General News

Current events and entertainment in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

TOP

Chamber insists on NZ standards

Thursday 26: The proposed multi-sports complex must be built to New Zealand standards, according to the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce.
And this must be made a condition of the venture to the point that it is a 'deal breaker' in any contracts signed by government.
The chamber yesterday made these demands in commenting on news of cabinet agreeing to the China loan deal.
"The chamber notes with concern that the proposed complex, to be built by Chinese contractors, may have been specified using Chinese rather than NZ building standards," said president Teresa Manarangi-Trott in a prepared statement.
"This could have very embarrassing consequences for the Cook Islands government. A sports building, completed on time, may still by rejected by the World Youth Netball Championships as a netball venue if it does not meet their requirements for compliance with NZ Standards."
The chamber has made three recommendations to government:
• Immediately place the Chinese on notice that all construction must comply with NZS/NZBC/AS1.
• Ensure that this point is included in any contracts as a "deal-breaker".
• Employ a qualified project manager with experience in enforcing NZS/NZBC compliance, to oversee the project.
The chamber says indications are that the Chinese contractors propose to work exclusively to Chinese standards, which have no equivalence to the NZ Standards required by WYNC.
"Past experience with other construction by the Chinese contractor CCECC has shown that their construction methods, materials and workmanship, would not meet the required specifications, and as a consequence has serious issues with regard to suitability for the Cook Islands.
'The ministerial statement states that a team of local experts will be travelling to China to inspect the materials for the building. The chamber would like to stress that this is an unnecessary expense and that the employment of an independent quality assurance project manager will determine whether the quality of the materials are suitable on arrival on Rarotonga."
The chamber says it understands that the WYNC have specified that the proposed netball venue should comply with the following standards:
• NZS/NZBC Standards for Construction ie. NZ Standards
• NZS 3910 with regards to Building Contract Conditions and Obligations
• NZS 3604 with regards to Material Selection
• NZS 4121 with regards to Disabled Access
• NZBC G1/AS1 with regards to Toilets
• NZBC F9/AS1 with regards to Emergency Lighting. - JW

TOP

Teachers training college to close 

Thursday 26: Cook Islands Teachers Training College principal Teremoana Hodges has confirmed that the institute will close by next week. 
Hodges is moving back to New Zealand next week since her contract has expired. 
She says there have been no new recruits this year and last year five out of 10 third year students graduated. 
Prime minister and minister of education Jim Marurai told Radio NZ this week that the college will close temporarily. 
He told them it had briefly closed four times over the years but now it could be three years before it opens again. 
The former teacher told Radio NZ that the quality of education will not suffer with the closure and said continuing to train teachers is a waste of resources because the population is declining and the college has produced a surplus of teachers.
"We can't keep on training without using those graduates from the school, so it's really a case of being aware that we can't put too many teachers into one classroom."
Hodges says three of last year's student teachers should be finished their last course by next month and will graduate. There are 11 teachers training through the college for a Maori language qualification as well as one secondary teacher doing a one year graduate course. 
Hodges says the ministry of education will absorb the management of these programmes but the college must continue to play a role in the association of Cook Islands tertiary institutes in other joint programmes. 
Helen Greig

TOP

Manganese nodules a challenge - DPM

Thursday 26: Protecting the manganese nodules resource so that all Cook Islanders profit from any proposed economic benefits, was the message pushed through by the Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate, at last night's opening of the Koutu Nui annual conference. 
He told the assembled aronga mana that the challenge is to determine how to extract the nodules in a manner that is economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Sir Terepai said that people have heard the demands made by some ui ariki to leave the resource untouched.
While respecting their opinion, the DPM said it would be remiss for government not to explore sound ways in which to realise financial returns for Cook Islanders to benefit from for many future generations. 
However he added that while government must be practical about the issue, it must also tread carefully in any dealings with the resource.
Sir Terepai said that the Commonwealth Secretariat is sending a team to the Cooks to undertake the review and drafting of legislation covering aspects involving mining, environmental protection and economic development.
President of the Koutu Nui, Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid said if anything, what she wants out of the conference is for members to understand fully the matters relating to the benefits of the country's natural resources.
"We want them to understand the issues because we need to have informed traditional leaders. If there is something put to us and it doesn't benefit our people, then it shouldn't go through."
Te Tika says she looks forward to the conference and hopes that members will take away as much information as they can which they can share with their clans. 
The conference at the Pukapuka hostel continues today with presentations on on land zoning, manganese nodules, fish farming, water management and the Are Nui Marama - the proposed University of the South Pacific's campus in Takitumu. - MM

