Index | Top Stories | General News | Sports | Court News | Environment | Letters | Features | Archive | Subscribe | About Us

Top News

Week ending Wednesday, 23 February, 2011

Front page news stories on politics and current
events in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

Stringent recruitment process for Finsec job
Forum to help officials understand big picture
PM pleased with NZ response
‘Tag team’ not talking
Tribunal to hear police complaints
Parliament opens today
Demos threaten parliament boycott
More pay for a foreign Finsec
Banker sees potential for food exports
PM delays NZ departure
Opposition back confidence vote
Sir Geoffrey back in parliament
ON THE STREET
Acting Finsec first woman
Big returns
Tax increase not on
Body found in sea near Avatiu
Concern for quake victims
‘Uru i toou nio’
Flags at half-mast for victims
Flood and quake appeals combined
Cook Islands doctor works 24-hour emergency
Man drowns while kayaking

Extra steps are being taken by the Public Service Commission to have a stringent recruitment process in place to evaluate suitably qualified candidates for the top job of Financial Secretary.

A New Zealand specialist recruitment firm has been engaged to scrutinise all applicants and provide the local selection committee with expert advice on ranked candidates, says Public Service commissioner Navy Epati.

The committee is expected to give consideration to the advice from the recruitment firm when it makes its final deliberations, adds Epati. He says the NZ government has been very supportive of PSC’s desire to employ the best available person as financial secretary. NZ is also providing financial assistance with overseas advertising fees and the cost of hiring the recruitment firm.

NZ has also offered to help out if costs are incurred with recruiting a candidate from overseas.

Epati is aware that speculation is rife over who might be appointed financial secretary. “I cannot speak for the government of the day, but I can say as commissioner that the process is such that cabinet will consider only up-to three candidates that the selection committee will recommend.

“In other words, silly speculation that government is looking at an expatriate appointment fails on many fronts, but specifically on the fact that the independent selection committee may recommend only resident Cook Islanders, or all expatriates.”

Epati says whatever the selection committee recommends to cabinet is what cabinet works with. “Therefore cabinet cannot be unfairly accused of tampering with the legal process.”

• FSB

OPSC head Priscilla Maruariki, one of few women to hold a senior government position in the Cook Islands, will be contributing to discussions at next week’s Commonwealth forum. 11021606

A Commonwealth forum to be held here next week aims to provide top Pacific government officials the opportunity to reflect on understanding the ‘big picture’ for strategic leadership to achieve government objectives.

Aimed at cabinet secretaries and heads of the public service, the forum will be held on February 21-24 and is a follow-up to a similar meeting held in New Zealand last year.

A Commonwealth Secretariat brief outlines that participants will be encouraged to share experiences, discuss best practices and some of the leadership issues and challenges faced by cabinet secretaries as central figures in policy making and by public service secretaries as pivotal leaders in public service reform.

It states the forum is held at a time when there is an urgent need for public services to change their operational approach and practices in order to raise performance, enhance delivery, increase productivity and demonstrate value for money and greater government accountability and transparency.

“Governments recognise that it takes a lot to leave one’s comfort zone and to embrace the new, but are equally convinced that there is no benefit in clinging to what is no longer meaningful,” states the Commonwealth brief.

Twenty delegates from nine Commonwealth countries and territories in the Pacific are expected to attend the forum which is themed ‘Supporting Public Service Reform in the Pacific: Strategic Leadership’.

Cook Islands participants will be Office of the Public Service Commissioner CEO Priscilla Maruariki, OPM chief of staff Mac Mokoroa and Acting Secretary to Cabinet Taivero Isamaela. Mokoroa also attended last year’s forum with Public Service Commissioner Navy Epati.

Next week’s meeting is being held at the Edgewater Resort.

• FSB

Prime Minister Henry Puna says he’s pleased with the New Zealand government’s response to Cook Islands’ renewable energy polices and the direction being taken.

