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Purse seine catches negotiated
Fish talk
Plea for support on water shortage
MP talks about cannabis penalty
Christmas cheer for fire victims
Colagate comes up
Egg imports debated again
‘Diamonds are forever, but governments are not’
Invite them to the party!
Mangaia acting island secretary pursues old ways
Young achievers thrive at MFEM
Reviews of MOIP and OPM nearly complete
New role for performance specialist
Businesswomen lack mentors
No deadline for fishing vaka
Final contenders decided
Ship must carry cargo – but refused gas
Smooth sailing for Tiare Moana
Minister denies shipping secrecy
Pair receive belated Queen’s honours
Aitutaki’s splendour on show
Trade days build Cooks’ contacts
Free cash for Aussie visitors
Travel agents ask if Cooks’ fishing is sustainable
No such thing as a free lunch
PM off to Africa
George compares himself to disgraced NZ First MP
Demos announce Tamarua candidate
Opposition ‘babble’ on PM’s travel
PM says public previewing of questions unfair
Minister defends fishing deal
PM asks to finish early
Prizegiving ends successful year for Papaaroa
Pet clinic receives gifts worth $22,000
Wedding magic
‘Say it in Rarotongan’ reprinted
Show to focus on women
Rest caps ‘tough year’ for Coffin
Tereora seeks parent input for learning charter
‘Multitasking’ minister Mark Brown
Workers right better protected in new legislation
PM: We have nothing to hide
35% foreign workers ‘an error’, says Marsters
Parents day celebration at Arorangi
Avatea acknowledges student talents
A clean shave for sick friend
Te Kakaia grows parenting confidence
Rotarians rock at Vaitau!
Seeking interest for visiting early childhood specialist
Specialist praises Cook Islands women
Fridge donated for prison rehabilitation centre
Reoffender gets prison
Stormy conditions batter coastline
Was Numa paid out?
Stronger rights for workers
Fire appeal fun run raises $3150
Mitiaro supports shark protection
Port rejects blame claim
Civil rights legislation ‘welcome’ says lawyer
Withholding tax to go
Triad gives ‘solutions’ to Toagate says MP
Accused have option to choose JP or judge
‘Education starts in the home’
Consult outer islands on education opinion
MP: Who disciplines the principal?
Amnesty for tax suggested
Lawyer bids for legal aid
Prizes highly valued in Penrhyn
Purse seine catches negotiated
Thu
6 Dec
Two Cook Islands fisheries officials are at a regional conference to negotiate the country’s purse seine catch quota.
Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) secretary Ben Ponia and offshore fisheries director Joshua Mitchell are currently attending the annual session of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in Manila.
One of the key issues being discussed at the four-day meet is establishing a limit on purse seine catches. Under the proposed measure, all countries will be required to submit a quota to the WCPFC by November 2013.
MMR recently released figures showing the Cook Islands has recorded its highest ever purse seine catches with 12,000 tonnes of mostly skipjack tuna caught over the year.
This will provide government with an additional $1.2 million dollars of revenue.
But the key issue to be discussed at the conference is a conservation and management measure (CMM) to limit the amount of purse seine fishing and long-line fishing to a level that will not cause overfishing.
Catches of big-eye juvenile tuna by purse seine fleets is the most critical issue, says Ponia.
“Our priority now is to designate the purse seine fishery and establish a total allowable catch for the Tuna Commission.”
He says despite this, the Cook Islands has plans to develop its longline and purse seine fisheries. The country has special United Nations-granted rights as a small island developing state to seek exemptions from measures that have a “disproportionate conservation burden”, he says.
“Therefore we hope that in order to develop our fishery in a sustainable manner, the conservation and management measure will provide a reduction in catches, particularly by distant water fishing nations who fish on the high seas.”
Ponia says the Cook Islands is also submitting an information paper on the illegal, unregulated and unreported infringements taking place on the adjacent Eastern High Seas pocket.
The Cooks intends to look at closing this pocket to fishing in the future.
Fish talk
Thu
6 Dec
A general meeting is being held by the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce to discuss how businesses can benefit from fishing resources.
The meeting will begin at 4.30pm at Trader Jacks on December 13 and the agenda includes general business, before Marine Resources secretary Ben Ponia will address the group on the topic of “How can local businesses benefit from our Cook Islands fishery”.
Chamber of Commerce executive director Lynne Samuel says the meeting is open for anyone to attend.
Plea for support on water shortage
Thu
6 Dec
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning (MOIP) is asking other agencies to help address the water shortage on Rarotonga.
A meeting held last week at MOIP’s office revealed water levels around the island remain well under half of capacity.
MOIP’s water works head Takave Manea says the water levels at the 12 intakes around Rarotonga have not improved despite recent patches of rain.
“Even with that rain last Tuesday and a bit on Friday, we’re still below that 50 percent mark,” says Manea.
Agriculture Secretary Dr Matairangi Purea is one of a number of agency representatives who attended the meeting held by MOIP to address the water shortage.
The health ministry, meteorological service, Emergency Management Cook Islands and the tourism sector were also present at the meeting.
Water works head Takave Manea says their assistance in spreading the message of water conservation is crucial.
“Other agencies like agriculture have to check the levels of water people are using that go out to their plantations.
“The tourism agency is going to accommodation providers and asking them not to waste water.”
Manea adds the health ministry will be checking for water leaks when they conduct their tutaka.
The highest water pressure level of the 12 intakes on Rarotonga – Rutaki – is at 60 percent of its normal level as of last Monday.
Papua (56), Taipara (51), Takuvaine and Turangi (both 50) are the only other intakes over 50 percent of their normal water pressure levels.
Manea says the ministry has increased its presence on the radio and in newspapers over the last two weeks to get the message of water conservation across to the public.
The water works head adds the ministry has added another truck to its water works line to help carry water to the Tepuka intake in Nikao.
They are filling the intake with water to help with the Netball In Paradise tournament that took place at the Telecom Sports Arena (TSA) between Monday and Wednesday this week.
Residents are being encouraged to report leaky pipes to the ministry, and to resist washing their cars during the dry spell.
“We’ve had some showers from time to time – we’ll get through.”
MP talks about cannabis penalty
Thu
6 Dec
The country’s high maximum penalty for cannabis offences was discussed in Parliament on Tuesday.
During the second reading of the Judicature Amendment Act 2012, Teennui-Mapumai MP Norman George noted that all four judges who came over for the Operation Eagle trial and appeal (which was held last week) commented on how high the Cook Islands Parliament had set the maximum sentences for cannabis-related offences.
The maximum sentence in New Zealand for cultivation is seven years, while in the Cook Islands it is 20 years.
In New Zealand the maximum sentence for cannabis possession is three months – in the Cook Islands it is two years.
George indicated the judges felt their hands were tied by the way parliament had legislated.
“The judges were saying, you can’t ask for a more lenient sentence as this is the minimum – this is what legislators want.
“But I can tell you that every member of parliament sitting here right now does not agree with these sentencing provisions.”
George suggested Parliament may have rushed through the legislation process.
“This is not the time to start witch-hunting but it may have been a panicked move to pass an act with such serious consequences of punishment.”
He recommended a law reform committee be created to address the problem – but said although he would like to put his name forward he is not likely to be chosen.
“Every time I put my name forward for such committees I get left out,” he said with a sigh.
Christmas cheer for fire victims
Thu
6 Dec
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Pastor John Tangi holds the donations from his New Hope Church congregation which have now been given to the families who lost their homes and possessions in recent fires.
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Pastor John Tangi and his New Hope Church congregation have followed through on their promise to start the Christmas season in the giving spirit.
Yesterday, Tangi visited the families who lost their possessions in last weekend’s three separate house fires. He took donations from his congregation to help the families through the Christmas season.
“When news came to the church on Sunday morning of the fires, the church members were concerned for the families’ welfare, in particular for the children, as it’s growing close to the festive period,” he said.
“We were worried the children of affected families wouldn’t have an enjoyable time.”
Tangi said his congregation felt touched and obligated to help, and gathered together their collection funds to give away.
Fire victims Mama Tutai Tangaroa and family received $1000. Tangi said the mama is the widow of the late pastor Tukua Tangaroa, “the pioneering pastor for Pentecostal churches in the Cook Islands”.
Pastor Nga Pouao and family also received $1000.
Mona Pokoati and family were given $500, as were Tom Tangimetua and family, and Paara Pitomaki and family.
The New Hope Church also made sure that the elderly and disabled population on Rarotonga will have a merry Christmas.
Nikao home for the elderly Are Pa Metua and the Creative Centre were given $500 each on Tuesday.
“The church felt it would be a good gesture in the spirit of Christmas to contribute to these institutions, which are really doing a lot of good for our people,” explained Tangi.
He said while the donations were all the church could afford, he hoped they would help brighten the Christmas period for the grateful recipients.
“It’s a small church, but it has a good heart.”
Colagate comes up
Thu
6 Dec
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen brought up ‘Colagate’ when debating clause nine of the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill on Tuesday.
In 2009 the customs comptroller issued a notice to stop certain companies from splitting Coca-Cola packaging to avoid paying levies, said Rasmussen. The practice saw companies splitting import value assessments between product and packaging, and started in the 1980s.
“It was being alleged that some imports were enjoying not being taxed, or not being taxed for some things,” said Rasmussen.
“It was seen, perhaps, as not a commercially just way for some businesses on the island.”
He said while the practice was stopped in 2009, recently some island businesses were still complaining about it as they had to pay full tax over the last 20 years.
Rasmussen believes while the comptroller made the decision to stop the practice, the problem was that decision was not made public.
“Transparency of power is needed.”
The opposition leader said clause 9 allows the customs minister to apply a transitional safeguard if importation is causing serious damage to a certain industry.
But he said the definition of this clause is too broad.
Egg imports debated again
Thu
6 Dec
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George took up the egg importation issue like a dog with a bone during parliamentary debate on Tuesday.
After saying he wanted to debate Clause 2 – the Act’s commencement – George said he got in touch with Scotts Farm owner John Scott after parliament sat on Monday as he became concerned about what MPs were saying about Scott and egg imports.
George said the local egg farmer told him to ask customs minister Mark Brown whether the Customs Tariff Amendment bill addresses imports from New Zealand, in particular eggs.
Cabinet Minister Teina Bishop interjected with a point of order, saying this was irrelevant to the discussion of clause 2. “Come on grandpa, you know the rules.”
House Speaker Niki Rattle agreed and asked George to stick to the relevant topic.
But George said egg imports were very relevant as it may have been part of the reason the legislation was passed retrospectively.
“I think this Minister [Bishop] is suffering jet lag too many trips to China.”
Rattle told George off as he had not been given the floor and said they would move on with the debate of the clauses.
While George was debating the next clause, Rattle told him off again for bringing egg imports irrelevantly into debate again.
George asked Brown whether the amendment affects New Zealand imports, or whether it is restricted to other Pacific countries where there is a trade agreement.
He also asked the minister to clarify which countries the Cook Islands has trade agreements with.
“If it doesn’t apply to New Zealand, what protection do local growers get? What protection do egg farmers get?”
Brown made a point of order, saying George’s questions were repetitive and he had answered them yesterday.
“The reason why I am repeating them is he is wrong in his answers and he also misled parliament yesterday,” replied George.
George said on Monday, Brown told the house the issue of egg imports had been reviewed by the Price Tribunal, and CITC subsequently did not face any penalties.
“But I can prove that the minister is wrong and I have docs to show that no such investigation took place.”
George said CITC only gave partial disclosure of the facts and customs refused to cooperate with the Price Tribunal.
“The price for misleading parliament is dismissal from the house. This is not a joke.”
Brown replied the Price Tribunal investigation is “readily available” and customs supplied all information asked for by the tribunal.
“I suggest it is this honourable member who is misleading the house and he should consider his resignation,” said George.
“It’s not just me trying the pick a fight with the minister. There are some important questions here.”
Here Rattle intervened.
“It is really important we don’t undermine ministers because of their newness. It’s not very nice to put people down,” she noted.
George rejected this, saying ministers have a job to do. Rattle told him off again as she had not granted him the floor, and said he was being rude by attacking personalities.
She did not allow George to reply.
He did anyway. “You are placing a condition on the freedom of speech.”
Brown got back to business, and said in regard to the “dumping of eggs” on the Cook Islands market, there is provision within the amendment bill for the customs minister to regulate this.
The customs minister suggested it was George who was trying to mislead the house by saying the country does not have a trade agreement with New Zealand, because it does – the SPARTICA agreement.
This allows Cook Islands goods to enter the New Zealand market, but not the other way around.
Brown said Pacific trade rules are currently being debated, and the issues George brought up are dealt with within the Act.
‘Diamonds are forever, but governments are not’
Thu
6 Dec
The second reading of the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill was held on Monday, but parliament ran out of time to debate all the clauses.
Yesterday, Speaker of the House Niki Rattle said since everything was “a bit untidy” at the end of Monday she suggested “in order to put everything right” the bill be recommitted back into the house, and then proceed normally.
She read out all the clauses, and asked at the end of each clause whether MPs agreed it should be included in the legislation.
Teenui-Mapumai member Norman George spoke on clause two – the legislation’s commencement.
The act is deemed to come into effect August 1, 2012. George said it is unusual to pass legislation retrospectively like this.
“I am just wondering if the government has done some evil act since August,” said George.
He asked Brown to listen to him carefully as he made some “misleading statements” in the house on Monday. “Do not make speculative or smart alec answers,” he warned.
“I caution this government – diamonds are forever, but governments are not. You make mistakes, you will pay for it.”
No one else debated the clause and subsequently it was passed.
George also questioned the next clause, bringing egg imports up.
Brown reminded the house that the amendment bill serves to clarify terms for importers, and does not specifically mention eggs.
The bill deals with preferential tariff, which means preferential rates for some importers.
He warned George to stick to the debate of clauses “instead of wasting all of our time”.
George also debated clause four, but clauses five and six were accepted with no challenge.
The comptroller’s role was questioned by opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen during clause seven debate, but in the end the clause became part of the bill.
Clause eight was not opposed, but Rasmussen again opposed clause nine – which deals with transitional safeguards – in regards to its definition being too wide.
Titikaveka MP Selina Napa was also worried about transitional safeguard measures, in this case to protect the environment. She said she is pleased with the government’s move to ban plastic bags but asked when plastic containers will be banned.
While other clauses were debated, the majority of the house supported their inclusion into the bill. As a result, the second reading of the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill was completed with all clauses accepted.
Invite them to the party!
Thu
6 Dec
Business Trade and Investment Board Minister Mark Brown told parliament yesterday that he wouldn’t bother donating money towards the BTIB Christmas party unless he was invited.
Teenui-Mapumai member Norman George asked Brown whether he condoned BTIB’s behaviour in sending letters to stakeholders they had done business with over the year, asking for donations of food, alcohol and money for its annual Christmas party.
“Is this normal, or will it become normal for government departments to do this?” George asked.
Brown replied that 12 years ago he was the head of Ministry of Agriculture “and I remember a very memorable Christmas party where we invited all stakeholders to the party.”
