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Top News

Week ending Wednesday, 5 October, 2011

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

Solar funds
Kiwi default will make Kukis stronger: PM
$1.1m grant to help elderly
Rakahanga signs $1 million deal
Rakahanga signs $1 million deal
$3m more earmarked for northern group
Heroes ready for selection
Russians claiming Suwarrow
TAU plans radical policy change
Miss Manea pageant contestants
TAU lowers solar power limit
PM pays first official visit to Mangaia
From solicitor general to justice secretary
TAU defends policy

Government will today officially receive more than $1 million for solar panels in Rakahanga.

Japans government and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat are involved in assisting the project, which receives US$1 million through the Pacific Environment Community Fund.

From 11am members of government, including Prime Minister Henry Puna, will take part in the signing of a finance agreement for the initiative, which will see Rakahanga residents move away from their reliance on diesel.

The ceremony takes place at the Office of the Prime Minister and will be followed by a press conference as well as a buffet lunch.

Government will today officially receive more than $1 million for solar panels in Rakahanga.

Japans government and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat are involved in assisting the project, which receives US$1 million through the Pacific Environment Community Fund.

From 11am members of government, including Prime Minister Henry Puna, will take part in the signing of a finance agreement for the initiative, which will see Rakahanga residents move away from their reliance on diesel.

The ceremony takes place at the Office of the Prime Minister and will be followed by a press conference as well as a buffet lunch.

• Rosie Manins

Prime Minister Henry Puna meeting Zane Tetevano, Sam Mataora and Brad Takairangi of the Cook Islands senior representative squad yesterday at a special luncheon. 11092851

Prime Minister Henry Puna says the Cook Islands can go into the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with pride in the fact it beat the reigning world champions New Zealand albeit by default.

Puna hosted the Cook Islands senior representative squad and other visiting rugby league players in a luncheon at his Avarua office yesterday.

The day was meant to be an official welcome for the team which was about to play the Kiwis side next week and a kicking off point for 10 days of out-of-season rugby league matches in the Cook Islands.

Instead, an odd feeling of loss pervaded the crowd at the prime ministers office, following the Kiwi withdrawal from the first-ever international rugby league test match to be played at Rarotonga.

But the prime minister tried to cheer up the crowd which included Cook Islander expatriates from New Zealand and Australia, under 18s players from New Zealand and the Cook Islands, and local senior players with a few encouraging points.

Puna said the Cook Islands would use the disappointment of the Kiwis withdrawal to become stronger in the lead-up to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it, Puna quoted Eliza Tabor.

I believe this disappointment will make you stronger, strengthen your resolve and make you better at what you do.

And now we can go to the World Cup saying we beat New Zealand, even if it was by default.

Puna also joked that the New Zealand snub could have consequences for New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter.

Weve never thrown out a New Zealand diplomat before, but this could be the reason for the first time, he said to the uproars of Carter, who was sitting in the crowd alongside deputy prime minister Tom Marsters, speaker of the parliament Sir Geoffrey Henry and a few other representatives from the government.

Puna said the Cook Islands government had jumped behind the chance to support the Cook Islands Rugby League in planning the now abandoned international test match.

He also said the government was as eager as ever to see the Kiwis-Kukis test match eventually held in the Cook Islands.

And though it was an immense shame for the match to be cancelled, Puna said the wider tri-series tournament was an interesting tester for the Cook Islands.

Puna said the sizeble crowd of Cook Islanders from New Zealand and Australia represented an attempt at a kind of sports tourism for the Cook Islands, the target market being people of Cook Islands descent who live off the islands or have never been to their homeland.

We believe that this will start a trend for sports tourism in our country, Puna said.

I welcome people returning home and to the people who are visiting for the first time I welcome you to your home. Please use this chance to get to know your family, your culture and your heritage while you are here.

Junior Kangaroos approached to play, page 16

Prime Minister Henry Puna says the Cook Islands can go into the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with pride in the fact it beat the reigning world champions New Zealand albeit by default.

Puna hosted the Cook Islands senior representative squad and other visiting rugby league players in a luncheon at his Avarua office yesterday.

The day was meant to be an official welcome for the team which was about to play the Kiwis side next week and a kicking off point for 10 days of out-of-season rugby league matches in the Cook Islands.

Instead, an odd feeling of loss pervaded the crowd at the prime ministers office, following the Kiwi withdrawal from the first-ever international rugby league test match to be played at Rarotonga.

But the prime minister tried to cheer up the crowd which included Cook Islander expatriates from New Zealand and Australia, under 18s players from New Zealand and the Cook Islands, and local senior players with a few encouraging points.

Puna said the Cook Islands would use the disappointment of the Kiwis withdrawal to become stronger in the lead-up to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it, Puna quoted Eliza Tabor.

I believe this disappointment will make you stronger, strengthen your resolve and make you better at what you do.

And now we can go to the World Cup saying we beat New Zealand, even if it was by default.

Puna also joked that the New Zealand snub could have consequences for New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter.

Weve never thrown out a New Zealand diplomat before, but this could be the reason for the first time, he said to the uproars of Carter, who was sitting in the crowd alongside deputy prime minister Tom Marsters, speaker of the parliament Sir Geoffrey Henry and a few other representatives from the government.

Puna said the Cook Islands government had jumped behind the chance to support the Cook Islands Rugby League in planning the now abandoned international test match.

He also said the government was as eager as ever to see the Kiwis-Kukis test match eventually held in the Cook Islands.

