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Police ‘duty’ to protect kids from sex predators
4 hours of Christmas greetings in parliament
Mini wharves for Tongareva
Motu magic for Short reunion
Year that was...Cabinet travel
Prizes for Mangaia kids
Enuamanu hostel still needs $300k
Radiothon for Samoa today
Calendar a reminder of commitment
Boarders, surfers ready for waves
Te akapeea nei kotou
Bill’s bitter-sweet annuity
Tereora brings in ‘anau’ programme
Heathers remember forefather
Ngati Tanire reunion in full swing
Closing shop on 2012
Prison rehabilitation centre opens
Esther Honey gets $700 gift
Splash car up for grabs
Act now to prevent diabetes
Prime minister’s house burglar in court
Police ‘duty’ to protect kids from sex predators
Thu
27 Dec
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Police IT specialist sergeant Aporo Kirikava (left) and senior sergeant Nga Pouao both went to a global taskforce conference to combat paedophilia. Pouao holds a book which will help him educate schoolchildren on staying safe.
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After attending a global taskforce on fighting online child sex abuse, a senior police officer believes it is his “calling” to protect the country’s children.
Senior sergeant Nga Pouao and police IT specialist sergeant Aporo Kirikava attended the Virtual Global Taskforce on child sexual abuse in Abu Dhabi from December 10 to 13.
Every Pacific country sent police representatives to the meet, which was co-ordinated by a number of international police organisations, including Interpol.
Issues discussed included how to protect children from sex abusers, how to implement legislation to combat the problem and prosecute offenders, how to identify offenders through their behavioural signs, and how to investigate and prosecute offenders. Police technology whizz Kirikava also learnt about forensics and how to gather evidence on computers.
All Pacific islands reps were sponsored by the Australian Federal Police and Pouao was grateful for their support.
While Cook Islands police have not received any complaints about online predators, Pouao said that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
He said the conference was a real eye-opener for him.
“Some offenders are nannies, teachers, police officers, pastors -- even high-profile politicians. It is all sectors of the community – from the lowest to the highest person. I was shocked that people can do this kind of thing.”
Pouao explained that predators use technology like the internet and mobile phones to lie about their age.
“They might say they are a 16-year-old boy when in fact they are 38.”
And then once they have gained the young person’s trust and meet up, Pouau said the young person is emotionally trapped and susceptible to abuse.
The Cook Islands currently does not have legislation in place to deal with cybercrime and online sexual predators, but Pouao said Crown Law is doing some work in this area.
Pouao intends to visit schools next year to teach Cook Islands schoolchildren on how to stay safe from sexual abuse and online predators.
He said he is passionate about safeguarding the country’s children from very real risks and catching predators wherever they may be.
“I want our kids to be safe. Not only in cyberspace, but in real-life situations too. In my heart, I want to protect young boys and young girls in this nation. That’s my calling to me. It is my duty.”
However Pouao knows it will not be an easy task.
“Before going to the conference, I thought I would just go to schools and tell them ‘don’t give your name out to strangers’. But it is more difficult than that -- it’s at another level. It’s not that simple.”
Pouao spoke of one story he heard at the taskforce which touched him deeply.
A 15-year-old girl got in touch online with a man who she thought was her own age.
“But he was 35, a mature person, and when they met up the girl was shocked. But this man had mental control of her, and he took her and abused her.”
Pouao said after that initial meeting, the girl’s life was ruined.
“Everything to her ... her feeling for life was gone.”
He wants to help all children who have been sexually abused to “bring them back to normal” and get them back on a path where life is bearable again.
The police officer believes sexual abuse is often swept under the carpet in the Cooks.
“I’m not just talking about cyber crime. I’m talking about sexual abuse within a family or from family friends. There is incest, especially in the outer islands. This is all part of that.”
His advice to children is not to be afraid to talk to parents, teachers, police or any other trusted person about problems.
“We need to let our children know they can be safe.”
4 hours of Christmas greetings in parliament
Thu
27 Dec
Members of Parliament extended their Christmas greetings – four hours worth – during the last day of sitting on December 13.
They hoped and prayed, on their behalf and their spouses, that all those who live in the Cook Islands will have a happy and safe Christmas period.
Constituencies, family members, outer islanders, traditional leaders, religious leaders and congregations were greeted.
The public and those who work in public service, other members of the House, outer island councils, and schoolchildren were wished a merry Christmas.
Families of parliamentarians, the retiring clerk, deputy clerk, translator and other parliamentary staff were thanked for their support during parliament’s final two-week sitting and the political year.
The Queen’s Representative and his wife, sportsmen and women, and the business sector were also wished a happy Christmas and prosperous new year.
Infrastructure Minister Teariki Heather greeted those who are sick in hospital or affected by disability. He also wished the Puaikura fire brigade and other firefighters a safe Christmas and thanked them for their hard work over the last couple of months in particular.
To those in prison he said: “I hope you see to change your behaviour and that the Almighty grants you a good Christmas while in prison.”
George “Obama Action Man” Maggie (as he terms himself) also wished prisoners a merry Christmas.
“To all my children in jail, to all my colleagues. You have done wrong things in the past but let Jesus help you.” He said he had also had problems with the law in the past. “Come and see me, ring me and I will help you.”
MP for Amuri-Ureia Toanui Isamaela said wanted to “combine all the people of the Cook Islands and offer my greetings for the Christmas period in one go”.
“I extend my greetings to all the children in my constituency even those who are not born yet.”
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George greeted the Ui Ariki. “To our traditional leaders. Keep up with the good work, we respect you and we politicans need you.”
He also gave a nod to the inhabitants of his home island of Atiu. “To the paradise island of the birds, the rainbow island of the Pacific, kia orana.”