Puna says he’s particularly glad that NZaid has supported the government’s plans for waste management, “and we are getting on with that right now”.

In preparation for NZa id related meetings with NZ PM John Key and Foreign Affairs minister Murray McCully next week, Puna has been updated by Public Health and Infrastructure and Planning officials “to see how we can speed up the process of putting measures in place to address pollution of lagoons”.

A meeting for a “general catch up” has been arranged between Puna and Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo, says CEO Edwin Pittman. He says those discussions could touch on the suggestion that the Chinese president will host the Pacific Leaders Meeting later this year.

Puna will host a small, informal reception next Thursday at the Cook Islands High Commission and invitations will be issued to people who have special interests in the Cook Islands and diplomatic representatives.

• FSB

Once best political buddies who described themselves as the Atiu tag team, MPs Norman George and minister Nandi Glassie haven’t spoken since November 17 – election day.

“When Nandi left me, we haven’t contacted each other. He’s supposed to come back but he hasn’t,” says George, adding he’s used to such treatment from so-called friends.

“I’m used to being kicked in the foot.”

George added he’d overestimated Glassie’s qualities. The once staunch tag-team split after Glassie reportedly failed to reciprocate the support George gave in the lead-up to the elections.

Glassie also got a job in cabinet and although politically senior, George didn’t, which widened the rift. Asked if he would invest effort into another tag-team, George replied that he would rather play tag with his grandchildren as they are more reliable.

• FSB

Cook Islands Police will be establishing a formal tribunal to hear a number of outstanding public complaints lodged against officers.

CINews understands that Police Commissioner Maara Tetava is in discussions with New Zealand police for a commissioned officer to be on the tribunal. Police are said to be reviewing disciplinary processes assisted by a NZ police officer currently on secondment here who is also drafting relevant policies.

CINews has been informed that one of the cases that will appear before the tribunal follows a complaint alleging sexual misconduct by an officer lodged in November 2010 with police. The tribunal will also determine what disciplinary measures need to be taken against officers found to have breached police regulations. - FSB

Opening kept hush-hush out of respect for judiciary

The 47th session of parliament was scheduled to get underway at 10 o’clock this morning now that the High Court has handed down a decision on the Pukapuka petition.

Prime Minister Henry Puna confirmed yesterday that as soon as a Pukapuka decision was confirmed, parliament would go ahead today.

The Opposition Democratic Party has been asked by Puna’s office to be on stand-by to be called at short notice for a parliamentary sitting.

Following accusations by the opposition of keeping the opening of parliament secret, Puna says it would have been unfair to announce an opening and place the judiciary under extreme pressure.

Article 29 of the constitution requires that all electoral petitions must be heard before parliament can be called. Today’s sitting hinged on whether Justice Nicholson would hand down a decision legally clearing the way for Puna to advise the Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin to call parliament.

As for accusations of secrecy, Puna says he has no difficulties with people who think like that. “I and my team firmly believe in the rule of law and in the independence of the three arms of government – the executive, the judiciary and the legislature.”

Puna added that his administration maintains it must be respectful of the judiciary and “let them get on with their job”.

“We couldn’t go public and call a meeting of parliament while the Pukapuka decision was still pending, so that was the reason for the hush hush approach to the calling of parliament.”

He says there was no other reason for the hush hush approach. Puna says he had explained the situation to his team, the leader of opposition Robert Wigmore and parliament staff and all understood government’s position.

“It was just out of respect for the judiciary, nothing more, nothing less. If we had gone public and said parliament is meeting tomorrow at 1pm, imagine what kind of pressure that would put on the judiciary.”

• Florence Syme-Buchanan

The Opposition Democratic Party opposition is threatening to boycott today’s sitting of Parliament if their MPs don’t receive written notices from the Queen’s Representative summoning them. Opposition leader Robert Wigmore says he’s discussed the matter with his team and they believe government should do the right thing and what has been practiced in the past – summonses in writing.

