Monday 17 March by Cook Islands News

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$2 Monday, March 3, 2014

Opposition says surplus is ‘ictitious’ The Government is not being honest with its proclamation of a surplus of $4.7 million in the December Financial Quarterly Review, according to opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen. “The basic figures show that actual revenue is down by $2.8 million and Government spending is sitting at $4.9m giving us a difference of $3.1m. In other words, the Government needs to bring in more than $3 million to make up the shortfall,” he said in a statement. “To me, this shows that Government is operating at a loss of more than 50 per cent during that inancial quarter. This spells danger and the warnings bells should be ringing louder for the Government and public. In simple terms, Government is simply not performing on a positive ledger by not generating enough income.” Rasmussen said this is what the businesses of the country are saying – sales are slow and some companies are sending staff home. “If this continues then this country is heading for bankruptcy.” he said it goes to explain why the Government is so determined to extract every bit of dollar that could be taxed from those with incomes – including pensioners receiving the local pension. It was now a part of its record that the Government raided the accounts of Grey Power members which shows the desperation of the Government. “We are in fact witnessing the establishment of a regime absolutely reliant on taxation to survive and, therefore, creating the impression that it is bankrupt of creative ideas to make better an ailing economy.” Instead of explaining it in a simple way the Government plays around with the figures and the opposition asserts that the surplus it claims was in fact made up from non-productive

Crabbing around

savings such as $2.3 million raised out of restricting Ministry expenditures. “Another non-productive saving is from not filling staff vacancies and the left over from the Air NZ subsidy – these are hardly igures one should have faith in. “They, in fact, indicate declining economic activity.” In the past he said Governments have been able to rely with certainty on vAT returns to balance the budget but the lack of attention by the Government to commerce and business incentives has come back to haunt it. “It explains why out of desperation the Government is raising value Added Tax which the opposition will oppose very strongly and why the realists are still forecasting a deicit budget for 2014-15.” - Opposition statement

While on Mauke, science observer Oliver Clarke from England was very excited to see and hold his irst coconut crab which was then released back into the makatea. Clarke spent a week on the island conducting turtle nesting research for the Paciic Islands Conservation International. Full story page 12. 14031506

Te Mato Vai gets EIA green light to proceed grade of the ring water mains along the Ara Tapu (outer ring road) and the Ara Metua (inner ring road) on Rarotonga, which are described as “deteriorating” by oficials with National Environment Service (NES). The repair of roads and other areas affected by construction are also included in this portion of the project. Manager vavia Tangatataia with N E S’s Advisory and Compliance Division said the project was advertised for 30 days with an invitation for the public to comment. Copies of three reports –

ShovelS are one step closer

to hitting the dirt after the approval of an environmental impact assessment for the irst stage of the estimated $60 million Te Mato vai water infrastructure project. Approval for stage one of the project – replacement and construction of both ring mains which circle the island – was given by the Rarotonga environment Authority (ReA) last Thursday, which officials say gives the project the green light to begin construction works. Stage one involves the up-

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the eIA documents. According to the eIA Report prepared by the TMv project management team, two teams are assigned for the replacement and construction of the new ring mains. It is proposed for one team to commence from the northern side of the island on the back road in Avatiu and continue working in an anti-clockwise direction toward the west. A second team will start on the eastern side of the island in Tupapa and will work their way in a clockwise direction. - Emmanuel Samoglou

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upgrade of all 12 water intakes, creation of additional storage capacity at the intakes, and replacement of all trunk mains – will also go through the same process, said Tangatataia. TMv officials said some of the main objectives of the eIA process was to investigate and “describe the biophysical, social and economic environment concerning the proposed development” and assess identiied impacts and their signiicance and recommend mitigation measures. Preliminary construction details have also been disclosed in

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the eIA report, along with environment management and trafic plans – were left for public viewing at selected outlets around the island, he said, adding the reports have also been uploaded to the NES website. According to Chief executive Ben Moses with the ofice of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Teariki heather, only two public submissions were given to NES with regards to the ring mains eIA and were addressed by oficials. Stage two of the project – which is believed to involve the

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Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

worldNeWS nuti no TeIA NeI Ao Dogs freak out on legal pot Seattle veterinarians say the legalisation of recreational marijuana has led to a rise in tHC toxicity cases for dogs. Vets said tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active ingredient in marijuana, can prove toxic to dogs and the legalisation of marijuana, which took efect in Washington state at the start of January, has led to a rise in reported cases of canine ingestion. “a busy week, I’ve seen 10 to 12 cases,” said a local veterinarian. “I even treated a beagle that ate an entire Ziploc baggie full of buds.”

Where to keep looking? Search for lost Malaysian aircraft widens as ‘foul play’ conirmed KUAlA lUM PUR – Some 25

countries are now involved in a vast search operation for the missing airliner that disappeared over a week ago. The search area – from central Asia to the southern Indian ocean – takes in large tracts of land and sea. An already complex search operation has become even more dificult, Malaysia’s acting transport minister says.

world BRIeFS NO PARTY FOR POPE’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY VATICAN – Pope Francis is celebrating his irst year in oice. The Argentinean-born pontif is currently on a week-long spiritual retreat with cardinals and bishops in the Alban Hills near Rome. Italian opinion polls give Pope Francis the highest popularity rating of any recent pontif. Pope Francis is the irst Latin American – and the irst Jesuit – to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He is also riding high on social media, with 11 million following him in nine languages on Twitter. The Pope himself has denounced any cult of personality: “Portraying the pope as a kind of superman, a type of star, it seems ofensive.” Thursday’s anniversary is not being marked in any oicial way, a move that Vatican-watchers say is in keeping with the Pope’s tendency to eschew pomp and ceremony.

PARIS TRIES TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION PARIS – Alternate driving days are being introduced in the French capital, Paris, in an attempt to tackle dangerous levels of air pollution. From today, drivers will only be able to use their vehicles every other day. The French government made the decision after air pollution exceeded safe levels for ive days running in Paris and surrounding areas. The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing. The capital’s air quality has been one of the worst on record, French environmental agencies say, rivalling the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the world’s most polluted cities.

VENETIANS VOTE TO SECEDE FROM ITALY ITALY – Voting has begun in Venice and the surrounding region on whether to break away from Italy. Recent opinion polls suggest that two thirds of the four million electorate favour splitting from Rome, but the vote will not be legally binding. The poll was organised by local activists and parties, who want a future state called Republic of Veneto. This would be reminiscent of the sovereign Venetian republic that existed for more than 1000 years. A focal point for culture, architecture and trade, Venice lost its independence to Napoleon in 1797. Moves towards independence often evoke more sympathy in wealthy northern Italy, where many resent what they see as the poorer south’s waste and corruption. Online voting is due to continue until Friday.

RECORD LIFE INSURANCE POLICY BOUGHT USA – An unnamed Silicon Valley billionaire has purchased the world’s most valuable life insurance policy. Guinness Book of World Record oicials say the US$201 million life insurance policy is more than double the previous record set in 1990 by an unidentiied “entertainment industry igure.” A Southern California inancial services company who helped put the deal together declined to identify the buyer for safety reasons. The company also didn’t disclose the annual premium cost to the billionaire for the policy, but did say it was in the single millions of dollars. They wouldn’t disclose the billionaire’s age but said he purchased the policy to help his heirs avoid paying a 45 per cent inheritance tax in the event of his death.

Crew, passengers and ground staff are being investigated after it was conirmed the jet was commandeered in some way. Investigators are trying to obtain more radar and satellite data from any of the countries that Malaysia Airlines flight Mh370 may have passed over, with its 239 crew and passengers. The leaders of several Asian countries have been briefed by the Malaysia government in what acting Transport Minister hishammuddin hussein has described as a new phase of the search. “From focusing mainly on shallow seas, we are now looking at large tracts of land, crossing 11 countries, as well as deep and remote oceans,” he said at a news conference. Malaysian officials are contacting countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, China, Myanmar, laos, vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and France. They are also asking countries to provide assistance in the search for the plane, including satellite data and analysis, ground-search capabilities, and maritime and air assets. Malaysian national police chief Gen Khalid Abu Bakar said background checks had been requested on all passengers aboard the plane, but that so far nothing suspicious had been reported – though some intelligence agencies still had to respond. The police are also reportedly looking at the family life and psychological state of the plane’s pilot, Zaharie Shah, and co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid, and have searched their homes. The two men had not made any request to fly Flight 370 together the airline has conirmed. - BBC

a graphic map shows the huge area that authorities searching for the missing Malaysian airlines Flight 370 now must consider the Boeing 777 could have crashed or even safely landed in. AFP

Patience running thin BEIJ I NG – For the families

and loved ones of those aboard Flight 370, tensions boiled over on Sunday in Beijing at the daily brieing by Malaysia Airlines. Ten days after the plane went missing, patience is running thin with oficials. Before a packed room, one man told them that the families have already lost faith. “A liar can lie once, twice or

three times, but what’s the point to keep lying?” he said. “What we ask for is the truth. Don’t hide things from us.” A majority of the people in the room stood up when the man asked how many had lost trust in the airline and the Malaysian government. Another man rushed the front of the room and tried to throw a punch, but was stopped.