Deputy prime minister Tom Marsters extended his greetings to foreign workers in the Cooks. “These people have contributed a lot to our economy.”
As acting prime minister, he closed the session. “Look after yourself, and we’ll see you next year.”
Mini wharves for Tongareva
Thu
27 Dec
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Tetautua villagers stack up crumbling concrete and coral along the foreshore of the village ready for concrete works.
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Residents along the shores of Tetautua village on the island of Penrhyn are set to have their crumbling foreshores rebuilt to beautify the coast as well as provide a safety barrier.
Tetautua island council member Rio Teika has been on Rarotonga for six months seeking support to fix the foreshore in his village and with no luck from government agencies he turned to New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter.
Through the Head of Mission fund where funds are allocated at the discretion of the commissioner, Carter has allotted $35,500 towards the project with the funds to go towards materials to build concrete walls known on the island as ‘mini wharfs’ along the shores of the village.
Teika says that some residents on the island, including him, have used their own money to build retaining concrete walls in front of their homes on the foreshore which also acts as landing platforms for fishing boats.
He says that the 40 tonnes of concrete funded through the Head of Mission fund along with other building materials will see up to 10 retaining walls built separate by small ramps for fishing boat access.
The progress of the project has brought much joy to Teika who says that the Tetautua community is very happy to be seeing the upgrade of their village foreshore.
Teika says that completion of the project will be a big dream come true for him, the island council and the wider Tetautua community.
Teika says the project would not have been successful in accessing funding without the support of former Tetautua School principal Teina Tearii, the Cook Islands Christian Church on the island, Red Cross branch of Tetautua and the wider community.
The Tetautua community is especially grateful to New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter for his support and encouragement.
Carter says that the Tetautua foreshore renovation was a ‘perfect’ project for the head of mission fund to support.
“This is about helping small community groups move ahead,” says Carter.
Carter visited Penrhyn earlier in the year when he had the opportunity to see the needs of the community on the island.
“I had the opportunity to look at the sites where there are serious issues of erosion along the shores of the village and now there is progress with funds and support for materials for the project.”
Carter is also impressed that the Tetautua village has a skilled labour force ready to begin and complete the project.
“This is a perfect project for the Head of Mission fund to support because this is about helping a community wanting to help itself,” says Carter. “We are delighted to help.”
Teika says he and the village of Tetautua are eternally grateful to their friend John Carter for his generosity and support.
He is also thankful to his community and the various groups that have supported the progress of the project as he says that the various groups have ‘one vision’ in improving the lives of people in their village.
“E ngakau mataora teia. Kia akameitaki ia te New Zealand High Commission e te taeake a John Carter,” says Teika.
Teika says materials for the project will be shipped to Penrhyn on the next northern group voyage by the Kwai and upon arrival of the material works will begin on the mini wharfs.
The entire Tetautua community would like to humbly thank John Carter for his huge support for the community.
Motu magic for Short reunion
Thu
27 Dec
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Teremoana Manavaroa, Avera Hunter, Nana Short, Maybelline Unu and Memory Tangimetua get their feet wet in the lagoon. PHOTO DALLAS YOUNG
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Camping out on a Muri motu and unveiling a memorial headstone were the highlights for family members who attended the Apenera and Maui Short family reunion.
The five-day reunion finished last Friday and included a number of trips to Koromiri, one of the motu in the Muri lagoon.
Over 90 people attended the event, which included picnics and beach volleyball on the motu.
The group also did a round tour of the island, visiting the nine marae the family have access to.
The occasion also took in the unveiling of a headstone in memory of Manny Marsters who is related to the family through their links to Ngati Takakita.
A keen sportsman, Marsters worked as a heavy machinery operator in Papua New Guinea for 20 years before he died in February.
Apenera and Maui Short’s son, Tupe Short, says three men from Papua New Guinea came to Rarotonga to attend the unveiling and they revealed their close bond to a man they called Mannix.
“They call him brother – Manny is their brother,” says Short.
“So when they came here, they are our brothers as well. We invited them to our next reunion over here and they’re looking to coming back.”
Meanwhile, another reunion is set to begin today at the Aroa Nui Hall in Arorangi.
Around 600 members of the Heather family will descend on the Arorangi hall for the opening of the five-day reunion.
All family members are descendants of Stanley Heather Junior’s 15 children.
Stanley Heather Jnr was the only child of Stanley Heather and 15-year-old Elizapeta before she died giving birth to their second child. Stanley Heather Snr first came to Rarotonga in the 1860s.
Each of the 15 kopu will present their family genealogy and attend historical sites around the island.
A sports day will take place on December 31, the final day of the reunion, before members of the family are released to enjoy the new year festivities.
A reunion for the Tuavera family from Matavera – which boasts the likes of the Queen’s Representative’s wife Lady Goodwin and former culture minister Cassey Eggelton – will also start today.
A third reunion is also beginning today with the Puna family getting together until January 6.
Year that was...Cabinet travel
Thu
27 Dec
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Prime Minister Henry Puna takes time out in Papua New Guinea – where he was leading a meeting of ACP leaders to re-admit suspended forum member Fiji – to admire the view of Port Moresby.
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January
Prime Minister and Renewable Energy Minister Henry Puna went to Abu Dhabi to attend an environmental conference and learn more about renewable energy.
February
Cook Islands News did not publish any travel diaries in February; therefore there is no record of cabinet travel.
March
Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters went to Tonga to attend the funeral of King George Tupou V. He also went to Belgium.
Minister of Marine Resources Teina Bishop went to Guam to join the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s eighth regular conference.
Prime Minister Henry Puna flew to New Zealand to support the Cook Islands communities there, and Finance Minister Mark Brown was also in New Zealand on government business.
