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General News

Week ending Wednesday, January 20, 2009

Current events and entertainment in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

Political reform petition the best way to be heard now
Political parties hold off statement
Barton not on seabed authority short-list
Overgrown sections a problem
Cyclone story was mistaken
Growers study climate communications
PM to release legal opinion
Smiley gets stuck in
Walk the talk: Bishop
Cabinet embraces reform
Police continue blitz
Cabinet of 5 not serving national interest claims George
New airport terminal nears completion
Prison team back on the rugby field
System flawed – election won’t fix it
NCEA national results out soon
Vaka bound for Aitutaki
Parties object to seabed job ad
New reporter traces roots
Gang of 19 not required
We have to reform
Mail delays explained
Talks start on new trade agreement
More money missing
Justice minister inspects prison
‘Take it to court’
Police target disqualified drivers
Rescue team searches for more volunteers
Pet clinic plans garage sale
2 St Joseph’s buildings relocating to Arorangi
Prison roof for renewal
Teachers study at uni summer school
‘Airline of the Year’
New uniform for 2011
‘Mum’ to masses earns MBE
PM sees Toogood report for first time
No retirement plans says tourism boss
Cooks strategy to focus on Australia
Hospital needs better reporting
4 suggested for Finsec’s job
Ivaiti suspension pending
CIP prepare for election
Sailing vaka returning to Aitutaki
Touch at Avatiu

The Mou Piri group for political reform says the promise of a referendum in no way takes away from the importance of all Cook Islands voters to sign the current petition.

The new pledge by prime minister Jim Marurai for a referendum to be held before or on the date of the next election has been well received by Mou Piri, but it says the petition calling for political reform will continue regardless.

“The petition is FROM the people – just as the recommendations for political reform in the report put out by the Commission of Political Review in 1998 were from the people,” says Mou Piri’s founder Teina Mackenzie.

She says the 1998 letter to the then acting prime minister from the commission of political reform contained in its report cannot be forgotten.

The letter stated, “Thousands of Cook Islanders have devoted a great deal of time, energy and thought to improving our political system. Their ideas and concerns as expressed in many public meetings, and consultations with many organisations and individuals, as well as written submissions, and comparative experience, are the basis of this report.”

Mackenzie says the only change since then and now in terms of the people of the Cook Islands wanting political reform is that ‘now there are less of us’.

“It is hard to believe the current calls from within government for political reform are sincere. If they were sincere, we would have seen more done in the years, months, and days before the fallout of Toagate – but we reiterate that Mou Piri supports those who support political reform in the form of introducing a new system of government by (1) election of the PM by the people, (2) reduction of constituency MPs, (3) introduction of National MPs and (4) the set up of an electoral commission to review electorates on an on-going basis.”

Mackenzie adds that ideally she would ask the current government to step back and look at the present state of affairs from outside their ‘microenvironment’ and start making decisions based on the good of the people of the Cook Islands, rather than posturing for advantage in the political arena.

“A big ask – but one that is very valid and possible. We look forward to positive results from our current members of government,” she says.

Mackenzie urges the public to sign the petition for political reform which can be found at a store near you.

• Helen Greig

A second joint statement from the Democratic Party and the Cook Islands Party has been put on hold this week as the parties take in the rejection of their request for parliament to be called to sit.

It is understood the parties may now hold off on issuing any statement in regards to the recent development and their pursuit of the prime minister’s removal from power until tomorrow.

The parties had indicated they would release a statement on Tuesday and then again yesterday but they have since indicated a preference to ‘wait and see what happens’ over the next day or so.

The first joint party statement was issued last Friday by Demo president Makiuti Tongia and CIP president Rau Nga.

The statement outlined the petition by 19 MPs who have joined forces in an attempt to remove prime minister Jim Marurai from power and have a caretaker government appointed.

The 19 MPs petitioned Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin to call a sitting of parliament to consider the issue of no-confidence in the PM.

By Monday the QR had rejected the petition and reportedly asked all factions of the political standoff to continue talks with each other to find a way to resolve the issue outside of parliament.

Marurai says he’s still open to talking with the group of 10 Demo MPs who are now opposing the make up of their Demo Party cabinet.

The prime minister believes a legal opinion received on the QR’s powers to call a parliament sitting – due to be released to media today – backs up his cabinet’s claim that they and the QR are abiding by the constitution.

In this regard Marurai’s cabinet has rubbished the joint Demo Party and CIP claim that the new five-member cabinet is illegitimate.

• Helen Greig

New mineral and natural resources minister Robert Wigmore says he will now move swiftly to set up the seabed minerals authority but has shot down rumours that he is considering businessman Richard Barton (above) to head the new body.

The deputy prime minister said the rumour may be interesting but Barton’s name had not occurred to him at all. It may be that other government officials have discussed Barton’s possible inclusion within the authority.

Barton’s involvement in proposals to mine the country’s huge manganese nodule resource has been considerable over the years but his recent role as a representative, supposedly as an advisor, of Canadian mining company Endeavour Capital, which has already put a multi-million dollar mining proposal to government for approval, would probably rule him out of contention for a position that could put him in a conflict of interest situation.

The minister says applications for the post of seabed authority commissioner will have to be advertised.

Wigmore says now that the legislative framework is in order it provides for the appointment of a commission and its governing body.

The landmark Seabed Minerals Act passed last year allows for the minister to nominate a commissioner and for government to also set up an advisory board to the new authority. Government expects that those on the advisory board will include representatives of local communities, particularly those recommended by the House of Ariki.

The new act provides for the granting of prospecting permits, exploration licences, mining licences and retention leases in respect of the seabed minerals. These activities are expected to bring millions if not billions of income to the country within the next decade.

Wigmore takes on the mineral and natural resource portfolio following the redistribution of portfolios in cabinet after the recent sacking of former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate and the resignation of three other ministers.

• Helen Greig

The last round of Tutaka inspections show an improvement on last year’s figures, according to the Ministry of Health.

The ministry inspected 3966 sites and found a total of 59 problems.

The major problems were 23 overgrown vacant sections and 12 overgrown vacant houses.

Two of the sections and one of the vacant houses were cleared over the festive season following the first inspection.

Health inspector Charlie Ave says the ministry is currently looking at how to proceed with the remaining overgrown sections including one initiative trialled in Arorangi.

This involves the MP of the district calling a working bee or village clean up day to deal with the overgrown areas.

The other alternative is invoking a section of the Public Health Act 2004 which could allow the ministry to contract a cleaner and the sections owners would then have to reimburse the ministry.

In addition to the sections, six pigs were found to be in situations that breached the regulations. The pigs were found within 150 metres of a dwelling.

Public toilets were inspected and there were “some issues” with the ones in Nikao.

Ave attributes the improved tutaka figures to increased public awareness and owners taking responsibility for their sections.

“I am very much pleased with the overall efforts our teams have seen at the recent Tutaka,” he said.

The tutaka prior to the recent one found just over 100 problems, according to Ave.

The ministry is now following up on remaining problems.

• Edna Takaroka

Last week’s report on a cyclone in the Cook Islands was wrong, the Fiji Meteorological Service confirms.

Director Rajendra Prasad said the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited (FBCL) website misquoted him as saying a tropical cyclone had developed in the southern Cooks.

The mistaken report was picked up by internet search engine Google in their alerts which was repeated by Fiji Times this week.

Both Fiji and Cook Islands met service confirmed there was no tropical cyclone or depression in the southern Cooks last week.

“The matter was taken up with FBCL and I was told they had corrected the story – it seems this was not done,” Prasad said.

He said his comments were changed on the FBCL’s website and an old satellite image was attached when the report went from the radio broadcast’s Nadi office to Suva.

“The reporter who interviewed me had put (through) the correct story that Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Nadi continuously monitors cyclone development.”

The original comment given was that so far just one tropical cyclone had formed in the Pacific region out of two tropical depressions.

Prasad said this was a relatively a low number given the region is in the third tropical cyclone season month and the Fiji met service predicted eight to 11 cyclones to form based on El Nino conditions.

“I had said (about two weeks ago) that there was prediction of a development south of the Cook Islands in a few days time but I doubt that it would become a tropical cyclone as the system would move too far south before intensifying into anything significant.

“The Suva story changed the report and put an old satellite image with it.”

Prasad said he hoped to have a meeting with FBCL in Suva next week to iron out reporting for the future.

Cook Islands met service director Arona Ngari said last week nothing indicated potential cyclone activity on their tracking map. The only depression forming was in French Polynesian waters.

“This was human error and when these reports are released it’s best first to look outside your window and check with the met service for confirmation.”

However, Ngari said to be prepared as ocean water temperatures, a critical factor, become warmer within the next five to 12 weeks.

The cyclone season runs from November through to April.

• Dana Kintia

Jane Adams (seated right), Patu Katu and Nga Kino (standing at right) watch as Tavake Manuel edits material for a radio programme. 10011320

Making best use of the available climate data and communicating that information properly will go a long way in assisting growers in the country.

A three-day workshop, aimed at improving the communication of climate information to growers during the current weak El Nino cycle, wrapped up at the Kent Hall yesterday.

Horticultural scientist Jane Adams said that there is a lot of data available but it is probably not packaged in a way that is appropriate for the growers.

“It’s about empowering growers to take their own initiative.

