Sports News

Te Tupu makes oe vaka fun
Bulldogs and Eels play today
It’s corporate tri time
Sharks bite back
Roxz romp over Club Raro Stormers
30 teams in tri
5-a-side soccer kicks off soon
Tough at the top
Tri fun in the sun
FBI lead women, Vikings the men
First timers enjoy tri
Tamariki Sports popular with all ages
Tini saga spirals
Avatiu netballers on the go
Ages 3 to 6 on court
Vikings victors

After a sprint vaka race on the lagoon, paddlers had to beat some obstacles including tackling paddlers to get to their prize of a Powerade drink. 10021409

Muri lagoon and beach was a sea of red last Saturday when Te Tupu O Te Manava oe vaka club members held their open day for registered and new members.

Fun was the aim of the day with novelty races providing lots of laughs and bonding among the paddlers.

There was some paddling coaching as well but mostly the registered members spent the day sharing the excitement of oe vaka with new paddlers keen to be part of the club.

Some novelty races held on the day didn’t even include a paddle or a vaka.

The tug-of-war proved to be a popular game for paddlers as registered members pitted themselves against novice paddlers.

The women’s tug-of-war was by the far the most entertaining as a group of New Zealand teachers showed their strength when they made the Te Tupu girls work hard to topple them.

While the Te Tupu girls led by Annie Fisher won the event, the Kiwi teachers were just thrilled to be able to win one rope tugging war.

The first official race on the Cook Islands Canoeing Association is the OC1 time trial (non club calendar competition) scheduled for yesterday Wednesday February 17.

A time trial race will be held every Wednesday until the finals on Wednesday March 24.

- Matariki Wilson

The Bulldogs will be aiming to prevent the Eels from slipping in a win at their rugby league face-off at Titikaveka today.

The first game today kicks off at 4pm for the under 19s, followed by the reserve grade game.

Tomorrow the two teams will face off again from 3.45pm for the Under 13s, Under 16s and premier grade.

On Saturday the Tupapa Panthers will be playing off against the Bears at Tupapa. Also on the weekend the Sea Eagles will host the Aitutaki Sharks at Ngatangiia – all the rugby league teams and supporters are being encouraged to support the Sharks through any contribution to the team go towards the cyclone recovery efforts on their island. Last week when the Takuvaine Warriors played off against them, the gate takings were donated to the Sharks.

Today’s draw:

Eels vs Bulldogs at Titikaveka – 4pm under 19s, Ref-Paul Allsworth assisted by Bishop Bishop and John Whitta, 5pm-reserves, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by Bishop Bishop and John Whitta.

The annual Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge is on again this Saturday.

Anyone is welcome to join in a fun team triathlon doing a 200m swim/8km cycle/2km run.

This year sees two categories where each team of three can either have each member do the entire course before tagging their next team member, or one team member does all the swims, or all the cycles or all the runs, tagging their team members until the course is completed three times.

It is a fun day with lots of sweat, laughter and fun prizes afterwards, with refreshments available.

Bring along a team from work, and your BBQ and make a great afternoon of it.

The triathlon starts from the Tikioki Tri site at 2pm sharp, so all teams are asked to be at the site by 1pm for numbering and registration.

Entries are $45 per team of three. Entries close tomorrow.

For those teams who may need another person, there is a small number of regular triathletes from a pool, who are available to make up your team.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

- CITA

The Sharks are returning to the island – the Aitutaki Sharks league team that is.

After cyclone Pat struck the island last Tuesday, there was talk that the only outer island team may have to pull out of the domestic league competition due to the level of damage on the island.

But the Sharks are biting back!

The team, coached by Ina Konito, will arrive before tomorrow afternoon to take on the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles at the Ngatangiia sports grounds.

Cook Islands League Association president and director of Emergency Management Charles Carlson is asking all clubs on Rarotonga to help and support the Sharks when they come to Rarotonga.

“It has not been easy for these guys as some of them had their homes totally demolished,” says Carlson.

“Can I ask that the clubs help out – maybe pass the bucket around during the games and the money be donated to help the sharks out.”

Carlson says that the Sharks are really looking forward to their game.

A request has also been sent out to local league clubs asking that all future games against the Sharks be held on Aitutaki to give the players more time to recover from the cyclone and rebuild their homes.

