No Sunday netball
Police nvestigating fatality
Govt to buy BP depot
Court judgement on Juhi deal due soon
NZ’s John Key to visit
Names of 9 accused not suppressed
Pageant plans to go back to annual show
5 of 7 lagoon sites fail test
‘Mismanagement’ slammed
Name suppression argued in court
HOM jobs advertised tomorrow
Atiu day today
Cabinet job threat
Police accused of ‘lies’
Smoking ban fully in force
New clinic for teens
ON THE STREET
Coral removal comes to head
Chamber still wants monopoly ended
Man fled scene after teen hurt
Ready to buy
Spot the school student
Two possible pig flu cases
Parliament to sit again on June 24
HIV and STIs under discussion
New grocery company to open soon
Tepuka situation complex, CIIC
Police receive NZ preliminary report
Students enjoy WISAT meet, Expo today
No Sunday netball
Thursday 4: Local organisers of the World Youth Netball Championships have breathed a sigh of relief with games now not being scheduled for Sunday.
“We have been advised of IFNA’s [International Federation of Netball Associations] decision and it is very good news,” says operations manager Karen Harvey.
Harvey says IFNA has agreed to move the entire games programme forward by one day thus allowing Sunday August 16 to be a rest day for all teams.
“In order to accommodate this change, IFNA have had to reschedule their congress meeting, however were prepared to do so, in order to demonstrate respect for Cook Islands religious beliefs.”
Harvey says it “was not an easily won decision, particularly as the same issue had already been canvassed in December last year”.
“However, full credit must go to [WYNC board assistant chairperson] Tina Browne who was eventually able to gain support from the IFNA board.”
Games minister and WYNC board chairman Wilkie Rasmussen said yesterday that the decision is a good one, and one that will be tabled at the next WYNC board meeting when Browne returns from Samoa.
“I’m happy – happy that IFNA has seen fit to respect our customs on Sunday match play,” said Rasmussen.
Cook Islands Christian Church general secretary Nga Mataio says they are very pleased with the decision.
“Like so many views already expressed in support of the no-game option, the council can’t see why the Cook Islands should comply with the wishes of international organisers of the game who don’t live here.
“Irrespective of denomination, religion is what makes this country. We live here, we contribute to the socio-economic development of this country, we built this country, so it shouldn’t be hard to say no to things that are organised which does not go along with our customs or does not go down well with the majority.”
To allow for a rest day on Sunday, games will then start on Monday, August 10 – the original date of the IFNA assembly. - Moana Moeka’a
Police nvestigating fatality
Thursday 4: Police are waiting for a pathologist’s report from New Zealand before any further charges are laid in relation to the death of a visiting Golden Oldies rugby player last week.
Detective Inspector Aka Matapo says the primary result of the post mortem of the victim, Duncan Barrowman, was needed for their investigation and until it was received no further charges would be laid.
Paul Williams, 31, will re-appear in court today after being arrested at the scene of the incident in Tupapa early on Friday morning.
He entered no plea last week to a sole charge of driving with excess breath alcohol, and was advised to seek legal help.
According to the New Zealand Herald, team mates of the deceased said they had been walking back from the Fishing Club to their hotel on Thursday night when a truck hit Barrowman. They are reported to have chased the driver, pulled him from the vehicle and restrained him until police arrived.
The players said the driver had been asked to leave the club earlier after he became aggressive towards them, but the victim was not involved.
Matapo confirmed that an altercation occurred at the Fishing Club but could not say whether the driver’s actions were considered intentional.
“We are approaching this with an open mind and all these possibilities will be investigated,” he said yesterday.
Police have asked for the assistance of anyone who may have passed through the area of the Fishing Club and Club Raro between 12am and 12.45am on Thursday. Those who may have seen what had happened prior to the accident are asked to call police on 22499.- DK
Govt to buy BP depot
Thursday 4: Government is still intent on purchasing the Air BP-Juhi facility in Panama, says cabinet minister Tangata Vavia.
He has just returned from a trip to New Zealand to meet with BP South West Pacific representatives over the proposed purchase.
Vavia, who now heads the government committee for the fuel farm scheme, said he would report the results of the meeting to cabinet yesterday before releasing any news on the deal to the public.
“Government has to make a decision as far as Juhi is concerned,” says Vavia.
The minister says BP Southwest Pacific had recently set its price for the Air BP depot which government has now nego-tiated down to a figure under
$5 million.