And though it was an immense shame for the match to be cancelled, Puna said the wider tri-series tournament was an interesting tester for the Cook Islands.

Puna said the sizeble crowd of Cook Islanders from New Zealand and Australia represented an attempt at a kind of sports tourism for the Cook Islands, the target market being people of Cook Islands descent who live off the islands or have never been to their homeland.

We believe that this will start a trend for sports tourism in our country, Puna said.

I welcome people returning home and to the people who are visiting for the first time I welcome you to your home. Please use this chance to get to know your family, your culture and your heritage while you are here.

Junior Kangaroos approached to play, page 16

• Eric Parnis

Traditional structures of assistance for vulnerable members of society are weakening and there is need for greater facilitation of help, Prime Minister Henry Puna says.

He spoke yesterday at the official handing over of funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japanese government for a project aimed at improving the lives of elderly and disabled Cook Islanders.

About $1.1 million (US$900,000) has been granted to the Cook Islands from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, established by the ADB and Japans government.

Puna says his government is appreciative of the money, which is needed now more than ever.

Traditionally disabled and elderly people are cared for by family however we are seeing signs that this system is being challenged as our people leave our shores. Traditional systems are being weakened and vulnerable members of our society are increasingly at risk this support could not have come at a better time.

Japans rough time with this years tsunami makes the countrys support of the Cook Islands even more significant and accordingly Puna says he is greatly humbled.

He says although the Cook Islands has one of the most extensively developed social welfare systems in the region, there is still a lot more the country can do to improve the lives of its most vulnerable citizens.

The project at present being implemented will enable government to better target vulnerable residents, particularly in outer island communities, in order to provide them assistance.

This project will also provide us the opportunity to consider possible reforms for the Cook Islands social welfare system, to improve it. A steering committee will be established in coming weeks to view these challenges and opportunities and provide oversight and support for implementation of this project, Puna says.

The project, which will involve home care and nursing services, should be completed by March 2013.

- Rosie Manins

page 7

Traditional structures of assistance for vulnerable members of society are weakening and there is need for greater facilitation of help, Prime Minister Henry Puna says.

He spoke yesterday at the official handing over of funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japanese government for a project aimed at improving the lives of elderly and disabled Cook Islanders.

About $1.1 million (US$900,000) has been granted to the Cook Islands from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, established by the ADB and Japans government.

Puna says his government is appreciative of the money, which is needed now more than ever.

Traditionally disabled and elderly people are cared for by family however we are seeing signs that this system is being challenged as our people leave our shores. Traditional systems are being weakened and vulnerable members of our society are increasingly at risk this support could not have come at a better time.

Japans rough time with this years tsunami makes the countrys support of the Cook Islands even more significant and accordingly Puna says he is greatly humbled.

He says although the Cook Islands has one of the most extensively developed social welfare systems in the region, there is still a lot more the country can do to improve the lives of its most vulnerable citizens.

The project at present being implemented will enable government to better target vulnerable residents, particularly in outer island communities, in order to provide them assistance.

This project will also provide us the opportunity to consider possible reforms for the Cook Islands social welfare system, to improve it. A steering committee will be established in coming weeks to view these challenges and opportunities and provide oversight and support for implementation of this project, Puna says.

The project, which will involve home care and nursing services, should be completed by March 2013.

- Rosie Manins

page 7

Rakahanga warrior Junior Leon Tarau laying down a pora to welcome Prime Minister Henry Puna and Japanese Ambassador Hideto Mitamura to yesterday’s proceedings. 11092937

It can be easy to forget about the people affected by government business in all the political talk of policy, purse strings and progress. Their stories are often lost in the wider details of a deal.

But when an emotional Rakahanga MP Taunga Toka took to the speakers podium at the prime ministers office yesterday, the importance of a $1.2 million deal signed there that day hit home for the small crowd looking on.

Toka almost broke down when thanking Prime Minister Henry Puna and the Cook Islands government, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Japanese ambassador Hideto Mitamura for delivering on their promise to bring renewable energy to the far-flung atoll.

By introducing solar power to Rakahanga, Toka said the island would not just gain access to renewable energy but, more importantly, reliable energy.

We have suffered. Weve been stuck on only 12 hours a day for electricity... Toka said, stopping to take deep breaths and calm himself.

I want to say thank you, thank you to all those involved in making it possible for Rakahanga to have power in the future.

Thank you to the Cook Islands government, the government of Japan and the people of Japan for their help.

Thank you for following up on your promises.

The deal signed yesterday between the prime minister and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat deputy secretary general Feleti Teo promises to bring the people of Rakahanga better access to a reliable and secure supply of electricity.

And the deal will move on making that power accessible 24 hours a day, not just when the sun shines, through the projects storage facilities.

The best part for Rakahanga, perhaps, is Punas urgency on the issue.

The prime minister said he was impatient to see the project rolled out and put into use on the island.

He also said there were more similar projects set to be announced soon for other islands in the northern group to be paid for with the millions of unallocated dollars set aside through the same fund for the Cook Islands.

It can be easy to forget about the people affected by government business in all the political talk of policy, purse strings and progress. Their stories are often lost in the wider details of a deal.

But when an emotional Rakahanga MP Taunga Toka took to the speakers podium at the prime ministers office yesterday, the importance of a $1.2 million deal signed there that day hit home for the small crowd looking on.

Toka almost broke down when thanking Prime Minister Henry Puna and the Cook Islands government, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Japanese ambassador Hideto Mitamura for delivering on their promise to bring renewable energy to the far-flung atoll.