If teams agree to this change in format, for a good cause, teams are asked kindly to take your own frozen foods so as not to put extra burden on the families in Aitutaki. Of course a master chef will be provided to cook your kai!

And league players who are tradesman are asked kindly if you are able to fly to Aitutaki earlier, a day’s volunteer work on the island would make a huge difference.

So get behind your brothers from Aitutaki and show your support.

Meanwhile the Avatiu Eels will take on the Titikaveka Bulldogs this afternoon in Titikaveka before the Sea Eagles and Sharks face off tomorrow.

Also on tomorrow is the clash between the Bears and Panthers to be played at Victoria Park.

- Matariki Wilson

Friday February 19 Eels vs Bulldogs at Titikaveka – 3.45pm-under13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by club official, 4.15pm-under16 grade, Ref-John Whitta assisted by Jeff Murray and Nga Takaiti, 5.15pm-premier grade, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by John Whitta and Jeff Murray.

Saturday February 20 Sea Eagles vs Aitutaki Sharks/Warriors in Ngatangiia – 1pm-under 16, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by Bobby Hunter and Mann Short, 2pm-premier Aitutaki Sharks vs Eagles, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi and Koa Kopu 3.30pm-reserves, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi and club officials 4.30pm-under19, Ref-Teokotai Tuaivi assisted by Simi Teiotu and Ratu Mato.

Saturday February 20 Panthers vs Bears at Tupapa – 1pm under13, Ref-Tere Strickland assisted by club official, 1.45pm-under 16, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by club official, 2.35pm-under 19, Ref-Taua Benioni assisted by Bishop Bishop and Jeff Murray, 3.30pm-reserves, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by George Maggie and Nga Takaiti, 4.30pm-premiers, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by George Maggie and Nga Takaiti.

This Rama player was full of vigour and chatter when his team took on and beat the Klasix on Wednesday. 10021801

The Roxz touch rugby prisoner’s team registered their first win in the competition with a 9-3 drubbing of the Club Raro Stormers during the mixed touch tournament on Wednesday.

Another surprise win on the day was from the northern group Rama mixed team who toppled the classier Klasix side 6-2 which includes the likes of speedy Mac Mokoroa and Vaivase Samania.

In fact, CI News requested clarification from programme coordinator Clem Fortes who informed the sports desk that the surprising score line was indeed what had been handed in at the end of the match!

The 007 team struggled to find their rhythm against a slick Marekos side who comfortably won their match 7-3.

The Vixens continue their strong form with another easy win against team No Names 6-2.

In both the open and mixed division – the Roxz team is certainly the ones to watch out for and it’s no wonder as this organised group of prisoners are the first on the field training and warming up before the organisers have even arrived at the field.

Mixed touch rugby results – Club Raro Stormers 3 vs The Roxz 9, Klasix 2 vs Rama 6, 007 3 vs Marekos 7, No Names 2 vs Vikens 6

• Matariki Wilson

Close to 30 triathlon teams are expected to compete in today’s Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge.

The annual event is always well attended and full of fun as supporters and rivals spur on their team mates or try to distract them from the job at hand.

And with two categories in this year’s events – it’s going to be busy on the roads around Titikaveka and Muri as athletes compete over a 200m swim, 8km cycle and 2km run course.

The first category is for teams of three athletes who can tackle the course as a traditional course completing the swim, cycle and run course before tagging their next team mate who will also complete all three disciplines.

The second category allows for teams of three athletes to complete just one of the three disciplines – so one athlete will do all the swimming, another will do all the cycling and the final will complete the run leg but not all at once – but rather in a tag team style effort.

The race will begin at 2pm on the dot and all competitors are asked to be a the Tikioki triathlon site by 1pm for briefing and making sure you are ready for the team triathlon challenge.

Everyone is invited to come along and support your team or even give it a go yourself.

Cyclists are asked to bring helmets and if you don’t have one, the Cook Islands Triathlon Association will have some available.

The final request from organisers is to come along with plenty of support and enthusiasm.

- Matariki Wilson

The fast and action packed 5-a-side soccer competition starts soon so get your team together. 09030503

The annual Rarotonga 5-a-side soccer competition will kick off early next month with open men’s and women’s divisions.

Local clubs, government organisations, private businesses and non government organisations are encouraged to register a team for this year’s competition – even those who haven’t kicked a soccer ball in their life are encouraged to join a team.

