Friday 21 March

Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI

$2 Friday, march 21, 2014

All about water safety rough seas and bad weather did not deter young Cook islanders from enjoying learning about how to be sun smart and safe in the water at the Cook islands Water Safety and Surf Lifesaving Council water safety day held on Saturday at the rarotonga Sailing Club. and there was plenty of enthusiasm from all concerned as this group shot shows.

More pictures, story on page 10.

14032003

Zika count is PM played role in too low say pharmacists shark in incident PrIme minister and marine

Pharmacy managers suspect

the number of people who have contracted the zika virus in rarotonga is much higher then the oficial reported igure.

Leanne Kaiaruna, from Pharmacy health and Beauty in Nikao, said she has been seeing up to eight people a day showing symptoms typical of the virus. many of those people have been to rarotonga hospital but walked out after waiting too long to see a doctor, she said.

“They can’t get in so they come to us.”

The ministry of health’s official figure is based on the number of people seen by doctors, of which most work at the hospital. as of Tuesday afternoon, total reported cases stood at 421 but Kaiaruna said the real number is likely to be much higher than that.

“I’d say it would possibly be double that, based on what we’re seeing. Today alone I’ve seen four people that possibly have it.” cITc Pharmacy manager Shannon Saunders said she is

still seeing up to 10 people a day and doubts whether many of them are being counted by the Ministry of Health.

People do not want to go and sit at the hospital for two hours to be told something they already know, she said.

“I would say the majority of people I see are not going to the hospital and why would they? all the hospital is giving them is paracetemol and maybe antihistamines.”

She said tourists who pick up the virus are unlikely to pay a fee to be seen at the hospital. “a lot of people aren’t even coming in, they’re just ringing up.”

To gain accurate information about the prevalence of zika, the ministry should be asking pharmacies to report the number of people walking through their doors each day, she said.

Both Saunders and Kaiaruna stressed that people affected by the virus need to stay home and avoid socialising. They said to stay hydrated and take paracetamol to keep the fever down.

- Ben Chapman-Smith

resources minister henry Puna made an “executive decision” in allowing a boat discovered to have shark ins aboard to proceed through the nation’s exclusive economic Zone (eeZ) without having charges laid. according to a statement released by the Ofice of the Prime minister, the vessel – described as a chinese-flagged longliner – was allowed to continue its journey after “all the appropriate steps were completed to record and register the ind, and all the information was presented and advised by the ministry of marine Resources (MMR).”

The incident in question occurred last month and involved local maritime police who inspected the vessel at sea and found an estimated eight kilograms of wet shark in.

Several additional and undisclosed violations were reported by police, who did not lay any charges after receiving instructions from senior government oficials in Rarotonga.

“There are a broad range of issues to take into consideration

in a case like this,” said Puna, according to the statement. “This is not for instance, a simple matter of a reading of the regulations with respect to our domestic law governing sharks.”

Under cook Islands shark conservation regulations, violators can face ines ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, with each shark constituting a separate offense. In addition to the strict local regulations, the statement describes shark finning as an illegal practice under international law.

Leader of the Opposition Wilkie rasmussen and local conservation group Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) have both raised concerns with the way the incident was handled by Government. earlier this week, TIS sent a formal letter to Puna’s ofice inquiring about the chain of command that led to the decision in not charging the vessel, along with raising issues on how the incident could potentially tarnish the nation’s reputation and credibility.

The Government is currently pursuing the matter with chi-

Prime Minister Henry Puna. 14032015 nese government oficials and the Western Central Paciic Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

In the statement, Puna is said to have acknowledged “public concerns that the chinese vessel has somehow gotten away without punishment” but “... is confident that the advice of mmr is sound and that the current

course of action is best.”

“Our primary focus is on the sustainable management of our isheries resource and while we make every effort to safeguard our domestic obligations, we also remain steadfast in meeting the broad demands of our international legal frameworks,” said Puna.

The “allegation” of shark inning, the free right of passage by the vessel, and the lodging of information through the relevant channels, were “key points” identified by Puna and “outweighed the unknown quantity associated with pursuing punitive action over the discovery of eight kg of shark ins – approximately 10 sharks”, according to the statement.

The Pm added that Government’s focus on sustainable management of national resources “... ought not to be driven by the pursuit of money from ines but by initiatives for growth and longevity”.

“We need to remember that this falls under resource management, not crime and punishment,” said Puna.

- ES

SeaFooD

BaSket FiSh, calaMaRi, PRaWNS, SeaFooD StickS, SPRiNG Roll, hot chiPS & a choice oF SaUce

Traditional name:

Ongaonga Common name: Cook Islands fruitly Sci name: Bactrocera melanotus

…is an endemic fruitly of the Cook Islands and has its own bio-control agent.

While StockS laSt

weather

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Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

worldNeWS nuti no TeIa NeI aO $1.9 million for a dog ...

A weAlthy businessman in China has purchased a puppy for a whopping $US1.9 million. the tibetan mastiff is a popular breed for the newly wealthy in China, a status symbol move that has driven their prices up. One sold for $1.5 million in 2011 and there are reports another fetched $4.3 million last year.

Zhang Gengyun, the dog’s breeder, said: “Pure tibetan mastiffs are very rare, just like our nationally treasured pandas, so the prices are so high.” tibetan mastiffs are known for their round manes giving them a lion-like look, and are descendants of hunting dogs used by nomadic tribes in Asia. (See photo this page.)

Search on for debris Hunt for missing Malaysian light centred of west coast of Australia PerTh – an australian-led

search using planes and ships is combing an area of the Indian Ocean for a traces of missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

The australian maritime Safety authority agency said the search was suspended for the night without inding anything conclusive. australia, New Zealand and the US said bad weather had hampered their efforts in the area 2500km south-west of Perth.

Four planes were trying to check whether two objects seen on satellite images were debris

world BRIEFS OSCAR PISTORIUS’S HOUSE UP FOR SALE south afrIca – oscar Pistorius plans to sell his upmarket Pretoria house where he shot dead his girlfriend last year, to cover the legal fees for his murder trial. “It has become necessary to sell Mr Pistorius’s home in the silver Woods country Estate in Pretoria, in order for him to raise the necessary funds to cover his increasing legal costs,” the Pistorius’s lawyer Brian Webber said. “this is due to the unexpected extension of the trial beyond the initial threeweek period for which it was originally set down.” Pistorius has not returned to the modern, two-storey house since he fatally shot his girlfriend reeva steenkamp last year. “Mr Pistorius cannot contemplate ever returning to live there again,” Webber said.

PHOTOGRAPHER’S ATTACKERS CONVICTED INDIa – a court in the Indian city of Mumbai has convicted four men of the gang rape of a photojournalist last year. the men have been found guilty of ive ofences, including gang rape, unnatural sex and destruction of evidence. sentencing is set for friday. the 22-year-old woman was attacked by ive men while on assignment in a deserted mill in August. The ifth accused, believed to be under 18 at the time of the incident, is being tried in a juvenile court. In India, where a rape is recorded every 22 minutes, scrutiny of sexual violence has grown since the gang rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi in December 2012. The attack on the Mumbai photojournalist had renewed public outrage over sexual violence in the country.

TEN POLICEMEN KILLED IN GUN BATTLE AFGHANISTAN – Taliban ighters have killed at least 10 policemen in an attack on a city in eastern afghanistan. Gun battles started early on thursday morning in Jalalabad after a “multi-pronged” attack by insurgents. Police said they shot dead seven attackers, all of them wearing suicide bomb vests. the attack comes after the taliban vowed to disrupt the run-up to presidential elections in the country on april 5. “ten policemen, including the district police chief, were killed and 14 police were wounded,” deputy interior minister Mohammad ayoub salangi told afP. “one civilian was also killed, and all seven attackers.” the taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to media.

from light MH370.

Flight MH370, which disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board, has now been missing for nearly two weeks.

The search shifted to waters near australia after possible debris was spotted.

Prime minister Tony abbott told parliament he could offer no guarantee the items spotted were debris from malaysia airlines Flight 370, missing since march 8, but the information was “credible.

Satellite imagery experts said the lead was worth investigating. australia began the search in the southern Indian Ocean after satellite images indicated objects that could be debris from Flight 370 and Abbott informed Malaysia’s prime minister.

“It must be stressed that these sightings, while credible, are still to be confirmed,” Hishamuddin hussein, malaysia’s acting transport minister and defence minister, said during Thursday’s brieing. “Every effort is being made to locate the objects” seen by the satellites.

The larger of the two objects spotted is believed to be as big as 24 metres long. a Norwegian cargo vessel, hoegh St Petersburg, with a Filipino crew of 20, arrived in the area and used searchlights after dark to look for debris. It will continue the search Friday.

But an analyst said the debris is most likely not pieces of malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

“The chances of it being debris from the airplane are probably small, and the chances of it being debris from other shipping are probably large,” said Jason middleton, an aviation professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

- UPI/PNC

images taken by satellite image provider digitalGlobe on March 16 show satellite images of objects in the Indian Ocean which may be from missing Malaysia Airlines light MH370. AFP

Crisis prompts sanctions WaShINGTON – US President

Barack Obama has announced further sanctions on russian oficials and a bank over the crisis in Crimea.

Obama also said he had signed an order enabling the US to impose sanctions on sectors of the Russian economy. meanwhile eU leaders have arrived in Brussels amid warnings that they may impose tougher economic sanctions.

Tensions are high as moscow approves a treaty enabling cri-

mea – an autonomous republic in Ukraine – to join Russia.