He said the invite stated the party was BYO (bring your own alcohol).
“The response to BYO from the private sector was so great the party lasted two days,” he joked.
Brown reiterated what BTIB chief executive Terry Rangi said to the Cook Islands News last week – that it was purely voluntary.
As to claims that if a business doesn’t supply them with donations then it won’t be on BTIB’s support list for next year “that is nonsense as far as I’m concerned”.
The minister said BTIB used its “innovation and creativity” to treat staff. “It’s about doing more with less.”
However, Brown said if he were part of one of the businesses asked to contribute, he would say, “Yes I’ll contribute – as long as I can come along”.
Mangaia acting island secretary pursues old ways
Thu
6 Dec
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The Mangaia Religious Advisory Council with acting island secretary Ngametua College (front far right).
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New Mangaia acting Island Secretary Ngametua College has set new directions for the administration and its employees to aspire to.
College started in his new role by calling a meeting with the most respected governing bodies on the island – the Aronga Mana, Island Council and the Religious Advisory Council.
The meeting was mainly to seek the blessing of these authorities to be able to manage the administration more effectively.
College believes this is the best way forward.
Many issues concerning the administration and welfare of the island were debated with lots of enthusiasm and interest to hear the acting Island Secretary’s aspiration for Mangaia, something that was highly valued by the councils.
During the meeting, College was able to demonstrate a simple business development model encompassing all three governing bodies and how this can be used to pool people together and achieve good results from their own limited resources.
College’s model was designed during a joint AUT-USP workshop on Indigenous Business Models held in Rarotonga recently.
College believes in collectivism rather than individualism as a doable solution for Mangaia.
“We have to accept the fact that the island administration has been poorly managed and there is no point of blaming others for this dilemma,” says College.
“If we have to improve the way we do things effectively, it has to come from within our sincerity as Mangaians.”
He believes that the model is very simple and easy to understand and was the way our ancestors used to work in the olden days.
“You still can hear them today when they address the public... to te Ture, to te Enua e to te Evangelia and that’s basically what it is,” says College.
“The bottom line is none other than there being an honest leadership at all levels of the three governing bodies.”
The Mangaia Religious Advisory Council shared the same sentiment and is very keen and supportive of the new approach presented to them.
They believe that the downfall of previous administration could be attributed to the failure to engage the three main governing bodies in the decision making process.
Seeing the model certainly changed their perception of the current administration and their plea for the acting secretary to implement the model as soon as he can.
“The church leaders are delighted that their son has made the decision to come back home and help his people – kia akameitaki ia te Atua nona. We want you to stay and lead otherwise your wisdom is no use to us. You have great wisdom and we want it to see this happening now and not later,” commented Tamarua Cook Islands Christian Church, Reverend Yakilia Vairoa.
The acting secretary is scheduled to meet his management team and check their work plans including site visits, inspections of the state of machinery and infrastructure that support the work of the administration.
Once this is done he will visit the agriculture sector, checking on the pineapple, vanilla and taro projects that are currently in progress.
There will be an island showcase for all growers including the mamas’ flower plantation scheduled for this week. This will be an exciting time for the growers and for visitors on the island, and the public will be updated on this programme.
Young achievers thrive at MFEM
Thu
6 Dec
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Elizabeth Harmon (left), Rufina Daniel (centre) Rebecca Tangiroa (right) are enjoying their time with MFEM.
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Three young accounting and economic trainees are proving their value to the finance ministry as part of its young achievers programme.
Rebecca Tangiroa (19), Rufina Daniel (19) and Elizabeth Harmon (20) have spent most of this year working with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM).
The trio spent three months in each of the treasury, statistics, aid management and revenue management divisions.
The three young achievers were due to start working in one of the four divisions fulltime from January.
However, some resignations within the ministry had opened the door for Tangiroa and Daniel to secure jobs in the treasury and revenue management departments last month.
Treasury management division budget analyst Edward Parker says the pair had proven themselves to management.
“The managers have seen their capability to the extent of recruiting them,” says Parker.
“These two students [Tangiroa and Daniel] started as young achievers and now they’re staff in a permanent role.”
A 2007 young achiever himself, Parker says the trio have been learning about statistics, value-added tax (VAT) and bookkeeping as part of their first year of learning.
For Tangiroa, working in the treasury department is something she really enjoys.
“I really wanted to go straight to university at first, but my auntie said I have to have experience first,” says Tangiroa.
Tangiroa says she will head to the University of the South Pacific (USP) after her time in the ministry is up.
Daniel says she enjoyed sampling the wide range of divisions on offer at the ministry before settling in the revenue management division’s tax department.
“Tax is not always bad,” says Daniel. “It depends on what part it is – like a refund.”
Like Tangiroa, the 19-year-old is looking at attending USP when she finishes with the ministry at the end of next year.
For 20-year-old Harmon, her time with the ministry is her second job since leaving Tereora College.
Harmon spent a year at Westpac before taking up the young achievers programme this year.
“I got more confidence dealing with customers and more responsibility,” says Harmon.
“It was good to come from Westpac to here.”
Harmon says gaining new skills as well as improving and developing old ones has been a highlight for her.
“The biggest thing for me is becoming more matured. Everyone’s older here so you have to match them in a way.”
Parker says one of the ministry’s divisions had noted an interest in the 20-year-old for next year.
Other young achievers include Akaau Nicholas (2005), Leith Teipo (2006), Parker and Edwina Matenga (2007), Rheima Bishop and Amelia Nooapii (2008), Wayne Robati and Paula Dyer (2009), and Takili Tairi and Memeau Samuela (2010) and Henrianna Savage and Gaston Tairi (2011).
Meanwhile, applications for next year’s young achievers intake close on November 7.
Those interested in applying can send their CVs to vacancy@mfem.gov.ck or contact the ministry’s treasury operations manager.
Reviews of MOIP and OPM nearly complete
Thu
6 Dec
Greater efficiency and more effective delivery of functions are expected from reviews of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning and Office of the Prime Minister.
The internal reviews are being led by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC).
In October 2012, the OPSC, together with ADB Technical Assistance (TA), initiated a vertical analysis review of two government departments, MOIP and the OPM.
The vertical analysis is a second stage to the horizontal review completed under ADB TA 7646 COO in 2011. The horizontal review was a review of the broad functions across government ministries and agencies and should always be the first stage of a government review process.
It also identified the shared or common functions and provided a review of services that are, or could be shared across several sectors.
The current ADB TA 7958 (2012) is at its final stages of completing a vertical analysis for the two departments. The vertical review is being undertaken as a separate stage to better align ministries with mandates and core functions.
The objective of the vertical analysis is to assess whether MOIP and the OPM are equipped to effectively undertake their mandates and achieve their core functions as guided by the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2011-15 (Te Kaveinga Nui) and other mandates.
OPSC chief executive Priscilla Maruariki says the vertical review serves as an important tool for these reasons:
To analyse information flow so as to outline how organisational structure should match work programmes and mandates
To analyse structure to ensure effective administration
To review planning, and implementation to identify best practices
To review the organisation processes to identify bottlenecks and hindrances to effective service delivery
To investigate HR and skill set needs and capacity issues as a function of service delivery
The work involved meeting with each division of these departments over a period of four to five weeks and working through a series of general and specific questions based on the current business plan, organisational structure and human resource issues.
This also included
Updating divisional components in the 2012-13 fiscal year business plan
Reviewing relevant documentation, laws and policies
Review of mission and mandates
Analysis of the ministry’s core functions and structure with regard to mandates, service delivery and information flow
Review of planning and data collection, best practices, HR issues and skill sets
The result of the vertical analysis is to outline how to streamline functional and organisational relationships, eliminate bottle necks, and improve service delivery. The vertical analysis should further result in outlining how each organisation can become a more effective workplace while improving planning and information flow allowing for improved service delivery.
With the completion of all interviews concluding this week, OPSC together with ADB TA is targeting initial draft reports for both departments to be completed and available by mid December 2012.
It is then intended to present the final reports to the functional review steering committee who are made up of members from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), OPM, OPSC, Crown Law with the Public Service Commissioner as Chairman, for endorsement.
New role for performance specialist
Thu
6 Dec
The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting initiatives to raise performance in the Cook Islands public service.
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner has been working with the Commonwealth Secretariat in the past 12 months to secure funding towards the recruitment of a performance management specialist.
Government, as part of its decision on the outcomes of the functional review of the public service, supported all initiatives which will raise performance across the Government. This also includes endorsement for a ‘one rule for all’ in the way that the performance of heads of departments and crown agencies are assessed.
PSC as part of its function provides performance assessment of heads of departments under the Public Service Act. At present, there is no consistent policy governing the performance assessment and management of crown and statutory agencies.
A submission seeking assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat was lodged seeking for an expert support the OPSC in the development of a robust performance management framework alongside the necessary capacities to support its implementation. This project will ultimately strengthen the OPSC to fulfil its responsibilities under the new Public Service Act 2009.
The project and developed framework will also enable the OPSC to lead heads of ministries and focus government institutions to deliver on their mandates with greater transparency, accountability and effectiveness.
Intended outputs of this work include but are not limited to the following:
Development of a performance management framework for the public service
Development of a strategy for collection of baseline data to inform planning and performance management within the public service
Development of performance management components systems processes and tools.
Design of training and mentoring programme and materials
Implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems for the PM framework to enable the assessment of performance of the public service, government sectors, individual agencies, teams and individuals within those agencies, and initiatives at all levels.
The Commonwealth Secretariat will be advertising for an expert to take up this two-year placement with OPSC. An advertisement will also be placed on the PSC website over the coming days. Those who are interested in this post are encouraged to apply.
The immediate beneficiaries will be heads of agencies and their management teams who will have the guidance, tools and training they need to improve agency performance.
The Central Agencies – Office of the Public Service Commissioner, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, and the Office of the Prime Minister – will also be direct beneficiaries as the performance framework and its components will be able to support Government agencies to be effective and efficient.
Ultimately, the Cook Islands public will benefit from the improved performance of the public service.
Businesswomen lack mentors
Thu
6 Dec
Women in businesses throughout the Pacific islands are not being given enough mentoring, according to a conference held in Fiji last month.
The Pacific Women in Business Conference was sponsored by the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) and was open to women working in businesses throughout the Pacific.
Local business owners Tungane Broadbent, Tatiana Burn and former business owner Maria Taurae attended the conference on behalf of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce.
Ellena Tavioni was invited by PIPSO to speak at the conference, while Ruth Pokura also attended on behalf of the government.
They joined over 100 delegates from 13 other Pacific countries at the conference, which focused on how to overcome challenges in business.
During the three-day conference last month, the women heard that one of the biggest problems with the Pacific is a lack of mentoring for women in business.
Broadbent says this comes down to two reasons.
“It’s a new venture for women to start businesses and we are coming into that area where we realise that we do need mentoring,” says the Mainly Tivaivai hut owner.
Broadbent adds that another reason there is a lack of mentoring for women in business is because women are afraid of asking for help.
“There’s this thing where people think, ‘I can’t ask’ – you don’t want other people to know you need help.”
Conference delegates talked over a number of issues facing women in the Pacific, such as overcoming gender-based roles in male-dominated environments.
“We talked about the challenges and opportunities and we really have no challenges over here.
“The only challenge if we look at it another way is for women to push themselves to do more and to be creative.”
Broadbent says the women who gave keynote speeches – including Tavioni – had the drive to make their businesses successful.
“All those women who gave dynamic talks and speeches about their businesses, they started with nothing.
“They started with an idea of how to do it.”
As for her own business, Broadbent says she is looking to “diversify” her hut with different fabrics and materials.
“I came back wanting to do more in my little business and expand.”
No deadline for fishing vaka
Thu
6 Dec
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Frederick Taio is helping carver Mike Tavioni with his vaka building even after the workshop has finished.
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Master carver Mike Tavioni is disappointed but satisfied with the vaka building workshop he ran for 11 students over the last two weeks.
The Akateni I Te Vaka technically finished last Friday, and none of the four traditional vaka are finished.
Despite this, Tavioni says the workshop taught the students about building vaka and learning about the culture behind it.
“If we stayed in the same place and had the materials we might have finished them,” says Tavioni.
“I have disappointment but I’m satisfied overall because with limited materials and equipment, we got to a point where we managed to get the students who came on board to understand the physics and idea of the canoe.”
It continued a frustrating time for Tavioni, who originally set up the workshop as an educational programme for outer islands taunga to take back to their islands.
Streamlined with support by the education ministry, the workshop involved students to learn about the different types of vaka.
The two-week event moved to the grassy bank in Avarua during last week’s Vaka Eiva Trade Days.
The group was given permission by the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB), who organise the annual market.
However, the group was told it wasn’t allowed to use chainsaws during the market hours – 9am-2pm – because of concerns around food safety.
“We work there every year,” says Tavioni.
“This time they had the Trade Days there and we were not allowed to use equipment and so we didn’t see the point of being there when they were there.”
The group returned to its original site in Atupa and worked on separate bits of the vaka, including paddles, for the majority of last week.
The vaka were transported back to Atupa on Tuesday with help from Raro Fried Chicken’s truck.
Tavioni says they planned to build six traditional vaka, but scaled it down to four because teaching the year 12 workshop students was “very difficult”.
“They’re difficult to teach so it takes longer than it needs to.”
Meanwhile, a lack of finance hasn’t swayed an ambitious Tavioni, who is looking to hold an overnight fishing competition on board the traditional vaka.
“I just want to prove to everybody what these canoes are made of, so I need donations for the prize money.
“There’s no point having a workshop and you’re producing something if nobody knows what it’s worth.”
While the six vaka will be completed by himself, 15-year-old helper Frederick Taio and a few other students, Tavioni says he will be working on two canoes throughout next year.
He encourages any interested members of the public to come and learn about the vaka and do a bit of carving as well.
Final contenders decided
Thu
6 Dec
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Muri’s Alan Syme delivers a bowl to a waiting Titikaveka Titans batsman.
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Wins for Turangi and Takuvaine at the weekend see them head into The Computer Man bottom six finals this weekend while Titikaveka Titans take on Tupapa in the top four final.
It was a gruelling and agonizingly close match for the Muri Creeps last Saturday as they fought Titans for the last spot in the final.
Batting first, Muri posted 121 runs with Wes Kauvai (32) the standout batter.
Titans opener Chauncy Flay stamped his mark on the game early, conceding just l3 runs from his four overs.
Runs flowed for Muri from the other end until the introduction of Titans in-form bowler Teau Turuta. Turuta’s four overs producing two wickets for just eleven runs.
Muri’s bowlers threw everything at Titikaveka with captain Bob Hunter picking up four wickets, while Mike Hoff and Alan Syme went for just six and l4 runs respectively from their four overs.
The Titans’ victory came off the bat of captain Hori Miller with just three balls left in the match.
Titans will head to Victoria Park to take on Tupapa in this weekend’s The Computer Man final.
