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General News

Week ending Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Current events and entertainment in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

Prime minister
Karere Kiritimiti e te aroa mataiti na te peretiteni o te Are Ariki
Karere Kiritimiti e te aroa mataiti 2010
Remain steadfast: Sir Terepai
Keeping our country safe
Here’s to road safety
Telecom looks to build for the future
Having the strength for change
Being in the safety spirit
Enjoying the moments
New approach for 2010
Wishing for a disaster-free Christmas
May your Christmas be full of joy
Rasmussen makes promised comeback
Mou Piri issues message to prime minister
New agency opens office at Avatiu
Talk about it: Punanga Tauturu
New liquor licence holder approved for bar
High seas pocket still open
PM doesn’t waste time
PM’s decision was undemocratic: Demos
Where have all the climbers gone?
Accidents, burglaries down during Christmas
Community health clinic being upgraded
Special needs education opens doors
Women feature in pocket calendar
Boxing Day sales popular
HHHH gather for ‘run’
Law agencies meet in Avarua
DPM calls press conference
Collection to assist counselling
Money back on motorbike
MPs tackle human rights issues
Director reappointed
Christmas event raises $3000
Akanoa family reunion at Rutaki

Christmas period hasn’t slowed down the arrests with five people taken into police custody this week.

Inspector Tere Patia said a 20-year-old was arrested and charge for assault on a female on Monday. When police attended the callout in Rutaki they also discovered two marijuana plants in the backyard. He appeared in court this week and pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis and not guilty to assault on a female. He was released on bail and will reappear in court in January.

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested on Tuesday for possession of cannabis and utensils and a 44-year-old man was placed in custody for breaching his deportation order.

The French Polynesian was served the order on December 9 and was given 14 days to leave the country. Police said he now has a flight to leave on Saturday and will be held in custody until then.

A 23-year-old Arorangi male was arrested for unlawful taking of a Daihatsu car last weekend. He was due to appear in court yesterday.

Another Arorangi resident was arrested for excess breath alcohol. The 25-year-old was convicted and sentenced to pay $220 and $30 court costs and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Patia has urged people to be responsible during the Christmas and New Year’s break. With nine noise control callouts last week he said residents need to take into consideration their surrounding areas. “We know it’s the festive season but people need to be mindful of their neighbours. This also includes public areas such as beaches, noise will be restricted and alcohol is not to be consumed in these places.”

Patia hoped for everyone to have a safe Christmas and remember not to drink and drive.

“For the safety of everyone, if you’re going to drink make sure you have a sober driver or alternative transport.”

• Dana Kinita

- Nancy Fulford I wish for lots of laughter and good food and to have an amazing time with my children. 09122315

- Patti Stephenson A good book. The electric tree society’s potato peeling pie, in particular. 09122318

- Esther Sibona In Papua New Guinea, most family members travel back to their home provinces to be with each other during Christmas time. We usually have a big mumu, or umu, as the Cook Islanders say or a barbeque instead. But it’s usually a fun time to spend with the family. 09122317

- Tuhe Piho My wish is to see that my children’s wishes are fulfilled. 09091840

- Rob Buick Fresh prawns are something of a tradition. My parents live on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. For my family Christmas is always all about the kids, family the beach-and fresh prawns. Baked ham and lots of salads join the prawns. We also love the sun. 09030910

- Lorna Walters My best wish would be that the Copenhagen meeting has achieved its 1.5 degree goal. That’s my best Christmas wish for this year. 09120827

- Roimata Akaroa My Christmas wish is to fly in a helicopter. And a box of mangoes I haven’t had mangoes in a long time. 09122314

- Don Briggs We have a turkey dinner, that’s a big tradition in the United States, mashed potatoes and gravy and pumpkin pie. Its probably similar to here with the New Zealand influence, families come from all over. It does get a little cold, in San Diego it’s like Northland in June-July. We get a little snow on the local mountains. 09122316

Food, toys, family and more food – just some of the things we wish for at Christmas.

We asked a few people for their festive season wishes and a few others as to how Christmas is traditionally celebrated.

Prime minister Jim Marurai. 08060301

Kia orana and Christmas greetings to you all.

Christmas is a traditional celebration of birth-a time to celebrate in remembrance of Christ, a treasured moment to be thankful, and an opportunity to extend a hand of goodwill to others, especially those who are in need.

As a Christian nation, our ‘Heaven on Earth’ often seems blessed with endless abundance: the serenity of a peaceful and healthy environment, a caring society of close knit family and community, and a high regard for spiritual well-being.

These are values all Cook Islanders hold dear, and want to share with our visitors.

This holiday season, my Christmas wish is for you all to take the time to be mindful of others and treat well those who are visiting our shores-many have come home to celebrate and be with family while some tourists are here to experience the special warmth of sun and friendly people.

Above all, have an enjoyable Christmas with your loved ones -- some of us may be struggling with added burdens and difficulties and would appreciate that extra help during the festive season.

This year has been a hard one for many -- perhaps because of personal tragedy or family misfortune -- and the extension of goodwill can go a long way.

The rewards may not be instantaneous but the joy of giving is an important part of our faith and should be remembered with the teachings of scripture, which tells us that ‘God loves a cheerful giver’.

So be of good cheer, kia manuia and may God bless you all.

Jim Marurai

Prime Minister

President of the House of Ariki, Tou Travel Ariki. 04061804

Kia orana rava tatou e te iti tangata Kuki Airani i te aroa tumatatini o to tatou Atua.

I Tona aroa ua, kua taena mai e tatou te openga o te mataiti 2009. Te tuku atu nei au i te turu i te karere no te venevene o te aroa o te Atua toru tai tei kore rava i takake mei runga i to tatou patireia Kuki Airani mei te mua mataiti e te opu atura tona ra!

Ko au teia ko Tou Travel Ariki, peretiteni o te Are Ariki e tuku atu nei i te karere aroa Kiritimiti e te aroa mataiti.

Ki te Upoko Tutara o te patireia Kuki Airani, tona ngateitei, Sir Frederick Goodwin, KBE; Kauono o te Ariki Vaine Ngateitei Elizabeta II, Lady Goodwin e te ngutuare tangata – ko te Atua te aroa!

Kia orana ki te au upoko akatere i roto i te au akonoanga evangelia keretetiano, mei apa tonga ki apa tokerau; te au Tama a te ui ariki o te Kuki Airani, to kotou au tokorua, te au mema o ta kotou au ekalesia – ko kotou tei akarangatira ia e te Atu ei akamou i tona tango ngaueue kore ki roto i te iti tangata Kuki Airani, kia orana, kia orana rava.

Te Peretiteni o te Konitara Akaaere o te au akonoanga, tona ngateitei Bishop Tutai Pere, te au mema o te konitara, kia orana. Te puna vai ora i Takamoa, kia orana i roto i te aroa o te Mesia.