TOP

Taro goes on sale

Thursday 26: The sale of Atiu taro on the island of Rarotonga is certainly putting smiles on the faces of taro growers in Atiu as they get set to collect $2.50 for every kilogramme of taro sold here.
Yesterday, approximately 800 kilogrammes of Atiu taro arrived off the plane as part of an initiative driven by Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop with the assistance of Atiu's island secretary Man Unuia. 
The sacks of taro are now available for purchase from the Opposition office in Avarua and the growers back in Atiu will collect $2.50 per kg of taro sold or $25 for each 10kg sack sold.
Unuia says this is the first time the growers will get $2.50 for each kilo sold - the previous highest amount was $2 which was also paid out by Bishop.
Atiu's agriculture division has also had an input to ensure the quality of the taro is of the highest level in order to compete on the Rarotonga market.
"Although it is a known factor that the Atiu taro is one of the best in quality, the administration is not taking any chances in allowing anything below the standard and the quality required," says Unuia. 
The agriculture division has advised that a minimum of four tonnes of taro each month is ready for harvesting from June through to March 2009.
The success of this taro project has been the assistance provided by the Atiu island council through Unuia who initiated the growing programme in October last year.
Unuia says members of the Catholic church have bought into the programme, and he adds that the supply will be ongoing if it is not disrupted by flood or disease. 
He says the island council is very supportive of the project and through the island administration, is assisting the growers by helping with the marketing of their taro. 
Unuia says the initiative is still open to others, providing buyers can meet the current price being offered by Bishop. - Tara Carr

TOP

Budget debate continues

Thursday 26: Discussion on the budget enters its fourth day in parliament today. Government is fast-tracking the debate with parliament due to finish sitting tomorrow. 
Parliament held a night sitting again last night from 7pm to 10pm to deal with items on their agenda including the Transport Amendment and Law Practictioner's Amendment bill, before resuming budget debate from 1pm today. 
First up today, opposition MP Norman George plans to raise his motion to cancel the China loan and for government to re-submit budgets for the islands of Penrhyn, Manihiki, Mangaia and Atiu. 
He says he will be like David taking on Goliath, but may be unsuccessful in his mission. 
Parliament is expected to go into day four of committee of supply debate on vote items after getting to debate on the allocation to the Business Trade and Investment board. So far parliament has debated the individual vote items of agriculture, audit, crown law and yesterday completed debate on culture. Next up after the BTIB are the education and finance vote items. Under standing orders of parliament, debate of the budget should be done over a minimum of 10 days. This can be suspended to allow for an early passing of the budget as was demonstrated when last year's budget was passed in the second day of debate. 
Last June the annual budget was passed after parliament had only dealt with the first vote item - agriculture. 
At that time the six present opposition members staged a walk out in protest of the move to pass the budget early. 
Deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate said the budget had to be cut short because of his trip to Manihiki to sort out a political situation that had arisen there leading to threats to close the airport. 
This time round it is the absence of four MPs who are heading to Wellington that is being used as a reason to pass the budget early. - HG

TOP

China loan focus of MPs questions

Thursday 26: Yesterday's question time in parliament was taken up with questions prompted by finance minister Sir Terepai Maoate's statement on the China loan and construction contract for the indoor sports complex.
George again put the pressure on saying the statement did not receive any applause and asking if Sir Terepai had consulted enough before proceeding with the Chinese plan and soft loan for the complex. 
Sir Terepai said he had consulted with sports bodies, economists and the chamber of commerce. 
He said in a meeting held that morning, the chamber 'really had no problem in agreeing to the loan.'
Sir Terepai said the emphasis was on the fact the chamber wanted to see a quality building like most other stakeholders.
Opposition MP Nandi Glassie asked if government had seriously considered the Romani Katoa plan that had been reported in CI News as being a cheaper option that met all the requirements for the complex.
Sir Terepai responded saying the Chinese would not look at that plan due to the time factor. The minister said he had recently met with John Tierney (CISNOC), Tina Browne (representative for world youth netball champs) and some others who had asked if government was going ahead with the Chinese plan. 
"They came to ask if we are going ahead with the plan because if not they have a plan B they said." - HG

