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Top News

Week ending Wednesday, 25 August, 2010

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

The Aussies are coming
Catching up 31 years later
Factions at odds
Run-off is on
Run-off is on
Going it alone
Slow near schools!
Kite flyer
New fuel giant looks to expand
Mini games funds in dispute
ON THE STREET
Talks with Toa
MP not in run-off
Accidents, thefts and domestic violence
Cabinet debates referendum
Henry arrested
Whale of a time
Tension grows
Turner here to help
‘Terrorism’ remark caused strife
Reform eyed

Carmel Beattie. 10062909

Tourist numbers from Aust

broke records last month

Australian tourism numbers reached record levels last month, the first month of operation for the revived Sydney-Rarotonga flight.

In total there were 1584 Australian visitors to the country in July, which compares with 972 for the same month last year – an increase of 612.

Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Carmel Beattie said of the total number last month, 1425 were tourists while the balance were people visiting friends and relations.

She said this was still 560 more tourists year on year and are the highest figures for July for Australia ever.

Beattie said the Australian visitors alone for the month would have returned in excess of $5.45 million to the economy which equates to VAT of $605,556.

“Using visitor survey findings, this market averages a nine day stay and spends $425 per day, second only to US, therefore 1425 x 9 x 425 =  $5.45 million which equates to VAT of $605,556,” Beattie said.

Beattie said that much of the increase is due to the work which is being done to promote the direct flight from Sydney.

“We have done lot of stimulation for the Australian market. Many people still fly via New Zealand and use this as an opportunity for a stopover.”

She said this is encouraging given that they spent $424,000 on promotion in Australia – including a roadshow and advertising.

“This equates to a return on investment of 12.8 times the initial investment.”

All up there was a total increase of over 1600 visitors for July.

The latest statistics from MFEM show that in July 2010 11,828 visitors arrived. This is compared to 10,223 in July 2009 – a rise of 1605.

“We are never going to get to the 85 per cent loadings (on the flight) which is what we want – last week we had a dip, the previous one we had a massive rise in bookings. We are out there doing as much as possible. Bookings are continuing steadily, averaging out at about 250 bookings per week.”

Loadings on the direct flight are averaging at 57-58 per cent over the remaining Sydney-Rarotonga flights, but David Bridge, local Air New Zealand manager, said that he remained hopeful that the marketing being done by Air NZ and CIT would push numbers up.

New Zealanders have also made their own contribution to the economy, with their numbers going up from 7,676 last July to 8,554 in July 2010, an increase of 878.

Visitor Arrivals for July

• NC/MT

Anita Reid (far right) with Piri Puruto and her daughter Amanda having lunch at Trader Jack’s yesterday. 10081815

After a 31-year hiatus, one of the first managers of The Rarotongan is back on the island.

Anita Reid, who together with her late husband Jim managed the Rarotongan resort from 1977 to 1979.

They took over from a construction manager after the opening ceremony at which both Sir Albert Henry and Robert Muldoon were present.

Before moving to Rarotonga, the Reids worked for Tourist Hotel Corporation (THC) in New Zealand. They were asked to oversee The Rarotongan, in which THC had invested alongside the Cook Islands government and Air New Zealand.

They spent “wonderful years” here and lived some “fabulous memories”, Anita said.

They watched power change hands from Henry to Sir Tom Davis, and they watched as Milan Brych practised medicine locally. (Later Brych’s unorthodox medicine and lack of credentials would create ripples of controversy worldwide.)

While the Reids managed The Rarotongan, they employed Piri Puruto as a security warden. Puruto approached Jim and asked whether he could show tourists how to climb coconut trees, and the manager agreed, as in those days guests didn’t have the entertainment options they have now.

“That’s where it all started,” Anita said. “He opened an avenue of entertainment for tourists.”

Twelve years later, Puruto was still climbing trees for tourists at The Rarotongan, and decades later he was doing it elsewhere.

And though ‘Piri’s tree’ has long since been chopped down, “Piri hasn’t changed at all,” Anita said with a laugh.

She noted that though a lot can change in 31 years, the island seems to have developed within reasonable limits.

“It’s lovely to see that the island has developed in such a way that there are no high-rise buildings and things,” Anita said. “There have been a lot of changes but it’s really quite good – we’ve noticed a lot of cars, which is perhaps not good, but it’s still lovely.”