Tei tutara no te akatere i ta tatou kavamani - tona ngateitei te Parai Minita Jim Marurai; Tauturu Parai Minita, Sir Robert Wigmore, Tama Akatere i te Tua Patoi, tona ngateitei Papa Tom Marsters; te ruru minita o te korona; taku minita no te Are Ariki, tona ngateitei Kete Ioane; te au mema katoatoa o te paramani e tae ua atu ki tei akapereperepere ia e kotou, te ngutuare tangata – kia orana rava i te aroa maanaana o to tatou Atu.

Kia orana katoa ki te upoko o te paramani, te Va’a Koperepere Papa Mapu Taia, OBE; te tokorua e noo mai ra i Akatokamanava, te kopu tangata – kia orana i te aroa maata o to tatou Atu.

Ki te au rima rave o te au patireia i vao mai i te Kuki Airani tei riro ei matuapuru mai i to tatou au ngingitianga i roto i te ara roa o te mataiti 2009, to Nu Tireni, Autireria, Tinito, Peritane, Varani, Tiamani, Norue e te vai atura – ko te Atua te aroa no tatou.

Mei tei maata i roto i te au minitiri o te kavamani, te pae paraiveti, tei riro kotou ei tu mai i te pae kimi puapinga o te Kuki Airani – e tae rava atu ki te chamber of commerce – ariki mai i teia reo aroa o te Are Ariki e te Koutu Nui ia kotou katoatoa.

Ki te au kopapa akamanaia tei kore i ki raro i te tamarumaruanga a te kavamani e tae ua atu ki te taokotaianga o te anau pakipakitai; te kopapa tauturu i te au tu manamanata o te mapu, te maki manako, te manamanata ngutuare, te tamariki, to te iti vaine e te vai atura – kia orana rava i to tatou araveianga.

Te iti mapu tipoti, te tane e te vaine i roto i te au tu tarekareka tukeke, ko te Atua te aroa no kotou katoatoa.

Mei tei maata i te iti tangata e tae ua atu ki te unga ma te potiki - tei noo ki te pae tokerau e tae rava mai ki te pae tonga – tei moe toka ki te oneone e tei oki ou mai ki te ipukarea, kia orana, e kia orana rava i te Aroa maanaana o to tatou Atu ko Iesu Mesia.

E ve’eve’e anga aroa Kiritimiti teia na to kotou pa metua mei roto atu i te Are Ariki, te Peretiteni, Tauturu Peretiteni, Ui Ariki katoatoa o te Kuki Airani –

E akaoki anga akameitaki teia na tatou katoatoa ki to tatou Metua Tapu, no te pupuru o Tona aroa takinga meitaki ia tatou. Ariki katoa mai i toku aroa Kiritimiti e te aroa mataiti, toku akaperepere e te ngutuare tangata, e nga are tupuna o te patireia, kia kotou katoatoa.

Okotai rai aku karere no tatou katoatoa: kia matakite i to tatou au aaereanga. Auraka mei ta te kite kore, mei ta te pakari ra.

Kua maata rava te manamanata i runga i to tatou au aranui – i runga tikai ia koe e Tumutevarovaro. E te anau mapu, patianga akaaka teia naku kia kotou. Kare kotou e arai ia i te tamataora. E akamaara ra i tei anga ia koe i toou ou anga, kare i tae ki te au ra kino e te au mataiti kino e karanga ei koe e, kare rava oku e mataora akaou anga.

Te akamaara nei tatou i te anauanga o to tatou Atu, to tatou ora ki roto i teia nei ao. Eaa ra taau ka apai kia Iesu no tana i rave noou? Tomo atu ei tatou ki roto i te mataiti 2010, e kia akaoki kapiti tatou i te akameitakianga ki te Atua, te tumu e te akaoti o to tatou akarongo.

A very merry Christmas and may the Cook Islands thrive with prosperity in the year 2010. Kia orana e kia manuia.

Na Tou Travel Ariki

“Kua kitea to te Atua aroa ia tatou nei, koia i tono mai i tana tamaiti anau tai ki te ao nei, kia ora tatou iaia.”

Kia orana kotou katoatoa e te au taeake i te aroa maata o te Atua i teia tuatau Kiritimiti e te mataiti ou.

Kia orana e te Kauono o te Ariki Vaine Ngateitei, Sir Frederick e toou tokorua akaperepere, Lady Goodwin. Ki te peretiteni o te Are Ariki, Tou Ariki e toou akaperepere, te ui ariki, ui mataiapo e te ui rangatira o te basileia.

Kia orana katoa ki te Parai Minita o te Kuki Airani, toou ngateitei Jim Marurai, te Kauono Parai Minita Sir Terepai e toou akaperepere, te ruru minita, te Arataki o te tua Patoi, toou ngateitei, Tom Marsters, te au mema paramani e to kotou au akaperepere. Te Tiemeni o te Religious Advisory Council e te au tavini katoatoa o te Atua i roto i te au akonoanga tukeke.

Te au arataki o te au putuputuanga, ta tatou au anau, te au taeake tei oki mai ki to tatou ipukarea, e te au manuiri i runga i to tatou enua. Kia kotou e te au taeake o nga motu tapu i vao mai – te na roto atu nei iaku te reo aroa o te Koutu Nui o te Kuki Airani e to matou paterono, Sir Apenera Short, nga tauturu peretiteni, Apai Mataiapo e Tiotekai Mataiapo, te kumiti akaaere e te au mema katoatoa.

Kia riro teia tuatau Kiritimiti ei tuatau mataora no tatou, ei tuatau rave anga i te au mea tau, te ka riro ei kaveinga akatereanga meitaki e te apaianga i te iti tangata o teia basileia ki mua.

Ka pure kapiti tatou ki te Mana o te katoatoa, kia tauturu mai aia i te paruruanga i to tatou iti tangata mei te au mea kino ta tatou e kite nei, i runga i to tatou enua, e te tupu nei i teia nei ao. Kia paruru katoa mai te Atua i to tatou ipukarea, te aorangi, te moana, te enua, e te au manuiri te ka takai mai ki runga i to tatou enua.

Kia riro e na te Atua e omai i te vaerua au kia noo ua tatou ki runga i to tatou au motu tapu o te Kuki Airani nei.

Mou piri i to tatou irinaki kia Iesu Mesia. Mou piri i to tatou reo. Mou piri I te au akonoanga Maori e te taporoporoanga i to tatou ipukarea. Apii ia ki te anau.

To all our people in the Cook Islands and elsewhere in the world, the members of the Koutu Nui embrace you all with love and extend to you a very warm kia orana and aroa nui for Christmas and the New Year.

We wish you peace, joy and happiness, surrounded by loved ones. For those visiting our shores, a most memorable stay in our island paradise and a safe return home to your loved ones.

God bless you all.

Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid

President – Koutu Nui of the Cook Islands.

Sir Terepai Maoate DPM DPM

To the people of the Cook Islands

As we draw to the close of 2009, I am reminded that in times of adversity, we gather together and remain steadfast.

We must never give up believing in ourselves, our country and our future. Hold fast to faith and each other. God bless you my people and God bless our country.

Lady Maoate and I wish everyone a joyous and safe Christmas.

