|
KukiCel to show off new mobile network
800 students expected at Careers Expo 2009
Atiu Day targets $40,000 to complete hostel
CI-registered ship fined $1.4m for polluting
Smokefree Challenge expected to be best to date
KukiCel claim 50% savings on calls
CINA against Sunday play
PM tells PALM about NZ influence on Cook Islanders
Body Shop to help run retail skills workshop
Birthday break
Telecom CEO retires
Muri coral proposal EIA out next week
Schools send strong message at Smokefree Challenge
Cooks to host 2010 guides strategy meeting
OI communications restored
Kids mags to Araura College
Biofuel test flight report shows significant savings
Marsters graduates with law degree
Pacific policewomen network to meet today
Travellers voice concern online over departure tax
Complaint still being looked at
New Year’s honours recipients celebrate at Government House
More crashes involving booze
Cook Islands office to be opened in China
Mauke sets crab size limit
Tepapa’s new library opens
Pacific police women show colours
KukiCel to show off new mobile network
Thursday 28: Cook Islanders may be a step closer in being able to choose their cellular network after a KukiCel demonstration this morning.
Pacific Teleports chief executive Andrew Taylor, engineer Andy Grafton and Mervin Communications William Framhein will be demonstrating the proposed service to government MPs, the opposition and the Chamber of Commerce.
Held at the Aquarius Pacific Hotel, Taylor says the demonstration will allow MPs and the commerce chamber to see first hand the benefits the service will provide with an opportunity given for officials to ring overseas and test the network for themselves.
“We’re talking about lower costs around Rarotonga and the outer islands as well as overseas. Basically the main aim is to be a competitive network at lower rates,” Taylor says.
Framhein says logistic-wise everything is ready to go but a change in the Telecommunications Act is needed to allow more than one network provider. At present, laws are still in place that permits only Telecom Cook Islands the right to operate.
It is understood that another draft amendment to the act is currently being reviewed by Crown Law.
The public are also invited tomorrow to see for themselves what KukiCel has to offer by making free overseas phone calls from 10am at the Aquarius.
KukiCel, is a locally registered company owned by Cook Islanders and is a division of Mervin Communications.- Dana Kinita
800 students expected at Careers Expo 2009
Thursday 28: More than 800 students from across the Cook Islands are expected to take part and make the most of this year’s Careers Expo to be held on June 10-11 at the National Auditorium.
Among the students who will be passing through the Expo this year are 63 from the outer islands of Mitiaro, Mangaia, Mauke, Atiu and Aitutaki.
While only southern group island students will be taking part in this year’s expo on Rarotonga, a mini expo is being organised for the island of Manihiki to accommodate northern group island students.
This year’s expo theme is ‘be curious, be surprised’ and with 30 exhibitors signed up for the event, the expo is shaping up to be an eye opener for local students.
The Careers Expo aims to showcase to local students the wide variety of career choices not only in the community but globally.
Exhibitors will aim to show students just why their sector is worth looking into as a career option – including jet setting careers with Air New Zealand, dealing with money in a bank, working to enhance the lives of disabled people with the Disability Action Team, promoting the Cook Islands as a perfect holiday get away with Cook Islands Tourism or working in the outdoors with Outward Challenge and Outdoor Pursuits.
The expo is not all about getting into a job after school though. A number of tertiary education providers will take part to promote further education as the next step.
Tertiary providers taking part this year include the University of the South Pacific and Otago University.
And if getting straight into a job or heading off for more study after high school is not what you want to do – then maybe the forces are for you. The Royal New Zealand Navy is returning this year.
Whatever your interests are – you are sure to find a path to reach it through the Careers Expo 2009. -Matariki Wilson
Atiu Day targets $40,000 to complete hostel
Thursday 28: A call is given for all Atiuans to support their island’s annual day to raise funds for a new hostel.
Event chairman Junior Teiotu says construction of the three-storey building in Maraerenga is on schedule with tomorrow’s Atiu Day looking to raise the $40,000 needed to complete the hostel.
An abundance of food, drinks, live music and entertainment is guaranteed at Te Atukura as the event kicks off from 7am and expected to last till late in the evening.
Teiotu says great support from the community and the surrounding villages have been received with already contributions pledged to assist with providing the food.
“We’ve had a lot of support from the outer islands with fish received from Aitutaki and goats given from Aitu and Mangaia,” Teiotu says.
Opportunity was still open for people to assist with all food to be dropped off at the hostel site between 12pm and 6pm today.
After demolishing the previous two-storey hostel last year, completion of the new building is set for December 18. The project has been in the planning for the last five years involving not only Atiuans in the Cook Islands but those based in New Zealand and Australia as well.
Teiotu says the all-day event tomorrow needs the support of all Atiuans but it is also a day of celebration for everyone.
Anyone with enquiries regarding the new hostel or Aitu Day are to call Puna Rakanui on 54080 or Teiotu on 79746. - Dana Kinita
CI-registered ship fined $1.4m for polluting
Thursday 28: United States federal authorities are stepping up their pursuit of sea-borne oil polluters, following the successful prosecution of a Cook Islands-registered ship.
In March, Holy House Shipping AB, the Swedish shipping company that operates the MV Snow Flower, was hit with
$1.4 million in fines and community-service penalties after pleading guilty to the dumping cover-up by the ship’s engineers.