She and her daughter Amanda are on the island for a week and making a short jaunt to Aitutaki. They’ve dined twice at The Rarotongan, and Anita said that though the resort has undergone dramatic changes, she still “felt very at home” there.

• Rachel Reeves

The Democratic Party’s Ngatangiia committee is confident it can steer supporters away from the planned candidate run-off by another faction of the party next week.

On Tuesday evening the committee held a meeting at chairman Tu Tutai-Purua’s residence to talk to party supporters.

Tutai-Purua said the meeting went well and gave the committee a chance to explain its decision to turn down the appeal to hold a run-off.

He said it attracted around 80 people, while other reports put the attendance at about 40 people.

The committee recently declined two appeals from candidate hopefuls Steven Peyroux, Mann Short and Iaveta Short to revoke the election of standing MP Sir Terepai Maoate as candidate for the upcoming election. Tutai-Purua says his committee stands by their decision and they already have their election candidate. The ‘interim committee’ led by Peyroux plans to go ahead with a run off anyway after labelling Sir Terepai’s selection ‘unfair and undemocratic’.

Tutai-Purua said he was disappointed that Peyroux’s group and supporters did not attend the meeting on Tuesday.

He said despite this, he planned to go to the meeting they called last night at the Muri clubhouse and talk to them there.

Tutai-Purua’s committee is urging party supporters not to vote at the run-off.

Peyroux told CI News yesterday that he was looking forward to last night’s meeting which would explain the process to be undertaken for the calling of nominations and run off next Monday.

• Helen Greig

A run-off for the Democratic Party candidate for Ngatangiia will be held next Wednesday.

The run-off process was confirmed at Wednesday’s public meeting of party supporters.

Candidate nominations must be delivered to the Kia Orana Store in Turangi before 4pm today.

Already supporters are registering to vote at the run-off by paying their $2 membership. Eligible voters’ names must be on the main electoral roll as well, so some not already on the roll were registering yesterday.

The latest electoral roll of May 31 contains 530 registered eligible voters.

The ‘interim committee’ chairman Stephen Peyroux says the challenge now is to run a clean run-off that will enable the people of Ngatangiia to have their say on who the Democratic Party candidate will be for the November 17 election.

The run-off has turned the tables on standing MP Sir Terepai Maoate, 75, who continues to be embroiled in controversy following his sacking from cabinet last December. His committee confirmed his selection as candidate in May but only recently provided the party central executive with minutes of their meeting. There has been some concern that the minutes were ‘censored’ especially given the other factions’ complaint that Sir Terepai’s nomination did not follow the party constitution.

For next week’s run-off there is talk of up to five people being nominated as candidates – including Peyroux, Mann Short and Iaveta Short.

Wednesday night’s meeting called by the ‘interim committee’ is said to have been attended by at least 100 people.

The other meeting called by Sir Terepai’s committee earlier in the week confirmed their stance on the issue remains – they stand by their candidate selection. They are calling on party supporters to boycott the run-off.

Peyroux’s committee has invited all party supporters in the village to vote at the run-off to be held at 7pm next Wednesday August 25 at the Muri Clubhouse at Nukupure Park.

If there are several nominees and no one gets over 50 percent of the vote in the first vote, a second will be taken for the top two and a winner declared on the night.

The interim committee will then take the results of the run-off to the Democratic Party executive to prove that they have followed the party Constitution to the letter.

Public meeting backs run-off, page 7.

• Helen Greig

A run-off for the Democratic Party candidate for Ngatangiia will be held next Wednesday.

The run-off process was confirmed at Wednesday’s public meeting of party supporters.

Candidate nominations must be delivered to the Kia Orana Store in Turangi before 4pm today.

Already supporters are registering to vote at the run-off by paying their $2 membership. Eligible voters’ names must be on the main electoral roll as well, so some not already on the roll were registering yesterday.

The latest electoral roll of May 31 contains 530 registered eligible voters.

The ‘interim committee’ chairman Stephen Peyroux says the challenge now is to run a clean run-off that will enable the people of Ngatangiia to have their say on who the Democratic Party candidate will be for the November 17 election.