Obama said: “russia must know that further escalation will only isolate it further from the international community.” he said the US was watching the situation in southern and eastern Ukraine with concern. russian authorities announced sanctions on US lawmakers and oficials in response.

In a separate development in crimea, russian-allied troops appeared to have seized at least

two Ukrainian navy ships at anchor in the port of Sevastopol. a White house official said the latest wave of US sanctions targeted 20 russian individuals with interests in the Crimea. among the 20 individuals facing sanctions are members of russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.

Those targeted will be unable to make transactions in dollars, will have any assets in the US frozen while barred from doing business in the US. - BBCw

Ukranians depart Crimea mOScOW – The russian Duma ratified a treaty on Thursday annexing crimea as Ukraine pulled its border guards out of the disputed peninsula.

The vote in the lower house of Parliament was overwhelming with 445 delegates voting for the reunification treaty and only one opposing it, the government-supported news agency RIA Novosti reported.

President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty Tuesday, two days after a hastily called referendum in the crimea in which almost 97 per cent of those who voted supported secession from Ukraine.

Pavlo Shysholin, deputy head of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, said that troops are being moved from crimea to the Ukrainian mainland.

“I would say we have begun gradual redeploying to the territory of Ukraine,” he told reporters in Kiev.

Shysholin said about 1,000 people have left crimea for Ukraine, saying they were forced out. He said border guards are inspecting all cars, trucks and trains crossing the new border.

- UPI

Million dollar dogs

IT’S ... FOUR GIRLS AND A BOy! usa – a texas woman has given birth to quintuplets – four girls and a boy – in Dallas, Texas. Michelle Seals gave birth to her ive babies ranging in weight from two pounds, seven ounces to three pounds, six ounces. “We are so blessed to have welcomed ive new members of our family into the world tuesday afternoon,” seals and her husband, steven, said in a statement. “they are all healthy and doing well. We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support.” the hospital at the Baylor university Medical centre said the babies are being monitored in an intensive care unit. the couple also have a two-year-old son.

SELFIE SNAPPER SNAPS LEG FROM STATUE ITALY – A foreign student on a mission to take the ultimate selie has broken the leg of a 400-year-old statue in Italy as he sat on it, according to witnesses. the accidental act of vandalism took place at the Brera academy of fine arts in Milan and was discovered on tuesday, the corriere Della sera reports. the foreign student allegedly scaled the Drunken satyr to take a photo of himself sitting on it when the leg snapped of and broke in pieces as it hit the loor.

With no cctV footage of the unexpected amputation it is unlikely that the person responsible will be apprehended.

Today’s Daily Bread The Word became lesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 7:21-29 read: read: John 1:1-14

text: Matthew 7:26 text: Verse 14

A Chinese dog lover with two Tibetan mastifs after they were sold at a luxury pet fair in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. one of the puppies was sold in for $uS1.6 million in what could be the most expensive dog sale ever. AFP

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Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Air pollution hinders recruitment a worker uses a smartphone application to read the level of pollution as smog obscures buildings in tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. AFP

Return of stolen statue demanded DeLhI – Police in India are calling on the National Gallery of australia to return a 900-yearold statue to India so they can use it as evidence in a trial against a man US authorities describe as one of the most proliic art smugglers in the world.

New york art dealer, Subash Kapoor, is accused of orchestrating raids on two ancient temples in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu and looting millions of dollars worth of artefacts. he has been in custody in

chennai for a year and a half after he was extradited from Germany.

Tamil Nadu police believe one of the statues that was stolen – a bronze ‘Dancing Shiva’ – is on display in the National Gallery of Australia.

The gallery purchased the statue from Kapoor in 2008 for ive million dollars.

The Tamil Nadu police Idol Wing which is investigating the case says the statue is a key piece of evidence for the upcoming trial.

- ABC

BeIJING – china’s smog is making it harder for foreign irms to convince top executives to work in the country, the american chamber of commerce in Beijing said, offering some of the strongest evidence yet on how pollution is hurting recruitment.

Some 48 per cent of the 365 foreign companies that replied to the chamber’s annual survey, which covers businesses in china’s northern cities, said concerns over air quality were turning senior executives away.

Pollution is “a difficulty in recruiting and retaining senior executive talent”, the report said.

The 2014 figure is a jump from the 19 per cent of foreign irms that said smog was a problem for recruitment in 2010. however, china’s slowing economy remained the top risk for companies.

Foreign executives increasingly complain about pollution in china and the perceived impact it is having on the health of themselves and their families.

Several high-profile executives have left china in recent years, citing pollution as the main reason for their decision to go. almost all chinese cities monitored for pollution last year failed to meet state standards, but northern China suffers the most.

Beijing’s oficial air quality index, which measures airborne pollut-

ants including particulate matter and sulphur dioxide, routinely exceeds 300, and sometimes hits extreme levels.

It is home to much of china’s coal, steel and cement production. It is also much colder, relying on industrial coal boilers to provide heating during the long winter.

The capital Beijing, for example, is surrounded by the big and heavily polluted industrial province of Hebei.

It is also choked by trafic.

By contrast, china’s commercial capital Shanghai, in the south, suffers less air pollution.

Indeed, a similar survey conducted by the american chamber of commerce’s Shanghai branch did not ask if pollution was affecting recruitment.

Premier Li Keqiang “declared war” on pollution at the opening of the annual session of parliament this month, part of a push to wean the world’s second biggest economy from creditfuelled growth to more sustainable development. china also pledged to make 60 per cent of its cities meet national pollution standards by 2020.

Lulu Zhou, associate director of the Beijing Office of international recruitment agency robert Walters china, said some foreign executives were using pollution to negotiate higher salary packages.

- Reuters

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Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalNeWS nuti no Te Pa eNUa

Opposition parties ‘disadvantaged’ Parties frustrated as regime boss seems to have started campaign SUVa – The Fiji Labour Party

says it’s concerned that important election details are being released by the Prime minister Frank Bainimarama during a visit to an outer island village in the Lau islands – on what appears to be an election campaign tour – while the electoral commission maintains its silence on such matters.

The former commodore

Bainimarama – now referred to as rear admiral Bainimarama in the Fiji media – seems to be campaigning as a candidate in the forthcoming elections even though he is yet to form a political party and oficially announce himself as a contender.

Opposition party members are frustrated that the rules of campaigning and details of how the elections will be run are still

paciic BRIEFS NAURU MOVES TO SET UP TRUST FUND Nauru – the Nauru Government has moved to set up an internationally managed trust fund so that the country’s inancial future is secure for generations to come. The minister for inance David Adeang held talks with senior oicials of the governments of australia, china, and the asian Development Bank earlier this month regarding the proposed establishment of the Nauru trust fund.

Adeang says the aim is to establish a inancial investment vehicle to assist the Republic to achieve greater inancial autonomy in the long term. The trust fund is envisioned to include inancial contributions from Nauru and partner countries, with a build-up period estimated at 20 years allowing for an accumulation of contributions and investment returns.

MORE MILLIONS FOR CyCLONE REBUILD TONGA – The World Bank has promised Tonga more than $US8 million to help build temporary homes for families afected by Cyclone Ian. The cyclone killed one person, damaged 800 homes and displaced about half the population of the ha’apai group. the deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure, samiu Vaipulu, has told Radio Tonga school and oice construction is not included in the World Bank funding, but there are plans for those buildings too. the broadcaster reports the World Bank is likely to release the funding in June or July. Part of the construction costs will be funded by the tongan government. the minister says the government is doing its best to help revive ha’apai’s economy.

PINE EyE MAy FORCE SCHOOLS TO CLOSE saMoa – the Ministry of Education in samoa is considering closing all goverment schools in response to an outbreak of pink eye disease. rNZI correspondent, autagavaia tipi autagavaia, says over the past week the number of people with the viral conjuctivitis has spread rapidly. He says last week 80 people had the condition and numbers released yesterday conirm more than 300 people are now infected. “they’re looking at closing all the government schools.

But like the Ministry of health was saying, it’s only people around the urban area being reported to the hospital, but they understand that people out in the rural areas are also being afected but they’re not coming to see the doctor.” autagavaia says the health Ministry advises people to wash their hands and to report to a specially isolated eye clinic, separate from other outpatient services.

ANGRy SCENES AS WORKERS GO ON STRIKE frENch PoLYNEsIa – there have been heated scenes in french Polynesia after a demonstration by striking public sector workers in Papeete. Some demonstrators insulted and beat police oicers near the memorial site for the war dead where about 500 people had gathered. the rally was called in protest at planned public sector reforms which has triggered concern about job losses. the crowd had wanted to meet the french high commissioner who declined discussing the issue, citing his need to stand aside because of the municipal elections to be held over the next two weekends. the high commissioner says he will meet the union in early april. the union movement says it will tighten its strike by about 4800 municipal employees in 48 communes.

KITESURFER BITTEN By SHARK IN NOUMEA fIJI – a kitesurfer has been attacked by a shark at a popular kitesuring spot in New Caledonia. The 42-year-old man was bitten when he briely fell into the waters of Sainte Marie Bay near the capital Noumea where he was kitesuring on Tuesday. The man managed to make his way back to shore unassisted where beachgoers came to his aid. he had to be treated in hospital for non life threatening injuries to one of his legs. the involved shark species is currently unknown. It is reported that the weather conditions had been rainy with turbid water at the location of the incident.

