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For Saturday, October 14, 2009

Weekend Feature published Saturday each week containing reviews and feature stories.

Getting technical on tsunami – what can we really expect?
Cooks heard at Pacific Voices
Captain Moko in business
Local art works in ‘Artists for Tsunami Relief’ auction
Romantic Opera a night to remember
In giving we receive
Queenies night out packs auditorium
Grace and elegance on show

Getting technical on tsunami – what can we really expect?

NOAA’s graphic of the estimated maximum wave amplitude distribution for the Samoa quake on September 29. 09100936

It has become clear there is a real need to clarify Rarotonga’s risk to tsunami and help alleviate general panic caused to the public when tsunami warnings are issued.

Due to many differing opinions, complaints and general lack of basic knowledge on earthquakes and tsunami, as a result of the misguided information being released through awareness programmes, and after taking part in the PM’s council meeting on Monday, I write this in the hope it will be constructive and shed some light on the matter.

TSUNAMI OF SEPTEMBER 29

Let’s look at the tsunami event of September 29 generated by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake with epicenter located 15.559 S, 172.093W and hypocenter at 18 kilometres, local time 7.48am.

First, we must understand how a tsunami (translated harbour wave) is formed. When a shock wave, in our case from an earthquake, is formed it radiates out from the surface point (sea floor) or what is called the epicenter.

The earthquake will have occurred at a certain depth known as the hypocenter (in this case 18 kilometres). These waves (only a few centimeters high above the surface) travel at very high speeds – in the case above 750 kilometres per hour (kmph) (which took 20 minutes to travel the 250km to Pago Pago) and shock waves can be greater than 200 kilometres long in the deep ocean.

If you are in a boat in our territorial waters which are about 5,000 metres deep you will not notice any movement. The wave that reached Pago Pago was 1.57 metres high and Samoa was 70cm. However, due to their conditions such as the sea shelf and bays, the wave build-up was much higher with a long surge that is very damaging.

Its not until this very long and deep wave starts to travel up a shelf say 200 metres deep (more than 5km from land as in the case of Samoa) that this causes the front of the wave to slow up resulting in the build up of a wave or swell of a metre or more. As the faster back of the wave forces its way forward pushing the wave front up above sea level as this wave continues to travel up towards the land the wave has slowed down -- the wave front can travel at speeds as low as 50-60 kmph but the resulting height can now be 10 or more meters high.

The other important factor in the impact of a tsunami is the coastline of the island and if it has bays -- again in the case of Samoa the south side is greater than 60 km long with bays. The coast acts like a large wall pushing back and building up a wave and bays act as funnels channeling in vast amounts of water into a narrow neck, forcing the wave height up.

WHAT DID RAROTONGA SEE?

So what happened to us in the Cook Islands and Rarotonga on September 29?

Firstly, let’s make it clear Rarotonga WAS HIT by the main force of the tsunami energy. So why did we not suffer from it?

Rarotonga and our sister islands, unlike Samoa, Pago Pago and Indonesia is not on a continental shelf but rather our islands raise steeply above the sea floor, and are protected by a reef as well. Five kilometres out from land it is 2000-3000 metres deep (in Samoa and Pago Pago its only 200 metres deep).

Our islands are small, only several kilometers in diameter, compared to the length of a tsunami wave which is about 200 kilometres in the deep. Due to the lack of a shelf area and our protective reef, tsunami waves will pass by our atoll-type islands without much interaction. They can elevate the water surface by a certain amount depending on the intensity of the tsunami. The face or coast of our islands can be only one to two kilometres across, but again it is constantly in a curve and not straight coastline of 80 or more kilometres – its only a pin or ‘dot in the ocean’ as we often call it on a map. Our reefs also prevent or slow up the water from rushing out to form a wave. This does not give enough time for wave build-up, as water is trapped in the lagoon.

But as we witnessed in the harbours, water is able to be sucked out at great speed, and return with speed and force.

This is why it is very important here that we give out tsunami warnings to mainly fishermen, divers and boat owners as well as to avoid swimming in the lagoons for the same reasons of unusually high and odd currents – the general public need not fear these low magnitude quakes.

People must not panic when these reports are issued as we will not get a tsunami as occurred in Indonesia a few years back or as last week in Samoa unless we have a significantly higher quake of about magnitude 8.5 and above in the Samoa/Tonga (fault zone area).

Another important factor to consider is the hypocenter of the quake or depth at which the quake has occurred. The Samoa quake was very shallow, whereas Vanuatu on Wednesday October 7 had a hypocenter of 33 kilometres. The deeper quake tends to release less energy into the ocean as a tsunami.

ADVICE FROM NOAA

The following is advice I have received from a scientist at the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory.