The run-off has turned the tables on standing MP Sir Terepai Maoate, 75, who continues to be embroiled in controversy following his sacking from cabinet last December. His committee confirmed his selection as candidate in May but only recently provided the party central executive with minutes of their meeting. There has been some concern that the minutes were ‘censored’ especially given the other factions’ complaint that Sir Terepai’s nomination did not follow the party constitution.

For next week’s run-off there is talk of up to five people being nominated as candidates – including Peyroux, Mann Short and Iaveta Short.

Wednesday night’s meeting called by the ‘interim committee’ is said to have been attended by at least 100 people.

The other meeting called by Sir Terepai’s committee earlier in the week confirmed their stance on the issue remains – they stand by their candidate selection. They are calling on party supporters to boycott the run-off.

Peyroux’s committee has invited all party supporters in the village to vote at the run-off to be held at 7pm next Wednesday August 25 at the Muri Clubhouse at Nukupure Park.

If there are several nominees and no one gets over 50 percent of the vote in the first vote, a second will be taken for the top two and a winner declared on the night.

The interim committee will then take the results of the run-off to the Democratic Party executive to prove that they have followed the party Constitution to the letter.

Public meeting backs run-off, page 7.

• Helen Greig

10081917

After resigning as the Democratic Party secretary general, Angeline Tuara (above) has ditched the party to run as an independent candidate in Murienua.

A few members of the Murienua Demo party committee have also resigned to become Tuara’s committee and support her in the November election.

It is understood Tuara will launch her election campaign early next month. Her decision to run as an independent follows her unsuccessful attempt at securing the Democratic Party candidacy for the electorate in the July 9 run-off against James Beer.

She will now face off against Beer and standing MP Tom Marsters – the two other candidates for Murienua confirmed so far.

Despite objections being lodged about Beer’s nomination, the disputes committee of the party decided his candidacy stands.

Tuara’s supporters have now turned their backs on the party. Some attempts had been made to get Tuara to reconsider her resignation from the party executive. She had been elected at the recent Demo conference defeating former secretary general John Tangi 25-23 votes.

Incidentally Tangi, the standing MP for Tupapa-Maraerenga, also looks to be running as an independent this election after losing a run-off for candidacy to Nooroa Tupa. He would run against Tupa, CIP candidate George Maggie Angene and independent Nooroa Teina.

There is a growing number of people keen to run as independents this election, including Nikao’s Philip Nicholas and former mayor Teariki Matenga in Titikaveka.

The electoral office will be accepting nominations for candidates in each of the 24 electorates from October 2 to 11 so there’s a good chance more independent candidates will step forward and become a serious threat to the traditional two party race.

• Helen Greig

Police report that speeding motorists are putting Arorangi children walking to school at high risk of danger.

Cones have been placed in front of the Aroanui Hall to remind traffic to slow down. The cones and high vest jackets sponsored by Andy Olah of Timberland were purchased to remind all motorists to reduce speed when passing the school.

Police would like to remind drivers to reduce speed to 30kph in a school zone and to take care.

Another area of concern is Takitumu School at Matavera where motorists are advised to comply with the speed limit.

• Police

10081909

Kite flying enthusiast Malcolm Hubbert from West Auckland and his colourful kites attracted families to the beach in Matavera for a fun afternoon yesterday. Story, page 11.

Tahiti-based Pacific Petroleum Company (PPC) is looking to expand its operations in the Cook Islands considerably just two months after buying the Juhi aviation fuel depot.

PPC’s strategy and development manager Patrick Moux and Pacific Energy SWP Ltd managing director in Fiji, Roko Nabalarua, and another representative have been in the country this week talking to government officials about its plans.

The company purchased Juhi as part of buying up BP Oil Southwest Pacific’s regional operations.

CI News contacted finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen who confirmed he had met with the PPC reps along with energy minister William Heather and deputy prime minister Robert Wigmore.

PPC is known as a new ‘giant’ in the region as it sells more than 460 million litres of fuel a year. The company was formed in 2006 after the takeover of Shell’s activities in French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. The Tahiti-based business is majority owned by Patrick’s father Albert Moux.

The take-over of Juhi coincides with PPC’s purchase of 67 of BP’s operations across the region, including those in Fiji, Tonga, American Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, which cost PPC a total of US$70 million (over NZ$102 million). It already operated four fuel depots and a retail network with more than 60 petrol stations in New Caledonia, Tahiti and Vanuatu.