SAMOA’S PRIME MINISTER IN HOSPITAL saMoa – samoa’s Prime Minister, tuila’epa sa’ilele Malielegaoi is recovering at the national hospital in apia after being admitted Wednesday night due to a high fever. the opposition leader, Palusalue fa’apo II, says he visited the prime minister on thursday and he is in good spirits but is still receiving medical treatment in the high dependency unit. In parliament the opposition leader dismissed the deputy prime minister’s comments that the prime minister was well and carrying out his normal duties.

“The whole process is being tightly managed by the regime while the electoral commission stands compromised and subservient.’ not known to them.

Local media have reported Bainimarama informing villagers in Lau that elections will be held over several days with polling taking place in some places before the main polling day and later in other places.

The regime had previously insisted that the national polls would be a one-day affair.

Bainimarama has also released other hitherto unknown details about how the September polls will be conducted.

The Labour Party has denounced the electoral commission’s failure to release the electoral Decree and rules governing the conduct of polls, which it says puts other non-regime parties clearly at a disadvantage in the elections.

The Labour leader mahen-

Fiji regime leader Frank Bainimarama being dressed in traditional outit on a visit to the Lau Group where he gave villagers details of the upcoming elections that the registered political parties have not yet heard about. MINFO dra chaudhry says free, fair and credible elections are not possible under the prevailing conditions. he says the whole process is being tightly managed by the regime while the electoral commission stands compromised and subservient.

In Lau, Bainimarama said he will announce the name of his political party on April 22. he also told the people of the village Vanuavatu that he would officially launch his political party in May.

he said the election this year would be different from other general elections because it would be held in just one day.

Each Fijian would only need one-and-a-half minutes to vote, he said, adding this had been tested by elections oficials.

Bainimarama also said that 26 days before the election, the Fiji President would announce that no new parties could be formed and voter registrations and the elections roll would then be made ready. he also said all politicians

would have their pictures and a number on the ballot papers to make voting easier.

Vanuavatu Village headman Jokini ratuyagone asked the prime minister to explain how the election would be held as they were still in the dark.

Bainimarama explained there would be one ballot paper, 50 seats and one constituency. he also said there would be people voting one day before and others one day after the election.

- RNZI/PNC

Electoral fraud allegations Solomons candidates buy up IDs for biometric registration hON Iara – Less than two

weeks since the introduction of a biometric voter registration system in Solomon Islands there are already allegations of electoral fraud, according to a democracy advocacy group.

By using biometric identiiers, the possibility of election fraud was supposed to be minimised while at the same time accelerating the voter identiication process.

But Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) says it’s already received reports of widespread “vote rigging” using the new technology ahead of national election later this year.

TSI’s chief executive, Daniel Fenua, says there is anecdotal evidence of candidates taking possession of scores of ID cards. he says the cards are being purchased from individual voters.

Fenua says sitting MPs and candidates could be buying hundreds, if not thousands, of IDs which could have a real effect on the outcome of the polls.

“This will cause massive corruption leading up to the election,” he said.

“We urge the public, if they do know that the intended candidate is buying their IDs they should report directly to the police or the electoral commis-

sion,” Fenua said.

“The electoral commission should come out and send a very strong message to the intending candidates and the current members of parliament who are doing that practice that it’s against the law, and if they’re caught they should face the full force of the law.” at the official launch of the new system, Prime minister Gordon Darcy Lilo said: “Today’s launching is another step forward in strengthening the democratic process in Solomon Islands by ensuring the government establishes a free and fair voters’ list in the country’s 50 constituencies. “an accurate electoral roll is the corner-stone of any election,” the prime minister said.

The Solomon Islands government has issued a warning, saying it’s an offence for someone to have possession of another person’s ID card.

The chief electoral officer in Solomon Islands, Polycarp haununu, while acknowledging some irregularities has defended the new biometric voter registration system.

The issuing of Voter Identification cards and capturing of each individual’s bio data – thumb print and face – is purposely intended to address past

voter registration and election malpractices – especially double registration. haununu said that the Voter Identiication Card is issued to a voter after completing the registration process purposely to be used during voting on election day for veriication purposes. he said they should be not “for sale as done by some people”. “your ID card is your own electoral valuable possession and should not be given to anyone,” Haununu said. “eligible voters should be independent and responsible for keeping and looking after their Voter ID card,” he added. haununu said reports received by the electoral commission that some voters have tried to register more than once to get more cards to get more money by selling them to intending contestants for the coming elections was unexpected and surprising. haununu warned those who are involving in such unlawful act to stop – and reminded them of the consequences. “register more than once to get more cards is a serious criminal offence with severe punishment.

“Whoever is found guilty of registering more than once can face a penalty ine of $5000 and or imprisonment for a term not less than six months,” Haununu said.

“Those persons who have registered more than once and be detected by the system will be reported to the police,” the electoral commissioner warned. he urged good citizens to appreciate the process and do the right thing.

“It is time to move a step forward as the technology advances in our country.

“It is a timely chance to do away with corrupt practices that are associated with the past system that impeded a free and fair election process.” haununu says any technical problems with the system have now been ixed.

It is hoped that biometric identifiers will speed up the voter identiication process and minimise electoral fraud. more than 800 registration centres have been established throughout Solomon Islands for the registration exercise. haununu said he believes the task of registering all eligible voters in this year’s national election will be completed on time.

Solomon Islands is due to go to the polls late this year but a date has not yet been set.

Parliament is expected to be dissolved by October and a new prime minister must be elected within three months.

Biometric registration is expected to be completed by the end of May. -PNC

News from the Paciic region “A comprehensive daily report”

5

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

regionalNeWS nuti no Te Pa eNUa

Double tragedy for Fiji mother Mourning loss of mother, a Fijian woman loses husband and son SUVa – asena ravuiwasa and

her family left the Fijian village of Tavua to drive to the capital Suva to attend a ceremony to mark the end of the mourning period of 100 nights for her late mother.

The 43-year-old nurse at Tavua hospital was accompanied by her husband Sirilo, 42, sons Okusitino, 15, and Jiutasa, 13, and six-year-old daughter Veronika.

Tragedy struck that night and dealt her an unfathomable blow.

The family group never made it to Kalabu where the traditional ritual for her dead mother was being held.

Instead, ravuisawa was given even more death to deal with.

The vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road halfway through the long journey and crashed in to the Wainibuka River.

While still grieving for her deceased mother, ravuiwasa has since had to mourn and bury two of her closest loved ones.

Drowned as a result of the accident were her husband Sirilo and son Jiutasa.

Faced with a double tragedy, ravuiwasa shared her heartbreaking story with The Fiji Times. Her only hope is that it doesn’t happen to anyone else.

“We left Tavua at about 8.30pm and the driver appeared tired,” she related from a relative’s home in Nabua, Suva.

“So my husband asked him to stop twice along the way. At Naibita he just had a drink of water and continued while at Waimicia he napped for about 15 minutes.

“The driver insisted on continuing our journey and we were travelling very slowly.

“One thing I remember is Sirilo telling him a story about one of our relatives. How that relative would stop driving, no matter where and what time of day, if he was tired.

“I only remember seeing the white lines on the other side of the road.

“I called out to the driver but

there was no answer. Then we were off the road.

“Next thing I knew the car was illing up with water. The driver got out of the car and I never saw him again.

“It was dark and the current was strong. I told my older son to kick open the door on his side and I did the same, taking my daughter who was sitting on my lap with me.

“Then I heard my husband calling out in the dark, asking if I had the children. I told him that only Jiutasa was missing.

“That was the last I heard from my husband,” she said.

“I held on to my daughter and conversed with Okusitino throughout. He wanted to go back and help his father and brother.

ravuiwasa said she would miss her husband of 22 years – but she had also come to accept her fate as part of God’s plan. “my husband’s body was found in the car together with Jiutasa’s. He was a good husband and a good father. He had a heart condition but did what any good father would’ve done.

“Over the past few days we have sat as a family and tried to remember their last days.

“We take a lot of comfort from the fact that it was filled with laughter, both father and son were the kind who like to make people laugh and feel good, and that’s how they were in their inal days, making everyone laugh.”

- Fiji Times/PNC

“I told him not to fight the currents and tried to lift his spirit by talking to him.

“It was dark and the river was deep. We drifted down the river for about two hours. The current was really strong so I was getting really weak and tired.

“Then at one point we saw light. It is hard to believe but we were saved by two young boys .

“They were out for some night fishing and called out to others who also came and helped us that night.

“They said they heard my daughter’s voice piercing through the still of the night.

“Throughout the time we were drifting, Veronika never stopped calling out for help and calling out for her father and brother.”

Small islands need ‘data revolution’

aPIa – Small Island Developing

States (SIDS) need a “data revolution” to ensure “accountability” towards overcoming challenges they face, according to a preparatory statement for the upcoming September summit. a data revolution is required to enable “effective” follow up, evaluate and “track success” towards internationally agreed development goals.

The call was contained in a

draft sent out to island states from the Bureau of the Preparatory committee for the Samoahosted international SIDS conference. an improved data approach appears to be the one single unifying aspect to the draft outcome statement, amid wideranging concerns relating to sustainable development. a priority for post-2015 targets is to establish “a robust

global monitoring system that strengthens accountability at all levels and ensures adequate and timely analysis of implementation, and includes, where appropriate, clear targets and indicators that are relevant and meaningful to SIDS”.

Lack of meaningful progress is a frequent criticism thrown at regional and international bodies, a concern growing more urgent as climate change threat-

Russian rowing across the Pacific

ens to undo decades of economic growth.