Agriculture Minister Nandi Glassie went to Vietnam to meet with the director general of the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
April
Sports Minister Mark Brown went to Russia, attending a World Olympic Sport convention.
May
Minister Nandi Glassie travelled to New Zealand, Israel and Switzerland to cover his health and agriculture portfolios.
Education Minister Teina Bishop went to Vanuatu to join a regional education meeting for Pacific ministers.
Minister of Cultural Development Teariki Heather flew to London to head a 30-person dance team in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Finance Minister Mark Brown headed to the Filipino capital Manila to attend the Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual general meeting.
And Prime Minister Henry Puna joined a United Nations Small Islands Developing States meeting in the Caribbean island nation of Barbados.
June
Prime Minister Henry Puna was in Auckland to attend a tripartite meeting between Pacific leaders, the Pacific Island Forum, and the European Union.
Marine Resources Minister Teina Bishop went to Tonga to attend a Pacific Islands Forum meeting for fisheries.
July
Finance Minister Mark Brown went to Kiribati for a Pacific Forum Economic Ministers meeting.
As sports minister, he also flew to England for the Olympic Games.
Health Minister Nandi Glassie went to Australia for a five-day consultation for regional members of parliament on advancing human rights.
Minster of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tom Marsters went to Samoa for a meeting of the Africa Caribbean Pacific group and European Union (ACP-EU) joint parliamentary assembly.
August
Police Minister Teariki Heather travelled to the Solomon Islands for a Pacific police chief conference.
Tourism Minister Teina Bishop attended a Pacific ACP trade ministers’ meeting in Tonga. He also went to Fiji to represent the Cook Islands at the third ‘engaging with the Pacific meeting’.
Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters went to Singapore, where he attended a Pacific ministerial studies meeting.
September
Marine Resources Minister Teina Bishop went to China for a trip that was kept closely under wraps at the time – but as it turned out he went to receive a donation for computers from a charity associated with Chinese fishing company Luen Thai.
Prime Minister Henry Puna flew to China to attend the 67th United Nations General Assembly.
Health Minister Nandi Glassie went to Vietnam for a five-day World Health Organisation gathering on non-communicable disease.
Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters travelled to Belgium to attend the ACP-EU joint parliamentary assembly.
October
Prime Minister Henry Puna went to Fiji to address the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Finance Minister Mark Brown flew to Tokyo to attend the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
As sports minister, he then went straight to Wallis and Futuna for the Pacific Games Council general assembly.
November
Cabinet faced especial criticism this month as only one cabinet minister was in Rarotonga for the whole week to play host to the 50-plus regional parliamentary delegates who arrived for a week-long conference.
Prime Minister Henry Puna flew to New Caledonia to speak at a technology conference and open the second meeting of the SPC applied geoscience division.
He then went to Dubai to attend a global meeting on regional organisations.
After that, he went to Papua New Guinea to lead a special meeting of ACP leaders to help re-engage suspended forum member Fiji.
Finance Minister Mark Brown joined him in Port Moresby.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Marsters attend the joint parliamentary assembly of the ACP in Carribean country Suriname.
Minister of Tourism Teina Bishop went to an international travel mart in Shanghai, China.
Health Minister Nandi Glassie travelled to Korea to attend the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Prime Minister Henry Puna went to Africa to speak at the opening of the 7th ACP leaders’ summit.
Prizes for Mangaia kids
Thu
27 Dec
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The Mangaia community turned out in force on December 6 to recognise the achievements of its children. Mangaia School prize giving was held at the Numangatini Hall, with lots of parents attending celebrate the successes of students from preschool to year 12. Students were from all three villages of Tamarua, Ivirua and Oneroa.
At Mangaia School all preschool and primary students receive a prize – to let them know that they are valued.
The secondary students from year seven to year 10 are selected on the criteria of being hard working, cooperative and responsible, which are values taken from the school’s mission statement.
Twelve awards were given for excellent attendance, with no missed school days in the year.
Agriculture awards were given with Desiree Harry getting most outstanding agriculture student and Tavaitai Paio most promising agriculture student.
A new trophy was donated by Olympian Patrick Tuara for the best overall sportsperson, which went to Emmahnessa Ruatoe.
Best senior Maori culture student Paaro Arokapiti was given another new award, the Tumu Korero trophy.
Hardworking senior school students (year 11 and 12) were given academic prizes.
Year 11 student Mama Tungata got the most NCEA credits and was awarded the Memory Ben Trophy. Joyce Kare-e-Metua was awarded the most improved student prize.
Year 12 student Paaro Arokapiti was awarded the Tanya Vaiimene Memorial Prize for having the most credits and also got the Moana Gem Trophy for being the top student.
The top all round student award, the Solomona-Hermann Prize, went to Junior George.
Full list of student awards: (Junior school) Year 7 and 8 – Dawn Teio, Angela Whyte, Metuavaine Atariki, Doona Atariki and Melani John Varu. Year 9 – Flances Matamaki, Joseph Moeauri and Eirina Daniel. Year 10 – Desiree Harry, Mavis Tangimataiti and Tetangi Apaina. Sportsman of the year – Paaro Arokapiti, sportswoman of the year – Emmahnessa Ruatoe, primary sportsperson of the year – Temarii Koroa, best overall sportsperson – Emmahnessa Ruatoe. Excellent attendance – James Poko, Jonah Moeauri, Kotimoa Ruarau, Christian Tangimataiti, Elita Mautairi, Jaden Samuela, Donna Atariki, Juvandon Tutu, Teinakore Beauty, Mavis Tangimataiti, Salaima Vavia and Jamaneter George. Most Outstanding Agriculture Student – Desiree Harry, Most Promising Agriculture Student – Tavaitai Paio. (Senior school) Best senior Maori culture student – Paaro Arokapiti. Academic awards - Mama Tungata, Jamameter George, Salaima Vavia, Micheal Paia, Joyce Kare-e-Metua, Paaro Arokapiti and Junior George.