By introducing solar power to Rakahanga, Toka said the island would not just gain access to renewable energy but, more importantly, reliable energy.

We have suffered. Weve been stuck on only 12 hours a day for electricity... Toka said, stopping to take deep breaths and calm himself.

I want to say thank you, thank you to all those involved in making it possible for Rakahanga to have power in the future.

Thank you to the Cook Islands government, the government of Japan and the people of Japan for their help.

Thank you for following up on your promises.

The deal signed yesterday between the prime minister and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat deputy secretary general Feleti Teo promises to bring the people of Rakahanga better access to a reliable and secure supply of electricity.

And the deal will move on making that power accessible 24 hours a day, not just when the sun shines, through the projects storage facilities.

The best part for Rakahanga, perhaps, is Punas urgency on the issue.

The prime minister said he was impatient to see the project rolled out and put into use on the island.

He also said there were more similar projects set to be announced soon for other islands in the northern group to be paid for with the millions of unallocated dollars set aside through the same fund for the Cook Islands.

• Eric Parnis

It can be easy to forget about the people affected by government business in all the political talk of policy, purse strings and progress. Their stories are often lost in the wider details of a deal.

But when an emotional Rakahanga MP Taunga Toka took to the speakers podium at the prime ministers office yesterday, the importance of a $1.2 million deal signed there that day hit home for the small crowd looking on.

Toka almost broke down when thanking Prime Minister Henry Puna and the Cook Islands government, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Japanese ambassador Hideto Mitamura for delivering on their promise to bring renewable energy to the far-flung atoll.

By introducing solar power to Rakahanga, Toka said the island would not just gain access to renewable energy but, more importantly, reliable energy.

We have suffered. Weve been stuck on only 12 hours a day for electricity... Toka said, stopping to take deep breaths and calm himself.

I want to say thank you, thank you to all those involved in making it possible for Rakahanga to have power in the future.

Thank you to the Cook Islands government, the government of Japan and the people of Japan for their help.

Thank you for following up on your promises.

The deal signed yesterday between the prime minister and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat deputy secretary general Feleti Teo promises to bring the people of Rakahanga better access to a reliable and secure supply of electricity.

And the deal will move on making that power accessible 24 hours a day, not just when the sun shines, through the projects storage facilities.

The best part for Rakahanga, perhaps, is Punas urgency on the issue.

The prime minister said he was impatient to see the project rolled out and put into use on the island.

He also said there were more similar projects set to be announced soon for other islands in the northern group to be paid for with the millions of unallocated dollars set aside through the same fund for the Cook Islands.

It can be easy to forget about the people affected by government business in all the political talk of policy, purse strings and progress. Their stories are often lost in the wider details of a deal.

But when an emotional Rakahanga MP Taunga Toka took to the speakers podium at the prime ministers office yesterday, the importance of a $1.2 million deal signed there that day hit home for the small crowd looking on.

Toka almost broke down when thanking Prime Minister Henry Puna and the Cook Islands government, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Japanese ambassador Hideto Mitamura for delivering on their promise to bring renewable energy to the far-flung atoll.

By introducing solar power to Rakahanga, Toka said the island would not just gain access to renewable energy but, more importantly, reliable energy.

We have suffered. Weve been stuck on only 12 hours a day for electricity... Toka said, stopping to take deep breaths and calm himself.

I want to say thank you, thank you to all those involved in making it possible for Rakahanga to have power in the future.

Thank you to the Cook Islands government, the government of Japan and the people of Japan for their help.

Thank you for following up on your promises.

The deal signed yesterday between the prime minister and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat deputy secretary general Feleti Teo promises to bring the people of Rakahanga better access to a reliable and secure supply of electricity.

And the deal will move on making that power accessible 24 hours a day, not just when the sun shines, through the projects storage facilities.

The best part for Rakahanga, perhaps, is Punas urgency on the issue.

The prime minister said he was impatient to see the project rolled out and put into use on the island.

He also said there were more similar projects set to be announced soon for other islands in the northern group to be paid for with the millions of unallocated dollars set aside through the same fund for the Cook Islands.

• Eric Parnis

All of the Cook Islands northern group will see projects similar to the Rakahanga renewable energy scheme be introduced in the next three years.

About $3 million remains open for Cook Islands use under the Pacific Environment Community Fund for future projects similar to that being implemented at Rakahanga.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Henry Puna said the Cook Islands government was progressing on plans for similar projects at Pukapuka, Nassau, Manihiki and Suwarrow.

The plans will be submitted to the PEC fund in the coming weeks to ensure the Cook Islands uses its allocation within the set timeframe.

Once the time limit expires for countries, their unused funds go back into a pool which other nations can then bid on.

I will ensure Mr Acting Secretary General (Feleti Teo of the Pacific Forum Secretariat) that my staff works earnestly to ensure the remaining funds are captured before the three years is due, Puna said yesterday

And perhaps even capture the allocation of those countries that have yet to submit a proposal.

Puna told Cook Islands News yesterday that the government would be working quickly to see the projects become a reality.

He also told CINews the government would need to make some policy changes to ensure the equipment was properly maintained and upgraded in the years after it is built on the islands.

There are obviously some policy issues that need to be sorted out as soon as possible including maintenance issues to ensure the islands are getting reliable and steady electricity, he said.

But in the meantime, Puna said the government was focussed on having solar panels installed at Rakahanga and plans finished for the projects throughout the north.