The airline has been picking up the tab for families of the Chinese passengers to stay in Beijing during the ordeal. A study of the flight’s cargo manifest showed there were no dangerous materials on board that concerned investigators. Investigators are still looking into the backgrounds of the passengers to see if any of them were trained pilots. - PNC

Pilot suicide considered KUAlA lUMPUR – As authorities investigate the two pilots of the Malaysia Airlines Flight Mh370 passenger jet that disappeared more than a week ago, a possibility they must consider is that one of them committed suicide by deliberately crashing the plane. While such incidents have happened before, the topic remains almost taboo, with investigators and oficials reluctant to conclude that a pilot purposely crashed a plane in order to commit suicide even when the

evidence appears compelling. A dozen years ago, US investigators filed a final report into the 1999 crash of egyptAir Flight 990, which plunged into the Atlantic ocean near the Massachusetts island of Nantucket, killing all 217 aboard. They concluded that when copilot Gameel el-Batouty found himself alone on the light deck, he switched off the auto-pilot, pointed the plane downward, and calmly repeated the phrase “I rely on God” over and over, 11 times in total.

Yet while the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the co-pilot’s actions caused the crash, they didn’t use the word “suicide” in the main indings of their 160page report, instead saying the reason for his actions “was not determined.” Mike Glynn, a committee member of the Australian and International Pilots Association, said that he considers pilot suicide to be the most likely explanation for the Malaysian Airline plane’s disappearance. - AP

A good day to be Irish

NUDE TOURISTS NABBED AT MACHU PICCHU PERU – Just days after Peru’s Ministry of Culture called the practice “disrespectful,” two Canadian tourists have been arrested for taking nude photos at the historic Machu Picchu site. Peruvian media reports say the 20-year-old Canadians were arrested on Wednesday for taking photos of each other posing naked at the archaeological monument. Reports say they were taken away by police and their cellphone photographs erased. The arrest of the Canadians came a few hours after a pair of Australian tourists were also arrested for taking nude photos of themselves at Machu Picchu. Nude photos and videos taken at Machu Picchu have recently become “the thing to do” on social media but Peruvian oicials are not amused and have called the practice obscene or profane to the sacred site.

Today’s Daily Bread The Sovereign lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. he wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

Read: read: IsaiahMatthew 50:4-10 7:21-29

Text: Matthew 7:26 Text: Verse 4

Birmingham citizens take part in the annual St Patrick’s Day parade. The OK city has hosted the annual St Patrick’s Day parade since 1996. This year up to 80,000 people were expected to take part in the celebrations. AFP

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Crimeans vote to rejoin Russia SIMFeRoPol – Crimeans have

voted overwhelmingly to join former political master Russia as tensions soar in the the splintered ex-Soviet nation amid the worst east-West crisis since the Cold War. Exit polls cited by local oficials showed 93 per cent of voters in favour of leaving Ukraine in the most serious redrawing of the map of europe since Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia. Ukraine’s new pro-European leaders and the West have branded the vote “illegal” because the strategic Black Sea peninsula has been under de facto control of Russian forces since the start of the month. The options facing voters were either to join Russia or go back to a 1992 constitution that effectively made Crimea into an independent state within Ukraine. Retaining good relations with Kiev was not an alternative. International condemnation of the referendum began pouring in from world capitals even before the polls closed. The european Union said it would be deciding on sanctions against Russia that include the possible seizure of the foreign assets of top Kremlin officials and travel bans for senior ministers. But Russian President vladimir Putin – accused of orchestrating the vote as a way of seizing Ukranian land and punishing its leaders for spurning closer relations with Moscow – said he would “respect” its outcome.

Predominantly ethnic Russian region votes to secede from Ukraine

Pro-Russian supporters celebrate in Sevastopol as Crimeans voted Sunday in a referendum to join Russia as tensions escalated in eastern Ukraine. Russia President Vladimir Putin vowed to respect the outcome of the vote in a region that is now under the de facto control of Russian forces despite an international outcry. AFP The Russian tri-colour was lown all over Crimea amid a festive atmosphere that relected a profound mistrust of the new Kiev leaders through the largely Russified southeast of the na-

tion of 46 million people. Ukraine’s new government has called the referendum a “circus” directed at gunpoint by Moscow. - Associated Press

Great white makes Atlantic crossing

Maximise exposure for your business Great white shark Lydia was irst tagged of the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, in March 2013 as part of the Ocearch scientiic project. OCEARCH The ATLANTIC – A great white shark called lydia is about to make history as the first of its species to be observed crossing from one side of the Atlantic to the other. The satellite-tagged 4.4mlong female is currently swimming above the mid-Atlantic ridge –which marks a rough boundary line between east and west. lydia was first tagged off Florida as part of the ocearch scientiic project. The shark has travelled more than 30,500km since the tracking device was attached. lydia is now roughly 1600km from the coast of County Cork in Ireland.

Dr Gregory Skomal, senior isheries biologist with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries, said he was “surprised” at the shark’s behaviour: “White sharks may well have been crossing the Atlantic forever, but this is the irst time we’re actually able to observe it.” There are plenty of shark species in British and Irish waters but the great white – the ultimate predator at the top of the marine food chain – has never been sighted around the British Isles. The ocearch project was initiated to gather data on the movements, biology and health of sharks for conservation purposes as well as for public safety

and education. The director of Dingle oceanworld in Ireland’s County Kerry believes the worldwide ban on hunting sharks is swelling their numbers and sending them hunting for food in the north Atlantic and towards the coast of Ireland. “They are protected worldwide now and there are a greater number of them and more of them which can move further north. Possibly we will see more of them,” he said. “For science, it is absolutely brilliant to see a great white moving into the north Atlantic.” ocearch is currently tracking around 70 sharks. - BBC

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Tears at emotional meeting Jose alvarenga speaks to family of crewman who perished at sea CoSTA AZUL – The Salvadoran

castaway who survived more than a year adrift at sea in an open boat has held a tearful meeting with the family of his mate who did not make it home. Jose Salvador Alvarenga travelled from his homeland to neighbouring Mexico to speak with the parents and siblings of

Ezequiel Cordova, 24, the young man who started out with him on an ill-fated ishing trip from Mexico in December last year. on Friday, Alvarenga – arguably the world’s most celebrated lost-at-sea survivor – lew in to Mexico City with his parents and his lawyer, before catching another plane to the coastal vil-

paciic BRIEFS SIX STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR IN SANTO VANUATU – Vanuatu’s Disaster Management Oice says search eforts are underway on Santo for six people missing following a landslide which destroyed their tiny village. The landslide was caused by heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Lusi which swept through the country earlier in the week leaving three people dead. Two of the dead were hit by falling tree branches in their garden, and there are concerns the death toll may rise. The oice’s director, Shadrack Welegtabit, says an aerial surveilance was carried out on Friday and oicials are still assessing it. Welegtabit says most people displaced by the cyclone earlier in the week have returned home but an evacuation centre on Emae island remains open as many people there lost their homes. He says most of damage is to food crops and roads.

NURSES PAID WAGES WITH BAGS OF RICE VANUATU – Contract nurses in Vanuatu did not receive their salaries on Friday, despite promises from the acting director general of health that they would. On Monday, more than 100 contract nurses at Port Vila Central hospital received a letter saying that they would no longer be paid, but the health ministry denied this, saying some of the nurses’ paperwork wasn’t properly illed out. The acting director general, Dr Santos Wari, said those nurses will be paid next week, despite the earlier promise that they would be paid on Friday. But the interim president of the Vanuatu Nurses Association, Anne Pakoa, says this is unacceptable and the government is continuing to lie to the nurses. Pakoa says some nurses on Luganville have received their recent pay in bags of rice.

10,000 AFFECTED BY SERIOUS FLOODING PAPUA NEW GUINEA – An estimated 10,000 people in West New Britain province in Papua New Guinea have been afected by heavy looding. The Post Courier reports initial assessments from the Provincial Disaster Centre suggest several bridges and culverts have been washed away and sections of the Kimbe-Bialla Highway are impassable.The director, Leo Mapmani, says dozens of villages have been afected and a lot of food gardens destroyed.Mapmani says the provincial government is to release emergency funds to address the situation.