“The vulnerabilities of SIDS will continue to grow unless urgent steps are taken to address our common environmental, social and economic challenges,” reads the draft.

“The large range of impacts from climate change and potentially more frequent and intense natural disasters constitute unprecedented threats for SIDS.

oficial records, or is not available to the public.

One example is PacNet, a regional disease surveillance network that, despite being set up years ago among 26 countries and territories, still only has reports from four member countries. many governments have proven resistant to sharing data publicly because of fears about public criticism.

- SA

“ We stress that climate change remains the greatest challenge to SIDS. Its adverse impacts, including resulting sea level rise and more frequent and intense natural disasters, continue to undermine progress towards development and, in the case of some SIDS, pose an existential threat.”

Despite the looming threats, data – including statistics – is often completely missing from

otc aRoRaNGi

located in arorangi next door to caR WoRX Ph 25600

6 Foot PlaStic FolDUP taBleS MaDe iN USa

were $225 now $164 3000 PSi SiMPSoN PReSSURe WaSheRS

russian adventurer and survivalist Fyodor Konyukhov is rowing solo from Peru to australia.

VLaDIVOSTOK – While the world is still in awe at the story of the Salvadoran man who survived 13 months adrift in the Paciic in an open boat – news is sparse about a russian adventurer who is well over halfway through an epic mission to row a boat solo from chile to australia.

62-year-old Fyodor Konyukhov is reportedly 90 days into his solo effort, and at last report earlier this month was negotiating the treacherous reefs and islands of the Tuamotu archipelago.

The russian traveller started his voyage in chile’s coastal city of concon on December 22, 2013, planning to reach Brisbane in Australia in 200 days.

Despite three tropical storms broiling ahead of his intended route Konyukhov has been rowing one month ahead of schedule. Favourable winds that had accompanied him for the first 60 days helped him to do this.

In a recent relayed radio report Konyukhov described how he encountered a waterspout.

“It was frightful,” he said in an irregular radio communication report relayed to Moscow.

The most recent report suggested Konyukhov had already covered around 7550km. To reach his final destination he has to cover another 5600km.

On December 22, his 62nd birthday, Konyukhov set off to row some 13,000 kilometres east to west from chile to australia’s Queensland coast.

Konyukhov, a folk hero in russia, is the only person to have reached such extreme points of the planet as the North Pole (three times), the South Pole, the Pole of Inaccessibility in the arctic Ocean and the top of Mount Everest (twice). he has also sailed around the world via Cape Horn.

Konyukhov has set world records, notably crossing the atlantic Ocean in a single row-

boat in 46 days,. he also mushed 800km in 15 days and 22 hours during a trans-Greenland dog sleigh ride.

The russian was patriotic about his passing through the Tuamotu’s where many islands were “discovered and described by outstanding russian navigators and are named after them, including Kutuzov, Barclay de Tolly, Kruzenshtern, Lazarev, Rumyantsev”. russia’s Itar-Tass news agency said the Tuamotus are also called the “Islands of Russians”.

During a communication session Konyukhov said, while proud of the russian navigators: “It would be good to sail around one hundred nautical miles away from this land.

“I should resist the storm and try not to drift southwards, because if I drift to the islands, it will be very dificult for me to get in clear water.”

- PNC

was $995

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6

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

LeTTerS reta

Minister considers treatment not fair Dear editor, I note that we did not get the same front page headline statements in my response to Wilkie's statements regarding the halfyear fiscal update. I thought it had been forgotten about until someone showed me it was buried in the middle pages.

In fact, the point I tried to make about the opposition not being able to count its own sums was all but lost. But, having the opportunity to call our figures as “fictitious” in a large front page article did not seem to be a fair representation from the two sides. mark Brown Editor’s note: No doubt the Leader of the Opposition had the same point of view about the front page lead status of your original article about the surplus. your later response was considered a clariication statement and treated accordingly.

Sharks have always been a problem for ishermen at Aitutaki – having a shark santuary makes no diference. 14030637

Shark sanctuary does not affect locals Dear editor, The Shark Protection regulations established in 2012 under the marine resources act are not designed to have any effect on the behaviour of local coastal ishermen. The regulations are focused on the pelagic fishery where sharks are targeted and exploited for their ins.

The Grey reef and Tiger sharks have been a nuisance on the south coast of aitutaki for far longer than the shark sanctuary has been in place, and as long as ishermen continue to trawl their gear in this area, sharks will continue to be a problem,

sanctuary or no sanctuary.

The Grey reef shark, as the name suggests, lives on or near the reefs, and is not one of the sharks typically caught by pelagic long liners. at the Shark Sanctuary consultative meetings in aitutaki, which included a presentation and questions session at the Aitutaki Fishing Club AGM in 2012, Aitutaki ishermen supported a ban on the commercial exploitation of sharks. While concerns were raised regarding artisanal catch, these were allayed by explaining that sharks caught by locals can be returned

to the sea, or brought ashore and shared. This was no change to the current practices at the time.

The suggestion that a cull may be required in aitutaki indicates how far removed mmr is from the responsible management of our resources and our environment. A healthy shark population is an indication of a healthy reef, so aitutaki should be glad at least part of their reef is still showing signs of a complete ecosystem.

Since the inception of the regulations in December 2012 the ministry of marine resources has failed to levy any ines, de-

spite inspections where shark material has been reported on board. Each offence is liable for over $150 000, meaning the

cook Islands has missed out on substantial income by choosing not to enforce shark regulations.

In fact, fisheries prosecutions

of any sort are signiicantly less than in previous years.

Stephen Lyon Proprietor, Paciic Divers

Give youth jobs on Te Mato Vai Dear editor, They sacked George Pitt, but he said what had to be said in my opinion. As a long time Raro

visitor, I get concerned that you are selling yourselves to the chinese, in low bid contracts and too many “free loans”.

George stood out on the Te mato Vai water infrastructure project; he in my opinion was spot on.

The kids who are breaking into tourist accommodations are one by one, sending bad reputations across the world, so don’t think the news stops on the rock.

I believe you should give them labour jobs like the water infrastructure project to keep them busy and an income as opposed to bringing in chinese workers to make the budget look good.

I always promote the cooks to go for vacations here in canada, but I do hear people say the crime rate is too high. Give them local jobs and take away their excuse. If they do get caught, have much stiffer penalties. randall from canada

Govt doing right thing with seats Dear editor, Kudos must go to the current Government for taking the initiative. Reducing the amount of seats in the up-coming election is certainly a step in the right direction.

Irrespective of perceived or insinuated perception, the fact still remains; they are reducing the political gravy train. many successive governments

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

www.cookislandsnews.com Daily Monday to saturday

have had the opportunity to initiate bold moves such as this, none have delivered. In this very small nation this can be viewed as political suicide. For this very reason no one has been brave enough to start the ball rolling.

“Those who make no mistakes often do nothing.” This Government cannot be accused of this.

The Silent achiever (Name and address Supplied)

Publisher John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com chief Executive Oicer Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com General Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com Editor Mark Ebrey mark@cookislandsnews.com Deputy Editor Matariki Wilson matariki@cookislandsnews.com Reporters Emmanuel Samoglou emmanuel@cookislandsnews.com Ben Chapman-Smith ben@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Reeves rachel@cookislandsnews.com Court Reporter Merita Wi-Kaitaia merita@cookislandsnews.com Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Sales and Marketing Manager Susan Tealby susan@cookislandsnews.com Advertising Assistant Ledua Vivian Engu vivian@cookislandsnews.com Advertising adverts@cookislandsnews.com Oice Manager Tere Joseph tere@cookislandsnews.com Accounts Manager Tangi Tauira tangi@cookislandsnews.com Reception Kura Tauira reception@cookislandsnews.com Oice Staf Apii Tua apii@cookislandsnews.com Graphic Design & Layout Mahai Daniel mahai@cookislandsnews.com Adam Tutuvanu adam@cookislandsnews.com Web Developer Daniel Rolls dan@cookislandsnews.com Print Manager Dan Johnston danj@cookislandsnews.com Printers Dennis Campos, Lai Gukisuva

7

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Cook islands Library and Museum Society president Gerald McCormack (centre) along with manager/curator Jean Mason accept the donated Cook islands Maori bible from ron Liddicoat and wife elma on behalf of owner William tailby. 14032017

Rare bible returns to Rarotonga aT 159 years old, a rare cook Is-

lands Maori bible is still in ine condition.

“Tuatua Tapu”, a Cook Islands maori bible published in 1855, has been donated to the cook Islands Library and museum Society and will be put on permanent display in the museum.

The rare bible, as well as three other historic books, has been donated by William Tailby – the current principal of Kaitaia college.

The book donations were

brought to rarotonga and presented to the local library and museum by Kaitaia college board chairman ron Liddicoat on behalf of Tailby.

Liddicoat says that while admiring the bible in Tailby’s book collection, he learned that the bible was published in cook Islands maori and that Tailby was the grandson of William Tailby who served in the cooks in the 1940s as resident commissioner.

Inside the bible is an inscription written in 1856, when the

bible was hot off the press, and gifted by Reverend William Gill. however, the library and museum staff are yet to conduct deeper research into the inscription as there were two William Gills that lived in the cook Islands in the 1800.

The first was reverend William Gill who arrived in the cooks in 1839 and lived in the islands for 30 years and wrote the book “Gems of the Coral Islands”.