While the deal could be completed within a month, the purchase of Air BP is now an issue before the court.
Triad Pacific Petroleum made an application to the high court last month for an interim order – like the one that applies to the purchase of Toa – to be granted to prevent government from purchasing the Air BP depot.
The high court has yet to issue a decision on the application.
Until now BP Southwest Pacific has been in the process of completing the sale of its Pacific fuel facilities in a package deal with Fiji Holdings Ltd.
Cabinet decided in March to continue pursuing the Air BP deal despite the fact that BP Southwest Pacific had previously refused to accept any offer .
In March, cabinet minister Wilkie Rasmussen released a cabinet paper which outlined government’s new direction in pursuing its fuel farm scheme.
That new plan was to save the Air BP aviation fuel facility from falling into ‘foreign ownership’ by government stepping in to buy it. - Helen Greig
Court judgement on Juhi deal due soon
Thursday 4: The High Court is expected to issue a judgement any day now on Triad Pacific Petroleum’s latest application for an interim order to stop government’s planned purchase of the Air BP/Juhi facility.
On Tuesday a telephone conference was held to hear Triad’s submissions on the application filed late last month.
The new twist in the ongoing court case has not stopped government from pursuing the purchase of the fuel depot. Government has pursued its offer to purchase Air BP’s depot as its ‘new direction’.
Triad has already succeeded in halting government’s purchase of Toa Petroleum through an interim order.
On Tuesday, Judge Colin Nicholson heard submissions on the new application to the court before informing the parties to the case that he was reserving his judgment on it.
Triad’s first application to the court is for a declaratory judgment on whether key government officials and departments breached Cook Islands law in pursuing the scheme.
Another hearing for Triad’s submissions on this application is due to take place on June 11. - Helen Greig
NZ’s John Key to visit
Thursday 4: New Zealand prime minister John Key is expected to visit Rarotonga some time next month.
NZ High Commissioner Tia Barrett says, while there has been no announcement
of the trip, Key is planning a tour to Samoa, Tonga, Niue and the Cooks.
Key is expected to be accompanied by a delegation on the Pacific tour.
His visit follows the Pacific tour by NZ foreign minister Murray McCully in March. - HG
Names of 9 accused not suppressed
Thursday 4: Nine people re-appeared in the high court last week charged with theft as a servant while working at the Oasis Energy Centre.
Appearing before justice of the peace Tangi Taoro last Thrusday, a three-week adjournment was granted for all cases to allow defence counsel Norman George time to consult with Crown Law prosecution.
George applied for interim name suppression but Taoro declined the application saying the court, as a single JP, did not have jurisdiction to grant name suppression following the advice given by Chief Justice David Williams and the Crown Law Office.
Terangi Patia, Puna Strickland, Mimetua Patia, Shariana Irene Vano, Nolomo Tangatakino, Minora Manuela, Matangaro Taio and Upokotia Henry all entered no pleas to the charge through their counsel George.
Veroita Manuel pleaded not guilty to theft as a servant and has elected a trial by judge and jury.
All cases were adjourned to June 17 before three justices of the peace. - DK
Pageant plans to go back to annual show
Thursday 4: The Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association held its annual general meeting last week in Avana, following the success of last month’s pageant.
A new executive was chosen with Ben Bergman retaining presidency with Tatiana Burn as vice president, Karlene Pynenburg as secretary, Liz Koteka as treasurer and the general committee consisting of Toru Tutai, Mousie Skews and Luke Brown.
Issues discussed included the recent pageant, Anne Herman at Miss South Pacific, next year’s 50th anniversary of MCIPA and the next pageant in April 2011.
Bergman says the adopted two-year cycle of the executive was generally unsuccessful and a constitutional amendment will soon be adopted to restore the former annual election
cycle. - MCIPA
5 of 7 lagoon sites fail test
Marine health in focus today as 1300 pupils go to lagoon day
Friday 5: The Takitumu Lagoon Health 2009 ‘report card’ released today reveals that five of the seven lagoon sites tested in the vaka did not pass the marine health test.
Water samples from these sites were analysed for the amount of nutrients in the water, water clarity, the quality of stream water entering the lagoon and more.
Although the lagoon is still suitable for swimming according to World Health Organisation standards, something needs to be done to address the issue of high nutrient levels and poor quality of marine life now, says the report card.
Today over 1300 school students are expected to take part in Takitumu Lagoon Day at the Nukupure Sports Field in Ngatangiia to learn more about protecting the health of the lagoon.