In the bottom six semi-finals, Turangi made light work of Matavera. Bowling first Turangi knocked over Matavera in just l4 overs.
Vane Tangimetua Jnr proved the pick of the bowlers as the young Tereora College student went for just l9 runs from his four overs.
His uncle Sepa Tangimetua collected the biggest wicket haul for the day with four Matavera scalps.
With just l09 on the scoreboard Matavera came out fighting.
Skipper Ray Roumanu took the initiative by adopting an attacking field early on.
The plan worked early for Matavera with the captain picking up Eli Tangimetua in the first over.
Steven Kavana’s experience came in handy as he bowled well for Matavera conceding few runs, however superb batting from Vane Tangimetua Snr (5l not out) saw the Turangi team comfortably home in the ninth over and into the finals.
Across town and up the valley late title chasers Davana were taking on Takuvaine.
Batting first, Davana would have been pleased with their total of l28 on a glorious Takuvaine wicket however solid batting from Takuvaine led by James Thompson (58) saw Takuvaine comfortably knock off the total with five overs left – booking their place in the final against Turangi (in Turangi).
Davana will be looking to continue their improved season and collect their highest ever ranking in the third and fourth playoff against Matavera this weekend.
Ship must carry cargo – but refused gas
Fri
7 Dec
Transport minister Tom Marsters confirmed that all three of the country’s internationally licensed freight service vessels must accept cargo from any person or business that wants to use the service.
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George asked Marsters during parliamentary question time on Thursday whether provision is made in Excil Shipping’s contract that Reef Express must accept cargo from any consignor.
“And is the minister aware that in fact Excil is in breach of this requirement because it finds numerous excuses to refuse the carriage of LP gas to a Gas Cook Islands subsidiary in Aitutaki – where the minister’s cabinet colleague currently enjoys a monopoly – which Excil’s actions are protecting.
“Now that shipping services to Aitutaki are altering, will the minister guarantee and give appropriate warnings that these anti-competitive practices shall cease?”
Marsters confirmed there is a standard provision that Reef Express and any ship that services the Cooks must accept cargo from anyone wishing to import or export without giving preference.
But the minister said the vessel operators do not want to carry the gas as it is a dangerous substance.
He explained that Excil used to operate Southern Express, and as far back as 2008 the owners of Southern Express advised owners of Gas ook Islands it would no longer carry gas as it poses a danger to those working on the boat and barges.
“Obviously, Cook Islands Gas was disappointed as they had recently set up a storage facility on Aitutaki.”
Marsters said the country’s new shipping service Uma Shipping, may be asked by the gas company to ship its containers to Aitutaki.
“These are commercial decisions that I, in government, will not intervene in.”
Smooth sailing for Tiare Moana
Fri
7 Dec
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It has been smooth sailing so far for the country’s newest service vessel Tiare Moana.
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The country’s newest service vessel Tiare Moana arrived two days ahead of schedule into Avarua Harbour on Tuesday evening.
The 97.8 metre long ship left Rarotonga last night laden with freight headed to the northern group in time for Christmas.
Local company Uma Shipping was granted an international and national shipping licence at the end of October, and engaged Pacific Direct Line (PDL) to secure and manage the MV Tiare Moana.
The vessel underwent a refit in Singapore and was renamed after a ship that used to service the Cooks around three decades ago.
Uma co-director Madeilene Sword says things have run smoothly so far.
“It’s been great to finally have her arrive in Rarotonga to bring the last few months of negotiations to fruition.”
However, she says this is where the hard work begins.
“We’ve received a bit of cargo out of Auckland, and this has been beefed up with the local supplies from Rarotonga to the north – this is the area which we want to promote for Cook Islands businesses.”
Tiare Moana – which has a capacity of 224 20-foot containers and has two 25-tonne cranes on board – will reach Aitutaki on the December 9, Tongareva on the 12th, Manihiki on the 13th, Rakahanga on the 14th, Pukapuka by the 16th and Nassau on the 17th.
Sword urges customers wishing to ship with them in the future to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute to get cargo in.
“These container ships have strict deadlines and need to get in and out of ports quickly.”
Tiare Moana is next scheduled to visit the northern group in February.
Minister denies shipping secrecy
Fri
7 Dec
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George asked minister of transport Tom Marsters to come clean on secrecy behind shipping licences during parliamentary question time yesterday.
“What secret dealings exist between the Ministry of Transport and Excil which justify the ministry’s refusal of repeated requests to release to interested parties a copy of the approval granting Excil permission to operate the vessel Reef Express in the carriage of cargo between NZ and the Cook Islands – and if he denies that, explain the reluctance?”
Marsters said no such secret dealings were had or exist between the two.
He discussed the second part of the question in more detail.
He said that Richard Barton of Shipping Cook Islands telephoned the Ministry of Transport after local consortium Tai Moana Ltd got a licence on July 5 and asked for a copy of the Excil licence.
Barton was part of a group of independent shippers who protested the transport ministry’s decision to grant Tai Moana the country’s second shipping licence.
Marsters said he declined this request as a matter between Excil and the government.
Barton sent a further letter on July 11, with additional input from businessman John Scott.
The minister then sought Crown Law’s opinion, who told Marsters to decline the request.
“The advice was the documents were commercially sensitive and should not be released.”
The country’s first shipping licence is held by Excil, which operates Reef Shipping boat Reef Express. Tai Moana Ltd has the second licence to operate Reef Shipping boat Southern Reef. The country’s third licence is held by Uma Shipping Ltd, which operates Tiare Moana.
Pair receive belated Queen’s honours
Fri
7 Dec
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Daniel Apii (left) and Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin.
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A community servant and a former teacher have received their Queen’s Birthday honours.
Daniel Apii and Nooroa Kairenga Ataera received their medals from Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin at an official ceremony on Wednesday.
The two recipients were the last to receive their Queen’s Birthday this year and join Pastor Tevai ‘Bobby’ Matapo as Cook Islanders decorated in 2012.
Apii became a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to the community.
Born in 1945, Apii has been heavily involved in the cultural and church communities.
He worked as the dancing, stage and production manager for the Cook Islands National Art Theatre between 1970 and 1974.
Apii moved into the public service in 1993 when he was the information and publicity officer for the Ministry of Marine Resources.
The same year saw Apii direct and supervise the renovation of the 162-year-old Ziona Tapu church in 2009.
Apii was also a former chairman of the Tobacco Control Committee and chairs the Laity Committee for the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Ataera was awarded the British Empire Medal in the civil division (BEM), for his services to education and the community.
The 88-year-old was born on July 1, 1924, and was educated at Arorangi Primary School between 1930 and 1938.
He was awarded the prestigious Sir Maui Pomare medal in 1937 for his academic achievements before becoming a school prefect the following year.
Fourteen years later, Ataera served as an assistant headmaster at Rakahanga School before being promoted to headmaster the following year.
While working in Rakahanga, Ataera became a deacon and church secretary of the Rakahanga Cook Islands Christian Church.
He returned to Rarotonga and worked as a Cook Islands government clerk from 1956-57 before returning to teaching.
Aitutaki’s splendour on show
Fri
7 Dec
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Paddlers prepare for the 2012 Motu to Motu at the Aitutaki harbour waterfront. ALL PHOTOS HARVIE ALLISON
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Vaka crews race on after a shallow water change in front of one of the motu stops during the race.
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Araura Enua shone in all its splendour on Tuesday for the second Motu to Motu oe vaka teams race.
The event attracted 73 international paddlers who had the time of their lives.
The 36km mixed V6 race from motu to motu dotted across the Aitutaki lagoon was another huge success mainly due to all the volunteers who worked hard in the background.
This year’s race was unique in that international paddlers were mixed with locals and the eight crews were given new names.
The crews battled over the six-leg course that encompassed shallow and deep water changes.
While the turquoise lagoon shone, it was far from tranquil as paddlers were made to work hard through the heavy chop and wind swell.
The chop added to the buzz of the event described as ‘sensational’ by watersport photographer Harvie Allison.
In the end, it was Team Black in the Bubbles Below vaka that took the top honours finishing the race in three hours and eight minutes – juts a minute ahead of Team Brown in the Pacific Resort Aitutaki vaka (3.09).
Third place went to Team Purple in the Bishop Lagoon Cruises Vaka clocking in at three hours and 11 minutes.
While the racers will take away fabulous experiences from Araura Enua – they have in turn given back to the island economy.
According to Stephen Doherty, main event coordinator and Island Hopper Vacations sales and marketing manager, international paddlers attending the Motu to Motu race stayed an average of four and a half days and generated around $110,000 for the Aitutaki economy.
In the first year, 17 international paddlers took part in the race and this year 73 very satisfied international paddlers will be applying the powerful ‘word-of-mouth’ technique to help promote and grow the event, which can only mean good things for the island of Aitutaki.
Doherty would like to say meitaki atupaka to event sponsors Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Air Rarotonga, Waiwera Water and Wet ‘n’ Wild Boat Charters as well as all the volunteers who made Motu to Motu 2012 a huge success.
Trade days build Cooks’ contacts
Fri
7 Dec
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Promoting Aitutaki – from left, tourism corporation Aitutaki destination coordinator Misepa Isamaela, Keren Aviu and Eikara Henry at the trade days Aitutaki stall.
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Local tourism operators this week met with international buyers to showcase the Cooks at the Kia Orana Cook Islands trade days.
For the first time this year, the annual tourism forum has included two trade days at the National Auditorium, where business to business meetings were held to establish contacts.
Wednesday saw wholesalers and travel agents from northern and southern Europe and the United Kingdom meet with local businesses, with New Zealand, Australian and North American buyers meeting the day after.
Thirty-three Cook Islands tourism industry members – accommodation providers, tours and activities, and outer islands – registered to operate a booth.
Fifty international buyers pre-registered their interest to meet and were allocated 11-minute slots to discuss business.
Tourism’s Aitutaki destination coordinator Misepa Isamaela and Eikara Henry were manning a stall to represent Aitutaki’s interests.
They said interest had been steady, with 18 wholesalers booked to see them on their first day.
“We’re here to advise that Aitutaki is only a 40-minute flight away and is perfect for those who want to relax,” said Isamaela.
She explained that many tourists and the agents who sold the holiday to them think the Cook Islands is just Rarotonga, so the outer islands need to be given more international exposure.
Different markets want different holiday experiences – and while Kiwis are more familiar with what the Cooks have to offer, visitors from further afield often don’t have a clue.
“European visitors stay for longer and want to know beforehand what is available for them to do,” Isamaela said.
“But the agents often don’t know themselves. That’s why these trade days are so beneficial, as wholesalers can see for themselves what activities are available.”
Meeting with buyers helps put Aitutaki on the map, noted Henry.
“It shows Aitutaki is not just for honeymooners – it is perfect for families, safe for children, great for fishermen and snorkelling.”
During the week-long forum, delegates also have the chance to do day-tours to Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mangaia.
Free cash for Aussie visitors
Fri
7 Dec
All Australians flying to the Cook Islands over the next six months will be given $100 cash – no strings attached.
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is running the Cooks Cash promotion to drum up visitor numbers during the low season.
All Australians who book flights from December 6 to March 4 and travel to the Cooks from now until June 3 will have a Westpac Visa debit card credited with $100. Infants are not included in the promotion.
The money can be spent on anything the visitor chooses from any Cook Islands store that has a Westpac terminal.
The cash giveaway is part of the Mataora Visitor Card campaign, which will also be available to North American visitors.
The scheme stems from a collaboration between Cook Islands Tourism Corporation and Westpac Bank, and aims to provide an incentive for travellers to choose the Cook Islands as their next holiday destination and spend money while here.
The card’s initial concept was thought up by tourism’s director of sales and marketing Karla Eggelton as a way to entice visitors here during the traditionally slow summer tourism period – and get them to spend more in local stores.
Free cash is not the only perk Australian visitors will get. Travellers on the Air New Zealand direct flight from Sydney to Rarotonga every Saturday night will get a ‘Cooks love Aussies’ wristband which gives discounts on activities around the island.
Travel agents ask if Cooks’ fishing is sustainable
Fri
7 Dec
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United Kingdom’s Lotus Group buyer Victoria Brewer had an 11-minute appointment with Marlin Queen Fishing Charter co-owner Diane McFarlane at the trade days.
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The island’s fishing charters were well represented at the annual Kia Orana Cook Islands trade days.
Seafari Fishing Charters, Akura Fishing Charters, and Captain Moko’s Fishing Charters were represented at a stall in the National Auditorium by Akura crewman Cameron Thorp. He shared the stall space with Avana Waterfront Apartments owner and keen fisherman Reuben Tylor.
The men reported they had been busy meeting international wholesalers in Rarotonga for the tourism forum, and had 30 11-minute appointments booked in for Wednesday.
Tylor said while delegates were interested in finding out more about charter fishing in the Cooks, they also wanted to know whether the country’s fisheries were being sustainably managed.
“People want to know what the Cooks are doing to protect fish stocks. One Swiss lady told us it is important to preserve fishing resources so we don’t end up like countries in Europe – with no fish.”
The pair had also met with Air New Zealand’s Japanese representative Jun Emoto, who told them there is a growing market of Japanese sport fishermen who want to travel the world while fishing at different spots.
Marlin Queen Fishing Charters’ co-owner Diane McFarlane had 15 international buyers booked in on Wednesday and even more booked yesterday.
“We’ve had excellent feedback. A lot of agents are trying to break into the Cook Islands market – and organised tours which add the Cooks onto a New Zealand trip are becoming pretty big business.”
She said the tourism forum and in particular the trade days are hugely beneficial to local tourism businesses.
While this is Marlin Queen’s first year at the trade days, McFarlane said she has heard from other local business just how much business is drummed up from meeting international wholesalers during the two days.
Thirty-three local tourism businesses had stalls at the two-day long trade days to make contact with fifty buyers from 13 different countries.
No such thing as a free lunch
Sat
8 Dec
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“It’s the time for getting into the Christmas cheer again and for preparing our own ‘free lunches of celebration’ in our homes, villages and communities.”
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Back in time I remember bartering hard to swap my humble bread and butter sandwich with the school kids across the fence at Nikao Maori for their milk biscuit handouts. Sad to say my lunch never appealed to them – they swapped with other delicious lunches at the time.
This was a New Zealand introduced programme to trial in our schools the benefits of milk in growing kids. No wonder my equals at that school are healthy and taller than me today!
The saying ‘there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch’ is important when we look at how our economy adjusts to ‘free lunches’ from government policy and development partner programmes. The meaning of the saying is clear and supports the thinking that it is impossible to get something for nothing. Somewhere someone has paid for the ‘free lunch’ or someone has gone without so that someone else can have the ‘free lunch’.
Milton Friedman (economist) popularised it as an idea at the core of economics. Even if something appears to be free, there is always a cost to the person or to society as a whole even though that cost may be hidden or distributed.
Does the Cook Islands have any examples?
Free ship and plane rides for our people from the Pa Enua to the annual Maeva Nui and back is an obvious example. So too would be the attractive subsidy on the Los Angeles Cooks route. So there are examples and perhaps you know some too.
