Te reo o te KUKI AIRANI
$2 Saturday, march 22, 2014
Inquiry next month The long-awaiTed ‘Cola-
gate’ inquiry will begin next month, an oficial with Cook Islands Parliament has conirmed. Secretariat Head Paul Allsworth with Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has conirmed that the formal inquiry will commence on April 28, and is expected to run until May 9. Through a motion, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was tasked by Parliament last
June to look into the practice of invoice splitting – a practice where importers avoid paying full import levies on products by separating contents from packaging on their invoices. Over the past few months, the committee has conducted preliminary hearings and interviewed a handful of government oficials and workers from private businesses in preparation of the inquiry. - Emmanuel Samoglou
Manslaughter case put off until July a veTeran police officer ac-
cused of manslaughter in the death of Takuvaine teenager Pukana Piniata had his case heard by the High Court earlier this week. Defence Lawyer Norman George appeared in court for criminal call over on behalf of Senior Sergeant ratai Cymon Kaivananga, who is currently under suspension by Cook Islands Police. Kaivananga was charged in relation to an incident last August that involved a vehicle police pursuit of Piniata – who was on a motorbike. The pursuit ended at the O’oa Bridge in Upper Tupapa and left the teenager with life-threatening injuries. Hours later, he was pronounced dead in hospital. Kaivananga - described as a veteran law enforcement offi-
cial with 35 years of experience - entered a not guilty plea to the manslaughter charge last October. A manslaughter conviction can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, according to Section 197 the Crimes Act 1969. The case was adjourned by Justice Sir Hugh Williams until July 23 – the next sitting of the High Court which is scheduled to be presided over by Justice Colin Doherty. A trial date for the case has not been set. Crown counsel Cheryl King said she has a total of nine witnesses, expects a trial to last between four and five days, and has made full disclosure of evidence to the court. - Emmanuel Samoglou
and Merita Wi-Kaitaia
Prime Minister Henry Puna gets his hands dirty planting a tou tree yesterday. 14032106
First sods turned at Punanga Nui Park iT may have taken close to two
years but the irst trees have inally been planted in a desolate patch of land running north of Punanga Nui Market.
A ceremony held yesterday saw Prime Minister Henry Puna and Cabinet Ministers Kiriau Turepu, Mark Brown and Teariki Heather place young tou,
Watch data usage warning aS Cook Islanders adjust to the benefits of high-speed internet and 3G mobile, Telecom is warning its customers to keep an eye on their data usage. Faster broadband speed and increased capacity inevitably results in people spending more time online and chewing their way through higher amounts of data. A number of customers, such as local resident Kelvin Passfield, have already started to comment on the changes. “Is anyone else noticing unusually high internet usage this month? Passfield asked on a
community Facebook page this week. “We are already over our limit at home and work, and I wonder if others are inding the same, and it might have something to do with the O3b? Or just coincidence?” Telecom Cook Islands is suggesting some steps customers can take to avoid ending up with unexpectedly high bills at the end of the month. Sales and Marketing Manager Damien Beddoes warned customers to be prudent with what they use the internet for. “Match the right monthly plan to how much and what
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you want to do on the internet. This can save hundreds of dollars every month.” He said to keep wireless passwords protected and change them regularly, monitor the devices connected to your internet, and regularly check your usage statement on Telecom’s website. Those using 3G mobile can download a usage measurement application which warns the customer when their data cap has been exceeded. Postpaid customers can ind out their usage by texting “usage” to 901; Prepaid customers can text “datachk’ to 901.
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Beddoes said people should switch off auto-updates on their phones. He also said Telecom will notify people when they near the end of their data allowance. “We email notify at 80 per cent of usage, 100 per cent of usage and 150 per cent of usage.” However, the responsibility ultimately lies with the customer, Beddoes said. “In every other country in the world, it’s 100 per cent customer responsibility. Here we have put all these options in place for customers to monitor themselves.” See story page 7 - BCS
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tamanu, miro, ironwood and sea grape trees along the rock seawall close to Avatiu Stream. Planting the trees is the irst step towards beautifying a nearly six-acre area of land formed using material dredged from Avatiu Harbour in 2012. Agriculture Minister Turepu said yesterday’s ceremony coincided with World Forest Day, celebrated every year to remind communities of the importance of forests. “It is itting that this occasion is held on this day of launching the development of the Punanga Nui reclaimed area by setting a good example that such development is marked by planting a range of native trees along the sea wall of the area.” He said the land will eventually serve as a place for the community to mingle and relax on the grass, in the shade of an array of native lora. The $1.8 million land recla-
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mation project in 2012 involved laying down rocks and other base material before the dredged material was dumped on top. william wigmore, the ministry of Agriculture’s Director of Research, said holes have had to be dug, then illed with fresh soil and chicken manure so the plants can grow. He said only those trees and plants capable of withstanding the tough coastal elements will be planted there. Other changes proposed in the redevelopment project include a drainage upgrade, public walkway development, new toilet, new bus shelter and solarpowered lights. The most eastern section of the reclaimed land, which runs to a point opposite St Joseph Rd, will be probably be turned into a 200-space car park. It is hoped the entire project will be completed by June or July this year. - BCS
Creative Centre Tupapa 5.30pm for 6pm Wednesday Ph 55097
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
worldnewS nuti no Teia nei ao Who ate the peacock? Three policemen in Pakistan guarding the prime minister’s home have been suspended for negligence after a cat devoured one of the premier’s peacocks. A gardener found the dead peacock on one of the residence lawns, where the birds roam freely. One of the suspended oicers says 21 constables were summoned to explain themselves afterwards. The oicers reportedly said they were on duty that night but simply did not expect a cat to eat the peacock. The 18 oicers who were not manning the lawns were cleared, the paper says. But the remaining three have all been handed show-cause notices for negligence.
Search will take time
No sign of debris from missing light as families become angry PERTH – Spotter planes have
spent a second fruitless day scouring a remote stretch of the Indian Ocean for wreckage from a Malaysian jet, as Chinese relatives of the missing passengers clashed with Malaysian oficials. Australian and US military aircraft usually used for antisubmarine operations crisscrossed the isolated search area on Friday 2500 kilometres southwest of Perth, looking for two floating objects that had shown up on grainy satellite photos. Although the images were too indistinct to conirm as debris from Flight MH370, Australian
world BrieFS COURT RULES THAI ELECTION INVALID THAILAND – The constitutional court in Thailand has ruled that the general election in February was invalid, deepening a political stalemate following weeks of opposition protests. The election was called by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in an attempt to ease the country’s political crisis. But the court said the constitution had been violated because voting did not take place on the same day across the country. Polls were not held in a number of constituencies because protesters had blocked candidate registration. It is not clear when a new election will be held.
MAN FOCUS OF FRESH MCCANN SEARCH PORTUGAL – British police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are looking for a man who sexually abused ive girls. Madeleine was three years old when she disappeared from a holiday apartment in the Algarve in May 2007. United Kingdom detectives are following new leads as part of a fresh investigation which was launched last July. They’re looking for an intruder suspected of sexually assaulting ive girls aged between seven and 10 in their beds at holiday villas occupied by British families. Detective chief Inspector Andy Redwood says the man had an unhealthy interest in young, white female children and tracing him was a priority. Police say while not identical, many aspects of the sexual assaults were similar.
TROOPS NEEDED TO QUELL VIOLENCE BRAZIL – The governor of Rio de Janeiro state is meeting Brazil’s President Dilma Roussef to discuss recent attacks against police facilities. Governor Sergio cabral is expected to ask for support from federal troops after three police bases were attacked on Thursday. At least one oicer was shot. The police stations were set up in recent years to push drug dealers out of Rio’s favelas or shanty towns, ahead of the football World cup in June. Just over a week ago, another policeman was shot dead in a similar attack. Three more have been killed since February. “The state will not back down. The public may be sure we shall act,” the governor said.
AIRLINE STOPS FLIgHTS TO VENEzUELA
and Malaysian oficials said they represented the most “credible” leads to date in the hunt for the plane and its 239 passengers and crew. Friday’s search concluded “without any sightings”, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said in a statement. The planes lew low under the cloud cover rather than rely on radar, after poor weather the day before hampered the search. The distance from the west coast of Australia allows the planes only about two hours of actual search time before they must turn around with enough fuel to get back to Perth. Chinese ice breaker Xue Long joined the search after refuelling at Fremantle and was expected to arrive in the area within three to four days, the oficial Xinhua news agency reported. Two merchant ships were also helping with the search, but Australia’s HMAS Success, which is capable of retrieving any wreckage, was still days away. “This is going to be a long haul,” Malaysian Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told a daily press brieing in Kuala Lumpur. Relatives of Chinese passengers on board MH370 vented their fury on Friday in their first meeting in Beijing with Malaysian government oficials, almost two weeks after the aircraft vanished. The Malaysian delegation arrived in Beijing late on Thursday after repeated, angry demands by relatives for an opportunity to question Kuala Lumpur oficials about the search and rescue operation. Previous daily meetings at the hotel have been with representatives of Malaysia Airlines, and the relatives have been growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of answers. - AFP/AP
a crew member on a royal australian air Force aP-3C orion aircraft participating in the australian Maritime Safety authority-led search for Malaysia airlines Flight MH370. AFP
Nine killed in hotel attack kaBUl – At least nine civilians including children killed in a Taliban attack on a luxury hotel in Kabul. Four teenage gunmen with pistols hidden in their socks managed to penetrate several layers of security at the Serena Hotel, a prestigious venue favoured by foreign visitors to the capital, on Thursday night. The attack was claimed by the Taliban, who have vowed a campaign of violence to disrupt the planned April 5 poll.
One of the civilians killed in the attack was a former Paraguayan diplomat who was in Afghanistan as an election observer, Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Eladio Loizaga said. The attackers reached the hotel’s restaurant around 8.30pm and began firing indiscriminately at diners, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told a news conference. Nine people were killed in the assault, five Afghans and four foreigners, he said, and
the dead included four women and two children. The foreign nationals were from Canada, Pakistan and India, he said but made no mention of the Paraguayan. The attack ended around 11.30pm when Afghan security forces killed the last of the attackers, Sediqqi said, adding that most of the hotel guests had been able to take shelter in special safe rooms. - AFP
Captain’s phone call checked kUala LUMPUR – The captain of the missing Malaysia Airlines jet made a mystery phone call in the cockpit only minutes before taking off on the doomed light, according to a new report. A report in UK newspaper The Sun claims Malaysian authorities are investigating a phone call made by Captain Zaharie ahmad Shah only moments before taking off for Bei-
jing on March 8. Malaysian authorities are yet to comment on this latest development and have not conirmed if a phone call was made. The new lead comes the day after it was revealed that the captain had deleted data from the elaborate flight simulator at his home. Malaysian authorities have asked the FBI for help in recov-
ering the data that was deleted. The experts are looking at what are the logs, what has been cleared,” said Khalid Abu Bakar, inspector general of the Malaysian police. Police removed the simulator from Captain Zaharie’s home last Saturday after it became clear the aircraft had likely been deliberately diverted by someone on board. - 9NEWS
Super synchronicity
VENEZUELA – Air Canada has suspended lights to and from Venezuela, citing concerns over security. The airline said it would consider resuming operations once the situation in Venezuela had stabilised. It operated three return lights between Toronto and caracas per week. Twenty-nine people – from both sides of the political divide – have been killed in six weeks of protests against high inlation, crime and the shortage of many staples in Venezuela.“Due to ongoing civil unrest in Venezuela, Air canada can no longer ensure the safety of its operation and has suspended lights to Caracas until further notice,” the Canadian airline said.
TURKEY gIVES TWITTER THE CHOP TURKEY – The social website Twitter is being blocked in Turkey, hours after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised to wipe it out.Some users trying to access Twitter say they are being directed to an online statement saying the site has been blocked by court order. Hours before the site went down, Erdogan mocked Twitter at a public rally and said he wanted to get rid of it. “The international community can say this or that – I don’t care at all,” he warned. There are about 10 million Twitter users across Turkey. In 2010, the country lifted its ban on YouTube – two years after it blocked access to the website because of videos deemed insulting to the country’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Today’s Daily Bread you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.
read: read: JamesMatthew 4:1-10 7:21-29
text: Matthew text:7:26 eph 4:22
Italian divers tania Cagnotto and Francesca dallape dive to win the bronze medal of Women’s three Metre Synchro Springboard event at the FIna/nVC diving World Series 2014 in dubai this week. AFP
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
RaRocaRs Nude posing banned making The desiRable affoRdable
CUZCo – Peru has ordered tourists to keep their clothes on at Machu Picchu after a spate of streakers at the ancient Incan citadel. Four American tourists – three in their early twenties and one in his mid-ifties – were detained on March 14 after they stripped nude to pose for photos at the ancient city. Earlier that same week, two Australians and two Canadians were also detained for revealing all. Authorities in the Peruvian city Cuzco have slammed the rise in nudity at Machu Picchu, deeming it an attack on decency and an assault on Peru’s cultural heritage, reports the Peruvian Times. “There are places in the world
that people can get naked but not all places are appropriate for getting undressed,” Alfredo Mormontoy Atayupanqui, director of archaeological resources for Peru’s Ministry of Culture, told CNN. “nude behaviour may bring pleasure to a small percentage of people, but it causes discomfort and anger to others. “We need to make sure other tourists don’t feel awkward.” Baring all at the South american landmark has become so common that new rules are being introduced to prohibit such behaviour. “Practicing nudity and obscene acts contrary to morals and good customs” is one of the 27 acts of conduct prohibited under new regulations.