The seven Takitumu lagoon sites were graded from A to F again this year with Tikioki, Kent Hall and Totokoitu all still graded as D for the second year of the report card.
Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate, found in fertilisers and human and animal waste, can damage coral reefs if levels are high in the lagoon. Water clarity was judged by the amount of algae and suspended solids in the water – the more there is, the more harm can be done to the reef.
Papua is the only site where the lagoon looks to be healthier than last year going from a 34.8 percent D grading to a 55 percent pass with a C grade in the latest report card.
Pou’ara is the healthiest lagoon site of those tested, but this has gone from a B grading last year to a C this year.
Avana went from a C to the failing grade of D this year, while Paringaru failed with an E grade – two grades down from the C it scored last year. Paringaru’s lagoon bacteria levels were good but nutrient levels and water clarity were poor. Levels of ciguatera fish poisoning in this Muri beach area are described as extremely high.
This year the Ministry of Marine Resources has released a water quality report card for Rarotonga that shows the northern part of the island’s lagoon may be faring better.
The best water clarity is seen at the lagoon just out from TJ’s where it also had a one of the lowest nutrient levels of all the areas tested.
The TJ’s site as well as Pou’ara Raui on the eastern side of the island, and the Social Centre were all better than other sites on this score. The other 11 sites around the island have nutrient levels considered above the levels for the protection of the coral reef health. - Helen Greig
For the full Takitumu Lagoon Health 2009 report card, get tomorrow’s Cook Islands News.
‘Mismanagement’ slammed
Friday 5: Opposition MP Norman George says government’s dogged pursuit of its fuel farm scheme will bring it down at the next elections.
George says he is disappointed with the blind determination of the deputy prime minister and finance minister Sir Terepai Maoate to purchase the Air BP fuel depot.
And he is calling for the DPM’s ‘mismanagement of the economy’ to be stopped.
As opposition spokesman for finance and economic development, George has issued yet another scathing statement saying the DPM continues to stubbornly reject good advice even as every justifiable reason not to proceed with the purchase of fuel depots is placed before him.
“So the government is afraid that this ‘strategic asset’ might fall into foreign hands. It is already in foreign hands, it is foreign owned from the start! It still is! Using the alarmist approach to make people think the purchase has to be done to save a strategic asset is bull droppings!”
And George asks, what about Telecom?
“It is currently foreign owned, always have been and this government has tried to sell it to another foreign company? A strategic asset? Where is the consistency? The shameless struggle to justify their doomed decision will bring down the Democratic Party government at the next elections.”
George says he has been ‘reliably advised’ that an attempt will be made by the Demo government to amend the Constitution protecting property rights to allow the government to forcibly buy Air BP/Juhi.
“That means property ownership can no longer be guaranteed – the government can force businesses to be surrendered to them on the grounds that it is a ‘strategic asset’,” claims George.
“That kind of approach may be approved in war time or dire emergencies. None of that is happening. The consequences to all of this will hurt the economy grievously. Private sector and investor confidence will disappear. With things as tough as they are, DPM Maoate’s mismanagement of the economy must be stopped.”
George believes Sir Terepai must be ‘planning to retire to do what he is doing’.
“I see what the DPM may be doing is a parting shot at ruining everything before he retires.
“Our foreign loans exceed our annual revenue. We have no more reserves left. What happened to Maoate’s regular phrase ‘we are saving our reserves for a rainy day’?
The move to get involved in fuel supply, which will never be profitable, will mean that the next CIP government will be bound by the hands and feet and locked into debt paying rather than developing the country into the future, says George.
“With PM (Jim) Marurai’s frozen fish like lack of interest and intervention, these two men will ensure the Democratic Party will never see the light of day again for a long time after the next general elections.” - HG
Name suppression argued in court
Friday 5: A rape accused was granted continuing interim name suppression in the High Court yesterday in what lawyer Norman George referred to comically as a “landmark decision”.
George appeared before Justice of the Peace Dorice Reid to represent a 34-year-old who had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the defendant’s first appearance on May 11, Crown Law was asked to prepare a legal opinion on whether a JP had jurisdiction to grant name suppression. The request was made by JP John Kenning and Chief Justice David Williams.
Yesterday, Crown prosecution Martha Henry said the ‘crux’ of their opinion was that JPs did have jurisdiction with research undertaken on what circumstances suppression can be granted.