SOLOMONS OPENS HIGH COMMISSION IN Nz SOLOMON ISLANDS – Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo on Wednesday oicially opened the island nation’s High Commission oice in Wellington, New Zealand. Speaking during the opening, Lilo said the establishment of the country’s permanent diplomatic mission in New Zealand has been long overdue – and as Prime Minister said he was delighted to see that his government’s decision to pursue a diplomatic mission in New Zealand has been achieved. “As many of the Paciic islands countries can relate to, hosting a mission abroad is no easy feat and an expensive undertaking – however, it is important we exercise our inluence through the physical presence of our missions in the wider global community,” he said. Lilo added that the primary role of the mission is to serve the interest of Solomon Islands in New Zealand, in the areas of mutual interest as well as to ensure smooth cordial relations between both countries.

lage of Chiapas, where his journey started in December 2012. he then travelled on to Costa Azul, the town where Ezekiel’s father, mother and three brothers live. “I feel like a hero,” Alvarenga told press as he limped through Chiapas Airport, still recovering from his injuries sustained at sea. In Costa Azul, Cordova’s family welcomed Alvarenga with tearful hugs, and met with him privately for three hours. Alvarenga embraced his crewman’s mother, Roselia Diaz, and both cried as a horde of journalists recorded the moment. “This gives me some peace, because in my dreams, he asked me to speak with his mother,” Alvarenga said. The 37-year-old says the man he hired as his crew for a short fishing trip died four months after their outboard motor broke down and they drifted westwards into the vast Paciic ocean. The youngerman could not stomach a survivor’s diet of urine, turtle blood, raw ish and bird lesh. Asked about his four months in the open boat with Cordoba, before he died Alvarenga said: “There was nothing we could do except cry and suffer.” “I don’t feel capable yet of telling all that I remember. “When I talk about that day, I feel like I am back there in the moment when I was suffering and hurting – what I am trying to do is to forget that.” Alvarenga says he and Cordova made a pact that if one of them survived, they would visit the other one’s family to tell the astonishing tale. “I feel better now. I am more at peace because now I know what happened,” Cordova’s grieving mother Roselia Diaz said. “Now I know what my son’s last words were. That fills me with peace.” Before the two went into a private meeting in Diaz’s home,

A photograph of castaway Jose Alvarenga taken by the mayor of Ebon Atoll, Ione de Brum, not long after he drifted ashore in the Marshall Islands. IONE DE BRUM Alvarenga warned her that it wouldn’t be easy to hear what happened to her son. Alvarenga said he didn’t want to tell journalists what he would share with Cordoba’s mother but said the two men had suffered from hunger and that they often cried and prayed to God for a miracle. he said he wants to save the details of his incredible voyage for an upcoming book. Alvarenga made headlines when he washed ashore on farlung Ebon Atoll in the remote Marshall Islands on January 30, 13 months after setting off from Mexico on a routine ishing trip. Wearing only a pair of ragged shorts and sporting an unruly beard, he told authorities how he survived the 12,500-kilometre voyage across the Paciic in a seven-metre fibreglass boat and how his fishing companion, Cordoba, succumbed after about four months adrift. Cordova’s family say they do not blame Alvarenga who has risen to worldwide fame because of his story of survival. Alvarenga’s attorney, Bene-

dicto Pereira, says his client told Cordova’s mother he could not throw her son’s body overboard for three days, hoping against hope that Cordova might still revive. It emerged that Alvarenga phoned his companion’s father, Nicolas Cordoba Cruz, from Majuro on February 7 for an initial conversation, and passed on part of his companion’s dying message. “ezekiel told Jose to tell his brothers to look after their mother and to tell me that he was going to be ine,” Cordoba Cruz told the el Paso Times, clutching the only two pictures he has of his son. But, he added, there was much more to discuss in person: “he asked me for forgiveness because he could not do anything for Ezequiel.” Despite emerging from the fishing boat 12,500km from Mexico with bleached hair, sunburn, and bloating, Alvarenga was deemed to be in strikingly good health by doctors – though mentally frail. Cordova, his three brothers

and his parents lived in Mexican border town Juarez until early 2012 when they moved to the seaside village of Chiapas to escape the town’s gang culture. There, the young isherman met Alvarenga and months later they were missing. Five days after Cordoba Rios failed to return from his sharkishing trip with Alvarenga, the family in Chiapas reported him missing and began searching for him, his aunt lucia Cordoba Cruz said. “our family looked for him in the sea, in other villages, always hoping to find him,’ she said, adding that their search ended about three weeks later in December 2012. But his father, who had been sick and had several surgeries, was not told about his son’s disappearance for several more months. After the emotional meeting, Alvarenga headed to the Mexican town of Chocohuital, where he lived for several years, and has many ishermen friends with whom he plans talks about his odyssey. - PNC sources

REGIME LEADER NOW REAR ADMIRAL FIJI – The former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has been promoted to the higher rank of Rear Admiral on his retirement. Fiji President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the RFMF announced the promotion. In a statement Ratu Epeli says this recognises Bainimarama’s 39 years of distinguished service in the RFMF and his contribution to the nation. He thanked Rear Admiral Bainimarama for that service and wished him well in civilian life.

AUSTRALIA ASSISTS IN DENGUE CRISIS FIJI – Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Afairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has welcomed Australia’s assistance to combat the dengue fever situation in the country. Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop Thursday announced the Australian government’s inancial pledge of A$750,000 to help address the dengue fever situation in the country. In response, the Fijian foreign minister said the support from the Australian government recognises the severity of the dengue fever situation in the country and the commitment by international partners to address this. The funds will be used for medical supplies and an ongoing public awareness campaign.

Salvadorean castaway Jose Alvarenga inally greets Roselia Diaz, mother of crewman Ezequiel Cordova who died at sea. AFP

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Eye team head to Micronesia ChUUK – The Fred hollows

Foundation of New Zealand is sending a team of eye doctors and nurses to the Federated States of Micronesia for the irst time this March. The outreach team will be travelling from Fiji and the Solomon Islands to the Micronesian capital of Chuuk for a week of sight restoring surgeries in the remote island nation. “Fred hollows would be proud to see our team doing the hard yards to deliver eye care to people in need,” said Andrew Bell, the foundation’s Executive Director. “The people of the Federated States have no access to regular eye care and many of them are blind but don’t need to be.” The Federated States, made up of four states and 607 islands, is found south of Guam and east of the Philippines. It marks a new territory as the foundation continues in its quest to provide eye care to the whole of the Paciic region. The New Zealand charity already operates in 13 countries from Kiribati to Timor-leste. The team of ive eye care staff will need to travel irst to Seoul and then to Chuuk – the journey presents a number of logistical challenges getting personnel and equipment to the Federated States.

Bell said that the outreach – an expression of friendship between the Fred hollows Foundation and the Federated States’ government – is part of a pilot programme in the region, and shows The Foundation’s commitment to training local doctors. “This outreach represents a fantastic collaboration between the foundation and the government of the Federated States, with each of us paying for half the cost. “They had the finances and we had the staff and expertise. Together, we are taking another step to build a sustainable eye care programme. It is truly an exciting time,” said Bell. Bell says the outreach also has a special signiicance for one of the doctors who’s currently in training at the Pacific eye Institute. “The Foundation is training a talented young doctor from the Federated States. Dr Padwick Gallen has shown a strong commitment to his studies, and using his medical skills to help people in the developing world. “Once he’s inished training, he’ll likely go on to lead the eye care services in the Western Paciic region.” Dr Gallen hails from Palau, a neighbouring island country west of the Federated States.

dr Padwick Gallen is embracing the opportunity to share his skills with his own people in Micronesia. FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION he is currently in his third year of study at The Foundation’s Suva training facility, The Paciic Eye Institute, on a scholarship funded by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Prior to accepting a foundation scholarship to pursue ophthalmology, he worked at

Chuuk State hospital and felt helpless when patients presented eye care problems. “There is deinitely a lack of eye care in the Federated States because nobody is looking after eyes,” said Dr Gallen. “It’s sad to see a place like that with no eye care staff. Patients

come to the hospital and ask if we can help with their eyes. Before I did my studies I would say, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t have a clue.’ We would check their eyes, look, but what are you looking at?” For Dr Gallen, the chance to return to his home country is a great opportunity to share his skills with his own people. “I like helping people, that’s why I went to medical school,” he said. “The cataract surgery is a very rewarding operation – you operate today and they see tomorrow. I’m very happy to get a chance to offer this surgery to people in my own country.” The outreach team will be screening patients from 17-21 March and then performing surgeries from 24-28 March. All services are provided free of charge. The team expect to conduct approximately 120 surgeries over ive days. The majority will be sight-restoring cataract sur-

gery but they are also prepared to handle other eye problems such as pterygium and lid conditions. The Fred hollows Foundation carries on the work of a legendary New Zealander, the late Professor Fred hollows. Fred was an internationally acclaimed eye surgeon and social justice activist who championed the right of all people to high quality and affordable eye care. The Fred hollows Foundation shares Fred’s vision of a world where no one is needlessly blind, and works to end avoidable blindness in 30 developing countries across Asia, Africa and the Paciic. In the last five years alone, The Foundation has performed nearly one million sight-restoring operations and treatments, and trained more than 38,000 local eye health specialists. - hollows.org.nz

Machete deaths a bad sign APIA – Samoa’s opposition Tau-

tua party has expressed “shock” over the machete deaths at the village of Ulutogia on Tuesday morning last week. Two village men were chopped to death while asleep

Old tyres breeding ponds for deadly mosquitos

in their beds following an argument earlier between a suspect now in police custody. Samoa Tautua Party leader Palusalue Faapo II is alarmed by the seriousness of the crime and is pointing the inger at government policies that are not addressing poverty. he said he was “saddened and shocked” at such an act taking place in Samoa and expressed sympathy for the family of the dead men and those impacted as a result. he said his concern is that this sort of crime is being driven by poverty to the point that “people no longer care about killing other people.” “There was not only one death but two and that is the worry – that it might be extending from the cost of living and other things.” Palusalue said he prays that this sort of crime does not happen again. “It’s like a shock to the mind,

especially considering when outside countries gain knowledge of this with large countries expected to attend meetings here – this will only deter and give them reason to fear coming here.” Paluesalue urged families and the whole country to stop the violence. The death of the two men has left their village in a state of shock and mourning as they make preparations for an ifoga, a ceremony of apology. The family of the two men said they had been told by the police not to speak to the media. however, when the Samoa observer visited at the weekend, a family member showed where the attack is alleged to have taken place. The dead men are from the same family. The 41-year-old with three children is from the village of Matautu Falelatai, but was residing at Ulutogia at his wife’s family.