It’s the time for getting into the Christmas cheer again and for preparing our own ‘free lunches of celebration’ in our homes, villages and communities.
Having come back from extensive visits through the Southern Pa Enua islands I must say I’m always respectfully struck by the numbers that still manage to stay on these island gems of ours. The going is really tough this year they tell me, but they don’t want to even think of the idea of leaving. They just wish government policies and development programmes that have been talked about since 2010 will take root and make prices cheaper, so that they can afford to pay for their ‘free lunches’.
The 2011 census results confirm people living in all these islands. There is strong reliance on the welfare payouts and government wages to keep alive the community and private sector initiatives.
Not many of you will remember the early eighties when most of these islands and the North were rocking with agriculture and fishing programmes that committed government spending to assisting them initiate and maintain economic activities. Populations back then were at healthy human capital levels, especially with the presence of the young and productive age groups.
Today the greying of our Pa Enua populations is very obvious. Health trends advise a focus on treating lifestyle diseases, the elderly, and the less fortunate. The few economically active on these islands have to spread their efforts, time, and family life to supporting projects to protect and care for them.
Would the reversion of funds from tourism promotions and airline subsidies assist in stemming the erosion of life and dignity in the Pa Enua? I believe it will. It has been done before; the ‘free lunch’ distribution function of government should assist us in looking after our own families and friends with our own resources rather than asking a development bank to help us feed and care for them.
Today with development assistance we are looking after our elderly, our disabled, because it is getting harder for our women and families to do this care giving work as well as find incomes to feed, educate and develop their families.
While in Mangaia last weekend, a friend explained the caregiving initiative that had been introduced with friends of the elderly or disabled in the community being paid a little to care for a lonely elderly or to support the efforts of a family with a disabled child. I also saw the programme in Mauke and Mitiaro.
Then we remembered the feasting and regional meetings we’ve been hosting in Rarotonga since Te Maeva Nui and during the Forum and now with other regional meetings trying to fulfil their work plans in a pleasant destination before Christmas and family time sets in.
A bit of our budget gets spent in these places to assist in facilitating the environment of ‘free lunches and fun’. Critical funds that may have been shared more wisely among our people so that our dignity remains intact in both shouldering our social obligation to our people with our own purse, and making them feel important and valued in our economy, without thinking they are just having a ‘free lunch on someone else’s expense’.
Kia mau!
PM off to Africa
Sat
8 Dec
Prime Minister Henry Puna will not be in parliament next week. Instead, he flies to Africa for the 7th African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) leaders summit.
The summit, which United Nations secretary general Ban-Ki Moon will attend, is being held in Equatorial New Guinea.
Puna will deliver an address on December 13 as Pacific Islands Forum chair.
He told parliament yesterday that Pacific leaders who gathered in Papua New Guinea recently (and decided to let Fiji join ACP discussions again) gave him the task to divulge their economic partnership decisions with the EU to this summit.
Puna said it is important for him to attend the summit as many challenges, such as climate change and the current economic climate, are affecting small Pacific nations like the Cook Islands.
“But collectively, the Cook Islands and the Pacific region does and can have a voice. This voice, if used wisely, can reverberate around the world. This is precisely why the ACP summit is so important.”
He says the country faces “creeping obscurity” from other parts of the world, and the Pacific voice is drowned out by Africa and Caribbean nations.
Deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister Tom Marsters backed Puna’s travel plans. He said this meeting would determine what would happen beyond 2020 for ACP countries “and as chair of the Pacific Forum, it is imperative, very imperative, that our prime minister attend this meeting.”
He also said that because Puna was this year’s Forum chair, responsibilities would be “never-ending”.
The prime minister then addressed the “babble” coming from opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen and Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George.
“Their complaint is that since I am travelling a lot, nothing is being done in this country.
“I really don’t know how they can say thatdespite my absence next week, Madam Speaker, I am still conscious we still have some important work.”
Puna said his government has successfully completed a half term with solid results.
All other cabinet ministers will remain in the country to attend the second and final week of the year’s parliament sittings.
George compares himself to disgraced NZ First MP
Sat
8 Dec
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Independent MP Norman George.
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Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George remarked in parliament on Thursday if former New Zealand First MP Brendan Horan was allowed to leave his party without question to become an independent MP – so should he.
Throughout the year there has been confusion over which party George belongs to – while he was elected to parliament as a Cook Islands Party member, he claims to have resigned and takes Democratic Party membership.
This has never been fully accepted by the Demos.
After much debate and mudslinging about the issue the last few months – which still goes on in parliament, albeit good-humouredly – George sits in the House as an independent member for Teenui-Mapumai.
His New Zealand counterpart Horan was sacked from his party on Tuesday after allegations made by his brother that he misappropriated money from his late mother’s bank account to fund a gambling habit.
Horan’s new status as an independent MP was formally confirmed in parliament the next day.
But perhaps George should have not been so quick to compare his situation with Horan’s.
The man’s expulsion from New Zealand First may lead to law changes that result in list MPs being kicked out of parliament if their party no longer wants them.
Concerns have already been raised by a number of New Zealand MPs about the lack of a law that means list MPs stay on.
New Zealand media report Prime Minister John Key saying he thinks it wrong for an MP to come in as a list MP, then be thrown out by their party but remain in parliament. “I don’t actually think they have a mandate to stay there.”
New Zealand’s attorney-general Chris Finlayson believes the old “waka jumping” law should be brought back – which would see list MPs who’ve fallen foul of their party forced out of parliament.
Demos announce Tamarua candidate
Sat
8 Dec
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Tamarua Democratic Party candidate Tetangi Matapo, pictured at her Bachelor of Education graduation in 2007.
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The Democratic Party candidate for the Tamarua seat in Mangaia has been announced as Tetangi Matapo.
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen told CINews he received an official confirmation letter on Wednesday and is very pleased with the constituency committee’s choice.
“She actually comes from a strong CIP-supporting family, but she has changed allegiance.”
Rasmussen said Matapo, a public servant, is an excellent candidate and will win the by-election for the Demos.
The 47-year-old candidate has been a school teacher since 1994 and deputy principal of Mangaia School for two years.
She grew up in Tamarua – her maiden name is Peeauake – and although she now lives in Oneroa she still attends church and does community work in Tamarua.
Matapo says she feels overwhelmed to be chosen.
“At the moment I’m just starting to take it all inI’m just taking it one day at a time.”
The mother of eight – ranging in age from four to 28 – says she got her family’s support before accepting the candidacy. Her 84-year-old father still lives in Tamarua, and while her family recently voted CIP (Matapo said they traditionally voted Demo), they have given her their blessing.
Matapo wants to do her village proud in the candidacy race.
“My village people nominated me and I just want to make their wish come true. I didn’t see myself like this but the people showed me what I can be.”
The decision whether to give up teaching should she be voted into parliament would be a tricky one, said Matapo. “It’s hard because I’m passionate about teaching but there’s no turning back now – I’m taking up the challenge.”
The Cook Islands Party has not yet announced their candidate.
The Tamarua seat became open after Cook Islands Party MP Pukeiti Pukeiti passed away in October, however the seat has yet to be declared vacant by the government.
Once the seat is officially declared vacant, a by-election will be held within 90 days.
Rasmussen says he is concerned over government’s uncertainty of what to do next – as he has heard the seat may be abolished.
He understands the reason behind the possible abolishment is because the voting population of Tamarua has fallen from 69 to 64 since the last election in 2010.
The electorate of Oneroa has 233 people on its roll and the third electorate on the island of Ivirua has 79 voters on its roll.
However, Rasmussen says that the Democratic Party is now ready to contest the Tamarua seat the moment it is officially declared vacant.
Opposition ‘babble’ on PM’s travel
Sat
8 Dec
A ministerial statement from the prime minister that included Christmas greetings to the public caused heated debate in the House yesterday.
Prime Minister Henry Puna gave a long prepared speech at the beginning of the sitting and included a list of projects the government had achieved over its half term.
He also announced he is going to miss parliament’s second and final week of sitting for the year, as he is going to Equatorial New Guinea for an African-Caribbean-Pacific leaders’ meet.
As soon as the prime minister said he would be missing parliament to travel, opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen and Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George protested noisily. The prime minister said this was just “babble”.
“Their complaint is that since I am travelling a lot, nothing is being done in this country.
“I really don’t know how they can say thatdespite my absence next week, Madam Speaker, I am still conscious we still have some important work.”
This is why he prepared the statement – it may be the last time he can get his message across to the public before the year’s end.
But Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen objected to the statement and called it an abuse of power. He said it was crucial for the public to hear the other side of the story.
Opposition is not allowed to debate ministerial statements under standing order 89 unless parliament moves to debate it.
Minister Teina Bishop suggested the ministerial statement could be tabled so Opposition could debate it at a later point. Rasmussen moved a motion to have the statement debated on Monday.
“I don’t know what all the fuss is aboutthese are all matters of fact,” said Puna.
He did not agree to the motion.
Speaker Niki Rattle put it to the House to vote.
Seven MPs rose in support of the motion, but 13 rose to decline the motion. The ministerial statement will not be debated.
PM says public previewing of questions unfair
Sat
8 Dec
The first four of Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George’s written questions were put to cabinet members this week – but the prime minister complained public viewing of the questions beforehand was not “fair”.
“I am enjoying the debate as our people will be fully informed of these issues,” he told the House. But then he said George was “hijacking” question time.
“My biggest concern is that while the questions were posed to parliament, they were also posed to Cook Islands News.”
Parliamentary staff circulated the questions to MPs on November 8 so they would have time to prepare answers, and both parliament and George provided CINews with copies.
Puna pointed out that while parliament has no restrictions on this, he was worried he did not have the opportunity to respond and it resulted in a “lopsided story in Cook Islands News for three days”.
In fact, all cabinet ministers were given a chance to respond in the media, but only finance minister Mark Brown took up the opportunity.
“I don’t think this is fair practice,” complained Puna. “It would have been better to have posed the questions and answers together.”
During yesterday’s session, the prime minister was asked to answer on shipping licences, as was transport minister Tom Marsters. Marine resources minister Teina Bishop replied on fishing licences and defended his ability to investigate fishing companies backgrounds.
Minister defends fishing deal
Sat
8 Dec
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The Hua Nan Yu 22 is licensed to catch Cook Islands tuna which is transported to Pago Pago for processing at the Sunkist factory.
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The first batch of Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George’s 17 pre-released written questions were asked in parliament on Thursday.
George questions marine resources minister Teina Bishop over a photo published on the front page of Cook Island News on September 13 which shows the minister receiving a cheque for $50,000 from the Tan Foundation, the charity of fishing company Luen Thai, which holds eight of the Cooks’ 50 fishing licences.
George said the minister should have received “warning signals” as one of the group photographed was the Tan Foundations founder’s son, who “featured prominently” in a negative American documentary and is involved in “corruption, prostitution rings and sweat shop factories”. George asked the minister whether he had called the Cooks into disrepute by not making appropriate inquiries.
Bishop replied this was a rather general question that questions his integrity as a minister and the integrity of the government.
The documentary in question, Casino Jacks and the United States of Money, focuses on American lobbyist Jack Abramoff and the scandal that led to the conviction of him and other lobbyists and congressional staff. Abramoff was jailed for fraud, corruption and tax evasion.
“Therefore it doesn’t feature any of the Tan sons,” stated Bishop.
As to whether Bishop conducted proper inquiry, he said he was confused over whether this was to do with the Tan son or to do with the Luen Thai, but assumed it was the latter.
He said he has a “whole file” on this company and it is registered on the Hong Kong stock exchange. “You can’t get on the Hong Kong stock exchange unless you have a squeaky clean history behind you.”
Bishop said Luen Thai Holdings won the Chinese people management awards in June 2006, and they put 10 per cent of their earnings into a charity – which is administered by the chairman, not his sons.
“This fund was established in 1986 and is based on the principle that success implies responsibility.”
The marine resources minister said he had done his job with due diligence. “Even in accepting the gift, it was my decision not to accept a cheque but to convert this to computers.”
He said 130 computers arrived in the Cooks on Thursday and will be distributed among the country’s schools.
“If government is to base decisions on documentaries or the media, we will always remain in the opposition,” said Bishop.
“That is where you are heading,” interjected George.
Bishop continued, “For example if you visit Wikipedia and type in Norman George’s name, you will find the statement”
George quickly interjected, calling a point of order that this was irrelevant to the question.
Speaker Niki Rattle explained Bishop was trying to show how easy it is to find information on the internet.
“I did not ask him to provide examples,” said George hurriedly.
But Bishop was allowed to proceed with quoting Wikipedia.
“A series of scandals over conflicts of interest, the apparent sale of a residency permit to New Zealand developer Mark Lyon, and a court case over “double dipping” saw George decline in popularity.” Bishop said while it is not true George has declined in popularity because of this scandal it shows how rumours can be published easily on the net.
George demanded the statement be retracted and then carried on his line of questioning.
“This same company that gave you the computers were granted eight fishing licences in the last year. Will any more licences be granted to Luen Thai?”
Bishop replied the number of licences in the Cooks is regulated, and the government cannot go beyond what is regulated – 50.
He could not remember how many had been granted and said he would come back to parliament with the information tomorrow.
“However, we are looking at companies which want to help the Golden Tuna projectThese are the companies which will have priority when the time comes for licences.”
The Hua Nan Yu 22, a 200-tonne fishing vessel owned by Luen Thai Fishing Ventures has so far carried two shipments of local tuna to Pago Pago to
be processed at the Sunkist cannery station and sold cheaply in the Cooks under the Golden Tuna brand.
George then asked if Luen Thai had asked for more licences and whether the Tan Foundation donation will influence further licences being granted to the company.
“There is no request from Luen Thai– they are shareholders of Huanan Fisheries and the general manager of Huanan, who lives in the Cook Islands, is not an employee of Luen Thai,” Bishop replied.
“The $50,000 will in no way influence my decision in granting licences, because the $50,000 was after we had given the company a licence.”
He said the company gave $450,000 to other Pacific islands as well.
PM asks to finish early
Sat
8 Dec
Speaker of the House Niki Rattle told parliament on Wednesday that two half days had been set aside during parliament’s two-week sitting for policy discussions.
She explained that while there was lots of legislation that requires debate before passing into law, there were other important matters that needed addressing.
The first half day is for members to discuss health and population issues.
The second will see staff from the Ombudsman Office in New Zealand talk to parliamentarians.
The dates for these meetings have not yet been set.
“Parliament must accomplish all this before the Christmas break,” said Rattle.
She asked members to help her achieve this task.
Later in proceedings, Prime Minister Henry Puna asked whether parliament could be adjourned a day early so MPs could support fundraising events for the victims of recent fires.
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George pointed out important things are already scheduled for next Friday – such as farewelling the retiring clerk of parliament Nga Valoa.
Puna agreed this was important, but said reshuffling could be done.
Prizegiving ends successful year for Papaaroa
Sat
8 Dec
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Henry Maireroa received the Maori Award at the Papaaroa prizegiving on Wednesday.
