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Students give back to elders
Vessel caught with shark fins
Maternity leave scheme a ‘great step’
Get voting, Titikaveka
MMR refutes shark fin finds
Bishop denies shark finning claims
Departure tax built into ticket
Opening up shop at Nikao
Planting for a new future
Single fin can fetch US$20,000
NZ Navy sailor dies in crash
Arts council board elected
$3m more in tourism support
Road death
Finance minister talks depopulation
$3m more in tourism support
All sold out!
$3m more in tourism support
Road death
Finance minister talks depopulation
$3m more in tourism support
All sold out!
3 new HOMs in appointments
Adjourned
Sailor farewelled
Man brazenly enters bedroom
New shipping consortium
Students give back to elders
Thu
21 Jun
Year nine students from Titakveka College presented gifts of food – boxes of chicken and kinaki – to the elderly at Are Pa Metua yesterday.
The gifts were part of a community project that the students undertook, fundraising through a school mufti day and harvesting food from their homes, to share with the mamas.
The students entertained the mamas with readings from the Bible, and rousing singing which had their fingers and toes tapping.
Principal Mata Maxwell said the aim of the project was to ”instil in our kids community togetherness“ and to teach them to think of others first, before themselves.
Vessel caught with shark fins
Thu
21 Jun
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen has asked minister of marine resources Teina Bishop to comment on allegations that a Luen Thai vessel was this week caught finning sharks.
He said in Parliament yesterday, during question-and-answer time, that the HMS Otago boarded a Luen Thai vessel in the north on Tuesday night and discovered a collection of shark fins on board.
”Yesterday minister said fishing licences offered to fishing vessels operated by Luen Thai do not allow them to fish for sharks – can I ask the minister whether he knows and if he does could he tell the house that the HMS Otago boarded one of Luen Thai’s ships at sea yesterday or last night and confiscated shark fins from that boat? Can he tell us whether he knows about it or could he elaborate? I know for a fact that that happened.“
Bishop replied that it was the first he had heard of the alleged discovery.
”He (Rasmussen) is asking a question that’s music to my ears – I love it and I’ll accept it anytime. This is healthy for the house and it is important for our people that questions be asked and answers provided,“ Bishop said.
”As to the question the answer from me is simple: no, I do not know about this incident and I am disturbed that the Opposition gets to have these facts without these facts coming to the minister of marine resources first.“
Rasmussen asked Bishop whether he would be up-front with the public if he discovered that the information was indeed factual.
”If he (Bishop) finds out this information within the next couple of days if we’re still in the house will he be prepared to tell the house and tell the members of the public...the outcome of that boarding by the HMS Otago? The HMS Otago is actually coming into harbour tonight. It’s out there this afternoon and there will be a reception on that boat today. We could be served shark fin soup. Would he be prepared to divulge that information to the house?“ Rasmussen asked.
Bishop indicated he was interested in investigating further.
”The answer is simply yes, I am very interested to investigate this incident. It is very timely because some of these Luen Thai representatives are here and I will be able to deal with the Ministry of Marine Resources and them as well in terms of their licence. If it’s a serious breach their licence will be cancelled forthwith.“
Rasmussen responded: ”If what I said is true...I sincerely expect that the minster will cancel that licence immediately. Tomorrow.“
Maternity leave scheme a ‘great step’
Thu
21 Jun
The Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) says government’s pledge to implement a paid maternity leave scheme for women working in the private sector is a ”small step for our women, but a great step for our nation“.
CINCW president Vaine Wichman says the group has been fighting since 2007 for greater maternity leave privileges for all women – not just public servants.
”Public sector women were receiving six weeks maternity leave at the time. The CINCW commissioned a paper in 2007 and this was followed up by Punanga Tauturu in 2009 with a report that supported the importance of providing mother and child with sufficient time to heal and to nurture the newborn,“ she explained.
”This is a basic right of all women and the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in Article 2 urges all countries to work towards eradicating discrimination against pregnancy and maternity, and introduce paid maternity leave without loss of career and employment for the mother.
”The reports found that private sector women in our country were not entitled to the same period of maternity leave as the public sector employed women and the lobby began to adjust this small oversight.“
Wichman says CINCW is grateful that, through provision made in this year’s Budget, government has acknowledged the disparity.
”Government’s recent action in this budget recognises the significance a lot of these private sector employed women make to the growth of this country in the tourism, economic and care giving sectors of the economy.
”That this government has seen fit to follow up on these reports and especially to review their commitment in international conventions is recognised. This is a small step for our women, but a great step for our nation.“
Wichman encourages government to keep its focus on women’s rights.
”There remain quite a few outstanding commitments that government only can work through as they hold the legislative and policy and resource directions on behalf of our people – to name a few, CINCW recognises the efforts underway to review and revise the Crimes Act and the efforts to work towards enacting the Employment Relations Bill, and the adoption of a national policy on gender equality and empowerment of women. And CINCW on behalf of its members stands ready to assist fully in these activities and others.“
Get voting, Titikaveka
Thu
21 Jun
The Titikaveka by-election is being held today (Thursday), with booths opening at nine o’clock this morning.
The electoral office have set up two voting booths – one at Titikaveka Sunday School and the other at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Hall. They will be open to voters until six this evening.