Speaking in Maori during a press conference yesterday, Wigmore said that written summonses given seven days before a parliament sitting is what they are used to.

He added while they’re not opposing the sitting of parliament, “we want things done the right way and within the law”.

Wigmore confirmed if opposition MPs got their written summonses yesterday afternoon, the public could expect to see them in parliament today, otherwise they wouldn’t be attending the 47th session.

Asked if he thought clearing all the petitions might have delayed getting notices out, Wigmore said he couldn’t guarantee that. He didn’t think government was doing the right thing by not letting people know that parliament is to sit.

Prime Minister Henry Puna believes Wigmore and the opposition don’t have a legal basis for refusing to be at parliament just because they’ve advised of the sitting via a phone call. “I suggest he reads the civil list regulations and read it carefully.”

Puna explained that the QR has the discretion to give notice by whatever notice he deems appropriate.

As for the seven days advance notice Wigmore sees as the right thing, Puna says the requirement is for seven days or less “and it’s up to the QR”.

Puna says he’s been in constant contact with the QR and they are on the same wavelength.

• FSB

If a new Financial Secretary is recruited from overseas, that person will be paid a higher salary than someone hired locally.

The position of Financial Secretary commands a salary of about $120,000 for a local appointment.

A salary top-up offered through the NZAid programme for an overseas recruit means the salary package will be considerably higher for someone from overseas.

“If that happens, an expatriate is, more often than not, leaving a current job that pays a lot more than what we offer locally. If we say too bad that’s the salary, we will have to consider second and third rate applicants from abroad, and then we may as well appoint the best available candidate locally,” says Epati.

The problem with the ‘best available’ approach, he says, is the obvious risk of resorting to hiring a candidate that is well below par and putting the organisation at high risk. He says the total salary for all (top level government) jobs are already sized and costed, on a local market rate.

NZAid is assisting by funding the salary top up which is mainly to offset costs related to relocation, the difference between previous remuneration and other relevant conditions between here and the country where the candidate is recruited from, explains Epati. “Regardless, it still has a discriminatory odour to it, however it is explained.”

• FSB

ANZ Asia Pacific, Europe and America (APE&A) chief executive officer Alex Thursby speaks to local ANZ customers at a breakfast function yesterday. He believes the Pacific has potential as a food supplier to Asia. Report, page 9. 11021715

ANZ Asia Pacific, Europe and America (APE&A) chief executive officer Alex Thursby speaks to local ANZ customers at a breakfast function yesterday. He believes the Pacific has potential as a food supplier to Asia. Report, page 9. 11021715

A meeting that was to be held tomorrow between Prime Minister Henry Puna and the Cook Islands Taokotaianga Trust in Auckland has had to be cancelled.

In order to be present for the opening of parliament today, Puna has had to reschedule his New Zealand departure until early tomorrow morning. Trust members had wanted to meet with Puna to outline their plans for the Cook Islands property in Mangere that includes a two-storey house and about four acres of land.

• Florence Syme-Buchanan

Members of Parliament – including those occupying the bench of the Opposition – yesterday expressed their confidence in Prime Minister Henry Puna during the opening of the 47th session of the Parliament of the Cook Islands.

Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters told parliament that he and other members present have known Puna for a while “as a friend in the realm of politics and in sport – especially golf”.

While both politics and golf engender divisions between their participants, Marsters indicated that Puna will be the right person to bridge those divides.

Marsters said that while there are different ways to govern – silently, autocratically and dictatorially among them – Puna brings to the table a unique style of leadership.

“He is a humble person, Mr Speaker,” Marsters told newly sworn-in speaker Sir Geoffrey Henry. “He is courteous and very diplomatic. When you first meet him, you will know that you are talking to a very capable person.”

He added that as prime minister, Puna will “represent this country on the international stage with credibility”.

From the bench of the Opposition Democratic Party, deputy leader Wilkie Rasmussen expressed his confidence in Puna, who he called a man of “exceptional” qualities.