The other victim is a 27-yearold from the village of Ulutogia, married with one child. A member of the village mayor’s family, who did not want to be named, stated that the attack happened while the men and their families were sleeping. The relative said the whole village was still stunned by the double deaths. “What happened shocked us because the accused is related to us, and we are just lost for words, so at the moment it’s very hard to say anything about what had happened.” The man in charge of the investigation, Acting Police Commissioner Fauono Talalelei Tapu, said the wounds the two deceased suffered from the killings were the worst he had seen in his 30 year career as a police oficer. Police says there had been an argument over land between the accused and the deceased the day before. - SA/PNC

PM Abbott to visit PNG PoRT MoReSBY – Papua New

Locating and disposing of old car and truck tyres is a big part of the dengue fever clean up operation currently underway in Fiji. MINFO SUvA – The National Dengue

Clean-Up campaign currently underway in Fiji has been boosted with the participation of more than 1000 people cleaning various targeted areas in the Suva to Nausori corridor. National Dengue Taskforce co-ordinator, Joana Koroituinakelo said there was a good turn-out of community as well as government representatives for the clean up drive. A similar national clean-up campaign was carried out in the Western, Northern and Eastern divisions. however, despite vigorous public awareness programmes through mass media and community visitation by health personnel’s, dengue cases continue

to climb; an indication of the strong presence of the dengue mosquito in the Fiji islands. Members of the public are being encouraged to destroy drums and tyres which are notorious breeding places for dengue mosquitoes. The dengue outbreak in Fiji has so far claimed 12 lives while a total of 11,359 people contracted the virus between october 1, 2013 to March 10, 2014. Conirming the statistics, the National Advisor on communicable diseases, Dr Mike Kama said the Central Division tops the statistics with a total of 7880 clinically proven cases. The Western Division so far has 2715 reported cases, the Northern Division has 756 cas-

es while seven conirmed cases have been reported in the province of Kadavu. Six people in Central, four in Western and one each in the Northern and Eastern have so far lost their lives due to the outbreak. Dr Kama said authorities are working closely to reduce the statistics and the nation-wide campaign is helping as people are becoming more aware and are taking up the initiative to clean up their compounds. The general public at large have been urged to help in the ight against the killer virus. over 30 tonnes of waste was collected by the various groups during the most recent clean up. - Fiji Media

Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says he is looking forward to welcoming his Australian counterpart, Tony Abbott, to PNG next week. It will be Abbott’s irst oficial visit to the Paciic nation since becoming Australia’s prime minister last year. “I look forward to receiving Prime Minister Abbott when he visits our beautiful country,” O’Neill said in a statement on Friday. “Australia is our neighbour and a great friend. our ties go back a long way, and has remained very strong. We can only build on it.

“This visit gives us an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest to both countries, and issues that affect the region.” Australia’s aid programme and its realignment with the PNG government’s development priorities are expected to be high on the agenda when the two leaders meet in Port Moresby. other issues likely to be discussed include the asylum seeker processing centre on Manus Island, visa policies, the progress of the PNG LNG project, PNG’s assistance to Fiji elections, trade and investment issues. O’Neill will brief Abbott on the implementation of his key

government policies, including free education, free health care, rebuilding infrastructure, modernising the police and defence force, and investing in oil, gas, and mineral projects. Australia is already helping PNG roll out some of these priorities, including the deployment of Australian Federal Police in PNG, building a new hospital in lae and other infrastructure projects. It is also assisting in rebuilding the Bomana Police Training College, with PNG aiming to increase police manpower from 5000 to 8000 by 2017. - ABC

News from the Paciic region “A comprehensive daily report”

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

Playstation 3 winners bound to be popular lUCKY winners of a recent CITC promotion will be very popular, after winning a 12GB Playstation 3 console each. Key Brands manager George George and CITC Liquor manager Fraser Nooroa handed over the prizes at the CITC Liquor ofice, where all of CITC’s beverages are ordered and distributed. Constantly smiling from ear to ear was ive-year-old Savannah Nia, who George said screamed with excitement to her mum when he called their house to give her the good news. he said she was lucky she was the one who picked up the phone and already

warned her she might have to ight off her older brother. When asked if she had told any of her friends yet, she shook her head. Winner Florence epati said she was very excited when she won, even though she had only just bought one for her son. “I will have to teach myself how to play it!” she said. The prize included two games and is valued at around $500. George said the promotion, which ran from November last year to January, saw a lot of youngsters enter. “And probably parents, aunties and uncles coaxed into joining

in,” he laughed. The contest was promoted in all CITC stores and was a partnership between Cook Islands Trading Company and Coca Cola NZ. To enter you had to buy two 600ml Sprite. - MWK

Playstation 3 winners Florence epati (second from left) and ive-year-old savannah nia (3rd from left) excited to receive their awesome prizes. They are pictured here with Key Brands manager George George and CITC Liquor Manager Fraser nooroa.

14031317

leTTeRS reta

Dogs and bikes – both scourges Dear editor, The recent pictures and articles in your paper about the plague of dogs on the island make it abundantly clear that the employment of dog ranger is not only vital to survival of tourism on the island but for health of the people. The amount of dog faeces on the roads, path, gardens and playing fields make most public places particularly around the Raro Fried outlet in Avarua a serious health hazard. In most countries the owners of dogs are responsible taking their dogs mess home or disposing of it in bins especially provided for that purpose. If the person fails to do that an instant ine is imposed. It is all very well registering dogs but once registered the dogs still roam the streets with impunity. Solutions: Make it illegal for dogs to be out of the owner’s property without being on leash

and tethered when on the property unless it is fenced. Most Western countries have this rule. Any dogs registered or not seen out after dark should be taken to a pound and destroyed if within a day they have not been claimed and a fine imposed on the owner. If it happens a second time with the same owner the dog should despatched. The argument for having a dog or dogs is said to be for security of one’s house. From my experience the dogs mostly roam in packs miles away the properties. The ones that are for property security are obviously not doing a particularly good job judging by the amount of burglaries that seem to happening almost daily. ester honey says that de-sexing the dogs will help. It may well do but by the time this has any effect on the dog population there will be a fraction of tourists coming to the Rarotonga ... read Isle of

Dogs. The ranger will need to be very robust and merciless to both owners and dogs and preferable carry a silenced weapon (for the dogs). Talking to a tourist last week he was seriously considering suing tourism for loss of

enjoyment due to dogs and for false advertising. “Slice of heaven on earth”; “Tranquil”; “Peaceful and romantic” – these adjectives just do not reflect the reality of the island and to add to that he said the amount of scooters, seems

like every second one, without proper muflers just adds to the cacophony. he was an American guy and, as an aside, said a survey had been done in various states of America of boys and men between 14 and 35 comparing the loudness of

motor bikes they rode and penis size. The results were quite conclusive – the louder the bike the smaller the penis – lot of small ones on Raro! Good luck to the Ranger. Isle of dogs resident (Name and address supplied)

Favourite picnic area lost Dear editor, Just driving along the main road from the airport towards the seawall, I am very concerned about the erosion along the Nikao coast. It has brought back memories of the 70s when my dad, uncle, brothers and cousins went netting for lagoon ish around the area from the old government laundry (now it is the Aquarius Hotel/Restaurant and Bar) then towards to the weather station.