CI News understands that PPC is looking at options such as building a pipeline and obtaining land to build an extensive fuel storage facility.

The company would look to store diesel and petrol here as well, but not to compete in the retail market with Toa and Triad. It is understood the company is also negotiating for a new lease on the Juhi land, and may pitch a proposal to supply the fuel needs of Te Aponga – currently contracted to Triad. PPC is also rumoured to be looking at whether it can purchase Triad’s facility.

The company has reportedly told government that Avatiu Harbour would have to be dredged much deeper to allow a fuel tanker to berth there before it would go ahead with an expansion of its operations. But even the planned multi-million dollar upgrade for the harbour won’t deepen the harbour enough.

PPC is set to produce a written proposal to government very soon.

CI News asked Rasmussen what his views are on the talks so far. He said he was reluctant to say much at this point but believes a proposal from PPC will soon be put before cabinet.

Rasmussen said the talks with PPC are part of government’s ongoing mission to look at ways to provide cheaper fuel to the consumer. He said the company has already indicated potential savings that could be made to the consumer of fuel and power in the Cook Islands and that the projections look attractive.

Rasmussen says he is mindful of the mistakes made in the Toagate scandal and expects that when the PPC proposal is put forward more details can be revealed by government.

• Helen Greig

A dispute is raging between CISNOC and Pacific Mini Games Ltd (PMG) over $300,000 paid to CISNOC by competing nations which have not been given to PMG to cover costs.

The money came from per diems paid by competing countries for the bed and board of athletes who competed in last year’s games.

It was meant to help cover the cost of hosting of the athletes, and previously it was thought that the per diems had not come to PMG Ltd because the participating nations had not paid the $35 per day for each of their athletes. But the money was paid to CISNOC, who PMG say were required to hold on to the funds and then pass them on to PMG – which hasn’t happened.

Sir Geoffrey Henry, president of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee, says that the organisation is not holding on to money which should be given to the PMG, but waiting for financial people from both organisations and government to match all the invoices with receipts.

He seemed to doubt that the money in CISNOC’s account should have been spent on paying for the athlete’s bed and board, saying “it was the organising committee’s responsibility to take care of the athletes.” He went on to say the money was “part of a parcel of what the host committee pay out and not for looking after the athletes alone”.

The CEO of PMG, Mac Mokoroa, said that they are in negotiations with CISNOC and their lawyers to recover the funds owed. Priscilla Maruariki, who is director of finance for the games, said that so far CISNOC have handed over around $100,000 of the money owed, and are withholding the rest.

Meanwhile, key sources believe that CISNOC is not in possession of the full amount – which is why they are stalling. Sir Geoffrey Henry refused to confirm in an interview the amount of money CISNOC held in their account.

Sir Geoffrey said that the per diems were paid to CISNOC rather than to PMG Ltd because the Pacific Games Council (PGC), based in New Caledonia, asked CISNOC to step in after a series of problems with the government and the organising committee.

“The Pacific Games Council approached CISNOC to be their agent to protect their rights under the host contract,” Henry said.”After some discussion, we felt the matter should be resolved by the organising committee – but it got to the point where it wasn’t, so we agreed.”

He said that as a result, the Pacific Games Council then told the countries yet to pay their per diems to pay them into an account controlled by CISNOC.

‘Mess ups’ behind decision, page 7.

• Nerys Case

Diane William No, because they’d never get the help they need. We’re going to have to find a way to build a mental health facility of our own or be referred to New Zealand to go into their system or government would have to fund a fulltime psychiatrist. 10082027

Joy Unuia No, it’s not. We don’t have the facilities but it’s the only alternative at this stage. What we need is a mental health facility with trained staff. 10082026

Anna Akaroa It’s not the best place but since we don’t have the facilities to treat them with, I’d say it’s the best option now. 10082028

Teina Taulu No. We just need a place to care for them, not a prison and not the hospital. 10082034

Nora Larazo No. Get facilities that cater for their needs and an educated psychiatrist to help them improve. 10082030

Diane Yule No, they need a mental health assessment from a psychiatrist and it’s the opinion of a professional as to what the treatment should be. 10082031

Sally Hosking No. Don’t people who go to prison get mental? Refer them somewhere so they can be treated properly but don’t put them in prison. 10082032

Joan Uka I don’t think they should be put into jail. There should be some other facility that caters for them. 10082033

Is prison the best place to put people with serious mental health problems? If no, then what is a solution? If yes, then why?