“Communication is the way you can mobilise groups to take action – collectively you can share information so that everyone benefits,” said Adams.

“We showed growers in part how they can use the media to educate other growers on how to manage their crops during the dry season – how they can liaise with the met service and use the information gained to plan appropriately.”

Adams said growers came up with a number of ways to use media products to communicate climate data to other growers.

Reviving a weekly radio programme, having regular columns placed in the newspaper, and getting local media to be receptive to grower initiatives, were a few of the ideas brought up at the workshop.

The workshop, said Adams, also got participants thinking about the possibility of tapping into groundwater and devising irrigation schemes.

Auckland University media studies lecturer Phoebe Fletcher suggested posting articles on the internet which would put growers in touch with people who live overseas and share the same interests.

The articles, said Adams, could also help in terms of attracting sponsorship or assistance for local projects.

Nga Kino said that the workshop was good in terms of knowing that there is specific climate information available on the island for growers like him.

Grower Bill Hosking said that growers normally rely on the lunar calendar to predict rain but the monthly weather patterns sometimes do not occur during an El Nino.

Hosking said that he did not realise that the El Nino pattern can occur every two to five years, and he added that he would like to see a return to the weekly agriculture bulletins on national radio.

Kino said that he realised the importance of the media’s role in getting information out to the community. He added that the media and growers should work together – especially in the field – to highlight what is going on in agriculture.

• Moana Moeka’a

Prime minister Jim Marurai says he will soon release the six-page legal opinion received from NZ constitutional lawyer Dr Alex Frame that will prove that his cabinet is abiding by the Constitution.

The legal opinion was prompted by the now rejected petition by 19 MPs to the Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin to call parliament to meet on the issue of no-confidence in the PM.

Marurai says the opinion is based on the question of the power of the QR to call parliament under article 29 of the Constitution.

The coalition of 19 MPs – ten Demos, the eight CIPs and independent Piho Rua – have claimed that this article concerning the meetings of parliament means that the QR can call parliament to sit without the advice of the PM.

Cabinet’s legal advice from Frame apparently confirms that the PM and the QR remain in compliance with the Constitution.

Yesterday Marurai said he would talk through the legal opinion with the QR before making the legal opinion public.

- HG

William ‘Smiley’ Heather’s days are fast filling up with meetings and ministerial business as he settles into his new office in Nikao. 10011422

New cabinet minister William ‘Smiley’ Heather is vowing to tackle basic infrastructure such as water supply and roads head-on this year.

As he settles into his new office in Nikao, the minister for infrastructure and planning (MOIP) has already been filling his days with briefings from the ministry’s secretary Taukea Raui and is planning a field visit to the water intakes and waste facility next week.

The minister says he wants to see the state of the water intakes himself as part of his plans to take on the issue of water supply in the hopes he can get results for the people.

“I want the drilling for ground wells (in Rarotonga) to start now. I’ve been talking to the secretary (Raui) about getting the drill back from Mauke. Water is in a critical situation for Puaikura, especially Ruaau and the village of Nikao,” says Heather.

And as MP for Ruaau Heather knows only too well, the challenge of seeing real progress made on water and roads is a big one.

Meanwhile, this week he has appointed his long time friend and campaign manager Tere Taio as his chief executive officer at his ministerial office, but he’s kept on former minister Ngamau Munokoa’s staff.

For now former CEO Arthur Taripo is staying on part-time to advise the minister. Secretary Francis Valoa has stayed on, as have the tea lady and groundsman.

Heather says he’s also confident going into the new role because he will be drawing on a pool of local business people including James Beer and Puai Wichman for advice.

Heather is now also minister of transport, parliamentary services and the House of Ariki and Koutu Nui.

Yesterday the minister met with House of Ariki president Travel Tou Ariki to get an update on its issues and future plans.

Heather’s day is fast filling with appointments but he’s taking each day in his stride while keeping his focus on ‘serving the people’ as best he can. - HG

Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop (above) says he called on three of the current ministers to take three months without pay, because he has been down a similar path.

With three ministers resigning just before Christmas and five now in the new cabinet, Bishop says there are now eight ministers who are on the government payroll, as the three who have resigned will continue to collect their salaries for the next three months.

In 1999, Bishop was sworn in as a minister in the Dr Joe Williams-led cabinet – just a week before a no-confidence vote against government which saw a Cook Islands Party-New Alliance Party coalition tossed out.

“It was not on my conscience to collect my ministerial salary so I refused it [in 1999]. I advised the clerk [of parliament] that I would not accept the extra pay.”

Bishop says he even had parliamentary staff hounding him to sign for the extra money due to him.

“The clerk said that I had to accept the pay rise but I said no way, it wasn’t on my conscience. If they had forced me to take it, I would have donated it to Aitutaki hospital.

“That’s why I have challenged the [incoming] ministers. Take the responsibility now – walk the talk and work for three months without pay. Only then will I know that they are genuine about cutting costs.”

• Moana Moeka’a

Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop (above) says he called on three of the current ministers to take three months without pay, because he has been down a similar path. With three ministers resigning just before Christmas and five now in the new cabinet, Bishop says there are now eight ministers who are on the government payroll, as the three who have resigned will continue to collect their salaries for the next three months. In 1999, Bishop was sworn in as a minister in the Dr Joe Williams-led cabinet – just a week before a no-confidence vote against government which saw a Cook Islands Party-New Alliance Party coalition tossed out. “It was not on my conscience to collect my ministerial salary so I refused it [in 1999]. I advised the clerk [of parliament] that I would not accept the extra pay.” Bishop says he even had parliamentary staff hounding him to sign for the extra money due to him. “The clerk said that I had to accept the pay rise but I said no way, it wasn’t on my conscience. If they had forced me to take it, I would have donated it to Aitutaki hospital. “That’s why I have challenged the [incoming] ministers. Take the responsibility now – walk the talk and work for three months without pay. Only then will I know that they are genuine about cutting costs.” - MM Teina Bishop

Cabinet ministers are being briefed on political reform proposals in the build-up to the newly promised referendum.

On Tuesday prime minister Jim Marurai announced a referendum will be run on the issue this year and stated that he needs public to support to press ahead with changing the political system.

Yesterday political reform advocates Tata Crocombe and Iaveta Short had their second meeting with Marurai in the lead up to their talks on the referendum with each minister from today until Monday.

Next Tuesday the pair will take a presentation to the meeting of cabinet on the issue of political reform and the referendum that may be held on election day in September.

Crocombe heads the economic development task force and Short chaired the three-member commission of political review which compiled the 1998 report on reforming the country’s political system.

With the public’s call for political reform recently renewed by newly formed citizen’s group Mou Piri and a new political group in Aitutaki called Te Kura O Te Au, there’s even more reason for government to make the change. The Democratic Party promised reform in its 2006 manifesto claiming it would set up a political reform commission within six months of taking office. During the party’s campaign it touted having Short as both a supporter and someone who was willing to assist with reform as a reason it was more serious about changing the system than the CIP.

The commission the party promised has never been set up, but the Demos had hoped it would be this body that could consult widely with the people to decide the best options for reform including the set up of a formula to reduce the number of parliamentary seats where there was a low number of voters. The Demo Party said through the consultations it wanted to explore the benefits or otherwise of establishing national seats, having the PM elected by the nation, limiting the terms of the PM and MPs, and a fairer voting system.

The party pledged to pass the necessary legislation within two years to carry out the reforms, including running a referendum to seek support.

While a referendum might be late in coming, Jim Marurai’s cabinet is now holding out new hope for the long overdue reform to begin.

• Helen Greig

Investigations are continuing into the cases of the six men arrested during what police are calling Operation Muri.

Operation Muri is the code name for the raids of Tuesday and Wednesday in which six young males were charged with a range of offences involving drugs, burglary and theft. Of the six offenders targeted during the operation, two were formally charged yesterday in court.

Itio Matakino, charged with burglary, entered no plea and will reappear in court on Thursday January 21. Sean Kavana Brown, charged with possession of cannabis, also entered no plea and will reappear in court on the same date.

Another young man’s case was sent to children’s court and the three remaining offenders were released on bail with special conditions, namely a 7pm–7am curfew.

Police have also been busy this week issuing notices to offending drivers. In the past three days, over 50 people have been charged with minor transport offences ranging from driving without a licence to speeding.

“So what is the message here for us all?” a police representative asked. “There are far too many people committing [crime].”

He thanked the community for its support in identifying those who breach the law and thereby pose a threat to the island’s safety.

“Without you, it [would] not be possible to keep our shores safe for all,” he said.

• Rachel Reeves

Opposition MP Norman George claims the new five-member cabinet should be called ‘the save Jimmy’s job’ government.

“Or is it a ‘SOJ – Save Our Jobs government’ – for a temporary period of six months that is...” snipes George.

The MP has also accused Marurai of ‘latching on to political reform to cushion his overstaying abduction of constitutional power today’.

He says PM Jim Marurai’s admission of reluctance to call parliament to sit before June due to fear of losing his job explains his reluctance to advise the Queen’s Representative to call parliament to meet.

“It would appear that the prime minister’s personal interest must first be served ahead of the national interest. This is odd coming from a man who used to say he did not want the prime minister’s job in the first place.Isn’t it amazing when one looks at all the issues, in the current Constitution crisis, issues such as job security and personal interest surface above all interests. If the Queen’s Representative is concerned with job security as well, where does that leave us?” said George in a statement issued yesterday.