The new rules follow a run of scandalous incidents at Machu Picchu. in February, a viral video depicted two unidentified tourists streaking across the terraces that ancient Incans once used to irrigate their crops. In November, Liam Rudevies, 18, of Australia, and Mathew Topp, 30, of New Zealand, were arrested when Machu Picchu guards caught them posing naked for a photo, according to tour operator Fertur Peru Travel. Israeli traveller Amichay Rab also posted photos of himself posing nude at Machu Picchu – as well as scores of other locations – on his blog My Naked Trip. - AFP
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Trade war salvoes ired moSCow – Russia ired the irst
salvoes in what could develop into a trade war with Ukraine and the west, closing a Ukrainian-owned confectionery factory and stepping up inspections of goods at the border. Tensions have also risen between Russia and France over a billion euro deal for two Mistral warships after the foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said earlier this week that Paris may cancel the contract if Russia provoked further escalation in Ukraine. Russia’s deputy prime minister, Dmitry Rogozon, who is in charge of the defence industry, responded on Wednesday that France should either build the
two warships for Russia on time “or return the money and parts of these warships’ hulls” that had already been constructed. Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation said France would have to pay huge penalties if it terminated the contract. On Thursday morning, Russian riot police seized a factory in the city of Lipetsk, south-west Russia, operated by the Ukrainian confectionary company Roshen and stopped production. Other reports said police had also taken control of a Roshen warehouse in Lipetsk, essentially derailing the company’s extensive Russian distribution network. According to the com-
pany’s website, the Lipetsk plant is its only factory in Russia. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Russian border guards had increased customs checks “over possible attempts to bring contraband in from Ukraine, including weapons,” a customs oficial said. The moves came as Moscow said it would officially incorporate Ukraine’s breakaway Crimean peninsula into Russia by the end of the week, straining relations with Kiev still further. In recent years, Russia has been Ukraine’s largest trading partner. - The Guardian
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posite sides of Europe deepened the divide between East and West, as the European Union pulled Ukraine closer into its orbit and Russia formally annexed Crimea. In this “new post-Cold War order,” as the Ukrainian prime minister called it, besieged Ukrainian troops on the Crimean Peninsula grappled with an existential choice– leave, join the Russian military or demobilize. Ukraine was working on evacuating its outnumbered troops in Crimea, but some said they were still awaiting orders. Many eyes were on Russian
president Vladimir Putin’s next move, as they have been ever since pro-Western protests drove out Ukraine’s president a month ago, angering Russia and plunging Europe into its worst crisis in a generation. Putin sounded a conciliatory note, almost joking about US and EU sanctions squeezing his inner circle and saying he saw no reason to retaliate – but his government maintained warnings of further action. Russia’s troubled economic outlook may drive its decisions as much as any outside military threat. Stocks sank further and a possible new downgrade loomed.
Visa and MasterCard stopped serving two Russian banks and Russia conceded it may scrap plans to tap international markets for money this year. Despite those clouds, Putin framed Friday’s events in victorious colours, ordering fireworks in Moscow and Crimea reminiscent of the ireworks displays when Soviet troops drove the Nazis from occupied cities in World War II. At the Kremlin, Putin hailed the incorporation of the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea into Russia as a “remarkable event,” then inalized it by signing parliament bills into law. - AP
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalnewS nuti no Te Pa enUa
Iranian ‘thrown from balcony’ Visiting media and inquiry team view conditions inside compounds lorengaU – Asylum seekers detained on Manus Island say Iranian Reza Berati was thrown off a balcony before being beaten to death. Fresh allegations surrounding the death of the iranian asylum seeker emerged on Friday during an inspection of the centre, organised as part of a court inquiry into last month’s violence.
While AAP – one of two Australian media organisations granted rare access to the Manus Island facility – was not permitted to interview asylum seekers, many spoke openly and shouted to the visiting party. In one part of the facility known as Mike Compound, transferees pointed to a black stairwell that snaked up between stacked, white shipping
paciic BRIEFS
‘They hit him and he fell from here and they hit him in the head until he died.’ containers that served as fourman bedrooms. “They hit him and he fell from here and they hit him till he died,” said one asylum seeker. “They hit him in the head until he died.”
lorengaU – Guards at Aus-
SAMOA – The Prime Minister of Samoa remains in hospital after checking himself in on Wednesday. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was reported to have gone straight to intensive care and Talamua online reported medical sources said he had a high fever. The chief executive oicer of the Prime Minister’s Oice, Vaosa Epa, says Tuilaepa’s condition was never life-threatening, and she expects him to be back at work next week. Epa says the Prime Minister just needs rest, after an extremely busy week in Parliament. The New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had ofered to ly Tuilaepa out to hospital in New Zealand should it be required.
tralia’s detention centre on Manus island are ordered to carry hooked knives. The knives are used to cut ropes when asylum seekers try to hang themselves. This is the harsh reality of Australia’s so-called Paciic Solution, reports Australian Associated Press journalist Eoin Blackwell after journalists were allowed into the asylum seeker detention centre at Lorengau. On Friday, a select group of media organisations including AAP was permitted rare access to the centre by court order as part of a Papua New Guinea human rights inquiry into the treatment of asylum seekers. In one sleeping area in Foxtrot compound 122 men sleep in a steaming hot, darkened room with no air-conditioning, AAP reports. Large, industrial fans are spaced unevenly between the beds, leaving little room for people to move. And another reality – these are men, 1296 of them, living with the dark memories of the February 17 riot that claimed the life of 23-year-old Iranian
SAMOA – The trial of ive policemen charged with manslaughter in relation to death of New Zealand police oicer Kali Fungavaka, has been postponed and will now run from to April 8 to May 9. Matangi Tonga reports the trial was initially set to start on March 31, but the crown Prosecutor Sione Sisifa said the trial was adjourned because the court of Appeal session begins in the same week and counsel will be engaged. The accused police oicers are Inspector Kelepi Hala’uia and Police Constables Fatai Faletau, Salesi Maile, Tevita Vakalahi and Manu Tu’ivai. They will appear before Justice charles cato. A separate trial for the civilian accused, Semisi Kalisitiane Manu will be held after the policemen’s trial. Fungavaka died while in police custody in August 2012 in Nuku’alofa.
FIjI AIRLINE TO FLY DIRECT TO VAVA’U FIJI – An air service agreement has been made regarding Fiji Airways lights to and from the Tongan island group of Vava’u. Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Samiu Vaipulu, told Television Tonga that the government will start organising its lights from Suva and Nadi to Vava’u, and vice versa. He says once the light route is conirmed, the new travel arrangements will help boost the tourism sector, with more tourists able to visit Vava’u. Vaipulu says Fiji Airways also hopes to provide domestic lights within the kingdom, but this must irst be discussed with the local airline Real Tonga. He adds that Fiji Airways has also asked the government to reduce the airport costs imposed when landing in Vava’u.
SEASONAL WORKERS URgED TO INVEST NEW ZEALAND – Paciic workers in New Zealand are being assisted to spend their money wisely, as part of an educational campaign to help workers and boost Paciic investment. The Paciic Islands Forum’s trade oice in Auckland, Paciic Trade and Invest, is running Financial Literacy and Investment Opportunity seminars. The High commissioner of Vanuatu, Mckenzie Kalotiti, says for most of the workers, dealing with money is like being in a diferent world. The Acting Trade Commissioner of Paciic Islands Trade and Invest, Manuel Valdez, says there’s constructive ways to invest back home. “We want them to save their money wisely and invest that hardearned money when they go back to their home countries.”
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS SEEN AS A TEST RUN NEW cALEDONIA – New caledonia is gearing up for this weekend’s municipal elections, seen as a test run for the provincial elections in May. 150 lists are contesting the 33 municipal elections, which have a strong focus on the capital and its immediate suburbs. The city’s long-term mayor, Jean Leques, won’t seek re-election, opening the contest for rival anti-independence politicians. Among those seeking oice are Sonia Lagarde, who is one of the territory’s members of the French National Assembly, and her predecessor in the Paris post, Gael Yanno. The results are expected to indicate how the vote will go in May when a new congress is to be elected to oversee the last phase of the Noumea Accord.
SKYDIVERS TO DESCEND ON PALAU PALAU – Some 60 skydivers from around the world will be descending on Palau early next month for the irst ever skydiving event in the island nation. The event, which will be hosted by Skydive Palau, will run from April 3-7. Navot Bornovski who is organising the event, said that the participating skydivers are coming from the United States , Mexico, canada, Argentina, Russia, Sweden, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel, France, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Palau. Bornovski said a special airplane will be lown to Palau from Skydive Guam to ly skydivers to altitude.
the bullets came from an MP5 machine gun. Inside the centre some asylum seekers held pictures of Berati. In an education facility in one compound, a discarded sign on a table read: “Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Reza family from the asylum seekers on Manus. He will be truly missed.” Journalists were also shown evidence of the February 16 and 17 disturbances, which left 62 asylum seekers injured – one with gunshot wounds.
Panes of glass were missing from some sleeping areas, while in a dining hall some windows were still cracked. In one dining area there were few tables and chairs. The court oficials were told there were fewer tables since the incident. Staff said there were no tables in the dining area of Foxtrot Compound “since the events of last month.” PNG police have yet to make any arrests related to Berati’s death. - AAP
Anguished pleas heard
SAMOA’S PM RESTINg IN HOSPITAL
POLICE MANSLAUgHTER TRIAL NExT MONTH
They did not elaborate who hit Berati. A number of other asylum seekers made the same claim. Berati, 23, died on February 17 following violent clashes at the centre. As part of the court order admitting media, no staff or asylum seekers can be identiied. Media were also shown two bullet holes on the side of one of the containers, and another in a support beam of a large, covered area. Later, while visiting a mess hall, one detainee said loudly
man Reza Berati. Broken window panes in the dining hall at Oscar Compound, missing windows in Mike Compound, bullet holes in a large white container exposing – like wounds – the rusted brown interior. “we were not allowed to interview staff or detainees,” Blackwell says. Men in Delta, Foxtrot and Oscar compounds held up pictures of Berati. “Please report this, we want freedom,” shouted one man, who gripped tightly onto the shoulder of this journalist. “Please, we can’t sleep. We are scared all the time.” Another became visibly upset. “Six months, seven months, eight months like this here,” he said. “we have no running water, no safety.” In Delta Compound, media were shown ilthy toilets with no running water, while in another compound there were broken showers. This part of the facility is constructed on the remains of the old Manus Island detention centre, built so the Howard gov-
ernment could implement the first instalment of the Pacific Solution. Tightly packed shipping containers in rows, each one sleeping four or ive men. Facing each other, the walkway between them is shielded from the heavy and frequent Manus rains by a metal roof. “Peering down, you can barely make out the faces of the men in the dark,” Blackwell reports. There are vast differences in the quality of the compounds. while delta and Foxtrot compounds are extremely run down, others are not. Mike Compound is made up of blazing white shipping containers stacked on top of each other. Each room sleeps four men. In Oscar Compound – made up of a dining hall and large marquee sleeping halls for up to 50 men – showers were broken. In one of these sleeping halls the words, “you’ll never ind a rainbow if you keep looking down”, are scrawled on a wall above one of the bunk beds. The beds are spaced about a foot apart. The court party was informed
there are fewer tables in the dining halls since the riot, with none in one compound. Next to Oscar Compound, behind a large corrugated iron fence, is the mental health sleeping quarters. Inside, a bearded man clutches his violently shaking right hand to his chest. “I am from Syria, please I want freedom,” he said. Next to Mike Compound is “the green zone” where asylum seekers can make calls to their families at night. But there’s nothing safe about it. An asylum seeker points out a bullet hole in a metal support beam – another memory of February 17. “As the team of court oficials and media walked between Oscar and Delta compounds, men hang against the fences and stared at us silently,” Blackwell writes. “One group of about eight men stand with their faces pressed against the rusted metal. “To their right – a sign ordering guards to carry the hooked knives.” - AAP
Doctor concerned by poor facilities lorengaU – An Australian health specialist chosen to investigate conditions at the refugee detention centre on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island, has told an inquiry he has several concerns. The facility is subject to an inquiry by the PNG National Court judge, David Cannings,
who is investigating whether asylum seekers’ basic human rights are being met. Some asylum seekers have told the inquiry that medical care at the centre is lacking. But Dr Paul Crouch-Chivers said that, overall, medical treatment on Manus is adequate, and better than most prisons
in PNG. But Dr Crouch-Chivers also highlighted several concerns, including overcrowding and poor toilet facilities, according to Radio New Zealand’s corresponent Todagia Kelola. “He was not happy with the toilets, the toilets were very bad. “He said the accommoda-
tion that’s provided has to be enlarged because there is overcrowding in all of the compounds. “He says there needs to be comprehensive training for staff in catering for the detainees. He also said attention should be given to the water supply.” - RNZI
Lawyer’s request to take part denied lorengaU – A request by an Australian lawyer to represent asylum seekers at an inquiry into the Manus Island detention centre has been refused. Justice David Cannings rejected Australian lawyer Jay Williams’ request to represent 75 asylum seekers because he was not registered to practice
law in Papua New Guinea. PNG government lawyer Ian Malloy objected to Williams’ call, saying it was “frankly, outrageous,” as the Australian lawyer didn’t have a practising certiicate in the country. Williams argued it was in the court’s power to wave the normal rules, however, Justice Can-
nings refused, saying it wasn’t an exceptional case. The judge did grant an order allowing Williams to access his clients at the detention centre, after he claimed his attempts to see his clients had been refused by PNG immigration authorities. The court also approved a re-
quest by Amnesty International to become a party to the inquiry. The inquiry, initiated by Justice David Cannings, is examining the conditions at the detention centre and whether detainees are being denied their human rights. - ABC
News from the Paciic region ‘Making a splash in a big ocean’
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
regionalnewS nuti no Te Pa enUa
Refugees processed ‘within months’ Abbott urges O’Neill to speed up processing of asylum seekers PORT MORESBY – Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the permanent resettlement of asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea could begin within the next two to three months. Abbott has held formal talks with PNG’s prime minister, Peter O’Neill, in Port Moresby.