When asked when he thought Rakahanga would be running on renewable energy, Puna said he was eager to see it happen soon.

As soon as, he said.

All of the Cook Islands northern group will see projects similar to the Rakahanga renewable energy scheme be introduced in the next three years.

About $3 million remains open for Cook Islands use under the Pacific Environment Community Fund for future projects similar to that being implemented at Rakahanga.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Henry Puna said the Cook Islands government was progressing on plans for similar projects at Pukapuka, Nassau, Manihiki and Suwarrow.

The plans will be submitted to the PEC fund in the coming weeks to ensure the Cook Islands uses its allocation within the set timeframe.

Once the time limit expires for countries, their unused funds go back into a pool which other nations can then bid on.

I will ensure Mr Acting Secretary General (Feleti Teo of the Pacific Forum Secretariat) that my staff works earnestly to ensure the remaining funds are captured before the three years is due, Puna said yesterday

And perhaps even capture the allocation of those countries that have yet to submit a proposal.

Puna told Cook Islands News yesterday that the government would be working quickly to see the projects become a reality.

He also told CINews the government would need to make some policy changes to ensure the equipment was properly maintained and upgraded in the years after it is built on the islands.

There are obviously some policy issues that need to be sorted out as soon as possible including maintenance issues to ensure the islands are getting reliable and steady electricity, he said.

But in the meantime, Puna said the government was focussed on having solar panels installed at Rakahanga and plans finished for the projects throughout the north.

When asked when he thought Rakahanga would be running on renewable energy, Puna said he was eager to see it happen soon.

As soon as, he said.

• Eric Parnis

Fifty Christchurch earthquake survivors and their partners are set to travel to the Cook Islands for a free holiday in November and December.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker has almost completed his selection of 50 heroes who will enjoy an all-expenses-paid holiday to the Cook Islands with their partners.

Parker was also among those invited, although his office was not prepared to confirm if he would make the trip when asked by Cook Islands News.

The full list has not yet been announced in the Christchurch Council, so a spokeswoman was not willing to make comment until it had been put before the council.

She said the team was working on the issue presently.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation contacted the Christchurch Council in February, offering holidays to 50 people who went the extra mile in rebuilding the ruined city after the September and January earthquakes.

The offer was made on the generous donations of people and organisations throughout the Cook Islands tourism industry, said Metua Vaiimene, Cook Islands Tourism Corporations man in charge of coordinating the trip.

Vaiimene said the corporation would soon be getting in contact with those who made donations to confirm booking details.

Thank you once again to all who have donated to this gesture, big and small, your contributions are very much appreciated, he said.

Fifty Christchurch earthquake survivors and their partners are set to travel to the Cook Islands for a free holiday in November and December.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker has almost completed his selection of 50 heroes who will enjoy an all-expenses-paid holiday to the Cook Islands with their partners.

Parker was also among those invited, although his office was not prepared to confirm if he would make the trip when asked by Cook Islands News.

The full list has not yet been announced in the Christchurch Council, so a spokeswoman was not willing to make comment until it had been put before the council.

She said the team was working on the issue presently.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation contacted the Christchurch Council in February, offering holidays to 50 people who went the extra mile in rebuilding the ruined city after the September and January earthquakes.

The offer was made on the generous donations of people and organisations throughout the Cook Islands tourism industry, said Metua Vaiimene, Cook Islands Tourism Corporations man in charge of coordinating the trip.

Vaiimene said the corporation would soon be getting in contact with those who made donations to confirm booking details.

Thank you once again to all who have donated to this gesture, big and small, your contributions are very much appreciated, he said.

• Eric Parnis

Anton Bakov, vice-president of the Federal Political Council of the Party Action, claims he purchased Suwarrow from Prime Minister Henry Puna. 11093043

A Russian political party leader is claiming that he purchased Suwarrow from the Cook Islands government in July of this year.

Anton Bakov has declared Suwarrow the capital of the revitalised Russian Empire and himself the prime minister.

Izvestia, one of Moscows most well-known newspapers, quotes Bakov as saying he bought Suwarrow for tens of millions of dollars from Prime Minister Henry Puna on July 20.

Bakov has apparently declared Suwarrow a federal constitutional monarchy. Purchasing the atoll is reportedly part and parcel of his plan to re-establish the Russian Empire, which was a state from 1721 until the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the predecessor to the Soviet Union.

The coat of arms of Bakovs new Russian Empire of which Suwarrow is the capital displays a double-headed eagle and the hammer and sickle. Its flag is the old Russian Navy Ensign, a blue X against a white background.

Bakov says he himself is responsible for managing the micronation of Suwarrow. He claims to be searching for a descendent of the Romanov dynasty line to assume the role of emperor, but until then he will remain in charge.

Russian-born Rutaki resident Dr Oxana Makhno says Bakov is quite a prominent political figure.

He was a member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation the lower house of the federal assembly from 2003 to 2007. He is also the vice-chairman of the Federal Political Council of the Party Action one of the largest political parties in Russia and an outspoken environmental activist and champion of human rights.

Bakov maintains Suwarrow is woven into Russias history.

Suwarrow was uninhabited when Russian ship Suvorov made landfall there in 1814.

The ship itself from which the island takes its name was named after Russian general Alexander Suvorov. His surname is spelt Suwarrow in Lord Byrons epic poem Don Juan.