Government has been holding talks with Toa Petroleum on how it will honour its eight-year $1.2 million annual profit guarantee.

Representatives from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) were also in Rarotonga last week to assist government in negotiating a way forward with Toa.

Acting financial secretary Kevin Carr and Internal Affairs secretary Bredina Drollet are among the officials who were holding talks with Toa and its NZ-based solicitor Paul Dale last week.

Details of the talks are hard to pin down but there is speculation that a new deal could be struck with Toa in which the government would become more involved in the operation of the company.

Officials are reluctant to say whether a partnership or a takeover could eventuate from talks.

Drollet told CI News government is reviewing the details of the court decisions regarding the settlement agreement with Toa. Government sought the support of the SPC to provide expertise to ensure that the settlement is fair and reasonable and in line with the court decision.

A submission to cabinet is likely to be made within the next few weeks. It is understood the negotiations will cover a new fuel template and how much government is expected to pay out in the guarantee agreement. This includes an audit of Toa’s operation.

Government has already paid almost $900,000 as the first year’s instalment (2009) under the profit guarantee.

• Helen Greig

A three-man run-off will be held in Ngatangiia on Wednesday to determine the electorate’s Democratic Party candidate for the election.

Interim committee chairman Stephen Peyroux along with Mann Short and Iaveta Short will now vie for the majority of votes at the controversial run-off.

While the Democratic Party executive have declared that standing MP Sir Terepai Maoate remains the candidate after being confirmed in May, the ‘interim committee’ is going ahead with plans for the run-off.

There are about 530 registered voters on the electoral roll for Ngatangiia.

Peyroux told CI News that they had to cut off nominations at 4pm on Friday as agreed, but had hoped that Sir Terepai would be nominated.

The interim committee is expected to lobby the executive to accept the result of the ‘clean’ run-off over the ‘censored’ minutes of a meeting confirming Sir Terepai as candidate.

• Helen Greig

Police attended two motor vehicle accidents, made two arrests and attended a domestic violence incident and a theft call-out at the weekend.

A 33-year-old disqualified driver who took the back road through Raemaru Park in Arorangi had an accident after he struck a pot hole and fell off the bike on Saturday afternoon.

Hospital staff alerted police about the incident after he drove himself to hospital. When police arrived the person had fled but was later picked up for questioning and was charged for driving while disqualified.

Another motor vehicle accident occurred at Blackrock on Saturday afternoon when a 33-year-old female driver on a motorcycle was struck from behind by a car.

The motorbike driver fell off the bike and received injuries to her left knee and damages to the rear of the bike. The driver of the car has been charged for drink driving causing injury and will appear before the court this week.

The beach in Aroa opposite Lagoon Lodges was the target for thieves. One tourist reported his backpack stolen from the beach while he was swimming around midday.

He got a clear description of the offender who was described as a young male person between 14 and 16, fair looking, of Pacific Island appearance, and wearing a white singlet, white shorts and a red hat.

The male tourist gave chase after the young opportunist snatched the backpack and fled on a parked motorcycle. The male tourist did not get a number plate but confirmed that there were no items in the backpack.

Police investigations continue and if anyone has any information on this matter they are asked to contact police on 22499.

The theft of a 50D Canon EOS black camera with black strap and the words Canon printed in red and white was reported by an Arorangi residence. The camera is valued at AUD$7000.

Meanwhile a Avatiu male resident is facing assault charges after he allegedly assaulted his de-facto partner in front of his children after returning home from a drinking session.

An argument started after the female partner refused to attend a wedding of a close relative. She received minor facial injuries.

This is the second time the couple has reported a family dispute in their home. Police are concerned for the children having to witness the violence.

Police arrested a disqualified driver from Ngatangiia on Friday night and the person will appear before the court this week on charges of driving while fully disqualified – the same driver was arrested in July for drunk driving causing an accident.

A 41-year-old man was also arrested last week for assault on a female after an incident outside the Rehab night club the previous weekend.