The outspoken MP asks where the national interest lies now.

“While I have decided that PM Marurai has burned all his bridges by his less than honest dealings with us in the Opposition, I will vote against him now as prime minister, when parliament sits,” he vows.

George says it is clear nothing much will happen between now and July.

“So the government of five are simply there to collect their salaries and keep a daily watch on administrative chores as they are totally restricted in what they can do. What is important is that government will still function whether they are there or not.”

The MP who is also the opposition spokesperson for finance says it is a critical year which requires parliament to sit in at least February as urgent business needs transacting.

First among this urgent business is a supplementary budget to authorise the payments of the $1.75 million Toa settlement and all associated legal costs.

The Annual Tax Act for 2008-2009 must be passed, to validate all taxes levied and collected last year, says George.

“An Electoral Act select committee, as well as a Consumer Act select committee, needs to be set up by parliament to attend to urgent matters, some urgent changes are needed for the Electoral Act as the existing one is full of mistakes and deficiencies.

“No reform referendum can be added to the ballot papers without amending the Electoral Act.”

“What is critical is that interest will be charged while Toa is waiting for the $1.75 million settlement, each day prime minister Marurai fails to call parliament to meet, the cost of keeping him in power accumulates, with these interest payments, we are paying for him to remain in power to do absolutely nothing!”

George says as for who he will vote for the next prime minister, he intends to abstain and not vote due to matters of principle and choice.

“I believe it is going to be a free vote and I am aware that most of my CIP colleagues will support the Demo candidate, which I have no problem with as each individual is entitled to vote according to their choice,” he adds.

• Helen Greig

Inside the departure lounge area of the terminal – the VIP and Air New Zealand lounge are situated just to the left. 10011426

Passengers could be using the departure area in the new airport terminal by the middle of next month.

Hawkins project manager Russell Smith says the toilet areas are complete, all the framework for the roof is up, and there are still some finishing touches needed on the two VIP lounges.

Windows and doors are being put up on the inland side of the building, electrical fittings installed, and the grounding of the departure terminal floor is expected to start in early February.

Smith says while grounding is being done, work on the retail outlets on the sea-side area of the departure terminal area will be completed.

Concrete will be poured to complete the floor right beside the arrivals container beginning next week – and work will continue on finishing the arrivals area on the Arorangi side of the building.

Once the floor is poured, arriving passengers will be able to walk through this area into the area where they will be processed.

Smith says an extra component has been added to the terminal work. A new connecting canopy will be built between the check-in area and departure exit. While work is being done on the canopy, the arrivals container will be moved to this area to provide cover for departing passengers.

While at times they have had to use some contractors from New Zealand, Smith says he is more than happy with the contractors used and the workmanship from their local partners Mike Rennie Builders.

Smith says the biggest challenge working on the terminal has been trying to work with the available materials which are shipped from New Zealand, and with the resources they have on the island.

Smith says they are working towards finishing the terminal by the end of March.

Meanwhile the airport authority has put out a tender for the set up of a caf, duty free and retail shops in the new terminal.

There will only be room for two duty free shops inside the arrival terminal, while the authority will look at proposals for operators wishing to set up shops dealing in food and beverages and products like jewellery.

• Moana Moeka’a

A prison inmate (right) stops national touch player Conrad Piri from gaining any more ground on the touch rugby field. 10011409

Boredom will reduce for some Arorangi prison inmates as officials push to get young offenders into sport as part of their rehabilitation programme.

A team of 12 inmates – 11 male and one female – took to the Avatiu field on Wednesday for the touch rugby mixed division muster.

Arorangi prison superintendent Metuatini Tangaroa says that getting into sport is all part of the prison’s effort to rehabilitate young offenders before they are released back into the community.

And the family game of touch rugby was just the perfect environment to show the young offenders what life can be on the right side of the track.

A number of spectators watching the prison team play touch rugby were impressed to see the young players on the field with some players and spectators going out of their way to make the players feel welcome and part of the scene.

While their touch skills were a bit rusty, Tangaroa says that the inmates have had a few training sessions at the prison compound.

He adds that league legend Kevin Iro has also volunteered his time to help train the team know at the Roxx.

Prison wardens Piritau Nga and Apii Emile were on hand at the Avatiu field to supervise and motivate the young players, and brief them on what was expected of them on their outing.

Metuatini reiterates that not just any prisoner is picked to be in the team.

“They have to show improvement in their behaviour.”

“They have to shape up and if not – they go back in. It’s about give and take.”

Metuatini says that it has been a long time since prisoners have engaged in sports where once a prison rugby team was the norm taking on teams from the police and fire departments.

“Already the boredom in prison is being eliminated.”

It is hoped that being in a positive family environment such as the touch rugby scene, young offenders will gravitate towards this once they are released from prison and get their lives back on track.

• Matariki Wilson

Political scientist John Jonassen. 09091745

The political system of the Cook Islands encourages corruption, according to leading political scientist and Cook Islander Dr. Jon Jonassen. And it may not simply be an election which fixes it.

“There are many capable politicians in both major political parties but it is difficult to maintain a national objective when the system itself encourages sectoral or personal servicing,” he says. “The latest reshuffle in government is another reminder that the political system that we have is seriously flawed. The Cook Islands has a costly structure where there is excessive MP representation, inadequate or ineffective ethical controls on elected representatives, inadequate transparency in resource usage, and a general lack of personal accountability for ministerial action”.

Jonassen, head of political science at Brigham Young University in Hawaii, believes there are no quick fixes to the current problems and says that general elections are a theory based opportunity for voter representation but without changing the system, problems are likely to continue.

He commends the efforts of Mou Piri but cautions that the group does not fully address or solve fundamental issues of affordability, fair and effective sectoral representation, balanced group articulation and consumer and voter protection.

“Less expensive but also workable is the Te Kura O Te Au approach of executing change by coordinating genuinely concerned MP candidates from all sectors: Democratic Party, Cook Islands Party or Independent. But this concept needs more networking and enrichment.”

“John Scott’s recent suggestion of a Reform Party approach into the next election is one practical approach, however the idea needs time to germinate, and keep in mind that historically parties have a habit of becoming entrenched once a position of power is achieved.”

Jonassen says that unless the majority of people have indeed lost confidence in their leaders, a rush into snap elections is not the best solution when it is actually a change in political system that is the nation’s critical issue, especially if the general elections are only a few months away.

“Hopefully, whatever form of governance emerges for the Cook Islands will reflect the views of the silent majority Cook Islanders within the nation as well as some input from the multitude overseas who maintain a vested interest.

“A more comprehensive governance change will need more than the limited time a snap election offers.”

• Edna Takaroka

Hundreds of teens are keen to get their exam results this week as they prepare to go back to college or on to tertiary studies and work.

The ministry of education plans to have the overall national results statistics for 2009 and the comparison with previous years out within the week. This information shows whether improvements are being made each year in exam performance and which colleges are seeing the best results from their students.

The exam results for all 140,000 students who sat the exams across NZ, Niue and the Cooks are available online now, but candidates must register first to log in. The national certificate of educational achievement (NCEA) exam results are also arriving in the mail over the next week.

Terry Utanga, acting director for the directorate of audit and quality assurance, says he’s already downloading national results from the NZQA website and is compiling a comparison of last year’s results with previous years.

Scholarship results are due out soon too as the national human resources department receives results for students shortlisted for overseas scholarships over the next week.

Marked exam papers will also be returned from Monday and continue for a fortnight. Following the return of marked papers, candidates have until 19 February to apply for reviews and reconsiderations. A review may be requested if a candidate believes a processing error has been made, such as the incorrect transfer of grades.Reconsideration is an application to have an examination re-marked. A $20 fee applies for each application for reconsideration - refunded if the application is successful.

• Helen Greig

Pictured at right is the president of the Araura Oe Vaka Association and Aitutaki MP Junior Maoate (far right) with workers packing a container with 10 vaka bound for the island.

Maoate said the V6 and V1 canoes will be distributed to the two existing clubs – Aitutaki Oe Vaka and Te Mana O Utataki – and a masters team will get one V6 vaka.

Cook Islands Canoeing Association president Tina Newport says the 10 vaka purchased by Aitutaki are some of the canoes which were bought by government for use at the Pacific Mini Games.

Newport says CICA has agreed to purchase the 28 vaka , subject to certain conditions, and it is in the process of doing that.

Boxing and weightlifting are two codes which are also negotiating to buy equipment from the 2009 games.

Maoate said that he would like to thank the following sponsors who assisted with the purchase and shipping of the vaka to Aitutaki: Air Rarotonga, Paradise Cove, Pacific Resort, Hinano Beach, Bank of the Cook Islands, Ranginui Retreat, Judan Ltd, The Boat Shed, Vaikoa Units, Rinos Rentals, Bubbles Below, Koru Caf, Cook Islands Ports Authority, Reef Shipping, Fletcher Melvin, and the Cook Islands government.

• Moana Moeka’a

Sir Terepai and Tom Marsters predict current approach will spell ‘disaster’

The huge progress that’s been made in the last three years towards seeing the people of this country reaping benefits from our vast seabed manganese resource could be well on the way to being destroyed if the wrong person is appointed to head the seabed mining authority.