Tsunami propagation in the ocean strongly depends on the ocean bathymetry, which affects both the amplitude and directionality of the tsunami waves. Rarotonga is about 1,500 kilometres southeast of the epicenter of the Samoa earthquake, and was in the path of the main tsunami energy. This is the reason that the tsunami brought to Rarotonga a maximum of 62 centimetre tsunami waves, the highest recorded on the island in the last two decades.Attention should be paid to the harbour locations since they are among the most populous places.

WHAT SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT?

The quake we have been warned to look out for and be concerned about is of magnitude 8.5.

But what do the different size of earthquakes measured on the Richter scale in moment magnitude (Mw) mean? Going up by a magnitude of 1 Mw – i.e. Mw 8.0 to Mw 9.0 is a factor of 32 times. This means it is 32 times more powerful. Going up a magnitude of two is equivalent to a factor of 1,000 times in released energy. For example a Mw 6.0 quake is about one megaton (or 76 Hiroshima bombs), Mw 8.0 is about 32 megatons (or 1500 Nagasaki atom bombs), and a Mw 9.0 quake is 32 gigatons (or 32 times a Mw 8.0).

As a summary, atoll-type islands may expect less tsunami impact conditionally, but always be aware that they are not tsunami free and always be prepared.

DON’T PANIC

I recommended at the meeting on Monday that a group be formed to quickly analyze the earthquake tsunami data and decide what level alert we should give out to warn the general public and business sector as we can’t keep shutting down the island on each alert or warning when there is no real threat.

There are 500,000 detectable quakes each year – 100,000 of these can be felt, but only about 100 cause any damage.

Over the last week alone there have been at least six tsunami alerts or warnings issued for the greater Pacific area.

I see in the paper of the last two days there is a notice advising people how to access tsunami alerts – this is not a good idea given the current knowledge and understanding of the majority of our people on the level of risk. I ask let’s not panic but approach this with calm and reason.

I pointed out at the meeting we are at far more risk to life and property from a category 4 to 5 cyclone (cat 5 is expected each 100 years we are now way over overdue). A category 5 cyclone will remove over 80 percent of our roofs and sea surges will cover most of the Arorangi to Ngatangiia area way past the main roads, depending on direction of cyclone.

TSUNAMI EFFECTS SEEN IN RAROTONGA

Historically, small tsunami waves have been observed on Rarotonga:

1986, May, Aleutian Islands quake magnitude (Mw) 8.0 – only a 1cm wave

1995, May, New Caledonia-Vanuatu Mw 7.7 – 2cm wave

2001, June, Peru Mw 8.4 – a 4cm wave

2006, May, Tonga Mw 8.0 – 7cm wave

2006, Nov, Kuril Islands Mw 8.3 – 22cm wave

2007, Jan, Kuril Islands Mw 8.1 – 4cm wave

2009, March, Tonga Mw 7.6 – 9cm wave

2009, Sept, Samoa Mw 8.0 – 62cm wave

Cooks heard at Pacific Voices

Cook Islanders were amongst those presenting at the Pacific Voices annual symposium of Otago University held on October 2. The postgraduate seminar is an annual event now into its 6th year.

Presenting on his studies into Cook Islanders and access to mental health was PhD candidate Jesse Kokaua (pictured below) who was part of the PhD panellists featuring at the event. With him here are Fanaafi Aiono-Le Tagaloa of Samoa whose thesis work is on the Land and Titiles court of Samoa, and Willie Lahari of PNG who is based in the School of Business on research around a unified Pacific currency.

Other Cook Islands students presenting work included Danny Areai who is studying the performance of ceramic crowns towards a MA Dental Surgery, and Lisa Williams-Lahari who presented on the situation of women in the media as part of her MA thesis work in Pacific Studies.

An interesting study on the Mangaia tamariki angai system was also presented as part of PhD research being compiled by Marsa Dodson.

Captain Moko in business

A proud Steven Kavana aka Captain Moko on his newly acquired seven-metre boat, Tangaroa, at Avatiu wharf, earlier this week. After blessing his boat at Avana, Kavana, along with Faimau Robati, trawled their way back to Avatiu, before a little customary celebration. 09100519

A proud Steven Kavana aka Captain Moko on his newly acquired seven-metre boat, Tangaroa, at Avatiu wharf, earlier this week. After blessing his boat at Avana, Kavana, along with Faimau Robati, trawled their way back to Avatiu, before a little customary celebration. 09100519

Local art works in ‘Artists for Tsunami Relief’ auction

Five local artists have contributed their pieces to ‘Artists for Tsunami Relief’, an art auction to be held at Webb’s Auction House in Auckland on October 20.

The artist initiated project is being coordinated by the Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust to raise funds to support those devastated by the tsunami in the Pacific last week. Air New Zealand has generously assisted local artists Mahiriki Tangaroa, Ian and Kay George, Ani O’Neill, and Loretta Reynolds in air freighting their pieces to NZ.