• Matariki Wilson

Government’s promised referendum on political reform looks set to coincide with the general election on November 17.

Prime Minister Jim Marurai announced in January that there would be a referendum on political reform either before or at the general election.

“We recognise that unless there is public support, there won’t be any support in parliament for political reform,” he said at the time.

Referendum talks are heating up as Marurai is being put under increasing pressure to make good on his promise.

Last week a meeting of the executive council – cabinet and Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin – debated how many questions should be asked in the referendum.

Cabinet is set to continue talks on the referendum today.

It is understood cabinet ministers are divided on whether voters should be asked if they want the direct election of the Prime Minister by all voters. The direct election of the PM is the first of government’s 12 point political reform proposal launched in January. The recommendations were compiled by political reform advocates Tata Crocombe and Iaveta Short.

Yesterday Marurai wasn’t commenting on the referendum talks. Chief electoral officer Mark Short said the electoral office has been notified to expect a referendum to be held on polling day.

A $200,000 budget is in place for the election, but Short said it was too early to say whether more funds will be needed for a referendum.

Last November Marurai indicated that for changes to the political system to be made the approval of the voting population by way of a referendum is a must.

A public conference on the issue of political reform was planned earlier this year but was sidelined after Cyclone Pat devastated Aitutaki in February and Marurai’s office became involved in the recovery efforts. Marurai had hoped the conference would help indicate exactly what reforms voters want. The lack of ‘political will’ in parliament has hindered progress with political reform with many MPs opposed to such suggestions as a reduction in the number of seats. The results of a referendum could put more pressure on MPs to support changes to the country’s Constitution to reform the current political system.

Referendum questions discussed – page 8

• Helen Greig

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee president Sir Geoffrey Henry is reported to be on his way back to Rarotonga after allegedly being arrested at Auckland Airport.

It is understood the former Prime Minister was arrested by two police officers off an Ansett flight bound for Noumea after an incident.

Sir Geoffrey and CISNOC secretary-general Rosie Blake left Rarotonga at the weekend and were understood to be on their way to Noumea, New Caledonia, for the Pacific Games Association annual general meeting.

Exact details of what lead to his alleged arrest are sketchy but news began trickling through from government sources yesterday afternoon that Sir Geoffrey had been detained for alleged “threatening behaviour”.

Cook Islands News yesterday contacted CISNOC senior vice president George Paniani who confirmed that Sir Geoffrey and Blake had been on their way to Noumea.

But when probed about the arrest, Paniani said it was “news to me” although another CISNOC employee confirmed they were aware there had been an incident.

It is understood that Blake continued on to Noumea but Sir Geoffrey remained in Auckland and is expected to return home soon

CISNOC officials and the Cook Islands Party headquarters have been informed of the matter by an email which said that Blake was understandably distressed by what happened.

• MW/MT

Whale of a time 10082317

Sir Geoffrey Henry. 09042207

This fantastic photo of a female humpback whale and her calf was taken yesterday afternoon by visiting newlyweds Phillip and Kate Walker.

The couple from Scotland never imaged that they would see a whale when they booked a trip on the Reef Sub to check out the island marine life from the comfort of the vessel around the Avarua area.

“It’s one thing to see whales on TV but in real life it’s incredible,” gushed Phillip.

Philip and Kate got married on Saturday, arrived on Rarotonga on Sunday and saw whales for the first time on Monday.

“It’s been fantastic!” says Phillip who was really keen to share his photo with CI News readers.

See letters, page 7

• Matariki Wilson

Ngatangiia’s three-man run-off for the Democratic Party candidate selection is going ahead tomorrow night amid growing tensions between party supporters.

Candidate nominee Stephen Peyroux says he stands by the actions of the ‘interim committee’ he chairs and is disappointed at the stance of standing MP Sir Terepai Maoate’s supporters.

The interim committee has challenged the selection of Sir Terepai as the candidate in May calling it undemocratic.

Peyroux and his fellow nominees Iaveta Short and Mann Short called a public meeting last week to confirm the run-off selection process as a way all party supporters can select the candidate.

The issue is controversial given Sir Terepai’s involvement in Toagate and his dumping from cabinet last December over the scandal.