The MV Snow Flower, a 568-foot refrigerated container ship, was outbound from Los Angeles when it began experiencing serious problems in the engine room.
A faulty valve had caused waste oil and water levels in the bilge holding tank to begin rising, while one of the ship’s deep water ballast tanks had become badly contaminated with heavy fuel oil.
With no place to put the bilge water, crew members would later tell the Coast Guard, chief engineer Igor Krajacic decided to partially pump out of the port and starboard holding tanks while bypassing a key pollution-control device.
“I need a magic pipe,” he told a junior engineer. The crew, sweating in the hot engine room, jury-rigged a pipe to a discharge valve. Then they began illegally pumping the oil and water directly overboard, mostly at night, as the Snow Flower continued on its voyage to Chile, and then to Gloucester Marine Terminal in New Jersey.
By the time the ship reached New Jersey, the Coast Guard – alerted by someone on board – was waiting.US Federal prosecutors say they are finding the pollution may be far more widespread than they ever suspected. - The Star-Ledger, NJ
Smokefree Challenge expected to be best to date
Thursday 28: The National Auditorium stage is set to ignite with eight groups performing at the Smokefree Challenge this evening.
The biennial event is organised by the Ministry of Health and health promotions manager Edwina Tangaroa says tonight is set to be the “best show ever.”
“This is our third Smokefree Challenge and this one is planned to be even better than our past shows,” Tangaroa says.
Talent galore will be onstage with school groups Te Uki Ou, Apii Rutaki, Avatiu, Tereora College, Arorangi, Papaaroa and youth groups AOG and Titikaveka crew performing.
Tangaroa says organisers wanted the young people to capture tonight’s theme of ‘100 percent Drug Free’.
“Hopefully through their performances future generations will not take up drugs.”
Returning as co-host is Nikki Siulepa of TVNZ’s Tagata Pasifika. The television presenter and actress was part of the 2007 Smokefree Challenge and again joins DJ G-Dub of 88FM in MC duties tonight.
Tangaroa says business sponsorship helped make this year’s event possible and she thanked the community for being involved and showing their support.
Tickets are available for purchase at the National Auditorium with doors opening from 6.30pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $2 for students with children under six admitted for free. - DK
KukiCel claim 50% savings on calls
Friday 29: KukiCel took the opportunity to lobby government once again to open up the telecommunications industry to competition during their demonstration held yesterday at the Aquarius Hotel.
The locally-owned company hopes government will change the legislation that prevents anyone but Telecom Cook Islands from operating a mobile network in the country.
And with the prediction that customers will save up to 50 percent on their current call costs, KukiCel is pushing for government to allow the country to reap the benefit by opening the door.
Prime minister and telecommunications minister Jim Marurai, deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate and cabinet minister Kete Ioane were among the government MPs that turned up for the demonstration where they were also able to trial the proposed Kukicel service.
A presentation was made by Cook Islander and KukiCel business advisor Mary Hamer in which she outlined the current issues faced by the country.
The first of these issues is the legislated monopoly – because without a change to the law companies like KukiCel cannot get a licence to operate here.
Hamer says consumers face high costs and inconsistent service delivery at present. And this, she says, is caused by monopoly practices.
She asked how the country can resolve the issues in telecommunications services.
“We can change the legislation. We need to change the legislation.”
Hamer said KukiCel was there to lobby government to change the legislation as well as offer assistance with drafting new legislation, consultations with stakeholders and obtain unbiased professional opinion.
She said KukiCel intends to introduce high quality, low cost equipment which will result in efficient use of resources as well as low maintenance and overhead costs.
Hamer revealed KukiCel has already established connections with major global suppliers of telecommunications services such as Pactel International, Xiocom Wireless, HSBC, 3B Networks, and one of the giants in the industry – Google.
Hamer says KukiCel will focus on customer service and service reliability as its number one priority.
KukiCel believes this will improve service levels.
“We will be introducing the latest leading edge technology that is proven and trusted internationally,” she said.
Not only will the competition drive affordability but it will stimulate increased use and users of services says KukiCel.
Global roaming will provide travellers from the Cooks and those coming into the country with the assurance they can still keep in touch when out of the country.
KukiCel would introduce mobile networks for all inhabited outer islands.
Hamer says KukiCel is ready to start operating about nine months after, and if, it is granted a license from government.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it,” she says.- Helen Greig
CINA against Sunday play
Friday 29: The Cook Islands Netball Association through president Margharet Matenga made its stance known on Sunday games at the World Youth Netball Championships, during the netball awards night on Wednesday.
“I would just like to say that I with the support of the CINA executives and board are against the Sunday games during the youth netball championships,” says Matenga.
“We are firm in our stance on no games on a Sunday.”
There was no angst in Matenga’s comments only encouragement to the WYNC to do all they can to change the netball draw for the competition to keep Sunday a day of rest as it normally is in the country.
Her comments were supported by 2009 Pacific Mini Games and WYNC board chairman Wilkie Rasmussen who attended the netball awards night.
Rasmussen said he believed a solution can be found to solve the issue.
“Nothing is impossible,” says Rasmussen.