TOP

Last sitting for budget debate today

Friday 27: Parliament went into its third evening sitting of the week last night.
This was to deal with two new bills presented in the house before the budget is due to be passed today. Parliament is due to sit again today from 10am before adjourning sine die. 
Minister of internal affairs Ngamau Munokoa tabled the Disability Bill and finance minister Sir Terepai Maoate tabled the Insurance Bill. 
The disability bill provides for a basic new law to protect the rights of persons with a disability, prohibits discrimination against them and ensures they have access to public buildings throughout the country.
The insurance bill introduces the regulation of domestic insurance and updates the regulation of the offshore finance industry to comply with international requirements. 
The Financial Supervisory Commission is to carry out the regulatory functions for local insurance companies. 
Meanwhile, yesterday's sitting of parliament did not go to plan for opposition member Norman George who says because of the urgency in passing the budget he was asked by the speaker of the house not to raise his special motion. 
He said he had been advised there was no time for the motion because the budget had to take priority. 
The motion was for government to cancel the Chinese loan and to resubmit new budgets for the outer islands of Penrhyn, Manihiki, Mangaia and Atiu. Given that three of these islands are the constituencies of government MPs, George has said he may be unsuccessful in garnering any support from the other side of the house. 
Budget debate took precedence during the 1-5pm sitting when the committee of supply passed the allocations for the Business Trade & Investment Board, education, environment, finance and economic management (MFEM), the financial intelligence unit, foreign affairs, head of state and health.
There are about 29 individual vote items altogether.
During the MFEM allocation debate, Sir Terepai said he knew some people were not happy with the ministry allocations as well as those for each island in the new budget.
He encouraged the country to 'take what we have, make good use of it and don't waste it.' - Helen Greig

TOP

DPM claims text poll for CIP supporters only

Friday 27: Deputy prime minister and leader of the Democratic Party Sir Terepai Maoate labelled last week's CINews text poll on confidence in the prime minister as an improper poll 'flooded by Cook Islands Party supporters'.
Sir Terepai made the statement during parliament's question time yesterday. 
He alleged that the poll was designed to attract CIP support.
Opposition MP Norman George had asked that in light of the result of 57 percent no confidence in the PM, would the party examine its position and think about replacing Jim Marurai as PM.
Sir Terepai said that the news article (Saturday 21 June) relating to the poll result noted that it was 'improper' and in his view there were more CIP supporters who voted. 
"Even if the result had been 80 percent no confidence, I would stand by this," said Sir Terepai of his opinion.
He said Demo supporters would rather register their names in support of the PM than vote through a text poll, and they weren't given that opportunity.
Sir Terepai said he was asking news media to leave the election of party office bearers to the parties. 
"Any media entering into this is politicising their company," he said. 
The 24-hour poll was run after government put forward and passed their own confidence in the PM and cabinet motion in parliament last Thursday. 
The poll drew a total of 176 votes with CINews admitting that the poll result is unreliable and possibly unfair because people were asked if they had confidence in both the PM and government. - Helen Greig

TOP

Lawyers law 'modernised'