Quoting past New Zealand cases, Henry said factors to be taken into account included the presumption of open justice and the public’s right to know what is happening as well as balancing the public interest of the working court against the private interest of the accused.
Henry said it was appropriate to depart from the presumption of an open court for compelling reasons or for very special circumstances.
“It is the Crown’s position that there is no good reason to warrant interim name suppression of the defendant with the public interest the primary factor to be taken into account. The public are entitled to know the identity of the accused.”
George applied for name suppression of his client to continue saying that New Zealand is a huge society with release names would be “meaningless”.
“Transfer that to a small population and there are different consequences.”
He said it was his understanding that his client was facing a “false and malicious” complaint and the defendant would carry this burden if his name is published, as the court hearing was likely to be heard later in the year.
George mentioned the previous week where his application for name suppression in the Oasis theft cases was denied as the JP did not think the court had jurisdiction.
His client’s names were published despite pleadings made to the Cook Islands News saying he was going to make an application to the chief justice.
“It is a sad day when the media don’t take any notice of common sense and decency,” he said.
Before going to print the court registrar advised that their office had “not received any application by Mr Norman George in regards to seeking name suppression for his clients in this matter”.
JP Reid granted interim name suppression to the 34-year-old and adjourned the case to July 16. - Dana Kinita
HOM jobs advertised tomorrow
Friday 5: Prime minister Jim Marurai today announced that the new Public Service Act is due to be tabled in parliament on June 24 and he has given the go-ahead to advertise the head of ministry posts.
“We have to make a start towards modernising our public service because while the 1995-96 reforms have proven good for us, we have neglected to continue [with the reforms],” says Marurai.
“Like the public service commissioner Navy Epati said, the new PS act will not immediately solve all our problems, but it will start with the fundamental structural problems.”
Marurai adds that as head of government and minister responsible for the public service, he will “make every effort to see this new act through
parliament”.
Commissioner Epati says that he has received positive feedback from the deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate and other ministers, and he is confident that there will be a new act in place by the end of the month.
“Then the real work begins,” adds Epati.
All HOM posts will be advertised as from tomorrow, Saturday June 6.
These are for the following ministries – agriculture, cultural development, education, foreign affairs & immigration, health, internal affairs, justice, marine resources, infrastructure & planning, national human resource, transport, office of the prime minister, and office of the public service commissioner.
Ten island secretary positions will also be advertised. - OPM/MM
Atiu day today
Friday 5: Celebrations for Atiu day will start from 7am at Te Atukura today.
The fundraiser was to be held last week but organisers decided to postpone in respect for the State funeral service of Sir Tangaroa Tangaroa. Money raised from the all-day festival is to help build a new Atiu hostel in Maraerenga. - DK
Cabinet job threat
Saturday 6: Cabinet minister Wilkie Rasmussen could be facing expulsion.
This is because he may have ‘breached cabinet protocol’, according to a legal opinion by Dr Alex Frame, a constitutional lawyer in New Zealand.
Rasmussen reportedly had a meeting with prime minister Jim Marurai yesterday about the possibility that he will be expelled from cabinet.
It is Rasmussen’s vocal public opposition to government’s fuel farm scheme that could see him lose his ministerial role.
Rasmussen has recently involved himself in the Triad Petroleum declaratory judgement application before the high court which aims to halt government’s plans to purchase Toa Petroleum and Air BP/Juhi. The minister has filed an affidavit with the court detailing his opposition to the scheme.
Cabinet had asked for a legal opinion on the content of that affidavit through solicitor-general Tingika Elikana.
The prime minister declined an interview with CINews yesterday, but his office issued this statement: “The prime minister has confirmed he has received advice from Crown Law office on minister Rasmussen’s declared opposition to the proposed fuel tank farm purchase. Constitutional expert Alex Frame was engaged by Crown Law to assist. The prime minister is presently considering the opinions put to him by the lawyers.”
The question now is whether cabinet, through the prime minister, will terminate Rasmussen as a minister, or whether they will issue him a warning to back off on the fuel farm issue and curb his public statements.
The subject of the legal opinion is reportedly ‘cabinet collective responsibility’ – a constitutional convention in Westminster system governments that members of cabinet must publicly support all (governmental) decisions made in cabinet, even if privately they do not agree with them.
Earlier this week CINews asked cabinet minister Tangata Vavia, now in charge of the fuel farm scheme, what he thought of Rasmussen’s opposition to the scheme.
He said one of government’s views is that the minister should resign if he does not agree with cabinet’s decision.