The other is William Wyatt Gill, who lived on the island of

mangaia for 20 years from 1852 and wrote several important studies. cook Islands Library and museum Society president Gerald mccormack says he is extremely surprised to ind a bible from its era still in existence and in such good condition. cook Islands Library and museum Society manager/curator Jean mason says the bible will go on permanent display in a glass case in the museum where anyone interested can view it. - MW

the collection of books including the tuatua tapu published in 1855, donated to the Cook islands Library and Museum Society

by William tailby. 14032019

Local auditors briefed

memBerS of parliament’s Public accounts committee are hosting a regional audit oficial who has travelled to rarotonga to discuss government inancial accountability in the South Paciic.

This week, executive Director Eroni Vatuloka of the Paciic association of Supreme audit Institutions (PaSaI) met with members of the cook Islands Government Public accounts committee (Pac) – a parliamentary group which examines public inances.

The purpose of the meeting was for PaSaI to brief the Pac on its work and activities in the Cook Islands and the region.

Vatuloka was accompanied by Director allen Parker and manager edward herman from the Audit Ofice.

Pac Secretariat Paul allsworth said PaSaI, along with the United Nations Development Programme and other donors, are looking into the possibility of forming a regional Pac association as a way to enhance

Parliamentary governance in the region.

PaSaI are also considering requests from Pac for training in reporting and speciic areas of budget performance evaluation.

The public accounts committee consists of avatiu mP John henry, Ngatangiia mP atatoa herman, aitutaki mP mona Ioane, Opposition Leader Wilkie rasmussen, and former Prime Minister Jim Marurai.

PaSaI describes itself as the oficial association of Supreme

Young burglary accused on bail

a yOUNG man charged with burglary on a backpacker accommodation and entering a private residence with the intent to commit a crime, has pleaded not guilty.

Ngatupuna Teinakitama, 17, appeared in the high court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty through his counsel Brian mason, who also asked for his client to be bailed out of prison. mason said a change of plea may be made to the entering with

intent charge, but requested an adjournment for two weeks for a probation report to be made. He said the summary of facts concerning the charge still needs to be agreed to. The charges relate to incidents occurring in February.

Police prosecutor Fairoa Tararo requested that Teinakitama be placed on a curfew and reside with an aunt if he is bailed out.

Presiding Justice of the Peace

Bernice manarangi adjourned matters to april 3 and bailed Teinakitama under the conditions that he stick to a 7pm to 7am curfew and reside with his aunt in Nikao. He was also ordered not to go near rarotonga Backpackers and the victim of the entering with intent charge. he has pleaded guilty to a common assault charge and will be sentenced at a later date.

- Merita Wi-Kaitaia

audit Institutions (government audit offices and similar organisations, known as SaIs) in the Paciic region, and is one of the regional working groups belonging to the International Organisation of Supreme audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

PaSaI says it promotes transparent, accountable, effective, and eficient use of public sector resources in the Pacific region and contributes to that goal by helping its members improve the quality of public sector auditing to uniformly high standards.

- ES

the inscription inside the tuatua tapu published in 1855.

14032020

8

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

are Pa Metua board members Mousie Skews and taamo Heather stand in front of the new-look centre with the rotary Club painters. 14032027

Are Pa Metua gets a makeover KIND memBerS of a New Zea-

land rotary club gave rarotonga’s are Pa metua centre a much-needed lick of paint this week, despite the dire weather conditions. a group from the rotary club of Belfast Kaiapoi, in christchurch, dedicated two days of their cook Islands holiday to repainting the centre on monday and Tuesday. are Pa metua is a meeting

place for mamas and papas on the island, providing a venue for elderly people to read, play cards, watch videos and chat.

Board member mousie Skews, who is also a former rarotonga rotary club President, said she was deeply grateful to the men and their wives for their hard work.

“We can’t thank them enough for this, for their dedication.

They’re here on holiday but committed two days to do community work. That’s what Rotary is all about – service before self.” a special reception was held yesterday at the freshly sprucedup centre, where members of the rotary club of Belfast Kaiapoi were treated to a generous spread of food.

Laurence Trott, President of

the club, said he and the other members were looking forward to sampling the delicious local dishes.

“We were told morning tea is quite different in the islands so we had no breakfast this morning!” another member of the club, Phil Jones, said painting the centre was made dificult by this week’s “diabolical” weather.

“The irst day was too damp

and the next was too dry so we had big extremes. But we got it all done.”

Jones said the group will be having some well-deserved rest and recreation before heading home early next week.

“We’re going to go around and see the eating spots. I dare say we’ll go down to the bay and have a ride on the traditional vaka for a few hours.” rarotonga rotary club Presi-

dent mike Pynenburg said he is trying to get the group out for a spot of ishing with Seafari Fishing Charters.

Special thanks go out to cITc, who donated paint for the job, and local businessman Bill Doherty, who provided the scaffolding. rotary club of Belfast Kaiapoi also made a generous $250 donation to Are Pa Metua.

- Ben Chapman-Smith

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

Method of payment

Available to

Location for payment

Date

Time

Online

wBC and ANZ clients

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

Anytime

Anytime

Direct Debit

Non government or fleet vehicle owners

Please contact BCI on cash@bci.

Anytime co.ck for direct debit form

Anytime

Cash/ Cheque

Personal vehicle owners

BCI banking area

Mon – Fri

9am to 3pm

Cash/ Cheque

Non personal vehicle owners

BCI front oice

Mon – Fri

9am to 3pm

are Pa Metua board members Mousie Skews and taamo Heather are deeply grateful to the rotary Club for its kindness. 14032026

BCI will be extending its hours to the Public on the following dates only: 12 & 13 Mar 2014 24 – 27 Mar 2014 31 Mar 2014 3pm – 5.30pm 3pm – 5.30pm 3pm – 5.30pm Opening Saturday as well:

22nd Mar 2014 9am – 12pm

29th Mar 2014 9am – 12pm

For those paying by online banking or direct debit, please note your sticker will be available for collection from the front oice at BCI in three working days from payment.

Private Vehicle Fees only (please contact BCI on 29341 for non personal rates) POweR CyCle MOtOR CyCle UP tO 100cc MOtOR CyCle OVeR 100cc CARS, StAtION wAGONS UP tO 2600cc CARS, StAtION wAGONS UP OVeR 2600cc VANS OR PICK UPS UNDeR 2.25 tONNeS VANS OR PICK UPS OVeR 2.25 tONNeS tRAIleRS tRACtORS

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

Wives of the rotary Club group members (left to right) Jenny Cox, Sue Prattley and Kate Jones at yesterday’s “thank you” reception. 14032024

9

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

churchTaLK te aKONOaNGa

The other side of death — what it means to us all LaST WeeK a friend was sharing with me how disheartening it was for him to see a friend pass away so suddenly and unfairly.

We both agreed that recently too many people have passed away here on Rarotonga. This discussion led me to decide on the topic for our church Talk column — death, or just one aspect of it.

Is there a positive side to death? In this article we will look at the other side of death and discover that all is not necessarily lost when it strikes.

The purpose of this article is to alleviate the fear and worry many have regarding death, and to instill conidence in us that something exciting awaits the dead when the right time comes.

From experience we learn that death is no respecter of persons. It can strike anyone irrespective of title, gender and age at anytime, anywhere.

Therefore, every human being should accept that one day, sooner or later, he or she will die. No human intelligence can prevent this from happening!

Perhaps the wisest thing to do is not to waste our time and energy in ighting against it, but rather use every effort to achieve all that is necessary in this life before the end comes.

The question is, should the reality of death discourage or even scare us at all then? I feel that it is imperative for us to understand what death means because our perception of it may either scare or comfort us. a medical definition of death may be found in Dorlands Illustrated medical Dictionary which states that death is “the cessation of life”. Furthermore, it goes on to say that all vital organs of the human body cease to function at death. This simply means that nothing in the human body lives on after death.

This deinition agrees with the Biblical meaning of death, that the body returns to dust from where it came (Gen. 3:19). That explanation comes from the Creator of human beings. In other words, at death the process of becoming dust (decaying) begins. The last breath (oxygen) inhaled leaves the body causing it to be dead. This breath is what Ecclesiastes 12:7 calls “spirit” (KJV) which in the original language literally means “breath.”

Therefore, having looked at the medical definition and the Biblical meaning of death, can we now understand why it is not correct to believe that a person goes straight to heaven at death, or goes to some place to be cleaned up in some fire?

Believing that a person goes straight to heaven brings no joy whatsoever because (1) our eyes see otherwise, (2) it does not it with the teaching that God is love if it is true that it is he who takes a baby away from its parents, a husband away from his wife very early in their married life, or a mother away from her children just to be with him,

and (3) we are not certain that the dead do go to heaven because no one has returned to tell us that it is true. However, the Bible is very clear concerning the destiny of the dead.

What then is the excitement that awaits the dead and what comfort is there for the living?

It is the promise that comes from the creator of human beings, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25. NKJV). It is heartwarming to know that the creator did not only say we would become dust when we die and that’s it, but that the situation can be reversed when we die as people who believe in Him. For me the power of this promise is that Jesus literally demonstrated the truthfulness of it by raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43, 44). The fact of the matter is only Jesus can reverse what death brings us, and more importantly, he will.

The apostle Paul pointed out when this would occur: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thess. 4:16). It will happen

when Jesus comes again. The “dead in Christ” rising irst correlates with what Jesus said that only those who believe in him would beneit.

The benefits are explained in 1 corinthians 15:51-55 as (1) they will be raised and transformed, (2) they will have new bodies (not the same fragile ones they had before death) and (3) they will never die again. and in Philippians 3:21, when they are raised their bodies will be glorious just like Christ’s.