In a historical sitting of parliament late last year, the Democratic and Cook Islands Parties were united in support of the seabed minerals legislation which other Pacific countries now want to follow.

The two parties have again come together to voice strong objection to a move by the new cabinet to employ what appears to be a middle management person to what is envisaged will be one of the most important positions in the country.

“If we want to keep advancing our aim to see our people benefit from our seabed resource, we need a very well qualified person with a strong international legal and commercial background, experience in the offshore mining industries, who can examine applications for the various types of licenses and the bids we will receive... this is a highly specialised field,” says Sir Terepai Maoate, who was the former minister of mining and natural resources.

He explained that following the passing of the seabed minerals legislation, a formal request for a resident adviser to the Commonwealth secretary general had been made.

“While steps were already underway for the setting up of the authority, we need experienced assistance, to help devise strategies for it, and to help recruit a suitably qualified candidate to become commissioner. That adviser would also help build capacity by training a local team.

“A response is expected from the secretary general very soon. I am confident that it will be a positive response as the secretariat’s economic and legal services unit drafted our deep sea legislation and their assistance would help complete this complex, but extremely important national project.

“We impressed upon the secretary general the importance of ongoing assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat in respect of further technical assistance to establish the institutional structure, the authority, which will drive the development of the seabed resource.”

The Democratic Party leader says the position is far too important to be given to someone who is inexperienced and unqualified.

The advertisement for a seabed minerals commissioner calls for a person who is fluent in English and Cook Islands Maori, which would cancel out any qualified applicants from overseas. The parties believe it is unlikely that any Cook Islander today has the qualifications and experience necessaryto lead this authority that will be so important to the future of all Cook Islanders.

Opposition leader Tom Marsters shares the views of Sir Terepai in that he does not believe that the Cook Islands at this time has the kind of person we are looking for.

“I hope the present administration does not stuff up the good work that has been put over the past three years.”

He adds that in 10 years time the Cook Islands could well have several qualified people with experience in the offshore extractive industries.

The parties believe the terms of reference for the position must be drafted by someone who is experienced with recruiting people into these kinds of specialty positions and that it must be advertised internationally in reputable publications and websites.

For instance, the ad calls for someone with experience in commercial fishing or diving – this is not a fishing venture, or a diving business – the manganese nodules lie 5000 metres below the surface, extracting the resource will require highly specialised equipment and the commissioner will need to understand this type of activity.

The requirements of having held elected office, sat on a local boards and able to speak Maori also suggests that the position has been tailor made for someone, most likely a political crony.

Sir Terepai says the commissioner will be dealing with the management of a statutory institution that will be overseeing the granting of various types of licences, examining bids and applications for licences, conducting due diligence of international companies, and overseeing the financial management of returns from the extraction of the seabed resource. It will also oversee the national trust that has to be set up.

“Surely the cabinet can see that the advertisement does not stipulate the experience and skills required of this position,” says Sir Terepai.

The parties say if the new cabinet does not reconsider withdrawing the advertisement, a joint complaint will be laid with the public expenditure review committee and audit (PERCA) as having an inexperienced person, with no financial management or strategic development and operational skills will clearly spell disaster for the country.

• Media Release

New Cook Islands News reporter Rachel Reeves. 10011516

It’s a new reporter for the New Year at Cook Islands News.

Rachel Reeves joins the editorial team after making the move from Los Angeles, California, to Rarotonga.

Despite her accent, she has strong Cook Islands roots through her grandmother Pauline Napa, owner of the Kiikii Motel. Her father, Anthony Napa, is a former Tereora College student who moved to the United States when he was 17.

“I first began visiting Rarotonga when I was six months old and kept on coming back every other year,” she says.

“It had always been at the back of my mind to stay here for an extended period of time.”

She graduated in 2008 from the University of Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Global and International Studies.

A fluent Spanish speaker, she has travelled to destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Costa Rica, Aruba, Mexico, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and France.

At 21 years of age, she has decided to call the Cooks home for now.

“I was here on holiday last year and from talking to John Woods about a vacancy at the newspaper, I began to think that I could live here,” she says.

“I do identify with the Cook Islands and I’ve always been fascinated with the Pacific.”

Reeves has always been passionate about journalism as the editor of her school and college newspapers. She later worked at the Santa Barbara Independent News.

She had a feature article published last in 2008 on Chinese motives being questioned in the Pacific.

Having started work this Tuesday, she has already tackled hard news issues such as the police raids and displayed professionalism with her story of 102-year-old Louie Grau. Reeves’ writing showed no personal involvement – despite the returning centenarian being her grandmother’s aunty.

“I’m really looking forward to enjoying life in Raro, meeting new people and getting to know my nana more as she’s the link to the culture,” she says.

Reeves will replace crime and justice reporter Dana Kinita who is leaving in February.

• Dana Kinita

Dear Editor

Our political system is not even a Westminster system (as in behind the old Iron Curtain).

Our politicians have carefully and intentionally taken us back to where 20% of the countries voters work for the government in one way or another. They are all hostage to the political bullies who threaten their employment if they don’t toe the line votewise.

We are right back to the pre 1996 fear and intimidation world.

This has to change, our country is supposed to be democratic. Mr Prime Minister, there are some things you can do without the Gang of 19, and I think this is one of them.

Let’s put all government workers with medium to high responsibility working on a contract basis with their jobs based on qualifications, experience and suitability as decided by a qualified panel WITHOUT the option of a pouty politician banning them because they didn’t vote for HIS Party.

Further let applications be accepted from all interested parties and not judged on a racial/family/party basis – we need the BEST applicants for the countries future success not somebody’s chosen relative, right?

Our sincere and hardworking government workers need the SECURITY of being respected professionals with pride in their occupation with clear and defined objectives and goals, not treated as disposable vote harvesting peasants as is presently the case. (Why couldn’t the government fill outer island positions?).

OUTER ISLANDERS, grab the opportunity to have national seats in the upcoming political reform because you will have a better chance of helping get things done on your homeland with the opportunity to vote for people you respect to get things done. Right now many of you are denied the chance of employment simply because of which family (and its party choice) you are born into.

Young people must realise that you do not need to repeat the mistakes of the past – you have freedom of choice, just don’t tell anyone who you vote for, that’s your personal choice.

The whole point of national seats is to get out of village/family/island politics and into picking some people that have the whole country’s wellbeing as a priority and can’t get elected when standing against the people who treat, promise, threaten and otherwise pervert true democracy.

Meantime, Mr Prime Minister, hang in there, you have far more support on the street than you can believe. Despite the political spin doctors ramblings, most people recognise you are headed in the right direction. You can really make believers of all if you push a policy of complete transparency, you would be surprised just how much the electorate could accept as mistakes or misjudgments if they simply knew the reality and truth.

Still Optimistic

(Name and address supplied)

Dear Editor,

With all the political reforms being proposed, there remains lots of confusion. Probably some concepts are not yet well explained.

For example, many people have difficulty dealing with the concept of constituency seats versus national seats. Simply put, a constituency seat is the traditional way of voting where you have choice of voting for whoever the two parties choose to offer in whichever constituency you live in. You get the choice of A or B. That means the political parties choose who you can vote for. In the small numbers we deal with in the Cook Islands, that is not a very good deal. First, you don’t get a real choice and, second, the talent is very limited in small electorates.

Let’s move to national seats. Anyone can stand for a national seat as long as they qualify as a Cook Island resident. They don’t have to be from a particular constituency or island or a particular party. As long as they qualify as a Cook Islander, pay their money, they can stand for election.

For this model, Mou Piri is proposing that there be a total of just 9 constituency seats and 10 national seats. This means that you have one constituency vote (as you have always had) plus 10 votes for national seats.

For example, if 30 people stand for the national seats, say 10 CIP, 10 Demos and 10 independents, you get to pick the 10 people you prefer or 11 votes total! In this way, the 10 MPs are chosen by all Cook Islanders.

The political parties will still be able to operate and establish a majority or coalition, but with less chance to control or manipulate voting.

They will not be able to treat nor threaten by job security the way they have been in the past because those national MPs that you voted for have an equal say in government and the PM still picks his cabinet as before.

Let’s face it, the Westminster system adopted years ago doesn’t work for us properly in the Cooks. We have to modify it and create a system that is made in the Cook Islands for Cook Islanders.

We alone will decide the way the country is going in the years to come. We have to reform. Why? Because we don’t want our children to leave our land anymore!

MOU PIRI

Dear Editor,

Several of us on Aitutaki just received Christmas cards that had been mailed from our respective countries over a month ago.

It seems pretty obvious that a mail bag sat somewhere in a corner in the post office in Rarotonga and someone finally decided to process it.

It has nothing to do with the mail service from other countries as some of the cards came from the US and some came from Australia. So the only common denominator is the Raro post office.

I don’t know who the minister is who has the post office portfolio, but I hope whoever it is will look into this. What if it had been important documents rather than just Christmas cards?

People all over the world get reasonable mail service, why can’t we?

I would gladly sign my name to this but I don’t need some disgruntled postal worker setting my mail aside so that its three months late instead of just one.