Vavia also said he wasn’t worried about the outcome of the court case, or its allegations against government.
His committee remains focused on the savings benefits the actioned scheme will bring to the consumer.
In February Rasmussen told CINews that the legal action from Triad should postpone the fuel scheme because of the serious nature of allegations against deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate and others.
“This is very serious. It’s about the accountability of cabinet and it puts us to the test as ministers,” he said.
It’s now Rasmussen’s stance, and his move to distance himself from the controversial scheme, that cabinet is attacking.
It is understood he is seeking his own legal opinion on whether he breached protocol before challenging any action taken against him. - Helen Greig
Police accused of ‘lies’
Saturday 6: Legal counsel Norman George has accused the police of spreading lies through the media in the High Court.
His client, Paul Williams, appeared before Justice of the Peace Dorice Reid on Thursday. No plea was entered to an excess breath alcohol charge.
Williams was arrested last Friday night at the scene where visiting Golden Oldies rugby player, Duncan Barrowman, was fatally hit by a truck.
Both Crown Law and the police say more serious charges are likely to be laid against the defendant as investigations continue.
With Williams in the stand, George said there was “misinformation, exaggeration and lies being spread by no other than the police.”
Police this week have confirmed statements made by team mates that an altercation took place between the defendant and the players at the Fishing Club. It was believed Barrowman was not involved.
George claimed that there was no fight in the club and his client was assaulted by the victim’s rugby mates, staff of the fishing club and police.
“We will be laying a formal complaint against the police,” George said.
“I extend to the family of Duncan Barrowman my deepest condolences, to the widow and his children.”
Crown Law prosecutor Martha Henry would not comment on “evidence” submitted by George as the police investigation was still continuing.
The case was adjourned to July 16 with Williams remanded at large on bail. - Dana Kinita
Smoking ban fully in force
Saturday 6: There’s no looking back as far as the public health division is concerned regarding the Tobacco Control Act 2007 which came into force on June 1.
Health promotion manager Edwina Tangaroa says visits to workplaces on Rarotonga and ongoing awareness on the smoke-free legislation will continue. This includes distributing flyers and no-smoking signs.
Smoking inside buildings used by the public – like offices, shops, restaurants and bars – is now illegal and the owners of these establishments can be fined up to $10,000 for breaches.
Tangaroa says no breaches have been reported since Monday. On the contrary, she says that the ministry is heartened by the positive response it has received over the subject recently. She adds they have received a number of calls from businesses to ask for advice or to clarify where smoking can take place on their premises.
Meanwhile some factions within the tourism industry are still pushing for changes.
Over the past year, the Chamber of Commerce, the Restaurant Association, and the Tourism Council have called the smoking ban in places like hotels and restaurants harsh, and have called for parts of the legislation to be amended - MM
New clinic for teens
The ministry of health opened a new Adolescent Health Clinic at its administration building yesterday.
Secretary of health Dr Roro Daniel says the clinic will aim to improve adolescent (teen) health.
The clinic will be run by senior public health nurse Maine Beniamina – her new role and support for the clinic funded by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
Dr Daniel says the clinic will provide reproductive health care, HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infection) services and counseling. - HG
ON THE STREET
Saturday 6: Do you believe Rarotonga’s lagoons are polluted? How bad is it, and what should we do?
Susan Tauira
Yes, it’s something that’s been happening gradually. There’s more cars than people here.
Joshi Mani
In some places, but I’ve noticed the Muri area is quite clean. Continue to have clean up campaigns with putting rubbish in the bin.
Inangaro Tuao
Yes, that’s why we are getting fish poisoning all the time. Don’t throw plastics down the beach and clean up the pig shit because it gets flushed into the sea.
Connor Teroi
I only swim at the waterfall as I don’t like salt water much, but some areas are polluted, like the wharf.
Helen Bland
There was a bit down at Muri, particularly when it rains. What is needed is a proper sewage system.
Coral removal comes to head
Monday 8: The Cook Islands Canoeing Association is making changes wherever it can to the layout of the proposed Pacific Mini Games canoeing course to avoid the impact any coral removal would have on the Muri lagoon.
The news of compromise comes as the Marine Resources Report has been released detailing the marine life that may be affected by coral removal.
The environmental impact assessment report on the proposal to remove coral and other material from the lagoon floor, to be released this week, advocates that government go ahead with the proposal.
CICA president Tina Newport says while the proposal to remove coral from the lagoon to have an obstacle-free course has been controversial, there are practical solutions to be found.