Enuamanu hostel still needs $300k
Fri
28 Dec
Easing the pressure on a workforce, which consists mainly of volunteers, is behind a decision not to grant a final opening day for the Atiu Nui Maruarua III.
The new Atiu hostel will have 21 rooms with two beds in each, as well as two large spaces that will hold 20 mattresses for big groups.
The project received $106,000 from the Atiu Pineapple Growers before a monster raffle in 2011 saw the project walk away with a profit of $260,000.
Those profits are expected to keep chief builder Tangata Ngametua-Kae, a painter and a tiler, working fulltime on the project until February.
Ngametua-Kae says the project still needs around $300,000 to finish the project.
“That’s why there’s no sure date of opening unless we can secure the finance by next year,” says Ngametua-Kae.
He adds that they had previously released some due dates but would not be doing so again to ease the pressure on the work force.
Project secretary-general Nga Teao-Papatua says she is confident the project will be finished by the end of next year.
“It’s going to be a hard time for us to get the project complete,” says Teao-Papatua.
“I’m very confident that we can do this.”
Mamas have been helping the group raise money by getting involved in catering opportunities.
The group did two catering jobs recently for the Australia and Pacific CPA (Commonwealth Parliamentary Association) regional conference, earning $11,500 windfall in the process.
The group is organising a super housie scheduled for February 23 in the hope of raising another $25,000 to keep the paid workers on site while they do more fundraising and apply for loans.
Radiothon for Samoa today
Fri
28 Dec
A six-hour radiothon starting at midday today is giving Cook Islanders a chance to donate to residents in Samoa who lost everything in the recent Cyclone Evan disaster.
Three people died in the tropical cyclone, while thousands have lost their homes to the natural disaster that also hit Fiji.
George Paniani and Nga Teao-Papatua will be lending their time to help with the appeal, which will air on Radio Cook Islands today from 12pm to 6pm.
All of the money will go directly towards the local Samoan community’s Cyclone Evan fundraising.
A bank account has been created at Westpac Bank in Avarua. The Cyclone Evan Appeal Account has been created for those who are wanting to deposit money in the Avarua bank.
Radiothon coordinator Mousie Skews says the radiothon is an opportunity for Cook Islanders to show their Pacific brothers and sisters that they are thinking of them during this difficult time.
“We did not put an amount to what we want to raise, as this is a very busy and costly time for families,” says Skews.
“We are happy to accept whatever the community will donate.”
Calendar a reminder of commitment
Fri
28 Dec
The Pacific Islands Forum leaders celebrated the adoption of the Gender Equality Declaration with a calendar focusing on improving the lives of women in the Pacific earlier this month.
The calendar captures 12 reflections from Pacific leaders and distinguished persons from the region working towards improving the lives of women, girls and women with disabilities.
Secretary General Slade launched the Gender Equality Declaration desk calendar at the end of a 16-day campaign to end violence against women on December 10 – International Human Rights Day.
Noting that United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s message on the international Human Rights day was “no matter who you are, or where you live, your voice counts”, Slade drew attention to the many voices of Pacific women and girls and reaffirmed the Forum Secretariat’s commitment towards advancing gender equality in the region.
“The 2013 Pacific leaders’ gender equality declaration calendar reminds the region of forum leaders’ commitment towards addressing violence against women, supporting women in decision-making, women’s economic empowerment, access to reproductive health services and gender parity in education,” explained Slade.
“The gender declaration speaks directly to the concerns and needs identified by stakeholders in the Pacific, and captures the aspirations we all have for a more just society, built on the respect and promotion of human rights for all.”
Slade also called for commitment at all levels to take this important declaration forward.
Deputy Secretary General Andie Fong Toy elaborated on the important role of civil society in implementing and monitoring the declaration.
“A significant feature of this landmark declaration is the leaders’ commitment to strengthening consultative mechanisms with civil society on key budget and policy issues,” said Fong Toy.
“This also reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment towards facilitating wider civil society engagement.”
The calendars will be widely distributed to government and civil society groups.
Boarders, surfers ready for waves
Fri
28 Dec
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A local body boarder rides a sweet wave at the Social Centre break in Nikao. Photo Eric Gamez
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When the waves start pumping – local body boarders and surfers will have two days to get ready for competition.
Arorangi body boarder Eric Gamez is keen to organise a local board-riders competition but as all riders know – it all depends on the waves and weather.
To get the ball rolling before the waves roll in, a meeting of all riders and supporters will be held this Sunday at the Social Centre in Nikao starting at 4pm.
The meeting will focus on the upcoming competition including the rules and format.
Gamez says that when the weather forecasts are favourable – riders will get a two-day heads-up to prepare for the competition.
He says this will give the 24 body boarders and handful of surfers, plenty of time to get organised.
As this will be the first surf competition held for some time, Gamez anticipates a friendlier atmosphere with everyone pitching in with setting up the surf site and judging.
He anticipates as the competition grows, more sponsors will come on board and the Cook Islands Board Riders Association is formed. This will result in a more structured competition which will include bigger and better prizes from sponsors for the top local riders.
Gamez expects that the first competition will mostly be for body boarders that dominate the Rarotonga waves. However he says surfers can come on competition day and show their stuff too.
The Social Centre break in Nikao, which Gamez describes as world class, is likely to be the venue of the competition but the surfing will go where the waves are.
Anyone interested in being part of the competition, helping run and set up the event or local businesses wanting to support this event are invited to the board riders meeting this Sunday to discuss plans for the impending competition.