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Papaaroa College ended their school year with a celebration this week.
The college held its prizegiving on Wednesday morning, with the school hall filled with ei adorned students and happy parents.
John Carter, New Zealand High Commissioner, and MP Selina Napa joined the school as they looked back on what the school chairperson Teariki Vakalalabure described as a challenging year. Vakalalabure said that the school had a full complement of teachers for 2013, and that the board was also pleased to announce that the school fees would be reduced by 10 per cent next year due to an increase in government funding.
The crowd was entertained during the prizegivng by a singing performance from the junior school, and also a memory lane slide show that brought laughter from all as they looked back on the happy memories of the past year.
Awards were presented to students across the school, with six preschool students graduating to grade one, and awards given for full attendance, grooming, most helpful and most improved. Also presented was a special award to one student from each grade, that of a Bible donated from the SDA mission.
The dux primary award was presented to Joshua Enoka, with the high school dux going to Joryna Pokura.
Principal Greg Taikakara expressed to the school that many of the awards, including the Maori and sport, were awarded not only for ability but also for students who were keen to learn and actively participated in class events.
He also pressed home to parents that their student’s attendance at school everyday was very important, and that it was not the role of the children to stay home and help their parents with chores.
Pet clinic receives gifts worth $22,000
Sat
8 Dec
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Australian crew Rogz for Dogz, Esther Honey Foundation staff and Air New Zealand representatives with their huge list of goodies valued at over $22,000.
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Esther Honey Foundation (EHF) director Gregg Young is hailing the recent food and equipment donation valued at over $22,000 made by Australian paddling crew Rogz for Dogz.
The group donated a large stockpile of food, equipment and medical supplies worth nearly $22,713, not $7100 as reported in last Saturday’s Cook Islands News.
The Australian crew were on site last week to make the generous donation to the charity in their fifth consecutive year of doing it.
Young says the donation of $4100 of pet food will see them through until next year.
“We normally spend between $200 and $300 a week in food so that’s going to be a great saving for us,” says Young.
“This amount of food is so big that we had to get storage off site as well for all the extra supplies.”
The group, which participated in the open mixed Round Raro Relay Race, spent time visiting companies and vets asking for any collars, leads, and extra items.
Klik Systems Australia fronted up with a massive $3800 donation to help the group buy food at CITC’s main store in Avarua.
“CITC sold it to them at wholesale and they got full value for their buck.”
A number of organisations jumped on board, including Australian company Rogz, who donated 235 leads and collars to the value of over $7000.
Merial, Bayer, CC’s Bargains, Pet Biz, Petstock Ulladulla and The Reject Shop in Ulladulla also pitched in with sizeable contributions.
Casey’s Beach vet, Ulladulla vet and Milton vet also came to the party – as did the RSPCA’s head office vet in Sydney.
While leads and collars are now in stock, the pet clinic also received a number of much-needed drugs, muzzles and toys for animals.
Young admits he is surprised by how much they brought over – “and I’m surprised at how useful it all is”.
“Sometimes we get supplies and we’re not sure if we’re going to use them or not, but most of the things they brought are things that we actually really need.”
The biggest spinoff for the organisation was the money saved by not needing to buy food for the animals.
However, the extra funds are likely to go directly into more drugs for the animals as the clinic is seeing an increase in the number of animals needing treatment at the clinic.
EHF sees on average between 250 and 300 animals for a variety of things, including spaying and neutering, as well as
accident and emergency treatment.
While it is a time of receiving for the clinic, Young adds he has some kittens and puppies he is looking to adopt out to loving homes.
Those interested can contact Young at the clinic.
Wedding magic
Sat
8 Dec
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Let Creative Arch bring the magic on your special day.
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Creating the perfect setting for wedding ceremonies is the idea behind new local business – Creative Arch.
The business is run by Elaine Turepu Gukisiva, in partnership with her husband Bilsy Gukisiva, who team up to create beautiful wedding arches from natural products.
Gukisiva says the idea for the business came about after she helped out at family and friends weddings by creating arches for them.
The first arch was made for her cousin’s wedding two years ago, with the whole family working together as their contribution to the ceremony.
Gukisiva says she, “really enjoyed doing it and was really passionate about it.”
Word of her talents spread, and her confidence grew as she created arches for two more weddings, with assistance from her parents.
Gukisiva decided to launch her own business, with her idea being to try and do something that no one else is doing on the island outside of the resorts.
Creative Arch offers ceremony packages of $500 - $550 for a bamboo arch way and walk way set up, which includes floral arrangements with local tropical flowers in neutral colours, and mull drapes. The arch is also available on its own for $300.
Creative Arch arches can be provided for any setting, be that beach or garden, with Gukisiva saying that she can easily create a romantic setting for indoor settings in situations of wet weather. Contact Elaine on 50907 or cre8arch@gmail.com for more information.
‘Say it in Rarotongan’ reprinted
Sat
8 Dec
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Bounty Bookshop staff member Ponini Ridge Nathaniel Ponini with the 2012 edition of ‘Say it in Rarotongan’.
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The iconic Rarotongan language guide ‘Say it in Rarotongan’ has been reprinted and is available at the Bounty Bookshop in Avarua.
The author, the late Mana Strickland, was a leading authority on the language and history of the Cook Islands.
Strickland was a member of an advisory committee on Maori language who were consulted in the publishing of the comprehensive ‘Rarotongan and Cook Islands Maori Dictionary’, compiled by Jasper Buse and Raututi Taringa. He was also a prominent figure in Cook Islands education and in his time served as a principal, a senior teacher-trainer and also as the Minister of Education for the Cook Islands.
The book was republished in New Zealand with the assistance of one of Strickland’s daughters, Tuaine Bailey (nee Strickland), after many requests from educators in Rarotonga to republish the book.
Bailey says the book is published mainly in its original form from 1979, but with a few added details about her father.
The book was originally used for educational purposes supporting the oral approach her father used to teach the language.
Bailey describes her dad as a man dedicated to the preservation of the Cook Islands language, spending many hours educating anyone interested in improving their command of the language.
“Expatriates, volunteers, members of the clergy, university students conducting research, and in some cases Cook Islanders returning home after a lengthy stay overseas and wanting to improve their language, were always enthusiastic learners.”
The handy pocket-sized book, measuring 17 centimetres by 11.5 centimetres, contains a wealth of information within its 64 pages.
While the lessons in pronunciation, commonly-used expressions and greetings, sentence structure and asking questions in Rarotongan Maori – as well as its 30 pages of vocabulary – are a well-rounded introduction to the language, Strickland himself mentions in the book that it was never intended to be a textbook.
“It is designed to help you learn common words and phrases because, if you can ‘Say it Rarotongan’, you will feel more at home among these friendly people and will have a better understanding of their culture.”
Bailey hopes that by reprinting the book her father’s legacy will be continued.
“I know it was my late father’s wish that the Cook Island’s language was a strong and living language, a message he constantly gave us in the family setting and to all learners in the field of education and in the community.”
Show to focus on women
Sat
8 Dec
The Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) is looking for screenwriters to help develop a television series on issues facing women in the Cook Islands.
CINCW has been given funding by the Australian Government’s Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) to develop a pilot episode for a television series.
The series would be based on issues facing women in a family setting.
CINCW is looking for qualified screenplay or television programme writers to help create the script for the pilot episode.
President Vaine Wichman says the television series will have a positive effect for local screenwriters.
“It’s about getting our women’s issues into television,” says Wichman.
The script will go before the PACMAS office in Vanuatu in February before a final decision on extending the project is made.
“That will decide whether it could continue to develop a few more episodes to be aired throughout Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.”
The first episode of the programme would be screened in the first half of next year.
Those interested in applying can do so at the CINCW office in Takuvaine before next Monday.
Rest caps ‘tough year’ for Coffin
Sat
8 Dec
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Jenny-May Coffin used her week in Rarotonga to relax after a tough year.
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Relaxing in Rarotonga has been the perfect tonic for television presenter and former Silver Fern Jenny-May Coffin after a year of immersing herself in the Maori language.
Of Tainui and Ngati Maniapoto descent, Coffin played 26 tests in a six-year career for the Silver Ferns until she retired in 2003.
She has been TVNZ’s weekend sports presenter for the last seven years and has since added Maori Television sports show Code to build an impressive resume.
Coffin gave up full-time work in 2012 to study Maori language at Auckland’s Te Wananga Takiura.
“I took some time out from work to do that so it’s been a tough year and this is time to relax,” says Coffin.
She returned to New Zealand early this morning after spending a week with good friend Raela Cuther and her Cook Islands family.
On her second trip to Rarotonga, Coffin has spent her time wisely – eating, swimming and relaxing with family.
“I have just chilled out and it’s been really neat.”
A self-confessed “creature of habit”, Coffin was up every morning and training while on the island. “Training sets up the day – then you can kick back.”
The former Northern Mystics assistant coach was putting her newfound Maori language skills to good use while on Rarotonga.
“We went on a safari tour on Thursday for the first time and it was interesting knowing the difference of what a marae is here and what a marae is back home.”
Coffin managed to take in a bit of the recent Netball in Paradise tournament after bumping into a couple of participating teams at an island night.
“I knew it was on, but I didn’t realise it was this week,” confessed Coffin.
“I spoke to a couple of coaches who told me to come and check it out, so I went on one of the days this week for half an hour.”
Coffin will be getting almost straight back into her sports presenting role when she arrives back in Auckland.
The sports presenter will be back on TVNZ’s Breakfast show tomorrow, less than a day after arriving from paradise.
Tereora seeks parent input for learning charter
Mon
10 Dec
Tereora College is currently asking three questions of its students, teachers and parents. Principal Bali Haque says they are asking the three groups who are involved in student education what they expect from each other and themselves, in order to develop a new learning charter for the school.
The new charter will set out the expectations of what the entire college community believes to be the best ways in which students can learn and teachers can teach.
The charter will then form the basis of an agreed ‘contract’ between the school, students and the community, for which all stakeholders will be held accountable.
Haque says the learning charter is part of the school’s yearly plan to expand the current code of conduct for students, which in the past has been dominated by the opinions of teachers.
The college has already gathered answers from 50 of the junior students and most of the teachers, and are now seeking input from parents. Some parents have already given their feedback and Haque is encouraging all others to take the time to do the same. Responses to the question of the expectations of students, parents and the school, should consist of positive statements that focus on maximising learning.
Forms are available from the school, or answers may be simply written down on a piece of paper and left in the drop off box at the school’s reception.
‘Multitasking’ minister Mark Brown
Mon
10 Dec
Finance minister Mark Brown is making the most of parliament’s wireless internet allowance to update the public on the House proceedings.
“Im facebooking while Parliament is in session,” he wrote on his publicly viewable Facebook page on Wednesday. “Have passed three bills this session. Te Aponga Uira Amendment Act, Customs Tariff Amendment Act, Judicature Amendment Act. Next up Police Bill, and the long awaited Employment Relations Bill.
“This year I am told the Cook Islands Parliament will sit for over 40 days. This is a record number of sitting days and a record number of bills passed. Will be racking more days for next year as the legislative calendar fills up. Lots more to come.”
Twenty-four people ‘like’ this comment and nine comments have been made underneath the post. Brown has 432 ‘friends’ on Facebook.
“Ooohh minister Mark you have been multi-tasking indeed!! FB AND parliament – what a guy,” wrote Florence Syme-Buchanan.
“Haha the magic of wifi and ipad,” replied Brown.
News reporter Matariki Wilson pointed out a discrepancy in Brown’s comment. “I’m sure the PM said 100 days minister,” – alluding to Prime Minister Henry Puna’s election promise to call parliament to sit 100 days a year.
“Yes Matariki it was me who said 100 days,” Brown replied. “NZ Parliament only managed 77 days even with 100 MPs last year (or year before). Shoot for the stars and you might hit the moon.”
Wilson conceded that 40 days is better than 12 – the amount of days parliament sat for in 2006.
Parliamentarians using technology to update the public on immediate proceedings are a growing trend.
US president Barack Obama is a fan of Twitter, and frequently updates the world on congressional proceedings while they are in action.
Workers right better protected in new legislation
Mon
10 Dec
The rights of workers are to be better protected in groundbreaking legislation that includes protections around maternity leave, discrimination and termination.
Employment minister Mark Brown said in parliament on Friday the Employment Relations Bill was the result of 10 years’ labour law review. The legislation transcends party lines and is a “bill by the Cook Islands for the Cook Islands”, he said.
The changes mean new mothers employed in the private sector will receive a weekly payment for six weeks after the birth of their child.
The amount paid will be equivalent to the minimum wage. This equates to $1200 and is in addition to the $1000 ‘baby bonus’ for every eligible child born in the Cook Islands.
“This bill takes a significant step towards modernising Cook Islands labour laws,” said Brown.
He said there has been a shift in the Cook Islands from primary industries to one that is service orientated and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The legislation recognises the country’s main industry is tourism, which workers often have to work weekends.
Sunday will no longer be treated as a public holiday – but employers will be prohibited from pressuring employees into working on their chosen day of worship. If a person does not choose to observe a Sabbath day, they will get paid the normal daily rate. The act will also set when overtime wage payments apply.
There will also be tighter rules on terminating workers.
When passed, it will be illegal to discriminate workers on skin colour, race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual preference, age, pregnancy or health status.
A legal process for terminating employment will be put in place and includes a dispute tribunal – “unfortunately this may mean less business for lawyers,” said Brown.
It also allows employees and employers freedom of association to choose whether they want to be part of a collective group such as workers’ union.
Brown said the bill appeared in its first form in 1996, “but has hit many brick walls”. He acknowledged the work of the select committee, chaired by minister Nandi Glassie, which reviewed the bill in 2011.
The new legislation is “the best Christmas gift that the government is offering”, said Brown.
“We are always looking to provide for the wealth and welfare of our people. To improve the wealth of our country, we must increase productivity. By having a more prosperous country, only then can we afford to pay higher wages.”
Brown said there are three factors to increase a country’s productivity. The first is capital, to allow investment and to grow business. The second is land, “which is why it is important to have good land tenure systems in place”. The third is people. “And this bill, Madam Speaker, is all about the workers and people in this country.”
Employment Relations Bill select committee chair and health minister Nandi Glassie said this is legislation for the 7500 workers in the Cook Islands – and said he believes this is the first time equal opportunity is given to a man and woman competing for a job.
But he is worried that when people retire in the Cooks, there are no young people to replace them.
“To have a vibrant work force, we must have new, young people coming into the workforce to make things move.”
He suggested reviving the trades apprenticeship system and that all ministries provide year-long cadetship positions to train young people into government roles.
This will also make sure Cook Islanders living overseas know there is hope back in their home country, he said.
Debate will continue on the bill on Monday.
PM: We have nothing to hide
Mon
10 Dec
Prime Minister Henry Puna said the government has “nothing to hide” when deciding which company to grant a shipping licence to.