A mobile booth for pre-registered special care voters – such as the sick and elderly – will also be operating.
The Titikaveka seat became vacant in April after Democratic MP Robert Wigmore passed away, and pursuant to the Electoral Act 2004 a by-election is held to fill it.
The candidates running are Democratic Party candidate Selina Napa, Cook Islands Party candidate Teariki Matenga Jnr, and Independent candidate Teava Iro.
Titikaveka has an electoral roll of 855, the third-biggest in the Cook Islands after Nikao and Tupapa-Maraerenga.
As of yesterday afternoon, the electoral office had received 22 postal votes from Titikaveka electorates living overseas. They will continue to accept postal votes until the polls close at 6pm.
The electoral office will do a preliminary vote count tonight, with the final count announced sometime next week.
MMR refutes shark fin finds
Fri
22 Jun
To prevent targeted finning taking place the Ministry of Marine Resources has drafted a shark policy that allows certain species of sharks to be caught as long as their fins are attached to the carcass.
The current Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) licencing conditions allow fishing vessels to retain non-endangered species of shark but that the ratio of fins to carcass weight must not exceed 5 per cent.
MMR says the majority of sharks caught in the Cook Islands waters are blue sharks. MMR secretary Ben Ponia says blue shark catch per unit is increasing in Cook Island waters, which can infer a population increase. No stock assessment has ever been carried out.
Meanwhile, MMR refutes allegations that three tonnes of shark fins have been found on board a Luen Thai fishing vessel.
”These allegations are false,“ says Ponia.
CI News reported Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asking minister of marine resources Teina Bishop in Parliament this week about the HMNZS Otago boarding a Luen Thai vessel in the north and discovering a collection of shark fins on board.
CI News also reported the alleged discovery of shark fins on board a foreign fishing vessel to the value of $3 million. This information came from a number of reliable sources close to MMR.
”Responding in detail to these rumours would only compromise operational security and the due processes for investigating the boarding and inspection reports,“ says Ponia.
”However the public can be assured that the picture of a rampant shark finning trade operating in our waters is not true.“
According to MMR what actually took place at sea recently was an unprecedented scale of successful surveillance operations and precise targeting of fishing vessels.
”The shark allegations were irresponsible and sensationalist and undermines the sophisticated operation that was occurring,“ says Ponia.
Multilateral operations were conducted by New Zealand, France, US and Samoa with assistance of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
For the first time fishing vessels involved in exploratory fishing for big-eye tuna and swordfish were boarded for inspection by Cook Islands officials. The boarding party was made up of six maritime police officers and two fisheries officers.
The task plan involved investigating any breaches of fishing licence conditions that prohibit the deliberate targeting of shark fins.
Bishop denies shark finning claims
Fri
22 Jun
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen has refused to accept minister of marine resources Teina Bishop’s denial of allegations that three tonnes of shark fins were found aboard a Luen Thai vessel in Cook Islands waters.
He called Bishop’s dismissal of shark finning claims a ”cover up“.
Rasmussen asked Bishop in Parliament on Wednesday to comment on allegations he said he understood as fact. Bishop replied at the time that he was unaware of any such reports.
Yesterday in Parliament Bishop re-visited the issue, dismissing the claims and calling Cook Islands News’ coverage of the issue ”irresponsible journalism“.
”I must say that I am quite disturbed that the actual facts that have come from the report (are) totally different from what is printed in the headline in our Cook Islands News today which I believe too many people will be reading that today,“ Bishop said in the House during question-and-answer time.
”Also it’s disturbing to read in Cook Islands News today on page seven that three tonnes of shark fins (were) allegedly found to the tune of $3m. I find it very irresponsible journalism for the sake of the Cook Islands.
”It’s stated in the newspaper today that the honourable leader Wilkie Rasmussen stated yesterday as a matter of fact that HMS Otago boarded one of Luen Thai’s ships yesterday and confiscated fins from that boat.
”That was totally wrong and irresponsible of Cook Islands News to print that fact,“ Bishop said.
Bishop went on to claim that seven fishing boats were investigated and that none belonged to Luen Thai. He pressed Rasmussen to name the source of his information, and instructed him to ”be more careful about (making) allegations“.
”Because as we’ve seen today it has gone to the world and has been taken out of context by the media and it is not painting a good picture for our country and those who are willing to come and invest in our country,“ Bishop said.
Rasmussen said a reliable source provided him with information in confidence, and accordingly he refused to name the informant. He also said he understands that Ministry of Marine Resources staff has been instructed to keep quiet about shark finning and told that ”if they ever disclose that any of this type of information to members of the public they will be sacked“.
He refused to accept Bishop’s report in the absence of supporting evidence.
”Frankly unless the minister is prepared to publish (the surveillance) report and release it I am not going to accept that report. I could equally say it’s a cover-up and the facts should be disclosed...if he’s got those facts,“ Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen reiterated his earlier declaration that ”there’s finning of sharks out in the ocean and one of those ships involved in that is from Luen Thai.“
Bishop responded that he would instruct secretary of marine resources Ben Ponia to issue a ”media release“ to clarify his points. As for the alleged cover-up of information, he said: ”I am disturbed to hear that there’s such a threat in the ministry happening. I’d like to get the secretary’s opinion on this because that is not how we should be treating our people in this country...I as the minister will not take it lightly from my ministry.“
Before Rasmussen even raised the issue in Parliament on Wednesday, Cook Islands News was contacted by multiple sources with identical information.