For more information contact Eric Gamez on 21602.
Te akapeea nei kotou
Sat
29 Dec
Dear Editor,
Very sad to read what Gosselin has done to our local Tumu Kuki Airani.
Why does he not retire and give the chance for my nephew Karl Hunter or other Tumu Kuki Airani locals to run the Foreign Affairs and Immigration?
Papa Arataki ma i roto i te CIP kare a Jim Gosselin i roiroi ana i te aruaru ia tatou i autu mai ei. Na matou na te iti tangata kotou i apai ki runga i tona akamaroiroi -- auraka e tamamae i te ngakau o te kopu tangata e tai ka akanoo ia no roto i te ngai angaanga e manotini ka aru iaia ki tetai tua.
E aka angaanga i rauka mai ei te nooanga aere kia autu tatou, e Kiritimiti teia ta kotou mai nei teia. Te akaaroa tena tu kare e inangaro ia i roto i teia tuatau e tai ua mataiti arai toe kua iki akaou.Te akaaroa i te metua vaine o Kave Ringi i Mauke tei turuturu ia tatou te CIP ma tona kopu tangata tona au uaanga tana e tauturuturu nei i nga enua i konei e vaoo ake ia Rarotonga.
Teia metua vaine kua tauta aia e toru ikianga e teia ra kua autu tikai eaa tana akara mai anga i tana tamaiti iaia e noo maira i Nutireni te maki o tetai ana tamaiti. Akamaroiroi kare teia i te mea kanga e mea tikai, ka ae mai te tangata ia tatou.Akamaroiroi i ta kotou akateretereanga e te Kopu Tangata o te Aroa ua e tai mataiti arai toe, teia tikai te manea nei to tatou teretere anga tae mai ki teia ra te ukauka mai nei te tai.
Na Maromaroa
Bill’s bitter-sweet annuity
Sat
29 Dec
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Vietnam war veteran with his special annuity offer from Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.
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A special annuity offered to Bill Framhein has left the Vietnam war veteran disappointed that it hasn’t been extended to other Cook Islanders.
In order to qualify for the veteran’s pension, New Zealanders must have spent five years in New Zealand after turning 50.
Over the last five years, Framhein has had to live in New Zealand for six months of the year in order to receive his pension.
Framhein spent most of his life in New Zealand and joined the infantry in 1965, after serving as a territorial soldier with Wellington’s 22 Battery.
The war veteran went on to do four tours in Vietnam starting with a stint in Malaya and Borneo in 1966.
After spending years fighting for an exemption to the rule, Framhein received a letter from Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand earlier this month.
Veterans’ affairs minister Nathan Guy penned the letter on December 13 offering Framhein a special annuity that would see him receive the same amount as a veteran’s pension.
“If you elect to receive a special annuity in lieu of a veteran’s pension, you would be able to live permanently in the Cook Islands,” the letter reads.
“The special annuity would be paid at the equivalent rate that you would receive if you were eligible to be paid a veteran’s pension in the Cook Islands.”
Framhein is the only Cook Islander to have been granted the annuity.
Under the conditions, the payments will cease if Framhein no longer is a Cook Islands resident, the annuity will only be paid for a further four weeks after Framhein’s death and it will be decreased depending on the amount of financial assistance he receives from other pensions in line with New Zealand’s veteran’s pension or superannuation.
The annuity would mean Framhein would no longer have to travel to and from New Zealand every six months, some respite for the deep vein thrombosis he suffers in his right leg.
While delighted at receiving the offer, Framhein is still unsure about the three-page letter and what it entitles him to.
“I’m glad I’ve got it, but I haven’t signed the form yet,” says Framhein.
“I’m just waiting on letters from veteran’s affairs to clarify what they actually mean in the letter because there are parts of that letter I don’t like.”
The veteran hopes to hear from the New Zealand ministry over the coming weeks.
Framhein wants to acknowledge all of those who have helped with his case, including veteran’s affairs Minister Mark Brown, Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin, New Zealand’s Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Auckland councillor Mike Lee.
“It’s been [Lee] who has really stood by me and pushed it.”
While his own personal battle for the veteran’s pension with New Zealand appears to be over, Framhein says he will be sticking by Les Priest and the Lost Tribes despite campaigning for 20 years, the requests have fallen on deaf ears.
“I’ll try and support Les and all the other Cook Islanders – I just hope it all comes through.”
Tereora brings in ‘anau’ programme
Sat
29 Dec
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Changes are afoot for Tereora College students when the new ‘Anau’ system is introduced next year to help further enhance the learning of students at the national college. Photo Jason Green
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Tereora College is set to make stronger communication links between the school and the community as well as increase student welfare and support through a new ‘Anau’ system to be introduced next year.
The anau initiative is based on a system known as ‘vertical forms’ where up to four students from each year (nine to 13) will be allocated an anau teacher who will be directly responsible for up to 16 students in each anau group.
Anau teachers will replace deans at the national college and they will be the first point of call for parents wanting to know how their child is progressing at school.
Tereora College Principal Bali Haque says that positive feedback was received from teachers and students consulted about the change which came about after teachers visited a number of schools in New Zealand implementing the vertical forms system.
For the national college, the name ‘anau’ which translates to family has been chosen as the name of the new system.
It’s a system Haque says has generated much talk among teachers at the college who are keen for the change.
“There’s been a lot of positive talk about the new system but we know we have to be careful and do it right,” says Haque.
The system will also see students remain in the same anau group with the same anau teacher for the entire time they attend the national college and this will help build stronger connections between the teacher and student and enhance a greater learning atmosphere.
Haque explains the multi-year anau group will meet first thing each morning for roll call and meet again for an hour once a week.