Sir Terepai Maoate

Leader of the Democratic Party

Police commissioner Maara Tetava. 09060804

This is a time when we should all reflect back to the events of 2009 and wonder what could have been. Many families’ lives have been disrupted by motor vehicle crashes and crime. Some will probably go through the same pain and trauma this festive season.

It is our prayer that we will all enjoy and appreciate the precious times that we have with our loved ones and do our utmost to teach and protect them and our properties from danger or harm.

To those people who have been supporting our effort this year, we salute you with the words “meitaki maata and the warm hands of “aroa”. To those who are still thinking about it “take up your paddle, come on board our vaka” and let us paddle together to keep our people and country safe. The fight against crime is our fight – community and police.

Only when we join forces will we have better success at reducing crime.

On behalf of members of the Cook Islands Police Service, I extend to everyone our warmest hands of greetings for the festive season. Enjoy, be safe and God bless.

Kia orana e taku iti tangata

Kia akameitaki ia te Atua no teia araveianga no tatou. Te tomo nei tatou ki roto i te tuatau tamataora e pera te tuatau taakaaka. Penei e tau rai kia oki tatou kia akamaara i tei tupu mei te akamata anga teia mataiti e tae ua mai ki teia nei. E maata te au manamanata tei tupu, e pera te au kopu tangata tei o atu ki roto i te manamanata. Irinaki au e ka o katoa paa tetai pae ia tatou ki roto i te manamnaata i teia tuatau me kare tatou e matakite i to tatou aaere anga. Te pure nei matou e kia riro teia tuatau ei tuatau mataora, ei tuatau apii anga, ei tuatau matakite i to tatou aaere anga kia kore tatou e o ki roto i te manamanata.

Kia kotou e te au taeake tei tauturu mai ta kotou anau akava i te kimi ravenga anga no te au manamanata e tupu nei, te kiriti atu nei matou i to matou pare rakei kia kotou ma te oronga atu i te rima aroa kia kotou katoatoa. Kotou e kimi manako nei rai, kake mai ki runga i to tatou vaka kia oe kapiti tatou i te kimi ravenga anga no to tatou iti tangta e to tatou ipukarea. Ko te tamaki i te manata e tupu nei e teka tupu, na tatou pouroa te reira. Kia mataora to kotou aaere anga i teia au tuatau, Na te Atua e oronga mai i te nooanga au no tatou katoatoa.

Maara Tetava

Police commissioner

Colin Burn 08042901

We’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and very strong wishes that our road safety record improves during the coming year.

And just a reminder – if you drink, don’t drive, otherwise you put you, your family and your people at risk by having an accident on the roads. It simply isn’t worth it.

Merry Christmas

Colin Burn

Chairman,

Road Safety Council

TCI chief executive Jules Maher. 09062516

2009 has been a busy year for most people in the Cook Islands, with the World Youth Netball Championships, Pacific Mini Games, Rugby 7’s, Vaka Eiva, Te Maeva Nui and other wonderful events.

Telecom was busy supporting these events during the year, but during that time has also been building for the future.

Some of this work is visible such as the new cell site at Tereora, but other developments are behind the scenes, such as our new customer management and billing system.

It is this new billing system that enabled Telecom to give our post-paid mobile customers packages of free minutes starting this month.

Other investments behind the scenes meant that we could give all our broadband customers an extra 50 percent usage at no extra charge.

So, over the last couple of months Telecom has delivered two significant price reductions continuing the trend of recent years. In fact, contrary to common belief, Telecom has never increased prices. Over the course of a year, this amounts to total savings to customers of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Christmas and New Year calling specials for the festive season are aimed to help our valued outer island customers and over the two holiday weekend periods, prices will be 10 cents a minute from landline -- a saving of 80 percent.

Cook Islands Post is offering Christmas postage specials up until 24 December and both the main Parekura office and Telepost have specials on a number of products ranging from cordless phones and mobiles to mp3 players.

Customers can expect further good news in the New Year. Telecom has several new attractive offers currently “on the drawing board” which customers will hear about over the next few months.

Telecom is aware of the need to improve quality of services in some areas and I am pleased to advise our Aitutaki customers that a new cell site will be constructed in Amuri early 2010 to improve coverage there.

There has been a delay in delivery of equipment designed to upgrade broadband service to the outer islands, but we expect this project to be completed early in 2010.

Telecom is showing its support for our main industry by sponsoring the website of the Tourism Industry Council by ensuring that this website fully needs the purposes for which it was set up, the industry can grow stronger and the economy healthier.

2009 was a big year for sponsorships. We were pleased to sponsor major events including WYNC, PMG, the inaugural Tourism Awards, Te Maeva Nui and the Rugby 7s.

Together, these were worth well over $500,000 in cash and in kind.

This has also been a significant year for the telecommunications industry in the Cook Islands. The government has announced its intention to open the market to competition in 2010. Telecom New Zealand (60 percent shareholder) and the government (40 percent shareholder) have been negotiating constructively through the implications for their joint venture agreement signed in 1997.

Telecom Cook Islands has certain rights and obligations provided for in that agreement and so we have been participating in the negotiations.

Telecom NZ recently sent a written proposal to government and cabinet was to have considered this by Christmas.

However, Telecom is not waiting for competition to improve its customer service and pricing, as demonstrated by our recent price reductions and our plans for more in the New Year.

So look out for more good deals in 2010.

To all our valued customers we wish you a happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

CEO Jules Maher, and all of us here at Telecom and Cook Islands Post

Teina Mackenzie. 09102303

Ho, ho, ho and a Merry Christmas to you all.

The festive season is upon us. It is a time to rejoice in the company of our family and friends, a time to reflect upon the past year and, most importantly, a time to look enthusiastically to a future filled with promise and hope!

I am thankful to live in a safe country, I am thankful I am blessed with a loving and healthy family, I am blessed to have my life touched by truly unique individuals I call friends.

Being so blessed gives me strength. Having strength allows me to follow the call for change when I see it is needed – especially when I hear my fellow Cook Islanders asking for it.

I believe most Cook Islanders are as blessed as I am and therefore I believe all Cook Islanders have the strength required to bring about a future we can all be proud of and enjoy.

I wish the best of all good things to one and all.

Meri Kiritimiti and take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Teina Mackenzie

Charles Numanga of Red Cross. 09122311

We wish everybody a wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year..

We would like to remind the people of Cook Islands, as we are in the cyclone season, to be aware of the unforeseen circumstances – be prepared.

Make sure your home is secure and the family know the appropriate actions when it’s needed to be done so we may be in the spirit of safety until next year.

CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry 09122324

Christmas is a blessing beyond words for it is truly a wonderful time to reconnect with family, friends and acquaintances. It is also a perfect time for forgiving, for mending broken relationships, for forgetting the bad times and sharing the good times. It is also a perfect time for enjoying this moment, this day to the very full for tomorrow does not belong to you. Tomorrow owes you nothing. You have only one shot at life – so share it, use it, give it and receive it with gratitude and dignity.