O’Neill says his country is committed to the agreement struck last year to resettle asylum seekers held at the Manus Island detention centre who had attempted to reach Australia by boat. He says the talks have been constructive and that Australia
and PNG will continue to “work together” on resettling asylum seekers. Abbott is pressing Papua New Guinea to speed up the processing of asylum seekers held in detention on Manus Island. “For PNG, we are committed to staying the course,” O’Neill said. “We have agreed to participate in this programme that was signed by our former prime ministers.
“We will of course process those who have now been interviewed for processing and we will be dealing with them as quickly as possible in the coming weeks and months.” O’Neill has indicated legislative changes will come before PNG’s parliament in May and resettlement could begin soon after. Abbott, who arrived in Port Moresby an official state visit and bilateral talks, says Australia and Papua New Guinea share a close relationship. PNG’s role in the Australia’s border protection policies is crucial an Abbott says he knows “the course will be stayed”. He says he knows the resettlement of asylum seekers in
PNG is a dificult issue for the country, but he appreciates the “mateship” shown to Australia. “i’m extremely grateful for PNG’s renewed commitment today to resettlement,” Abbott said. “I accept that depending upon how many of those at Manus are found to be refugees, I accept that it might be hard for PNG to take all of them. “But we’re grateful for the fact that some of them will be here in PNG and we’re continuing to work with other countries in our region to ensure that people don’t come to Australia if they arrive illegally by boat. “This is the bottom line – if you arrive illegally by boat in Australia, you will never perma-
nently settle in Australia. “Because as long as there is this prospect of permanent settlement in Australia, there is the risk that illegal boats will keep coming.” Abbott’s visit coincides with the first media tour of the detention centre on Manus Island since it reopened in November 2012. Several media organisations, including the ABC, visited the centre today with PNG judge David Cannings. Recent violence at the detention centre saw one asylum seeker killed and around 70 injured. Human rights groups have decried the living conditions inside the camp. - ABC
Trade treaty signed PORT MORESBY – In addition
to the reafirmation of the asylum seeker agreement, a new economic co-operation treaty has been signed during Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit to PNG. O’Neill said the agreement would be the “cornerstone” of business and trade relations between the two countries. The agreement includes annual leader-level talks. PNG will host the APEC regional leaders summit in 2018,
australian Prime Minister tony abbott meets local street vendors during a tour of a market in Port Moresby. Abbott arrived here on an oicial visit to hold talks with PNG oicials on the asylum seeker arrangement and to sign a new trade deal. AFP
True Love and First Blood are haus piksas favourites moUnT HAGEN – A report in
Papau New Guinea has revealed some surprising indings about the kinds of movies people are watching. Researchers have studied content at CD houses, known locally as ‘haus piksas’, in the PNG Highlands. Report co-author Verena Thomas said the most popular movies are a curious mix. “Number one was ‘Rambo’, US action movie,” Thomas said. “And action movies are very, very popular in the haus piksas. “We also found that people were watching Nigerian movies, Nollywood. So number two was a romantic series called ‘True Love’. “Then number three was ‘Titanic’, so a romance from the US.” With limited electricity in the Highlands, CD houses are small stalls where people gather to watch ilms. American productions dominate the list of most popular, making up 14 of the top 20. Movies from Philippines, China, hong kong and india also feature, with action by far the most common genre. The CD house network has become an integral part of the informal entertainment indus-
try in the PNG Highlands. “It’s a lucrative side business,” Thomas said. “That means that there’s an informal economy out of this and it means that ilms are being distributed in the country but we working in the media industry haven’t really realised that potential for distribution.” The CD houses are often the only places with electricity at night in small villages. Researchers say they’ve become a hub for community gatherings, with small markets often also part of the set-up. Operators charge a small fee to watch the films, which are normally pirated copies of overseas productions. The study into the CD houses was funded by the Paciic Media Assistance Scheme Innovation Grant and carried out by the University of Goroka. Researchers were trying to work out what people were interested in and how the whole informal video distribution system works in the Highlands. “We wanted to ind that out because we, ourselves, here at the Centre for Social and Creative Media, are producing media content for education and for social messaging,” Thomas said. “So we wanted to understand
how we could bring these ilms that we are producing locally to an audience in PNG.” The irst PNG-made ilm on the list doesn’t appear until number 33. And with action ilms dominating the list, there’s concern that children may be exposed to too much violent content. Researchers say that isn’t the only worry about young consumers. “Also the fact that they would spend much time in the evening watching movies and then they might be late for school or wouldn’t spend their time doing other activities in the community,” Thomas said. Researchers say PNG’s education system needs to have more focus on the way the media industry works. Most popular films in PNG Highlands: 1. Rambo series (USA) 2. True Love (Nigeria) 3. Titanic (USA) 4. Van Damme (USA) 5. Endless Love (Philippines) 6. Delta Force (USA) 7. The Expendables series (USA) 8. Commando (USA) 9. Krishna (India) - ABC
which Abbott described as a “coming of age” for Australia’s neighbour. “It will demonstrate that PNG is not only a very big player in the Paciic but is increasingly a player in the wider world,” Abbott said. The 16-page agreement recognises the “essential role” of private investment, both domestic and foreign, in fostering growth, creating jobs, expanding trade, improving technology and enhancing economic
development. “Each party shall, subject to its laws and regulations, accord nationals of the other party fair and transparent treatment with respect to matters in connection with their business, immigration and professional activities,” the treaty states. It also sets out new rules governing aid and development cooperation in PNG, including an exemption from income tax for Australian aid organisations. - ABC
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
leTTerS reta
What’s happened to the ‘Kia Orana’ greeting? dear editor, we have travelled from Canada to Raro for several years now. Sometimes yearly; sometimes waiting a couple of years. We come to Raro because of the people, the friendly culture and your beautiful island. My only intention in writing this is for helpful insight as an outsider. I have noticed over the years a deterioration of use of the traditional greeting, “Kia Orana”. This greeting is very important distinguishing you as different and unique from other tourist destinations. You can’t compete with many tourist destinations as far as shopping or mainstream attractions but where you do have strength is your culture. Keep it unique to set you apart! I would even encourage the ladies to continue making your head eis and more men wearing lowers behind the ears. What I
tell other potential tourists from Canada is what you see in Hawaii is for tourists in the Cook Islands it is natural and a part of their everyday culture and the people are much nicer (assuming we as tourists are nice)! Everyone on the island in tourism should be wearing a black pearl whether a server or a member in parliament. This should include the men! It doesn’t matter whether it is an expensive pearl or an inexpensive one – it is a large part of your exports, wear them with pride and you will sell more to us tourists! Many people I know come back from Hawaii with black pearls, and they are expensive – and they aren’t even raised there??? There should not be a North American leaving your island without a pearl, cheap or expensive...! My next point is garbage on the beaches. I walk the beaches
live musiC
sundaY
WiTh TRiggeRfish fRom 7Pm
sundaY bbQ buffeT inCluding ouR famous desseRTs
QuoTeThis ad and geT a
fRee game
Phone 27181 of mini golf!
at sunrise every morning and carry a garbage collection bag with me. I often dump it several times during my walk. I am happy to do this but what does bother me is there are beaches in the Avatui/Nikao area where there is lots of garbage washing up but the waste receptacles along the road are overlowing and obviously have been for quite some time. People who want to do the right thing and throw their waste out can’t or, if they do, some of it blows around or is piled up around the base of the receptacle. My last point is about the reserves in the lagoon. Perhaps there is a difference in cultures but reserves to me means the preservation of your resource. We stay in the Titakaveka area
where wind surfing seems to becoming a popular sport. This is a marine resource area. Does this not damage the reef? I don’t see how it can’t help but damage the reefs when the boards come plunging down, they have to be scraping or breaking the tops of the reefs? Or am I wrong? Also on the lagoon tours out of Muri the guides talk about the preservation of the reefs but then I watched them standing on the reefs? They have the ability to educate the tourists – lead by example and explain the “look but don’t touch and leave the island in as good a shape or better when you leave’. Thank you for allowing us to always visit and welcoming us with open arms. Tim Jones, Canada
Culture is what makes the Cooks diferent from Hawaii. 14031404
Hard road to get a pension dear editor, Nearly eight years ago now my wife, a Cook Islander, decided to come back home to live and within three months of making that decision we landed at Rarotonga Airport. We moved into the old family home and began our easy going life in Paradise (so I thought). First, I had a hard time with Immigration. I handed my passport and other documents over and said we have come back to live. The person tending me looked at me and said: “who said?” From that point of time I knew it was not going to be easy for me. Over the years Immigration kept telling me to get my permanent residence (PR). When I did get it I was told you
are now a Cook Islander – great i am now able to live here for life without being told to toe the line or get out As I will be turning 60 at the end of may, i went to internal Affairs to register for the pension. I handed over my passport and my PR certificate and was asked how long had I been here. I replied nearly eight years. “Sorry you have to be here 20 years before you get the pension.” What a shock that was – I have to work until I am 72 before I get the CI pension. My wife has made it clear that she will not go back to NZ for another three years for me to get the NZ pension. So what good is my PR if I am not classed as a CI – I might as well cut it up! So what do I do –
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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leave my wife and family go back to NZ for a further three years and wait a further two years to get my pension or work until I reach 72 before I can retire on
the CI pension – whichever way I lose out. Unfair Nikao (Name and address supplied)
Give tourists free travel insurance dear editor, As a Cook Islander (an Aitutaki resident) now living in Australia i’m dumbfounded about the crime spree going on in Rarotonga. I would like to recommend that all tourists arriving there should be encouraged to take up compulsory travel insurance to be funded by the Department of
Tourism, or is it too much of a price to pay in paradise. A small portion of the departure tax can be used to fund such a scheme; or do they need a calculator to work things out. If the Government is fair thinking about tourism, then it sounds like a fair deal. mr max New South Wales (Name and address supplied)
Publisher John Woods john@cookislandsnews.com chief Executive Oicer Liz Woods lizw@cookislandsnews.com General Manager Tony Fe’ao tony@cookislandsnews.com Editor Mark Ebrey mark@cookislandsnews.com Deputy Editor Matariki Wilson matariki@cookislandsnews.com Reporters Emmanuel Samoglou emmanuel@cookislandsnews.com Ben Chapman-Smith ben@cookislandsnews.com Rachel Reeves rachel@cookislandsnews.com Court Reporter Merita Wi-Kaitaia merita@cookislandsnews.com Online & Social Networking Editor Briar Douglas briar@cookislandsnews.com Sales and Marketing Manager Susan Tealby susan@cookislandsnews.com Advertising Assistant Ledua Vivian Engu vivian@cookislandsnews.com Advertising adverts@cookislandsnews.com Oice Manager Tere Joseph tere@cookislandsnews.com Accounts Manager Tangi Tauira tangi@cookislandsnews.com Reception Kura Tauira reception@cookislandsnews.com Oice Staf Apii Tua apii@cookislandsnews.com Graphic Design & Layout Mahai Daniel mahai@cookislandsnews.com Adam Tutuvanu adam@cookislandsnews.com Web Developer Daniel Rolls dan@cookislandsnews.com Print Manager Dan Johnston danj@cookislandsnews.com Printers Dennis Campos, Lai Gukisuva
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Telecom customers dispute high bills TeleCom Cook Islands is facing heat from a number of customers in Aitutaki who believe they are being billed for broadband data they haven’t used. The customers are also upset that Telecom charges $75 for a detailed report of their internet activity. Potini Potini, from Blondie’s Photography, said he started noticing his data usage going “gaga” in January when Telecom converted Aitutaki to a new satellite. He was on the 7000 MB plan at the time but ended up using three times that amount of data, incurring an extra charge of $461. “I noticed my data was getting out of hand, but I assumed that it must be my way of using the net, but now it is just ridiculous.” Potini increased his plan in February but still ended up using an extra $519 worth of data, and is facing another massive bill this month. “I’ve maxed out my plan only 14 days into this month,” he said. Potini claims he has not changed the way he uses the internet and cannot understand why his data usage should suddenly be sky-rocketing. “I haven’t changed anything and my niece hasn’t used the in-