The “Motu Tapu” was well overgrown with ironwood trees, coconut palms and other trees until Cyclone Sally and another cyclone after damaged the poor Motu. We actually used to drive our family truck and motor bikes further out to the lagoon with a good distance from the current main road now near the First Window Business. Sadly now, that piece of land that we use to have is not there anymore. It has disappeared into

the current lagoon now and the lagoon is about ive metres closer to the main road than it used to be. Someone needs to talk to the landowners and work together to rectify these areas before it is too late to be helped. The beach around this area is beautiful; but are they, the landowners, aware of the damage that has been done where the former land has been claimed by the sea in last

35 years? This is the number of years in my memories of the damages that nature has caused but then we people have not done something to prevent further damage. The landowners need to keep planting ironwood trees and other means of preventing further erosion. It’s a sad tikai to see my picnic and fishing area are now deep in the lagoon. Joe Terenui

College should have replied Dear editor, The Takamoa Theological College is a well-respected theological institution that saw many graduates complete their studies and went on to become great ambassadors for our country. Now that great institution is under a cloud of questionable integrity. It failed to take steps to remove Dr Kuhlmann from the college by sending him packing back to the country where he came from. Dr Kuhlmann’s provocative and naïve rant over the lDS and JW presence in the Cook Islands (CINEWS 7/3/14) is unbecoming of a “scholar” of his calibre. What kind of theological learning did Dr Kuhlmann receive for him to be so deceptively igno-

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

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rant about the history of Christianity over the last six centuries, let alone this century? his views about other Christian groups (lDS and JW in particular) is morally baseless and ignorant. his rant is a clear indicator of an intention to incite hatred. It’s a pity a great institution like TTC had not taken steps to make a public statement denouncing Dr Kuhlmann’s rhetoric, nor provide a statement of apology to all Christian groups who have been offended by such stupid opinions. The College should play a pivotal role in this case and any inaction on their part is, and putting it politely, unfortunate. John Uri Sydney

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

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

Fisheries revenues set to rise

THE MINISTRY of Marine Resources is on track to exceed its initial revenue projections for the current iscal year, said Secretary Ben Ponia. Ponia said the ministry has revised its revenue estimates for the 2013-14 iscal year, and now expects to earn $5.5 million from related activities, an increase from the $4.9 million initially projected. “The amount is still a conservative forecast and does not account for any catch revenues from a potential eU fisheries partnership or development of our bigeye tuna fishery,” said Ponia. MMR’s $5.5 million revenue estimate is padded by a onetime $1.9 million dollar payment recently negotiated under an amended US purse seine treaty, which gives American vessels an additional 300 days to fish for skipjack in the nation’s exclusive economic zone. The ministry earns three categories of isheries revenue including; license revenue, catch revenue, and proceeds from the US purse seine treaty. According to the government’s December quarterly report released earlier this week, license revenues have come in at roughly $624,000 for the irst six months of the iscal year, less

than the $1.2 million expected. However, Ponia said the igures do not accurately reflect the situation as roughly $1.3 million in additional revenue has been collected in January and February of this year, and is not included in the report. For the irst eight months of fiscal 2013-14 – which began on July 1, 2013 and ends June 30 - MMR said it has collected $1.93 million dollars in total revenue on behalf of Crown (RoBoC), including nearly $1.16 million in license revenue and $770,000 in isheries catch revenue. - ES

14031440

Generosity towards burgled tourists

MMR is forecasting revenues of $5.5 million for the 2013-14 iscal year. Pictured here is ish being oloaded from a Taiwanese ishing vessel to a satellite carrier in the Cook Islands. 14031307

Cabinet to decide House start date? WITH AN announcement for

the first sitting of Parliament for 2014 imminent, Cabinet will be in country all week. Finance Minister Mark Brown will be in Rarotonga, and mentioned Cabinet may have a date set in place early in the week for the next sitting of Parliament. Timing for the upcoming sitting is crucial, as the Gov-

ernment is looking to pass a number of pieces of legislation through Parliament, including an increase in value-added tax from 12.5 to 15 per cent which is scheduled to come into effect on April 1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Teariki heather, health and Internal Affairs Minister Nandi Glassie, Agriculture Minister

OtC arorangi

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Kiriau Turepu, and education and Tourism Minister Teina Bishop will all be in country this week and will be attending to what they all describe as routine schedules. Prime Minister Henry Puna’s schedule for the week is unknown, as his staff could not be reached. - Emmanuel Samoglou

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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 17 to Monday, March 24: COOK ISLANDS

Kiriau Turepu

Agriculture, BTIB, NES

Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 24: COOK ISLANDS

Teina Bishop

Education, Tourism

Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 24: COOK ISLANDS

Mark Brown

Finance and Economic Management, Head of State, Commerce, FIU, Pearl Authority, Telecommunications, Financial Supervisory Monday, March 17 to Monday, Commission, Superannuation, PERCA, March 24: COOK ISLANDS Financial Services Development Authority, Minerals and Natural Resources.

Henry Puna

Teariki Heather Nandi Glassie

Koka lagoon Cruises Manager Serena hunter got in touch with the couple and invited them to take a free cruise. “I just felt really sorry for them when I saw the story, especially after saving up hard for their family holiday.” Pictured with the family are Koka crew Papa Jack (with hat), Ngamata Miriau (far right) and Tairi Miriau (front).- BCS

BURGlARY victims Amber-lee Marsters, Ben Seve (far right) and their three children were delighted to receive a free trip out on Muri lagoon on Friday, thanks to the kind-hearted team at Koka lagoon Cruises. The visiting Kiwis were devastated after being robbed of $680 during their first night on the island. After reading the news story,

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

Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 24: COOK ISLANDS

Health, Parliamentary Services, Ombudsman, Internal Afairs

Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 24: COOK ISLANDS

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$12,895 $13,795 $13,895 $15.500 $24,995 $35,000

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

New graduates and existing staf of the Airport Security Service, pictured here at yesterday’s graduation ceremony. 14031423

New airport security oficers welcomed The CooK Islands Airport Security Service welcomed eight new members to its team after yesterday’s graduation ceremony. Held at the service’s Nikao offices, existing staff and family members joined the graduates for the morning ceremony, which included speeches from Chief Security officer Tukua Tangaroa and Airport Author-

ity Chief Executive Joe Ngamata. The eight graduates - Dennis heather, hannah Ioteva, Jackson hunt, Travella Pukeiti, Temana Pannycook, John oaariki, Tamarua Browne, and Travel Tauta – began the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of the American spiritual song ‘Swing low Sweet Chariot’, which was followed by words of encouragement and

congratulations from oficials. After Tangaroa congratulated the group for getting through training where they were pushed “to the limit”, Ngamata spoke about the importance of aviation security, while mentioning the current mystery surrounding the missing Malaysian airliner. echoing some media reports, Ngamata said sabotage or hijack-

ing may have played a role in the mystery. “This brings to light the reality and dangers we face in aviation,” he said. “Imagine if that happened here?” “I can’t stress enough the importance of the job you’ve been trained for.” - Emmanuel Samoglou

Lawyer blames hospital for crash victim’s death

Tamarua Browne receiving his airport security epaulettes at yesterday’s ceremony. 14031421 The airport security Service’s new graduates sing their rendition of american spiritual song ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’. 14031422

D E F E N C E lawyer Norman George has laid blame on the Rarotonga hospital for “failing to operate” on 22-year-old crash victim Kulani Takai elikana. In his closing address to the jury in the trial of dangerous driving accused James estall on Friday, George reiterated a statement by retired surgeon Dr Teariki Noovao who agreed that if he had operated on elikana the night they noticed a deterio-

ration in his condition, instead of waiting for the morning, he could have lived. “Kulani Takai died because Rarotonga hospital failed to operate on him. The accident was not the substantial and operating cause,” he said. he also placed blame on Tokoiva Dean, the young driver of the bike that was tailing estall at high speeds the night of the crash, saying that 35 per

cent of the fault lay on her, while another 35 per cent on the hospital, and only 25 per cent was estall's fault. “It wasn't one person who was involved in the accident... all [the accused] was doing was taking evasive action to avoid Tokoiva,” he said. he also included the activities around the airport entrance where the crash happened and elikana's own drinking as contributing factors to the crash.

After George's address, presiding judge Justice Sir hugh Williams adjourned court, saying that as his summing up of the trial will be long and be translated into Maori, it would take up the rest of the afternoon. his summing up will be delivered today and a verdict is hoped to be reached this afternoon. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

More than a ifth of households behind on payments for sanitation system upgrade MORE THAN 20 per cent of households in a sanitation system upgrade project in Muri/ Avana are behind on payments. The project, which is now in its inal stages, gave home owners a subsidy on work required to bring their systems in line with the law and lessen pollution in the lagoon. Installing the upgraded system costs upwards of $10,000, of which home owners were asked to pay $1000. A number of households opted to pay the amount in instalments, but Acting Director of the Water Waste and Sanitation (WATSAN) unit of Infrastructure Cook Islands Tekao herrmann said many have not been keeping up with payments. Around 50 of the 238 homes in the pilot programme made an initial deposit of $50 but have not continued paying the monthly instalments, he said. “This isn’t fair on other people in the scheme, and is also against the terms of agreements that those householders signed. So we will be taking whatever action is available to recover those funds as soon as possible.” The scheme is soon to be extended to up to 1000 homes on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. herrmann said a inancial contribu-

tion will also be required from these households, but due to the payment problems from the pilot project, the option to pay in instalments will no longer be available. While it was difficult for households in Muri/Avana to not sign up to the pilot programme – those who needed their systems upgraded but did not take advantage of the subsidy would have had to soon fund the exercise themselves or face being fined – herrmann said those who showed they could not afford to pay were fully funded under the scheme. “There is a grant assistance scheme for property owners that genuinely cannot afford $1000 – the full cost of their upgrade was funded under the programme.” He said it is dificult to know why some households are not keeping up with payments. “It may be a combination of they have forgotten, couldn’t be bothered, or it’s not on their priority list.” WATSAN has sent reminder notices to the households in question, letting them know the outstanding amount, said herrmann. “For those that continue to fall behind on repayments, we

anticipate sending them letters notifying them of their legal obligations signed under Acknowledgement of Debt and that legal action may be taken by WATSAN to recover debt.” He said WATSAN may also

appoint a debt collector if required. There are 244 residential properties in the area of the pilot scheme, of which only six septic systems were found to comply with the 2008 Public health Regulations.

