0910 1140 1640 1910 1010 1000 1205 1440 1710

RARO RARO RARO RARO ATIU RARO RARO RARO RARO

1000 1230 1730 2000 1055 1040 1250 1530 1800

DEP

TO

ARR

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

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

1115

RARO 1200

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.

Saturday’s answer answer to saturday’s puzzle

hÄgar the horrible

answer to saturday’s puzzle

By dik Browne

®

the phantom

By lee falk & sy Barry

®

naringaiakarongo

me kai kava auraka e akaoro Weather Forecast to Midnight

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: Fine apart from brief showers. Moderate east to northeast winds. Moderate seas. Moderate southerly swells. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Fine. Further outlook: Fine. For the Northern Cooks: Fine apart from brief showers over Suwarrow. Elsewhere, occasional rain heavy at times and few thunderstorms. Moderate to fresh northwest winds. Moderate to rough seas. Moderate southerly swells. Further outlook: Occasional rain and few thunderstorms.

Humidity 10

Tue

11

Forecast Map 2pm Monday

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga Mon

Mon

A COOk ISlANDS NEWS PUBlIC SERvICE MESSAGE

10

high 04.13AM 0.77M 04.42PM 0.82M

2.1m SW

Low 10.23AM 0.46M 11.11PM 0.46M

0.9m nW

n

Tue high 05.19AM 0.74M 05.50PM 0.80M

11

Low 11.29AM 0.49M

-

-

29°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

nE 10KTS New Moon Mar 30 8.45AM

First Quarter aPr 6 10.31PM

Full Moon Mar 16 7.09AM

sunshine hours

Third Quarter Mar 23 3.46AM

9

ArApo - korekore tAi mon 10 Tanu (Planting) Tanu i te painapa, maniota e tae ua atu ki te 13 o te po. Time to plant pineapple and maniota right through to the 13th night (from Akaoti Amiama).

Marie te marama. Kua teitei Po ika. Moon is slow, up high. Fish nights.

74%

Mon sun rise 6.40AM sun set 6.59PM

night

76%

10

Moon rise 2.22PM Moon set 1.43AM

Morning

73%

Tue

sun rise 6.40AM sun set 6.58PM

night

78%

11

2.1m SW

TauTaI (Fishing)

Morning

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Rarotonga Monday, March 10, 2014

Moon rise 3.06PM Moon set 2.33AM

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

1.8m SW

y

Stationary

Swell direction and size

outer Islands Weather outlook Monday, March 10, 2014 Aitutaki

29° SW 8KTS

Mangaia

28° n 17KTS

Mitiaro

28° nE 21KTS

Atiu

Penrhyn

28° nE 21KTS

30° nE 10KTS

Mauke

28° nE 21KTS


14

Monday, March 3, 2014 cook Islands News

D-League cricket week two report

tarekareka

SPOrT

—APOPO

Bears come out of hibernation Bears 29 vs Panthers 12 sharks 40 vs Warriors 10 Bulldogs 24 vs sea Eagles 22

The ArOrAnGI Bears came out

of hibernation on Saturday and mauled the Tupapa Panthers 2912 in an intense battle. The defending champions took to the ield with the single thought of winning back points they’d lost after being stripped for breaching the rules. h o w e v e r, t h e p r e s s u r e must’ve been too much for the Panthers as they stepped out on the raemaru Park grounds to face a very hungry Bears side that hit the ground running. Barn storming runs, slick ball handling and more determination was the feature of the Bears game who, after scoring the irst try, celebrated like they’d won the game. In fact each try was followed by massive celebrations both on and off the ield as the Bears took full advantage of their home turf and crowd. Up 16-0 at the half time break the Bears never looked like losing the match with mounting pressure on the Panthers were

met with unforced errors that didn’t help the defending champions in their course. Despite trailing, the Panthers had their own ine moments although they left their run too late with two tries in the last quarter of the game giving their fans something to cheer about – although they too didn’t stop backing their boys. In the end it was the Bears that roared with a 29-12 win over the Panthers. The winning Bears will look ahead to face the Warriors who are still to register a win while the Panthers will face the Sea eagles and both teams are set to come out guns blazing after suffering losses this weekend. The Sea eagles will be mulling over where they went wrong on Saturday in the game on Saturday against the Bulldogs – a game described by one fan as one of the best local league games he has seen in some time. The lead swung between the two sides and it wasn’t until the very end of the game did the

Hash ‘Strut’ in Arorangi hASh house harriers will meet

in Arorangi for this evening’s run. hare will be “Strut” and venue is beachside residence opposite Friendly Mart in Arorangi straight.

Bulldogs emerge slim winners 24-22 over the Sea eagles. The Bulldogs will take a wellearned rest this weekend to regroup as they carve their way to the top of the leader board. Meanwhile the island of Aitu-

taki celebrated hard at the weekend after thrashing the Warriors 40-10 at Arutanga ield and giving their fans plenty to celebrate long into the weekend. The Sharks not only register their first win but also take a

massive conidence boost which they will need as they will face raro brothers and top of the table side the Avatiu eels in the final game of round one of the league competition. The win for the Sharks means

they will face the Bulldogs in the second semi-inals of the inaugural navy epati challenge cup with the winner of this meet to face the Eels in the grand inals scheduled for the easter weekend next month. - MW

Arorangi’s young bear Andre Iro storms towards the Tupapa line in his teams winning 29-12 match against the defending champions. 14030901

look for the hash sign and flags. Parking along the roadside please. The run commences at 5:30pm and all runners, walkers and talkers are welcome.

Open touch rugby back on OPen men and women’s touch

rugby players return to the ield today after great games were played in last week’s mixed division. Airport Wackees racked up seven points against the Justice crew last Wednesday. Ministry of education must be sneaking in some extra training after winning the battle of the government departments when they overcame the MFeM Kings 3-0 while team 007 disposed of the Tumeke Smurfs 7-3. The Mongoose proved that age is no barrier after a one point win 5-4 over the 1MFeM side. The northern Stormers were a force to be reckoned with as they overpowered the nukz Power crew 8-1. Tereora college edged out the hottie yachties 6-5 while the

healthy crew live Smart were more on form on the day beating out Westpac 6-3. Telecom had no hot deals for the bankers BcI Transactions who ran away with the win 7-3. Today’s open men’s and women’s division kicks off at 5pm with the nukz Power 1 side taking on the Itiki Power in the men’s division on ield one. At 5.30pm the men’s team Da ropaz will meet the Western Stallions while on ield two at the same time the Bounty hunters will take on team Kimiora. At 6pm on ield one the women’s crew Kaos will take on the Nukz Power while on ield two at the same time the young FBI side will meet Vaine Toa. Get along to the Nikao ield for explosive touch rugby action. - Matariki Wilson

Alex Kermode busts through Tupapa tackles.

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Lua Tua of the Panthers on the run for his side.

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More exciting touch rugby action is expected today at the Nikao ield when the open men and women’s team take to the ield. 14030416


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