During this session students are able to have one on one time with their anau teacher who will be responsible for both the students’ academic growth and progress as well as pastoral care which includes attendance.
Haque says that goal setting and planning will also be a big part of the anau group’s weekly hour session.
The hour sessions will also be an opportunity for the older anau students to give support to the younger students.
This type of support will also be enhanced through the schools ‘peer support’ programme which sees older year 12 and 13 support the younger students in a mentoring style approach.
The anau system will also be built on the ‘house’ structure that has been a part of the college for many years and is normally used to group students for sports days.
Haque says that they expect to have up to 40 anau groups and that all teachers at the school will be involved in implementing the new system.
“The key really is that we are here for our students,” says Haque.
Haque adds that while the dean system worked, the new system will help with the increasing need to drive for academic excellence.
A training workshop to fully explain the new change and map out its implementation in to the school will be held for the teachers before the 2013 school year starts.
Heathers remember forefather
Sat
29 Dec
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Avarua CICC Orometua Ngatokorua Patia gives a prayer at the Avatiu wharf in memory of Stanley Heather Senior yesterday.
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The Ngati Tanire family reunion took time to acknowledge the passing of their very first descendant with a short memorial ceremony yesterday.
Members of the Heather family gathered at the Avatiu wharf to pay their respects to Stanley Heather Senior, the first of the Heather family to settle in Rarotonga.
The son of Dennett and Maryann Heather, Stanley Heather was born in 1855 on the Waikato River and was brought up by older brother, Arthur.
He was posted to the Cook Islands in 1864 with service agents AB Donald and married Rangitai Elizepeta, an Arorangi teenager who was the grand-daughter of Isaia Papehia.
Papehia was the first messenger to bring the Gospel to Arorangi.
The couple had one a son – Stanley Heather Junior – before Rangitai died while giving birth to their second child.
Heather Senior later remarried in Samoa and upon his return to Rarotonga, died on 18 December 1883 aboard the schooner Agnes Bell in Avatiu wharf while trying to save people on board during a hurricane.
Yesterday, family members listened to reunion coordinator Sam Crocombe talk of Heather Snr’s role as a serviceman in the Cook Islands.
CICC Avarua Orometua Ngatokorua Patia conducted a prayer service to honour Heather before the descendants threw ei katu and tiare into the harbour in his memory.
From the wharf the family members went and paid their respects to Stanley Heather Junior as part of a trip to visit all of the pa metua graves.
Ngati Tanire reunion in full swing
Sat
29 Dec
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Over 250 descendants from Stanley Heather Senior sit inside the Aroa Nui hall for a group photo as part of the Heather family reunion’s activities on Thursday. PHOTO BY JUNIOR MARSTERS
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The largest reunion in Rarotonga began on Thursday by acknowledging the role of past leaders and instilling pride in the family line.
The Ngati Tanire family reunion began with a formal welcoming ceremony at the Aroa Nui Hall in Arorangi, the home of a number of events throughout the five-day gathering.
Arorangi Orometua Thierry Tapu opened the reunion with a blessing to ensure no harm came over anybody during the event.
Around 300 members from the 15 kopu of Stanley Heather Junior stood and sung the family anthem after the flag symbolising the Heather family was raised inside the hall.
Prime Minister Henry Puna spoke as a guest of honour before he, Ngapoko Exham Areaiiti, Matarii Vaineritua and Makea Mere unveiled a portrait of Richard Exham, the first British Consul to the Cook Islands.
The painting was done by Tauraa Exham Heather, the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Richard Exham.
Tauraa, who is of the Exham Heather kopu, spoke before members of the pa metua lit candles acknowledging loved ones who have passed on.
The ceremony was a chance to acknowledge those who had died and remind those still living about the role of the loved ones.
After each of the candles was lit, a minute’s silence was observed before the hall sung Auld Lang Syne.
Each of the kopu presented their history before a genealogy book was presented by Mrs Keala Tuara.
On Thursday evening the kopu members planned to have their opening dinner with a string band at the Arorangi jetty. However they were forced indoors because of the weather.
Yesterday family members based themselves at Calvary Hall in Arorangi for a presentation on family and tribal links. A memorial service was also held at Avatiu wharf for the original Stanley Heather – the father of Stanley Junior.
Today family members will visit the resting place of Enuarurutini, who was Tinomana Ariki at the time of the arrival of Christianity. Sports and activities will take place in the afternoon.
Sunday will be dedicated to church before the members of the reunion partake in a series of round robin tournaments for touch, netball and other activities on Monday.
The closing dinner will take place that evening before family members leave the reunion to see in the New Year.
Closing shop on 2012
Sat
29 Dec
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Vaine Wichman and daughter Teura.
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When economies experience slow to no growth they look towards economic or infrastructure development activities to shift their growth levels north.
Infrastructure development however is not the key to prosperity, but it is one of the main means by which we can achieve growth.
Since our economic reforms, a lot of infrastructure projects have been put on the backburner as the various governments reined in on fiscal management restraint and public service downsizing and let the brakes off on activities that would support economic growth in the private sector. As a result a fair amount of essential infrastructure maintenance and development programmes to help sustain the momentum of economic growth remained deferred for way too long.
In recent times we have been able to secure development funding and support to begin to address deferred infrastructure maintenance, such as water security, managing waste and sanitation, and renewable energy programmes to assist the remoter islands deal with the distance and cost in delivering basic services to their islands.
It is expected that grants where they are being dished out, and loans where there are no grants, will fund these programmes.
The latest budget policy interestingly advises government is committed to increasing gender equality and opportunities, improving our food security, improving telecommunications, meeting our renewable energy targets, and accessing climate change financing.