“There are days available to reshuffle the schedule and we are now just waiting on a response from IFNA (International Federation of Netball Associations).”
He went on to express that netball is a special game for him as he was the minister who travelled with the bidding team to Florida in 2005 to campaign for the Cooks to hold the event. - Matariki Wilson
PM tells PALM about NZ influence on Cook Islanders
Friday 29: The vulnerabilities the Cooks face as a small island nation was the subject of prime minister Jim Marurai’s address at the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM 5) in Japan last Friday.
He spoke at the second session of the meeting dedicated to talks on human resource vulnerabilities in the forum island countries.
The PM, of course, outlined the problem of depopulation - one of the most pressing issues the nation faces, caused in part by the close relationship it has had with New Zealand for over a hundred years now.
This pressure was intensified after self-governance in 1965, when as the PM says, Cook Islanders began to straddle two countries, sustaining a rich culture at home and at the same time setting up permanent communities in NZ.
“Years of shifting population trends have now evolved into a two-fold problem: a more severe drift away from the more remote outer islands to the main island of Rarotonga and a flowing outward migration to bigger and brighter lights overseas,” he told the leaders at PALM.
“The first has exacerbated an imbalance in the population where concentrated activity in Rarotonga distorts economic wealth and raises questions over the sustainability of shrinking communities.
“The second has forced pressure on our capacity to meet t
he demands for business growth, infrastructure development and pressures increasing globalisation.”
Marurai said human resource issues will have far reaching impacts on government support for health and education as well as capacity and productivity of the nation.
Equity in wealth, income, services, and opportunity provide enormous challenges for government – and business development said Marurai.
“While the residents of the country’s capital, Rarotonga, appears relatively well-off, with modern amenities and utilities, many communities in the outer islands struggle with rising costs, food and fuel supply, a lack of good infrastructure and transportation issues, constantly.
“Here, the classic model of poverty and related issues
of vulnerability are continually re-defined under conditions
of imbalance, disparity, disproportion.”
The PM admitted that overall the Cooks has a high and rising cost of living as well as a ‘grossly distorted’ trade imbalance with massive imports and low levels of exports.
“We tend to be heavily influenced by NZ wage levels and salaries. Most consumables are imported from NZ at shipping rates fluctuating upward, and our tourist market is dominated more and more by NZ travellers,” he said.
Japan is the primary market for the Cooks’ exports (fish and pearl products), representing nearly half of the total value of goods.
Marurai said while tourism provides around 50 percent
of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), it remains
prone to the global economic climate.
“Over the years, Japan has been an important part of our country’s economic and social development aspirations.
“Through the strengthening of our bilateral relationship with Japan, we believe cooperative programmes can further benefit our growing interest in seabed mining, the sustainability of our fish resource,
foreshore protection, infrastructure development and advances in
communications technology.” - Helen Greig
Body Shop to help run retail skills workshop
Friday 29: A retail training workshop to strengthen enterprise skills in the Cook Islands will be held in July.
The special focus of the training workshop is on young entrepreneurs and it will be held at the New Hope conference hall from July 6 to 10.
The workshop will be conducted by senior executives from The Body Shop, a business trainer from the Commonwealth Youth Programme and business development specialists from UNDP Pacific Sustainable Livelihoods Programme.
The duration of the workshop will be five days, and it’s designed to be interactive with lectures, role play and field visits.
The workshop will provide hands-on learning in a fun environment.
All those that take part and satisfactorily complete the entire course of training will be awarded a certificate.
Individuals and companies who wish to take part in this workshop are asked to apply on a prescribed application form.
Only 35 participants would be selected. The organisers will make the final selection based on applications.
Eligible participants must be between the ages 18 to 35 years, and be actively engaged as owner, manager or employee of a retail or service business. Application forms are available at the Business Trade Investment Board in Avarua. - BTIB
Birthday break
Friday 29: There will be no edition of Cook Islands News on Monday, June 1, which is Queen’s Birthday holiday. Our office will also be closed on the day.
Advertisers are advised that the general deadline for Tuesday’s (June 2) newspaper is 1pm today, Friday.
Telecom CEO retires
Saturday 30: Telecom Cook Islands chief executive officer, Stuart Davies has officially retired after 31 years of service.
Davies has been with the company since its conception in 1991, when it was previously operated as Cable & Wireless, and merged with the Cook Islands Postal service.
He has seen the company evolve from the days of the operator assisted service to the introduction of new services and technologies like cell phones and internet.
Davies has been the driving force behind Telecom Cook Islands, but also very involved in the development of Information Communication & Technology (ICT) within the Cook Islands and Pacific Region, chairing the National ICT Committee, and engaging heavy support in the fields of Health and Education.
When asked about his future plans after Telecom, Davies sighs and responds, “its always hard to leave, when you have been with the company as long as I have”, but straight after he has a positive attitude of the future of the company and its employees.
Davies will resume a role he started last year as a consultant with the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and will be based in Bangkok, Thailand.
The search for a new CEO will start shortly. - TCI
Muri coral proposal EIA out next week
Saturday 30: The public will soon have the chance to have their say on whether coral heads should be removed from Muri lagoon to make way for an oe vaka course.