CICA has recently successfully been given International Va’a Federation approval for the 500 metre straight V6 course to instead have a turn at the 250-metre mark.
Newport says CICA needed the votes of the majority of the 30-odd member countries of the international federation and they only got that after the issue was debated at length. Other member countries were in strong opposition to the move.
The federation has also made it clear that a two-metre course depth is not a requirement, but a uniform depth is needed. The V1 500-metre race may also be able to be held on the proposed course area with only a small area of the outside lanes having underwater obstacles to deal with.
“We are trying hard to find a solution and a compromise wherever we can.”
Newport says at this stage there is no alternative course option, and if the Muri course proposal does not work, the event would have to be called off.
Despite CICA’s suggestions for the event to be held elsewhere, and ideally in Aitutaki, games organisers have opposed the idea of considering other sites.
The canoeing event is reportedly seen by government as the biggest drawcard for the games, the glamour event, and potentially the largest source of medals for the Cooks.
This Thursday the games organisers are holding a public meeting to discuss the proposed course and coral removal with the community.
Newport says she will be fronting up to the meeting to represent CICA’s wish to be able to provide an international standard course to be offered during the games. The course is also seen as an area that could be used by other codes like sailing and swimming, and for future canoeing events.
She makes it clear though that CICA is not advocating for coral to be ripped out of the lagoon. Newport says the cost to the lagoon, the resorts and the community must be determined before a decision is made to go ahead with clearing the course. - HG
Chamber still wants monopoly ended
Monday 8: The Chamber of Commerce is urging government to swiftly change the telecommunications law to allow competition in the industry.
Chamber president Steve Anderson says several of the private sector organisation’s members attended the KukiCel demonstration and are hoping the company may succeed in its mission to enter the telecommunications market.
Kukicel is a locally owned company that aims to set up a new mobile phone network. But this all depends on whether government will change the law to allow another mobile service provider to compete with Telecom Cook Islands.
“The chamber has long stated it supports the concept of competition in the telecommunications sector. The costs and standard of service has been a serious inhibitor for the local economy. Competition can only help improve service and pricing,” says Anderson.
He says the chamber was impressed by KukiCel’s demonstration of its proposed mobile service and the technology it aims to use.
Of note, says Anderson, is the KukiCel proposal to provide the outer islands with a mobile phone service and internet.
“This would be a great economic stimulus if the outer islands had good telecommunications services at reasonable pricing.”
The chamber is also calling for government to separate the regulatory component of the industry from the provider of the services.
Telecom is currently the legislated monopoly as well as the industry’s regulator.
“This position is not serving the best interests of the consumer.”
Anderson says government has reaped the benefits, including hefty profits from Telecom for a long time.
“The time has come for the whole economy to benefit from competition.”
Both government and the private sector pay the high costs of Telecom’s services and this needs to stop, he says.
While the chamber does not voice support for specific commercial operators, such as KukiCel, it has been impressed with the fact that it is locally owned and that it promises high quality, low cost services.
“We support free enterprise. But, yes, Kukicel being predominantly a local company is something the chamber is pleased to see,” says Anderson. - HG
Man fled scene after teen hurt
Monday 8: A 43-year-old man will appear in court this morning for not stopping after an accident early on Saturday morning.
An 18-year-old girl has suffered a broken leg after a collision with an oncoming Toyota Swift near Osana meeting house in Tupapa around 2.30am.
Police say the girl had been driving in the Matavera direction and the driver of the rental vehicle fled the scene after impact was made.
Inspector Arama Tera says the man’s father brought him into the station the following morning. A charge was laid for failing to stop and ascertain nature of injuries and render assistance after an accident. - DK
Ready to buy
Tuesday 9: Government has reached an agreement to purchase the Air BP-Juhi facility in Nikao, according to cabinet minister Tangata Vavia.
In a press release, the minister, now in charge of the fuel farm committee, says it is government’s intention that Cook Islanders take charge of strategic assets and have them own those assets.
“The government has negotiated with BP SWP Ltd its intentions to acquire BP SWP assets in Nikao for the people of the Cook Islands,” he says.
And Vavia has rubbished opposition finance spokesman Norman George’s claim that government will change the definition of property rights under the Constitution to acquire fuel farm assets. Vavia says the insinuation by George that the government may attempt to amend the Constitution is yet again one of those things he refers to as ‘bull droppings’.