He said that technically, as a member of the opposition, he should have opposed the motion of confidence.

But given the CIP victory at the polls in November, “I do not think any opposition from us will matter”, he said with a smile.

He facetiously added that his endorsement of the motion of confidence is “half-half”.

On a more serious note, Rasmussen said that “the voice of the people has spoken” and accepted that the house belonged to the CIP.

“It is your turn. We will wait our turn – if we all survive the next elections.”

Rasmussen also recognised Puna’s wife Akaiti, who he said acknowledges members of the opposition with a wave and a smile regardless of political divides.

Nandi Glassie picked up where Rasmussen left off. “One important skill I’ve noticed in the prime minister is the ability to listen to people before he casts a position,” he said.

Puna said that the motion of confidence was “touching”, “moving” and “historical”.

He commended the opposition for accepting the CIP majority in government and for endorsing the motion of confidence that Marsters put forward.

“I thought it was dignified acceptance by the opposition that there is nothing they can do to change the status quo. Government has changed, the people have spoken – as the honourable Wilkie Rasmussen said over and over again,” Puna said at a press conference yesterday.

He said that he was appointed on the basis of the discretion of Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin that he was “likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of parliament”. Because that appointment was predicated on an assumption, “it needed to be tested in parliament”.

Puna said it was important for him to have the confidence of the majority of parliament before meeting with New Zealand prime minister John Key. He flew to New Zealand last night.

• Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves

11021832

New Speaker ‘restores a measure of dignity’ says PM

Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry was sworn in as the Speaker of the House in Parliament yesterday.

Prime Minister Sir Henry Puna nominated Sir Geoffrey as speaker, a motion which Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters seconded.

Puna said he did not anticipate any “violent objections” to the nomination, as he considered Sir Geoffrey “one of the most qualified people in this country to take the chair of the speaker”.

He said it saddened him to know that there had been “unfounded speculation in the media lately” about the speaker-elect and his remuneration package.

Government does not fix the remuneration package – under the constitution, that is a matter entirely up to the Remuneration Tribunal. Puna indicated that he does not necessarily agree with the provision, but must abide by it nevertheless.

Constitution Amendment No. 24 directs that only Puna can nominate a speaker and strips the opposition of the right to oppose the nomination. Sir Geoffrey was the sole nominee.

Puna said that Sir Geoffrey’s appointment restored a measure of dignity to the Cook Islands Parliament.

“I’m really pleased that Sir Geoff’s appointment will bring (dignity into the house) because we want someone who knows the ropes, who knows the procedure of parliament inside out and who can bring dignity not just to the position of speaker but also to the proceedings of the house,” he said.

Penrhyn MP Wilkie Rasmussen noted that Sir Geoffrey brought wisdom, ability and astuteness to the House, and Atiu MP Nandi Glassie indicated that Sir Geoffrey exemplified “wisdom and the philosophical base of democracy”.

Nikao-Panama MP Ngamau Munokoa implored Sir Geoffrey to continue to drive sport in the Cook Islands as a prominent member of CISNOC. “Don’t neglect the area of sport just because you have attained the position of speaker,” she said in Cook Islands Maori.

After Puna announced Sir Geoffrey’s nomination, the parliamentary procession moved to the residence of Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin, where Sir Geoffrey presented himself and laid claim to privileges. He then took the oath of allegiance.

Sir Geoffrey indicated that he looks forward “to restoring the high repute that this parliament enjoyed for many years”.

Minister Teina Bishop later nominated John Henry as deputy speaker, a motion seconded by Teariki Heather.

• Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves

Puai Wichman I came through (the airport) a couple of weeks ago and it made no difference. 11021730

Enoka Teaukura How it is now is much better because with the old way people might think we’re racist. 11021731

Oscarlina Tapoki I think it’s better now. Customs are able to deal with the volume of passengers more efficiently. 11021732

Paula Smith I don’t think there’s the volume of people to warrant it. 11021733

Pa Taime Jr No, because it flows better with less congestion than with having the separate lanes. 11021734

Annie Charlie It should be brought back. Tourists take too long getting through customs because of passports and visas. 11021735

George Rasmussen I don’t think it’s necessary. It saves time by having all lanes open and no, special lanes might look different. 11021736

Mata Vainerere I reckon its more efficient as it is now and no one’s complaining. 11021737

Should they put the ‘Locals Lane’ back at the airport, so we can clear customs faster?

Priscilla Maruariki. 11021606

Office of the Public Service Commissioner chief executive Priscilla Maruariki has been appointed acting financial secretary.

She will serve in the position until a permanent appointment is made – as the first woman ever to hold the post.

“We have come to the conclusion that Priscilla Maruariki is the most experienced professional we have – not only in the complex dynamics of budget preparation, but also (for her) broad understanding of relevant public policy and responsive governance from a central agency perspective,” Finance Minister Mark Brown said when making the announcement at the weekend.

“Obviously we cannot sit on our hands and wait for the new financial secretary to be appointed. We have to lay the groundwork now and I’m very confident Ms Maruariki will deliver what we need in the interim.”

Public service commissioner Navy Epati says appointing Maruariki as acting financial secretary is “quite a sacrifice” for the OPSC, at a time when his office and the Asian Development Bank are launching a review of the public service.

“But we have to work with what we have, and I agree with minister Brown that Priscilla has the experience and technical expertise to lead MFEM (the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management) in the interim,” Epati said.

Brown says the government is in a critical stage of preparations for the Appropriation Amendment Act and the next annual budget, which will signal its desire to domesticate the budget process.

“We want to make the budget work for us, not us working for the budget. Let’s re-examine, critique, and scrutinise everything we spend public money on.

“Let’s not just carry forward the same outputs into the next financial year like we have done for the past 15 years. While I realistically acknowledge we will not nail everything in one go, we have to start somewhere, and we are starting with the next budget,” Brown said.

Prime Minister Henry Puna acknowledged the team approach employed by Brown and Epati in seeing such challenges in the national interest.

He commended Maruariki for her courage to step up to the mark when asked, knowing what lies ahead.

“It’s going to be very tough and she knows it, but she’s prepared to give it her best shot and we will support her 100 percent,” Puna said.

Acting financial secretary Garth Henderson will be taking up a three-year posting to the ADB as its directors advisor in the Philippines.

Brown says it is a great opportunity for Henderson to expand his already formidable experience and qualifications.

“He will be returning in three years armed with considerably more knowledge and experience. I look forward to him being a valuable contributor to the country while he is based in Manila and also when he returns,” Brown said.

• RR/PSC

Aitutaki 11-year-olds Ngatua Kana (left) and Richard Davey secure an eke for bait during a catch and release bonefish fishing competition in the island’s lagoon on Saturday. Report and photos, page 8. 11022016

Bonefishing expected to generate $2.35m a year

It is estimated Aitutaki’s economy will benefit from an additional $2.35 million each year, as a result of the Ministry of Marine Resources’ new bonefish management scheme for the island’s lagoon.

MMR regulations aimed at preserving the species in Aitutaki and Manuae were formally adopted in October and will begin to be enforced at the start of April.

The scheme is attractive to anglers, as it establishes the lagoon as a world-class sport fishing destination.

It is predicted the money continually generated by visiting anglers and their families will be a major boost for Aitutaki’s economy.

MMR estimates bonefish licence and permit fees will generate $50,000 annually for the island council – to be used for community projects.

An additional $1.5 million is expected to be spent by anglers and their families on accommodation and other stay-specific expenses such as transport and food.

Local guides themselves are expected to pocket about $800,000 annually.

The figures are based on 1000 anglers visiting Aitutaki each year to catch and release bonefish – which are significantly larger than those in other popular angling destinations throughout the world.