ternet. I really don’t understand how i’ve maxed out my internet in two weeks.” A number of other local business owners and residential customers are reporting the same problem and want detailed reports of their internet activity. “I want an explanation of why my excess has gone up. There’s something going on,” Potini said. He and the other customers are refusing to pay $75 for a report, believing it is up to Telecom to show why their bills are so high. Telecom Sales and Marketing Manager Damien Beddoes said Telecom introduced the $75 charge because of the time it takes staff to investigate and compile the reports. “In all previous investigations we proved that the customer had used the data, or had given their password to another family member to use, or kids used up data.” Telecom would also find the customer had given their modem and password to a friend, connected new devices that carried out auto-updates, viewed sites that introduced viruses to their computers, or left downloads running, Beddoes said. “So all this work was costing
New watchdog being sought The miniSTry of internal affairs is looking for its next consumer watchdog. Formally known as the Consumer Commissioner, the position is responsible for managing issues relating to consumer protection and promoting their rights, while monitoring competition in the economy and essentially acting as a public watchdog. Responsibilities also include monitoring laws and practices that affect consumers, price control, product safety, and the promotion of “good business practice”. “There’s an expectation that they’ll do a lot of advocacy and awareness to increase public knowledge of consumer rights and business owner’s obligations,” said secretary Bredina
Drollet from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Education in management, public administration, law, and commerce, five years practical experience in a consumer environment, and communication skills in both English and Maori are desired. The successful candidate will be replacing Commissioner Edward Herman, who was previously appointed to the position at the age of 28. Drollet said Herman has resigned and left the ministry after successfully applying for the position of Special Audit Manager with the Cook Islands Audit Ofice. Applications are to be addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry and close March 31. - Emmanuel Samoglou
time and resources to show what, in all cases, customers had done themselves and were testing our ability to justify their excess usage. Therefore we have commenced charging $75 for a report to recover the costs of completing the work.” If there was ever an error on Telecom’s behalf it would refund the $75 - but that hasn’t happened yet, Beddoes said. He said Aitutaki was converted to a new satellite to improve capacity and speeds for customers. There could be “hundreds” of reasons why the customers are exceeding their data allowance but, in general, people tend to stay online longer when capacity and speeds improve. “It’s a case by case variable, but from our experience in Rarotonga the faster the speed the more people do; hence the reason we have reduced prices and increased caps for customers.” He said having faster internet means people end up watching full movies online, instead of a few YouTube clips. “Instead of looking at one or two photos they view 30 to 40,” he said. The issue is sure to continue being debated over the coming weeks and CINews will seek to provide updates. - BCS
From left: Joe tetauru and andy Kapi from PtS Plumbing, esther Honey practice manager amy Compton holding a certiicate of recognition for T&M Heather, and Minister Mark Brown with a certiicate for the Cook Islands Investment Corporation. 14030633
Tank programme on track aFTer reduced activity in February, the Government’s subsidised water tank programme looks to be well on track. A status report just issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM)
says the current average number of installations is 26 tanks per week, compared with the target of 12 tanks a week. So far 1066 tanks have been fully installed, with 1188 properties approved for the pro-
zika number keeps rising more than 300 people have been reported as showing symptoms of the zika virus this week, says the Ministry of Health. Total reported cases jumped from 280 on Monday to 626 by Friday late-afternoon. “It’s going up all the time,” said Public Health Inspector Apii Nimerota. Nimerota thinks one reason the virus is spreading so quickly is that people affected are not staying home. “Because this zika virus is mild, some people feel ok and are still going to work.” Zika is transmitted by mosquitoes and is closely related to but not as serious as the dengue virus.
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Nimerota urged people experiencing symptoms, which include a rash, joint pains, pain behind the eyes and a fever, to see a doctor, wear repellent and avoid socialising. Since the outbreak began at the start of February, the Ministry of Health has undertaken a campaign of spraying in a 200-metre radius of every home affected. The Ministry has been unable to continue its spraying regime this week because of strong winds on the island. Nimerota said the number of people who appear to have contracted the zika virus in Aitutaki has risen from 15 to 20 this week.
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She said there is little the Ministry can do to prevent the virus spreading to other islands. “We can’t really control people’s movements. All we can do is advise them to stay home and to wear repellent.” The Ministry’s oficial igure is based on the number of people seen by doctors. Pharmacy managers say many people with the virus have not been going to hospital, which means they are not being counted in the records. Leanne Kaiaruna, from Pharmacy Health and Beauty in Nikao, said she believes the real igure could be double what the Ministry is reporting. CITC Pharmacy Manager Shannon Saunders said she is still seeing up to 10 people a day and also doubts whether many of them are being counted by the Ministry. - Ben Chapman-Smith
gramme. There was reduced activity during February basically due to contractor staff being on leave and also the outbreak of the zika virus. Stock was affected also by the delayed shipping, the report said. The recent lack of rainfall created a significant fall in water pressure, seriously affecting homes and domestic life. This has seen the increase of applications since the last week of February. Sixteen tank packages of the 40 tanks approved for Atiu were processed and shipped. The rest will be shipped as soon as stocks arrive from NZ. Eight homes in the upper Avatiu Valley not connected to the Government mains have combined resources under the subsidy scheme to complete a new intake and install a holding tank and pipes to supply their homes and any future developments in the area with potable water. But if there’s good news for homeowners – the news is not so good for the contractors and suppliers, with nearly $200,000 in invoices being held back, waiting for Parliament to sit and approve the Supplementary Budget. - Mark Ebrey
ON THE STREET
- Merita Wi-Kaitaia
Should we be prosecuting boats found with shark ins onboard?
Alex Napa
Tutu Rairoa
Deinitely! That’s a We should arrest them! given. We should also get experts to assess these boats accurately instead of relying on hearsay.
Wayne Mitchell
Mahue Wi-Kaitaia Stephen Kavana
100% we should. The problem is we have no proper administration.
Of course! Shark inning is illegal, we should be walking the talk.
Allandra
If there are good reasons Donnelly why they won’t, our lead- Yes I think they should ers should be telling our because shark inning is people why. illegal, right! Maybe we should put more women oficers onboard, they do a better job.
Terry Williams
Savanah Donnelly
We should stop them, they are doing something illegal. We should be helping put a stop to shark inning.
Of course. Shark inning is illegal and not right; sharks keep down the marine population, take that away and the food chain will collapse.
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Airport solar project to cost $3m
This graphic show the current parliamentary seats and what is proposed under the Government’s reforms. 14032140
Prime Minister pushes reform ideas PRIME MINISTER Henry Puna
spent the later half of this week on a media blitz promoting the Government’s proposals for political reform. The PM made an address Thursday night on television, where he described the proposed changes and pinned the motive on “providing equity and fairness for our people”. He continued his efforts yesterday, where he went on radio to discuss the matter and take questions from listeners. His media appearances in Rarotonga follow visits to the outer islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, and mangaia, where he travelled along with Cabinet minister Teina Bishop to drum up support for Cabinet’s electoral reform proposal. In an interview with CI News yesterday, Puna said he was encouraged by the response received along with positive feedback for Cabinet’s proposals, which include removing
one parliamentary seat from the islands, following a formula of “1000 voters per seat” and reducing seats in Parliament to 20. His positive account of the trip contrasts with comments made by independent Member of Parliament Norman George, who said the two were given a lukewarm reception in Atiu. Puna re-iterated his desire to leave politics out of the discussion, and scoffed at the idea that Cabinet is exploring reform for political gain. He said he is encouraged that the opposition Democratic Party hasn’t discounted the proposal saying he hopes “... in time they will come to see the merits of the proposal and will support it.” “This reduction is a sacriice being made by political parties, not by the people, who support those parties. Both the Cook Islands Party and the Democratic Party will be reduced by two seats. That’s fair and equal”, reads an excerpt from a draft
copy of Puna’s television address. Earlier this week, Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen said he supported political reform “in principle”, but raised a number of concerns with the Government plan. Included in his list of “anomalies” was the removal of electoral boundaries in Aitutaki, creating one constituency for the whole island, but with two MP’s. Removal of boundaries makes sense he said, particularly with island-wide infrastructure projects concerning things such as water and energy, and avoid political squabbling. “You have to take the whole island into consideration,” he said. Puna said the timing for reform is perfect, and sequences well with the changes that have been made to governance in the outer islands, including the ongoing establishment of island
councils. “MP’s are part of island governance,” he said. “It makes sense they come with one voice, and come with the voice of island government.” “Now they have no choice but to bring the views of the Island Government.” “(Political reform) takes a lot of guts,” added Puna. “That’s what we’re doing now.” - Emmanuel Samoglou
a large solar power system being built at rarotonga international Airport will be the biggest in the country and is expected to cost about $3 million. The new Zealand high Commission and Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister announced on Monday that a contract had been signed to construct a 961 kilowatt photovoltaic array to the west of the airport runway. Wellington-based company NETcon International will be leading the job, supported by local subcontractors Andersons Limited and Mike Rennie Builders. Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, said the project is being fully funded by the new Zealand Government. “It is estimated that the total project costs will be in the vicinity of $3.3 million, although there may be savings when implemented.” Wright-Koteka said current geotechnical investigations may result in the changes to the way
the panels are mounted which may translate into savings. “However, such savings will probably amount to maybe $300,000, meaning that the project would still be in the $3 million vicinity.” She was unable to say what proportion of that money will end up in the pockets of local contractors. The solar installation will be the largest in the Cook Islands to date and will lead to an estimated reduction of 370,000 litres of diesel fuel imports per year. Wright-Koteka said that equates to approximately $529,100 in savings. Work on the project will kick off next month and the system will be connected to the electricity distribution system in September. It will provide about ive per cent of the island’s annual electricity generation. The Government has set ambitious targets for 50 per cent renewable energy by 2015 and 100 per cent by 2020. - Ben Chapman-Smith
Community
Education at CITTI APRIL COURSES Cook Islands Dancing —with Uirangi Bishop
Sprouting Sprouts —with Colin Mills
16 April – 21 May
29 April
Dance to basic steps and learn to perform to a song ______________________
Step by step guide in two hours. ______________________
Fix My Furniture
April 22 to 15 May
—with Angaroa Williams
2 -23 April Bring a broken furniture to be ixed at the course. ______________________
Parenting Teens —with Nga Teinangaro
April 28 to May 1 Practical skills raising teens with strong cook Islands cultural values.
Kai Korero —with Makiuti Tongia Improve your conversational Maori in terms of depth, meaning and oratory. ______________________
Raw Food —with Nima McBride 1 - 22 April Going beyond a vegetarian diet to raw food diet. ______________________
Bakery —with Brent Hughes 21 April to 2 May Learn new baking skills making pastry, cakes and biscuits.