Mail Moan

(Name and address supplied)

Editor: Cook Islands Post manager Liz Tiro responds

I can assure you that no bag was somewhere in a corner, as I myself have been monitoring fulltime the activities in the mailroom.

It is also common that at this time of the year we experience a backlog of mail.

The USA mail is inconsistent and I was notified on January 7 that Australia Post’s industrial strike which was from December 22 ended on January 4. These may be reasons for the delay in mail.

We did not receive many mailbags over the last two weeks.

It was only last week that we received large consignments and Aitutaki has been receiving more mailbags over the week compared to the previous two weeks since Christmas.

Postal staff have worked extremely hard and long hours to ensure that we clear out mail promptly, especially considering the long breaks from work over the festive season.

Consultations have begun in the Cook Islands for a new regional trade agreement.

The Cook Islands are signatories, along with 14 other Forum Island countries, to Pacer (Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations) Plus, following the 40th Forum leaders meeting in October last year where it was agreed negotiations would start.

At that time, forum leaders agreed that national consultations in each Forum island country were essential.

The Cook Islands is in the process of its first such consultation, with further consultations likely throughout the year.

Trade policy officer for the ministry of foreign affairs and immigration, Teremoana Mato, says the current Pacer Plus study will guide the Cook Islands engagement in the negotiations between FIC’s and Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to the PacerPlus consultations, the MFAI and BTIB are researching the development of a comprehensive trade policy, using a contracting team.

The projects are described as “separate but related” and are undertaken by the same contractors.

Government sectors, NGOs and the private sector have all taken part in the consultations over the last week to identify opportunities and initiatives that could in turn be incorporated into Pacer to create tangible economic and trade benefits for the Cook Islands.

The lack of a comprehensive trade policy has limited Cook Islands’ ability to get the most benefit out of trade negotiations and a comprehensive policy will reduce the chances of outside governments determining Cook Islands priorities, as well as achieving the Cook Islands overall development objectives. This further includes the protection of intellectual property rights and traditional knowledge within international agreements.

The Cook Islands is unique for its advanced tourism market as well as its free association status, meaning that the labour agreements which may be of benefit to other Forum Island countries under Pacer, are of no additional benefit here.

Consulting with relevant sectors aims to formulate agreements which will derive the most benefit based on the Cook Islands position. This in turn comes from the information which the contracting teams have been gathering from all sectors, enabling the Cook Islands to get the most out of future trade agreements while protecting its existing assets.

Assessing Cook Islands trade performance with Australia and New Zealand and improving modes of aid, possibly through direct budgetary support, are also areas in which feedback has been sought

• Edna Takaroka

The audit office has acknowledged that there is more money unaccounted for, following a review into unidentified payments made by the Cook Islands Sports & National Olympic Committee in 2008-09.

After reading the report which was tabled in parliament late last year, the Cook Islands Rugby Union’s chief executive Ben Koteka complained to the audit office that it had not received two cheques totalling $6605.70 from CISNOC’s Allsports Fund.

Audit found that a cheque of $4200 was cashed by the former senior finance officer for CISNOC at Westpac’s Avarua branch on January 26, 2009. Another cheque of $2405.70 was also shown on the CISNOC accounts as being presented on December 30, 2008, and charged against the CIRU.

The money was supposedly granted to CIRU to assist with costs associated with hosting visiting age grade rugby teams which toured Rarotonga in late 2008/early 2009.

“Although both these cheques were presented at the Westpac bank in Rarotonga on different dates, I can confirm that these cheques were not presented by any authorised CIRU personnel,” wrote Koteka in his letter dated December 7, 2009.

Koteka sent reconciliation financial reports to the audit office for the period, which were seen by Cook Islands News – none of the above figures appeared in the CIRU reports.

Last week, the audit office accepted the explanation given by the CIRU and has added the $6605.70 to the $843 amount which was unable to be accounted for during its review.

The audit office in its review had concluded that the “unaccounted balance of $843 is due to poor record keeping and is considered immaterial”.

“Although it should be noted that CISNOC were given the benefit of the doubt with regards to some of these payments, audit is satisfied that there is no evidence to suggest any fraudulent activity by any of the former CISNOC management staff or executive board members with regards to the 12 payments reviewed.”

- Moana Moeka’a

The new minister of justice says he’s making the prison a top priority.

Api Piho has hit the ground running, touring the Arorangi prison last Monday, a day before he officially started, with secretary of justice Mark Short.

With 10 escapes last year, he said the correction facility needed to be urgently addressed.

“To be honest I’m very disappointed in its condition,” Piho said.

“It’s an area of neglect and there’s been no attention or major maintenance since it was built.

“But it’s no good pointing the finger. The needs have been highlighted and we need to get on top of it.”

Repairs already started late last year by Cook Islands Investment Corporation, who manage government properties.

Piho said preparations have been made to replace the rotten ceilings above the cells with concrete.

A meeting will be held this week with Piho and the deputy prime minister and CICC portfolio holder, Robert Wigmore, for a progress report this week.

“I’m considering this issue as urgent. We must make sure these repairs meet safety and engineering standards and that it doesn’t become a band aid solution.

“We just want to put aside the talk and get these things moving. The current building is the likely reason for the high level of escapes and I’m very concerned for the safety of the public and the environment these inmates are living in,” he said.

“We’ll always have a problem for finance but when there’s a will there’s a way.”

Other areas of need he highlighted were rehabilitation facilities and getting the justice documentation storage up to speed.

Piho had arrived from New Zealand last Sunday and was paid a courtesy visit to his home by Short that afternoon.

The prison visit and a briefing of the justice ministry were held the following day.

“I paid a visit as every time there’s a change in ministers it puts us back,” Short said. “When the minister went through the prison, the major concerns for him were the issue of security and safety,” he said.

“Inmates can smoke in their cells and if they burn the wooden ceilings they could kill everyone in the prison.”

Acting CIIC chief executive Lloyd Miles said repairs started in October-November last year with plans made, reviewed, amended and the contract awarded.

“We’ve followed the MFEM procedures and work will commence on Monday,” Miles said on Friday.

“We inspected the prison and immediately put phase one in place to make the building secure as quickly as possible.”

“This project has been on-going from last year and we’re doing what we’re getting paid to do – preparing and maintaining buildings,” he said.

• Dana Kinita

The opposition Cook Islands Party believes a High Court judgement should be sought on whether the Queen’s Representative should call parliament.

Party leader Henry Puna told Cook Islands News yesterday that prime minister Jim Marurai should not be relying on a legal opinion to justify his position.

“In regard to the opinion of Dr. Alex Frame, the CIP agrees that in normal times the QR acts on the advice of the PM who would normally command the confidence of parliament,” Puna said.

“We need to be reminded that this is an opinion only and not a ruling of the court. It cannot be taken as a definitive statement of the true legal position. Only the court can do that.

“We will support any initiative to take this matter to the court on a multi-party basis by way of an application for a declaratory judgment to have the current uncertainty resolved and to clarify a path forward to cater for this current ‘abnormal’ situation.”

Puna said the current political situation cannot be considered “normal”.

“Indeed the prime minister has admitted that he does not command the confidence of the majority of parliament.

“It is a given under any democracy that the convention of the QR accepting and acting on the advice of the PM is based on the presumption and principle that the PM is and remains in office because he has the majority support of MPs. The question must be asked whether the advice of the PM to the QR is valid considering this admission by the PM.”

Puna also questions whether is it proper for the QR to continue to accept advice from the PM when he is aware that the PM does not have the support of the majority of parliament.

“In his opinion Dr. Frame is also silent on Article 13.1 of the Constitution which states that the PM and cabinet shall be collectively responsible to Parliament.

“Currently there are pressing concerns facing the cabinet and the PM. While the PM has stated he will not call parliament until the budget is tabled – there are pressing financial commitments that must be appropriated.”

• CIP/JW

Police have made eight arrests and have documented two thefts and one case of unlawful taking since last Thursday.

Of the three people that were charged with excess breath alcohol this weekend, just one was involved in a vehicle accident. The 29-year-old fell off his motorbike near the Punanga Nui Market onThursday night, and was found to be over the legal limit. No other vehicles were involved.

Another male, a 30-year-old Titikaveka resident, was convicted in court on Thursday for drink driving. He was fined $200 plus court costs of $30 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

An unemployed Ngatangiia resident was arrested on Thursday for a burglary at Muri Beachcomber, during which $85 was stolen. The 17-year-old pleaded not guilty and his case was adjourned until February 3.

A 31-year-old Tupapa resident was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in the early hours of Friday morning. He appeared in court Friday afternoon and was released on bail with conditions. His case has been adjourned until January 21.

Charged with cultivating cannabis, an 18-year-old male pleaded guilty in court on Friday. He will remain in custody until his March 12 sentencing.

On Friday night, police were alerted to a theft at the Fishing Club. A small handbag was stolen, and among the items missing are red sunglasses, an ANZ chequebook and $800. Police are still investigating the matter.

On Saturday, Ruatonga residents reported a theft of parts from their motorcycle. The Suzuki GN 125, which was parked outside their home, had been stripped of its battery and a headlight bulb.

A red Honda Wave motorcycle was stolen from a Ngatangiia home on Saturday, but was recovered in Muri later in the weekend.

On Thursday, police arrested a disqualified driver who had been stopped at the side of the road near Blackrock.