The government’s score card out in the streets advertises the progress made and the pat-on-the-back officials like to give themselves at the end of each year. Sadly while the Christmas parties are raging and public resources get used to support the office kids’ and adults’ parties, Cook Islanders in the community and private sector watch on as the productivity discussions remain just discussions at these merry parties.
All score cards should be balanced with what hasn’t been done, but especially the emerging issues arising in spite of promises being kept.
While senior officials tuck into their Christmas dinners and New Year parties, it might be hard to hear the voice of the quiet mum hiding in the hedge waiting for the husband to sleep so she can take the kids back inside and rest after a heavy day. Or the accommodation owner tired of the onslaught of burglaries this year and the impact this has had on business. Or the family in the north tired of the pathetic arrangements that are in place to appease a major issue for them in essential supplies and cargo delivery to their islands. Or the Papa that has slipped through the cracks of the newly formulated social welfare system.
For those highly publicised sackings, terminations or suspensions, this festive season tastes sour on the tail of government’s commitment to increasing gender equality and a public service striving for impartiality. For Northerners who need petrol to fish, food security will become a distant goal to be supplemented by the tins of fish coming out of Pago. Too bad their seas teem with tuna they can’t catch. As for the renewable energy targets, we are counting two years soon, and solar projects still feel distant to many of them.
Kia mau te selenga.
Kia Mau.
Prison rehabilitation centre opens
Mon
31 Dec
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A number of governmental leaders were on hand for the centre’s opening.
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Hope is one of the best gifts at Christmas and inmates received it on December 7 with the opening of a rehabilitation centre on the prison grounds.
Inmates renovated an unoccupied building for several months at the prison under the supervision of warden Paruru Pera leading up to the event.
Prime Minister Henry Puna unveiled the name plaque and opened a door to the building, which is called Tango Akarangatira.
Tango Akarangatira translates roughly to mean “foundation to become someone”.
Wardens appeared in formation wearing new uniforms. Third officer Teariki Purua served as emcee and Superintendent Metuatini Tangaroa welcomed guests.
CICC President Reverend Tuaine Ngametua offered the opening and closing prayers.
Ru and the Boyz led the assembled in singing the national anthem and provided musical entertainment before and after the ceremony.
Justice Secretary Tingika Elikana told the crowd that the purpose of the centre was for rehabilitation, so that, as the name Tango Akarangatira implies, inmates could work towards becoming good citizens of the country.
Prime Minister Henry Puna, who is also the justice minister, addressed the staff, inmates, families, volunteers, clergy, counsellors, and representatives from the education ministry, Cook Islands Trades Training Centre and other governmental agencies.
He said that we ought not to judge because all people make mistakes.
Instead, Puna said, we have a responsibility to help and support in every way the rehabilitation endeavours.
The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) funded renovations of the building, which long ago served as the superintendent’s residence.
CIIC property manager Anne Taoro was on hand for the celebration and officially opened one of the doors while prison volunteer Sister Margaret O’Dwyer opened another.
Improvements included new roofing, septic system, electrical wiring, ceilings, doors, windows, tiling, paint, plumbing, and more.
The building features a large area for education and four smaller rooms which can be used for a library, computer training, perhaps counselling, and other purposes.
Chairs and some computers were donated by Westpac while a refrigerator was donated by a tourist.
A number of ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters, Hon. Teariki Heather and Hon. Nandie Glassie were present for the occasion, as well as education Secretary Sharyn Paio.
Representative of Rotaianga, local churches and the trades training centre also attended the event.
The opening was followed by a kaikai.
Esther Honey gets $700 gift
Mon
31 Dec
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Esther Honey Foundation clinic director Gregg Young (left) receives a $700 cheque from the staff at Island Hopper Vacations. PHOTO MOUSIE SKEWS
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The Esther Honey Foundation has become the seventh group in as many years to receive a funding boost from Island Hopper Vacations.
The foundation received a $700 cheque from the travel agency on Monday, with clinic director Gregg Young on hand to receive the funds.
For the past seven years, Island Hopper staff members have nominated an organisation to receive the year’s total amount of money made from weekly mufti days.
“We don’t tell whoever we have nominated until we ring them up,” says sales consultant Mousie Skews.
“It’s a nice surprise though for that organisation when we call them.
“We felt that this is our small way of giving back something to our community and help out those organisations that are doing great work for our community and our people.”
The foundation, which offers spaying and neutering free of charge among other veterinary services, is the seventh recipient of the annual donation.
Groups to have received the funding from Island Hopper since 2006 are Rarotonga Hospital’s children’s ward, Creative Centre, Te Kainga, Punanga Tauturu, Te Vaerua, and Are Pa Metua.
Splash car up for grabs
Mon
31 Dec
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CITC key brands manager George George and CITC food group manager Jason Burgess with the brand new Suzuki Splash car.
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Splash into the New Year in a new car!
CITC food group is again giving back to the community and giving all their customers the chance to win a brand new Suzuki Splash green/grey car.
This is the third time that CITC and their suppliers have banded together for a ‘win a car’ promotion.
All CITC supermarket, Oasis in Nikao and Foodland customers have to do is purchase one product each from the Tegel, Anchor, Tip Top and Zap range, and enter your receipt into the draw.
You can enter as many times as you want -- the promotion starts today and will run for the next three months.
CITC food group manager Jason Burgess says that the brand new Suzuki Splash will be ready for the lucky winner to drive away after the draw and will include a full tank of fuel, warrant of fitness and registration.
So get shopping and be in to win a new car to splash around in the New Year.
Act now to prevent diabetes
Mon
31 Dec
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Takitumu Chief Pa Marie Ariki, pictured here at the opening of her palace last year, is praising those delivering messages of health to the Cook Islands.