For more information or to enroll phone us on 22 628 Or email Violet Tisam at violet.tisam@citti.edu.ck Or visit our Ngatangiia Campus during oice hours All Courses are $50 except for Baking with Brent - $100 and Sprouting with Colin $10
Japanese First Secretary reki Kataoka is accompanied by Highland Paradise Cultural Centre operator Tutu Pirangi at the oicial signing ceremony. Warrior Daniel Mataroa looks on. 14032013
Japanese funding for Maungaroa UP TO NZ$146,905 is being
provided by the Government of Japan for the construction of the maungaroa lifelong Study Centre building and ofice furnishings at Arorangi. The project is aimed at improving the provision of life skills programmes in communities and it is hoped that this will ensure everyone has access to the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to the development of the Cook Islands. The signing ceremony for the Project for the Establishment of maungaroa lifelong Study Centre under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human
Security Projects (GGP) was held yesterday. First Secretary Mr Reki Kataoka congratulated the Toko itu rangatira o Tinomana, the traditional custodians of the Maungaroa Marae and Paepae Historical Site and said that he understood that the Maungaroa Marae and Paepae Historical Sites Land Trust through a recent development will support the overall aim of the project to preserve and pass on traditional farming and fishing methods along with promoting art and handicraft techniques. He paid tribute to Maungaroa Marae and Paepae Historical sites Land Trust for its strong
leadership and dedication along with hardworking community members that has resulted in the successful conclusion of their project proposal. Mr Kataoka said: “I believe that the completion of this project will not only dramatically revitalise Arorangi Village by creating employment opportunities for youth but it will also contribute to promoting the recent educational trend to restore traditional farming cultivation methods and the techniques for creating handicraft works which are part of the unique tradition, culture and history of the Cook Islands.” - Release/Mark Ebrey
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Some of Japan’s most famous cows – Hideki date with a herd of cows trapped within the Fukushima exclusion area, along with their owner Masami yoshizawa. 14031911
Helping hand from Hideki Date - again raroTonga-BaSed Hideki Date recently visited his homeland Japan during his annual leave – but was soon hard at work as a volunteer cleaning up at the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. He spent a week on site close to the 10 km exclusion zone and had to be continuously monitored to make sure he was not exposed to too much radiation. “I was a little worried at the start, but was told it was possible to spend up to three weeks in the zone, and I was only there a week.” Not so lucky are 300 cows owned by Masami Yoshizawa, who is also resisting Government attempts to have his herd slaughtered, saying the beasts should be studied to better understand the health effects of long-term radiation exposure. His farm was visited by Date, where he observed the cattle being fed with hay donated by farmers in Northern Japan. Yoshizawa's property is just 14 kilometres from the shattered reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant and his cattle have already been found to be contaminated
with elevated levels of radioactive caesium. His fight to stay on his land and to keep his cattle alive has been the subject of debate in Tokyo, with his case raised in the national parliament. In an A BC news report, Yoshizawa said: “I am violating the law. But I won't obey what the Government says, because we were betrayed. Our community was destroyed by the nuclear disaster,” he said. “Instead of slaughtering them, these cattle should be used to study the long-term effects of radiation. Killing them is destroying evidence. “I am a cowboy, and cowboys do not abandon their cows. I will stay with them until I die.” Date, the network technician for Te Aponga Uira had previously helped out at the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Centre in 2013 and 2013. The non-government organisation assists residents in temporary housing and provides sustainable support to the tsunami-ravaged area of Ishinomaki City in the Miyagi Preixture. Despite hailing from the un-
scathed capital of Tokyo, Date said he felt compelled to give his time to his countrymen in need. “I was here [Rarotonga] when the 2011 tsunami happened and when I found out, I just wanted to go on a plane and fly back straight away,” he said. “My family were all okay because they are in Tokyo but for me I like to do plenty of work. I enjoy doing things for someone less fortunate.” Date has been in the Cook Islands for 10 years and was a former United Nations volunteer who worked on the power lines in the outer islands. “I went over to Ishinomaki two years ago and we collected a lot of rubbish,” he said. “This year it’s a little bit better but there is still a lot of work to be done.” He said it was still painful for locals to remember the natural disaster. “I was invited to dinner by a family who had lost their house; they are dissatisfied and have complained to the Government over the lack of support. “There is a lot of temporary housing still and the younger
generations have moved to another city leaving the older people to start again.” Date said it was rewarding working with the other volunteers who had the same purpose of assisting the city. They helped to revive the hoya industry, which provided locals with an income before it was destroyed by the tsunami. The hoya is commonly known as a sea pineapple and is regularly eaten raw as sashimi. - Mark Ebrey
Constant monitoring takes place to ensure volunteers like Hideki are not exposed to too much radiation. His monitor shows a recording of 5.930 millirems. to put this into perspective, one millirem is what a person could expect to receive in one year living next to a normally operating nuclear power station, while 500 millirems is likely to be fatal. 14031910
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Mon – Fri
9am to 3pm
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.
Hideki date takes time out at the tokyo Catholic Volunteer Centre where he stayed. 14031915
www.cookislandsnews.com
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
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
weekend
TCI marks major milestone
Welcoming Mark rackett and Martin davies from Huawei. 14032029
Jules Maher presenting John turnbull from o3b with a Cook Islands drum. 14032031
Jules Maher presenting Mark rackett from Huawei with a Cook Islands drum. 14032033
Telecom staf enjoying the Te Vara Nui show. 14032034
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Glamour event held at Te Vara Nui TeleCom Cook Islands marked
one of its biggest milestones in recent history with a full-on launch at Te Vara Nui on Friday night. Organised as a thank you to staff and key stakeholders, the well-attended event was to commemorate what TCI called the “New Experience” – the simultaneous launch of O3b’s satellite service and 3G. Following drinks, the gathering heard speeches from key players and witnessed the presentation of gifts. After TCI CEO Jules Maher paid tribute to his team for being the irst in the world to bring O3b’s service online with what he says lived up to its slogan of being “iber in the sky”, he then presented O3B and Huawei representatives with what he described as the traditional form of Cook Islands communication – the drum. O3b’s Sydney representative John Turnbull was on hand to
John turnbull and Melanie elliott from o3b. 14032038
receive the TCI gift – and to give one in return. He reiterated the message from O3b’s CEO Steve Collar, who said in a statement: “Bringing Telecom Cook Islands up as our irst customer is an important moment in the history of O3b. “Providing broadband connectivity to remote markets – effectively ‘connecting the unconnected’ – is about providing the broadest range of services where it has not been economical to do so in the past.” After receiving his drum and presenting Jules Maher with a reciprocal gift, Huawei’s Mark Rackett also paid tribute to the skills of the TCI staff – something that had earlier been emphasised by Huawei New Zealand CEO, Jason Wu, in a statement. He said it was an exciting project as he had seen irsthand the signiicant positive impact improvements to ICT infra-
structure could bring. “We are proud to partner with Telecom Cook Islands and have been very impressed with the skills and expertise of the local technicians. “This network utilises Huawei’s SingleRAN technology which allows the 2G and 3G networks to operate seamlessly together, and provides futureprooing with easy upgrades to new technologies such as 4G and even 5G as it becomes available.” Guests enjoyed a buffet meal that was followed by a performance from the Te Vara Nui cultural group and then the real party began… - Mark Ebrey
We deliver. Get your news delivered to your home or business daily. Phone our oice on 22999 for delivery rates and conditions
gRidConneCTsolaRsYsTems number
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Telecommunications Minister Mark Brown adding his admiration for the technical eforts of TCI staf. 14032039
Mark rackett from Huawei. 14032032
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
kidsPAGE VIRTUES the gifts within
Love Tu inangaro/Tu aroa “Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself….” Leviticus 19:18 Love is caring for someone, wanting to be near them, and wanting to share with them. Love is the power of attraction. It is a special feeling that ills your heart. Loving people is treating them with special care and kindness because they mean so much to you. You can show love in a smile, a pleasant way of speaking, a thoughtful act, or a hug. Love is treating other people just as you would like them to treat you – with care and respect. I am practicing love when I … • Treat others as I would want them to treat me • Say kind and loving things • Share my things and myself • Show afection • Express love for the Creator by caring for others • Think loving thoughts I am a loving person. I show my love with thoughtful acts, kind words and affection. I treat others as I want to be treated. I love God and all that God created, including myself. virtuescookislands@gmail.com
‘It was in the year 3025 and I was a cyborg’ today we share more creative writings by students at apii avatea in nikao. the kids have been keeping their heads in their new reading books with thousands donated to the school recently to support its ire recovery project. Today we share some of the stories written by senior students of the school. The Talking Tree
Superhero Club
Finally the summer is over. “I can’t wait to go back to school to meet my friends, this summer was so boring,” says Allison. “What should I wear today? I could wear my heart t-shirt and my purple jeans with my purple singlet. Oh, I know. I should wear my spotty skirt with my white blouse and tie up my hair like a pony tail. Yeah, that’s it. That’s what I should wear. I’ll just open my closet and look for my clothes. Now where did I put that blouse? Oh there it is and there is my spotty skirt. I am going to get dressed. I’m done and inally off to school.” By Shareeze Makikiriti
One day at night, I was watching a movie called Superhero Club. Halfway towards the movies’ end I fell asleep. When I was sleeping I dreamt about my movie. There were four of us. Joshua was Spawn, Daniel was Flash, Devon was Superman and I was Deathstroke. Together were called Justice League. We saved the people all over Gotham City. One day there was this super villain team called the Elite. They destroyed almost a quarter of the city. The Justice League saw them and went to fight them but they were too tough. So they had to ight them another day. By John Jeremiah Karika. The Curse of the Tree Once there was a cursed tree. It was an apple tree. The story goes like this. There lived a lady who was very poor. She had heaps of trees around her with heaps of fruits on them. One day, a big tree suddenly grew in the middle of the night and when the poor lady went outside she saw the big tree. It was full of different kinds of fruits. When she went to pick one she saw a fortune cookie. She opened it and it said, “make a wish.” So she did. She wished for all the things she wanted. One day a wicked witch came and she cursed the tree. The tree couldn’t make wishes anymore. It could only talk. The witch
My Weird Dream in my dream i dreamed that in the irst 10 minutes I was in school. Then all of a sudden I was at this year’s prizegiving day. And next I’m in the hospital and I had cancer. Then I ended up in a castle made of solid gold. Everywhere was gold. Even my clothes! When 10 minutes was over I was on an island made of my favourite icecream and the ocean was caramel sauce. I didn’t want to leave but I had my limited time. It was in the year 3025 and I was a cyborg. Someone activated a self-destruct sequence in me and in 10 seconds I was dead. Then I woke up and it was six o’clock in the morning. By Tamatoa graham
wanted more, so she made all the trees walk and talk. The magic tree had a little bit of magic left. So the tree told the poor woman to make one more wish. She wished that none of the things ever happened then everything stopped but she still had the things she wished for. By erina Tangata
What do I want for myself There are a lot of things that I want for myself; and that is knowing how to read in Maori and be better at writing stories. I also want to listen to the
avatea School kids monkey around after a game of soccer at the Matavera CIFa complex. 14032136
teacher and read instructions carefully. I also want to practice how to read a lot of books and try my best to understand them. I want to be a doctor because I want to help a lot of people that are sick. I also need to study harder and inish my homework in time. So when I grow up everything that I learn will help me get a job and make my parents proud. I also want to save up some money so when I grow up I could build a good house. By April Sendito
Swimming underneath the Ocean Swimming underneath the ocean is the most amazing dream I ever had. I was in my bedroom drawing in my book and I didn’t know I fell asleep. I started dreaming that I was underneath the ocean. I was scared because I couldn’t get up in the ocean. Suddenly I saw a mermaid and she looked like my sister. She was singing while brushing her hair. I tried to follow her but she disappeared. By April Sendito
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Cannabis grower avoids maximum 10 year sentence is two years imprisonment and/ or a $5000 ine. Arona’s defence counsel Norman George told the court that his client did not smoke cannabis and that a friend gave him cannabis seeds. “It was only an experiment and he was going to destroy the plants but the police beat him to it,” said George. Justice Williams replied that the fact Arona had refused to destroy the plants after his partner told him to, was against the suggestion of “planting them out of curiosity”. He said that although there was no evidence suggesting Arona had sold any or intended to sell, the plants’ maturity suggested he must have been cultivating the plants. He reduced a sentence starting point of 12 months’ imprisonment to six for Arona’s early guilty plea. In Benioni’s case Justice Williams suggested just a probation term would be too lenient. “with the growing number of drugs offences the court needs to start with a short term prison sentence. Anything other than that would be quite wrong in current circumstances,” said Williams. He hesitated, however; taking into consideration Benioni has a partner and a young child. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia
Two men have been sentenced for cannabis possession and cultivation on Friday, and one sent to prison after the judge repeated a Court of Appeal statement saying sentencing for cannabis offences have been too lenient in the past. Patrick Arona, 22, was sentenced to six months’ prison followed with 12 months’ probation for cultivating six cannabis plants, most half a metre in length. Napoua Benioni, 24, was sentenced to 12 months’ probation with the first six months community service for possessing a 10cm section of a cannabis plant. Benioni was also ined $530 including court costs. Presiding judge Justice Sir Hugh Williams told the two men that sentencing for cannabis-related offences have been stiffening since an appeal by convicted drug importer Giovanni Marsters was quashed by the Court of Appeal. The judge reiterated a statement by the Appeal Court who said sentencing for cannabis-related offences has been too lenient in the past, and little regard paid to the high maximum penalties. According to the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act 2004, the maximum penalty for cannabis cultivation is 10 years imprisonment, while cannabis possession
TikiTour expands to outer islands
loCally owned and operated TikiTour (formerly The Circuit) has expanded its map and coupon guide services beyond Rarotonga. With the help of BTIB the new product now includes the Pa Enua of Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaia. The business has experienced recent growth here in Rarotonga as well – with a larger, new and improved set-up display at the rarotonga international Airport arrivals terminal, inside the immigration queue. TikiTour outer islands maps are also displayed at the Air Raro domestic gate. Each tourist arriving to Rarotonga, approximately 120,000 per year, must pass by the TikiTour stand, making this one of the most popular and successfully distributed map guides on the island. More than 100 local businesses currently advertise with the TikiTour guides who provide maps, coupons, restaurant listings and general ideas for tourists on what to do and see while on holiday. Local businesses can also rent space to place their brochures in the adjoining airport brochure stands.