Friday 27: The Law Practictioner's Amendment Bill tabled last week by justice minister Tangata Vavia was passed by parliament on Wednesday evening. 
The amendment changes the act of 1993-94 to require barristers and solicitors to take an oath of allegiance or an affirmation to the Queen and provides that no person can act in the courts if they haven't taken this. 
It gives more powers to the chief justice if a practitioner is found guilty of misconduct. The bill was based on New Zealand law and was seen as 'modernising' the current law. 
The amendment also gives the power to a judge instead of the court registrar to review practitioner's fees. 
Norman George, a lawyer himself, said one of the best parts of the new legislation was the 'control of uncontrollable land agents'.
"They solicit clients by telling them that lawyers are too expensive and end up charging three times as much as lawyers. Up to this point, when we are passing this law, there was nothing to regulate them. If people want to make a complaint about lawyers overcharging they can go to the chief justice."
Another MP who is also a lawyer, Wilkie Rasmussen, commented on the bill saying it was a very good practicable amendment for people involved in the legal profession.
"It screens out unscrupulous practitioners who are not subject to some requirements that barristers and solicitors go through. There are some people that specialise in practising but have no training or commitment to clients."
Parliament sat until 9.30pm to pass the two bills and was expected to pass two more last night. - HG

TOP

Electoral survey underway

Friday 27: Civic and voter education in all of the Pacific island states forms an important part of national and local elections and eventual forming and running of governments and the society at large. 
Civic education largely deals with awareness and knowledge of rights, democracy, governance and elections. 
As part of a broader project, the University of the South Pacific, in cooperation with the Cook Islands electoral office, is conducting a survey which aims to identify the status of civic and voter education in the Cook Islands. 
Project researcher Hamidan Bibi says the response to the survey questionnaire has been good so far. The survey targets public and private sectors, civil society groups and non-government organisations, the media, students, urban and rural dwellers, youths and women. 
"Whilst interviewing people, I found that they were interested in many aspects of governance, their rights and living in democratic societies which continued to provide for all," says Bibi. 
Past research has found that civic voter education and election awareness information is limited to 'how to' education, as in 'how to register' and 'how to vote'.
An assessment of civic and voter education in the Pacific from 2004 found that most countries in the region have no ongoing voter education programmes for schools and communities and as well as election awareness information was only provided during election year. 
Justice secretary and chief registrar of electors, Terry Hagan, says there is currently a review being undertaken by senior electoral staff on the administration of their office. Government is apparently considering the set up of a stand alone office. There are no full-time employees of the 'office' as it is made up of justice and statistics staff who work on a part time basis.
Hagan says at election time the office employs up to 250 people part time. 
The regional priorities of the Pacific Plan agreed to by Pacific leaders for 2006-2008 refer to the "development of a strategy to support participatory democracy and consultative decision-making (including youth, women, and disabled), and electoral process." 
As few Pacific states have permanent election management bodies (EMB) or election officials, civic education practices are under-developed and levels of "civic education" are generally low. 
The electoral studies project will undertake a systematic needs assessment of civic education in Pacific societies, make recommendations on the strengthening of such education, and assist in the design of training material. 
This activity will be undertaken in collaboration with other agencies interested in Pacific Islands' civic education, says Bibi.
She explains that while the project may not be in a position to carry out subsequent civic education programmes, which are more properly the responsibilities of governments and civil society, it will monitor and evaluate programmes as they emerge and try to stimulate the development of these education practices. - Helen Greig

TOP

Traditional leaders discuss land zoning

Friday 27: About 50 traditional leaders met yesterday, observed by a group of Tereora College students, to listen in to presentations on land zoning, manganese nodules, water management and fish farming.
Paroro Mataiapo said that the session on land zoning was of real interest to him. He felt that introducing zoning now on Rarotonga may be difficult as house sites, plantations, and areas where, say, pigs are fed, have been long established. 
Those at the conference felt that the use of the term 'zoning' should be replaced by word 'usage'.
A few of the aronga mana who spoke at the conference felt uncomfortable with the term in that it seemed restrictive.
Koutu Nui president Te Tika Mataiapo said zoning had a metropolitan ring to it but primarily it had to do with allocation of land for certain purposes.
Liz Koteka from the Office of the Prime Minister and Timoti Tangiruaine from the Ministry of Works were involved in the presentation. They are currently involved in a project looking at land use practices on Rarotonga, involving government, the South Pacific Community and Landcare New Zealand. Koteka says the presentation was to share with the Koutu Nui what is being done, and sought their views on aspects of the project.
The conference will conclude today with its annual meeting and a discussion on the future role of traditional leaders. - Moana Moeka'a