Aitutaki mayor John Baxter says the entire island will benefit from the growing bonefish angling industry.

“If the bonefishing programme (MMR regulations) wasn’t started, we wouldn’t see that money. It is going to be a new attraction.”

American angler and bonefish enthusiast John Hall spends months fly-fishing for bonefish in Aitutaki’s lagoon each year.

He says others like him throughout the world will pay top dollar for the chance of catching a “double figure” fish – those weighing 10 pounds or more.

“To do that is almost unheard of. Bonefish I’ve caught in Aitutaki average about six pounds, while in many other places they average two or three pounds.”

During 13 days of fly-fishing in Aitutaki’s lagoon last November, Hall hooked 89 bonefish – landing 50.

Fourteen of those weighed between eight and 12 pounds, and on the best day Hall landed 13, including the massive 12-pounder.

“That may have been the best day fishing of my life. In 13 days I collectively caught and released about 197 pounds of bonefish on a fly rod.”

Hall says Aitutaki’s existing tourism infrastructure will also lure anglers to the island, and away from other bonefish-rich areas such as Christmas Island.

Aitutaki offers attractions to the partners, spouses, and families of anglers who may not share the thrill of spending hours at a time stalking the silver bottom-feeders through the lagoon, he says.

“Average bonefisherman can afford to come here, and it is spouse and family friendly.”

• Rosie Manins

Finance Minister Mark Brown has no plans to hike taxes. 11021819

Finance Minister Mark Brown said at a press conference on Friday that there is “no truth at all” to recent speculation that government has plans to increase taxes.

“In fact, what we’re looking at doing is trying to provide an environment for business to actually thrive and adding taxes to the equation definitely doesn’t do that so that is not on the agenda – any increase in taxes or even the re-introduction of the levies,” he said.

“In fact, we’re looking at ways where we can try and ease the tax burden on people without compromising government’s ability to collect revenue to meet its social obligations.”

He said that instead of increasing taxes, government hopes to generate revenue by stimulating economic activity.

“What we’re trying to do is create revenues by increasing productivity and increasing economic activity and getting our gains from that,” Brown said.

One way government hopes to increase productivity on a national scale – and to discourage the depopulation of outer islands – is to do away with income tax and company tax for businesses in outer islands.

Brown said the proposal has not met with much resistance, probably because people realise that there is “very little commercial activity” in outer islands (with the exception of Aitutaki).

“I’m getting some economic modelling done so that we can get an indication of what impact it’s going to have on the economy,” he said. “What we’re going to propose at this stage will have a minimal effect.”

Brown said that government does not plan to lift VAT (value-added tax), either in outer islands or on Rarotonga.

“I know New Zealand has done it but what they’ve been able to do to offset that – because it affects low earners primarily – is offer tax cuts to the low earners,” he said. “Here our low earners already receive a $10,000 tax free threshold so we don’t have an ability to even offer them any incentives. If we were to increase the VAT we’d be adding a burden without taking anything away.”

Brown added that the Cook Islands has one of “the best tax regimes in the region” and that the country’s PAYE (pay as you earn) system is “much more progressive” than that of other neighbouring nations.

• Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves

The body of a man believed to be in his early 40s was retrieved from the sea near Avatiu Harbour yesterday.

At press time, police had not yet notified next of kin and refused to release the man’s name.

Just after 7am yesterday, police received a call about a missing person. Officers conducted a search but would not discuss any details.

“We are in the process of preparing the documents and I’m not in a position to release any information,” said Sergeant Avere Simiona Naku, officer in charge.

He said that the Criminal Investigation Branch took over the case and is currently conducting an investigation to establish what happened.

Detective inspector Areumu Ingaua also refused to comment until next-of-kin had been notified.

“At this point in time I’m not to comment any further – the investigation is still continuing,” he said.

Ingaua said at this stage it was too early to discuss whether police believe suspicious circumstances were involved.