Hey, it is also a wonderful time for engaging whatever sport grabs your fancy - in the lagoon, on the beach, on the field or indoors.

Whatever the sport – knock it for a six, kick it in, swing it for a hole in one, whack it deep in the corner, tack it true – play well, play true, play to win for no matter what anyone else says about sports being participative nothing is sweeter than winning. Anything less is precisely that – less!

From myself, the secretary general, the members of the executive board and the staff of the Cook Islands Sports & National Olympic Committee, we wish you all a fantastic family Christmas and a rip roaring New Year in the wonderful world of sports.

Justice secretary Mark Short 09081333

On behalf of the ministry of justice, I would like to thank the general public for utilising the services that we provide.

We would also like thank those that have made suggestions to help us improve our services and as a result look forward to implementing some new programmes and a new approach for 2010.

There are several divisions under the ministry of justice that will be working over the holidays such as the probation and prison services.

To the many people and organisations that are associated in some way to the ministry of justice such as the judges, justices of the peace, lawyers, police officers, leases approval tribunal, land agents, local companies, marriage celebrants, religious advisory council, parliament, House of Ariki, coroner, media, non-government organisations, cabinet ministers and other government ministries we wish you all a safe and pleasant break.

This has certainly been a challenging year for all of us but through it all, we have learnt some valuable lessons in ensuring a safe and resilient Cook Islands. While everyone is in a festive mode, please don’t forget, we are also in our cyclone season. So let’s take all precautions to ensure that you and your family will be safe from any disaster that may come our way. From our office, we wish you all a disaster-free Christmas and New Year.

Charles Carlson,

Director, Emergency Management Cook Islands.

Tom Marsters. 09122323

Christmas is, yet again, upon us.

It is a once-a-year event and it is, throughout Christendom the world over, a family day. What better day is there for families to put away differences, to think less about the interfering problems and more about the way forward, for rebonding of family ties and celebrating time honoured family values?

The family is the most fundamental unit in any country and what bonds the family are the very same values which keep a nation together, strong and forward looking.

It is also an appropriate occasion to remember with kindness those who were with us during the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows of our lives, those who laboured for us, those who shared with us their time, effort, commitment and money to overcome the many challenges the year 2009 threw in our way.

What a better time to celebrate the many values of communal endeavours, of camaraderie, togetherness and brotherhood in a common purpose so richly willed to us by our forbearers.

It is also a time to think kindly of those less fortunate than ourselves, of those who have lost dear ones and those not able to celebrate this Christmas. We hear of terrible reports of famine, hunger, poverty, fighting and of millions dying for want of generosity and a helping hand and of human values targeted by bullets and suicidal bombs.

It is fitting that we say a word of prayer for humanity the world over that appears to have turned upon itself and for mankind to treasure the wondrous natural gifts of which we are so richly blessed instead of despoiling them.

Let this then be a Christmas of joy and goodwill for all families, big and small; for happy family reunions, for welcoming back home those from afar with warm open arms.

Let us all together renew our deep gratitude for the greatest gifts God gave mankind – the gift of life and the gift of love.

There surely cannot be better Christmas presents than these!

My wife, Tuaine, and our family join me in wishing you all a merry Christmas.

Tom Marsters

Leader of the Opposition

Five months ago he vowed to remove Jim Marurai as prime minister, but now newly appointed cabinet minister Wilkie Rasmussen claims that ‘differences’ have been resolved.

When Rasmussen was sacked as a minister in July he predicted he would bounce back – “I will come back harder than ever and more determined than ever” was his promise then.

“I have always maintained I would come back into a ministerial role. I believe people did not ‘keep up with me’ in terms of their understanding of politics and governance. But many people regarded my contribution in the previous administration as very valuable for the government. I’ve learned my lesson I suppose, but I still believe in an open and transparent government -- and I still believe we can work towards that sort of government,” said Rasmussen on Thursday.

He says his personal friendship with Marurai has always remained strong and professionally he has laid down his conditions for joining the new government which were accepted by the PM.

Previously critical of Marurai’s leadership – calling him a weak, inept and incompetent puppet – Rasmussen was asked whether his opinion has since changed.

He now says he believes every member of cabinet needed to contribute towards the leadership of government.

“A teamwork leadership, I guess, is absolutely essential. No one leader, in my view, does not have any faults.”

In July Rasmussen’s sacking was blamed in part on a failed attempt to oust the PM and form a coalition with the CIP. The other two new ministers sworn in this week, Apii Piho and William ‘Smiley’ Heather were alleged to have been supporting Rasmussen in the failed coup and had reportedly threatened to leave the Demo Party over the sacking.

It is clear that the trio have remained close since that time.

“They’ve been through a lot as well and they stuck with me in terms of our relationship and friendship. I think they will be very, very good ministers – because of several things – one, they are new and two, they are not corrupted and not contaminated. I really think that both will come in with a view to do well.”

• Helen Greig

Wilkie Rasmussen (at back) looks on as Apii Piho completes formalities during the swearing in ceremony on Thursday. 09122426

Mou Piri, the group for political reform, has issued a message to prime minister Jim Marurai that government needs ministers with integrity that are prepared to put the nation before their party.

The group launched its political reform petition recently which asks for the number of MPs to be reduced to 19, instead of the current 24 and also asks that all voters be given the right to vote for national seats and directly elect the prime minister.

Mou Piri sent the following message for Marurai to Cook Islands News on Thursday:

“Mr Prime Minister: the steps you have taken with the Toa scandal meet with our, and we think most right thinking Cook Islanders, approval.

The resignation of three ministers in support of Sir Terepai Maoate, with the Demo caucus and party executive behind them, demonstrates precisely what we don’t want from our government. They are prepared to cover up anything to preserve their hold on power and privilege.

Sir Terepai could have stood down at your request and waited for the commission of enquiry to either support his claim that the settlement was a good deal for the country or not.

However, to take a positive view, this could be an opportunity to begin the reforms so many want. We suggest you pick three MPs from each party for their capability to be cabinet ministers and who will do the job not for their seniority in their parties and not for the deals they have been coerced into over the years, but for their good sense.

This would give you a fairly even split of both parties enabling all MPs to vote their conscience and maybe we’d be a step nearer to democracy and government with integrity.

We strongly suggest a bipartisan government where both parties can have positive input NOT a coalition which has been disastrous in the past with nothing but trading votes and favours for position. We have a prime minister, you have a DPM. Now we just need four ministers with integrity prepared to put the nation before party for a change.

We realise that all the power backroom types will still be scurrying around frantically. Let’s hope for the country’s sake that reason and responsibility will prevail and that parliamentary debate will work for a positive change.

If in fact the politicians try to wreck the process, we are sure the voters would sort them out at the next election, don’t you agree? There is a great groundswell of public dissatisfaction with the present situation. You have already taken the first steps for change; please take a few more for all of us,

Respectfully,

Mou Piri

Shipping agency Transam Cook Islands Limited hosted a function for customers and staff at its new office at Avatiu on Monday.