TOP

Support for nodules

Friday 27: An overwhelming majority of the country's Koutu Nui have voted in support of the work being done by the Manganese Resource Advisory Committee to ensure the Cook Islands retains ownership of seabed resource and that it is protected by robust legislation.
This includes that should any development occur, this is done in the most environmentally sustainable way.
Of almost 50 members present at yesterday's Koutu Nui conference session, just two voted against the motion of support moved by Kaena Mataiapo Tutara Tipokoroa Utia.
Deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate, who initiated the establishment of the committee last year, says the Koutu Nui support is welcomed.
The Koutu Nui also moved to have a representative on the committee, a resolution Sir Terepai says he also welcomes.
"I am confident that the committee would also welcome a Koutu Nui representative to come on board."
"It is important that our traditional leaders are kept aware of the work that the committee is doing and the cautious steps that are being taken to ensure that the interests of our people are protected at all times."
He says the Koutu Nui has demonstrated a "very positive attitude and this is an excellent development." 
Florence Syme-Buchanan from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and Tingika Elikana from Crown Law, were involved in the manganese nodules presentation. - DPM's Office/MM

TOP

Fight won't stop against Sunday flights

Saturday 28: One of those opposing Sunday flights into Aitutaki says the fight won't stop here. 
"We're not giving up, we're still continuing," says Aitutaki resident Katapu Natua. 
Natua believes that government's rejection of their petition is a slap in the face for those who signed it, and she feels that Aitutakians are being discriminated against. 
"Ea'a te tuke i ta kotou helmet petition e ta matou [what's the difference with your helmet petition and ours]?" says Natua.
She says it's hard to go against the 940 residents who signed the petition which has drawn its support from one of the three MPs, three out of the four ariki, about 80 percent of the aronga mana, the majority of the island councillors and four of the main denominations on Aitutaki.
Natua says she wonders about government telling the Scientology church that they were not welcome in the country. 
"They say they [Scientologists] have no God. It's them, they have no God!"
Natua says she was at the airport three times last Sunday - at 5am, 10am and 4pm - to show her opposition to the flights. She felt sorry for the security and police officers who manned the airport that day as she knew that they didn't want to be there but were only doing their jobs.
"I hope they got their double pay."
And she's angered by Air Rarotonga's managing director Ewan Smith's comments reported last Monday that 'he appreciated the new Sunday service had broken tradition ... but now it was time to press on with focus on the bigger picture'.
"Ewan has lit a fire - he's started a bonfire. Now it's going to burn."
Natua says the Aitutakian people are now going to embrace their own future by withdrawing their support for the other two MPs at the next election.
"Ka iki ua matou i a Kete, kare matou e iki kavamani akaou [we are only going to elect Kete (Ioane), we don't want any more government elections]."
Natua, who is on Rarotonga now, says those opposed to the flights are planning what further action they are going to take. 
"It's not going to stop here, no way." - Moana Moeka'a

TOP

CICC ministers in trouble with executive

Saturday 28: The act of cancelling the Sunday church services on the outer island of Aitutaki is being seen as an act of "insubordination" by the church executive body.
Last Sunday, the island received its first Sunday flight which landed amidst a peaceful protest by members of the island's community.
Word later reached Rarotonga where the executive is based that the church services of all three Cook Islands Christian Church congregations were cancelled that day because of the flight.
The Sunday flight issue was discussed in a Thursday night executive meeting and general secretary Nga Mataio says the executive is very disappointed and concerned over the cancellation. 
"We are very concerned about that. They have no right to cancel the church services of CICC without the executive's permission. This is actually an act of insubordination," says Mataio.
During the meeting, Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop made a presentation during which he expressed his appreciation of the peaceful demonstration carried out on Aitutaki last Sunday and the fact that there were no acts of violence.
Bishop also asked the executive to look in to the performance of two CICC church ministers on the island.
Mataio says the two ministers in question, Reverend Charlie Okotai from Vaipae and Reverend Tuvaine Glassie from Arutanga, were actively involved in the protest a lot more than expected.
Mataio says the executive will consider the points raised and may have to review the positions of the two ministers.
He says the executive is concerned that Okotai and Glassie chose to ignore the advice given to them by the executive not to be seen as the instigators or the leaders of the protest.
"We may have to seriously reconsider their position if they choose to repeat those actions again on Sunday," says Mataio.
The next Sunday flight will be tomorrow. It is scheduled to leave Rarotonga at 5pm, arrive in Aitutaki at 5.50pm, depart Aitutaki at 6.10pm and arrive back in Rarotonga at 7pm. - Tara Carr

TOP

Juggling of figures or responsible budgeting?