This year’s competition will run for about ten weeks and there are several great prizes including cash up for grabs.

Registration forms are available at the CIFA office with registration closing on Wednesday March 3. Registration fee per team is $100.

• CIFA Media

Tough at the top

Sholan Ivaiti in action for the Bulldogs on Saturday. More photos, page 13. 10022147

Sea Eagles 28, Sharks-Warriors 20 Eels 26, Bulldogs 16 Panthers 26, Bears 20

Close rugby league matches were seen at the weekend with the Sea Eagles, Panthers and Eels premier grades all registering wins.

On Friday night the Bulldogs hosted the Eels to what the Eels probably thought would be an easy game but after a taste of what the Doggies had to offer in terms of big hits, the Eels scrambled for their protective head gear.

The Eels certainly looked the more polished of the two teams with their superior fitness the key to their win and once they began to pile on the points – it became a catch up game for the Bulldogs.

Veteran Bulldog Lloyd Matapo provided plenty of action for spectators as he still proves to be one of the most difficult players to bring down.

Young Joe Napa added spark to the Bulldogs’ mixed line up of veterans and up and coming players but it was the Eels’ day in Titikaveka as the visitors took out the match 28-20.

Out at Muri the Sea Eagles and Sharks battled it out in what was a very close match.

A number of Sharks players were not able to make the trip to Rarotonga with coach Ina Konito saying that some of the boys were still dealing with the trauma of cyclone Pat. Most of the young players had to remain on the island to help their families.

But it was still a passionate Sharks side that took to the Muri field with a large crowd of supporters in their ‘Aitutaki Appeal’ t-shirts there to support the team.

While most of the attention was on the Sharks, the staunch Sea Eagles crowd cheered on their side with just as much passion, spurring their team on to a very close 28-20 win over the Sharks.

Missing a few key players, the Sharks stuck to a basic ‘one up’ format of play with individual flare coming to the fore.

The Sea Eagles on the other hand explored a number of attacking options which saw them edge out the Sharks.

After the win, the Sea Eagles showed their community spirit in hosting the Sharks to a kaikai before the team returned home to Aitutaki.

Gate takings of over $800 will also go towards the Aitutaki relief efforts.

Meanwhile at Tupapa, the Panthers were lucky not to be gripped in a bear hug by the Arorangi Bears. The Panthers sneaked in a 26-20 win over the Bears.

• Matariki Wilson

Swimmers and cyclists wait patiently for their team mates. 10022121

Cook Islands News staff Louise Wittwer (left) and Rachel Reeves relax before their race on Saturday for team Tivaevae Collectables. 10022104

A gloriously hot day made for a fantastic Corporate Team Triathlon on Saturday with 29 teams taking part in the annual race.

Teams tackled a slightly choppy Tikioki lagoon for the 200m swim before battling the searing heat in the 8km cycle and 2km run leg.

Among the racers were a number of young athletes including five-year-old Matai Washbourne, 11-year-old Ruby Vea and 13-year-old Charlie Wicks.

The front contenders had a good race with the lead changing back and forth due to fast running times and consistent bike times.

Seafari Ducks made up of Greg Gustafson, Jennie George and Steve Whitta were just too good and took out this year’s event in 1.22.57.

In fact, the first five teams across the line completed the race in the ‘individual’ format which saw one team member complete just one discipline three times.

2009 team triathlon winners and family team Kokonati Kafe of dad Kevin, mum Mona Henderson and son Adam won second place a minute and fifty seconds behind the Seafari Ducks.

Team Air New Zealand was thrilled to take out third place.

In the battle of the banks – ANZ won the category closely followed by Westpac Bank who both entered four teams each.

The Southpac Trust Babes took out third.

In the ‘all disciplines’ category, which saw each athlete tackle the entire course before tagging their next team mate, team Telecom were the victors and placed 6th overall.

The first all woman team was Puaikura Reef Lodges which included 11-year-old Ruby Vea.

Team Muri Beach Resort was the first tourist accommodators across the line with Edgewater Resort Turtles taking out second and third place. Tereora College took out the top two spots in the government department category with health department’s the Phyzzies placing third.

Summerfield Systems Ltd came first in the local business category followed by Caf Salsa and The Computer Man.