The-then transport minister, Tangata Vavia, and his associate, Winton Pickering, along with traditional leaders of the village, were amongst the 50 guests who attended the opening.

Local business woman, Jane Wichman has been appointed as Transam manager.

Wichman brings a wealth of local knowledge and business experience to the company and she has just completed a training and orientation course in the Auckland head office of Pacific Direct Line.

Transam Cook Islands has been established to represent Pacific Direct Line, the largest shipping and logistics service provider in the South Pacific.

Pacific Direct Line celebrated the maiden call of the Southern Phoenix to Rarotonga to coincide with the opening function.

In his opening speech, corporate development manager, Paul Williams talked of the commitment and future plans for Transam in the Cook Islands. Williams thanked the government for the opportunity to add the Cooks Islands to the extensive network of South Pacific ports which the shipping line services.

Williams added that there are plans for larger vessels to service the port once the redevelopment programme is completed at Avatiu.

Following Williams’ speech, there was a blessing from Elder Danny Mataroa.

The regional manager for Pacific Direct Line, Stephen Blade, and Wichman concluded the formal opening with a few words of thanks for the support they have received for the new service.

• Transam/MM

The Cook Islands News team made a new friend while exploring the island last Saturday.

Former mountain trekker and conservation guide Mataiti Mataiti was out enjoying the great outdoors as the news team headed up to the Wigmore’s waterfall.

Affected by a stroke three years ago, his smile ensured the team he was alright and with Christmas wishes and a bottle of L&P given, the group continued on its way.

The next day the Cook Islands News phone received this text: “Kia orana. May I take this opportunity to say thank you very much to the admin staff, reporters and your boss from Cook Islands News plus the drivers of Raro Safari Tours for taking the moment of your time just to stop by and cheer me up and above all that bottle of L&P was so beautiful to see that you care,” it read. “From the depth of my heart saying first again meitaki atupaka and a happy New Years.”

The Cook Islands News team would like to wish Mataiti the best for 2010.

• Dana Kinita

The Hideaway Bar re-opened last Wednesday night with a new liquor licence holder approved.

Cook’s Corner building owner, Ben Bergman is now in control of the nightspot after it was ordered to be shut down by the liquor licensing authority three weeks ago.

Licensing authority chairman, Taivero Isamaela said the group met last Wednesday to approve the application by Bergman who takes over from previous tenant, Tai Maeva.

Bergman said the re-opening of ‘Hidie’s’ was successful with a great crowd and friendly vibe.

“Our plans are pretty simple – we are going to keep Hidie’s as Hidie’s,” he said.

“The bar has always been a friendly ‘local’ with a great ‘radio play’ music list from the 70s, 80s, 90s and some new hits.”

Working closely with the police department and the licence authority, Berman believes that all parties are satisfied with the new layout.

“We had a speedy re-development made possible by the great building team led by Chris Reynolds and Ralph Adams. We approved it because it was already an existing liquor licence venue and the operator, not the owner breached the liquor licence conditions,” said Isamaela.

The decision was made during an unscheduled meeting with the authority having already held their monthly gathering earlier this month. However Isamaela was quick to point out that other issues were also on the agenda for discussion.

“We would not meet just for one person, no matter who they are. If a minister rings us up to tell us to approve something, we won’t on that basis because in the end we will be held responsible,” he said.

“We had applications for extended trading hours for New Year’s Eve, so we decided to have one more meeting. We’ve now finished official duties for the year.”

Isamaela said Hideaways was shut down for continual breaches of their conditions. This included not having a liquor licence holder on the premises during operating hours and failure to properly enclose the venue.

“We warned them twice and checked to find that nothing was happening. So we said, ‘enough is enough’ and closed them down.”

The authority has decided to object to any liquor licence applications for new establishments in order to have more control of alcohol consumption on the island.

“We have 115 licences and for a small place that’s too much.”

Ismaela said the majority of crime reported is alcohol-related such as motor vehicle crashes and domestic violence.

“The authority is concerned about the safety of our people, the safety of our children and the people at home.”

He issued a strong warning for bars, clubs and shops to comply or face the consequences.

“Our message has always been compliance -- they [the bars] should not be serving alcohol to drunk people or people underage. We are telling police to report to us any breaches,” he said..

“We believe we have done enough warning and I don’t think the authority will take these issues lightly.

“We’ve already closed Hideaway and will not hesitate to do the same to any liquor licence premises who breach their conditions.”

• Dana Kinita

The high seas pocket to the east of the Cook Islands has not been closed, despite strong submissions from the Cooks at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission annual session in Tahiti recently.

“The commission did not agree to close the eastern pocket between the Cooks, Kiribati and French Polynesia,” said a release from the ministry of marine resources.

Despite that, the Cooks will submit a conservation and management measure to the commission at a subcommittee meeting in June on high seas pocket closure.

“The basis for the closure will be illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing issues. The French territories and France gave strong backing for this.”

Meanwhile rules on the access to sensitive high seas data were agreed upon at the Papeete meeting.

Satellite-based vessel monitoring system coverage out to a 100 km buffer zone outside the Cooks’ exclusive economic zone is now possible.

“This will greatly improve surveillance capability through satellite tracking technology, as it effectively prevents vessels from ‘sneaking into’ Cook Islands waters. These rules will also enable coverage of 95 percent of the high seas pocket adjacent to the Cook Islands EEZ and French Polynesia, which is responsible for much of the illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing which occurs in out waters.”

Following a request by the Cook Islands, the commission approved inclusion of the Cook Islands EEZ in the commission VMS, which will allow the Cooks to “see” all commission vessels entering the EEZ.

Another highlight at the WCPFC meeting included the introduction of a swordfish conservation and management measure (CMM).

The measure was introduced to restrict catches and vessel numbers fishing for Swordfish. Escalating numbers of vessels particularly of EU registered vessels has given rise to a concern about overfishing

• MMR/MM

William ‘Smiley’ Heather swears to do his best in his new role as cabinet minister. 09122424

Prime minister Jim Marurai wasted no time this week in appointing three new cabinet ministers following the sacking of former deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate and the resignation of three other ministers on Wednesday.

The following day Marurai held talks with several MPs and by the afternoon had overseen the swearing in of Wilkie Rasmussen, William ‘Smiley’ Heather and Apii Piho as the newest members of cabinet.

The ceremony took place at Government House where Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin signed off on their new ministerial warrants.

Rasmussen, 51, MP for Penrhyn, has made a political comeback by being reappointed to cabinet just five months after Marurai sacked him.

Ruaau MP Heather, also 51, since being elected in 2006, has been Demo Party whip in parliament and associate minister of works but this is his first stint as a cabinet minister.

Also fresh to the position of minister, Piho, the Manihiki MP, 49, is excited about the New Year. Piho was first elected in 2006 and has chaired two parliamentary select committees, been a member of two others and has served as associate minister for Tourism, Immigration, Foreign Affairs, Culture and Marine Resources.