The controversial proposal to remove coral that would obstruct the oe vaka races has already been opposed by environmental groups and members of the Ngatangiia community.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) report is due to be released next week for public scrutiny and submissions to be made on it before it is tabled with the Rarotonga Environment Authority a month later.
The Cook Islands Canoeing Association needs an obstacle free course for oe vaka during the Pacific Mini Games in
September, so the games company has commissioned the report.
The ministry of marine resources completed an initial survey report on the Muri lagoon area earlier this month.
The EIA report has been prepared by Miro Consultant’s Sam Brown and at present is with the national environment service who is preparing it for release.- Helen Greig
Schools send strong message at Smokefree Challenge
Saturday 30: Performing in front of a packed National Auditorium on Thursday night, school students and youth groups combined to make one of the most successful Smokefree Challenges yet.
Organised by the Tobacco Control Working group in partnership with the Ministry of Health, nine groups took to the stage to promote this year’s theme of being ‘100 per cent drug free.’
The deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Moate opened the show giving a strong message to the children in the audience.
“When you grow up make this county a smoke-free country.”
School groups performing were Nukutere College, Papaaroa, Rutaki, Te Uki Oe, Avatea, Arorangi, Tereora College and youth group AOG and the Titikaveka crew.
First to perform were Te Uki Ou school with their virtuous angels and their outgoing party girls. Little ‘gangsters’ were rounded up by female ‘police’ showing the negative affects of drugs and alcohol. The students combined to end strongly, dancing to Beyonce’s song ‘Halo’.
Rutaki Primary School was a firm crowd favourite showcasing the exceptional talent of Iokopeta Tobeck who sung ‘Over the rainbow.’
After performing a short skit, the school danced to the Pussy Cat Dolls song ‘Don’t Cha.’ To the audience’s delight, student Kautai Toka threw her head ‘ei into the crowd and made the song her own performing in front of the main stage. Their routine ended showing the student’s impressive ura skills.
Avatea School started their performance with two well-suited gangsterse explaining the dangers of smoking and encouraging people to ‘make the right choice.’ After a short play, students lined up and in roll-call style shouted catchy phrases of how bad smoking is ending their show with a traditional island dance.
It was Wild West meets Jamaica for Arorangi School. Students dressed in cowboy hats with Rastafarians crashing the party. The students were enthusiastic with their dancing while rejecting the temptation of drugs and alcohol shouting ‘100 per cent drug-free’ before leaving the stage.
Papaaroa school adapted the TLC song ‘Waterfalls’ to promote the night’s theme. The school showed sharp dance moves and miming with gloved hands combining in celebration to Shackles by Mary Mary.
With a traditional beginning, Nukutere College performance spanned through the ages. Students were seen rowing a vaka, danicng to the strains of the Titanic and arriving at the international airport. To the strains of ‘Heal the World’ the group pledge to follow the clean leaving lifestyle as their ancestors.
First of the youth groups were the Titikaveka Crew. Dressed in black and white the group were krumping, miming and sang a stirring gospel number.
AOG were well coordinated with smooth transitions between each song. Although the smallest group to perform their music and message made impact.
To the screams of the crowd, Tereora College closed the show. Shrouded in robes the large group harmoniously sang ‘Like a prayer’ before shifting to colourful hoodies, a teenage party and dancing the message home to ‘Beat it.’
Highlights of the evening were the entertaining banter between co-hosts DJ G-Dub and Nikki Siulepa of TVNZ”s Tangata Pasifika. With prizes given out throughout the night the family event proved not only a success for the students performing but was a move towards keeping future generations smoke and drug free.- DK
Cooks to host 2010 guides strategy meeting
Saturday 30: The Cook Islands will host the second Pacific strategy meeting for Girl Guides organisations in the region, after the first was held in Brisbane, Australia last week.
According to the head of delegation from the Cook Islands, Ngara Katuke, the aim of the first strategy meeting was to trial a new way of working with the Pacific nations organisations.
Instead of partnership visits once every three years from members from the Asia Pacific committee, Katuke says the Pacific strategy meeting will take place annually at a designated place in the region.
She says meetings will allow face-to-face contact for the Asia Pacific committee and Pacific nations member organisations in terms of better communication, regular updates of progress and opportunity to better share ideas and support between member organisations involved.
The representatives from the Cooks were Ngatokorua Toki (Island Commissioner for Atiu and Mitiaro), Tangirua Vainepoto (trainer, Atiu), Tepaeru Kokaua-Hagai (trainer) and Katuke.
The venue for the meeting was the Queensland Girl Guides’ Kindilan outdoor education and conference centre.
Delegations from six countries attended the meeting – Fiji, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Kiribati. There were 18 delegates and four from the Asia Pacific Committee.
Each island are given daily duties like morning devotion, contributing to any energisers, and cleaning up after meals.
Katuke says the meeting was very intensive and there was a lot of discussion on issues and problems faced by guides in the Pacific.
“By seeing where we are today as a member organisation in the Asia Pacific region, we can see what we need to do to make it better for our girls and leaders for tomorrow and their future.”
Katuke says they learned that there is a need to increase membership, develop relevant programmes for girls and leaders, and strive to attain full membership into the World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts.
“We can only learn from these regional meetings. If we take the challenge to join in and see what is happening outside of the Cook Islands, we will be able to bring back good things to improve the growth of our organisation in the future.”