The body was found in the sea near Avatiu and retrieved by a team of police officers as a number of visibly upset relatives and friends gathered at the waterfront. It was placed in a hearse to be transported to the Rarotonga hospital morgue.

Coroner Nooapii Tearea was due to inspect the body.

• Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves

The government is working with the New Zealand High Commission to determine the welfare of Cook Islanders living in Christchurch after it was struck yesterday by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the richter scale.

Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Marsters issued a statement yesterday that they are aware there are a large number of Cook Islands residents in Christchurch.

“As acting prime minister, I would like to coordinate our response in a more orderly manner and ask our people if we can all work together through our emergency operation centre (EOC Centre) at Telecom.”

Marsters has asked for people to remain calm. “We will release more details concerning this matter as they come to hand.”

He issued condolences on behalf of the prime minister, cabinet ministers, aronga mana and the people of the Cook Islands to the people of Christchurch who have been affected by such an unfortunate disaster.

“We will continue to work closely with the government of NZ through our NZ High Commission office to assist in any way that we can.”

Marsters says the EOC Centre will release updates as and when information comes through.

Earthquake report and photos, page 5

• FSB/DPM Media

11022115

Inanai, te ra no Te Reo Tumu, kua aao te tamariki apii Iotepha Peata (St Joseph’s) i to ratou kakau pareu manea ei turu te ra. I te tae anga te nuti peapa ki te apii – kua kite ia mai teia au tamariki uki ou e uru ara i to ratou nio e te imene ara ratou, “uru i toou nio i te au ra katoa – popongi, avatea e te ai’ai!” - Matariki Wilson

Cook Islands flags will fly at half mast today as the country mourns with New Zealand the loss of lives and catastrophic destruction caused by the 6.4 richter scale earthquake that struck Christchurch.

At time of going to press, 75 people had been confirmed dead and a further 300 were still missing.

A letter of condolence has been sent to NZ prime minister John Key by acting prime minister Tom Marsters stating that “the Cook Islands people share the loss and pain of your people”.

Marsters said with over 1000 Cook Islanders believed to be living in the Christchurch CBD and surrounding districts, the enormity of the tragedy has been brought even closer to home.

According to a statement issued by Marsters’ office, reports received by the police Emergency Operations Centre from persons contacted in New Zealand “revealed that most Cook Islanders living in Christchurch are outside the area of concern and that there haven’t been any reports of casualties from the Cook Islands community”.

“However, this report remains unconfirmed and officials are still trying to make contact through official and unofficial channels for further update reports,” said the statement.

Concerns were initially raised about the safety of two university scholarship students but through the help of family members, confirmation has been received that both are reported to be safe.

The government of the Cook Islands continues to be concerned about the effects of the devastating earthquake and the emergency operating centre will remain operational until further notice, reads the media release.

People concerned about the safety of family members and friends in Christchurch can ring 22261, 22262, 22263 or 22499 or the NZ number 0064 7 850 2199 to make inquiries or pass on information. “Police officers and other officials operating from the PEOC will do the best they can to locate persons of concern.”

Yesterday morning cabinet was briefed by the commissioner of police, acting secretary of foreign affairs and immigration and the OPM chief of staff on overnight developments.

“Cabinet continues to maintain a close interest in developments and expressed a desire for our people to be regularly updated also,” stated the media release. - FSB/DPM media

Earthquake reports and photos,

pages 4, 5 and 6.

An appeal to raise money for victims of Australian flooding caused by the recent cyclone Yasi has been postponed, so that it can be combined with a drive to help people affected by this week’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

The Ministry of Culture is organising the fundraising initiative, and secretary Sonny Williams says Prime Minister Henry Puna requested the postponement of tomorrow’s Aussie appeal.

Puna is in New Zealand and has talked with Prime Minister John Key, Williams says.