Prize-giving followed the race with plenty of sponsor prizes and fun tales!

The Cook Islands Triathlon Association would like to thank their sponsors Island Car & Bike Hire, Westpac Bank, KPMG Accountants, ANZ Bank, The Computer Man, CITC Liquor, Caf Salsa and Alberto’s Restaurant for supporting this year’s race.

Team Triathlon 2010 results –

• Matariki Wilson

The FBI women’s touch team and Vikings men’s team are currently leading in the open touch rugby competition.

FBI, who are on a total of 8 points, will take on current second placed team the TSL Rookies who are sitting on 7 points.

The Vikings men’s side have been the stand out team in the open men’s competition sitting on the highest total points of 6.

The Vikings will take on the Warriors today who are on 4 points.

The current open men’s standings are Vikings 6, Avatiu League Boys 5, Warriors 4, Roxz 3, Rama 3 and Oda Rebels still on zero points.

In the women’s competition, the standings are FBI 8, TSL Rookies 7, Vixens 4, Bounty Hunters 3, Devil Slayers 2 and Rama on zero.

The open men and women’s teams will take to Avatiu field today for another round of action-packed games starting at 5pm.

Tonight’s draw – 5.00pm on field one Avatiu League Boys vs Rama (m), 5.00pm on field two Bounty Hunters vs Rama (w), 5.35pm on field one Oda Rebels vs Germinators (m), 5.35pm on field two FBI  vs TSL Rookies (w), 6.10pm on field one Warriors vs Vikings (m), 6.10pm on field two Vixens vs Devil Slayers (w).

John Beasley for team Summerfield. 10022133

Great performances were seen at the weekend’s Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge – especially from new and first time triathletes.

While the experienced trio of Steve Whitta, Jennie George and Greg Gustafson of team Seafari Ducks cleaned up the multi-discipline event in a time of 1.22.57, there were a number of competitors who could as easily excel in the sport of triathlon.

Among the up and coming triathletes was young Titikaveka Bulldogs winger Joe Napa who tackled the 8km cycle leg three times for team Dysfunctionals, which also included national triathlete and Joe’s mum Apii Napa. Napa clocked a time of 30.21 for the team which placed 4th overall.

The first local business team across the line, Caf Salsa, also clocked an impressive finish time of 1.44.46 with outstanding individual performances from the three women in the team.

Twelve-year-old Emily Barltrop swam the three laps of the 200m course in 32.34, mum Michelle Wood cycled three legs of the 8km cycle course in 36.17 and Kelly Bullivant wrapped up the team’s effort with a total time of 35.55 on the run.

ANZ and Westpac Bank staff also revealed hidden sports talents with four teams each providing for some fun interbank rivalry on the course.

Triathlon meets are held every Saturday at the Tikioki tri site and are open to anyone wanting to give the sport a go or further develop their newfound talents.

Midweek duathlons (Bike and run) are also held every Thursday for hardy athletes.

- Matariki Wilson

Full Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge results

200m swim /8km bike /2km run Seafari Ducks

(individual disciplines)

Steve Whitta 26:35 Jennie George 27:33 Greg Gustafson 28:49

Total 1:22:57 Kafe Kokonati

(individual disciplines) Mona Henderson 26:59 Kevin Henderson 28:35 Adam Henderson 29:13

Total 1:24:47 Air New Zealand

(individual disciplines) Richard Barltrop 27:22 Brendon Jones 28:39 Roberta Lugli 29:23

Total 1:25:24

Dysfunctionals

(individual disciplines) Apii Napa 28:09 Joe Napa 30:21 Josh Kapi 31:02

Total 1:29:32

Tereora College

(individual disciplines) Vanessa Palmer 29:24 Jacob Pynenberg 30:54 Rhys Woodger 31:10

Total 1:31:28

Telecom

(all disciplines) Rob Matheson 30:20

Paulina Beddoes 34:36

Geoff Stoddart 27:14

Total 1:32:10

Global Consultants #2

(all disciplines)

Puai Wichman 28:00

Hamish Wohlers 36:39

Mike Carr 32:44

Total 1:37:23

Puaikura Reef Lodges

(all disciplines) Sue Fletcher-Vea 35:54

Pauline Atera 31:30

Lotu Vea 30:49

Total 1:38:13

Muri Beach Resort

(individual disciplines)