All three new ministers were accompanied to the ceremony on Thursday by their wives. Piho flew to New Zealand with his family just an hour later. He was due to arrive back in the country in late January but is planning to return sooner because of his new position.

• Helen Greig

The Democratic Party say that prime minister Jim Marurai’s decision to remove Sir Terepai Maoate’s portfolios earlier this week, was undemocratic, and one made by himself only.

“Marurai made a unilateral decision to remove Sir Terepai’s portfolios,” said the party in a statement made on Thursday.

“The Democratic Party executive is of the view that his decisions were made undemocratically in that Marurai failed to consult with cabinet and caucus, await the outcome of the audit investigation [into the TOA deal] or even peruse the final report of government’s legal consultant Kit Toogood.”

The party says that their leader received on Monday and Tuesday this week, two separate notices from Marurai.

“The first requested Sir Terepai to resign.

This was opposed by cabinet, caucus and Democratic Party executive who voted overwhelmingly in favour of Sir Terepai remaining deputy prime minister and retaining all his portfolios except for finance. Sir Terepai accepted the decision of cabinet, caucus and Democratic Party executive to relinquish the portfolio of finance.”

The party says that Marurai also phoned Sir Terepai in Auckland on Monday afternoon and assured him that he had withdrawn that first letter.

“He further advised Sir Terepai to continue his journey to Christchurch to undergo a medical checkup and reassured there would be no further attempts on his part to remove Sir Terepai as deputy prime minister.

“Despite giving his word and the decision of cabinet, caucus and the Democratic Party executive, a second letter was delivered to Sir Terepai’s office from Marurai on Tuesday late morning ten minutes before he made its contents public through a radio announcement.

“In that correspondence, the prime minister overturned the decision of cabinet, caucus and Democratic Party executive.

“Marurai also broke his word. He wrote that all Sir Terepai’s portfolios were to be removed. Sir Terepai was to be given the portfolio of education, one of Marurai’s own portfolios which the PM has long wished to be rid of finding it too difficult to handle.”

The party claims that prime minister also told an untruth when he said that cabinet had no knowledge of TOA Petroleum and/or Triad issues.

“Marurai is the chairman of cabinet and was present at every cabinet sitting in which submissions were made on these issues,” says the release.

“He also supported all the decisions that were made by cabinet.”

“Marurai’s statement that cabinet never dealt with TOA/Triad issues was challenged during a meeting on Wednesday of cabinet, caucus and the executive. The prime minister did not respond to that challenge or when he was presented with all the cabinet minutes on the subject.”

The prime minister, says the party, was further challenged to explain his actions to try and remove Sir Terepai.

“The executive said Marurai’s reasons were feeble. The first was that he was under pressure from a small group of politicians who wanted the position of deputy prime minister, and the fact that he had not bothered to read the Toogood report before trying to oust Sir Terepai displays Marurai’s lack of ability to make sensible decisions.

“Marurai has tried to place the entire blame for the TOA/Triad matter on Sir Terepai. Decisions that were made by cabinet regarding TOA/Triad issues relied on the quality of advice that was given to cabinet ministers by the financial secretary and crown law.

The minister of finance did not act in isolation of cabinet at any time which is confirmed in the cabinet minutes.

The Democratic Party release refers to a section of the Toogood report which says “the consultants who were retained (for the TOA deal) lacked the requisite knowledge and experience and were not adequately instructed as to a terms of reference for the enquiry and advice”.

It further states that “in advising the government to enter into the heads of agreement to purchase the TOA assets, the financial secretary acted in reliance upon the report of the consultants which was flawed”.

• DP/Moana Moeka’a

A crane being used to clear coconuts from the iconic "seven sisters" in Avarua. 09122308

A sharp-eyed Cook Islands News reader couldn’t help but ask “where have all the coconut tree climbers gone?” after seeing this crane being used to clear the coconuts from the iconic ‘seven sisters’ crop of trees at the courthouse in Avarua this week.

“You know I just couldn’t help but wonder where have all our coconut tree climbers gone?” said the guy.

“I’m sure there are a few Pukapukan boys around who could’ve climbed those trees and been happy with an extra few bucks in their pockets for the job.”

“I wonder how much the ministry of justice paid to have the job done.”

Cook Islands News found out from Cook Islands General Transport that a crane is hired out at $400 an hour.

“You can’t blame justice for using a crane because all our coconut tree climbers have beer guts now,” added the person who answered the phone.

Wherea ever the coconut tree climbers are, one person who walks to work through the justice complex is happy that the trees have been cleared as he narrowly escaped a falling coconut on one of his journeys by the trees.

• Matariki Wilson

Police are pleased no major accidents occurred during the Christmas period last week.

Two minor incidents were reported with a car colliding with a hedge in Titikaveka around 5am on Friday.

A 22-year-old male was the sole occupant. Police were still investigating the cause of the crash.

On Saturday morning, a female tourist lost control of her motorcycle after driving over loose gravel near the seawall. Minor injuries were sustained with scratches to her left leg and elbow.

On Saturday morning police gave chase to a motorcyclist who had been speeding. The pursuit began near the O’oa petrol station in Tupapa.

Police inspector Tere Patia said traffic bikes followed the driver until he abandoned the bike on the back road in Tupapa and fled on foot.

Police know who the driver is after tracing the motorcycle back to the family owners. They were still looking to interview the 16-year-old boy with charges likely to be laid.

No burglaries were reported over the weekend with the University of the South Pacific reporting the sole break-in.

Entry was made through the USP’s office but it is still to be determined if anything was taken.

Six thefts were reported including an iPod and a Canon digital camera taken from a Ngatangiia tourist accommodation on Friday.

A wallet containing credit cards, Cook Islands’ driver’s licence and $150, was also stolen from Ngatangiia and a black handbag was taken from Whatever Bar on Saturday night.

The bag contained a credit card, driver’s licence and a small amount of cash.

A wallet was reported taken from Hideaway Bar during the re-opening on Wednesday night. It held a credit card and $440 cash. Police said it belonged to a returning Cook Islander on holiday.

An electricity meter box was reported stolen from outside a Ngatangiia home last Wednesday.

Nine people were arrested over the weekend.

Three were arrested in relation to excess breath alcohol during a police checkpoint in Maraerenga on Friday night.

A 23-year-old male, a 19-year-old female and a 39-year-old male were arrested and bailed to appear in court on January 14.

A 31-year-old Tuapapa man was arrested for contempt of court. Police said he had breached his curfew after being seen outside Whatever Bar on Friday night.

A 32-year-old Arorangi man was charged with common assault from what is believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute. Police said the matter was alcohol-related.

Four men were arrested for fighting in a public place. The group was taken into custody for fighting in front of Rehab nightclub just before closing on Saturday morning. All were bailed to appear in court on January 14.

A 12-year-old boy was apprehended for stealing toys from the CITC main store on Wednesday. Police said because of his age he will be reported to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee.

Inspector Patia said police were especially pleased with the low rate of accidents and burglaries during Christmas.

“Hopefully it will continue to be like this for New Year’s.”