Katuke says they would like to acknowledge many people who supported us on this trip, including the Girl Guides Association of the Cook Islands for putting its trust in them to attend the meeting in Brisbane.
The pair from Atiu would like to thank Rev Oirua Rasmussen and the Atiu CICC ekalesia, as well as the Father and the Catholic Parish for their contribution to their trip.
All those who are not mentioned – meitaki ranuinui.
Katuke adds that they give special thanks to God for their safe journey and for giving them the strength, courage and wisdom in this meeting - GGACI
OI communications restored
Saturday 30: Telecom Cook Islands landline and internet services to Mangaia, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mauke, Mitiaro and Penrhyn unexpectedly went down yesterday. Several government departments were warned about the network crash as soon as TCI engineers reported it.
The networks were restored by the afternoon and Telecom expected to be carrying out maintenance on them from 11-12pm last night.
Marketing and sales manager Mark Boyd said TCI should have fixed any problems with the networks by today. - HG
Kids mags to Araura College
Saturday 30: When Tereora College student Tere Parima returned to Aitutaki yesterday he took with him a box load of educational kids magazines for Araura College.
The box of 65 ‘Kidz Mag’ magazines were donated by Kiwi couple Barbara Wellman and Michael Rendel – founders and owners of the magazine and other publications including the popular ‘NZ Coast to Coast Fishing Magazine’.
Kidz Mag is packed full of fun and colourful learning materials, facts and figures on interesting topics plus it also provides some great ideas for teachers to make learning a fun experience.
Barbara Wellman and Michael Rendel sent over the box of magazines with friends who were visiting Rarotonga who then passed them onto Tereora College physical education head of department Alan Syme.
Syme writes an area report on Rarotonga for the fishing magazine and he was charged with making sure the magazines reached a school where it will make an impact to the learning of the children there.
Syme decided that the magazines, worth around $500, should go to Araura College as he had just returned from the island where he was on a teachers exchange programme at the school, and spoke to principal Teaea Parima about it.
Syme says that the owners of the magazine are hoping to send over more books and school supplies in the future with the hope that it can influence people in New Zealand to donate supplies to schools in the Cook Islands to further and improve the education of students.
The main hurdle is the high cost of freight and there are hopes that an airline may be able to provide assistance or sponsorship of some form in the future. - Matariki Wilson
Biofuel test flight report shows significant savings
Saturday 30: Scientific testing has found that up to 1.4 tonnes of fuel can be saved on a twelve-hour long haul flight powered by a 50/50 blend of second generation jatropha sustainable biofuel and traditional Jet A1.
The result is one of the key findings from the Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 Rolls-Royce powered test flight in December last year.
Air New Zealand general manager airline operations and chief pilot captain David Morgan, announced the scientific findings from the test flight this week at the eco-aviation conference in Washington.
The test flight, a joint initiative between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell’s UOP, was carried out on 30 December as part of commercial aviation’s drive for more sustainable air travel for future generations and used the highest blend of any type of biofuel in a test flight.
The biofuel test programme included extensive on-the-ground and in-flight tests of the engine and aircraft components. During the comprehensive flight test, analysis was carried out at various altitudes and under a variety of operating conditions to measure the biofuel’s performance through the engine and fuel systems.
A report prepared by Air New Zealand, Boeing and Rolls-Royce to analyse the data collected throughout the flight says the biofuel selected has demonstrated the potential for use as a drop in replacement to Jet A1 at a blend ratio of up to 50:50.
This material now needs to be submitted to the rigorous industry evaluation and approval protocol to enable it to be certified for everyday use.
The report also found that the biofuel’s properties offer some performance improvements over Jet A1 due to its higher net heat of combustion including:
- Using this biofuel blend, the fuel burn for a Boeing 747-400 aircraft twelve-hour flight (5800 nautical miles) would improve by 1.2 percent, saving 1.43 tonnes of fuel.
- Such a reduction in fuel burn would result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions, saving approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO2.
- At shorter ranges, fuel burn will improve by one percent when using a mix of 50 percent biofuel to 50 percent Jet A1.
- Overall savings due to these hydrotreated bio-derived jet fuels from naturally occurring oils is estimated to be a 60-65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to petroleum-derived jet fuel.
The report says the test flight has demonstrated that more sustainable air travel can be achieved by refiners, airframe manufacturers, engine makers and airlines working together.
It should also give those drafting fuel certification regulations more confidence to push ahead and reduce the timeline for certification of a bio-derived drop-in jet fuel to occur.
Data from this evaluation flight programme will be published to various industry bodies to contribute to the current program evaluating this and similar fuel products with a view to achieving approval of them as alternatives to existing Jet A1.
Captain Morgan said the scientific findings were significant for the aviation industry, which stands at the earliest stages of sustainable fuel development.
“Certainly the data from our biofuel test flight will be a critical component towards helping biofuel become a certified aviation fuel,” he says.
Captain Morgan said it was Air New Zealand’s goal to become the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline, and that it was proud to have played an important role in furthering the industry’s body of knowledge on sustainable alternative biofuels.
“There is a great deal to be done by the industry as a whole and Air New Zealand will continue to lend its support.