TikiTour owner Brett Baudinet says the company has additional growth planned this year. “I’m excited to expand our marketing reach by moving online with a new website.” Baudinet plans to develop the site to promote more prebookings for tourists visiting our beautiful islands.
“The goal of the site will be to encourage a higher tourist spend in the Cooks.” He feels there is ample room for improvement in terms of encouraging our tourists to do more activities and book more outings during their stay. Baudinet says he hopes to work with Tourism Cook Is-
lands on this initiative in the coming year. “I’m proud to have moved back home with my partner, Maya Carroll, who has extensive marketing experience, and to work together to further promote and develop our tourism and economy.” - MW
Trustworthiness no lemon onade from them and, to my delight, gets his Vitamin C that way. The other day, waiting for the health workers to measure my body mass index and blood pressure, I met a farmer, the main farmer who grows these lemons. He said he would pop in the next day with some lemons for us. Out of my mouth without thinking came the question, “Are you a trustworthy man? Will you really come?” He sat up taller and said, “Yes I am.” Sure enough his truck pulled up the next day. “Thank you for your trustworthiness,” I said to him. He said, “Of course. How else would people know I keep my word?” This may seem like a small thing, but to me it is one of the most important virtues. Trust-
Virtues in Paradise
Linda Kavelin-Popov Co-founder of The Virtues Project. my hUSBand has a weakness
for Meyer lemons, the big juicy ones. He makes quarts of lem-
worthiness is described in the Baha’i teachings as “the foundation of all virtues”. Jesus talked of building one’s house on rock, not sand. Trustworthy faith to me means that we walk our talk. How do we practice this essential virtue? - We only make promises we can keep. - Our words don’t exceed our deeds. - We keep our promises. - We do what we say we will do. This kind of reliability is the basis of real success, genuine respect from others because they know they can trust us. Those Meyer lemons were really sweet, and even sweeter to me, was meeting a man of trustworthiness.
on saturday evening join us for our fabulous
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dining 7 - 8.30pm show starts 8.30pm
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featuring delicious local food Tuesday island night features Ta’akoka te llla
oYZe ti TaRa & b h it w t n rtainme liveente
edgewater Resort
- reservations essential phone now 25435
Complimentar y Transfers provided from any where on the island.
TikiTour owner Brett Baudinent with the stand of outer island maps at the Air Raro domestic gate. 14032137
The WeekEnd Crossword ONE WEEK TO GO 1. Conforms to (11) 5. Faucet (3) 8. athletic (6) 10. Women’s undergarments (8) 11. Friend (3) 13A, 2D & 16A. Regulatory authority, the FSC (9,11,10) 14. rich soil (4) 16. See 13 across (10) 19. Periodic (8) 21. Snake (5) 23. Ban (4) 25. Former uSSr (6) 26. Comes back (7) 27. Extreme joy (7)
DOWN 2. See 13 across (11) 3. Perfect (7) 4. Fire residue (5) 6. elected government representative (15) 7. Clan like (6) 9. royal Society for Prevention of
anSwErS On pagE 17
Cruelty to animals (5) 12. depression (5) 15. Japanese sash (3) 17. Fires (5) 18. too (4)
19. Lid (5) 20. Sing smoothly (5) 22. South african barbecue (5) 24. Child (3)
* Maori-english: english-Maori
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
classiieds pupu kite ngai okotai EMAIL
PhONE
adverts@cookislandsnews.com
Fax 25303
Classiieds • Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com
FOUND
MISSING
PUBLIC NOTICES
Wallet was found this morning Friday at the Kavera store, Arorangi. Owner: Dr Mathieu Levrero, found and dropped of to the Police station, at 7.30am… Ring Matt Rima from Avarua Bakery @ 56188 for more information, wallet may well belong to Malayan nationality.
Missing Bunch keys Taken from Van. Reward given to whoever returns or has information contact 55577 or 29077.
Cummings family meeting Agenda: Reunion family At Vaimaanga - Kura’s home next to the Jehovah witness church Date: Tuesday 25 March 2014 Time: 6pm. Please all come.
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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
TENDERS
TAU FIRE SAFETY PROJECT DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION TENDER Te Aponga Uira is inviting suitably qualiied companies or joint venture companies to submit a bid to (a) conduct a review of, and complete a Fire Safety Assessment of TAU Power Station in the Avatiu Valley, including its Fuel Facility Depot, as well as the Tutakimoa AdministrationNetwork Building assets, and (b) design and specify the ire safety systems for those facilities in order to upgrade the existing systems to meet current Australian and New Zealand standards. The assignment is to lead to the completion of the Fire Safety Designer’s Documentation, including plans and speciications to Australian and New Zealand standards for building consent and construction to mitigate and prevent ire damage for all of TAU’s strategic assets forming the Avatiu Valley Power Station and the Tutakimoa Administration-Network Buildings, rarotonga. The successful Tenderer will be required to oversee the procurement, acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and review and certiication of as built drawings, for the ire safety system that they have designed and that was approved by TAU. To initiate progress towards the completion of this assignment, TAU has developed request for Proposals Documents and Terms of reference (TOr) for the associated tasks and now invites interested companies to register their interest in order to submit their proposal for this assignment. registration and Tender Documents can be requested from the following contact person: TAU Project Manager Te Aponga Uira, rarotonga, Cook Islands Ph: +682 20054 Fax: +682 21944 email: alex.napa@electricity.co.ck The proposed timeframes for the bidding process are set out below in Cook Islands local time: Deadline for submission of questions: 3pm Thursday 11 April 2014 Deadline for submission of Proposals: 3pm Thursday 18 April 2014 Notiication to preferred Tenderer: Week of Monday 28 April 2014 Preferred Tenderer negotiations: From the week 28 April 2014 77705
casual ads must be prepaid. cancellation fee $6.40 incl. VAT. Quotations on request.
1pm sharp. Material deadline for display adverts 24 hours prior.
PUBLIC NOTICES
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RATES Minimum $5.80 incl. VAT for 1-15 words.
DEADLINES Deadline for next day’s classiieds is
22999
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77675 /37079 /2222
77741 /37085 /1931
Classiieds • Phone 22999
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE TO CLIENTS hOLDING OUR Everyday (S6) and People’s Saver (S1) accounts
Motor Vehicle Registration Registration for the 2014-2015 year Please be advised that BCI will be open on the following dates between the hours of 9am and 12pm for registrations to be accepted
Please be advised that as from the 1st of May 2014 3rd Party withdrawals (where an account holder authorises another person to withdraw money from their account on their behalf) will no longer be available on these accounts. Please see our Customer Service staf to arrange for either the issue of a Debit card to you which you can use on BCI/Westpac ATMs and eFTPOS or to add another person to your signing authority. This action has been taken to help serve clients more eiciently. BCI Your bank keeping proits local BCI Akano’o nei i tana moni tere ki roto i te Kuki Airani
Saturday 15 February 2014 Saturday 8 March 2014 Saturday 22 March 2014 Payment can also be made via online Bill Pay and by Direct Debit. If you wish to pay online, please enter your plate and phone number in the reference ield If you wish to pay by direct debit, please call into the front oice of BCI to collect a form for lodgement with your bank. ‘Please contact Simona or Tangi on 29341 for more queries or email cash@bci.co.ck 77028 /
MINISTrY OF FINANCe AND eCONOMIC MANAGeMeNT & The MINISTrY OF INTerNAL AFFAIrS GOVerNMeNT OF The COOK ISLANDS
PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING VAT PRICE IMPACTS
PUBLIC NOTICE hEALTh SPECIALIST VISIT
On 1 April 2014 the VAT will increase from 12.5% to 15%. This may cause the prices of some goods and services to rise. Most Cook Islanders will have received a personal income tax cut, minimum wage increase, or increase in social welfare payments on or before 1 April. On 1 April 2014 the import levies on pork, eggs, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and ice cream will be eliminated. These reductions are larger than the increase in the VAT – prices of these goods are expected to decline. In regards to VAT, retailers are advised that the maximum price change they can attribute to the VAT change is 2.2% of the previous retail price. An example using a $10 purchase is illustrated below:
The Ministry of health wishes to advise the following conirmed scheduled visit for the bone surgeon from 31st March to 11th of April 2014 at the rarotonga hospital. If you are experiencing the following symptoms/ diseases: Orthopaedic • Fractures • Arthritis • Joint problems Please come and see the Outpatient Doctor at rarotonga hospital Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. All patients will be screened and prioritised for specialist appointment. Meitaki Maata.
Price not including VAT plus the VAT component Original Retail Price
In 2013
From 1 April 2014
$8.89
$8.89
$1.11
$1.33
$10.00
$10.22
Public Notice
Price increase:
$0.22
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.
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Retailers may choose to not pass on the full cost of the VAT change, and some retailers may have already increased their prices in anticipation of 1 April, so their prices may not change. Other retailers may increase prices by more than 2.2%, but any increase above 2.2% is at their own discretion and is above and beyond the expected impact of the VAT change. The VAT is a value added tax and does not accumulate from one vendor to the next. Vendors registered for VAT can claim VAT on expenses as credits, and hence, do not incur VAT if they are purchasing goods from other VAT registered businesses. Still unsure about how much VAT will impact on prices? A simple spreadsheet has been made available at www. mfem.gov.ck/tax for consumers to estimate what price changes may be due to the VAT, and for suppliers/ retailers to estimate the impact on their revenues if they choose to absorb some of the rate change. 69221
77686
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Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
SERVICES
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
Ngati Karika Meeting at Palace Tuesday 25 March 4.30pm
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 4th April 2014 from 5.00pm to 11.00pm 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.
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
77730 /37075 /1931
Tupapa Maraerenga Democratic Party Meeting to be held at the Tupapa Osana Meeting House. On Wednesday 26 March 2014 at 6.30pm. Old and new members are most welcome to attend. Agenda: 1. Opening prayer and welcome 2. Financial report 3. Financial membership 4. Selection of candidates 5. Other matters 6. closing prayers
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Cook Islands Samoan Community Incorporated AGM Annual General Meeting to be held at Robert & Mousie’s residence, Nikao on Monday 31 March 2014 at 5.30pm. 1. Opening prayer 2. Apologies 3. Adoption of Minutes of the last AGM 4. President’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Election of Oice Bearers President Vice - president Treasurer Secretary Subcommittees. 7. General business 8. closing prayer. All members/new members and friends of Samoa are welcome to attend. Fa’afetai Lava President. 77624 /36955 /1931
77751 /37093 /1931
PUBLIC NOTICES
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SITUATIONS VACANT
73696 /36871 /1744
Pool Doctor * Water testing * chlorine * P.H down * Bufer Discounted rates FREE DELIVERY Phone Tony 56599. 77328 /36888 /1708
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
Has your drinking got out of control? Call 71744
home Care Services Qualiied training care for elderly. Please call Nane on 74013. 77671 /37022 /1931
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
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITy
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.
Looking for a Shareholder to invest in a successful local resort. approximately $1.7m required. –––––––––– “HIDIES BAR” 5+5 Year lease, includes all Chattels Call for Price and details.
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
PUBLIC NOTICES
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FINANCIAL CONTROLLER MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE COOK ISLANDS (ICI)
Request for Quotes– WATSAN Communications Advisor
TO ALL MARKET VENDORS – INTRODUCING ThE BTIB BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN PARTNERShIP WITh BANK OF ThE COOK ISLANDS AND MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT • 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 Programme for Market Vendors” will provide services through workshops and skills training programs 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 24-296 Fax 24-298 email: btib@cookislands.gov.ck registration closes at 4pm on Monday 24th March 2014.
77514
ICI requests quotes from suitably qualiied, experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic persons for the position of WATSAN Communications Advisor in its Water, Waste and Sanitation (WATSAN) Unit to coordinate the implementation and delivery of the Communications work stream within the Unit. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team, tasked with making improvements in infrastructure, policy and practice that will contribute to protecting and enhancing the lagoon and ocean environments around our islands. WATSAN requires specialist communications advice and assistance in order to complete implementation of critical elements of the Waste Management Initiative (WMI) and the upcoming Sanitation Upgrade Programme (SUP). It proposes to engage the Communications Advisor on a short-term contract in order to provide the required expertise and input. If you are interested in this position, a copy of the Tor can be provided upon which you will be required to submit as part of your request for quotes, a covering letter and CV along with your proposed quotes to: Mr Mac Mokoroa Secretary Infrastructure Cook Islands PO Box 102, rarotonga Cook Islands The closing date for request for quotes is 3pm on Friday 4th April 2014 For more information or a copy of the TOr please contact Tangi Taoro by phone on 20-321 or by email at tangi. taoro@ici.gov.ck 77767
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 in sights, 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
16
Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
FOR RENT
FOR SALE
2 bedroom unit & house Matavera. 1 Bedroom unit Arorangi. close to main road.Phone 73530/ 21444.