Peyroux says tension has mounted in the village since Sir Terepai’s committee began urging party supporters to boycott the run-off. He said the bitterness had even sparked a call from the committee to ‘boycott’ his shop.

“It’s politics the Cook Islands way,” he said, laughing it off.

Peyroux said despite rumour and Radio NZ reports that Sir Terepai had been nominated for the run-off, it remains a three man race.

The run-off will be held at the Muri clubhouse tomorrow with voter registration starting at 6pm. At 7pm each nominee will be given ten minutes to speak to supporters before they open the voting. To vote a resident has to be on the electoral roll for Ngatangiia and pay the $2 registration fee.

• Helen Greig

A well-known name in the NZ produce industry is lending a hand to government’s $3.5 million Te One Kura agriculture revival project.

Peter Turner, managing director of Fresh Direct, is accompanying agriculture minister and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Wigmore on a whirlwind visit to the southern group islands this week as part of the project.

Turner owns Fresh Direct with his brother Jeffery – both have over 50 years in the produce industry and are former directors of Turners and Growers – a business owned by their family for generations. He has extensive experience in the import and export of agriculture produce. Fresh Direct markets and distributes a wide range of conventional and organic produce throughout NZ.

It is understood Turner is also a long-time associate of the minister – Rarotonga’s largest grower.

Yesterday their first stop was Mangaia and it is expected Wigmore will announce Turner’s involvement in Te One Kura today.

• Helen Greig

Sir Geoffrey Henry. 09031805

No explanation yet for

former PM’s actions

It has been confirmed that Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) president Sir Geoffrey Henry was taken off a plane at Auckland airport because of alleged comments he made about terrorism.

In a statement issued to CI News yesterday, Air New Zealand’s Cook Islands manager David Bridge said “a passenger due to travel yesterday on NZ72 from Auckland to Noumea made an inappropriate comment about being a terrorist when boarding the aircraft”.

“Safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance so the passenger was escorted off the aircraft. His actions were discussed and he has been booked on to a later service.”

Bridge would not name the passenger as they said it was their policy not to, but it has been confirmed from other sources that it was Sir Geoffrey.

CISNOC treasurer Helen O’Meara would not go into details of the incident but said Sir Geoffrey made the decision not to go and re-book his flight to Noumea.

The former Prime Minister was travelling to New Caledonia to represent the Cook Islands in his role as CISNOC president at the annual meeting of the Pacific Games Association.

CISNOC’s secretary-general Rosie Blake, who was travelling with him, continued on the journey to attend the meeting alone. Sir Geoffrey will be back in Rarotonga on Thursday.

Flight NZ72 was the second leg of Sir Geoffrey’s journey from the Cook Islands and was scheduled to leave Auckland at 1.10pm on Sunday afternoon.

Police Constable Makiha of Auckland Airport Police Station yesterday confirmed that they had escorted a passenger – known to be Sir Geoffrey – off a plane bound for Noumea, New Caledonia, at the weekend. The passenger was escorted back through customs.

“He made a comment to one of the crew members,” Makiha said. “As a result, the pilot decided that he couldn’t fly with him on the plane.”

Sir Geoffrey yesterday spoke to the senior vice president of CISNOC, George Paniani, and Paniani said he did not offer any explanation for the behaviour which led to the pilot to refuse to fly with him aboard the plane.

“He is not in jail, he is in residence with his sister in Auckland, and will deal with the issue on his return. I have no doubt he will give a full explanation when he gets back,” Paniani said yesterday.

Sports Minister Apii Piho declined to comment on the issue yesterday.

His chief executive Ken Buchanan said, “Cabinet are all very upset with Sir Geoffrey. They are getting a full report from Air New Zealand, foreign affairs, and CISNOC and will be in a better position to give a comment after that.”

Official sources within government have said that the incident was not alcohol related.

- Nerys Case

Per diem used for bills – page 7

Prime Minister Jim Marurai will meet with lobby group Mou Piri and other political reform advocates this week as part of talks on a possible election referendum.

Marurai’s office confirmed yesterday that cabinet had been holding informal talks on holding a referendum on political reform at the November 17 election.

The PM has agreed to have discussions with a handful of reform lobbyists before his submission on the referendum goes to cabinet.

Mou Piri leader Teina Mackenzie has accepted an invitation to take part in the talks with Marurai.

• Helen Greig

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