The atolls name has been spelled Souvorow, Souwaroff and Souworoff, but New Zealand ultimately adopted Lord Byrons Suwarrow as the official spelling.

The Izvestia article in question was printed in early September.

Russian-born Rarotonga resident Tatiana Burn says Izvestia is generally regarded as a credible newspaper in Russia.

The writer of the Izvestia article quoting Bakov says that calls to Punas office presumably put through to double-check Bakovs claim were not returned.

Chief executive of the office of the prime minister Edwin Pittman dismissed Bakovs claim as a con.

This is clearly inaccurate. I dont think it is necessary to respond to something that is clearly a con of some nature and not worth worrying about, he said yesterday.

A Russian political party leader is claiming that he purchased Suwarrow from the Cook Islands government in July of this year.

Anton Bakov has declared Suwarrow the capital of the revitalised Russian Empire and himself the prime minister.

Izvestia, one of Moscows most well-known newspapers, quotes Bakov as saying he bought Suwarrow for tens of millions of dollars from Prime Minister Henry Puna on July 20.

Bakov has apparently declared Suwarrow a federal constitutional monarchy. Purchasing the atoll is reportedly part and parcel of his plan to re-establish the Russian Empire, which was a state from 1721 until the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the predecessor to the Soviet Union.

The coat of arms of Bakovs new Russian Empire of which Suwarrow is the capital displays a double-headed eagle and the hammer and sickle. Its flag is the old Russian Navy Ensign, a blue X against a white background.

Bakov says he himself is responsible for managing the micronation of Suwarrow. He claims to be searching for a descendent of the Romanov dynasty line to assume the role of emperor, but until then he will remain in charge.

Russian-born Rutaki resident Dr Oxana Makhno says Bakov is quite a prominent political figure.

He was a member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation the lower house of the federal assembly from 2003 to 2007. He is also the vice-chairman of the Federal Political Council of the Party Action one of the largest political parties in Russia and an outspoken environmental activist and champion of human rights.

Bakov maintains Suwarrow is woven into Russias history.

Suwarrow was uninhabited when Russian ship Suvorov made landfall there in 1814.

The ship itself from which the island takes its name was named after Russian general Alexander Suvorov. His surname is spelt Suwarrow in Lord Byrons epic poem Don Juan.

The atolls name has been spelled Souvorow, Souwaroff and Souworoff, but New Zealand ultimately adopted Lord Byrons Suwarrow as the official spelling.

The Izvestia article in question was printed in early September.

Russian-born Rarotonga resident Tatiana Burn says Izvestia is generally regarded as a credible newspaper in Russia.

The writer of the Izvestia article quoting Bakov says that calls to Punas office presumably put through to double-check Bakovs claim were not returned.

Chief executive of the office of the prime minister Edwin Pittman dismissed Bakovs claim as a con.

This is clearly inaccurate. I dont think it is necessary to respond to something that is clearly a con of some nature and not worth worrying about, he said yesterday.

• Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves

The Cook Islands green dreams have been torpedoed just a day after government signed a $1 million deal to introduce solar power to Rakahanga.

Rarotongas energy provider is expected to change its policies surrounding privately-owned solar installations next week as the islands electricity grid nears its capacity.

Cook Islands News understands Te Aponga Uira (TAU) will release a new policy next week, detailing changes to its policy governing net-metering and grid connected renewable generators.

One of the major changes in the policy will effectively remove guidelines regarding the maximum size of installations such as wind turbines and solar panel systems permitted at peoples homes and businesses.

Currently, the policy allows for the installation of solar and wind units of up to 10 kilowatts before they are considered to be of a retail size.

The new policy will see that limit effectively removed, with the new threshold set at 2 kilowatts.

TAU classifies any property with an installation above the current 10 kilowatt limit to be an independent power producer.

The company classifies an independent power producer as an organisation or individual who has been granted a licence to generate, distribute and retail electricity to consumers at Rarotonga.

The policy changes were floated during a board meeting on Thursday night, but the decision has not yet been officially adopted.

Representatives from TAU were unwilling to comment on the changes yesterday, saying more information would be available next week.

When CINews contacted the Office of Prime Minister for comment from Henry Puna, the Minister for Energy and Renewable Energy, a spokesman said the office had not yet been made aware of TAUs proposed policy changes.

The spokesman said neither Puna nor his office was willing to make a comment on the issue until it had examined the facts, which it would do next week.

The electricity grid on Rarotonga has a loading limit of about 600 kilowatts at present.

The grid can only take in about 15 to 20 percent of its peak loading limit as feed-in electricity created by renewable generators.

CINews understands the grid is quickly approaching that limit, forcing TAU to consider changes to its policy on grid connected renewable generators.

The current net-metering policy was introduced in November 2009.

Since then a number of large, commercially-sized solar installations have been mounted at businesses across Rarotonga, and in recent months there is an upsurge in solar power investments for both homes and businesses.

These include a number of 50 kilowatt systems and some that can generate up to 80 kilowatts of power.

TAU itself has solar installations already installed or currently in planning that will create an estimated 160 kilowatts of power when combined together.

The Cook Islands green dreams have been torpedoed just a day after government signed a $1 million deal to introduce solar power to Rakahanga.

Rarotongas energy provider is expected to change its policies surrounding privately-owned solar installations next week as the islands electricity grid nears its capacity.

Cook Islands News understands Te Aponga Uira (TAU) will release a new policy next week, detailing changes to its policy governing net-metering and grid connected renewable generators.