The rest of the dead must be the unbelievers and according to Jesus they will be raised to be condemned (John 5:28, 29), they rise in the bodies they died in for only the dead in christ will have new bodies. John saw them in vision destroyed together with the devil in revelation 20:7-15.

Isn’t it exciting to know that we have the opportunity to live again with bodies that will never die again? Think about the excitement of knowing that when we die as believers and when Jesus comes, (1) we will have the experience that adam had, rising out of the dust as living individuals, and (2) we will also have the experience that Jesus had on his resurrection which is the power to shatter death’s

grip on us and to walk out of our graves victorious and never again to die. Jesus is the only founder of religion who had died and rose again (witnessed by many – acts 1:3) and promised us that because he lives we will also live (John 14:19).

In conclusion, this understanding of death should bring hope to the dying and comfort to the living. The living will be able to meet their loved ones again one day but we must not let what Jesus is offering bypass us. If we do, then we have every reason to be hurt by and afraid of death. But as for the believer, certainly, there is glorious excitement on the other side of

death, and no matter how long it takes it will happen indeed.

Just believe and remain a be-

liever until you leave this world.

(Pastor hosea hosea, Seventh-day adventist church)

celebration

on the Rock aPoWeRFUl,eXcitiNGchURch Join us this weekend for our Sunday morning service 10am. aere mai, aere mai te katoatoa, te atua te aroa! acRoSS the RoaD the aiRPoRt, Nikao

apostolic church Weekly Programme Sunday to Friday Rarotonga apostolic church Bishop tutai Pere - 23778/55177 Dial-a-Prayer 26777 church Services on Sundays at 10am and 7pm Radio and television Ministr y at 11am and 4.30pm. Mid-week services on tuesdays and thursdays at 7pm. aitutaki apostolic church - Pastor Noo Mataiti - 31269. atiu apostolic church - Pastor Nikau tangaroa - 33778. Mangaia apostolic church Pastor Ngametua Papatua - 34065.

We PReach GoD iN JeSUS aND JeSUS iN GoD

FocUS 2014

“aheaD oF tiMe GoD” “JeSUS” “te atUa MoMUa i te aU Mea RaVaRai” “ko ieSU” “iamhethatliveth,andwasdead;and, behold,iamaliveforevermore,amen; andhavethekeysofhellanddeath...ko auteiaeoranei,imateanaraioki:eina,e oraaturaiauetuatauuaatu,amene!tei iakutetaviriotemateetoade” Revelation/apokalupo 1:18

all services cater for both Maori and english speaking brethren. contact: Bishop Pere on email: tpere@oyster.net.ck

JeSUS iS tRUe GoD

SITUATIONS VACANT

Electronic Banking Services & Information Technology (EBS&IT) – Team Leader

assemblies of God church

Sunday School: 9am -10.15am

As one of the global leaders in banking and inancial services, ANZ recognise that our greatest asset is our people. that is why we are creating a unique climate of inspiration, leadership, values and opportunities. By delivering continuous challenges, recognition, and personal and professional growth opportunities, it’s all part of a commitment to helping our people be where they want to be.

ANZ Cook Islands is inviting highly motivated, qualiied and interested applicants to join its Operations team as the “eBS & It team leader”.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Oicer, the purpose of the EBS & IT Team Leader role is to contribute to the success of electronic Banking (eBS) and Information technology (It) objectives within ANZ’s Cook Islands business by providing support and promotion of the eBS and It Productions to Customers. the applicant should satisfy the following requirements: • Demonstrated strong marketing skills; • Demonstrated high consistency in customer care, passion and pro-activeness; • A thorough knowledge of bank strategies, objectives and policies and procedures; • Excellent knowledge of EBS product and services functionality; • Excellent knowledge of ANZ’s product features; • Efective verbal and written communication skills; • Strong analytical skills combined with good planning, problem solving and organisation skills; • Demonstrate sound PC skills. Ability to grasp technical concepts; • Aptitude of grasping and mastering new processes, procedures and technology; • Training experience; • Have well rounded people management skills and proven ability to lead, motivate and achieve objectives through others.

If you have what it takes to deliver outstanding performance as eBS & It team leader, please submit your written applications including a detailed resume by 26 March 2014 to: “Vacancy – eBS & It team leader” human Resources Department ANZ Cook Islands Avarua Rarotonga Or for further information please contact Julz Westrupp on phone 21750 ext 244 or email Julieanne.westrupp@anz.com 77717

10

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

Young “lifesavers” practice their technique at the Westpac water safety day. 14032043

Learning to put a victim in the correct recovery position. 14032004

Water safety day a huge success rOUGh SeaS and bad weather did not deter young cook Islanders from enjoying learning about how to be sun smart and safe in the water at the cook Islands Water Safety and Surf Lifesaving council water safety day held on Saturday at the rarotonga Sailing Club.

Even the lack of “beach” was not enough to prevent the Westpac-supported event from being a huge success.

Piha Surf Lifeguard chris Webber, who was visiting rarotonga on holiday, helped local water safety advocate Shannon Saunders run a basic water safety course that included a theory and a practical component. Although the sessions were targeted at children aged 7-14, a number of parents learnt a thing or two as well. attendees learnt the importance of knowing your limits in and around water, how to identify dangers and safe ways to rescue others.

The children had the opportunity to take part in staged rescues – wading out to their

“drowning” victim with a rescue tube donated by Surf Lifesaving Queensland, Australia. The rescue tube is easily attached around the person or people who require help and they can be pulled to safety. although water safety is a serious matter, a lot of fun was had by all who attended.

Westpac’s support was headed by manager Brett hooker, who let himself to be “rescued” a few times. “It was great to see the children of the cook Islands learning about water safety and practising how to save the lives of others. I can’t wait to put our Westpac staff through the water safety training session,” Brett said. rarotonga Sailing club welcomed the Water Safety Team to the club, saying it was the bestever opportunity to date for members to get updated with basic water safety information.

“There was intense interest in all aspects from simply being wise about personal protection from the sun to actually practis-

PUBLIC NOTICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS the Development Coordination Division (DCD) of the Ministry of Finance and economic Management invites suitably qualiied freight forwarding service providers to tender for the delivery of containers of Ropes and Floats to Manihiki. the tender document can be picked up from DCD, third Floor of the Ministry of Finance and economic Management in Avarua. An electronic copy of the tender document is available from the MFeM procurement website or the contact below.

All tenders are to be placed in the Tender Box at DCD, 3rd Floor, MFeM Building, Avarua.

The deadline for Proposals has been extended to the 1 April 2014 no later than 2pm.

For enquiries please contact: erina Korohina Ph: +68229521 email: erina.korohina@cookislands.gov.ck 77725

ing rescuing someone from the water - starring great tips about rip, currents and waves,” says rarotonga Sailing club’s anne Tierney.

“The cIWSSLSc is grateful for Westpac Bank’s continued support and the assistance from the rarotonga Sailing club, said CIWSSLS President Brent Fisher.

“I would like to thank my council for making the day happen and we look forward to being able to run another similar water safety day next term in conjunction with a different group or club,”.

If you have a group that may be interested in learning more about water safety please contact CIWSSLS President Brent Fisher at Fishers Black Pearls. - ME

CiWSSLSC members Georgia Langdon and Shannon Saunders, Westpac Bank General Manager Brett Hooker, and Piha Surf Lifeguard Chris Webber (back, from left to right) and CiWSSLSC President Brent Fisher take time out from their busy duties to pose for this shot. 14032002

Spike in new vehicle registrations in 2013 NeW VehIcLe registrations soared to a seven-year high in 2013, while the total value of building approvals remained low but crept up slightly.

The Ministry of Finance and economic management (MFEM) has just released its “Miscellaneous Statistics” for last year, covering building approvals, energy consumption, aircraft movement, motor vehicle registrations, air cargo and climate. cook Islanders registered a total of 1766 new vehicles, the highest number since 1862 vehicles were registered in 2006. motorcycles continue to dominate the market, making up nearly 75 per cent of all registrations. allister Webb, Sales manager at cook Islands motor centre, thought the increase last year could be attributable to rental company purchases. “maybe a lot of rental companies upgraded their stock because I know one here sold off a lot of old stock. Maybe it was a year of upgrades for rental com-

panies?”

The Statistics Office said the total value of buildings approved last year was $8.34 million, a small increase of $289,000 from the record low in 2012.

MFEM Economic Advisor James Webb said the 3.6 per cent annual lift is the irst increase in the value of building approvals since 2008 and the largest in percentage growth since 2006.

“Importantly, there was a 20.2 per cent increase in the value of commercial approvals - the largest since 2008,” he said. he pointed out that these numbers are only for approvals - not actual building work.

The realisation rate of construction activity is “far from stellar and can vary wildly from one year to the next”, he said. residential buildings contributed 73.9 per cent to the total value of building approvals, averaging more than $100,000 per residential building approved.

Building approvals were at their highest from 2006 to 2008, when total values were around

new vehicle registrations spiked at a seven year high last year. 14031921 $22 million each year. another key fact shown in the MFEM data is that total electricity generated in the cook Islands was 32.5 million kilowatt hours, down 1.2 per cent from 32.9 million in 2012. About 85 per cent of the electricity was consumed on Rarotonga.

There were 891 international lights out of Rarotonga last year - 14 more than in 2012 – and 712 of those were to New Zealand.