Ryan 32:54

Jane Pearson 33:04

Dominic Tobec 34:17

Total 1:40:15

Hot Shot Cook Islands

(all disciplines)

Melanie Wilson 31:17

Antony Will 35:40

Justin Rous 34:19

Total 1:41:16

ANZ Bank (3)

(all disciplines) Chris Wicks 32:19

Tom Wicks 34:07

Bruce Goldsworthy 35:18

Total 1:41:44 Phyzzies

(all disciplines)

Rebecca Washbourne 34:53

Pare Tangata 41:25

Phil Washbourne 25:42

Total 1:42:00

Summerfield Systems

(individual disciplines)

John Beasley 32:54

Graeme Whitfield 39:05

Julie Tramecourt 31:39

Total 1:43:38

Caf Salsa

(individual disciplines)

Emily Barltrop 32:34

Michelle Wood 36:17

Kelly Bullivant 35:55

Total 1:44:46

The Computer Man

(individual disciplines)

Anna Teura 34:02

Rico Teura 35:37

Karlene Pynenberg 35:39

Total 1:45:18

Westpac (1)

(individual disciplines)

Brett Davis 32:54

Rob Buick 36:57

Aka Nicholas 37:02

Total 1:46:53

Southpac Trust

(all disciplines)

Serena Francis 29:15

Leeann Corvette 38:30

Nick Reeves 41:45

Total 1:49:30

Edgewater Turtles (1)

(all disciplines)

Roland Neururer 25:13

Chris McGeown 42:27

Sharon McGeown 41:50

Total 1:49:30

Edgewater Turtles (2)

(individual disciplines)

Henry Heather 40:10 Dean Head 34:01

Martha Rabale 36:43

Total 1:50:54

Government Audit Office

(individual disciplines)

Sonny Sosene 32:54

Hamish Weir 39:05

Brenda Tyack 31:39

Total 1:43:38

Global Consultants (1)

(all disciplines)

Tai Wichman 41:45

Foreman 38:50

Mami 34:15

Total 1:54:50

Westpac (4)

(individual disciplines)

Rangi Apera 36:24

Tania Arona 39:52

Michelle Vakatini 39:02

Total 1:55:18

Tivaevae Collectables

(all disciplines)

Kathrine Marsters 37:58

Louise Wittwer 41:19

Rachel Reeves 38:39

Total 1:57:56

The Cooks Oasis

(all disciplines)

Jeff Cook 32:22

Ruby Vea 1:05:11

Kelly Pick 26:52

Total 2:04:25

ANZ Bank (2)

(individual disciplines)

Teiva Maui 46:44

Mii Maui 49:25 Julia Kapi 51:00

Total 2:27:09

Westpac (2)

(individual disciplines) Aaron Vaiimene 49:03 Elma Brown 45:57 Harriet Raui 53:38

Total 2:28:38

Westpac (3)

(individual disciplines) Don Greenland 48:47 Reneel Kumar 53:58 Tahiti Isaaka 49:19

Total 2:32:04

ANZ Bank (1)

(individual disciplines) Charlie Wicks 49:28 Andrina Tiro 52:31 Jean Akavi 55:57

Total 2:37:56

ANZ Bank (4)

(individual disciplines) Tu Potoru 46:46 Peta Greig 52:10 Twin Matara 59:00

Total 2:37:56

Ake Hosea-Winterflood takes her Tamariki Sports kids through warm up exercises. 10021007

Fun, exercise and valuable sports skills are what kids learn at the ANZ Tamariki Sports programme which continues today.

Last Tuesday more than 130 kids took part in the programme .

Basketball, touch rugby and athletics are the three main activities for the older kids.

Coordinator Ake Hosea-Winterflood has just developed a new programme for the little ones aged under five.

She says she accepts any child into the programme, no matter what age they are, and she has seen an increase in the number of younger children coming along to the programme.

“So I will take these little ones for our own programme while the older kids can carry on with their own programmes,” says Hosea.

The only criteria for the new programme for the little ones is that the parent accompanies their child.

So all you parents and caregivers – take advantage of the ANZ Tamariki Sports programme which aims to help children develop sports skills and learn healthy habits for a healthy lifestyle.

Today’s programme starts at 4pm.