“We currently have a team looking at several different biofuel options. We remain committed to our ambition of having 10 percent of our fuel needs by 2013 met by alternative fuels, but appreciate there are many more steps to be taken by experts in other areas to deliver biofuel as a commercial aviation fuel source,” he says. - Air New Zealand
Marsters graduates with law degree
Saturday 30: After three years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, Tuaine Marsters (pictured at right, in centre) was awarded a Bachelor of Laws from Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Marsters was capped with her law degree by chancellor – and former prime minister – Jim Bolger, at a graduation ceremony held last month.
Family and friends from around New Zealand and Rarotonga joined her on her special day.
When Marsters stepped from the dais, the drum sounds of her brother’s (Pierre) dance group filled the air and another brother Tumupu Tumupu who broke out with a moving challenge.
This ignited the cultural side of the lady who responded to the delight of the hundreds present on the day. Marsters is appreciative of the support received from her family, that of the late Mii Rairi, and God for the good health, strength and perseverance throughout her studies.
But is it all over? Not quite. Marsters has already received an offer by the university to do a masters degree and is seriously considering the proposal.
Pacific policewomen network to meet today
Tuesday 2: More than 40 policewomen and advisors throughout the Pacific will be focusing on youth crime this week as part of an annual conference.
The sixth Pacific Island Chiefs of Police Women’s Advisory Network Conference (PICP-WAN) will start today, the first time it has been held in the Cook Islands.
Departing PICP-WAN chairwoman and police sergeant Rebecca Ellis says the two-day forum is a “great morale booster” for women as the police force still tends to be male-dominated.
She says having females in the force is a good thing as they add a different element in knowing how to approach and speak to people, especially in difficult situations.
“The main purpose for the network is to come together, talk about issues affecting women in the police and to find solutions,” she says.
“It’s hard to keep in touch because we’re all scattered in the Pacific and some don’t have access to email.”
This year’s theme is ‘Youth crime in the Pacific’ and guest speakers include Cook Islands youth aid officer sergeant Paraia Vainerere and ministry of int-ernal affairs youth director Vania Kenning.
Officers will also be talking about issues that have been affecting their country.
“We will also be looking at the number of policewomen in force - the number of women being promoted, how many have left and the reasons why,” Ellis says.
During the last three months the Cook Island Pacific women’s advisory network have been raising money for the conference with a boxing exhibition night, movie fundraisers, barbecue food sales and a golf ambrose.
Ellis says the event is funded by NZAID and AusAid however CIPWAN didn’t want any of the girls to have to bear any extra costs.
“On behalf of CIPWAN, I would like to thank our sponsors that have been supportive throughout our fundraisers, they’ve been fantastic.”
All 33 sworn and non-sworn police women of the Cook Islands will take turns in shifts to attend the conference. Senior sergeant Fa’amanatu Vasie Ngatoko-Poila and sergeant Ngaeikura Taere join Ellis as the Cook Islands delegates.
This morning Ellis will be relinquishing her role as the PICP-WAN chairwoman as
her one year tenure has come to an end.
Countries other than the Cook Islands participating in the conference include Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Guam, Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, Chuk, Vanuatu, Nauru, Samoa, Northern Marianas, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, America Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
Fiji officers have also been invited as observers. - Dana Kinita
Travellers voice concern online over departure tax
Tuesday 2: Want to know how Cook Islanders and visitors feel about the new departure tax?
More of their opinion is showing up on the internet where there are forums for debating the issue.
The online bulletin board Tumunu (www.ck/tumunu.htm) has been inundated with messages from Cook Islanders here and overseas as well as past visitors who are voicing their concern. And the general consensus is that the $55 adult departure tax is already putting holiday-makers off.
What Tumunu message posters say about future travel:
• April 26: a US tourist writes that their family of eight travels to the Cooks almost every year. “Now that you’ve raised your departure tax we’ll have to miss this year and future trips to the Cook Islands. Please listen to your people and think who suffers in the end.”
• The Nolans from Wellington agree – “You can count my family out as our annual holiday destination Mr Terepai Maoate.”
• April 28: “My brother and his family of six and myself are going to Rarotonga for a family remembrance celebration of our father who has been gone 10 years. This is an important trip for all of us that was planned last year, which is why we cannot cancel but we would have if it was just for a holiday. Guess how much tax we are going to pay when we leave? $385 which is a rip off.”
• April 30: A UK tourist writes, “Do your homework next time Mr Maoate. Why on earth would you raise your departure tax at a time like this?
My family USED to be constant visitors to your lovely islands. GOOD LUCK WITH THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.”
• May 1: a Cook Islander in Brisbane posts, “Have been away from home now for two years, and glad I did so. But to hear that they have raised departure tax, don’t think I will be returning there for some time now. It’s bad enough with airfares trying to get there and getting hit again trying to get out of the country. The question is Why?”
• May 7: Our people are not stupid, they know fully well that the $35 hike over and above the $25 they pay in New Zealand and Australia is simply excessive especially when they compare it to all other Pacific Island nations whose departure taxes are still $25, not $55.
• May 8: Terepai Maoate, how could you put the tax so high at a time like this? There are crises now in the world, people are being laid off from their jobs, but I don’t think you realise that. Fifty-five dollars, you should be ashamed of yourself. I hope you lose all the tourists in the near future. It’s a shame for the island. Getting too greedy, thank you.