Live performances from the likes of King Kapisi will complement a large array of art at the auction from many well-known NZ and Pacific artists – Lonnie Hutchinson, Edith Amituanai, Jim Vivieaere, Johnny Penisula, Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi, Chris Charteris, and more.

Romantic Opera a night to remember

This is an attempt to describe the wonderful evening of operatic gems while the gorgeous tunes are still ringing in my head.

My wife and I were privileged to hear Gina Sanders sing in the Rarotongan back in 2003 and made a point of hearing her sing on the three subsequent visits to this little island. The latest presentation by Gina and her brilliant musician son, Josh leaves us in no doubt that this was the best yet.

The choice of music from Mozart to Cole Porter must have included everyone’s favourite aria or song. There was an especially moving rendition of Schoenbergs, ‘I dreamed a dream’ which can’t have left a dry eye in the audience. She even included three local singers in the programme ensuring that they were properly coached for the role.

As well as her soul-inspiring performance at Ngatipa some would be young (and not so young) resident singers were treated to two full afternoons of master classes on the two days prior to the concert. Everyone who attended was amazed at the way Gina was able to release their latent talent with some very far-reaching technical instruction and yet hold the attention of participants from six to sixty odd years old.

On Sunday morning Gina was able to enhance Mass at the cathedral with two anthems. Although no amplification was used the effect on the six hundred worshippers present was apparent as her beautiful voice soared to the furthest corners of that magnificent building.

Throughout Gina’s performances and the master classes she was supported by the amazing pianist, Kay Shacklock, who made Oxana’s digital piano sound like a full orchestra to help the dramatic arias come to life. We learnt that Kay has accompanied Gina for twenty years and must have contributed greatly to her success.

As an amateur musician and part-time music tutor I wonder how long it will take for the classical music world to recognise the incredible perfection this soprano has achieved and place her among the greats that roll off the tongue like Kiri Te Kanawa and Malvena Majors.

We have many people to thank for the success of the concert. Tia and Theresa Barrett and Te Awa for making their residence available as a venue, Alistair Macquarie and John Whitta with their associates from the SPCA for helping to sell tickets and manage the bar so professionally, also all the sponsors, Westpac, Aquarius, The Bond, Mana Court Café, Pa’s Treck, Rainbow Clinic, Fuji Image and Air New Zealand.

The organisation and promotion of Gina Sanders and her family’s visit was managed by Jillian Sobieska with Ken and Elizabeth Kingsbury making their lounge at Upwind available for the master classes.

In giving we receive

Apii Napa, Vaine Wichman’s sister, was on the operating table a few years ago for knee construction and through triathlon she has built her knee and self esteem back up to the level it is today and last month she crossed the finish line of the Pacific Mini Games as a proud Cook Islander. 09093065

By Vaine Wichman

Development Economist

The country has pulled it off again! Hosting one of the region’s most prestigious sporting events with finesse and warmth that only Cook Islanders can accord. Looking after our big and small brothers and sisters from the Pacific and the ocean that we all share and live in. Of course the journey down this road has been bumpy. Life and growth always is.

A lot has happened right from the construction of facilities stage to the operations and organising of the games. There have been essential sub-contracts for work and supplies that have come in the nick of time; otherwise local small and medium businesses would be scratching their heads right now as they prepare to shift their families and lives offshore. Then there has been a hive of activity around the organising and supplying of goods and services to the games.

There have been some amazing Cook Islanders coming out of hiding, out of retirement, and out of their commitments, jobs, and homes, just to raise their flag and keep national pride up there where they want it to be. We all know who you are, and those that continue to bat the ball of negativism can do so, they are far and few compared to the strength of our human resources that was manifest over the last 14 days.

Long time ago, Turepu composed the song ‘Apaipai te Kuki Airani’. Those of us who can still sing the words will understand how true they have rung over the period of the World Youth Netball, Te Maire Maeva Nui, and the Pacific Mini Games. But hasn’t it been a fairly extended period of hosting, hospitality, sorting out, and giving, always giving.

We’ve heard the negative comments about the amount our leaders have spent on staging these various events. Whether those comments are correct depends on how much we value ourselves, our homes, our children, our lives. For many of us, our lives are priceless. You can’t buy life, you are given it.

A lot of us understand economics as a way of valuing the costs and benefits of producing something, or doing something. That’s true. But the fun really starts when we get into the valuing of ‘soft’ things, or put another way, things that in the economics textbooks don’t get discussed passionately. For instance, ask yourself: what value is Cook Islands culture and environment in the development and growth of tourism in this country?

Here’s another example. Let’s look at who has been giving to assist our country stage all these wonderful exciting events. Of course, our Government has given the most, but that doesn’t count because they are giving on our behalf. So who else has been giving?