It’s evident that George’s scathing statements about government last week have hit a nerve, with Vavia responding that government’s focus is on cheaper fuel and not on losing the next election.
Vavia says acquisition of the aviation fuel Air BP-Juhi asset adds to the other ‘strategic assets’ that are already owned and managed by Cook Islanders such as the international airport, Avatiu port, and Te Aponga power station.
“This government is adamant that all avenues be explored to bring cheaper fuel to the people of this country and in the long term have Cook Islanders determine its own destiny in as far as fuel and other strategic assets are concerned.”
The minister says owning the Air BP asset and the management of its operations are two separate issues.
“Government is considering tendering the management aspect of this asset,” says Vavia. - Helen Grieg
Spot the school student
Tuesday 9: Just putting on a hard hat and overalls gave David Tiatoa a feeling of what it would be like working as an electrical engineer or technician.
The 18-year-old student from Atiu’s Enuamanu College could easily be mistaken for one of the crew at Te Aponga Uira where he has been on work experience.
And he reckons it’s a good place to learn about what it takes to be an electrician.
He says he is interested in ‘electrical stuff’ but is unsure about what’s available training and education wise.
That’s why he decided to check out Te Aponga Uira and find out from the crew just what they do.
He also plans to check out some of the university booths at tomorrow’s Careers Expo to find out what mechanical courses they offer.
“I have to get out and learn,” says Tiatoa. “But I want to learn while I work.”
Tiatoa aims to find out if there is a course that might see him working at Te Aponga Uira and getting hands on experience while learning the finer points of a trade through study.
For the moment he’s just enjoying being part of the Te Aponga Uira’s work crew, before he attends the annual Careers Expo starting tomorrow. - Matariki Wilson
Two possible pig flu cases
Tuesday 9: Two possible Influenza A (H1N1) cases in Rarotonga are under investigation as of last week.
Test results on exactly which type of flu the two home-quarantined people have should be known by Thursday.
While public health doesn’t want the community to panic, news of the suspected cases was released in Friday’s public health notice.
About 35 people a day have received a check up at the Blackrock clinic in Arorangi, set up last week for people with flu-like symptoms to get treatment.
Public health says the clinic was set up for Influenza A (H1N1) checks after an increase in people at the hospital and Tupapa clinic presenting with flu symptoms.
A doctor, nurse and administrator are providing the service at the clinic.
While initial tests for Influenza A can be carried out in-country, tests in a Wellington lab are the only conclusive way to find out if someone here has the H1N1 strain commonly called swine flu.
As of last week there were 21,940 confirmed human cases worldwide of the new flu strain.
Public health has had surveillance systems activated since the World Health Organisation’s first warning was issued on Influenza A. Information from reliable sources around the world is being received by the event surveillance and response unit in Tupapa every day.
The hospital is also on stand-by in the event that a patient may require admission and isolation.
Scaled-back border surveillance and control activities continue to be implemented through in-flight announcements, and information for passengers on symptoms to be aware of, on arrival at the airport. - HG
Parliament to sit again on June 24
Tuesday 9: Parliament is expected to sit again on Wednesday June 24 – just under three months after the last sitting on April 1.
Clerk of parliament Nga Valoa said yesterday that the summons from the Queen’s Representative has been received and it has been sent out to members of parliament.
The sitting is expected to debate the 2009-10 appropriation. However, it is unsure as to when exactly the budget will be tabled, although June 30 is being mooted as a possible date.
The budget committee has forwarded its recommendations to finance minister Sir Terepai Maoate but cabinet has yet to deliberate fully on the report as the DPM has been in Fiji for the past week.
Sir Terepai and the financial secretary Sholan Ivaiti attended a regional aid conference in Fiji and visited the Bula tourism convention last week.
It is understood that the DPM and Ivaiti held talks relating to fuel with a government agency in Fiji but as of yesterday this could not be confirmed.
When parliament last sat for one day on April 1, it was to pass the country’s third supplementary budget for the 2008-09 year. - MM
HIV and STIs under discussion
Tuesday 9: The Ministry of Health is hosting the Cook Islands HIV-STI mini-conference this week at Crown Beach Resort.
From today until Friday, issues to be discussed include management of STIs, conception and the male and female reproductive system, infection control, STI/HIV prevention and condom social marketing. - Dana Kinita
New grocery company to open soon
Wednesday 10: Plans for a new grocery business to open next month have fuelled talk that Meatco may rise from the ashes of the PDL collapse.