Departure tax built into ticket
Fri
22 Jun
Parliament has legislated to incorporate the cost of departure tax into the price of an airline ticket.
The Departure Tax Act of 2005 did not require international airlines to collect departure tax at the point of the ticket sale, but as of yesterday all tickets for travel after December 1 will include the $55 departure tax.
”As of the first of December anybody travelling and leaving the Cook Islands will no longer have to fork out $55 from their pocket to pay their departure tax at the gate because this departure tax has already been included in the price of the ticket,“ finance minister Mark Brown said in Parliament yesterday.
”(We will) no longer have situations of tourists being unaware of our departure tax requirements and getting into strife and difficulty because they haven’t put money aside to cover their departure tax and it creates all sorts of grief when it’s not needed when people are leaving the country.“
Brown joked that now tourists who have set aside $55 can buy ”a bottle of Jim Beam or a carton of cigarettes“ at the departure gate.
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen opposed the bill on the grounds that it also legislates a $10 increase in departure tax from next year.
While he congratulated the government for having successfully negotiated with Air New Zealand to incorporate departure tax into airline tickets, he took issue with the fee increase.
He said that lowering departure tax would encourage tourism, and mentioned that when he was in government the tax was $35 and the Democratic Party had ”no problem“ balancing its Budget.
Diplomats and children under 12 years of age are exempt from paying departure tax.
Opening up shop at Nikao
Fri
22 Jun
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Business savvy Nikao Maori preschool students (from left) Tarani Omao, Georgia Marsters, Pati Estall, Paige Aunguna and Teokotai Tuaivi will be opening their own grocery shop today at the school in Nikao.
The students learned all about making and spending money this week a before deciding to set up a shop of their own.
Planting for a new future
Sat
23 Jun
Nikao member of parliament Ngamau Munokoa plants a citrus tree in front of the new Ministry of Education building yesterday as part of the special hand over ceremony.
For being instrumental in negotiating the land with landowners for the new education building – Munokoa was honoured with opening the doors to the building and planting the fruit tree.
Full story on page 13
Single fin can fetch US$20,000
Sat
23 Jun
Sharks are a popular topic this week, with the Ministry of Marine Resources releasing a draft shark national plan of action and then shark fins allegedly being found on a foreign fishing vessel in Cooks waters.
Earlier this month, marine resources minister Teina Bishop was asked whether he was aware of allegations that vessels licensed under the exploratory programme are finning sharks illegally. He replied that if evidence can be brought in support, he would terminate the licences those vessels allegedly in breach are occupying.
Studies estimate that 26 to 73 million sharks are harvested annually for their fins. Sharks are caught and finned, often while still alive, and their bodies thrown overboard. Being unable to swim, they then suffocate or are eaten by other predators.
Shark finning while at sea enables fishing vessels to increase profitability and increase the number of sharks harvested, as they only have to store and transport the fins, by far the most profitable part of the shark.
Shark finning has increased over the past decade largely due to the increasing demand for shark fin soup and traditional medicines, particularly in China, and as a result of improved fishing technology and market economics.
Estimates of the global value of the shark fin trade range from US$540 million to US$1.2 billion. Shark fins are among the most expensive seafood products in the world, commonly retailing at US$400 per kg.
For trophy species like the whale shark or the basking shark a single fin can fetch US $10,000 to $20,000.
Globally threatened shark species in Cook Islands waters include the oceanic whitetip, whale, shortfin mako, pelagic thresher, lemon, scalloped hammerhead, giant manta ray and giant reef ray. The scalloped hammerhead is globally endangered.
Sharks listed as threatened on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)Red List of Threatened Species should have strict protection.
Despite this, only the oceanic whitetip and whale sharks are suggested by the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) as needing protection.
This is based on studies that indicate there are healthy populations of mako in the South Pacific region and that thresher sharks, despite declining in size, have apparently maintained their population size.
The status of the other species in the Pacific was not analysed by MMR.
According to the MMR observer data collected between 2001 and 2008, there were 371 sharks caught in Cook Islands waters.
The breakdown by shark species was blue shark 44 percent, silky 18 percent, oceanic whitetip 11 percent, mako 11 percent, thresher 4 percent and other at 12 percent.
According to MMR, none of the observer records and catch log sheets indicated that the fishing operators were deliberately targeting shark.
NZ Navy sailor dies in crash
Sat
23 Jun
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A New Zealand Defence Force sailor died in a motor vehicle crash at the Avatiu intersection yesterday morning.
William Paratini Delamere, 22, was involved in a fatal crash that was reported to police at 12.37am. He was a sailor aboard the HMNZS Otago, which has been in port this week as part of a Pacific maritime patrol mission.
The seaman was driving a black scooter toward Avatiu from town when he crashed into the triangular island at the intersection. No other person was involved in the crash.
He was immediately transported to Rarotonga Hospital and was pronounced dead within the hour.
Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash, but suspect that speed and alcohol were involved.