herrmann said despite the issues with payments, the project has achieved its aim of improving septic systems in the area and reducing pollution. “We’ve upgraded over 200 systems, and this has signifi-

cantly reduced the main biological pollutants going to the lagoon.” The project was funded through a $3 million grant from the New Zealand Aid Programme. - BD

a new sanitation system being installed as part of the pilot scheme. PHOTO WATSAN 14031406

Sadgroves named as best employers loCAl employment website,

Cook Islands Jobs has named John and Jeanette Sadgrove of Deli licious Cafe in Muri as employers of the Month, after running a competition throughout March to ind Raro’s best boss. The competition called for employees to nominate exceptional bosses for the award which, included a free cocktail for the nominator and their boss at Manuia Beach Resort. The Sadgroves were nominated by their employees for “recognising their hard work, always responding with a thank you and treating the team as family.” They were presented with a certiicate which is now hanging proudly in the cafe as well their prizes on Friday morning, much

to the Sadgroves’ surprise. They had no idea they had even been nominated. “Cook islands Jobs sees the employer of the Month competition as a way to give recognition to exceptional bosses and help jobseekers choose which companies or agencies they might like to work for,” says luana Bosanquet-Heays of the popular jobs site. The employer of the Month competition will continue each month throughout 2014, with prizes donated by other local businesses for the top bosses and their nominating staff member. For more info visit facebook. com/comehomekukis or email jobs@cookislandsjobs.com - Release

John and Jeanette Sadgrove of Deli licious Cafe, with employee Mere Lasaganibau. They have won Cook Islands Jobs’ irst Employer of the Month contest. 14031450

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Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

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ANNOUNCEMENT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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E patianga teia kia tatou te kopu no roto mai ia Ema Manavaroa Marama kia tae mai ki tetai Uipaanga. Ki roto i te are Uipaanga O Avana Nui a te Monite ra 17 o Mati ite ora 6 ite aiai. Tumu Manako Maata, to tatou Taoanga Koropuaka Rangatira. Tinirau Tamarua (Komono).

Notice to all landowners of Teao Katu Section 191F2. The owners of the above land title are asked to please attend a meeting of owners to be held on Wednesday 19 March 2014 at Takuvaine Meeting House at 6pm to consider a request by Joe Uriarau Rongotaua to partition out his family’s share of this land. If any questions please phone 50004. 77606 /36952 /1931

PUBLIC NOTICES

77554

MInIStRy OF InteRnal aFFaIRS

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PUBLIC NOTICE hEALTh SPECIALIST VISIT the Ministry of Health wishes to advise the following conirmed scheduled visit for bone surgeon from 31 March to 11 of april 2014 at the Rarotonga Hospital. If you are experiencing the following symptoms/ diseases: Orthopaedic • Fractures • Arthritis • Joint problems Please phone the Rarotonga Hospital on 22664 to make an appointment with General Surgeon Dr Deacon teapa to be screened and prioritised for specialist appointment. Meitaki Maata 77614/

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TUATUA AKAKITE

77567 /36921 /1931

thursday, 20 March, 2014 3.30pm Room 2 tereora College e kapikianga uipaanga teia na tatou e te au puapii. Ka kite ia kotou ki ko i te apii tereora a te Paraparau. 2013-2014 CITI executives.

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

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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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Athletics Cook Islands Annual General Meeting Date: 31 March 2014 Venue: CISNOC Oice @ Nikao Time: 6pm Agenda: 1. Opening Prayer 2. Roll Call 3. Presidents Report 4. Treasurers Report 5. Nomination of Oice Bearer’s a: President b: Treasurer c: 3 Committee members Nomination forms are available at the Athletics oice. A nomination closes 24 March 2014. All are welcome. Kia Manuia. Sharon Marsters Secretary 777

The Cook Islands Red Cross Society is ofering a Certiied Refreshers First Aid Training Course. A 1 year irst aid certiicate will be awarded at the completion of the course. Date: 20 March 2014. Venue: Cook Islands Red Cross Headquarters Time 8.30am For any enquiries contact: 22598 Email: irstaid@redcross.org.ck Meitaki maata. 77632 / /2204

TO: ThE LANDOWNERS OF TE RUAKARA SECTION 12L, NGATANGIIA AND TIKIOKI SECTION 47A, TAKITUMU This Notice is to advise that a meeting of the landowners of the above lands will be held at Muri Meeting House in Muri Village on Wednesday, 19 March 2014 at 5pm, to seek the landowners’ consent to the laying out of a right of way over the above lands, to be discussed at the meeting. Landowners residing in Rarotonga are requested to attend this meeting. Any further details can be obtained from Matthew Scowcroft, oices of Little & Matysik P.C., Avarua, Rarotonga. Tel: 21619. 77621 / /1780

VISITE CONSULAIRE Rdv avec Consul de France vendredi 28 mars pour passeport, carte identite, visa, chez consul honoraire a Muri. Les documents necessaires doivent etre envoyes imperativement a l’avance a l’ambassade et le paiement des frais efectues. Renseignements et prise de RDV Consul honoraire: +682 28242 ( 9 a 12h) ou avaiki@mac. com. Pour liste documents a fournir: http://www.ambafrance-nz. org/-Formalites-administrativesThe French Consul comes to assist with French passport, identity card and visa on Friday 28 March. For any inquiry and appointment , please call the Honorary Consul: 28242 or avaiki@mac.com 77609 / /1626

foundation

ph 22336

animal Clinic

Autism

cook islands ph 24065/55976

tiateura@oyster.net.ck

PUBLIC NOTICES

777

TO ALL MARKET VENDORS – INTRODUCING ThE BTIB BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME • • • • • • •

Understand basic book-keeping for your small business Understand accounting and how it works using a simple tool (computer/Basic excel) Understand business and personal banking services Basic computing Basic Business planning Types of taxes and how these afect your business accountant support/service

the “BtIB Business Support Program for Market Vendors” will provide services through workshops and skills training programmes and assist market vendors to better understand how to manage their business inance and tax obligations. To take part please contact the BTIB Oice for a registration form or contact the Business development team. Business Development Division Business trade Investment Board Ph 24296 Fax 24298 email btib@cookislands.gov.ck Registration closes at 4pm on Monday 24 March 2014.

77514

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annUal general meeting notice

TENDERS

wednesday 19th march 2014 5:30pm at the school

takitumu Primary school

agenda

TENDER Westpac Banking Corporation invites written tenders for the purchase of the bank owned motor vehicle described below:

• • • •

2013 agm minutes chairperson’s report treasurer’s report principal’s report

• general Business • election of 2014 – 2015 pta

refreshments will be provided. all parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend. 77449

Suzuki Swift, Automatic Red, Mileage - 90k

TENDERS

the vehicle will be sold on an “as is where is” basis. For inspection please call Mii Joseph on telephone 22014 ext4205. tenders close at 4pm Friday 21 March 2014 and must be accompanied by a bank cheque of $50.00 deposit, which will be returned to the unsuccessful tenders. tenders received without a deposit will not be considered and the highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted. tenders in a sealed envelope should be marked “TENDER MOTOR VEhICLE” addressed to: The Manager Operations Westpac Banking Corporation PO Box 42, Avarua Or hand delivered to Westpac Banking Corporation, Main Road, avarua no later than 4pm Friday 21 March 2014. Westpac Banking Corporation ABn 33 007 457 141 the liability of its members is limited. 77577

A rare TENDER in Tikioki ! tenders are invited before 27 March at 12 noon for.... a vacant , “almost completed” , 4 bedroom and 2 bathroom absolute beachfront house over 2 levels. Polished solid timber looring and modern ittings. The living room opens onto a timber deck overlooking the beach and lagoon. Section is 1026 sq meters. and there is space for a guest bungalow(s) and plenty of parking. lease has almost 50 plus years to run. for tender conditions Phone , email or txt

Peter (55289) or Carey (55678),

tenders and enquiries to info@cookislands-realestate.com

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

PUBLIC NOTICES

FOR SALE Taro pa’i, all varieties @ $100/25kg bag. Phone 55441.