A new shop is being set up at the Meatco premises for the food business.
Meatco owners Brett and Cavelle Porter have already distanced themselves from any involvement in the new business owned by their children.
But this hasn’t stopped public speculation that Porter is using his family to front his own endeavour.
The question has come up as to whether starting up the business will breach conditions apparently imposed by a restraint of trade agreement that Brett Porter signed with CITC when PDL sold its operations last year.
Last Cook Islands News asked CITC executive director Trevor Clarke about the new company and its connection to Porter. Clarke said he would need more information before making any comment.
Cook Islands News contacted Maire Forsyth – Porter’s daughter -- who said it’s too early for them to release any details on the company, but they hope to open for business next month. Forsyth says she and husband Dan as well as her siblings, Winton and Tia, will run the business.
While they have not registered a new company, the ministry of justice has received at least one enquiry about changing the shareholders names under the current Meatco company records.
Meatco was established by Brett and Cavelle Porter in 1984 and along with Foodland and Oasis Energy Centre, joined forces to form Pacific Distributors Limited (PDL) early in 2007.
After problems in PDL where it experienced difficulties with paying creditors, the group was bought out by CITC in a $7.5 million deal put together last August. The deal included payment of $3.4 million for goodwill. - Helen Greig
Tepuka situation complex, CIIC
Wednesday 10: The situation regarding a permit for a waste treatment plant for the multi sports complex, is not a simple one says the chief executive of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation.
John Tini says the issue of waste for the MSC is “a complex one as it is only part of the overall waste/sewage infrastructure for Tereora/Tepuka”.
“Firstly, we have to repair and upgrade the existing waste/sewage system which is now underway – this covers the Enviro-flo and sewer lines.”
Tini says the overall concept of improving infrastructure is to have a waste management system that will handle the National Stadium, Tereora College, Tereora/Tepuka residences, the MSC and the proposed ministry of education complex.
“The upgrade does not necessary mean that everything has to be done now but staggered over a period of time.
“As part of this upgrade initiative, we have been working with various sanitation and waste management consultants -- locally and overseas -- on how best to improve the current
infrastructure with the view that we can minimise major environmental and health hazards that so far has been well publicised.”
Tini says they have been working closely with the ministry of health and national environmental service on ways to improve the system.
“A lot of these issues are resolved. I can assure you that meetings and discussions held MOH and NES have been ongoing and fruitful.
“We are almost closing all issues for the MSC treatment and have reached a good understanding with the NES -- hopefully a permit can be issued shortly.” - Moana Moeka’a
Police receive NZ preliminary report
Wednesday 10: Police have received a preliminary pathology report on the death of New Zealand Golden Oldie player, Duncan Barrowman.
On May 29, Barrowman had been walking with his rugby team mates from the Fishing Club to his accommodation when he was fatally struck from behind by a truck. A 31-year-old was arrested at the scene and has been charged for driving with excess breath alcohol.
Head of the investigation, Detective Inspector Aka Matapo says the pathology report was received through the Cook Islands coroner last Thursday
Matapo says police were conducting a thorough investigation into the event despite the hearsay and rumours circulating around the island.
“We will be having discussions with Crown Law and take our lead from them,” he says - Dana Kinita
Students enjoy WISAT meet, Expo today
Wednesday 10: Presenters at yesterday’s women in science and technology meeting went all out to help the 50-plus female students understand their respective roles in the science and technology fields.
The aim of the one day annual meeting is to give young students the opportunity to learn about the numerous careers available in the science and technology fields and hopefully pursue a career in the industry.
A number of repeat presenters had visibly improved their method of sharing their roles with the students.
Some presenters used high tech computer gear to capture the attention of students while others like entomologist (insect specialist) Dr Maja Poeschko’s tools of her trade were enough to enthral the students.
New presenters the Esther Honey Foundation animal clinic director Karen Galvan enlisted the help of two vets and two gorgeous puppies to explain the highlights of working with animals and being a veterinarian.
The day was certainly enjoyed by the young students who also learnt about jobs within the environment department, media, agriculture, sports and much more.
The students will now take part in the two-day Careers Expo that opens this afternoon.
The Careers Expo is expected to attract around 800 students and will showcase the various job opportunities here in the Cook Islands and across the globe.
Helping students open their eyes to the diverse range of career options will be 32 exhibitors from government ministries, the private sector and tertiary education institutions.
Today’s expo opens at 1pm. - Matariki Wilson
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