Police commissioner Maara Tetava has expressed, on behalf of the Cook Islands Police, condolences to the family of the deceased.
”It’s sad to see two lives taken away on our road this week and our condolences goes to the families concerned for the loss of their loved ones. It’s the last thing we want to happen on our roads. We ask every motorist to take every care when on the road and comply with the road rules,“ he said.
Tetava advises the public to expect to see an increased number of police officers patrolling the roads this weekend.
The seaman’s Maritime Component Commander Commodore John Martin told media ”We are saddened by this loss and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Able Seaman William Delamere.“
Arts council board elected
Sat
23 Jun
The National Arts Council is moving ahead, with a board of seven members having been elected.
The new members of the board include Mike Tavioni, Rutera Taripo, Ani O’Neill, Maurice Newport, Tokerau Jim, Ana Rasmussen and Barbara Arbon – all of whom represent the wide range of arts across the Cook Islands, from film to language to visual arts.
Board members were selected for their participation, knowledge, appreciation, and support of the arts and culture of the Cook Islands.
The role of the council is to support, develop and showcase Cook Islands art and culture, and further develop the arts as a valuable national resource.
This will be achieved by providing financial assistance to artists and arts, which will be open to all from established artists to a mama who needs a new sewing machine, says Rasmussen.
Membership of the council is increasing with over 60 members, all of whom are Cook Islanders and the majority artists themselves. Rasmussen says ”the arts council is everybody,“ and encourages anyone who is interested to contact any of the board members to join.
The board will be meeting next Tuesday to elect its chairman, with a following meeting for all members to be held shortly.
$3m more in tourism support
Mon
25 Jun
A grant of $3 million has been provided to the Cook Islands tourism sector under the New Zealand/Australia Harmonised Aid Programme in a continued effort to sustainably increase income generated by the industry.
The Cook Islands attracted a record 112,446 visitors in 2011, an impressive feat when considering that many tourism industries are struggling to shake off the hangover of the global financial crisis.
Current estimates suggest that tourism contributes up to 75 percent of the Cook Islands’ GDP, reaffirming the industry’s place as the leading driver of sustainable economic development in the country.
The latest contribution will target destination development activities, marketing, and tourism related projects.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive Carmel Beattie said: ”The additional support will allow the Cook Islands to both increase and diversify our marketing footprint. This is important because it enables the Cook Islands to maintain a presence in key source markets like New Zealand, while increasing our presence and improving destination awareness in other key markets in North America, Europe and Australia“.
Other areas that are expected to benefit from the support include development of a tourism master plan, an education support programme, events programme and tourism related infrastructure developments in Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Under the Joint Commitment for Development, New Zealand has now provided $6 million in tourism sector support.
The previous tranche of $3 million, provided in 2011, supported both destination and route development.
Over the last 12 months, the islands of Atiu and Mitiaro have benefited from several tourism industry developments.
This included, on Atiu, the renovation and upgrade of services and facilities, including a visitor centre, with more planned for this year.
Mitiaro launched the ‘home stay’ project enabling visitors to the island the cultural experience of living with families.
New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter is pleased to see ongoing support provided to such a key industry in the Cook Islands.
”Tourism is the backbone of the economy and it’s important that this is not taken for granted. I have witnessed first-hand the good work that is being done with this funding, including having the pleasure of attending the opening of the Atiu Tourism Office earlier this year,“ he said.
”It’s also good to see benefits being spread to outer islands as well, which have a different, but equally special product to offer“, said Carter.
Road death
Mon
25 Jun
A young man was killed in a tragic accident last Saturday at the entrance of Rarotonga Airport.
Kulani Takai, aged 22 and from Tutakimoa, was involved in a motor vehicle crash at the airport entrance on the Juhi side just after 1am. He sustained serious injuries and died in hospital a few days later.
Two motorcycles and two cars were involved in the crash. A motorcycle travelling towards Panama – driven by a 21-year-old male and carrying a passenger – crashed into the back of a mini car. Both people on the bike sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital, and both the bike and car were damaged.
As a result of the first accident another motorcycle with two passengers, travelling in the same direction, crashed into the back of a taxi. Both males on the bike sustained serious injuries as well.
The driver on the motorcycle of the first accident was arrested by police for driving with excess breath alcohol. The other driver of the motorcycle will be charged with careless driving once police investigations are completed.
Inspector Tere Patia said it was sad to see the loss of life and police condolences go out to the family concerned.
”It’s the last thing we want happen on our roads,“ he said. ”We ask every motorist to take every care when on the road and comply with the road rules.“
Police had already planned to conduct road enforcement this weekend, so expect to see an increased number of police officers on the roads.
Finance minister talks depopulation
Mon
25 Jun
Finance minister Mark Brown has said the Cook Islands must focus on improving its knowledge economy in order to increase opportunities for local people.
Speaking during a live radio interview with Matariki FM, Brown addressed the country’s biggest problem – depopulation – which he said is prevalent around the region.
”Depopulation is occurring right around the region,“ Brown said on air. ”Sixty thousand New Zealanders in the last three months migrated to (Australia) – that’s 20,000 a month that just got on the plane and left.“
He said New Zealand’s problem mirrors that of the Cook Islands, as people are leaving for similar reasons.