Japan assistance for Grassroots

77547 /77547 /2442

40 stacking chairs (black), $400 the lot. Phone 23597. 77626 /36968 /1931

2014 CISNOC Annual General Meeting I wish to give notice of the Cook Islands Sports & National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 3 April at 6pm, at the Olympic House situated in Nikao. Notice from the CISNOC CEO, Robert Graham. 77590 / /2082

The Cook Islands Netball Team Fundraiser. Quiz Night on Thursday 20 March at the CI Game Fishing Club. 6 players per team at $120. There are Great Prizes to be won. Tasty food will be selling on the night. All proceeds will go towards the preparations for Team Cook Islands to the Paciic Netball Series here in Rarotonga on 2-7 June 2014. Contact Tupe on 50081 or Inano 54243 to register your team or otherwise email: admin@netball.co.ck We welcome everyone to come and enjoy the night with us for a fun-illed evening. 77559 / /2113

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

11 month old pigs for sale Price $200 Call phone 75661. 77523 / /1931

VEhICLES FOR SALE 1x Tiger Smart motor bike (Blue) only 8 months old, going out price $1600. Phone 78191. 77564 /36906 /1931

SITUATIONS VACANT LABOURER/PLANTING/ CLEANER Job involves digging, planting, cleaning Must be reliable, lexible and hardworking. Call me, phone 55041. 77432 /36850 /1931

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

FIRST Secretary Reki Kataoka, of

the Japanese embassy will visit the Cook Islands from March 1822, 2014 to finalise support for two new projects valued at almost NZ$300,000, which involve youth vocational skills and maire cultivation. Kataoka, who replaces Kiyo Rokutanda who had previously administered the Grant Assistance for Grassroots human Security Programme (GGP) out of the mission in Wellington will not only inalise these two new projects, but will be available to discuss possible future projects under the scheme. Deputy high Commissioner Tepaeru herrmann welcomed this further support from Japan. “What has been particularly useful

about the Grassroots Grant Fund is it’s lexibility in accommodating projects in the islands beyond Rarotonga and deliverable by civil society,” said herrmann. In the two years the scheme has been available to the Cook Islands, Japan has provided in excess of NZ$400,000 to projects in the Cook Islands including for the Mangaia Fishing Association and health equipment for the Southern Group islands. Detailed information on the Grassroots Fund can be found on the Japanese embassy website at http://www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp/cookislands/documents/ CI.Guidelines2013.9.pdf and applications are to be submitted directly to the Japanese embassy in Wellington. - Release

SITUATIONS VACANT

77389 /36652 /1931

Are you an experienced Restaurant Supervisor and enjoy working in busy restaurants & bars? If this is you, we need to hear from you soon. On the job training provided. Great pay & beneits. Do you wake up early in the mornings, have a great attitude & personality & love looking after people in busy restaurants (Breakfast Service Team) If this is you, we need to hear from you soon. On the job training provided. Great pay & beneits. Please text Mii on 78112 to setup an interview or email your resume to oceans@crownbeach.com

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

77594 / /1969

77530 /36873 /1697

ChEF WANTED Castaway Resort is looking for a Chef to join our friendly team to work evenings. Must be experienced, honest, reliable, team player, customer friendly and polite. A top hourly rate will be paid. E-mail: pash@oyster.net.ck or ph: Paul Ash 74393. 77502 /36945 /1873

Pandanus Petrol is looking for an applicant that is honest and reliable, lexible hours and has a good working history, must be a fast learner. Phone 52218. 77634 / /2482

First Secretary Reki Kataoka, of the Japanese Embassy

SITUATIONS VACANT

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.

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.

77377 /36883 /1999

77241 /36842 /1933

Mike Rennie Builders Ltd is seeking an experienced carpenter to join our team on a full time basis. Please ring 21375 to arrange interview.

WANTED TO BUy We will BUY your old or broken gold jewellery. FISHERS BLACK PEARL JEWELLERY. 77583 / /1889

77534 / /2371

For the sake of your family

GET hELP Call AA - 71744

WANTED Wanting to rent 2 bedroom house plus. Please call 56189, 75451, 22254. 77553 /36914 /1931

SITUATIONS VACANT

73696 /36871 /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.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

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. 77060 /36638 /2046

Three bedroom fully furnished house in Tepuka. Must be honest and reliable. Phone 76132. 77512 /36874 /1931

FOR SALE 1x bench, 2x dumbells, 1x V bar, 120kg’s of weights, pull down bar, $250. Concrete mixer, $400. Phone 52144.

The Ministry of Internal Afairs invites applications for the position of Consumer Commissioner A full Job Description is available upon request. Please contact Eva Mapu, Phone 29370, or email: eva. mapu@cookislands.gov.ck Applications must be addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry. Applications close 31st March 2014. 777

Full time or part time Cook & Kitchen hand. Phone 76017 or 74345. 77627 /36969 /1931

77602 /36951 /1931

SITUATIONS VACANT

conident and motivated Vehicle Groomer WANTED! are you self-motivated and hard working with a keen eye for detail? We are currently looking for Vehicle Groomers to join our dynamic team! to succeed in this role, you’ll need to have: • A friendly and outgoing personality • A can-do attitude • At least 2 years proven work experience • A ‘team player’ work ethic It is also important to have a clean current driver’s license with experience in driving a range of manual & automatic vehicles and motorbikes. you must also be available to work in the weekends. If you think you have the skills and experience to join our team, apply now by contacting Phillip at avis Cook Islands. Phone 22833. 77588

are you an ambitious accountant who has been working for 1 - 2 years and is looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a successful 22 room Resort operating on the beautiful island of aitutaki in the Cook Islands? We are looking for a Financial Controller for our resort who will: • Be a Qualiied Accountant. excel and QuickBooks skills an advantage. Candidates should possess outstanding communication skills, credibility and keen commercial acumen • Be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the entire Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, P&l and Cash low) • ensure that appropriate internal controls are in place and consistently applied in order to achieve the most cost-efective control of hotel’s assets and proits are in place • Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with Cook Island commercial law and interface with external audits • Manage and help deliver the budget/forecast strategic plans. Be able to interpret inancial data, draw inSights, provide recommendations and support the execution of those plans to deliver the necessary solutions in order to maximise the resort’s inancial performance • Have a hands on approach to the receipt, delivery and storage of all hotel stock items and ensure tight cost control • Be able to properly prepare hotel, sales tax, and annual tax documents a competitive salary and accommodation package is available to the successful candidate, as well as the rare opportunity to live and work in Paradise. Interested candidates should email their CV to tamanubeachinancialcontroller@gmail.com 77433

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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 @ 4pm all applications will be treated in the strictest of conidence. Enquiries and further information: Contact Chairman of the Board, Phone: 22114; Mobile: 56890; email: kauvaicustoms@oyster.net.ck 77443

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

PICI continue monitoring turtle nests on Mauke SAND MINING in a known turtle nesting area on Mauke could be having a major effect on the number of turtles left. That’s according to English biologist oliver Clarke, from Bognor Regis,UK, who is on Mauke for one week to follow up on turtle nest surveying. he graduated from Bournemouth University with a biology degree and has previously worked in Grenada, Caribbean, on sea turtle conservation research and Peru working on endangered species monitoring and personal research for his university dissertation –‘The impact of eco-tourism on abundance of wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest.’ Presently oliver is volunteering with the Paciic Islands Conservation International (PICI) as a science oficer, working in Rarotonga on marine surveys diving the outer reef and passages. So far he has followed up on turtle nest surveys in Aitu-

taki, Atiu and Mauke, with his next stop being Mitiaro. No signs of turtle nests were found in Aitutaki or Mauke, and no hard evidence in Atiu, but he did see indications of possible nests. Nesting times in the Cook Islands are believed to be from November to February so Oliver was hoping to ind hatchlings or at least turtle egg shells. oliver is also taking the opportunity to talk about turtles in schools using a power point. At Mauke School he spoke to all students in two groups. During his talk he mentioned that he was surprised to see sand mining happening on a beach that has a public notice posted saying ‘turtle nesting beach’. The students were also surprised that mining was still going on. The junior students were very focused and excited to learn about our local turtles. They couldn’t wait to attack

Oliver with their many questions. At the end of their session, junior student councillor Tepuarangi Tararo thanked oliver for coming. When asked why there were no turtle nests this year, oliver said it may be because of overfishing in Fiji as that is where Cook Islands’ turtles go after laying to fatten up on sea grasses for two years before taking the 3000 kilometre journey back to the Cook Islands. There may be so few mature Maukean turtles left now that we will only see them every other year. It takes 25 to 30 years for green turtles to mature and during that time the young will not come back to their birth place until they are ready to breed and lay eggs. Turtles always go back to the place where they hatched as they have nature’s version of a GPS system in their heads. Although weather disrup-

tions could be a factor in the lack of nests, oliver believes the weather, which is a natural occurrence, wouldn’t be responsible for massive declines in the number of turtles. he says the most likely cause is human impact with some of the perils being beach development projects, animals digging up the nests, feeding grounds affected and, most importantly,

turtles are being caught up in ishing nets, on long lines and in purse seine nets. Climate change could be affecting nest temperatures also. Temperature determines the sex of the turtles so if the temperature raises by just two degrees the turtles will be all female, meaning that it will be likely they won’t ind a male in their location to mate with.