One of the major changes in the policy will effectively remove guidelines regarding the maximum size of installations such as wind turbines and solar panel systems permitted at peoples homes and businesses.

Currently, the policy allows for the installation of solar and wind units of up to 10 kilowatts before they are considered to be of a retail size.

The new policy will see that limit effectively removed, with the new threshold set at 2 kilowatts.

TAU classifies any property with an installation above the current 10 kilowatt limit to be an independent power producer.

The company classifies an independent power producer as an organisation or individual who has been granted a licence to generate, distribute and retail electricity to consumers at Rarotonga.

The policy changes were floated during a board meeting on Thursday night, but the decision has not yet been officially adopted.

Representatives from TAU were unwilling to comment on the changes yesterday, saying more information would be available next week.

When CINews contacted the Office of Prime Minister for comment from Henry Puna, the Minister for Energy and Renewable Energy, a spokesman said the office had not yet been made aware of TAUs proposed policy changes.

The spokesman said neither Puna nor his office was willing to make a comment on the issue until it had examined the facts, which it would do next week.

The electricity grid on Rarotonga has a loading limit of about 600 kilowatts at present.

The grid can only take in about 15 to 20 percent of its peak loading limit as feed-in electricity created by renewable generators.

CINews understands the grid is quickly approaching that limit, forcing TAU to consider changes to its policy on grid connected renewable generators.

The current net-metering policy was introduced in November 2009.

Since then a number of large, commercially-sized solar installations have been mounted at businesses across Rarotonga, and in recent months there is an upsurge in solar power investments for both homes and businesses.

These include a number of 50 kilowatt systems and some that can generate up to 80 kilowatts of power.

TAU itself has solar installations already installed or currently in planning that will create an estimated 160 kilowatts of power when combined together.

• Eric Parnis

Miss Manea Mangaia winner Miss Red Kiriana Ngatamariki (far right) with fellow contestants (from left) Miss White Grace Matapo, Miss Blue Tequila Daniel, Miss Yellow Tokoa Pereina and Miss Purple Eirene Tangatakino. Story and photo, page 14. PHOTO SUE NGATOKORUA 11092920

 

 

TAU lowers solar power limit

Tue
4 Oct

Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has cut its limit on renewable energy installations which need approval to one-fifth of its former 10 kilowatt limit.

The new limit for installations that are automatically eligible for net-metering is now 2 kilowatts, as was reported in Cook Islands News on Saturday.

TAU released a statement to the media yesterday, which said it had dropped the 10 kilowatt limit for safety reasons.

The first consideration is always safety, both for personnel and equipment, the statement read.

Large solar installations have potentially lethal high voltages, both DC and AC, and their design and connection is not a job for hobbyists and enthusiasts, but needs to be done by properly qualified and experienced personnel.

In some instances, specific special equipment is required to ensure a safe installation. Issues of harmonics, reactive power and voltage rise need to be addressed to ensure neighbouring consumers are not adversely affected.

TAU, until recently, was the only supplier of electricity into the grid, and could readily take responsibility for the quality of supply. TAU must continue to be responsible, and needs to assess all grid-tied generation equipment, and the design of the electrical interface for larger installations.

TAU chief executive Apii Timoti sent the release to Cook Islands News yesterday and also bought advertising space for it.

Saturdays CINews story said the proposed policy change had torpedoed governments green dreams, and the story was given to Timoti for comment or correction, but he declined to respond other than to request with-holding and non-publication of the story.

In yesterdays release, TAU said it required all new installations to be registered with itself for approval, not just installations that would surpass the former 10 kilowatt limit.

The policy still stands despite the top-end reduction.

Installations up to 2 kilowatts will automatically be eligible for net-metering, so long as the equipment and installation meets the relevant standards and regulations, the release reads.

Good quality 2 kilowatts installations are expected to have minimal impact on the grid, and so will not need in-depth study.

Installations larger than 2 kilowatts need to be assessed in the context of the grid area they will be connected to.

TAU said in its release that it is currently recruiting expertise to design storage capability for the Rarotonga grid, which is essential to allow a much greater penetration of renewable energy.

This is the next important phase of achieving governments renewable energy vision. Implementation of grid-scale storage will be an eye-wateringly expensive exercise, but is absolutely necessary to achieve beyond 6 percent of Rarotongas energy needs.

In the release, TAU also said it recognises that it is highly beneficial for the community as a whole if a significant proportion of Rarotongas renewable energy equipment is funded by the private sector.

Therefore installations that meet the relevant standards, and have been properly designed so as not to have a negative impact on the grid, will be permitted to be connected.

If large amounts of reverse energy are to be put back into the grid, then the grid in that area needs to be checked for its capacity to accept it. If unacceptably-large load swings are likely to occur, which might exceed TAUs spinning reserve, then the consumer will need to install storage capability to avoid a negative impact on the public power supply.

Large installations require very much more than just a few solar panels and an inverter. They need proper design, and careful consideration of the knock-on effects.

Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has cut its limit on renewable energy installations which need approval to one-fifth of its former 10 kilowatt limit.

The new limit for installations that are automatically eligible for net-metering is now 2 kilowatts, as was reported in Cook Islands News on Saturday.

TAU released a statement to the media yesterday, which said it had dropped the 10 kilowatt limit for safety reasons.

The first consideration is always safety, both for personnel and equipment, the statement read.

Large solar installations have potentially lethal high voltages, both DC and AC, and their design and connection is not a job for hobbyists and enthusiasts, but needs to be done by properly qualified and experienced personnel.