A total weight of 1.35 mil-

lion kilograms of air cargo was recorded; down 27.4 per cent from 2012. rarotonga and aitutaki recorded an average temperature of 24.4 and 25.0 degrees Celsius, respectively, with a total rainfall of 1405 millimetres for rarotonga and 1376 millimetres for Aitutaki.

The sun shone for a total of 2005 hours in rarotonga last year.

- Ben Chapman-Smith

11

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

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DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is

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

casual ads must be prepaid. cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

FOR RENT

GARAGE SALE

SITUATIONS VACANT

hip hop 4 Kidz Term 2 starts this Friday 21 March for 5 weeks. register at dance.rarotonga@ gmail.com or 55652.

Cook Islands Towage Ltd (Barge) Shipping Notice the barge is accepting cargo today thursday 20 March to friday 21 March for Mangaia. For further information please contact 27674.

Meitaki Maata.

1 bedroom house, large yard, private, safe & secure, suit couple. Just of main road Arorangi near sDa church. Viewings friday, $150pw.

1 bedroom lat self contained. safe, secure and private inc. of power/gas heated shower.

Great views. No separate kitchen, bench top oven and single gas hob and fridge included. use of washing machine available. Muri, $150pw. Phone 74568.

Second hand bar fridge/freezers, shower surrounds, vanities, toilets, beds, light ittings and other items.

9am - 1pm. Friday 21 March.

Next to Island Car & Bike Hire, arorangi.

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.

77674 /37029 /1931

77701 / /2435

77665 /37018 /1931

NOTICE IS hEREBY GIVEN that Mr Nooroa Ina tou on behalf of cook Island rugby League Masters has iled an application with the Liquor Licensing authority for a special Liquor Licence to provide for the sale of Liquor at the te atukura Grounds, Avarua on Friday 4 April 2014 from 5pm to 11pm for the cook Islands rugby League Masters Mini tournament. any person who objects to the said application should do so in writing addressed to the secretary, Liquor Licensing authority, P O Box 61, Rarotonga by 3 April 2014.

77729 /37074 /1931

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 /37047 /1626

77707 / /1853

The Cook Islands red cross Society is ofering a Certiied comprehensive first aid training course.

A 2 year irst aid certiicate will be awarded at the completion of the course.

Date: Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 April 2014.

Venue: cook Islands red cross headquarters.

Time 8.30am. for any enquiries contact: 22598.

Email: irstaid@redcross.org. ck Meitaki maata.

AVATIU/NIKAO NETBALL CLUB NOTICE to all current and intending players - our club is opening training to all those who are keen to be part of our 2014 netball journey. training days are from tuesday 25 March onwards and training hours from 4.30pm. Coaches will be at the court to welcome our new players wishing to join us. all are kindly welcome aboard. avatiu/Nikao Netball club Executives

Missing Bunch keys taken from Van. reward given to whoever returns or has information contact 55577 or 29077.

SERVICES Grounds Maintenance Services Need your lawns and hedge trimmed and/or maintained?

No job is too big or too small for us to handle. Give us a call at T&S Ltd on 29069 or 70716/52914 for a free quote.

77709 /37065 /1931

home Care Services Qualiied training care for elderly. Please call Nane on 74013.

77671 /37022 /1931

FOR RENT Modern apartment in the KaKEra complex Ngatangiia. available now. three bedrooms, two bathrooms. email kakera@hotmail.co.nz for full details.

ENTERTAINMENT

liVe MUSic

SUNDay

With tRiGGeRFiSh FRoM 7PM

SUNDay BBQ BUFFet iNclUDiNG oUR FaMoUS DeSSeRtS

FRee GaMe

PhoNe 27181 oF MiNi GolF!

Garage sale at celebration on the rock church Behind cafe Jireh.

When: 22 March 2014 this saturday Time:7:30am

SITUATIONS VACANT Chef wanted evenings plus cleaner. Phone 21118, 25433, 73764.

77663 /37062 /2230

Groundsman part time. Phone 51143.

77572 /37015 /2643

GROUNDSMEN/PICKERS cook Islands Noni Marketing requires two people to mow/ grass-cut/maintain and pick noni plantations. Must have agriculture background and mechanical skills to maintain equipment. Drivers licence/ own vehicle an advantage.

Please send cV and references to: CINM, PO Box 104.

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.

Email pash@oyster.net.ck or phone Paul Ash 74393.

77502 /36945 /1873

77516 /36932 /2019

Part-time house cleaner 10-15hrs/wk Good pay. Phone 55567.

foundation

Ph 22336

PUBLIC NOTICES

77656 /37030 /1931

77512 /36874 /1931

FOR HIRE TAMARUMARU TENT hIRE Phone 23787, 78103,79171 or 51188 jeralee@oyster.net.ck 77437 /36809 /2463

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

77523 /36989 /1931

Cooked banana, frozen, ready for poke. Phone 51143.

77571 /37015 /2643

2 bedroom home for sale All contents & furniture.

Situated in Tupapa, $150,000.

For further info phone 28328.

77673 /37024 /1931

VEHICLES FOR SALE Ford Ranger Pickup 2wd Diesel, 28000k, 5 years old, as new-no rust $20,000.

Telephone 22148.

77699 /37037 /1931

2011 Ford Ranger 4WD pick-up 2.5L diesel engine, 36,800kms. one owner, $27,700 ono.

Phone/text John 72170.

La Casita and Rickshaw Excellent opportunity for full or Part time Work In hospitality.

Supervisors 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, training can be given Great rates of pay for the right applicants.

Excellent opportunity for full or Part time Work.

Please phone: 26487 between 9am - 2pm ask for Komera, sue or Julie.

Email references to: tamarind@ oyster.net.ck

Mazda Capella car for sale ‘as is where is’ basis $4,000 ono.

Please call Marion on ph 23387 to inspect. Highest ofer not necessarily accepted.

77712 / /1640

77683 /37061 /2592

77721 /37056 /1931

2013/2014 NZAID ShORT TERM TRAINING AWARDS (STTA) Employers wishing to develop staf skills through STTA are invited to apply for assistance under the NZAID Bilateral Aid training Programme. this can include new short courses and attachments in workplaces or training organisations. we have 4 placements available for this Financial year.

Studies to complete tertiary certiicates and diplomas will not be eligible under this programme.

SttA will not be awarded where the proposed training is available in-country.

For further information and application forms, contact Anna Roi on ph 29357 ext. 245 or email scholarships@ education.gov.ck. Application forms must be received no later than 12pm thursday 3rd April 2014.

77724

77677 /37063 /1697

ChEF/COOKS REQUIRED Experienced chefs and cooks required.

Must be honest, reliable and available to work weekend shifts.

Keen to learn team players preferred.

Call or txt 54668 for an interview.

77675 / /2222

77619 /37048 /1636

QUotethiS aD aND Get a

Three bedroom fully furnished house in tepuka. Must be honest and reliable. Phone 76132.

FOR SALE

MISSING

77652 /37058 /2483

77667 /37020 /1931

77658 /37043 /2204

77730 /37075 /1931

Notice is hereby given that the 2014 Annual General Meeting will be held on : Date:Monday 24th March 2014 time :5.00 p.m.

Venue:National tennis centre, Nikao, rarotonga agenda: 1.Approval of Minutes of last aGM 2.adoption of tcI committee reports 3.Approval of Accounts for 2013 4.Election of Oicers 5.appointment of auditor 6.Notice of Motion/s (if any) 7.other Business all members and intending members are urged to attend. for further enquiries, please contact Lynne samuel, secretary, Phone 74 072.

Matavera Backroad recently completed open plan furnished unit. suit single or semi professional couple.

Long term preferred.

Phone 50077.

77687 / /1798

77634 /37052 /2482

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice the Committee of the Ngatangiia Democratic Party advise nominations for candidacy for the upcoming elections are now being accepted.

Nomination Forms, Instructions and Membership Cards can be obtained from Amoa Amoa – contact 26984/ 55799.

All Nomination Forms with attachments must be returned to Amoa Amoa no later than 6pm on tuesday 25 March 2014. No late nominations will be accepted.

A public meeting will be held on tuesday 1 April 2014 at 6pm at the Ngatangiia Clubhouse to: • conirm and announce eligible Candidates; • hear from the Candidates; and • announce the run-of date and programme.

For further information, please contact the following Committee Members: • Steven Peyroux – 23997/52370 • Amoa Amoa – 26984/55799 • Mann Short – 54254 Meitaki Maata.

77686

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every edition, (almost) anywhere on the island, rain or shine Phone our oice on 22999 for delivery rates and conditions

MINIStRy OF INteRNAl AFFAIRS

Social Impact Fund (SIF) Project Funding the SIF provides combined Cook Islands and New Zealand support to Cook Islands Civil Society Sector to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in the community and is focused on 6 priority areas: Gender equality, Children & youth, Disabilities, the elderly, Domestic Violence and Mental health. the SIF Board now invite proposals for Project Funding in the following eligible project areas • Community Education Projects • Training • Workshops • Awareness raising activities • Income generation •Organisational Strengthening Please note Infrastructure projects and International travel are not encouraged, but will be considered on a case by case basis.

For further inquiries please contact the SIF Manager on telephone 29378 or email angeline.tuara@cookislands. gov.ck Ministry of Internal Afairs. The deadline for submission of Project Funding Application is thursday 24 April 2014. No applications will be accepted after this date.

777

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Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

FOUND Notices are FREE To encourage honesty and good citizenship.

A Cook Islands News public service.