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George asked Puna whether he was aware that until the granting of a third shipping licence to Uma Shipping Cook Islands Ltd in October, his minister of transport appeared to be in breach of the anti-competitive and unfair practices provisions of the International Shipping Act 1999.
This is “pure speculation”, replied Puna.
He said the government granted two licences before Uma Shipping got the third in October.
Reef Express, operated by Excil, has the first and Southern Reef, operated by Tai Moana Ltd, has the second.
“I was fully aware that both ships were operated by Reef Shipping in New Zealand.”
Puna said he also looked at an application for a licence from Pacific Forum Line (PFL) for a ship based in Brisbane.
“But PFL wanted financial backing from Cook Islands government,” said Puna. It also wanted government to pay relocation from Brisbane to Auckland, and “even worse”, wanted expected losses on the first four trips from Auckland to Rarotonga to be met by the government.
He said while PFL would have been perfect to compete with Reef Shipping, “given those facts the government just could not go along with that deal”.
So when Uma Shipping applied for a licence to run a service to Rarotonga and the northern group with vessel Tiare Moana, it was granted, said Puna.
35% foreign workers ‘an error’, says Marsters
Mon
10 Dec
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George has admitted he did not get the figures about foreigners making up 35 percent of the workforce from an official source.
On Wednesday, George asked foreign affairs and immigration minister Tom Marsters whether the government had a policy to control the amount of foreign workers allowed into the Cooks.
“A couple of days ago, you raised the question to me that 35 percent of the population were foreigners. As a result of that, this has scared a lot of people,” said Marsters in parliamentary question time yesterday.
He said the true figure is no more than 14 percent. “Did you purposefully intend to mislead the house or were you simply ignorant of the fact?”
In his reply, George noted lawyer Bret Gibson had also brought this discrepancy up in a letter to the Cook Islands News editor on Friday.
“It wasn’t intended to scare anyone. It wasn’t xenophobia – meaning discrimination against foreigners.”
George says he acts as a lawyer for many foreign workers, so his reputation would take a blow if he were xenophobic. “I am our guest workers’ best friend because I always help them out.”
But he reiterated the government needs to have a policy to stop foreign workers flooding the country, and said the public shares his concern.
He asked Marsters if someone has “six Fijians” working for them, can they keep employing more foreign workers. “Is there any control on this system?”
“The people of this country and MPs should be concerned we should not be going to sleep. We have the next generation of workers to look after.”
Marsters then asked him where he got his facts.
George did not, and said a member of the public told him. The Teenui-Mapumai member said if someone had the correct figures, they should bring them to discuss in the House.
Parents day celebration at Arorangi
Mon
10 Dec
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Mattlena Tepai, with her parent Matthew Tepai and Elena Mataora, was very happy with to receive best hygiene and best student overall for the preschool.
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There was laughter and smiles aplenty at the Arorangi school parents day on Wednesday morning.
The Puaikura Community Centre was full of students, teachers and parents, all present to celebrate the end of a successful year and also to farewell their principal.
Principal Vae Unuka, was thanked by PTA chairperson William Tuivaga, for his work in bringing the community together over the past year. Tuivaga also thanked all the teachers for their efforts, and wished all the students who are moving on to college next year the very best.
Teina Tearii was welcomed to the school in his role as new school principal for 2013. Tearii comes to the school after a year of teaching in Penrhyn, and says he is looking forward to working with the community to provide the best for Arorangi School.
A range of awards was presented to students across each year level from preschool upwards, with the community coming together to sponsor prizes for the school. The top prize of the day, that of dux of the school was awarded to Teunere Tairi.
Nia Remuera was the recipient of the junior sportsperson of the year, for his all round sporting ability. He received a certificate and a trophy, as well as a mountain bike that was generously donated by Nii Pokipoki. Pokipoki, was a student at Arorangi school herself and donates prizes for the parents day every year.
This year her donations included individual prizes for preschool students as well as the Motoki mountain bike from OTC. Pokipoki says she feels that all her efforts are worthwhile when she sees the kids faces light up as they receive their prize.
Avatea acknowledges student talents
Mon
10 Dec
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Avatea School dux Michael Wood with his trophy – one of many awards the young man received during the schools prize giving on Friday.
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The Avatea School community was overflowing with pride on Friday when the school held its annual prize giving to acknowledge the efforts of students during the year.
Students were recognised not only for their academic achievements throughout the year but also for their sporting feats and cultural knowledge.
Sponsors and parents also received accolades for their donations for trophies and certificates as well as the continued support the school receives from parents.
The festive atmosphere at the prize giving was further enhanced by items and dances put on by the students for the proud school community watching on.
Senior student Michael Wood was the schools most outstanding student of the year.
Not only did he win the prestigious Avatea dux award, the young man was also the top math, english, social science, science plus the most outstanding student award.
Wood also came 2nd runner up sportsman of the year.
Full list of student awards : (Junior school) – Junior dux – Tivakanoa Solomone, 1st runner up dux – Heath Heather, 2nd runner up Vaine Nicolea Mateariki, sports boy of the year – Romatt Rairoa, 1st runner up sports boy – Nooti Peau, 2nd runner up sports boy Heath Heather, sports girl of the year – Nicole Tiaore, 1st runner up sports girl Akeevor Nootai, 2nd runner up sports girl Hereani Atirai, (Intermediate school) – middle school dux – Pauline Kaimarama, 1st runner up dux – Arona Ngari, 2nd runner up dux – Brideena Kaiaruna & Athena Paris Piri, intermediate school sports boy of the year – Maui Tatam, 1st runner up sports boy – Taua Heather, 2nd runner up sports boy of the year – Henri Atirau, intermediate sports girl of the year – Mereana Ratumu, 1st runner up sports girl – Teinakore Tamaiva, 2nd runner up sports girl – Andria Brown, (special awards) – Avatea sports boy of the year - Al Jermaine Epati, 1st runner up sports boy – James Heather, 2nd runner up sports man Michael Wood, Avatea sports girl of the year – Tuvaine Taio, 1st runner up sports girl Janna Pureau, 2nd runner up sports girl – Sinano Vaeau, top student in mathematics – Michael Wood, top student in English – Michael Wood, top student in Maori – Sinano Vaeau, top student in social science – Michael Wood, top student in science – Michael Wood, most outstanding student (academic/community services, culture & sports – Michael Wood, 2nd runner up school dux – Sinano Vaeau, 1st runner up school dux – Enua Fameitau, 2012 School Dux – Michael Wood.
A clean shave for sick friend
Mon
10 Dec
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A number one head shave replaced long blonde hair last week, as Liv Johnston from Matavera shaved her head as a fundraiser for a sick friend.
A small group of well wishers cheered Johnston on as her husband Dan removed her hair, first cutting it off to enable it to be donated to the Cancer Society in New Zealand where it will be used to make a wig, then finishing off the job with the clippers.
Johnston is raising money for one of her closest friends from New Zealand, a mother of three young children, who has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, with the money to be used to fund a house cleaner for the family.
Anyone wishing to donate can call Johnston on 52576, or leave money at The Cafe or Blackrock Preschool.
Te Kakaia grows parenting confidence
Mon
10 Dec
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Anna Savage has greatly enjoyed her role as Te Kakaia co-ordinator at the Ministry of Education over the past three years.
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As the end of the year arrives, so does the completion of a number of contracts for employees of the Ministry of Education.
For Anna Savage, Te Kakaia co-ordinator it is the end of three years of work promoting parents as first teachers across the Cook Islands.
Savage began the role afresh on her arrival in Rarotonga, saying she has enjoyed the freedom and creativity that came with the job.
Savage describes her work as “one of the best jobs ever” saying that she finds it amazing that she is paid to do something that she already believes in.
Savage has worked alongside Ina Tamarua, Early Childhood Education Advisor, during much of her time here.
Together they have held workshops at many early childhood education centres in the Cook Islands, providing parents with information to assist them in the often challenging job of parenting.
Savage feels that she is leaving the role at an opportune moment, with the Ministry beginning a community based parenting group programme a few months ago.
The Toolbox parenting groups, which are run through The Parenting Place in New Zealand, came about as a result of a request for more information in the suicide survey that took place in May.
In August, Savage and three volunteers from the community took part in a training programme, which enables them to act as a facilitator of the Toolbox groups, and also to train others.
The team has just completed their first six week community courses, with Kate Moala taking the early years group, Eitiare Vano the middle years, and Savage the tweens and teens.
Savage describes the groups as “parents encouraging other parents” and says that the course is both practical and fun.
The Toolbox parenting groups have been shown to work well across a variety of different cultures, with its importance being that it is run by the local community for local caregivers.
It aims to provide caregivers with a range of practical skills and strategies that can be immediately put to use, and to have a laugh while doing so.
Savage says she has been touched by seeing caregivers discussing parenting in an honest and vulnerable way, and says she has learnt a lot about communication herself – a skill she sees as important to every aspect of life.
She is hopeful that whoever fills the role next year will “grow it (the courses), make it fly and make it available to the whole community.”
Savage leaves the Cook Islands at the end of December to return to New Zealand, along with her husband Guy Savage, who has been teaching English at Tereora College. For them both, their time in Rarotonga has been guided by God, and a time that Savage describes as “rejuvenating.”
Rotarians rock at Vaitau!
Mon
10 Dec
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Richmond Rotarians from New Zealand at the ready to help the small Vaitau School community on Aitutaki.
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“Adopt a Rotarian” was a concept put together by Vaitau Primary School on Aitutaki while seeking assistance for their school.
The school was offered generous help by a group of New Zealand Rotarians from school principal Ingrid Stewart’s home town of Richmond.
Rotarians help communities in need and carry out voluntary projects with a view to making the world a better place.
After being approached by Stewart, the Richmond Rotarians offered their services to Vaitau Primary School for one week in exchange for accommodation.
“We reached out to our local community in the hopes of gaining help with hosting the large contingent of 18 Rotarians,” says Stewart.
“We were really fortunate that support was offered by Aitutaki Pacific Resort, Vaikoa Units, Maina Lodges and the Neale family of Vaipae for accommodation. Many people on the island of Aitutaki went out of their way to make the Rotarians visit a very memorable experience.”
Stewart and the students are immensely grateful to those that took an interest in the school and have chosen to champion their difficulties.
“Due to a team effort this year and lots of TLC we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” says Stewart.
The visiting group certainly showed that being organised and working as a team can achieve a lot in such a short space of time.
“The impressive list of projects completed is a true testament to the Richmond Rotarians hard work and professionalism,” says Stewart.
Completed during the four and a half days of work include a newly tiled toilet area, and a new soak pit for an ablution area that has been specifically designed as a tooth brushing area.
Drinking fountains for the children were fitted with new filters and UV treatment for the water.
Bike racks and basketball hoops for both the junior and senior school students certainly got the students’ attention as well as the new slide, swing and play area.
A super jumbo sized sandbox looks magnificent under the shade of the biggest tree in the school that was built to accommodate at least twenty students.
Upgrades to plumbing, drain-laying, electrical and carpentry all were finished during the Rotarians visit.
The early childhood education classroom was extended to double its size.
The school library and resource room all were given a much needed makeover.
Hundreds of books and resources were all carefully counted and catalogued.
The Richmond Rotarians joked about the popular TV series “Home Makeovers” and thought the idea of “School Makeovers” certainly had appeal.
“Yet, television celebrities or not, without fame or fortune, these humble and helpful Richmond Rotarians that rocked into Vaitau certainly are more than a legend in part of the island.”
Seeking interest for visiting early childhood specialist
Mon
10 Dec
For Ainslie Duncan, a physiotherapist in the Cook Islands, early childhood development is something of a passion.
She is currently looking to bring a specialist in the area, Frans Flooij from the International Research Institute on Infant Studies in The Netherlands, to the Cook Islands next year, and is seeking both interest from the community and funding to make this happen.
Flooij is well known internationally for the research undertaken by himself and his wife Hetty van der Rijt, and has developed a parental support and education programme, called Leaping Hurdles which is based on a book that the couple wrote.
The basis of the book ‘The Wonder Weeks’ is that there are ten occasions in the first 20 months of a baby’s life when their brain grows rapidly, which they refer to as leaps. Through their research Flooij and Rijt have determined at what age in weeks these leaps will occur, and what changes are occurring in the baby’s brain.
Duncan, who has worked with children in Rarotonga over many years, both with paediatric cases referred from public health nurses and through the annual children’s health clinics and thinks that the programme could provide helpful information to caregivers in the community.
She says that according to the authors, that there are major changes in the way a baby understands their world when these leaps occur, and that there are set changes in behaviour which go along with these.
This may include crying, clinginess, change in sleep and eating patterns, and that these behaviours may last from hours to weeks.
The book includes a number of strategies to help parents and babies cope with these ‘leaps’, including preparing meals, arranging extra support from family during these times, and recognising that the challenging behaviour will pass.
At present Flooij is looking to visit the Cook Islands next year to run the programme, with Duncan seeking expressions of interest from the community, and additional funding of $4000 to pay for his travel and living costs. Accommodation costs have been sponsored by Linda Wichman and transport in Rarotonga by Richard Vinsen.
Any persons interested in finding out more information about the programme or wishing to provide funding can contact Duncan at email Ainslie@adphysiotherapy.com
Specialist praises Cook Islands women
Mon
10 Dec
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New Zealand urogynaecologist Dr Mairi Wallace says eating healthy and exercising is why so many of her Cook Islands patients have made swift recoveries from surgery.
South African-born Wallace specialises in gynaecology at Stellenbosch University near Cape Town.
Wallace has been working for the last eight years as a urogynaecologist, a specialist in helping women with a number of issues, including urinary tract infections and uncontrollable bladders.
The qualified doctor saw 19 patients during her 10 days in Rarotonga.
“Fortunately quite a few of those we were able to help with conservative measure, like tablets and exercise.”
Wallace operated on 12 women from Tuesday to Friday of last week, and has spent the last few days checking up on the patients before leaving for New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon.
Wallace says there is a noticeable difference between Cook Islands patients and their New Zealand counterparts.
“The patients here are fantastic,” says Wallace
“I think the Cook Islands women eat so much fruit they just seem to recover better and everything seems to work better.
“I really enjoy the Cook Islands ladies because they have a slightly more relaxed kind of approach.”
Wallace plans to come back next year for another week-long stint, but advises those who are interested in the services to get in contact with local doctor Dr May Aung before her arrival.
The first reason is because often Aung can address the problem, while the second reason allows Wallace to arrange for medication and specialist equipment from companies Johnson and Johnson and Boston Scientific.
While the job is an unenviable one, the gynaecologist says there are great parts to the job.
“Women who have struggled for years and years thinking its normal to turn into a hermit.
“Then they burst into tears when they realise it can be fixed.
“It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Fridge donated for prison rehabilitation centre
Mon
10 Dec
Visitor to the island, Maggie Payne, recently donated a brand-new fridge to the Arorangi Prison.
Payne contacted CINews, initially worried that although she had permission from prison authorities to make the donation, the fridge wasn’t made available for use by the prisoners themselves.