A 20-year-old male from Arorangi was also caught driving while disqualified on Thursday night and was convicted in court on Friday. He was fined $150 plus court costs of $30.

A 64-year-old male from Ngatangiia was charged on Thursday for driving while disqualified and for excess breath alcohol. In court on Friday he was fined $250 plus a court cost of $30 and will lose his driving privileges for another 12 months.

Sergeant Nga Pouao conceded that the weekend was a relatively quiet one for police, but expressed concern over the number of disqualified drivers on the road.

“They are disqualified, and they are still driving,” he said. “We will not tolerate it. When they’re caught, they will definitely be arrested and taken to court.”

Police were still investigating the burglary of Tumeke video store in Arorangi. Store manager Tashi Tutai said they’ve placed new, more secure bars on the window and no longer leave money on the premises. Anyone with any information is asked to phone police on 22499.

• Rachel Reeves

Rescue helicopter – from left, Rescue Cook Islands volunteer Brent Fisher, police search & rescue coordinator senior sergeant Inano Matapo, inspector John Strickland and volunteer Charles Carlson on the top of Raemaru. The team met with the owner of the helicopter business Brian McBride and the police commissioner to discuss the possibility of using the chopper for emergency rescues. 10011435

Rescue Cook Islands, the voluntary search and rescue organisation, is looking to increase its numbers and capacity to carry out searches in Rarotonga’s rugged interior.

Trainer Ron Bird says they are looking for more volunteers – male and female – who are generally fit and able, who have knowledge of the interior, and who may have bush experience.

Currently RCI has around 15 volunteers who are split into two teams. The teams are rostered on a weekly basis to carry out any searches which are activated by the police.

Bird says they would like to have at least 20 volunteers who are ready to take on rescue searches throughout the year.

A meeting for those interested will be held at the police station on Wednesday, January 20, at 4.30pm.

Bird says it will be an opportunity to talk to others about the ‘job’ and to bring out the equipment that is used by the volunteers.

All new volunteers will have to go through the proper process of recruitment to become a member of the voluntary team. All applicants will have to be screened by police and be recommended by the police commissioner for approval.

Former RCI president Charles Carlson would like to encourage those who have skills and knowledge in this area to get involved.

“We aim to cover all areas from the mountains to the sea and I know we have people with very good local knowledge in these areas,” says Carlson. “These local knowledge and skills will certainly come in handy when needed.”

Bird says on-going training is carried out on a monthly basis and new recruits are taught things like basic first aid, the use of a rescue stretcher, and tying knots. However, Rescue Cook Islands will be providing some advance training for their more experienced members in this field.

The skills taught, he adds, can also be used during a national emergency or disaster.

As this is a voluntary organisation, Carlson says any donations are very much appreciated to help with the purchasing of basic equipment for search and rescue.

Those interested in volunteering their time for the rescue unit can make inquiries to Charles Carlson (EMCI) on phone 29609 or mob 54005.

• Moana Moeka’a

The Esther Honey Foundation is appealing to the general public for household goods for a planned garage sale at the animal clinic in Nikao this Saturday.

The clinic will be raising money for the care of animals at the clinic and is asking the general public for donations of goods for the sale.

Clinic manager Gregg Young says they will accept anything that can be sold including good second hand clothes and shoes, second hand televisions, DVD and players, furniture and household appliances.

You can drop these off at the clinic which is also desperate for animal food to feed to 40 plus stray dogs and cats housed at the clinic. Cat food is especially needed.

For you bargain hunters, the clinic is the place to be on Saturday when they hold their garage sale.

The clinic is also planning an open day plus the annual speying and neutering drive next month.

Show your support for the island’s only animal clinic through donations of goods for the garage sale, donations of animal food and heading there this Saturday to pick up a bargain or two.

For more information on how you can help the clinic – contact Gregg on 22336.

• Matariki Wilson

Contractor Paul Mangakahia and his team are in the process of moving what remains of the old St Joseph’s Primary School to Arorangi.

Built in 1946, the two buildings that were not a part of last year’s renovation project will be relocated and sold as private homes.

According to Mangakahia, both buildings are made of Canadian hardwood, which military troops left here after the war. He indicated that the building material is valuable in that it is long-lasting and therefore reusable.

Accompanied by a police escort, Mangakahia and a work crew will move the buildings through town this week. They are currently watching the weather, as they would prefer not to transport the building in windy conditions.

They intend to wait until the weather calms so as to ensure a smooth move.

“It’s a delicate operation because we’ve got to work with the community,” he said. “We would like to apologise for taking up anybody’s time. Please be patient with us.”

When the buildings are in transit, the movers will allow vehicles to pass every 10 to 15 minutes so as not to create heavy traffic congestion.

• RR

Rotten wood which covered the prison cells was being ripped off by contract workers yesterday. 10011808

Work has finally begun on replacing the rotten roof of the Arorangi prison.

The decomposed wood, which covered the cell block, was being ripped off yesterday to make way for concrete later this week.

Superintendent Metuatini Tangaroa said a more secure covering has been needed for years. Previous escapes have been made by inmates breaking through the roof and scaling the prison fence.

“It’s good to see an improvement and we’re very happy work is finally in place,” Tangaroa said.

Both the minister of justice Api Piho and secretary Mark Short have said little maintenance has been done on the building since it was first constructed nearly 50 years ago.

Tangaroa said the 12 inmates who were being housed in the renovated area were moved to the fully secure craft room.

“All are considered low risk and have been relocated until work has finished.”

Other improvements for the correctional facility have been planned with Cook Islands Sports Academy founder, Kevin Iro, to take sport and training sessions with the prisoners and rehabilitation and education programmes.

Already the prison has a touch rugby team which Tangaroa said was a good way to start integrating the offenders back into society.

“A lot are also good with their hands so we’re looking into programmes with HRD (Human Resource Department) – basic carpentry, motor vehicles and even cooking,” he said.

“When they’re let out, we want them to have something to do with their lives.

“We’re also looking for businesses who may be willing to give these guys a chance with training.”

The work is being done by Cook Islands Investment Corporation.

• Dana Kinita

Eight courses or papers are being conducted during this year’s summer school at the University of the South Pacific campus at Takamoa.

Seventeen participants have signed up for the two papers which will go towards attaining a diploma of early childhood, while a similar number are doing two papers which will count towards a Bachelor in Education (primary).

Papers in microeconomics, accounting, management and foreign affairs are also being offered during the 2010 summer school which finishes in early February.

USP director Rod Dixon says the majority of those doing the education papers are teachers, with a number of them flying in from the outer islands for the block courses.

“It’s a plan by the ministry of education to professionalise early childhood education,” says Dixon on the two papers in ECE.

Lecturer Lai Merumeru says the two ECE papers – curriculum in ECE and leadership in ECE – are taught for four hours each day over three weeks and include assignments and an exam.

Eight papers/courses are needed to complete a diploma of early childhood education.

With the foundations being put in place at grassroots level teaching, Dixon says preparation for the next generation of leaders in the education sector will follow, with masters and doctorate courses being planned in the near future.

A meeting will be held at the USP on Wednesday to discuss future post-graduate studies in the education at the institution.

Dixon says face-to-face learning offered at the summer compact courses is preferable over distance learning, especially for students starting off a degree.

He says summer school also enables students to complete a couple of courses/papers during the year without students having to leave the country, or have studies interupt their jobs.

The new Bachelor of Commerce in hotel management, says Dixon, is a good example in a work/study degree.

“The hotel management course is a perfect model of a work/study degree. One will spend only 10 weeks a year in the classroom and you can complete your degree in five years while you are still working in the hotel industry.”

• Moana Moeka’a

New Zealand’s national airline wins the premier aviation industry title. 10011513

Air New Zealand was congratulated by NZ prime minister and tourism minister John Key last week for being named Airline of the Year by ‘Air Transport World’ magazine.

“This is a great honour but, then again, no great surprise to those of us who continually experience the service that our national airline delivers,” said Key.

In awarding Air New Zealand the title, the judges cited the airline’s superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, its groundbreaking customer service, its environmental record, and its financial performance and fiscal management during one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history.

“Like so many New Zealanders, I am immensely proud of Air New Zealand. Its ingenuity and innovation deliver new products that are mimicked by competitors around the world and its commitment to a more environmentally responsible future is leading the industry.

“However, it is the people who make a real difference, as evidenced by the total selflessness and caring attitude adopted by the company and its staff during the Samoan tsunami,” Key added.

US-based Penton Media’s ‘Air Transport World’ is the leading monthly magazine covering the global airline industry.

The airline’s leadership role in addressing environmental challenges facing the industry, including conducting the world’s first sustainable biofuel flight, was also noted by the magazine editors.

For more information on Air Transport World and its awards programme, log on to www.ATWOnline.com

• Helen Greig

Air New Zealand has announced that it will introduce a new uniform in 2011 to coincide with the introduction of a new fleet of 777-300 aircraft.

The airline has engaged Trelise Cooper, one of New Zealand’s leading fashion designers, to assist in the design of the next Air New Zealand uniform.

“We will introduce a uniform to coincide with our new long haul product and interiors early next year which will provide customers with a number of world-first experiences not currently available on any other carrier,” says Ed Sims, Air New Zealand Group General Manager International.