• Matariki Wilson

New revelations in leaked investment corp documents

During the course of an audit investigation that began six months ago, suspended Cook Islands Investment Corporation CEO John Tini has been accused of nepotism and labelled autocratic, controlling, and deceitful.

CI News confirmed with CIIC board chairman Tapi Taio last week that Tini’s suspension with full pay lasted until December – since then he has been on suspension without pay but has claimed holiday pay owed to him.

Taio told CI News that the board is considering Tini’s termination but ongoing investigations and arbitration have left the agency with little choice but to hold off.

Leaked CIIC documents reveal that the audit report on Tini’s management performance completed in November last year found some serious concerns in the way he managed the corporation. Now, Tini’s reluctance to respond to initial allegations and to meet arbitration dates has left CIIC frustrated.

“He has been given many chances to reply but he hasn’t come to the party. There’s nothing the board can do about these delay tactics,” said Taio.

If the process has not been frustratingly slow already, audit findings that were forwarded on to police months ago have reportedly yet to result in an investigation.

A letter from acting CIIC chief executive Lloyd Miles to audit director Paul Allsworth in November shows the corporation has put a stop to employment and benefits that had been going to Tini’s friends and family over his three years on the job.

Tini’s management also came under heavy scrutiny in the audit report.

“The PERCA reports talk of John Tini’s management style as being autocratic and controlling. I believe that some staff felt CIIC not a safe place to work and felt threatened. I have heard complaints of verbal abuse and even a staff member being threatened physically,” Miles wrote.

Miles’ response to audit included the fact that CIIC had recorded an operating loss of $275,000 for the year ending June 30 2009 with directors having no warning of the possibility and management taking no action to minimise the loss.

He also revealed that CIIC had overspent on the Telecom Sports Arena and Pacific Mini Games project by as much as $600,000.

During Tini’s three years, the board of directors were also reportedly ‘out of the loop’ on CIIC business with no regular monthly meetings to keep them informed.

One case of Tini’s alleged nepotism was the employment of Trent Matatia (trading as Technical Minds, Technicare and Safe & Secure) and his associate Ross Warwick to provide computer support.

Miles told Allsworth that these services were ‘something like ten times the normal cost’ and that it was obvious to all staff that the IT costs were excessive, the provider was not competent and it should not have been allowed to continue for over two years.

Matatia was also provided accommodation set aside for the Queen’s Representative at a ‘below commercial’ rate.

Warwick was allegedly provided the opportunity to purchase drink vending machines using CIIC as the ‘supposed purchaser’.

The vending machines were then shipped as part of a CIIC shipment and cleared through Customs as CIIC property – avoiding the VAT payment for them.

Miles said that a cursory and subsequent internal audit of CIIC computers revealed that a number of people were aware of the purchase and played parts in the deception including John Tini, Ross Warwick and three other members of the staff (names removed for this story).

“A considerable amount of CIIC time and resources were utilised in the purchase of the vending machines. Numerous people wrote to the vendor during CIIC time, on CIIC computers, with CIIC email addresses and maintained the charade that CIIC was purchasing the drink vending machines.

“When that began to waiver the CEO (Tini) made a trip to Auckland and personally fronted up to assure the vendor that the purchaser was the Cook Islands government,” wrote Miles to audit.

To top it off, Warwick was also given a 40-foot shipping container owned by CIIC to use for almost a year at no cost and was allowed to live rent free for several months in a converted Portacom behind a government house.

Now CIIC has put a stop to this practice, cancelled Matatia and Warwick’s tenancy and claimed back the shipping container.

Another case of alleged nepotism was when Teokotai Teokotai was provided with building work and paid $300 a day – he was sent with CIIC staff to Aitutaki to work on the Aitutaki Power Supply project contrary to the wishes of the project manager (Miles).

Rarotonga contractors who worked on the Aitutaki Power Station project were accommodated at Aitutaki Beach Villas – owned by the Tini family.

“On one occasion the project manager (Miles) organised for cheaper and more appropriate accommodation for a group of workers from Australia. John Tini severely reprimanded him for his trouble, ignoring an obvious conflict of interest,” wrote Miles.

Meanwhile, Taio said last week that as far as he’s concerned, the board will continue to pursue Tini’s termination.

• Helen Greig

The Avatiu netball association is well underway with its preparations for the 2010 netball season – including a workshop for coaches and a trial for its premier grade players last week.