”Cook Islanders here that won’t accept the wages that are being paid here, (they) prefer to get the wages being paid in New Zealand or Australia so that employment gap is being met by our foreign worker population, which is filling the gap here and willing to work at Cook Islands rates because Cook Islands rates are higher than rates in Fiji or the Philippines.
”It’s a cycle that’s repeating itself around the world, really,“ he said, noting that New Zealanders are moving in droves to Australia as Australian executives seek work in Asia.
Brown said depopulation is not a recent phenomenon in the Cook Islands.
”Depopulation has been occurring since before the international airport opened...the first lot of migrants to New Zealand was in the 1950s to the meat works. When the airport opened another wave of migration took place there and we did go through a brief period of population increase in the early (1990s). (The) reform process led to a start of depopulation which has continued to this day,“ he said.
In order to arrest depopulation, he says, the Cook Islands must increase opportunities for its people. He noted that times are changing, as the economy has shifted from a focus on agriculture to tourism, and that by keeping up with the rest of the world the Cook Islands can retain its people.
”If we want to shift up to another level of prosperity we have to start increasing other sectors such as the knowledge economy(we have to) invest in technology to enable that to happen but also need to invest in education.
”If we look at figures for salaries, salaries earned by people who just finished secondary school are significantly lower than salaries of people who have bachelor’s degrees and lower still than people who have masters’ and PhD degrees,“ he said.
”...Investment in knowledge and investment in education is a critical component if we want to lift the standard of income we are earning and transformthe type of economy we have now from a purely service-based one to one that is also based on knowledge and research development.“
$3m more in tourism support
Mon
25 Jun
A grant of $3 million has been provided to the Cook Islands tourism sector under the New Zealand/Australia Harmonised Aid Programme in a continued effort to sustainably increase income generated by the industry.
The Cook Islands attracted a record 112,446 visitors in 2011, an impressive feat when considering that many tourism industries are struggling to shake off the hangover of the global financial crisis.
Current estimates suggest that tourism contributes up to 75 percent of the Cook Islands’ GDP, reaffirming the industry’s place as the leading driver of sustainable economic development in the country.
The latest contribution will target destination development activities, marketing, and tourism related projects.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive Carmel Beattie said: ”The additional support will allow the Cook Islands to both increase and diversify our marketing footprint. This is important because it enables the Cook Islands to maintain a presence in key source markets like New Zealand, while increasing our presence and improving destination awareness in other key markets in North America, Europe and Australia“.
Other areas that are expected to benefit from the support include development of a tourism master plan, an education support programme, events programme and tourism related infrastructure developments in Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Under the Joint Commitment for Development, New Zealand has now provided $6 million in tourism sector support.
The previous tranche of $3 million, provided in 2011, supported both destination and route development.
Over the last 12 months, the islands of Atiu and Mitiaro have benefited from several tourism industry developments.
This included, on Atiu, the renovation and upgrade of services and facilities, including a visitor centre, with more planned for this year.
Mitiaro launched the ‘home stay’ project enabling visitors to the island the cultural experience of living with families.
New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter is pleased to see ongoing support provided to such a key industry in the Cook Islands.
”Tourism is the backbone of the economy and it’s important that this is not taken for granted. I have witnessed first-hand the good work that is being done with this funding, including having the pleasure of attending the opening of the Atiu Tourism Office earlier this year,“ he said.
”It’s also good to see benefits being spread to outer islands as well, which have a different, but equally special product to offer“, said Carter.
All sold out!
Mon
25 Jun
Night market stall keeper Geoff Bergin declares he’s all sold out of curries and stir fry at the popular winter fest night market last Wednesday.
The market was run by Tereora College students who took part in the Business Trade and Investment Board’s young entrepreneurs programme – they sold products they had developed over the 18 week programme. Regular vendors like Bergin also joined in on the special night market which drew in the crowds for the unique products by the college students and their favourite market kai.
Story and more photos on page 7-8.
$3m more in tourism support
Mon
25 Jun
A grant of $3 million has been provided to the Cook Islands tourism sector under the New Zealand/Australia Harmonised Aid Programme in a continued effort to sustainably increase income generated by the industry.
The Cook Islands attracted a record 112,446 visitors in 2011, an impressive feat when considering that many tourism industries are struggling to shake off the hangover of the global financial crisis.
Current estimates suggest that tourism contributes up to 75 percent of the Cook Islands’ GDP, reaffirming the industry’s place as the leading driver of sustainable economic development in the country.
The latest contribution will target destination development activities, marketing, and tourism related projects.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive Carmel Beattie said: ”The additional support will allow the Cook Islands to both increase and diversify our marketing footprint. This is important because it enables the Cook Islands to maintain a presence in key source markets like New Zealand, while increasing our presence and improving destination awareness in other key markets in North America, Europe and Australia“.
Other areas that are expected to benefit from the support include development of a tourism master plan, an education support programme, events programme and tourism related infrastructure developments in Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Under the Joint Commitment for Development, New Zealand has now provided $6 million in tourism sector support.
The previous tranche of $3 million, provided in 2011, supported both destination and route development.