“The Prime Minister requested we postpone the fundraiser so we can do a much bigger one to include the Christchurch appeal. We were planning to have an appeal for Christchurch earthquake victims anyway, so we might as well combine the two into one big one.”

Williams says a tentative date for the mass appeal has been set for mid-March.

When Puna returns to the Cook Islands next week, he will meet with ministry staff to discuss further details, Williams says.

“He asked us not to rush it, and to take a bit of time to see what’s happening in New Zealand.”

Tomorrow’s appeal was to start with a six-hour radiothon hosted by Ben Mose and George Paniani on Radio Cook Islands.

Food sales and a concert were also organised to be held at the National Auditorium.

Raro Idol contestants and some of Rarotonga’s top entertainers and dance troupes were due to perform, for which audience members would pay $5.

Williams says the combined appeal will follow a similar format.

To date the Aussie appeal committee has received $10,000 from the Cook Islands government, and government departments have been asked to make additional donations.

Organisations which have received AusAID are also being encouraged to play an active role in fundraising events.

• Rosie Manins

Cook Islands doctor Kiki Maoate is helping with the emergency in Christchurch. 10070120

Cook Islands paediatric surgeon Dr Kiki Maoate who is based at Christchurch hospital says he hasn’t heard yet of any Cook Islanders being registered as missing persons.

Dr Maoate says he’s been texting and receiving calls from Cook Islanders in Christchurch and “it sounds like everyone is fine.”

Speaking from his mobile phone at 2.45pm local time yesterday, Dr Maoate said there were about 300 people still reported missing and “people are still being pulled out of rubble and houses that have crashed and it’ll be another few days before it’s all sorted out.”

Dr Maoate had just finished a 24-hour shift at Christchurch hospital which he said will be overloaded soon. “We have a capacity problem, but we’re coping okay,” he said.

Part of the hospital had to be closed down due to water leaks caused by earthquake damage and electricity having to be shut down.

Dr Maoate said he’d spent most of his time in emergency attending to babies which were being transferred out of the hospital to safer locations and helping out where he could.

“Most of the work has been attending to adults with broken bones, head injuries and other crush injuries to their bodies...75 people are confirmed dead now. Everyone has been helpful, the Australians and the Americans are coming to give us a hand.”

As for their own home, Dr Maoate said despite being damaged and without water it was “still standing and we are fine”. He and his wife are thankful that when the 6.4 richter scale earthquake struck yesterday their young children were at school out on a field having lunch.

Dr Maoate said schools were fortunate that children were in buildings that weren’t high and didn’t crash down, “otherwise it would’ve been a disaster”.

“The intel is not that good right now, but every home has been damaged.”

Dr Maoate said he would be returning to work early today to check on patients and attend to further emergencies.

• FlorenceSyme-Buchanan

The tragic passing of Eugene Tutaka-George has left a void in the hearts of many on Rarotonga.

Eugene, who drowned this week in what police say was an accident, will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Eugene is believed to have been kayaking alone on Sunday afternoon. Police received a call on Monday at 6.45am from Eugene’s father, who reported him missing.

Officers launched a search and rescue operation and combed the lagoon and beach from O’oa to Nikao. Police also organised a dive team but on account of rough seas, that part of the operation was postponed.

The search team located Eugene’s body at the Avatiu shore opposite the Bond store.

Police conducted a routine investigation into the drowning and were able to rule out foul play. “Our investigation team has done a lot of work in trying to put together the movements of the deceased and I am satisfied that the death was accidental,” detective inspector Areumu Ingaua, head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, said. “Based on the evidence, police are confident that there was no one else involved.”

As the matter also fell within the jurisdiction of the coroner, a coroner’s investigation took place concurrently. The coroner concluded that the cause of death was drowning.

The funeral service will be held this morning at Celebration on the Rock church, and Eugene’s body will be buried on Vakatini land in Tupapa.

• Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves

Index | Photo Gallery | Memory Lane | Cooks Info | FAQs | Subscribe | About Us