Any person with information that may assist police to help keep crime down are asked to phone 22499. Callers have an option to remain anonymous.

• Dana Kinita

The Tupapa community health clinic is expected to resume its normal service in the first week of January after much needed refurbishments are completed on the building. 09122001

Upgrade work at the Tupapa community health clinic is expected to be completed by the first week of January.

Over the past three weeks contractors have been refurbishing the deteriorating outpatients clinic building.

Clinic spokesperson George Hosking told Cook Islands News that they had to upgrade the clinic building because the roof was caving in.

Hosking is happy with the progress being made at the clinic and says that by February all services at the clinic should be back to normal.

Meanwhile work in the dental department will begin around February.

Hosking says that this work has yet to be confirmed as they are waiting on funds to begin the project.

In the meantime, the clinic doctor can be found at the Matavera end of the building.

People are asked to be patient during the upgrade and in the case of an emergency, to go to the Rarotonga Hospital.

• Matariki Wilson

Mathew Pau Tauia. 09121628

A Cook Islander has given up teaching to become the residential manager of a registered organisation supporting intellectually disabled persons in West Auckland, New Zealand.

After spending 10 years in teaching throughout the Cooks, Mathew Pau Tauia emigrated to New Zealand in 1999, retrained and then branched out into special needs education.

Tauia was one of 150 staff at the Arohanui Special School in Te Atatu South, beginning in July 2000.

The school caters for those between the ages of five and 21 years, with teachers also based in ‘satellite’ classrooms at mainstream schools around West Auckland.

“I wanted to do something different. I’d taught over here [in the Cooks] and just wanted a change.”

Tauia, who is back for a family event, says that the nine years he spent at Arohanui were “challenging” and needed a different approach to teaching.

“It was very challenging and it has made me a better person. It’s made me appreciate life a bit more and I have a bit more respect for the disabled community.”

Tauia says there is daily contact with the parents and caregivers of the students, and there is support from therapists, aides, and government agencies.

As those with disabilities can be sensitive to the surroundings and things that are happening around them, Tauia says this is where the contact with parents and caregivers is very important.

“To be a caregiver, you have to have a lot of patience and it is no different to teaching those with special needs.”

Now Tauia has moved on from teaching and has just been appointed as residential manager for A Supported Life, which watches over 53 intellectually disabled residents in 15 homes in West Auckland. He will manage 32 staff members.

Tauia says he was really thrilled to be appointed into the managerial position and understands that he is the first Cook Islander to acquire a job in this sector.

He believes that the experience that he has built up over the years, including a stint as principal at Tukao school in Manihiki from 1994 to 1997, may have helped him acquire the job.

“I was one of seven people to be interviewed so I was really happy when they called me up – I think I am the first non-papa’a to get a position like this in the management sector.”

Tauia will start his new position early next month but a lot will depend on the schedule of the inter-island boat as he is in Manihiki for the festive period.

Tauia says that he would like to encourage Cook Islanders to try and source out career opportunities in the disability field, and to tap into the assistance that is available for disabled persons.

He adds that he has been really happy at what is happening in the disabled community in the country.

“I’ve been stoked at what is happening – it is much better when compared to other Pacific islands and I hope they keep it up.”

• Moana Moeka’a

PPSEAWA president Caroline Tiria with copies of the new 2010 pocket calendar which are now on sale and features images of Cook Islands women. 09122201

Pocket 2010 calendars featuring Cook Islands women are now on sale.

Pan Pacific South East Asia Women’s Association president Caroline Tiria says the first edition of the pocket calendars produced in 2009 was such a success that the group decided to do a 2010 version.

The calendar features images of Cook Islands women photographed and supplied to PPSEAWA by Cook Islands News.

Among the images which feature in the calendar are our mini games medal-winning female touch players, sailors, paddlers, recent Miss Tiare contestants, local women in cultural performances, school teachers, Miss Cook Islands Engara Gosselin and minster of youth and sports Ngamau Munokoa.

The calendars cost $10 each but with just 200 copies of the calendars available you will have to be quick as these are popular gifts.

The calendar is ideal for carrying in your purse or pocket and even to have sitting on your office or home desk.

You can buy a calendar from Tiria by calling her on 20544 or PPSEAWA members Maureen Hilyard on 54641 or Matilda Tairea on 71490.

• Matariki Wilson

Who ever thought that one would have to stand in a queue for over half an hour to be served in a shop on Rarotonga? Pictured above (at right and in background) are some of the numerous customers who took advantage of CITC Mainstore’s Boxing Day half-price sale last Saturday. 09122602

One would have thought that the public would have done all their Christmas shopping by last Wednesday.

However last Saturday morning, shoppers queued in CITC Mainstore to take advantage of half-price bargains while there was a rush on pareu at Mareko Island Creations yesterday at its traditional ‘Boxing Day’ sale.

• Moana Moeka’a

Hash House Harriers check out the wildlife around the Coco Putt venue in Arorangi when they gathered for their annual ‘Claytons’ Christmas run – the run without the run. 09122205

Local Hash House Harriers gathered at the new Coco Putt venue in Arorangi last week Monday for their annual Christmas run.

Well, it was not quite a run.

History has never seen a Hash run ‘without the run’.

But in order to earn a drink from the Hash bar, a course was set through the Coco Putt venue with the Hashers making some very interesting discoveries.

Around 81 Hashers and Hoffsprings made the most of the day on the mini-golf course with a number of the team claiming a hole-in-one on the course.

It was certainly an enjoyable end of year treat for the running club which also marked run number 1512.

• Matariki Wilson

CLAG Cook Islands representatives at this month’s meeting which was held at the police headquarters in Avarua. 09121801

The issue of illegal immigration was discussed at a meeting of the Combined Law Agencies Group (CLAG) earlier this month.

Api Fiso, chief advisor to Immigration New Zealand and guest speaker, Lesi Korovavala from the United Nations High Commission in Canberra, were involved in the discussions on this issue at the meeting in Rarotonga.

Representatives of the 12 agencies which make up CLAG attended the meeting.

CLAG chairman and police inspector Tere Patia says that the organisation has made good headway this year, especially with the handling of two major sports events in 2009.

CLAG reformed in January this year under the supervision of then-police commissioner Pat Tasker to bring together agencies with overlapping responsibilities.

The CLAG agencies are signatories to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining co-operation under a set scope.

Patia says the MoU highlights the complex nature of trans-national crime and the negative impact this has on national borders and internal security within the Cook Islands as well as countries in the Pacific region.

The MoU, he says, also recognises that close contact between participants is to their mutual national, regional and international benefit.

Information and intelligence sharing between parties was encouraged at this month’s meeting, and members highlighted the need to meet regularly

Patia has been invited to a CLAG symposium in Rotorua New Zealand and it will be the first time that a representative from the Cooks will attend such a meeting.

• Edna Takaroka

Robert Wigmore has called his first press conference as deputy prime minister to be held today.