Netball New Zealand Coach Force coach Sue Harris held a four-day workshop with Avatiu netball club coaches last week covering a mixture of theory and practical components.

The eight coaches and 12 players who took part in the course learned the importance of programme management, preparing game analysis and improving communication skills.

Coaches and players alike also learned fresh ideas for training and coaching.

Harris was blown away with the level of commitment by both the players and coaches of the Avatiu netball association.

“These girls worked so hard,” said Harris.

“The girls trained hard on court, played their weekly touch rugby games then attended the workshop still full of enthusiasm and keen to learn.”

Harris also helped Avatiu netball association vice president and premier grade coach Tai Manavaroa run her trials.

Manavaroa said that the workshop with Harris is all part of the association’s five-year netball development plan which began in 2008 with the under 19 grade and last year for the premier grade.

Positive results of the continual development of under 19 players at the club is the grade’s undefeated season in 2009 and the high number of young players in its premier grade.

During the 2009 season, the club’s premier grade struggled through round competitions however the team dashed Tupapa’s hopes of making the finals by beating them during the knockout competition.

They then faced Takuvaine who beat them and went on to the finals against Titikaveka who were crowned the champions.

However, Manavaroa said that the club’s development plan doesn’t concentrate on winning club competitions but rather on player development.

“Winning is a bonus. Seeing our girls develop and grow and move into the national team and play at a higher level is the goal,” said Manavaroa.

The premier grade held their trials against a mixed netball team who provided a very physical game for the team with assistance from umpires Tex Tangimetua and Janette Browne.

And with all the training that’s already underway at Avatiu netball courts – the other five netball clubs on the island will have a battle on their hands when the netball domestic season gets underway after Easter in early April.

The Avatiu netball association would like to thank their sponsors Avis Rental Cars, Edgewater Resort, Raro Safari Tours, Mr and Mrs Willie Hagai and everyone who helped make the clubs workshop with Sue Harris a success.

• Matariki Wilson

A mixed netball team provided some tough competition for the Avatiu premier grade’s netball trials last week. Report, page 15. 10021812

Budding mini tennis stars held their first tennis lesson on Saturday with local tennis coach Malcolm Kajer impressed by the skills on display from the little ones.

For the next four weeks, Kajer will be holding tennis lessons for little ones aged between three and six at the Nikao Tennis Centre.

He says skills the kids learn are basic hand-eye coordination with the bat and ball and most importantly ‘organising’ skills.

Kajer invites all parents to bring their little ones along for the lessons on Saturday mornings and just so parents can keep up with their tennis star kids – there are adult tennis lessons running every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

For more information on how to get your kids into tennis or even how you can learn to play tennis – call Malcolm Kajer on 75614.

• Matariki Wilson

The Vikings are proving to be a difficult team to put away in the open men’s touch rugby competition, trouncing the Warriors on Monday 6-2.

Meanwhile the northern group Rama faced a somewhat tired Avatiu League Boys team who’ve played hard on the league field but ran out of energy for their touch rugby game.

Nevertheless the league boys managed to dot down a try against Rama who ran away with the game 7-1.

The Oda Rebels caused an upset when they outsmarted their fancier opponents the Germinators to win their tight match 6-5.

In the women’s competition, the point’s table leading team FBI couldn’t find the extra energy to put away the fast improving TSL Rookies who edged out FBI 3-2 on Monday.

The Devil Slayers played a ‘no mercy’ style of game to beat the women’s competition leaders the Vixens by four tries to 2.

The Bounty Hunters had a match on their hands when they faced the northern group team Rama who held them to a 2-all draw.

Today, the mixed competition will continue at the Avatiu swamp with four games lined up for the day.

Open competition results – (men) Warriors 2 vs Vikings 6, Avatiu League Boys 1 vs Rama 7, Oda Rebels 6 vs Germinators 5, (women) FBI 2 vs TSL Rookies 3, Vixens 2 vs Devil Slayers 4, Bounty Hunters 2 vs Rama 2. Mixed category draw – 5.35pm (on field one) 007 vs Klasix, 5.35pm (on field two) Club Raro Stormers vs Marekos, 6.10pm (on field one) No Names vs The Roxz, 6.10pm (on field two) Vikens vs Rama.

• Matariki Wilson