Over the last 12 months, the islands of Atiu and Mitiaro have benefited from several tourism industry developments.
This included, on Atiu, the renovation and upgrade of services and facilities, including a visitor centre, with more planned for this year.
Mitiaro launched the ‘home stay’ project enabling visitors to the island the cultural experience of living with families.
New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter is pleased to see ongoing support provided to such a key industry in the Cook Islands.
”Tourism is the backbone of the economy and it’s important that this is not taken for granted. I have witnessed first-hand the good work that is being done with this funding, including having the pleasure of attending the opening of the Atiu Tourism Office earlier this year,“ he said.
”It’s also good to see benefits being spread to outer islands as well, which have a different, but equally special product to offer“, said Carter.
Road death
Mon
25 Jun
A young man was killed in a tragic accident last Saturday at the entrance of Rarotonga Airport.
Kulani Takai, aged 22 and from Tutakimoa, was involved in a motor vehicle crash at the airport entrance on the Juhi side just after 1am. He sustained serious injuries and died in hospital a few days later.
Two motorcycles and two cars were involved in the crash. A motorcycle travelling towards Panama – driven by a 21-year-old male and carrying a passenger – crashed into the back of a mini car. Both people on the bike sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital, and both the bike and car were damaged.
As a result of the first accident another motorcycle with two passengers, travelling in the same direction, crashed into the back of a taxi. Both males on the bike sustained serious injuries as well.
The driver on the motorcycle of the first accident was arrested by police for driving with excess breath alcohol. The other driver of the motorcycle will be charged with careless driving once police investigations are completed.
Inspector Tere Patia said it was sad to see the loss of life and police condolences go out to the family concerned.
”It’s the last thing we want happen on our roads,“ he said. ”We ask every motorist to take every care when on the road and comply with the road rules.“
Police had already planned to conduct road enforcement this weekend, so expect to see an increased number of police officers on the roads.
Finance minister talks depopulation
Mon
25 Jun
Finance minister Mark Brown has said the Cook Islands must focus on improving its knowledge economy in order to increase opportunities for local people.
Speaking during a live radio interview with Matariki FM, Brown addressed the country’s biggest problem – depopulation – which he said is prevalent around the region.
”Depopulation is occurring right around the region,“ Brown said on air. ”Sixty thousand New Zealanders in the last three months migrated to (Australia) – that’s 20,000 a month that just got on the plane and left.“
He said New Zealand’s problem mirrors that of the Cook Islands, as people are leaving for similar reasons.
”Cook Islanders here that won’t accept the wages that are being paid here, (they) prefer to get the wages being paid in New Zealand or Australia so that employment gap is being met by our foreign worker population, which is filling the gap here and willing to work at Cook Islands rates because Cook Islands rates are higher than rates in Fiji or the Philippines.
”It’s a cycle that’s repeating itself around the world, really,“ he said, noting that New Zealanders are moving in droves to Australia as Australian executives seek work in Asia.
Brown said depopulation is not a recent phenomenon in the Cook Islands.
”Depopulation has been occurring since before the international airport opened...the first lot of migrants to New Zealand was in the 1950s to the meat works. When the airport opened another wave of migration took place there and we did go through a brief period of population increase in the early (1990s). (The) reform process led to a start of depopulation which has continued to this day,“ he said.
In order to arrest depopulation, he says, the Cook Islands must increase opportunities for its people. He noted that times are changing, as the economy has shifted from a focus on agriculture to tourism, and that by keeping up with the rest of the world the Cook Islands can retain its people.
”If we want to shift up to another level of prosperity we have to start increasing other sectors such as the knowledge economy(we have to) invest in technology to enable that to happen but also need to invest in education.
”If we look at figures for salaries, salaries earned by people who just finished secondary school are significantly lower than salaries of people who have bachelor’s degrees and lower still than people who have masters’ and PhD degrees,“ he said.
”...Investment in knowledge and investment in education is a critical component if we want to lift the standard of income we are earning and transformthe type of economy we have now from a purely service-based one to one that is also based on knowledge and research development.“
$3m more in tourism support
Mon
25 Jun
A grant of $3 million has been provided to the Cook Islands tourism sector under the New Zealand/Australia Harmonised Aid Programme in a continued effort to sustainably increase income generated by the industry.
The Cook Islands attracted a record 112,446 visitors in 2011, an impressive feat when considering that many tourism industries are struggling to shake off the hangover of the global financial crisis.
Current estimates suggest that tourism contributes up to 75 percent of the Cook Islands’ GDP, reaffirming the industry’s place as the leading driver of sustainable economic development in the country.
The latest contribution will target destination development activities, marketing, and tourism related projects.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive Carmel Beattie said: ”The additional support will allow the Cook Islands to both increase and diversify our marketing footprint. This is important because it enables the Cook Islands to maintain a presence in key source markets like New Zealand, while increasing our presence and improving destination awareness in other key markets in North America, Europe and Australia“.
Other areas that are expected to benefit from the support include development of a tourism master plan, an education support programme, events programme and tourism related infrastructure developments in Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Under the Joint Commitment for Development, New Zealand has now provided $6 million in tourism sector support.
The previous tranche of $3 million, provided in 2011, supported both destination and route development.