In some instances, specific special equipment is required to ensure a safe installation. Issues of harmonics, reactive power and voltage rise need to be addressed to ensure neighbouring consumers are not adversely affected.

TAU, until recently, was the only supplier of electricity into the grid, and could readily take responsibility for the quality of supply. TAU must continue to be responsible, and needs to assess all grid-tied generation equipment, and the design of the electrical interface for larger installations.

TAU chief executive Apii Timoti sent the release to Cook Islands News yesterday and also bought advertising space for it.

Saturdays CINews story said the proposed policy change had torpedoed governments green dreams, and the story was given to Timoti for comment or correction, but he declined to respond other than to request with-holding and non-publication of the story.

In yesterdays release, TAU said it required all new installations to be registered with itself for approval, not just installations that would surpass the former 10 kilowatt limit.

The policy still stands despite the top-end reduction.

Installations up to 2 kilowatts will automatically be eligible for net-metering, so long as the equipment and installation meets the relevant standards and regulations, the release reads.

Good quality 2 kilowatts installations are expected to have minimal impact on the grid, and so will not need in-depth study.

Installations larger than 2 kilowatts need to be assessed in the context of the grid area they will be connected to.

TAU said in its release that it is currently recruiting expertise to design storage capability for the Rarotonga grid, which is essential to allow a much greater penetration of renewable energy.

This is the next important phase of achieving governments renewable energy vision. Implementation of grid-scale storage will be an eye-wateringly expensive exercise, but is absolutely necessary to achieve beyond 6 percent of Rarotongas energy needs.

In the release, TAU also said it recognises that it is highly beneficial for the community as a whole if a significant proportion of Rarotongas renewable energy equipment is funded by the private sector.

Therefore installations that meet the relevant standards, and have been properly designed so as not to have a negative impact on the grid, will be permitted to be connected.

If large amounts of reverse energy are to be put back into the grid, then the grid in that area needs to be checked for its capacity to accept it. If unacceptably-large load swings are likely to occur, which might exceed TAUs spinning reserve, then the consumer will need to install storage capability to avoid a negative impact on the public power supply.

Large installations require very much more than just a few solar panels and an inverter. They need proper design, and careful consideration of the knock-on effects.

• Eric Parnis

 

 

PM pays first official visit to Mangaia

Tue
4 Oct

Prime Minister Henry Puna and his wife Akaiti are carried on a paata from their plane to the Mangaia airport terminal yesterday morning. Official opening ceremony report – pages 12 and 13. 11100354

Prime Minister Henry Puna was given a royal welcome to Mangaia on Monday morning on what was his first official visit to the outer island.

Puna and his wife Akaiti were carried on a traditional paata from their Air Rarotonga plane to the Mangaia airport terminal where they and their group were warmly welcomed to the island.

Sports minister Mark Brown was also on the same flight at Puna with support staff from both offices.

As the island was in the middle of preparing for the opening ceremony of the Manea Games on the same day, it was left to a small group of village and traditional leaders to welcome the prime ministers delegation and share the welcoming warmth of the islands people.

In thanking his hosts, Puna said the title he carries as prime minister is a title owned by the people of the Cook Islands.

Kare naku teia taoanga na te iti tangata Kuki Airani tei taoanga.

He added that his visit to Mangaia was in support of youth and sports development on the island as well as to be part of the opening of the Manea Games.

Puna and his delegation were then hosted to a traditional welcome feast at the Taveenga community hall in Oneroa before they joined the celebrations at the opening ceremony.

Puna is expected to meet with the Island Council today as part of his official visit and to look at some of the projects on the island including the recently upgraded harbour.

Prime Minister Henry Puna was given a royal welcome to Mangaia on Monday morning on what was his first official visit to the outer island.

Puna and his wife Akaiti were carried on a traditional paata from their Air Rarotonga plane to the Mangaia airport terminal where they and their group were warmly welcomed to the island.

Sports minister Mark Brown was also on the same flight at Puna with support staff from both offices.

As the island was in the middle of preparing for the opening ceremony of the Manea Games on the same day, it was left to a small group of village and traditional leaders to welcome the prime ministers delegation and share the welcoming warmth of the islands people.

In thanking his hosts, Puna said the title he carries as prime minister is a title owned by the people of the Cook Islands.

Kare naku teia taoanga na te iti tangata Kuki Airani tei taoanga.

He added that his visit to Mangaia was in support of youth and sports development on the island as well as to be part of the opening of the Manea Games.

Puna and his delegation were then hosted to a traditional welcome feast at the Taveenga community hall in Oneroa before they joined the celebrations at the opening ceremony.

Puna is expected to meet with the Island Council today as part of his official visit and to look at some of the projects on the island including the recently upgraded harbour.

• Matariki Wilson

 

 

From solicitor general to justice secretary

Wed
5 Oct

Miss Manea pageant contestants (from left) Miss Nukuroa Elizabeth Bryson, Miss Araura Shardae Neale, Miss Auau and crowned Maine Manea Kiriana Ngatamariki and Miss Akatokamanava Temaui Tura. 11100452

08072434

Former solicitor general Tingika Elikana has started his new job as the head of the justice ministry.

Elikana began working as justice secretary on Monday, although his appointment was formally confirmed by public service commissioner Navy Epati yesterday.

e Evans will be officially sworn in as deputy solicitor general during a ceremony at Government House in Titikaveka.