• May 7: I agree the departure tax is too high at $55 and yes Sir Terepai Maoate was probably partly responsible for approving the increase. What people fail to realise is that the real problem is corporations like Air New Zealand who refuse to incorporate this tax within airfares like most other countries. The real problem is that we have Cook Islanders living in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and wherever else criticising people in our homeland from afar and doing nothing about it. Why don’t you come home and do something about it? - Helen Greig
Complaint still being looked at
Tuesday 2: Police are still investigating a rape complaint involving a girl under 12 in Aitutaki.
Inspector Tere Patia says suspects have been interviewed but no charges have been laid as yet.
He was unable to comment on how many people were being questioned.
The matter was reported to police on April 11. - Dana Kinita
New Year’s honours recipients celebrate at Government House
Tuesday 2: An investiture ceremony for three of the four New Year’s Queen’s honours recipients was held at Government House yesterday as is customary on the Queen’s Birthday.
Tutai Toru, Tomoavao Wichman and Taepae Tuteru celebrated with family and friends after the ceremony at a special luncheon.
Former immigration head Tutai Toru received his medal that officially makes him a member of the civil division of the most excellent order of the British Empire (MBE), for services to the public and sport.
Inventor and alternative energy promoter Tomoavao (Tom) Wichman received the British Empire medal civil division (BEM) for services to the community and scientific inventions. The 69 year old was recognised at the ceremony for his contributions and work in hydroponics, solar energy and water treatment. It is said that Wichman has made it possible for the outer islands to enjoy a higher standard of living because of his often simple solutions for everyday problems.
“I accept this as an honour but at the same time I still carry on my work. I’m grateful for the recognition of my contribution and I will continue to find ways to contribute to making the Cook Islands a better place,” he told Cook Islands News.
Wichman says he wants to help promote the preservation of the environment, especially the lagoon, through his work in waste water treatment.
“Of course if we look after it now there will be something left for the future generations,” he says. Wichman hopes to be part of the Environment Week activities this week too.
And former Nikao Maori school principal Taepae Tuteru has a BEM for services to the public and the community.
Tuteru, 61, retired in 2006 but is currently the community liaison officer at the ministry of education. He was born and educated in Manihiki before attending Teacher’s Training College from 1964-66. Tuteru went on to teach in New Zealand and while in Porirua carried out a lot of volunteer work, especially for the Cook Islands community there. He is well known in the CICC, in his roles in music, choir, the Boys’ Brigade and its brass band.
The Nikao Boys’ Brigade band turned out in force for the ceremony.
“I praise God for this, without Him I wouldn’t get this,” said Tuteru of his BEM.
The fourth honours recipient, Cook Islands academic Marjorie Crocombe had asked for her presentation ceremony to be deferred to allow time for family to be present. Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin says a separate ceremony for Crocombe will be held later this month.
Crocombe has been awarded an OBE – officer of the civil division of the most excellent order of the British Empire – for services to her country and the Pacific, especially in education, literature and community. - Helen Greig
More crashes involving booze
Wednesday 3: It was a busy time for police last week dealing with fatalities, motor vehicle crashes and burglaries.
A serious crash was reported in Arorangi on Saturday night in front of the Rarotonga Backpackers after two motorcycles collided. Both drivers were admitted to hospital. One suffered a broken leg. Blood alcohol tests were taken and the investigation is continuing.
Another alcohol related accident occurred on Thursday after a 22-year-old male crashed into the footpath opposite Vonnia’s General Store. The motorcycle driver sustained facial injuries and was admitted to hospital. Police charges are pending.
Senior sergeant Inano Matapo says people need to make the right choice today as the message is clear.
“Don’t be an idiot – don’t drink and drive.”
A male driver’s vehicle also struck a power pole on Thursday in the car park of CITC. Police say the accident happened as his jandal was caught in the vehicle’s acceleration pedal.
Visitors continue to be victims of burglaries with four Arorangi tourist accommodations and a Tupapa home broken into last Thursday. Among the items stolen were mobile phones and charges, iPods and DVDs .
Two residences, one church and another tourist accommodation was reported burgled on Friday. Properties taken included cash, a mini kid’s bike, a digital Nikon camera and a backpack.
Two villas in Vaimaanga were also broken into between Sunday night and Monday. The occupants were visiting Rarotonga for a wedding and thieves stole laptops and other electronic items while they slept.
Eight other cases of theft were reported, four in Arorangi and one each from Nikao, Takuvaine, Muri and Vaimaanga.
Matapo says that occupants need to be vigilant in securing their valuables.
“Don’t leave property lying around in homes visible from the outside, this creates an opportunity for crime to occur.”
Police are also investigating two unlawful takings with a grey Yamaha Crypton motorcycle, AAK691, stolen early Saturday morning in front of FBI. A Golden Oldie player has also reported his rental scooter stolen near the Foodland store yesterday. The Tawa Toad player had just rented the blue and yellow El Moto bike, RAC909, that morning. - Dana Kinita
Cook Islands office to be opened in China
Wednesday 3: Plans are being made for the opening of a Cook Islands representative office in China this August.
Foreign affairs minister Wilkie Rasmussen made the announcement yesterday after he introduced Leon Xu to cabinet as the newly appointed honorary consul to Qingdao, China.