The sponsors/business houses. It’s true they’ve given a bit of their surplus, but once again they can because the customers have made it happen. Then there are the workers at all levels, some have been seconded by their employers to work for the events, and some have done this from their own hearts.

Even our island teams that have travelled to the main island have given. They’ve spent evenings practising, preparing costumes, and organising their homes for the long absence for the sake of national support. I was in Pukapuka when their team was practising and preparing their food to bring down to the main island. All our islands have given in time and resources. I’m sure you know of a few who have given to this occasion as well.

So what do we receive from giving?

For Government, it will be a challenge in the remainder of the financial year and although the period of paying back borrowings is a few months out, now is the time to start finding ways to prepare us for those times. But there are the benefits: world class facilities that can be put into good management hands to maintain and use for the development of sports in our country.

Of course the business houses will receive a bit of the kickback on tax rebates and other special measures that were offered as incentives to their giving and for being associated with these events.

Then there are the ‘soft’ costs and benefits of giving that we can’t value sometimes because it’s not advertised in the newspaper or on the television; like how do you value your child being part of the ball boy team at the rugby sevens at the BCI Stadium?

Or the young mother that decides to donate all her tiare taina flowers to help Aunty Tokerau and her helpers prepare the head ei for the medal ceremonies. Or the managers at the sports villages who go beyond what is expected of them to cook taro for the athletes returning late to the camps. Or the young man that stops his pickup to pick up a few island athletes from Vanuatu wanting to go to town. You know the stories. These are the ones that Tua on Tour will never be able to show because there are so many small but important moments of giving and receiving that have helped really make these games special.

My sister said it best. She said she was proud to have represented the Cook Islands in her sport of choice, not because she was the athlete, but because she was a Cook Islander and her people carried her everywhere during the games.

A few years ago she was on the operating table getting a knee reconstructed; triathlon built her knee and self esteem to the level it is today. In giving her time to represent the country, she said she received more in what her Cook Islands people gave back in the many small ways that Cook Islanders do – in time, honour, and pride!

There’s a story in the Bible about the old lady who slips two coins into the church basket every Sunday that goes unnoticed, and each Sunday the leaders of the church stand up and let everyone know what the big movers in the church have given. The lesson is easy, she was noticed and is just as important.

Kia mau te sereanga, kia mau!

Queenies night out packs auditorium

Geneva won last Friday night’s inaugural Te Kura Kapa Anuanua at the National Auditorium organised by Te Tiare Association. More on page 8. 09101101

The inaugural Te Tiare Association ‘Te Kura Kapa Anuanua’ show on Friday night was a massive success with seven dancers performing to a packed-out Are Karioi Nui.

The night doubled as a fundraiser for the Te Tiare Association with a portion of the funds going towards tsunami relief for Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga.

From the tsunami collection bucket alone, a total of $520 was raised.

The seven queens that took to the stage for a wonderful evening of entertainment did the association proud with beautiful slow ura, elegant muumuu kapa, and mind-blowing fast-beat dances.

The night’s performances really highlighted some of the association’s mission statements and especially the performers’ love of Cook Islands culture which they executed with pride, grace and elegance.

The dance competition comprised of three sections – the slow beat dance, Vonnias muumuu section with a twist, and the fast beat dance.

Geneva was crowned the queen of all queens after a stunning performance in kikau costume for the slowbeat, and a beautiful black and pink muumuu.

Taking out second place was the graceful Mona who was a picture in red for her slow dance and a vision in blue with her muumuu performance.

Third place getter, Lilly of the Valley was like a ray of sunshine in her bright yellow muumuu accompanied by a handsome young man.

Aotearoa queen Kendra won the audience appeal award for her saucy antics on stage.

It was the first time Kendra, who is from New Zealand, performed Cook Islands dance but as soon as she came out on stage, she was an instant crowd pleaser.

While the winners may wear the crown, all seven dancers have done wonders for public acceptance of transgender rights in our community.

Together the performers and the packed-out Are Karioi Nui celebrated our differences and similarities.

Grace and elegance on show

Mona came second overall in the competition. 09101110

With the infamous Clee Marsters and Metua Vaiimene on the microphone and the gorgeous seven dancers on stage – Te Kura Kapa Anuanua last Friday night was a hit.

The dancers wowed the 1000-plus spectators at the Are Karioi Nui with Geneva crowned the Queen of them all with Mona taking second place and Lilly of the Valley (Tupe) snatching third place.

The girls were stunning in their costumes, graceful during their dance and performed their culture with dignity and a lot of passion.

We bring you more photos from the fantastic night which had a dual purpose in raising funds for Te Tiare Association with a portion of the proceeds going towards tsunami relief in Samoa, Tonga and American Samoa.