11 month old pigs for sale Price $200 call phone 75661.
77638 /36982 /2419
Modern apartment in the KAKERA complex, Ngatangiia. Available now. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms. Email kakera@hotmail.co.nz for full details. 77619 /37048 /1636
FOR SALE LG 4GB desktop computer, 18 inch & 20 inch monitors, web cam, wireless adapter, keyboard, mouse, $1200. Wooden baby cot, innersprung mattress, water proof sheet, itted sheet & mozzie net, $250. Phone 50385. 77648 /36838 /1931
77523 /36989 /1931
Cooked banana, frozen, ready for poke. Phone 51143. 77571 /37015 /2643
Four bedroom, 2 bathroom house for sale in Panama, one kilometre from airport. Large section. Excellent water pressure. 40 years left on lease, $240,000. Phone 22724 or 76100 or email rbth1937@ gmail.com 77759 /37099 /1931
BUSINESSES FOR SALE
SITUATIONS VACANT
business foRsale
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.
nubaR&bisTRo great little business with huge potential. genuine enquiries only. Please call 29546 for further information.
77516 /36932 /2019
Groundsman part time. Phone 51143. 77572 /37015 /2643
VEHICLES FOR SALE
Pigs for sale Prices $120 and $150, weigh up to 20 kilos. Phone 23876 or 73586. 77763
Ka oko taro pai (Purple variety) $100 sack 25kg. Phone 79250
2 bedroom home for sale All contents & furniture. Situated in Tupapa, $150,000. For further info phone 28328.
77765
77673 /37024 /1931
777
Brand new X60 50” Plasma TV, USB plug in, HDMI. $1,700 ono. Ph 76510 for enquries.
1999 silver Nissan Sunny, 1.5L petrol, automatic, electric windows & power steering, $7000. Phone 50385. 77647 /36838 /1931
honda Ascot car $4000 or ono. Phone 22772.
SITUATIONS VACANT
77733 /37076 /1931
2011 Ford Ranger 4WD pickup 2.5L diesel engine, 36,800kms. One owner, $27,700 ono. Phone/text John 72170. 77721 /37056 /1931
teaching and Support Staf Applications are invited from experienced and motivated individuals for the following part-time positions to commence in the school year: 1. Nikao School: Oice Secretary 2. rakahanga School: Teacher Aide (Programme Support) 3. Tereora College: Teacher Aide (Ie) 4. Arorangi School: Teacher (fulltime) 5. Araura College: School Guidance Counselor (fulltime) Applications close on Friday 4th April 2014. Job Descriptions are available from the Ministry or at: www.education.gov.ck Please submit a cover letter with Curriculum Vitae and references to: Director hrM Division Ministry of education P. O. Box 97 rarotonga Cook Islands Ph (682) 29357, Fax (682) 28357 or email: vacancy@education.gov.ck 77756
Ford Ranger Pickup 2wd Diesel, 28000k, 5 years old, as new, no rust $20,000. Telephone 22148. 77699 /37037 /1931
GARAGE SALE AT CELEBRATION ON ThE ROCK ChURCh Behind cafe Jireh When: 22 March 2014 This Saturday Time:7:30am 77701 / /2435
Women’s clothing, size 8-14. Women’s shoes, size 8-10. Baby clothes, bouncer, pottie, wooden cot, oice desk, car, computer, bags, bits & pieces. Pots & pans. Nikao, Pokoinu, back road. Follow the signs & green balloons. No earlier than 8am! Phone 50385.
Sous Chef/Baker Wanted Sous chef/Baker or experienced cook (min 2 years preferred) required for our busy little cafe. Must have strong leadership qualities with the ability to work well as a team. Must be organised, punctual and hardworking. come and join our great team at the Koru cafe, Aitutaki. Please forward your cV and covering letter to seeyou@korucafe.biz or apply in person at the Koru cafe, Aitutaki. Front of house Staf wanted Front of House staf required. Must have a great smile, good communication skills and be customer focused. come and join our great team at the Koru cafe, Aitutaki. Please forward your cV and covering letter to seeyou@korucafe.biz or apply in person at the Koru cafe, Aitutaki. We look forward to hearing from you soon! 77646 /36999 /1931
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. 77683 /37061 /2592
77746 /37090 /1931
Mah Zone Internet cafe Busy cafe looking for staf, Able to loat between front house and kitchen. Phone 72399
77422
• Phone 22999 • adverts@cookislandsnews.com
NCI is responsible for provision of netball services in the Cook Islands. We require a well organised, self-motivated and efective communicator for the above position (the position is for a short term contract of 3 months with the main objective being to manage the PNS Event in June). responsibilities include • Maintaining and enhancing further development strategies and policies for all levels of Netball • Working with our Netball Centres and stakeholders to promote our sport and the ‘National Netball’ brand • creating opportunities for inancial growth through sponsorship, funding agencies and fundraising • Event Management of the Paciic Netball Series (PNS) from 2-7 June This position requires one who is willing to operate on the frontline when required. experience in the sports industry is an added advantage. experience managing inances and people is expected. Salary range: to be negotiated Please email admin@netball.co.ck CeO application form or for any further enquiries. The completed form should be returned with any supporting documentation Applications close 25 March 2014.
Classiieds
ChIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
need a little
77761
Full-time opportunity for a Sales & Reservations co-ordinator in our Muri Beach Sales Oice to represent Rarotonga’s premium entertainment facility Te Vara Nui Village, along with our Jungle Quad Adventure, coconut Tours. Part-time experienced cashiers, Bar & Wait Staf required in our busy Restaurants to work any of our Spectacular Over Water Night Shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If you have great communication and customer service skills, are enthusiastic and reliable, apply now! Please email your cV to manager@ tevaranui.co.ck or phone Alan 24006, or call into our main ofice at Muri to ill in an Application. 77737 / /2512
CULTURAL DANCERS WANTED! Recruitment process has begun for a limited time for male and female dancers who are passionate about our culture. Work in a great environment at Rarotonga’s top entertainment venue Te Vara Nui Village and earn a weekly wage doing something you love! Students welcome. Ph 24006 or 55579. 77743 / /2512
17
Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
WANTED
WANTED
Live in housekeeper/caregiver needed for an elderly lady residing in Mitiaro. Genuine interest only. Also live in housekeeper for a loving family. call mobile 76949. 77748 /37091 /1931
WANTED TO BUy We will BUY your old or broken gold jewellery. FISHERS BLAcK PEARL JEWELLERY.
beachfront section/ house wanted to buy Titikaveka preferred but will consider other suitable areas. Cash buyer. all replies treated conidentially. Please send details to bigsplash@outlook.com
77583 /37013 /1889
Bags of A-100 white adhesive tile glue. Phone 55668.
answers to crossword on page 13
77753 /37095 /1931
WANTED TO RENT 2/3 bedroom house for tidy couple. Phone 55668.
IN MEMORIAM
BIRTHDAyS birthday dad
nooroa father in the world here’swishingyouaveryhappybirthdayandmay god bless you on this your special day. although you are not here in Rarotonga to celebrate your special day with us know that we thinking of you on this day.lots of love your Wife and Princess Terehana.
geofreyPuia 7/11/87 - 22/3/09 We miss you very much from all your sisters & brothers, nieces & nephews,aunties&unclesandyour many families here in Rarotonga, newZealand&australia.abeloved son of motu & mii Puia, Who sadly left us 5 years ago today. and he shall seek me, and ind me when he shall search for me with all your heart. jeremiah 29:13
BEREAVEMENT
henry (enere) makirai vinau
BIRTHDAy
77752 /37094 /1931
ReCYCle BIRTHDAy
happy birthdaayn to our little m
Roman-Peter
natua
who will be turning 3yrs old tomorrow. We love you son & may god bless you always. lots of love & cuddles from all ur nukpower, eels, mPathers & sharks fa ily near & far, also a special one from mummy & daddy.
To our girls
Yannicka&joelle
happy8thbirthday lotsoflove,hugs& kissesfrommumanddad-Yoursistersand niece Te meihana... SITUATIONS VACANT
son of the late Winau Tawora (ngati ura) and erena vainu (ngati Te Tika / arapai), sadly passed away at Rarotonga hospital, Wednesday 19 march, 2014. Papa henry will be lying in state at the Pukapuka Community hostel from friday evening until his burial on monday 24th. all are welcome to come and pay their respects. sunday 6pm apare (family service) at Pukapuka hostel monday Programme 8:30am Papa will leave the hostel 9:30 - 10:30am Church service, arorangi CiCC 11:00 - 11:30am burial at family Cemetary, Te aravari, kauare, Titikaveka follwed by refreshments in Titikaveka. This announcement is made on behalf of Papa henry’s immediate family, Te Tika mataiapo, kautai mataiapo and the ngati ura & Pukapuka Community. Contact The hon. Tekii lazaro: hm: 28050/ cel: 79717 henry Taripo: cel: 75550
APPRECIATIONS
message of aPPReCiaTion We The familY of The laTe
aRCheR vivian hosking snR (mbe) Electronic Banking Services & Information Technology (EBS&IT) – Team Leader As one of the global leaders in banking and inancial services, ANZ recognize 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 26th 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 21-750 ext 244 or email Julieanne.Westrupp@anz.com 77717
Would like To eXTend ouR sinCeRe Thank You and aPPReCiaTion To eveRYone ThaT helPed duRing The Passing aWaY of ouR faTheR, gRandfaTheR, gReaT gRandfaTheR, gReaT gReaT gRandfaTheR, bRoTheR, unCle and fRiend. foR all YouR donaTion of food, moneY, helPing WiTh Cooking and Cleaning as Well as jusT being TheRe WiTh us. a sPeCial meiTaki maaTa To: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Te kau aRiki Rangi o PuaikuRa - TinomanaTokeRau aRiki, ui RangaTiRa, ui • maTaiPo & families dePuTY PRime minisTeR hon. TeaRiki heaTheR, mRs. heaTheR,Tnm heaTheR • lTd, sTaff and families his eXCellenCY The Queens RePRe- • senTaTive Tom maRsTeRs snR & mRs maRsTeRs • doCToRs aung, deaCon andWYnn & • sTaffofsuRgiCalWaRd-RaRoTonga • hosPiTal • ChaRles muRiWai and The Cook islands funeRal seRviCes • PResidenT of The C.i.C.C Rev. Tuaine ngameTua & familY • Rev. PaPa aRaTangi, Rev. muRi vaka, • Rev.miChaelakava,Rev.Williamuea& • The nikao C.i.C.C ekalesia • Rev. TiniRau soaTini, assisTanT Pas- • ToR john andReWs & The aRoRangi • ekalesia • The aPosToliC ChuRCh, esPeCiallY • TeokoTai Teau & TonY miRia • TiTikaveka ChuRCh Women meRCY gRouP • naTionalPResidenT,eXeCuTive&giRl • guides Cook island assoCiaTion • membeRs of The TuRama/Panama •
TaPeRe & YouTh oPPosiTion leadeR hon. Wilkie Rasmussen,The eXeCuTive & membeRs of The demoCRaTiC PaRTY managemenTandsTaffofTheavaRua bakeRY gas Cook islands -TamaToaTiniRau, The sTaff and familY aunTY mau, unCle ngaRi & familY RobeRT and mousie skeWs & familY Pae and kafo TuTeRu & familY aunTYdoRoThY&unClePouaConnal & familY The dePaRTmenT of CoRReCTive seRviCes, managemenT & sTaff Cook islands PoliCe TeRaumaiRePeRfoRmingaRTsTRouPe PiRiTau nga and familY ChaRlie numanga and familY joanna manuela and familY maRia & john TeauRima and familY Tuaine & aniTa heaTheR faiRoa TaRaRo & familY nooRoa & noelene ngameTua and familY aunTYmaRjoRieCRoCombeandfamilY aunTY eRena TiRaa and familY William hosking jnR & familY vinamanuel,TakaPikoRaandfamilY
andallThefamiliesandfRiendsheReinRaRoTongaandoveRseas,ToomanYTomenTion.YouaReallPReCiousinouRheaRTs.maYouRlovingfaTheRinheavenConTinue To bless and enRiCh You all. Psalm 46:1 “god is ouR Refuge and sTRengTh, a veRY PResenT helP in TRouble”a salamo 46:1“koTe aTuaToTaTou akaPuanga eTe maRoiRoi, eTauTuRuvaiTaTa Roa
18
Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Family fun at Apii Te Uki Ou triathlon liTTle lungs and brains were pumped
with oxygen yesterday when Apii Te Uki Ou kids swam, ran and biked their little hearts out in the school’s triathlon event. Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia was filled with lots of cheers from parents and caregivers and encouragement from fellow students as the kids tackled various triathlon courses. Kids in the team triathlon event early in the day tackled a gruelling course which was shortened later on for the individual races. Impressive racing was seen by all the kids but the sportsmanship spirit was a highlight of the day’s event. Senior school students and school ambassadors played their leadership roles
perfectly as they helped junior school triathletes through their swims, organised their helmets and cycles and ran alongside them during the run leg. The gathering generated a family fun day atmosphere with the burst of fresh air sure to boost the kids learning in the classroom next week. While there were some standout racers that took out different divisions – every single child was made to feel like a champion. Meanwhile the pre-school mini triathletes enjoyed sprint races and cycling in circles around the ield. It was a wonderful day for students, parents and teachers for the Apii Te Uki Ou family. - MW
Mini triathletes cycle their little hearts out.