Monday 30: Is it about fiscal responsibility or just juggling figures from year to year? 
There has been an increase in ministerial support, albeit a slight increase of $17,044 from the 2007-08 supplementary budget which was tabled in November last year.
The biggest winner amongst the offices is the opposition which has its budget topped up by $5727 to $200,166. 
However, while the total ministerial support of $17,044 may look minimal, it was actually increased by $24,063 in the supplementary budget from when the original budget was submitted in June 2007.
The ministers' gain may be the outer island government representatives' loss. The GRs in the upcoming financial year will get $14,999 less than in 2007-08. The output comes under the prime minister's office which gets a boost of $128,617 - with cabinet services receiving a $16,000 lift, and the corporate services output getting an extra $76,000. Quite obvious that one will see cabinet and staff working past 4pm each day especially on Fridays. 
The House of Ariki has been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. 
But it is unsure whether the $11,117 dip in its budget under parliamentary services can be blamed on the June 12 proclamation.
Meanwhile the head of state gets a $20,641 increase for the 'administrative, support services for the Queen's Representative in protocol, community and diplomacy'.
The Punanga Nui market under the agriculture vote item should become a stand-alone ministry. It is estimated that it will generate around $134,600 in trading revenue, so it only receives $15,506 in the 2008-09 appropriation. Extra pay for Saturday work at the market?
Crown law gets an increase of $144,033. The financial statement mentioned that the appropriation would provide for a senior crown counsel specialising in prosecutions. 
But could the increase cover the salary package for the incoming solicitor general?
The ombudsman's office gets $100,288 for carrying out work on the Official Information Act. It looks like the office has got the new financial year off to a great start by flying two officers to the Solomons for a freedom of information workshop. Great work! 
In payments on behalf of the crown (POBOCs), surprise, surprise, the civil list has decreased by $46,000 to $2,707,688, an infrastructure committee gets $200,000, a sum of $100 has been budgeted for the broadcasting board, and $90,000 is put aside for HoMs' backpay.
Also tucked away in the POBOC column are the two donations of $25,000 each to Myanmar and China, and the $33,114 grant for Te Kukupa patrol boat which needed fuel for its trip to Manihiki in May. All three payments were drawn from the contingency fund. 
And just to show how ridiculous the budget figures are, take a look at the agriculture output (1) for Mangaia. A total of $31,996 is allocated for personnel and $1805 for operations. This means that the department on that island gets by on just under $8 per working day for operations.

TOP

Survey aims to improve water supplies

Tuesday 1: A water and sanitation survey is to be held on Rarotonga with the aim of improving the island's water supplies and sanitation.
The survey is part of an ADB (Asian Development Bank) and Cook Islands government project to investigate what is needed to improve the water supply and sanitation systems on the island.
New Zealand consultancy company Fraser Thomas & Partners has been contracted to carry out the project which is still in the data collecting stage.
It will focus on water supply and sanitation with a smaller focus on improving power generation.
Team leader Chris Cheatham says the project is necessary because of problems with water supply and quality of water and the increase of nutrients going in to the lagoon and water systems.
The team will be carrying out a household survey this week and the data collected will help design a project for the improvement of the water supply and sanitation.
Cheatham says that about 11 percent of the households on the island have been randomly selected by the statistics office to take part in the survey.
Enumerators are being trained to carry out the survey which is expected to take the next two weeks to carry out. All information will remain confidential. 
The survey will find out about each household's current water supply and sanitation practices as well as to ask them what kind of water and sanitation improvements they would like and whether people are prepared, able and willing to pay for them.
The household's willingness to pay for the delivery of quality clean water, says Cheatham, will be an interesting point particularly as people today are already paying for their water either by paying for bottled water or the use of power and gas for boiling the water.
As to the issue of sanitation, the survey results will be helped to look at ways to protect the island's lagoon and ways of treating waste. "This is not only for tourists but for the local people as well, to ensure their quality of life," says Cheatham. - Tara Carr