Over the last 12 months, the islands of Atiu and Mitiaro have benefited from several tourism industry developments.
This included, on Atiu, the renovation and upgrade of services and facilities, including a visitor centre, with more planned for this year.
Mitiaro launched the ‘home stay’ project enabling visitors to the island the cultural experience of living with families.
New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter is pleased to see ongoing support provided to such a key industry in the Cook Islands.
”Tourism is the backbone of the economy and it’s important that this is not taken for granted. I have witnessed first-hand the good work that is being done with this funding, including having the pleasure of attending the opening of the Atiu Tourism Office earlier this year,“ he said.
”It’s also good to see benefits being spread to outer islands as well, which have a different, but equally special product to offer“, said Carter.
All sold out!
Mon
25 Jun
Night market stall keeper Geoff Bergin declares he’s all sold out of curries and stir fry at the popular winter fest night market last Wednesday.
The market was run by Tereora College students who took part in the Business Trade and Investment Board’s young entrepreneurs programme – they sold products they had developed over the 18 week programme. Regular vendors like Bergin also joined in on the special night market which drew in the crowds for the unique products by the college students and their favourite market kai.
Story and more photos on page 7-8.
3 new HOMs in appointments
Tue
26 Jun
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Elizabeth Iro.
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Elizabeth Wright-Koteka.
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Three new chief executives have been appointed to lead government ministries and departments.
All other incumbent heads of ministry (HOMs) are to be re-appointed. Cabinet has approved recommendations by a selection panel for the heads of ministry positions.
Prime Minister and Minister of the Public Service Henry Puna and his Cabinet over the weekend considered the recommendations presented by the selection panel for the appointment of the secretaries and chief executives.
”I am very pleased with the interest expressed for the various heads of ministries and I sincerely thank all those who have applied for these positions,“ Puna said yesterday.
”Judging from the shortlisted applicants, I can see that the selection panel has had a challenging job in making their recommendations to Cabinet. I am therefore very pleased to inform our public that Cabinet has endorsed the recommendations of the selection panel.“
The successful applicants are
as follows:
- Ministry of Agriculture – Matairangi Purea (new)
- Ministry of Cultural Development – Sonny Williams
- Ministry of Education - Sharyn Paio
- Ministry of Health – Elizabeth Iro (new)
- Ministry of Internal Affairs – Bredina Drollet
- Ministry of Justice – Tingika Elikana
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning – Donye Numa
- Ministry of Transport – Ned Howard
- Chief of Staff for the Office of the Prime Minister – Elizabeth Wright-Koteka (new)
- Chief Executive Officer for the Office of the Public Service Commissioner – Priscilla Maruariki
Puna is also pleased to note that 60 percent of the successful applicants are women.
”This is the first time in the history of our country that the heads of ministries have been dominated by women and as a government that supports leadership amongst women, we are proud that these women are taking up the leadership challenge in some very critical areas of government.“
All shortlisted and interviewed applicants have been informed of the result of their applications.
On behalf of Cabinet and the people of the Cook Islands, Puna acknowledges and is grateful for the contribution by former heads of ministries to the people of the Cook Islands and wishes them well in their future endeavours.
In recognition of their services outgoing heads of ministries will be paid an additional month’s remuneration despite there being no provision in their contract for such a payment.
Adjourned
Tue
26 Jun
Parliament has adjourned sine die.
Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters moved a motion at the conclusion of yesterday’s sitting – the eleventh since the Budget was tabled in Parliament on June 7 – to adjourn until after September. He praised translator Bobby Turua, who picked up most of the interpreting work during this lengthy sitting, as colleague Tupuna Rakanui was away in Perth last week.
”I think we’ll all agree that he has done a great job,“ Marsters said.He then thanked the leader of the opposition and his team for stimulating healthy, productive debate.
”We have been in this house for the last three weeks, a lot has been asked, a lot of members have participated in discussion. I’d also like to thank my own colleagues from this side of the house for their participation.“
He made mention of the members of Parliament from the pa enua who have been away from their families for the past three weeks.
Marsters said he observed a ”different style of cooperation, a very healthy style of engagement“ during recent sessions of Parliament.
”People (have asked) me over the last week – a couple, at least, have asked me what’s happening in Parliament now. (They say) the style before has gone (and we) seem to be more civilised these days.“
”...If this is the way that the Cook Islands is heading in terms of politics then I think politics are in good hands,“ he said.
Marsters said that as parliamentarians will be fairly busy over coming months, he does not envision another sitting before September. Next month Auckland city mayor Len Brown will be leading a delegation from the Auckland City Council to Rarotonga to meet local politicians. Following that visit is the Constitution celebration, which precedes the Pacific Islands Forum at the end of August.
Cabinet minister Teina Bishop seconded Marsters’ motion.
Sailor farewelled
Tue
26 Jun
Members of HMNZS Otago carry Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Paratini Delamere’s coffin on to the Hercules waiting to take him home to NZ from Rarotonga yesterday. 12062504 / 5
Man brazenly enters bedroom
Wed
27 Jun
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Hoana Matapo and her three-month-old baby Rogan in the bedroom that was broken into while they slept.
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A home in Titikaveka was broken into on Monday night while a mother and her children slept and her husband was in the lounge.