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13

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

FLIGhT FROM ARRIVES FRIdAy MArCH 21 VA163/162 aKL 11.55PM Nz46/61 aKL 1.55PM SATURdAy MArCH 22 NZ60/47 NZ18 VT33

sYD aKL PPt

5.30AM 10.30PM 2.50PM

TO

DEPARTS

aKL sYD

1.05AM 3.05PM

aKL Lax PPt

6.40AM 11.59PM 3.50PM

air Rarotonga

International Flights

Flight Times | Voyage details RARO TO ARR FRIdAy MArCH 21 0800 aItutaKI 0850 1030 aItutaKI 1120 1530 aItutaKI 1620 1800 aItutaKI 1850 0900 aItutaKI 0950 0900 MaNGaIa 0940 1330 MauKE 1420

DEP

TO

ARR

0910 1140 1640 1910 1010 1000 1440 1710

raro raro raro raro atIu raro raro raro

DEP

TO

ARR

1000 1230 1730 2000 1055 1115 raro 1200 1040 1530 1600 MIt 1650 1800

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

GOT A STORY? text us on

or call us at cook Islands News

Su-Do-Ku EASY

Su-Do-Ku hARD

Crossword

Instructions

Instructions

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

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

answer tothursday’s puzzle

answer tothursday’s puzzle

hÄGaR the horrible

By Dik Browne

®

the PhaNtoM

By lee Falk & Sy Barry

®

DRiNk then DRiVe it May aS Well Be MURDeR

A COOk ISLANDS NEWS PUbLIC SERVICE MESSAGE

Weather Forecast to Midnight

Rarotonga Friday, March 21, 2014

Forecast Map 2pm Friday

tides

Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga

a StRONG WIND WaRNING REMaINS IN FRI High 12.38AM 0.94M 12.46PM 1.00M FORCE FOR aLL WatERS aND LaND aREaS OF SOUtHErN COOkS. A StrONG WiND WArNiNG Low 6.37AM 0.30M 7.11PM 0.27M REMaINS IN FORCE FOR aLL WatERS aND LaND ArEAS Of NOrtHErN COOkS. Sat High 1.17AM 0.93M 1.28PM 0.99M Situation: A west to southwest wind low Low 7.15AM 0.31M 7.53PM 0.29M prevails over Southern Cooks. A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over the Northern Cooks.

Forecast to midnight for the Southern Cooks: Over waters: westerly winds 25 to 30 knots. winds easing to moderate to fresh. Over land: Strong west to southwest winds. winds easing to moderate. Fine apart from brief showers. new Moon First Quarter Full Moon third Quarter Rough seas.

Mar 30 apr 6 apr 14 Mar 23 Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers.

8.45AM 10.31pM 9.43pM 3.46AM For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers.

Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers.

ArAPO - turu fri 21 For the Northern Cooks: Over waters: Northerly winds 25 to 30 knots, easing to tanu (Planting) tautai (Fishing) moderate to fresh. Over land: Strong northerly winds 20 to 25 knots. winds easing to moderate. tanu i te kai katoa. Good Po ika kore. Maata roa Occasional rain and few thunderstorms. Rough time for all planting. te turama. not good to very rough seas.

Further outlook: Occasional showers. ishing nights. Too much

2.5m SW

21

1.7m NW

N

22

28°

Sun, Moon & arapo

21

Sat

22

5.1

2.5m SW

Front Key:

Cold

Warm

Occluded

Stationary

2.1m SW

y

Swell direction and size

light.

Humidity FRI

SE 14ktS

Sunshine hours

Outer Islands Weather Outlook Friday, March 21, 2014

Morning

87%

night

66%

Morning

86%

night

73%

Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.

FRI

21

Sat

22

Sun rise

6.43AM

Sun Set 6.49PM

Moon rise 9.53PM Moon Set 11.17AM Sun rise

6.44AM

Sun Set 6.48PM

Moon rise 10.45PM Moon Set 12.14PM

Aitutaki

29° SE 15ktS

Mangaia

27° SE 15ktS

Mitiaro

28° SE 18ktS

Atiu

Penrhyn

28° SE 18ktS

32° NE 12ktS

Mauke

28° SE 18ktS

14

Friday, March 21, 2014 cook Islands News

HOME OF SPORTS

tarekareka

SPOrT bulldogs and Warriors start league round two TemUrImOTIa Park will host

the start of the second round of rugby league with games at the ield today.

The Bulldogs will host the Takuvaine warriors reserve grade today before the premier grade from the two clubs square off tomorrow.

Today’s match kicks off at 5pm and tomorrow premier game will be played at 4pm after the under 19 Warriors and Tupapa Panthers take to the ield irst at 2.30pm.

On Saturday games will be played at the avatiu Swamp and at Raemaru Park. at the avatiu Swamp – top of the table avatiu eels will host the Tupapa Panthers although the baby eels in the under 16 and under 19 grade will play the arorangi Bears.

Games at avatiu will kick off at 1pm. at raemaru Park – the arorangi Bears will play host to the Ngatangiia Sea eagles and the Bears premier grade will want to continue their winning ways.

Games at raemaru Park will kick off at 2pm when the baby Bears under 14 grade host the baby Eels.

The premier grade game at raemaru Park will be played at 4.30pm.

On the premier grade points table after six games – the eels are top of the table with six wins from six games for a total of 12 points.

Sharing eight points each are the Bears and Bulldogs with the Bears on top while the Sea eagles have three points followed by the Sharks and Panthers on two points and the Warriors with one point.

On the reserve grade points table – the Sea eagles occupy the top spot with 14 points with the Bears on second with 10 points and the eels in third with eight points.

The Bulldogs and Panthers share four points each while the Warriors are yet to secure a win.

In the under 19 grade – the Bears are on top of the eels with both clubs sharing 12 points each while the Panthers have 10 points and the Warriors on two.

The baby Bears top the under 16 grade with 14 points followed by the eels on 12 points and the Panthers with eight.

The baby eels lead the under 14 division with 14 points

followed by the Bears on eight points and the Bulldogs with six points.

- Matariki Wilson

Friday 20 bulldogs vs Warriors at Teimurimotia Park – 5pm Reserves, Ref-B.Bishop assisted

by N. Takaiti/A.Emile.

Saturday 21 bulldogs vs Warriors at Teimurimotia Park – 2.30pm U19 Warriors vs Panthers, Ref-T. Manuel assisted by T.Benioni/S. Teiotu, 4pm Premiers, Ref-T. Taomia T.Benioni/S.Teiotu, (Sub-Oficial-T. Manuel).

Saturday 21 Eels vs Panthers at the Swamp – 1pm U16 eels vs Bears, Ref-J. Hosking assisted by Club Oficials, 2pm U19 Eels vs Bears, Ref-B.Bishop assisted by D. Crummer/ K.Kopu, 3.30pm Reserves, Ref-T.Taurarii assisted

by S. Willis/ K.Kopu, 5pm Premiers, Ref-N. Takaiti assisted

by T.Taurarii /B.Bishop (Sub Oficial-T.Ngaputa).

Saturday 21 bears vs Sea Eagles at Raemaru Park – 2pm U14s Bears vs Eels, Ref-P.Ngaroi assisted by Club Oficials, 3pm Reserves, Ref-P.Mitchell assisted

by A.Emile/P.Ngaroi, 4.30pm Premiers, Ref-N. Tou assisted by A.Emile/P.Ngaroi, (Sub OficialP.Mitchell).

Crusaders share rugby knowledge cOOK Islands rugby scholarship student Davey mato has been rubbing shoulders, of the rugby scrum kind, with crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett this week. mato is one of three cook Islands students on a rugby scholarship to rangiora high School just out of christchurch and all three young men have been selected into the school’s irst XV rugby squad.

This week the irst XV squad’s

tight forwards, including mato, beneited from the knowledge and experience of crusaders prop Crockett.

The experienced rugby players spent an hour with the lads with the forwards players going through scrum and lineout techniques. crockett’s visit was very timely, given the new scrum laws being used for 2014.

The school’s rugby players en-

joyed the opportunity to quiz crockett on everything from technique to life as a professional athlete.

The first XV forwards are looking forward to the season ahead, and were very appreciative of the Crusader visit.

Fellow Cook Islands scholarship students also in the school’s irst XV include Travel Tuaputa and Thomas Harrison.

- Matariki Wilson

14032035

The Bulldogs and Warriors will kick of round two of the rugby league season today and tomorrow.

Cook Islander and scholarship student Davey Mato (centre), fellow irst XV player Luke Ellis and RHS irst XV forwards coach Marty Ashby pictured with Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett. 14032009

Te Uki Ou students to tackle triathlon

aPII Te Uki Ou students will be

taking learning outdoors today when the Turangi school runs its triathlon event at Ngatangiia.

By the time you’ve had your morning coffee and read the paper – the primary school students would have been slogging it out in the multi discipline sport in various age grades.

The event includes team and individual categories for all students from year one right up to year eight.

The course will depend on the student’s age and group and

parents are asked to show their support not only for the students but also for the teachers in helping make the event safe and fun for all the kids.

Parents are asked to drop their kids off at the Ngatangiia sports ield this morning with the triathlon will run from 8.30 this morning right up to noon. make sure each mini athlete has water and snacks, togs and towel, bike and helmet, running shoes (optional) plus sunblock and hat as well as loads of enthusiasm.

- MW

apii te uki ou students will be geared up for a fun day of triathlon.

14032023

Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett goes through some drills with Rangiora High School irst XV forwards including local lad davey Mato. 14032007