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As 2012 comes to an end, Takitumu Chief Pa Marie Ariki pens a column to acknowledge those who have assisted in pushing a greater of message of health to the wider community this year. In it she also discusses a need to push the message of preventing diabetes, a big threat to Pacific islanders.
As we come to the closing of 2012, I wish to reflect upon some of the challenges and achievements of the Diabetes Wellness initiatives and express my heartfelt thanks to the people who have provided their generous support.
This year has brought many significant challenges especially in terms of raising awareness on the importance of healthy living and encouraging healthy diets to prevent diabetes.
One of the simple key factors in achieving this goal is changing our attitude and adopting a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise.
Earlier this year it was with great sadness to learn that a staggering 80 percent of the Marshallese people have diabetes.
This came as a very clear warning, and given our very similar socio-economic climate, we must take action now, to ensure a sustainable, safe and healthy environment for the generations to come.
In a bid to promote healthier living; increased publicity through local media, workshops and conferences, have been essential.
So too has been the initiative to actively address preventative measures through finding ways of reducing, if not stopping completely the consumption of fizzy drinks and promoting the consumption of nu.
I wish to take this opportunity to share with the public that the nu, or what has been recently called “coconut water” is being recognised globally as a nutritional goldmine and miracle health drink.
According to Australia’s Sunday Telegraph, “coconut water is one of the fastest-growing new food categories in the UK and sales doubled in the US last year thanks to investment by Coca Cola, Pepsi Co and Madonna who poured $1.5 million into the brand Vita Coco.
It is already popular in Brazil, where sales top $300 million a year.”
We are very fortunate to have this drink readily available to us, but do we realise it’s true value?
I wish to acknowledge those who are actively promoting fitness, especially the Cook Islands triathlon team who competed in Auckland last month. I was very proud of our 15 heroes who participated in this international event.
Lastly I would like to thank those who have provided their support over the last year.
To Cook Islands News, Cook Islands Television, FM Radio, Radio Cook Islands and Cook Islands Rotary.
Finally a big thank you to the Puna government who provided great support during this
year’s Pacific Leaders Forum and Constitution celebrations – Te Maeva Nui.
To Minister Mark Brown who actively responded to key issues regarding the promotion of healthy drinks. Thank you government and ministers for listening, and thank you all for your continued support.
Pa Ariki
Prime minister’s house burglar in court
Mon
31 Dec
The High Court on December 20 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Carmen Temata, who passed the following judgments:
William Wade – broke into the prime minister’s house and appeared in court on a call-over. Wade is charged with two burglaries – including Prime Minster Henry Puna’s house – common assault and being unlawfully found.
The charges were adjourned until January when a trial date will be set.
Wade was released on bail with the conditions he report to police station at 5pm and not interfere with police witnesses, which include Puna and his wife.
Rodney John Ngatikao – had a charge of assaulting a constable formally withdrawn by police.
Defence counsel Norman George asked the JP to formally dismiss the charge “so the matter does not spring to light again when the police change their mind”.
George said the other charge of assaulting a female is a “positive not guilty plea” and asked for it to be adjourned to set a defended hearing date.
He said while the police have now withdrawn three charges against Ngatikao, they have left one like a “prickle” – which he hopes will be withdrawn as well.
Temata granted the withdrawal and dismissal of the charge and ordered the man’s property, including his passport, be released by police. The surviving charge was adjourned to January 24.
Turi Natini – previously pleaded not guilty to assaulting a female but JP Kenning vacated the plea so the man could seek a lawyer. Counsel Wilkie Rasmussen entered another not guilty plea on his client’s behalf and said there was evidence against an assault occurring. Natini must appear in court on February 7 for call-over and for a defended hearing date to be set.
Mataora Pukeiti – admitted carrying out two burglaries.
A probation report was ordered and Pukeiti was released on bail, with the conditions he not be abroad between 7pm and 7am and report to police station every Monday before midday. He will be sentenced before three JPs on February 6.
Tarapi Mark Samuel – pleaded guilty to burglary. A probation report was ordered and the defendant was released on bail with a curfew and the condition he report to the police station every Monday at 6pm. He will next appear for sentencing by three JPs on February 6.
Bates Bates – is charged with drunken driving causing injury. Counsel George said the person who was injured was a tourist and if they were not going to return to give evidence the police should withdraw the charge. He sought an adjournment until January 24 for an update on the police case against the defendant. This call-over date was granted.
Ratu Savenca Virivirisai – is charged with excess breath alcohol and drunken driving causing injury to Kyle Tamariki. The case was adjourned until January 10 so the man could find a lawyer.
Talimahi Tuileila – is charged with assaulting with intent and assaulting a female. No plea has been entered. He will next appear in court on January 24 and was released on bail with the condition he not enter licensed premises and not drink alcohol.
Junior Rapoto – changed a previous not guilty plea to guilty to fighting in public.
He fought with another man, who has already been convicted, and said he was only defending himself.
It is the 18-year-old’s first appearance before the court, and he was fined the same as the other man involved – $20.
JP Temata said she was inclined to go higher than that but had to stay consistent. Rapoto also had to pay $30 court costs.
Eric Ponia – is charged with careless driving but the case was adjourned without plea until February 14 as his counsel is out of the country.
Tamatoa Tokoa Nooroa – is charged with careless driving, which was adjourned to January 10 for call-over.
Mata Arioka – was charged with being unlawfully found after police apprehended him on December 16 in the enclosed yard of the Justice Department.
A complaint of wilful damage to a car in the department’s car park was made to police and when police went to investigate they found Arioka.
He told police he parked his vehicle in the justice department car park and went to get takeaways and ate them in the car park. He said he was going to go to sleep in the back of a vehicle but a security officer stopped him.
He was charged with being unlawfully found and was fined $40 plus $30 court costs.
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