Wigmore, who has been a cabinet minister for five months now in the current government, was appointed as Jim Marurai’s deputy last week following the stripping of the title and portfolios of former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate last Tuesday.

Sir Terepai was subsequently sacked the following day.

The sacking came after much public outcry over the Toagate fuel farm scandal that saw government agree this month to pay out $1.75 million to Toa Petroleum owners Apex Agencies as a way to settle the stand-off over the planned $5 million purchase of the fuel depot.

Secretary of agriculture Anthony Brown made the announcement of Wigmore’s press conference yesterday saying the latest scandal and change of cabinet was not on the minister’s conference agenda.

Brown said Wigmore will be talking about issues of importance to the nation.

Wigmore does not currently hold any ministerial portfolios following the prime minister’s decision last week to transfer all of them to himself before meeting with his new ministers to decide how they will be divided among them.

• Helen Greig

Giving back to the community has become an annual tradition for staff at the Island Hopper Vacations office in Nikao and this year Punanga Tauturu are the recipients of their year-long mufti fundraiser.

The travel company presented a cheque of $500 to Punanga Tauturu president Vaine Arioka and Kairangi Samuela with the funds raised from their mufti day collections.

During the year the travel group’s staff donated $1 on Fridays – the day they also swapped their uniforms for pareu and denim.

The company started up the fund in 2006 with the children’s ward at the hospital being the first recipient.

In 2007 the Creative Centre received the funds and last year the Te Kainga Mental Health gratefully accepted the funds.

After being presented with the funds, Arioka said that the money will go towards the organisation’s non-molestation order fund.

The non-molestation order fund has also received support from ANZ Bank and it got a top-up with money raised from the recent white ribbon day fundraiser.

Arioka says that the fund was set up to help women pay for the expensive process of obtaining non-molestation orders through lawyers.

Islands Hopper Vacations were certainly proud to be supporting Punanga Tauturu and its endeavours to support Cook Islands women.

The travel company wishes everyone a happy festive season. - MW

Onassis Oaariki (left) receives his money back from Diane McFarlane after the Motor Centre promotion. 09122408

It was twice the fun at Christmas for Onassis Oaariki who was announced as the winner of the Motor Centre money-back promotion.

Last month Onassis put a deposit on a Daelim Ace motorbike and went into the draw for the promotion.

“My missus had family visiting and we only had our old bike and a car so I thought I’d buy another bike,” said Oaariki.

“I didn’t know this was going to happen.”

Oaariki walked away with $518 after the balance of the $2995 bike was paid off.

“This is like two pay cheques in one,” quipped an excited Oaariki who works as the Returned Services Association’s barman, bouncer and cleaner.

Motor Centre general manager Diane McFarlane says nearly 500 people entered the promotion which began in early September.

“That includes people who’ve come in and bought $20 refills for their insect spray to those who bought $20,000 vehicles,” says McFarlane.

“And we are really happy that the winner of the promotion was a good customer and someone who bought a motorbike which is our biggest seller.”

• Matariki Wilson

Pacific members of parliament – including two Cook Islands MPs -- attended a conference in Australia to tackle violence against women and other human rights issues. 09122901

Two members of parliament represented the Cook Islands in a conference to change violence against women and other human rights issues.

Atiu MP Nandi Glassie and leader of the house John Tangi attended the four-day meeting earlier this month in Brisbane, Australia.

They joined other parliamentarians throughout the Pacific with a call to form a regional human rights commission.

Addressing the meeting, Glassie supported the idea of a regional human rights commission.

“On that motion, I call on the Forum Secretariat and Secretariat of the Pacific Community to explore the setting up of this Commission,” he said.

“Some may argue ... that a National Human Rights Commission is capable of resourcing itself and carry out the adjudicative role of human rights, and there may not be any need for a Regional Human Rights Commission to be established.

“However, I want to stress and emphasise strongly the point that a Regional Human Rights Commission, consisting of Pacific nations under a collective umbrella is the option to consider because most Pacific countries cannot afford to set up a best and preferred national commission simply because of lack of financial resources and technical expertise.

“A regional solution will allow us to pool our resources together. And we can have small offices scattered throughout the region.”

Other advantages the regional commission would have included no longer relying on New Zealand and Australian funding as it will be resourced by Pacific specialists, regional cooperation under the Pacific Plan and takes better account of regional conditions and peculiarities.

The conference also discussed ways to change attitudes and provide a safer society for vulnerable groups such as children, the disabled, the elderly and women.

During the meeting the SPC challenged the male MPs to “take a stand” and fight against violence inflicted on women.

“'I urge you to champion the cause of violence against women without any fear of a backlash from your constituents,” the secretariat and New South Wales MP, Robert Oakeshott said.

He cleared any doubts amongst the MPs that championing the cause will affect their chances of being re-elected to parliament at the next election.

“I am a living testimony of an MP who has been championing this cause and I have still come out as one who collected the highest number of votes at the polls.”

He suggested that Pacific island MPs needed to test the waters more in championing women's causes and to appeal to their voters.

The meeting was organised and hosted by the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

• RRRT-NG-JT

Director of hospital health services, Heather Webber-Aitu has been reappointed for another year as of December 22.

Her position was among the director posts at the ministry of health contracts which expired in October.

Last month Dr Rangiau Fariu was appointed director of community health services replacing Dr Josephine Aumea Herman who chose not to reapply for the post and Helen Sinclair was appointed director of outer islands health services replacing Tupou Faireka who is currently acting secretary of health.

Negotiations for Webber-Aitu’s new contract took about a month but she is pleased to be staying on to continue the improvements she has led at Rarotonga hospital over the past two years.

- Helen Greig

Costume awards at Christmas in the Park. 09122418

Just over $3000 was raised by Rotaract from this month’s Christmas in the Park.

“We received good feedback on this years’ event,” said Rotaract’s president Christian Mani who adds that this year’s event really wasn’t about the money.

“I’m sure it’s been a tough year for everyone and also a busy one with a lot of things happening throughout the whole year”.

Nonetheless, Mani says the $3000 made will go towards its “Think Twice” campaign for youth.

Mani says they would like to thank all their sponsors for helping to make the event a success as well as their outstanding entertainers, stall holders and the Rotaract volunteers.

• Edna Takaroka

Members of the Akanoa family at their reunion at Rutaki this week. 09122802

Descendants of Akanoa Daniel and Maria Heather are currently enjoying a reunion inside the Rutaki School compound.

Family spokesperson David Akanoa said that around 70 people are camping at Rutaki for the reunion which began last Sunday. Most of the family members are from Rarotonga (Puaikura) but others have flown in from New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii.

“The whole idea is to get everyone together so that they can get to know each other and know where they come from,” said Akanoa who is a grandson of Akanoa Daniel and Maria Heather.

The couple had 10 children – four who are still living today.

Genealogy sessions and a photo shoot were held on Monday. Akanoa put together a simple family tree and photo display for his line, and he is hoping that the other lines will follow suit for future reference.

Other activities are planned throughout the week with the reunion camp finishing on Saturday.

• Moana Moeka’a

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