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner will now facilitate the process of advertising for a new solicitor general, who will be appointed by Queens Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin on advice from cabinet.

A selection panel put together by attorney general and Prime Minister Henry Puna will make recommendations to cabinet.

Epati says Elikanas extensive knowledge of Cook Islands legal systems and his expertise and experience in the court and policing realms will be most valuable to his new role.

Elikana is a lawyer and former police officer with a law degree, post graduate diploma in public service management, a Masters degree in public administration and post graduate diploma in international relations.

He has been an integral part of the Central Agencies Committee, National Sustainable Development Committee, and the steering committee for the Public Service Functional Review.

The public service, and in particular the Ministry of Justice, stands to benefit immensely from Mr Elikanas well rounded cache of skills, education and invaluable hands-on experience, Epati says.

Elikana, from Pukapuka, says he looks forward to new challenges in his job and invites anyone wanting to talk about issues within the justice arena to contact him.

Court registrar Claudine Henry-Anguna and Alex Henry of the Office of the Public Service Commissioner have been acting justice secretaries while the position last held by Mark Short remained vacant.

Former solicitor general Tingika Elikana has started his new job as the head of the justice ministry.

Elikana began working as justice secretary on Monday, although his appointment was formally confirmed by public service commissioner Navy Epati yesterday.

e Evans will be officially sworn in as deputy solicitor general during a ceremony at Government House in Titikaveka.

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner will now facilitate the process of advertising for a new solicitor general, who will be appointed by Queens Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin on advice from cabinet.

A selection panel put together by attorney general and Prime Minister Henry Puna will make recommendations to cabinet.

Epati says Elikanas extensive knowledge of Cook Islands legal systems and his expertise and experience in the court and policing realms will be most valuable to his new role.

Elikana is a lawyer and former police officer with a law degree, post graduate diploma in public service management, a Masters degree in public administration and post graduate diploma in international relations.

He has been an integral part of the Central Agencies Committee, National Sustainable Development Committee, and the steering committee for the Public Service Functional Review.

The public service, and in particular the Ministry of Justice, stands to benefit immensely from Mr Elikanas well rounded cache of skills, education and invaluable hands-on experience, Epati says.

Elikana, from Pukapuka, says he looks forward to new challenges in his job and invites anyone wanting to talk about issues within the justice arena to contact him.

Court registrar Claudine Henry-Anguna and Alex Henry of the Office of the Public Service Commissioner have been acting justice secretaries while the position last held by Mark Short remained vacant.

• Rosie Manins

 

 

TAU defends policy

Wed
5 Oct

It would be unwise and unsafe to follow an initial cap on the amount of renewable energy able to be embedded within Rarotongas electricity grid, Te Aponga Uira O Tumutevarovaro (TAU) says.

Two years ago TAU acknowledged that it would face a ceiling amount in respect of embedded installations of renewable energy on the grid and accordingly a limit of 1000 kilowatts 20 percent of the grids maximum system load was set.

TAU now says with a total of 43 embedded installations in Rarotonga at present, that former cap cannot be safely realised.

Of particular concern is the concentration of installations in Avarua, as TAU does not want to risk compromising its grid system with excessive load swings.

It would be unwise and unsafe to push our current operating model beyond the benchmark of 20 percent of the load, TAU says.

Instead the company has slashed its limit to 600kW, meaning only installations of up to two kilowatts can be automatically eligible for net-metering.

The basis for this shift is two-fold to sustain the integrity of the grid and to safeguard the consumer, TAU says.

Despite this change, TAU says it is still committed to helping government achieve its renewable energy goals over the next decade.

That is for the countrys electricity generation to be 50 percent renewable by 2015 and 100 percent renewable by 2020.

TAU says although it must take a cautious approach towards realising renewable energy goals, its power station will be added to next year, allowing for the consolidation of top machinery with state of the art control and management systems.

This exciting move forward will allow for the grid system to better handle the variations in load and voltage conditions, resulting from larger amounts of embedded generation.

It is possible the 600kW cap will be increased, pending grid upgrades.

It would be unwise and unsafe to follow an initial cap on the amount of renewable energy able to be embedded within Rarotongas electricity grid, Te Aponga Uira O Tumutevarovaro (TAU) says.

Two years ago TAU acknowledged that it would face a ceiling amount in respect of embedded installations of renewable energy on the grid and accordingly a limit of 1000 kilowatts 20 percent of the grids maximum system load was set.

TAU now says with a total of 43 embedded installations in Rarotonga at present, that former cap cannot be safely realised.

Of particular concern is the concentration of installations in Avarua, as TAU does not want to risk compromising its grid system with excessive load swings.

It would be unwise and unsafe to push our current operating model beyond the benchmark of 20 percent of the load, TAU says.

Instead the company has slashed its limit to 600kW, meaning only installations of up to two kilowatts can be automatically eligible for net-metering.

The basis for this shift is two-fold to sustain the integrity of the grid and to safeguard the consumer, TAU says.

Despite this change, TAU says it is still committed to helping government achieve its renewable energy goals over the next decade.

That is for the countrys electricity generation to be 50 percent renewable by 2015 and 100 percent renewable by 2020.

TAU says although it must take a cautious approach towards realising renewable energy goals, its power station will be added to next year, allowing for the consolidation of top machinery with state of the art control and management systems.

This exciting move forward will allow for the grid system to better handle the variations in load and voltage conditions, resulting from larger amounts of embedded generation.

It is possible the 600kW cap will be increased, pending grid upgrades.

• TAU

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