Teariki Purua, the Human Resources Development and Policy Officer for the facility, says he has made plans to use the fridge in the new rehabilitation and training centre for inmates.
Purua adds that the intention at Arorangi Prison has always been that the fridge be given to the prisoners.
“We appreciate the donation from her,” says Purua.
Purua says they had been trying to find an appropriate place to put the fridge where it can benefit the prisoners, but still be managed and looked after.
They feel the new rehabilitation and training centre will be perfect for that.
The rehabilitation and training centre, which Purua called the ‘Hope Centre’, will open next Wednesday and Purua is hoping that the centre will help to make positive and real changes in the lives of offenders at the prison.
Reoffender gets prison
Mon
10 Dec
A serial repeat offender who breached his probation conditions three times over the last two months has been sentenced to two months in prison.
Putere Dean appeared at the High Court on Thursday for sentencing in front of Justice of the Peace Tauii Solomon.
The court was told that Dean was originally sentenced on August 31 to 12 months probation after pleading guilty to burglary.
One of the probation conditions imposed was that he wasn’t to be out at night unless he was with his sister and husband.
However, an off-duty police officer sighted Dean at Hidie’s Bar at 12.15am on November 24. He was arrested and remanded in custody ahead of Thursday’s court appearance.
It was his third appearance on the same charge after breaching his conditions on October 11 and November 1.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Maeva Kirikava said the defendant was on his “third strike”.
“He’s been given a number of chances to get his life back on track, but he continually finds it acceptable to give complete disregard to police orders,” said Kirikava.
“I think this court needs to emphasise the point that this court has to be respected.”
Justice of the Police Tauii Solomon convicted Dean and sentenced him to two months imprisonment.
“After all the police have said to this court, I think you’ve got to learn how to behave yourself,” said Solomon.
Stormy conditions batter coastline
Tue
11 Dec
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Surging seas pushed debris along the driveway to The Mooring Caf at the Avana harbour.
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Captain Moko’s fishing pier and fishing equipment were swept away by Monday’s early morning sea surges.
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Rarotonga residents can be forgiven for thinking a cyclone had hit the island early on Monday morning when winds gusting up to 100 kilometres and high seas had some coastal residents scrambling to tie down roofs and secure loose objects.
Eastern areas exposed to the full intensity of the weather caused by a tropical disturbance were from Upper Tupapa to Ngatangiia.
Residents along the coastline from Tupapa to Ngatangiia experienced sea surges that flooded some homes and yards.
Tourist accommodators in the area were not spared either with the Tropical Sands accommodation in Turangi experiencing sea surges that cut through their yard and under their units.
At the Avana Harbour, The Mooring Caf and Avana Fishing Club the full force of the weather was felt with managers scrambling to the harbour side eatery to tie down the roof.
Captain Moko’s fishing jetty was completely covered by the sea surge that pushed its way along with debris up the driveway towards the main road.
The adverse weather was short lived and only caused minor damages.
The coastal flooding was said to be a combination of the high winds generated by the tropical depression which coincided with the early morning high tide and huge swells between 4am and 7am on Monday.
The high sea surges also had the Ports Authority calling for vessels to be moved from the Avatiu harbour with Taio Shipping’s long-line fishing vessel the FV Ana ending up on the Avatiu reef and breakwater after the tow rope attached to the MV Maungaroa II broke.
The good news is that there is a very low chance of the tropical disturbance developing into a tropical cyclone however there’s no better time to prepare for a cyclone than now.
Was Numa paid out?
Tue
11 Dec
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The expected difference in rainfall from usual conditions over the coming months across the Pacific islands.
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Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked during parliament question time last Friday whether it was true that recently suspended ministry head Donye Numa was offered a payout to ease her out of the job.
Rasmussen said he had heard that Public Service Commissioner (PSC) Russell Thomas had offered Numa a severance pay cheque before suspending her from the Ministry of Infrastructure and planning top job on Monday.
“There seems to be a suggestion that our public service is being run like the mafia,” replied public service minister and Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Puna said he did not know whether this happened, but would be “very surprised” given the provisions of the Public Service Act saying what the commissioner can or can’t do.
The prime minister said to answer this question properly he will have to ask the PSC.
He received a reply on his mobile later in proceedings.
“The truth is the commissioner did not do any such thing. Indeed he met with the ex-HOM for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning on Monday afternoon at about quarter to three in his office.”
Puna said all they discussed at this meeting were the reasons the commissioner saw fit to suspend her.
“There was never any discussion of payouts or pay handouts. And the commissioner is very, very keen to protect his reputation and I understand that.
“I would warn to whoever gave that info to the leader of the Opposition that the CEO of the public service was also at this meeting.
“We can’t afford to have these cheap allegations or accusations that might make the public think there is something wrong happening.”
Stronger rights for workers
Tue
11 Dec
“Long overdue legislation” in the form of the Employment Relations Bill was passed into Cook Islands law yesterday.
The bill, which brings the Cooks up to international standards, is a regulatory framework to create good relationships between employers and employees. It went through its second reading with no amendments.
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George said the select committee process helped form “one of the best bills that has been tabled in the House”.
He said this was “long overdue legislation” and congratulated select committee chair minster Nandi Glassie – “although he is not necessarily my flavour of the month” – for his thorough work in getting employers and employees opinions on the legislation.
George noted the word “union” was not mentioned in the bill. “I hope this government is not anti-union, anti-collective?”
The new act allows freedom of association and choice to join a collective for both parties.
George also asked whether the act sets a minimum wage for different classes of workers.
The act provides if government employees are working over 40 hours per week, the workers will get paid 1.5 times their usual rate of pay, said internal affairs minister Mark Brown, who tabled the bill.
“It also ensures workers are employed under minimum conditions at least, and will help resolve disputes.” Parties must try to resolve disputes themselves first, and failing that, can go to a disputes tribunal.
George supported the legislation provides protection for foreign workers and locals.
He said he knew of cases of “extreme cruelty” towards guest workers. He told parliament about a Fijian man who was brought over to work five days a week – but only gets paid for two.
“This is the kind of thing we need to keep an eye out for.”
The act prohibits harassment of any nature, from racial to sexual. Penalties and appeal rights are also set out.
Nikao-Panama MP Ngamau Munukoa was on the bill’s select committee. She said they did “a lot of decision making and discussion” with private sector business owners. While a minimum $6.50 pay rate was looked at, but private sector businesses such as CITC and the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa opposed this. It was set at $5 per hour instead.
While health and safety regulations have been strengthened, Munukoa noted some road workers still wear jandals. They must “be careful”, she warned, as if they are injured they may not get compensation because they have made the choice not to wear proper footwear.
She also warns employees cannot sue their employers just because the legislation is in place to do so.
Titikaveka MP Selina Napa said while there are often problems between employers and employees, the majority of grievances go unreported “because people fear for their jobs, or fear for their relatives who also might work in the public sector”.
Napa said she knows of a number of women who are being taken advantage of in their jobs and this must be addressed too for security in the community and workplace.
She named female and male nurses being abused by patients, and female and male teachers being abused by students and parents as particular examples.
The act also provides that new mothers employed in the private sector will receive a weekly payment for six weeks after the birth of their child.
Fire appeal fun run raises $3150
Tue
11 Dec
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A police patrol vehicle warns people about the oncoming fire appeal that went all the way around Rarotonga on Saturday.
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Mona Henderson accepts a donation from a stallholder during run, in aid of the four families that lost their homes in fires.
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The first of four events planned to raise money for families made homeless by four fires in Nikao raised $3150 on Saturday.
Some 15 eager walkers, runners and drivers gathered outside the Bond Store in Avarua at 7am for a prayer by Kevin Iro.
The enthusiastic group was led by Tai Exham and Myland Lane, two of the fire appeal’s promoters.
They were joined by a number of runners and walkers, including fire victim Mona Ngaoire as well as young Tiare Lusby and Maui Tatam.
The group was cheered on around the island, while some buses stopped and allowed passsengers to donate money for the cause.
The group eventually arrived back at the Punanga Nui Market at around 11am, having raised $3150.
It was an amount Exham was very satisfied with.
“Irrespective of the festive season upon us, the generosity of our people on the day was truly amazing,” says Exham.
On Wednesday the bank will be holding a sausage sizzle, with all funds raised going to the families of the burnt houses.
The sausage sizzle will take place outside the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) building in Avarua from 9am to 2pm, with all money again going to the families left homeless by the Nikao fires.
Exham thanks Prime Foods for sponsoring the sausages and Avarua Bakery for supplying the bread.
A radiothon set to broadcast on Friday morning is hoping to lure cabinet ministers and members of parliament to get involved, but as of yet there has been no confirmation.
Meanwhile, the glitz, the glitter and the glamour all associated with the Queenies will be on show on Friday night as part of their own fundraising efforts.
The group will be running a pageant-style competition, with each group being encouraged to take on an international country.
The fire appeal is being organised by BCI.
Mitiaro supports shark protection
Tue
11 Dec
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Mitiaro students support the creation of a shark sanctuary in the entire Cook Islands EEZ.
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Yesterday the island of Mitiaro joined in the growing movement of Cook Islanders who support the creation of a shark sanctuary in the entire Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
President of the House of Ariki Travel Tou Ariki together with the Pacific Islands Conservation Initiative (PICI) founder Stephen Lyon and programme manager Jess Cramp travelled to Tou’s home island of Mitiaro at the weekend to discuss shark protection and to gain the island’s support.
Tou Ariki said about the visit, “We had a meeting with our fishermen here and those who were interested to listen. What we are talking about is trying to conserve the population of the shark and I was grateful, happy to hear that the response from our people was positive.”
“They have their own view about the sharks. Some believe it is a nice meat for them to eat, but they understand why we are here and I was really grateful, as the ariki of this island to see the support of those involved, especially fishermen, who are going out and catching fish for their households and sometimes their island.”
Following the community meeting, PICI headed to Mitiaro School where they were met with excited smiles from the local children.
During PICI’s visit, the students quickly grasped the terms “unsustainable fishing” and understood why shark populations are declining.
Many pledged to create posters and write letters to Prime Minister Henry Puna, asking him to protect their sharks, in the same way students from Palmerston, Mangaia, Rarotonga and Aitutaki recently have done.
“I’m very happy with Steve and Jess, that they have come to Mitiaro, to really listen to the voice of our people. And that’s what I want as president of the House of Ariki, to take the view of the people in the outer islands. On behalf of my people here in Mitiaro, we support the whole programme of shark protection.”
Port rejects blame claim
Wed
12 Dec
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The MV Maungaroa II towing the unmanned FV Ana. The photo clearly shows the big rope tied to the smaller rope from the FV Ana and the captain of the towing vessel choosing to exit at the wrong side of the harbour entrance.
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Ports Authority chairman Mike Henry is defending the decision by harbour master Saungaki Rasmussen to clear the Avatiu harbour of boats early on Monday morning due to adverse weather.
His decision was blamed by Taio Shipping director Tapi Taio for his fishing vessel the FV Ana ending up on the Avatiu reef and breakwater after it broke a tow-line while being towed out by the company’s inter-island shipping vessel MV Maungaroa II.
“The facts are clear and simple. The harbour master made the correct decision to clear the harbour of ships after considering a number of factors,” says Henry.
After being called to the harbour at 4.45am on Monday by police, Rasmussen discovered that the FV Ana had all its lines broken except for its head line.
Other vessels lines were also broken.
Henry says that the latest advice from the Cook Islands metrological office suggested Avatiu harbour could expect further high seas and strong winds with a possibility of these increasing. “Based on this fact and the possibility of ships being trapped in the harbour and not being able to get out if the conditions worsened made it imperative that the harbour master take action and clear the harbour, issuing the evacuation notice at approximately 5.30am,” says Henry.
“The possible consequences of not clearing the harbour were continued damage to the harbour and ships as they were thrown into and onto the wharf and in the worst case having them sink in the harbour with the effect of making the harbour unusable by the Southern Reef which was due in port yesterday.”
Henry says that Rasmussen gave advice to Tapi Taio and his captain on how best to depart the harbour by staying to windward and in addition advised them to make the towed vessel secure by using the larger tow rope from the MV Maungaroa II.
“This advice was ignored. In addition and prior to Maungaroa’s departure the harbour master gave instructions to the captain to tune to channel 16 to enable him to maintain communication – this advice was also ignored.”
Instead the vessel went out through the middle of the entrance with the result being once exposed to the easterly wind the unmanned and unpowered towed vessel was blown towards the reef.
“When this happened the captain increased power as shown by black smoke in the photos and as a consequence the light rope from the FV Ana that was tied to the heavy rope of the MV Maungaroa II snapped.”
Henry adds that photos taken of the failed tow clearly show that no part of the vessel touched the reef until after the rope had snapped.
“Photos also clearly show the bigger rope still behind the MV Maungaroa II after the FV Ana was on the reef, thus disproving Tapi’s claim they cut the rope.”
Henry says that it is important for the public to understand that keeping the new harbour in 100 percent operational readiness is the priority of the ports team.
“If for any reason ships could not deliver cargo or fuel in to our harbour because of a sunken boat then the whole country would suffer.”
Civil rights legislation ‘welcome’ says lawyer
Wed
12 Dec
Lawyer and opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen said the Judicature Amendment Act 2012 is much-needed civil rights legislation.
The Judicature Amendment Bill was debated in parliament last week and passed into Cook Islands law last Wednesday.
Rasmussen said during the debate that the bill is a “welcome one”, and the motivation for change came from judges, the Ministry of Justice and the Law Society.
One of the major changes is provision for the right of people to choose who should try them – judge or three Justices of the Peace.
This recognises the rights of criminals, said Rasmussen. “It is more a bill about civil rights.”
He is concerned about people being kept in police custody for extended periods of time, and said that often lawyers only know about it after the accused comes out of the cells.
People are getting locked up for being drunk, he said. “These people are not criminals. They should not be locked up. They should not have to go through the complicated bail process required to get these people out.”
He also said young people often got trapped in a cycle of crime as police keep “nabbing them” until they do something really bad and lock them away.
“Sometimes these young peoplethey rebel. There must be a better way with dealing with the problem of youth crime.”
The amendment is a step towards “making it right”, he said.
Rasmussen was not only concerned about the criminals, but also the victims of crimes.
He told of one case where an old man driving a pick-up truck was rammed by another driver. But even though the other driver went through the courts and was prosecuted, no one advocated for the victim, who was left to pay for the $2000 damage.
“He had no idea how the court process worked. He thought the police would come and give him money after court.”
Rasmussen said while police will sometimes advocate for victims, other times victims are left to hire their own lawyer and go through the civil courts to recover costs.
“It’s up to us, the lawmakers, to make some provision for the innocent people who are just caught up in it all.
“It is bigger crimes as well, like rape and indecent assault – the crimes we don’t want to talk about – these affect the victim as well.”
Withholding tax to go
Wed
12 Dec
Minister of Finance Mark Brown said he would keep his promise to abolish the withholding tax in October next year.
During question time on Monday, Titikaveka MP Selina Napa asked Brown when the unpopular tax – which was put in place last year to balance the government’s books – would be removed.