“Trelise was chosen for her outstanding design concepts, of which she presented a collection of more than 60 at the end of last year.

“Since then she has been working with dozens of Air New Zealanders to further understand the style and functionality needs of seven different work groups scattered across many different parts of the world.

“We have also been working closely with Trelise to ensure the uniform colour palette works in harmony with our soon to be unveiled new aircraft interiors,” says Sims.

The uniform is contemporary, based on New Zealand themes with a cohesive visual uniformity while still allowing individual choice by addressing body type and personality preference. For women, this will include a variety of jacket, skirt and trouser options as well as dresses, blouses and shirts.

The uniform for females has a greater expression of femininity based on their feedback and overall the uniform will be more tailored, reflective of Air New Zealand’s status as a premium carrier.

The collection has varying levels of formality, especially for cabin crew, one that provides a more formal look when travelling through airports and welcoming customers onboard, changing to a more casual and friendly style once in the air.

Colour highlights of twilight pink for cabin crew, godzone green for ground staff and sky blue for ground and inflight managers will be underpinned by black formal items such as suits and coats. Uniforms for inflight concierges, pilots and several other work groups are currently being developed.

The final design for the uniform will be completed over the coming months after further staff feedback, followed by fabric selection and testing, wearer trials and production of an expected 90,000 garments to create a uniform that will be worn by more than 5,000 staff.

“I have developed uniforms for other organisations and working with Air New Zealand on their new uniform is a real highlight,” says Cooper.

“I fly regularly and understand that functionality for the wearer is just as important as how you look. It is extremely gratifying to create a collection that can suit a variety of body shapes and work requirements.”

Trelise’s selection follows an extensive review of more than 25 New Zealand designers. She joins a prestigious line-up of designers who have produced the national carrier’s uniform including Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Isobel Harris, Barbara Lee and Zambesi. - Air NZ

Tiriakau Vakapora Nicholls with daughter-in-law Mii Nicholls, holding a photo of her 10 children. 10011415

At 73 she can’t stop thinking about the people – it’s a lifetime habit for Tiriakau Vakapora Nicholls, fondly known as ‘Mum’ by the staff at Aitutaki hospital, and many others who she has cared for over the last 48 years.

It is also why she has received an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours, for both services to the public and the community.

The award came as a complete surprise.

The nurse from Tupapa says she was like ‘a lost ship to those in Rarotonga – here then gone!’ after leaving the capital for Aitutaki in 1957.

Mama Kau, as she is also known, graduated from nursing school in 1955 aged 19. She has not looked back since and estimates delivering over 1000 babies, many of them home births, within that time.

One such birth was that of MP Teina Bishop, who was the first baby she delivered in Aitutaki. She also recalls weighing babies around Rarotonga, going from home to home as part of public health. Mama Kau worked in every area of the Rarotonga hospital alongside Dr John Numa, Dr Manea Tamarua, Dr Tau Cowan and Dr Terepai Maoate.This was in addition to the outpatient and home visits she performed, which she continued in Aitutaki, as well as passing on her skills to younger nurses.

“I always tell my nurses the lives of the people are in your hands – if you don’t do your part, it’s poor service. Think about the lives of the people – it’s very important.

“I love nursing and have no regrets about dedicating my life to the people. I always think about them – I can’t help it. Many people are scared in hospitals, they don’t know what you are going to do them. You have to comfort them, be close to them,” she says.

Mama Kau has 10 children, 38 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her hobbies include fishing, which she learned from her father. Showing her humanitarian instincts from a young age, the oldest and only girl in a family of six, she insisted on learning to fish and plant from her parents.

“My daddy didn’t want me to fish because I was the only girl, but I wanted to help my brothers”.

She taught her children how to fish and advises it is also a skill for women.

“If you have a husband who doesn’t know how to do those things, you will always be able to eat.”

Of her own husband, Plumber Nicholls, she is thankful, crediting all of his support in her career over the years along with ‘all my children including my daughter in laws’.

The Seventh Day Adventist says her career, the people she loves, are all part of God’s plan including her MBE which will be presented later in the year.

• Edna Takaroka

Prime minister Jim Marurai only received a copy of the Toogood report on last month’s controversial fuel farm settlement on Monday.

The report has been kept under wraps by those in government who had received a copy of the December 22 document.

Yesterday Marurai said the new minister of finance Wilkie Rasmussen had provided him with a copy of the report and he is concerned that it has taken so long for him to see it.

“I don’t know whether it was given to me legally,” said Marurai.

He won’t speculate on why as leader of the country he had never been provided with a copy.

Marurai hinted that the report had been kept secret, saying the first page of the report makes it clear that a lot had been hidden from him.

It is understood Marurai has now read the report but cabinet has yet to discuss the out of court settlement it details.

Government paid New Zealand Queen’s Counsel Kit Toogood around $85,000 for work he carried out from October 19. On that date Toogood was appointed by former deputy prime minister and finance minister Sir Terepai Maoate to act as a special consultant to government on the Triad litigation and the other issues that arose in the pursuit of the fuel farm scheme.

Government claimed its scheme which it secretively began in 2008 had the overall aim of lowering fuel costs in the Cooks.

Cook Islands News obtained an unofficial copy of the report last week which details the advice provided by Toogood and the settlement reached on December 11 after two days of mediation between the parties.

The planned purchase of Toa Petroleum for $5.16 million has now been put aside with government agreeing instead to pay the depot’s owners $1.75 million in compensation, interest and costs.

Toogood notes in his report that while substantial, the settlement amount is considerably less than government’s total potential exposure to claims of $10 to 12 million.

The lawsuit brought against government last January by Triad Pacific Petroleum and which Toa Petroleum owner Apex Agencies later became a party to, was reviewed by Toogood.

He says he considered that there were serious risks that the high court would declare some of the decisions and actions made by government -- leading up to and including the entering into the heads of agreement to buy Toa -- to be unlawful.

Toogood also advised there were serious risks the court would direct the government to reconsider a number of its key decisions in relation to its fuel supply chain strategy. He said there was a seriously arguable case that the heads of agreement would be held to be invalid and unenforceable.

Toogood’s report reveals that under the settlement, Toa and Exxon Mobil agreed to abandon potential claims against government in excess of $4.5 million for alleged shortfalls in payments due under the fuel pricing template up to December 2008.

Toa also agreed not to seek orders from the court for government to complete the purchase of the depot or pursue its claims for damages, interest and costs arising from the failure of government to settle the purchase last January.

Triad was to receive around $55,000 plus VAT in the settlement agreement for a contribution to its legal costs in exchange for Triad’s owner Chris Vaile agreeing not to make ‘disparaging or critical comments’ about the terms of the settlement or the government in relation to the subject of its lawsuit.

Toogood’s report notes that had the lawsuit dragged on, there was a serious risk that government would be left hamstrung in its attempts to pursue ‘the fuel strategy’ and it would cripple Toa commercially.

“There is little doubt that the litigation was taking far longer to reach a point of resolution than anyone might have reasonably predicted when the proceedings were first issued.”

Toogood said the commercial landscape had changed significantly following the agreement to purchase Toa and pointed to Vaile’s aggressive publicity and marketing campaign as resulting in a significant transfer of volume in fuel distribution to the retail market from Toa to Triad.

The report says as a result of the loss of business, Toa was placed in financial jeopardy and it was widely rumoured that its principal lender, ANZ Bank, was close to appointing a receiver or liquidator for the business.

The report makes it clear that nothing in the settlement limits government’s future options for achieving the objective of ‘rationalising the fuel supply chain to ensure security of supply and control of prices’.

• Helen Greig

Cook Islands Tourism chief executive John Dean refutes claims that he’s resigned from the corporation to retire.

On Monday, tourism board chairman Tata Crocombe said Dean had cited his wish to go into retirement as the reason he was leaving two years into his three year contract.

“I want to make it perfectly clear that it is for personal reasons that I am leaving and I have no intention of retiring,” says Dean.

He will head back to Queensland, Australia after completing his current contract year on 30 April.

“I haven’t resigned on the basis of what the chairman has said about retirement,” assures Dean.

Yesterday Dean received inquiries from industry members about his resignation and he’s reiterated he is leaving for personal reasons.

It is understood that Dean would have only been able to stay on in the position until April next year because of an age limit (65 years) on employment in the role that would have ruled him out of a new three year contract.

Dean has stayed clear of commenting on the issue of whether his continued differences with Crocombe have contributed to his decision to leave.

It was rumoured that cabinet discussed the issue yesterday in terms of whether the power struggle between Dean and Crocombe could be resolved through ministerial intervention.

Meanwhile, this year represents the beginning of a new direction and new initiatives for tourism as government and the private sector aim to work together to improve on the industry’s performance.

This week Cook Islands Tourism is hosting its biennial forum at which new marketing and product development strategies are being discussed with accredited industry members.

• Helen Greig

Air New Zealand manager David Bridge (in foreground) listens to the address being given by Tourism board chairman Tata Crocombe. 10011905

Tourism board chairman Tata Crocombe believes the country can tap into the region’s biggest market – Australia – via a new direction in marketing and by taking advantage of the proposed direct Sydney flights.

Crocombe told those at the opening cocktail function for this week’s biennial tourism industry forum on Monday night that the focus will remain on marketing in Australia and he announced the creation of a new destination, sales and marketing committee that will work with travel wholesalers and airlines on new strategies.