Xu is a New Zealand citizen and businessman based in Manukau City with interests in China and New Zealand.
In Qingdao, a major seaport and industrial city located between Beijing and Shanghai, Xu owns a 1000-room hotel.
He is putting up the $1 million plus in funds for the Cook Islands office, says Rasmussen. Xu’s associate John Hong has yet to have his role at the new office finalised.
Cabinet approved Xu’s appointment about two weeks ago. Rasmussen says a dedicated Cook Islands office in China will help the country better promote trade and investment.
Rasmussen says Xu will have the authority to also work for the Cooks as a special representative in Beijing and Asia in general.
He says next week he will visit the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Wellington, along with foreign affairs secretary Mike Mitchell, to formalise Xu’s appointment.
Manukau City councillor Hugh Graham has accompanied Xu and Hong on this week’s visit as he is also involved in the new initiative. Graham is considering a role within the proposed Cook Islands office in Qingdao. He says he would like to help promote the Cooks and lift the opportunity for increased exports to countries such as China.
Graham has until late next year before his role as Mangere ward councillor ends as Manukau is set to become part of the Auckland Super City.
The Cook Islands already has one honorary consul in China, Angela Manarangi, who is based in Shanghai.
Rasmussen says Xu will add to this presence, admitting he is not the usual diplomatic appointment in that he comes from the private sector.
The minister says Xu will be able to help promote the Cook Islands in China in terms of tourism and trade.
Xu’s appointment is on a trial basis says Rasmussen, with much of the new arrangement yet to be finalised. - HG
Mauke sets crab size limit
Wednesday 3: Concern was expressed at a meeting on Mauke last month at the legal harvesting size of coconut crabs and crayfish.
The majority of people at the meeting voted to be allowed to take coconut crabs that were 45mm in length along its thorax.
The thorax is situated between the coconut crab’s head and tail.
The coconut crab can live to about 40 years, at which time its thorax is about 80mm long.
At 12 years it begins its reproductive years, at which time the thorax is about 40mm long. And this is of concern to some people on the island.
The outcome of decisions on the legal harvesting size of coconut crabs and crayfish was described as debatable, with a number of people at the meetings not happy with the final measurement decisions that allow the eating of animals with potentially many reproductive years still ahead of them.
Those with eggs are never to be taken, but some fear that it is possible those between egg carrying times may end up in a pot.
The meetings held on Mauke was to give the community the opportunity to have their say about their environment before the proposed Environment Mauke Regulations 2009 is drafted - MW
Tepapa’s new library opens
Wednesday 3: Rutaki School reopened a brand new library named Tepapa – the name of the area – for its students yesterday.
Principal Enoa Raea says the school’s library committee has driven the initiative to reopen the facility, and he and another teacher Nooroa Ingaua received professional training to help Rutaki `set up the library. Ingaua will be in charge of the school’s library.
The training involved transferring the information on books on to their own computer system, and learning how to label and catalogue the books before they are put on the shelf.
“Most of the work was involved in setting up the library,” says Raea.
The library contains around 2000 books – most of which was paid for by NZAID, with donations from New Zealand Maori institutions Whareama and Horeke, Takitumu school, its sister school Parnell in Auckland, and from Fleur Saville who plays Libby Jeffries on TVNZ’s Shortland Street.
NZAID also supplied infrastructural support for the library while PRIDE (Pacific Regional Initiative for the Delivery of basic Education) provided the teacher training support for the two teachers. The ministry of education also chipped in with its support.
The director of the PRIDE project, Dr Priscilla Puamau, and education ministry’s Gail Townsend were amongst those at yesterday’s opening.
Following the opening, pupils at the school were given the opportunity to browse through books in the new library. - Moana Moeka’a
Pacific police women show colours
Wednesday 3: Police uniforms of all kinds were out in force yesterday for the Pacific Island Chief of Police Womens Advisory Network Conference.
Held at the Edgewater Resort, the annual two-day forum unites police women and advisors throughout the Pacific with more than 40 delegates in attendance.
The conference is an opportunity for the officers to discuss this year’s theme of ‘Youth crime in the Pacific’ and any concerns they were facing as female law enforcers. Each officer will return home and share with their chief of police the issues discussed.
Yesterday also marked an end of an era for sergeant Rebecca Ellis as she relinquished her role as the network’s chairwoman. After police commissioner Pat Tasker opened the conference, the change of chair ceremony took place with constable Siripa Uelesi of Samoa becoming the new head of PICP-WAN.
Ellis says her one year tenure was an “experience of a lifetime” and she was priviliged and honoured to be chairperson for the women police officers.
She wished the “new boss lady” well and that she may prosper and learn from others.
A police woman for five years, Uelesi says she’s received great help and advice from Ellis as she enters her new role and was looking forward to addressing young people’s involvement with crime.
“What’s important to me is recognising our cultural identity and our cultural roles as mothers and nurturers and to use that to tackle the youth problem in the Pacific.”
Held in the Cook Islands for the first time, the conference is set to conclude tonight with a dinner at Trader Jack’s for the participants and the Cook Islands police women’s network. Next year’s forum will be held in the new chairwoman’s nation of Samoa. - DK
|