ATTENTION QUICKBOOKS / RECKON ACCOUNTS USERS ARE yOU pREpAREd fOR 15% VAT ON 1ST ApRIl?
14032130
Attend our upgrade workshop and you will be ready We will: • Help make the changes needed in your data ile • Get you prepared for iling VAT returns after 1st April • Provide Fully Accredited Consultants to assit you
Workshops Wed 26 & fri 28 March 9am, 1pm & 5pm @ Te Ipukarea Society Workshop Cost $99
Can’t make the workshop? We can come to you To book or for more info call Helen on 52825 or email consultreckon@gmail.com
Apii Te Uki Ou kids illed their lungs and brains with oxygen yesterday when they competed in the family fun triathlon event in ngatangiia. 14032132 / 14032110 / 14032116 / 14032127
sPeCials available Till WednesdaY 26 maRCh
beef RumP sTeak
sPeC ial
goaT meaT bone in
10kg $85.00 or $9.00/kg
10kg $120.00ctn or $12.50/kg fResheR fRies 10mm oR 13mm (3X5kg)
sPeC ial
sPeC ial
sPeC ial
lamb loin ChoPs
$8.60/kg
bRiskeT/ PokoToRo miTi
$39.00ctn or $13.00bag
$24.50ea
nZ shoRT beans
nZ mandaRin
nZ beeTRooT
$3.60 bundle
$8.60/kg
beef minCe
10kg $106.00ctn or $11.50/kg CRumbed buTTeRflied PRaWns 250g
besT foods 128oZ
sPeC ial
$6.40pkt $5.20/kg
oPening houRs
mondays to Thursdays 8am - 5.30pm fridays 8am-6pm saturdays 8am-3pm Check us out on sT josePh Rd, avaRua. Ph 22259.
sPeC ial
sPeC ial
$9.90/kg divella beans 400g (ChiCkPeas, lenTils, boRloTTi beans & fouR bean miX)
$2.30ea
Wealsodosea/aiRfReighT foR ouTeR islands, so PlaCe YouR oRdeRs noW!!!
19
Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Flight Times | Voyage details FLIGhT
FROM
ARRIVES
TO
DEPARTS
AKL LAX PPT
6.40AM 11.59PM 3.50PM
AKL
5.25PM
AKL AKL
1.05AM 8.15AM
International Flights
NZ60/47 NZ18 VT33
SYD AKL PPT
5.30AM 10.30PM 2.50PM
air Rarotonga
SAturdAy MArch 22
SuNdAy MArch 23 NZ46/45
AKL
4.10PM
MONdAy MArch 24 VA163/162 NZ19
AKL LAX
11.55PM 7.00AM
RARO TO ARR SATURdAy MArch 22 0800 AITUTAKI 0850 1030 AITUTAKI 1120 1530 AITUTAKI 1620 1800 AITUTAKI 1850 1100 ATIU 1145 SUNdAy MArch 23 1230 1730
AITUTAKI AITUTAKI
1320 1820
DEP
TO
ARR
0910 1140 1640 1910 1205
RARO RARO RARO RARO RARO
1000 1230 1730 2000 1250
1340 1840
RARO RARO
1420 1930
DEP
TO
ARR
TIARE MOANA 22 - ETD AUCK 22/03, ETA RARO 30/03, ETA AITUTAKI 01/04 OLOMANA 25 - ETD AUCK 01/04, ETA RARO 13/04, ETA AITUTAKI 15/04
Shipping TIARE MOANA 23 - ETD AUCK 12/04, ETA RARO 20/04, ETA AITUTAKI 22/04
GOT A STORY? text us on
or call us at Cook Islands News
Su-Do-Ku MEDIUM
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 to friday’s puzzle
answer to friday’s puzzle
hÄgaR the horrible
by dik browne
®
The PhanTom
by lee falk & sy barry
®
shoW You’Re
White Ribbon day
againsT violenCe
25 november
www.whiteribbon.org.nz
ToWaRds Women
Weather Forecast to Midnight a STROnG WInD WaRnInG REMaInS In FORCE FOR aLL WaTERS anD LanD aREaS OF NORtHERN COOks. Situation: A southeast wind low 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: Fine apart from brief showers. Moderate to fresh southeasterly winds. Moderate to rough seas. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For Rarotonga: Fine apart from brief showers. Further outlook: Fine apart from brief showers. For the Northern Cooks: Over waters: Northerly winds 25 to 30 knots, easing to 20 knots. Over Land: Strong northerly winds 20 to 25 knots. Winds easing to moderate. Occasional rain and few thunderstorms. rough seas. Further outlook: Occasional showers.
SaT High 1.17AM 0.93M 1.28PM 0.99M
22
Low
7.15AM
22
Sun
23
0.31M
2.5m SW
7.53PM 0.29M
1.7m nW n
Sun High 2.00AM 0.90M 2.14PM 0.97M
23
Low 8.00AM 0.33M 8.41PM 0.32M
28°
Sun, Moon & arapo
sE 14kts 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
5.1
ArAPO - rAkAu tAi sat 22 tanu (Planting) tanu i te kai katoa. Good time for all planting.
Humidity SaT
Rarotonga Saturday, March 22, 2014
Forecast Map 2pm Saturday
Tides
Issued at 2pm at Rarotonga
2.5m SW
tautaI (Fishing) Po ika kore. Maata roa te turama. not good ishing nights. Too much light.
Front Key:
Cold
Warm
Occluded
2.1m SW
y
Swell direction and size
Stationary
Outer Islands Weather Outlook Saturday, March 22, 2014
Morning
88%
night
68%
Morning
89%
night
72%
Forecast thanks to Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
SaT
22
Sun
23
Sun rise
6.44AM
Sun Set 6.48PM
Moon rise 10.45PM Moon Set 12.14PM Sun rise
6.44AM
Sun Set 6.47PM
Moon rise 11.40PM Moon Set 1.11PM
Aitutaki
28° sE 14kts
Mangaia
27° sE 13kts
Mitiaro
Atiu
Z sE 16kts
Penrhyn
27° sE 16kts
30° NE 11kts
Mauke
27° sE 16kts
20
Saturday, March 22, 2014 cook Islands News
Apii Te Uki Ou triathlon —PAgE 18
tarekareka
SPORT
Women's triathlon —TODAY IN TIKIOKI
Panthers take on the Eels at ‘The Swamp’ Tei mUr i moTia Park, The Swamp and Raemaru Park are the ields to be at today for round two rugby league action. At Titikaveka the host Bulldogs will take on the Warriors while the Tupapa Panthers head to The Swamp to take on the Avatiu Eels. At Raemaru Park – the Arorangi Bears will host the Ngatangiia Sea Eagles. As its round two of the season – a win is the only thing on the minds of all teams. Next week’s premier Bulldogs and Sharks game will also determine the second grand finals team for the inaugural Navy Epati Memorial Trophy with the Eels waiting in the wings for their inals opponent. The memorial trophy compe-
tition is for all grades and, with the exception of the premier grade – the remaining grade match ups for the inals has been determined. In the reserve grade the Eels will go up against the Sea Eagles while the Panthers and Bears will square off in the under 19 division. The Eels and Bears will go head to head in the under 16 and under 14 division grand inals. The grand inals will played out on Easter Monday. - Matariki Wilson
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-Ofi-
the Panthers and eels clash today at the avatiu Swamp. 14032139
cial-T. Manuel).
Saturday 21 Eels vs Panthers at the Swamp – 1pm U16 Eels vs Bears, Ref-J. Hosking assisted by Club Officials, 2pm U19 Eels vs Bears, Ref-B. Bishop assisted by D. Crummer/ K.Kopu, 3.30pm Reserves, RefT.Taurarii assisted by S. Willis/ K.Kopu, 5pm Premiers, Ref-N. Takaiti assisted by T.Taurarii /B. Bishop (Sub Official-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).
Racing baby Ray!
Nervous wait for Aitutaki in D-League T-20 cricket The Cook iSlandS women’s
team will line up for their last Domestic League T-20 match against the World XI side today while the second scheduled match between Pukapuka and Rarotonga has been rescheduled by mutual agreement between the captains after the passing of a member of the Pukapukan community. The match is expected to be played Tuesday or Wednesday
Harmon reigns lee harmon was re-elected
as president of Cook Islands Football Association for another term over his opponent raymond newnham, with overwhelming support as Harmon received almost 80 per cent of the votes at the annual general meeting on Thursday at the CIFA headquarters in Matavera. Although it was reported that Football Cook Islands (FCI) was growing fast at the end of last year, the annual general meeting held on Thursday showed that this was not the case as FCI member, raymond newnham was defeated by the incumbent Lee Harmon with massive support. The executive also saw changes with close voting counts to determine who the board members for 2014 will be. The executive members for the Cook Islands Football Association for 2014 to 2018 under Harmon as president are vice president Tangi Tereapii, treasurer Allen Parker, executive members John-Paul Wilson, moeroa Tamangaro, Junior areai, John Taripo and Maara Taia. - CIFA Media
next week. It will be Pukapuka’s last round robin match of the DLeague and their last chance to stake a claim for the inal. A win for Pukapuka will give them 12 points from four matches while a win for Rarotonga will see Raro go eight points from three matches. Rarotonga has a match in hand when they take on the returning Aitutaki side next
Friday. Aitutaki will have an anxious wait this week as they know their inal hopes rest on Rarotonga beating Pukapuka and then Aitutaki being able to beat Rarotonga in the last round of matches next Friday. Today’s Cook Islands women’s versus the expat team will bowl into action from 11am in Turangi. - CIC
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excitement and thrill on the faces of apii Potiki te uki ou kids was a delight to watch as the school took over the Ngatangiia sports ield for their triathlon event. Baby Ray (centre) and his preschool mates punctured the air with their shrieks of thrill as they ran mini sprint races.
Full report and more photos on page 18.
Top golf as 90 chase great opening day prizes SOME TOP golf was seen at the
opening of the Rarotonga Golf Club season on Saturday –driven, no doubt, by chances to win great prizes donated by tournament sponsors Steinlager, through The Bond. More than 90 players competed for some wonderful prizes arranged by The Bond in blustery conditions which tested many golfers. In spite of the wind, many golfers played their best golf. It was as if they had been waiting for the season to start and really rose to the occasion, with the top 10 winners all scoring 42 points or better in this stableford competition. The handicapper could be seen sharpening his axe. The winner of the Steinlager Tournament, with probably his best game ever, was Glenn Armstrong who carded a 75 gross for a net 59 and 47 points. Well done Glenn! Next came Aroiva Akama, also playing really well, with a 72 off the stick for 45 points and John (JK) Kenning with 44 points. They were followed by winston Kiria, Daniel Webb, Joe
Daniel, and Kris Williamson, all with 43 points. moetu Tangitamaiti, ned Howard and Alice PilkintonStory rounded out the top 10 winners. These three all inished with 42 points. Daniel Webb scored the best round of the day for the men with a gross of 66, and Rotana Howard was the best of the ladies carding a 71. With this type of scoring the
club looks forward to much good golf from the members and many will reduce their handicap if they keep up this standard. Shot of the day came from the handicapper who teed off on the 18th only to have his ball go into a palm tree and not come out again. The story doesn’t end there. Not being able to see his ball, he went back to the tee to play
a provisional ball. This duffed drive didn’t reach the palm tree. His next shot hit a pad on the full and ricocheted about twenty metres behind him. While he was walking back to retrieve his ball, one of his fellow players spotted the ball in the palm tree. He then declared the ball unplayable and incurred a penalty. He inished the hole with an eight! The prize-giving was graced
by the presence of Trish Barton of The Bond who was on hand to present the prizes. Meitaki maata to Steinlager and to Trish and her team for their generosity. We look forward to the coming season with high hopes after such a great start. This Saturday is the Prime Foods Tournament where there will be some more great prizes - NAGA to be won.
More than 90 players competed for some wonderful prizes in the Steinlager tournament arranged by The Bond store.
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