Crocombe says government infrastructure priorities are looking to support the industry with plans to install an alternative cruise ship port in Arorangi, the upgrade of the Punanga Nui marketplace, a possible upgrade of ‘walkways’ in the islands to embrace ecotourism, lagoon management plans based on the successful raui (marine reserve) system, and the creation of ‘cycleways’ that could be promoted in an integration with New Zealand’s cycle-ways.

Crocombe says a lot of changes will be seen this year including a new tourism website, Cook Islands Tourism CEO John Dean’s departure in May, and changes in the way the industry members relate with wholesalers, airlines and government.

“All these challenges will call on us to do what we do best – be innovative.”

Dean also spoke about some of the same issues at the function saying this time last year the industry had no idea what to expect from the economic crisis and thankfully the Cooks avoided the downturn in tourist numbers seen elsewhere.

He said it was the extra efforts of industry members, airlines, marketing campaigns, and government that were responsible for the good result in visitor numbers last year.

The direct Air New Zealand Sydney-Rarotonga flight will be trialled from July to October.

The forum this week aims to motivate and provide the members with the tools to expand their product profile and promote their businesses with confidence.

The event is also an opportunity for local industry members to meet CI Tourism’s overseas representatives while being provided the opportunity to engage in business discussions relevant to their own businesses and specific target markets by gauging upcoming market representative activity in key source markets.

From tomorrow, all accredited industry members will be able to take part in one-on-one meetings with the overseas reps.

• Helen Greig

Improving the care of hospital patients through better incident reporting is the aim of a recent workshop undertaken by the ministry of health.

General quality manager Elizabeth Iro says that poor and incomplete reporting of incidents in the clinical areas of health, results in missed opportunities for quality improvement -- an observation she has put forward to the World Health Organisation.

WHO approved a grant for Iro’s project proposal and she hopes the workshop will develop the skills and knowledge of participants.

“There are areas where we are not up to the standards where we would like to be and we appreciate that there is something we can do about it,” she said.

“In the past, when things go wrong and incidents happen, the response is usually to blame the individuals who were involved. This usually results in errors being hidden or not reported for fear of blame.”

“If people don’t report incidents – we don’t know how to improve on it,” she said.

Around 30 people took part in the workshop, comprising of doctors and charge nurses from Rarotonga, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki, in addition to management staff.

Iro believes the workshop provided the opportunity for those working in health to make changes, provide leadership and offer technical support to ensure incidents and adverse events are reported.

This, she says, is an important part of patient safety.

Developing a formal policy is one part of improving quality and Iro says this needs to take a systems approach rather than an individual one.

• Edna Takaroka

Tata Crocombe. 10011420

Vaine Wichman. 08093002

Geoff Stoddart. 09093040

Teresa Manarangi-Trott. 09011522

Who could take on the job of financial secretary?

As financial secretary Sholan Ivaiti’s future in the role is in doubt following the Toagate scandal, talk has already started about possible replacements.

Ivaiti is facing possible suspension over the $2 million-plus scandal and his handling of the fuel farm scheme, and it is possible he may not be reappointed at the end of his current contract.

A recent letter to the editor suggested there are several high calibre people here who are capable of taking up the post either temporarily or permanently.

The writer suggested these names included Teresa Manarangi-Trott, Vaine Wichman, Tata Crocombe and Geoff Stoddart – people who are highly qualified and respected for their economic and financial expertise.

Finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen confirmed last week that he had raised the issue of suspending Ivaiti with cabinet but the matter is still subject to various advice.

He said he has no doubt that the people suggested by the letter writer would be suitable for the position should it become available.

Manarangi-Trott told Cook Islands News she was pleased to even be mentioned in the same breath as the other three suggested Ivaiti replacements.

“I wouldn’t take on the job though, because right now I have plenty of work. But like everything, we all do our bit to help government. I’ve never applied for the position (of FinSec) but I believe it would be a fantastic challenge. I’d like to work supporting that type of role,” she said.

Crocombe says his experience in the public and private sector here and overseas, as well as formal qualifications of the type that you would hope to see in a financial secretary, would probably count if he was being considered for the role.

However, like Manarangi-Trott, he says he has commitments elsewhere – namely The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa which he owns and manages.

Crocombe says while he prefers to stay in the private sector, he would be willing to assist where necessary when it comes to the country’s finances.

Former tax collector Geoff Stoddart was shortlisted for the position in 2007 when cabinet decided to appoint the still ‘green’ Ivaiti.

Stoddart left the ministry the following year criticising the new ‘juniors’ environment there saying it did not suit his accumulated knowledge or ethics. He predicted that Ivaiti and his team of young managers would not be proud of their roles and achievements in the years to come. Although currently overseas, Stoddart has been asked to comment on whether he would still be keen to take on the country’s top job.

Economist Vaine Wichman was shortlisted twice for the position following the 1996 reform and has considerable experience in government finances – from 2004-2006 she was the assistant finance minister and worked on two annual budgets with the-then financial secretary Kevin Carr.

Wichman also worked in MFEM during the reform period reforming the aid management division along with Manarangi-Trott, the revenue and border management divisions and the economic policy division.

She told Cook Islands News she would be available to take up the position if government decides to offer a new three-year contract.

It is understood Ivaiti’s first contract comes to an end next month.

• Helen Greig

After raising the issue with cabinet last week, new finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen said he was still considering the suspension of financial secretary Sholan Ivaiti.

Rasmussen said that the matter is still subject to ‘various advice’.

While Ivaiti’s role in the $2 million-plus ‘Toagate’ fuel farm scandal is being investigated by the audit office, Rasmussen has also been looking at whether he should suspend him before the report is completed around the end of the month.

Rasmussen, who is also attorney general, believes it is best to leave solicitor general Tingika Elikana’s role in the fuel farm saga for the audit office to report back on.

Elikana is among those who will be interviewed on their involvement in the scandal.

• Helen Greig

The Cook Islands Party wants an early election so that the country’s political situation can return to normal.

But there will have to be a few things put in place before that should happen.

“Since December 24th, we have not had a proper government in place – it is not a good situation for the country,” says CIP leader Henry Puna.

“There is a desire to see a return to normality and the only way to do that is to hold fresh elections.”

But while an early election is the primary objective, Puna says that a responsible course will need to be followed before an election is called.

Puna says ensuring that the country has supply and is in good stead, is paramount before an election can be “practically possible”.

“We as a party believe that there will be an election, sooner or later, and we as a party need to get organised and ready,” says Puna.

“To that end, we are organising our constituencies to get organised for a fresh election with new constituency committees, new faces, new brains ... and most importantly, get on with selecting their candidates.

Tonight, the Akaoa constituency will hold its meeting to elect its office-bearers and nominate its candidate for the upcoming general election.

Currently CIP’s Teariki Heather holds the seat.

Already Mark Brown (Takuvaine-Tutakimoa) and Teina Bishop (sitting MP for Aitutaki’s Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara) have been confirmed as CIP candidates.

Amuri-Ureia in Aitutaki is to have its meeting tomorrow, Thursday.

“In terms of representation in parliament, we’ve taken the decision that the seat belongs to the constituency and in line with that principle, everyone must relinquish the seat for reconfirmation or re-selection,” says Puna.

Puna, who is eyeing the Manihiki seat, says if current MPs have done their job in the constituency, there shouldn’t be any problem with re-selection.

“But an opportunity must be given to the people to have their say – that’s reform,” says Puna.

“Everyone has got to go through the same process. At the end of the day, it’s the will of the people that will come through – that’s what we are after.”

• Moana Moeka’a

Vaka Te Au O Tonga, which is currently moored at Avatiu harbour, will set sail for Aitutaki as soon as the winds are favourable. 08081935

As soon as the winds are favourable, vaka Te Au O Tonga will set sail for Aitutaki.

Cook Islands Voyaging Society president Ian Karika is keen to sail the double hulled vaka to Aitutaki where building materials for renovating the canoe await its arrival.

Karika says that they were meant to sail to Aitutaki last Friday but the winds were not right for sailing.

He says once the vaka gets to Aitutaki, they will give the canoe an overhaul ready for traditional sailing courses for youth on the island.

He adds that the vaka will also be used in a new venture to take visitors across the Aitutaki lagoon.

The canoe’s last voyage was in September 2009 when it was the centre piece of the Pacific Mini Games sailing competition in Aitutaki.

The vaka was used for the medal presentations of the sailing competition.

Her voyage to Aitutaki and back were marred with broken equipment and on both occasions the vaka had to be towed into port.

A shed will be built on Aitutaki to keep the vaka out of the weather during the cyclone season.

Meanwhile a shed will also be built here on Rarotonga as a shelter, if needed, for the newly built double-hulled vaka Marumaru Atua.

The new vaka was built by Karika and a crew of builders from Rarotonga and New Zealand in Greenhithe, Auckland.

The vaka was built for a planned voyage to Hawaii later this year initiated by the Pacific Voyagers – a network of voyaging groups from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga and Samoa.

Marumaru Atua is part of a fleet of seven ocean-going canoes built in Auckland.

The canoes are expected to assemble here in Rarotonga in April before sailing to Hawaii at the invitation of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Makali’i Voyaging Society.

• Matariki Wilson

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