The brazen break-in happened around 11.30pm, when a man entered Tikioki resident Hoana Matapo’s bedroom while she was in bed with her three young children. The bedroom is accessed from a balcony which opens into the front of the house and garden, and the balcony door was open.
When the intruder pulled aside the curtain and stepped into the room, Matapo awoke.
”I truly believe the Lord woke me up, there is no other explanation for waking at that very instant,“ she says.
As there was a bedside lamp on in the room, Matapo, who is a former detective with the New Zealand police, could clearly see the intruder. He had his head covered with a t-shirt with only his eyes revealed. He was of large build, wearing a grey plain t-shirt, long shorts and bare feet.
Matapo shouted out to her husband, who was watching television in the lounge, and the intruder took off.
Police investigating the intrusion told Matapo a similar incident had happened the week before. She was also told a number of handbags have been taken recently while people are at home, sometimes sleeping, but often awake and elsewhere in the house.
Inspector Tere Patia said the intruder is still at large, although police are trying their best to apprehend him.
”It is unfortunate that incidents like this are happening, but it is good that it was reported to the police.“
Patia is unsure whether this incident is related to any others, but warns people to leave lights on around the house if going out and hide or lock away money and electronic items.
But the Matapo household was well-lit, the television on and their truck in the carport – it was evident they were home.
”What I’m most upset about is I’m usually up late watching TV or reading in the lounge and he could have entered with just the kids sleeping in the room, it was just luck that I’d gone to bed earlier than usual.“
She speculated the fact he was not wearing shoes could mean he lives locally, often walks barefooted or had decided not to wear jandals in order to run quickly if necessary.
Matipo, who had 12 years experience in the New Zealand police force and now works as acting senior auditor at the Cook Islands Audit Office, felt the investigation into the break-in was ”alright but a bit inexperienced“. She had to tell police to come back yesterday to take fingerprints, and hopes they are profiling the man.
The break-in was pre-meditated, she believes, due to the care the intruder had taken to cover his face and that he’d approached the house from the darkest area.
”I am just angry with myself I didn’t get to hit him with something before he took off.“
Her husband immediately got into their truck to chase the intruder but could not find him.
Matapo wanted the incident to be brought to the public’s attention as warning to be vigilant. ”I know most people around our area don’t shut all their doors at night, but we need to warn people to start doing so – I certainly will be.“
New shipping consortium
Wed
27 Jun
Reef Shipping has issued a notice to its international client base advising that it will be introducing MV Southern Reef into the Cook Islands trade under a licence registered to an entity called Tai Moana.
The shipping company’s notice, which has been widely circulated via email, calls Tai Moana a ”consortium of Cook Islands importers“.
Cook Islands News understands Arama & Associates is behind the venture, but director Arama Wichman declined to either confirm or comment.
Spokespersons for both the Ministry of Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (whose portfolio includes transport) have advised Cook Islands News that government has not yet issued a second international shipping licence.
The notice Reef Shipping has distributed says otherwise.
It announces the ”entry into service between Auckland and Rarotonga of our ship Southern Reef“ and thanks Cabinet ministers Tom Marsters and Teina Bishop for ”facilitating“ the introduction of Southern Reef to the Cook Islands shipping circuit.
”We are also grateful to the honourable ministers Tom Marsters and Teina Bishop for facilitating what we will believe will be a beneficial development in international shipping to the Cook Islands, bringing more stability, lower freight rates, and greater frequency of service,“ the notice reads.
It then provides details of the proposed arrangement, which are listed under ‘Reef’s notice’.
The notice also advises that Southern Reef’s first voyage to Rarotonga via Papeete will depart Auckland on July 15, landing her here in Rarotonga on about July 26.
Taking into account her speed and power reserves, Reef says Southern Reef should be able to undertake 17 round-trip voyages from Auckland to Rarotonga and back per year.
Cook Islands News understands Cabinet met last Friday to discuss licensing arrangements.
An email was circulated on Friday afternoon advising local importers that could buy shares in Tai Moana, which at that point had not been registered as a company. Reef distributed its notice advising that Tai Moana had successfully secured the second licence on Monday.
In recent weeks both Pacific Direct Line and Shipping Cook Islands Ltd – the latter was registered with the Companies Office on May 14, and lists Richard Barton as the majority shareholder – have also applied for the second shipping licence.
Government has consistently said it intends to maintain a two-licence policy with regard to shipping.
The first licence is being occupied by EXCILA for Reef Shipping, and the second became available with the expiration of Pacific Direct Line/Pacific Forum Line’s charter earlier this year.
- Rachel Reeves
Reef’s notice
Elements of the arrangements for Southern Reef’s future, brokered by the ministers, include:
- The issue of a second international shipping licence to a consortium of Cook Islands importers, operating under the name Tai Moana
- An agreement by Reef to put Southern Reef into these trades for Tai Moana, with a call into Rarotonga every 21 days
- An across-the-board 5 percent freight rate reduction effective Southern Reef v2 and Southern Express v160 for all shippers and importers
- A guarantee of space to all shipping lines participating in the Cook Islands trades
- Increased capacity (including for bulk fuels) and vessel speed
- Use of the upgraded port facilities at Avatiu
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