As a volunteer, oliver is paying his own way and when asked if he felt this was worth the cost to him, he said: “Deinitely, this is a worthwhile way of seeing the world –to travel and make a difference at the same time. The school work is important also. It might not show, but hopefully the message is going in.” - Katrina Josephine Shane

oliver Clarke encounters his irst coconut crab on Mauke. 14031507

mar17

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nUmanga SAtUrdAYS 6pm with -Jake on da kamaka Ukulele reservations required 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

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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

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mon17 6.00pm

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Mon to Sat $7.00 Lunch pack takeaway

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Mauke School’s junior students were focused and excited to learn about their local turtles.

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

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

Tracks made by heavy machinery such as diggers on the beach fronts in Mauke seem to indicate fresh sand mining on Nixon’s Beach Mauke, one of the turtle nesting reserves. 14031509

Monday, March 17, 2014 cook Islands News

v FLIGhT

FROM

ARRIVES

International Flights

MONDAy MArch 17 VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM nZ19 LAx 7.00AM tuesdAy MArch 18 NZ746/748 AKL 12.30AM VA163/162 AKL 11.55PM

DEPARTS

AKL AKL

1.05AM 8.15AM

AKL AKL

1.30AM 1.05AM

Air Rarotonga

Flight Times | Voyage details RARO TO ARR MONDAy MArch 17 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

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

ARR

OLOMANA 24 - ETD AUCK 09/03, ETA RARO 20/03, ETA AITUTAKI 21/03 TIARE MOANA 22 - ETD AUCK 22/03, ETA RARO 30/03, ETA AITUTAKI 1/4

Shipping OLOMANA 25 - ETD AUCK 01/04, ETA RARO 13/04, ETA AITUTAKI 15/04

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

answer to saturday’s puzzle

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

hÄgar the horrible

By dik Browne

the phantom

By lee falk & sy Barry

naringaiakarongo

me kai kava auraka e akaoro Weather Forecast to Midnight A STRonG WInD WARnInG ReMAInS In FoRCe FoR LAnD AREAS oF SoUtHERn CookS. A STRonG WInD WARnInG ReMAInS In FoRCe FoR noRtHERn AnD SoUtHERn CookS WAtERS. Situation: a high pressure system to the far south of Southern Cooks directs a strong southeast wind low over the group. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure to the north of Southern Cooks is expected to drift south and start afecting the northern parts of the group from later today. a trough of low pressure remains slow moving over the southern parts of northern Cooks. Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Over land: southeast winds 20 to 30 knots. Over waters: southeast 20 to 30 knots. rough to very rough seas. Moderate southerly swells. Fine apart from brief showers. Rain developing from later today. Further outlook: Periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms. For Rarotonga: Brief showers. Further outlook: Cloudy periods with brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Over land: northerly winds 20 to 25 knot. Over Waters: northerly winds 20 to 30 knots rough to very rough seas. Moderate northerly swells. Periods rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms. Further outlook: Periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms.

Humidity 17

Tue

Forecast Map 2pm Monday

Tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

Mon

A COOk ISLANDS NEWS PubLIC SERVICE MESSAGE

Mon high 10.23AM 0.93M 10.50PM 0.93M

Low

4.21AM

4m Se

0.35M 4.45PM 0.32M

0.3m nW

Tue high 10.58AM 0.96M 11.26PM 0.94M

Low

4.54AM 0.33M 5.20PM 0.30M

28°

Sun, Moon & Arapo

SE 20ktS new Moon Mar 30 8.45AM

First Quarter apr 6 10.31PM

Full Moon apr 14 9.43PM

Sunshine hours

Third Quarter Mar 23 3.46AM

ArAPo - uA mon 17 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.

TAUTAI (Fishing) Po ika i te maiata. Maroro tu. Fish at dawn. Good for lying ish.

70%

Mon sun rise 6.42AM sun set 6.52PM

night

80%

Moon rise 7.01PM Moon set 7.35AM

Morning

72%

Tue

night

77%

sun rise 6.42AM sun set

4m Se Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

4m Se

Stationary

Swell direction and size

outer Islands Weather outlook Monday, March 17, 2014

Morning

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

Rarotonga Monday, March 17, 2014

6.51PM

Moon rise 7.40PM Moon set 8.29AM

Aitutaki

27° SE 20ktS

Mangaia

26° SE 20ktS

Mitiaro

27° SE 20ktS

Atiu

Penrhyn

27° SE 20ktS

31° nE 12ktS

Mauke

27° SE 20ktS

Monday, March 3, 2014 cook Islands News

Home of Sport

tarekareka

SPoRT

Sharks register respectable loss Bears 54 vs Warriors 12 Panthers 34 vs sea eagles 10 eels 38 vs sharks 26 TH E ARORANGI Bears, Tupapa Panthers and Avatiu eels wrapped up the first round of the league season with convincing wins at the weekend. At “The Swamp” on Saturday the eels racked up the points early against their Aitutaki cousins. With a big lead at the first half – one Aitutaki supporter predicted a big come back and win for the Sharks. While the Sharks didn’t win – they put on a great second half display to register a respectable loss as it was always going to be a tough match against the competition leaders on their home ground. It was a relatively clinical approach by the eels as they sharpened up their combinations while the Sharks were thrilled to dot down against the leading club. Meanwhile, out at Raemaru Park, the Bears roared to life with a 54-12 thrashing against the Warriors, signalling they are inally ready to make waves in

the season. At victoria Park the Panthers gave their supporters plenty to cheer about as they ran rings around the Sea eagles to begin the long march back to the top four while the Sea eagles will be ruing missing opportunities. The Panthers will look to continue to sharpen their claws and will be eyeing up a victory against the Avatiu eels in their first game of round two this coming weekend. The Bears will want to continue their winning ways against the Sea eagles this weekend and will be desperate to get their train back on track. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will face the Warriors in the first round – the Warriors let the Bulldogs slip through but after a winless first round – it could be the “nothing to lose” attitude that might get them across the line. The Sharks will take a break this week and take time to think about their plan of attack for - MW round two.

Women’s tri this Saturday SAFeTY being paramount, the

ninth women’s triathlon was postponed at the weekend and is now scheduled to run this Saturday. Predicted adverse weather forced organisers to postpone the popular event citing the

safety of racers as well as the need to continue the event’s fun theme especially for irst timers to the sport. This means that the women’s teams registered have an extra week to train to get ready for the fun get together.

Green theme for St Pat’s day hASh house harriers celebrates St. Patrick’s Day today. Green is the theme! The run will be set by our Irish hasher Becci.

venue is the Social Centre opposite the Golf Course in Nikao. The run commences at 5.30pm and all runners and walkers are welcome.

Cook Islands Irishman Paddy Lynch in his St Pat’s inery.

14031501

The avatiu eels registered a strong win against the visiting aitutaki sharks at the weekend who came back in the second half to post points and register a respectable 38-26 loss against the lead club of the season so far. 14031512

Wet and wild mixed touch P R e D I CTe D wet and wild weather is sure to make things a little bit more challenging for open men’s and women’s touch rugby teams returning to the Nikao ield today. last Wednesday the mixed teams had their time under the spotlight with more evening contested games played. The Nukz Power crew outsmarted their live Free opponents 5-1 to celebrate victory with team Telecom joining them in the victory dance after convincingly beating the Ministry of education 7-3. Meanwhile Tereora College couldn’t buy a try going down scoreless against the 007 crew who dotted down eight times. A battle and a half was seen between the Mongoose side and the BCI Transactions with the bank crew banking the money and winning the game 6-4 while Maritime Cook Islands sailed past the Westpac crew to win 7-5. Team Justice did the damage against the MFeM Kings 5-0 while the Northern Stormers didn’t joke around when they faced the Tumeke Smurfs and won 7-2. It was an evening match contest for the Airport Wackeez and 1MFeM team with the scores locked up at 5-all.

Kicking off today’s game will be the women’s match between the fanciful Bounty hunters and Vaine Toa at 5pm on ield one. At 5.30pm the men’s Nukz Powere crew will face the Western Stallions on ield one while the women’s Kaos team will take on FBI at the same time

on ield two. The women’s Nukz Power team will take to field one at 6pm and face team Kimiora while Da Ropaz men’s team will face Itiki Power on field two at 6pm. Get along to Nikao ield for fast and furious touch rugby games. - Matariki Wilson

Monday draw – 5pm on ield one (women) Bounty hunters vs Vaine Toa, 5.30pm on ield one (men) Nukz Power vs Western Stallions, 5.30pm on ield two (women) Kaos v FBI, 6pm on field one (women) Nukz Power (w) vs Kimora (w), 6pm on ield two (men) Da Ropaz vs Itiki Power.

Get along to the Nikao ield this afternoon for what should be wet and wild touch rugby games in the open men’s and women’s division. 14031510