He replied that when the Cook Islands Party came to power they began with a bill of $1.2 million on the books. This is money the court ordered the government pay Toa Petroleum, “which all taxpayers are having to pay due to the folly of the previous government”.
In order to meet obligations, the government made withholding tax – a percentage on income earned on deposits into the bank – compulsory in October 2011. It means the interest earned on money in Cook Islands bank accounts is taxed 15 per cent.
“I gave that tax a life of two years and I stand by those words, that the two year life of that tax will expire and that tax will be removed.”
The tax is due to finish in October 2013.
Triad gives ‘solutions’ to Toagate says MP
Wed
12 Dec
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked finance minister Mark Brown in parliament this week whether he received a letter from Triad director Chris Vaile “as recently as last week” which gave suggested solutions to a long-running fuel saga.
“Would he share with this house what the tone of this letter was and whether he agrees with Chris Vaile that the Toa situation should be legislated by parliament?”
Rasmussen was referring to the Toagate settlement in 2010, which saw the courts order the government and people of the Cook Islands to pay Toa director Brett Porter and the company $100,000 each month – $1.2 million a year. The government then enacted a 15 per cent withholding tax on interest earned in all accounts in the Cook Islands, which would go towards paying off this bill to Toa.
Brown said Rasmussen is well aware of the “suggested remedies of a competitor of Toa” as he also received the letter.
He said the government is bound by court conditions as to how much it owes Toa.
“When and if the government has a strategy with how to go forward, I will inform the House.”
Cook Islands News has requested a copy of the Triad proposal and will publish it in full.
Accused have option to choose JP or judge
Wed
12 Dec
The Judicature Amendment Bill 2012 is now part of Cook Islands law – but it wasn’t passed without much discussion on why such legislation is badly needed.
Nikao MP Ngamau Munukoa spoke first in support. In the past she has approached politician and lawyer Norman George for help with youth problems in her district.
“Some of these kids who take property from others, they are not quite there, mind-wise.”
She believes this is a difficult situation and said that three Justices of the Peace (JPs) are needed in court to decide what punishment to dole out. The new legislation has made provision for accused criminals to choose whether they want to be tried by judge or three JPs.
Munukoa said some problem youths can still turn over a new leaf with the right help.
“Some of these young people who have committed these wrongs are living with me I’ve managed to pull a few of them in and offered them work.” She says parents should be more responsible and look at ways to help troubled youth.
But some burglars, even as young as 12, need to be punished heavily, she said.
“If they steal money, this money should be returned to the victims.”
Munukoa intends to take it upon herself to ask the parents of young thieves how they have been punished – and make sure it is not them who have to pay reparation for their wayward offspring’s crimes.
Tautu, Vaipeka and Vaipae MP Mona Ioane spoke next in support.
He hoped people can see the government is not “doing nothing” and is actively making changes to legislation when the need arises.
This legislation is relevant to the outer islands, he said, as islanders can now choose to be heard by three JPs on the outer islands.
“It’s good because we have no judges in the outer islandsplus it costs a lot of money to bring a judge over.”
But he questioned where criminals will go after being sentenced. “In my view, if an accused is sentenced in the outer islands, that person should serve a sentence in the outer islands.”
Ioane said sometimes released criminals get put up in the Aitutaki hostel instead of being flown back home and this is a problem. He believes the justice ministry should pay the cost of flights home.
“I know there is no jail on the outer islands. But I recommend they be flown back to their islands and serve sentence under the view of the wardens.”
Titikaveka MP Selina Napa was also happy there is now an option for the accused to choose whether they want to be tried by three JPs.
“We have a lot of problems with juvenile delinquents in our village of Titikaveka. They are impacting on the tourism sector.
“The break-ins and stealing that is taking place is quite blatant. Sometimes the home owners are having a cup of tea, watching TV, and these young people are breaking in.”
She noted the families of the problem kids have not shown up to any meetings called in the village to address the critical problem.
Prison was not helping, she said, as the root of the problem is the children are not getting cared for in their own homes.
Napa suggests JPs who live in Titikaveka should hear the crimes of Titikaveka youth, and criminals should serve sentences in their own village – by working as building labourers or helping widows.
She also suggested young troublemakers, once finished their sentences, get trained as firefighters or in agriculture to help fill gaps in those sectors.
Tupapa-Maraerenga MP George Maggie Angene said he had been listening carefully to other members speak over the last few days about community problems, from crime to fires.
He said he himself has gone through these experiences.
“I have seen, I know, how these things occur.”
The now upstanding community man sentenced to 13 years in prison in 1992 for burning down the courthouse, causing over $10 million in damage. He was paroled in 1999.
“When I was involved in these types of things, I only had one judge and there was no question whether you are guilty or not. All cases, you are guilty.”
He said he has solutions on how to minimise crime in the community.
“If I am able to change the lives of some people in my village, how can I not do it for the whole of the Cook Islands?”
He said the only thing that will stop him will be if people do not trust him or do not recognise him.
“I would like to say to the prime minister, use me to help our people.”
Nukuroa MP Tangata Vavia said while law enforcers sometimes feel like locking criminals up and throwing away the key, in general they are working hard on limited resources.
He noted five or six police officers have to patrol each community every night – and if the country wants police to achieve, they must be given a bigger budget.
“Training good police officers takes time and money, much like going to university and getting a degree,” he said.
Police Commissioner Maara Tetava sat in the public gallery to listen to proceedings.
‘Education starts in the home’
Wed
12 Dec
During parliamentary debate of the Education Bill yesterday, employment minister Mark Brown said a child’s future job is shaped by their knowledge and skills.
“Almost everyone in employment today has come through our education system so to table the Education Bill straight after the Employment Relations Bill is not coincidence but by design.”
The employment legislation was passed by the House on Monday, and the education legislation yesterday.
Brown, whose cabinet portfolio also includes finance, touched on the government’s plan for economic success.
“If the Employment Relation Act provides guidelines to utilise our human resources, then the Education Bill is the cornerstone in building the wealth and prosperity of our country.”
Studies show that countries that have a higher level of education qualifications also have a higher GDP per capita, said Brown. Studies also show the difference in pay between school leavers with no qualifications, school leavers with qualifications and school leavers who go on to achieve tertiary qualification, he said.
“There is direct correlation between your qualifications and your income that you earn. Therefore it is incumbent on all of us as citizens of this country, as parents and grandparents, to encourage the highest level of education possible for our children.”
The Employment Relations Act sets minimum standards in employment, said Brown. “Much talks has been on low wages and increasing the minimum wage.”
But Brown said Cook Islanders need to aim higher than getting the minimum wage.
“Parents and caregivers need to take time to practice good learning habits with kids. It takes time and energy, but we must do it. We cannot just rely on the school.”
He said if this is done, children will leave school equipped to achieve for the rest of their lives.
“The transformation of our economy cannot take place without the transformation of our workforce.”
He noted the Cooks has moved from a primary economy of agriculture into secondary economy of tourism and is headed, with the world, into the knowledge economy.
“The future of our children will not be determined by minimum wage or an employment contract. The future will be determined by your knowledge and your skills. It is what is in your head and with the skills you can do with your hands and the desire that is in your heart.”
This is why education, training and qualifications must be emphasised as there is no reason Cook Islands children can’t achieve highly, he said.
“Where is our next generation of highly qualified Cook Islanders?”
He said other countries attach much more importance to education than Cook Islands do.
“But educating your child is more important than anything else in your life...education starts in the home.”
Any amount of legislation will not help children unless home life supports education efforts, said Brown.
“And I’m not talking about money. Some of our best and brightest came from poor homes. I’m talking about attitude, discipline, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in our kids. That comes from us, the parents.”
Brown also said he wished the government could pay teachers what they deserve, as a good teacher can make all the difference in a child’s life.
Consult outer islands on education opinion
Wed
12 Dec
During debate on the Education Bill yesterday, opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen said he attended the Takitumu School prizegiving recently and it was “heartening” to see teachers’ commitment to students and especially their commitment to teach Maori language and culture.
He said despite being in opposition, he supports the “comprehensive” bill – but a couple of things need to be overcome to help education in the future.
One is outer island depopulation – which means school rolls are falling too. This goes for Rarotonga as well, he said, as parents relocate to Australia or New Zealand for job and education purposes.
“One thing I notice is as the population declines, so too does funding.”
Mitiaro MP Tangata Vavia pointed out the need for consultation with outer island communities and schools as well as Rarotonga’s.
Rasmussen agreed. He said in the past, many scholars came from the outer islands and were sent overseas to study but this has dwindled.
“Perhaps the governing structure and the curriculum and the way they were taught was very different to these days.”
He noted that discipline was harsher and students had to rote learn information.
“This was complimented by Sunday school. I remember we had to go and learn chapters from the Bible and then recite them, to prove you were a smart kid.”
Rasmussen said today it is very different – “kids will talk back and be cheeky to you” – and if teachers try to deal with badly behaved students, their parents come and complain.
He said while he supports the bill, “there is a difference between theory and what is out there in reality.”
Former prime minister and Ivirua MP Jim Marurai, a former teacher, commended the bill for supporting articles in the Cook Islands Constitution, such as rights of the child.
Rasmussen agreed with the sentiment and said while “no one can produce a perfect law” it was important to do a good job.
The bill was passed into Cook Islands law yesterday afternoon.
MP: Who disciplines the principal?
Wed
12 Dec
During parliamentary debate on the Education Bill yesterday, Vaipae-Tautu MP Mona Ioane said students need more protection when facing disciplinary action.
While the Cook Islands Party member said the proposed legislation is important for the future leaders of the Cook Islands, he had two clauses to comment on.
One is behaviour regulation. “When standing down students for misbehaviour, there is a lot of power given to the principal but there is no right given to the child. In my view, if a student should be disciplined under this clause 31, that student should be given the right to have someone to represent him or her.”
A nominated adult could be there to make sure the student fully understood what was happening and could speak to the principal on the child’s behalf, he said.
Ioane noted while clause 32 allows adult intervention, this is only after a student had been stood down.
“If that mana or power was given before that student was stood down, that would be more in accordance with this bill.”
This was even more important for cases of expulsion, he said.
Ioane knows of one 15-year-old boy who was expelled and now receives no education. He said the Cooks are party to international conventions that provide for the right of a child to education – “but what about the education of this boy?”
He said while the bill allows for expelled students to apply for other schools – often other schools don’t want them. “We need to protect the rights of our tamariki.”
The bill makes no provision to deal with teachers who have stepped out of line, said Ioane.
Parliament passed the bill with no amendment yesterday afternoon.
Amnesty for tax suggested
Wed
12 Dec
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked finance minister Mark Brown in parliament yesterday whether he would consider an amnesty period for those struggling to pay their tax.
“I know that the minister knows, the government knows, the opposition knows there are businesses out there who owe money to the government, who haven’t paid taxes they want to pay but don’t have the money at the time,” said Rasmussen.
He said the Inland Revenue system of chasing up tax defaulters when they do not pay on time is “very tough”, with penalties increasing the longer the payment is due.
“Would the minister consider an amnesty period, so the businesses don’t have to close down?”
Brown replied Inland Revenue chasing up arrears has been an issue since he took up as minister.
He said numerous people have come to see him to seek relief from the tax burden they have to pay.
“The fact of the matter is the minister has very little ability to influence or make decisions related to tax matters of individuals or companies.”
Under the law, Inland Revenue operates separately from cabinet – and the government has no influence in them chasing up arrears.
Brown said a tax review is underway, as thresholds and systems have not been changed since 1996.
He said one thing that could change would be more warning or stricter requirements to pay on time.
“It should not get to the point where when they are asked to pay it, it is an amount they cannot afford.”
One reason business owners fall behind is they are “not stringent enough” when assessing what tax they need to pay, and are not careful to put money aside each month to cover their tax, said Brown.
“It appears many businesses will pay wages, monthly power bill and repayments to the bank because they must – but taxes due at the same time are often left for a month because no urgency is required.”
He also said more staff is needed at Inland Revenue’s tax department.
Lawyer bids for legal aid
Wed
12 Dec
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked finance minister Mark Brown whether the government is making any provision to help out with legal aid “because there are some struggling lawyers who are working without payment”.
Rasmussen noted there were two such lawyers in the House – he and Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George.
Rasmussen said legal aid is needed to help give people, especially youth, a defence even though they don’t have money to pay costly legal fees.
The Ministry of Justice received an allocation of $40,000 towards legal aid in the 2012-2013 budget. Crown manages the payments, which are governed by the Legal Aid Act 2004.
Brown replied the government is considering increasing legal aid money in the next budget “to ensure all people who come before the courts are adequately represented in our courts”.
The new budget begins in July next year and government ministries have started to prepare.
The coming budget is focused on how to grow the country’s economy, said Brown.
“So looking at ways to help lawyers getting more work, or more income, is one way we can help grow the economy.”
He said there is an allocation within the justice ministry to pay public legal services, as it is “incumbent in our system of justice” that anyone can have legal representation in court should they choose.
This pool of money goes to pay lawyers who offer to provide legal aid.
Brown said he would have a clearer idea on something as specific as legal aid funding once ministries finished their planning.
“I know the Ministry of Justice is looking at how reducing crime can contribute to growing the economy.”
Rasmussen also made the point that in other countries, recently graduated lawyers take on legal aid work to help them hone their skills.
Prizes highly valued in Penrhyn
Wed
12 Dec
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Tetautua students honoured their sponsors by creating thank you sponsors to plaster on the wall during their prize giving last month.
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It’s that time of the year when schools acknowledge their hard working students and it is no different at Tetautua School on the island of Penrhyn.
The entire community came out to watch their children perform and receive certificates of academic achievement as well as gifts donated by generous sponsors.
Former school principal Teina Tearii, who has now relocated to Rarotonga to take up his new role as principal of Arorangi School, says the prizegiving at the school on November 16 was a very proud day for the entire island.
“The more exciting part of the event was when parents noticed the students’ achievements and the great prizes allocated for all the children from the early childhood education up to year six,” says Tearii.
He adds that the gifts the students received include valuable learning resources including coloured pencils, school bags, junior reading books, wrist bands with USB all kindly donated by Anthony Hosking, Susan Sadaraka-Tipokoroa, Capital City Bank represented by Ana Koteka, T-Shirt Factory, Taio Shipping and Youth On Line the Cook Islands Suicide Awareness Association.
“The school also convey regards to Charlene and Vania Kenning for making contact with all the fabulous sponsors and organising and packing all the goods for the kids,” says Tearii.
“The school together with the parents truly appreciated the great gifts and having said this we will value and treasure this in our heart in seeing that the school received this for the first time ever.”
Tearii says that the Tetautua community will never forget the generosity of the sponsors with some having already established a strong link with the Tetautua such as the Hosking and Sadaraka family who settled in Tetautua few years back.
“I wish to convey our meitaki maata to all our sponsors, parents, students, staff, PTA and the community of Tetautua for the great support on the school’s prize giving day.
“On that note, I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
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