TOP

Health acknowledges challenges in system

Tuesday 1: The Ministry of Health has responded to strong criticism of the country's health system on TV's One News by saying the positive has to be highlighted from it. 
The ministry has announced that it is working with overseas health systems and is in discussions to finalise an agreement of cooperation with the New Zealand Ministry of Health next month.
"This will assist us in looking at and learning from quality health systems in New Zealand," said acting secretary Dr Josephine Aumea Herman yesterday.
"The government of the Cook Islands recognised three years ago that there were challenges in the health system and has been proactive in working towards addressing these issues."
One News aired two items over the weekend reporting claims that New Zealand is being used as a dumping ground for local patients as a lack of funding undermines the health system. The stories said that more than 700 Cook Islanders are going to NZ for hospital treatment every year and that locals are fighting back because they are sick of a 'dysfunctional health system that has misdiagnosed and botched operations'. 
Herman said there are about 300 patient referrals from the Cooks to NZ each year. Government spends $429,281 each year to pay for patient referrals.
Herman says the ministry cannot afford tertiary level care in-country and there are many cases that need specialist treatment such as head injuries and heart conditions. 
She said the allegation that some doctors here are not fully qualified is misinformation. 
One patient interviewed by One News was tattooist Boye Nicholas who is receiving cancer treatment in New Zealand. He said government has a responsibility to sort out its health system.
"The stories in the media over the past few days continue to reinforce for us why the work we are doing is so important and why we need to continue to work to improve our services. We appreciate and are keen to hear patients' experiences as this is a way for us to identify areas which require further work so that we can continue to improve the quality of our services," said Herman.
She said the health management review done last year was an important step in identifying a number of issues requiring urgent attention. The subsequent recommendations for the restructuring of the health system were endorsed by government with additional funding made available to undertake this work. 
She said over the past year the ministry has actively been recruiting and employing well-trained and highly qualified doctors, nurses and managers.
This year there is training for a second intake of nurses for the outer islands and there is regular first aid and emergency training for health, police, rescue fire staff and the community. 
Next week the 9th annual national health conference will be held and the ministry will draw on experience and skills of international experts, said Herman.
Every health system has weaknesses and the ministry will continue the health reform process to make improvements where it can, she said. - Helen Greig

TOP

Schooner a training ground for US students

Wednesday 2: For the past three months, American and Canadian university students have been studying aboard the training sailing vessel Argo which has been sailing around the Pacific Ocean.
The two-year-old ship registered in the British Virgin Isles and built in the classical schooner style spent four days on Rarotonga where the 13 students and five crew spent time ashore exploring the island.
Argo captain Brendon 'boomer' Baumeister says that the students not only learn basic seamanship but also marine biology, oceanography and navigation.
The students were picked up in Tahiti and have travelled through Fiji and Tonga. They sailed yesterday for Australia where the students will end their trip.
Baumeister says that each student pays up to US$15,000 to study on board and the price varies depending on what trip they are on.
Other voyages include sailing through the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, calling at Australia and Indonesia to name a few of the destinations.
On this particular trip the voyage includes a full complement of academic studies, sailing skills, scuba diving training and cultural exchanges.
Before leaving yesterday, the students spent Monday relaxing and washing their laundry at the Edgewater Resort in Arorangi.
The students were unanimous that they have enjoyed their trip immensely. - Matariki Wilson

TOP

Property 'missing' from Kavera fire

Wednesday 2: A number of guests staying at Backpackers International spent time at the Cook Islands Police station yesterday lodging reports of missing property.
The front portion of the accommodation in Kavera went up in flames on Monday night and throughout the ensuing scramble to get property out of the building, a number of things have subsequently gone missing.
Backpackers who were on the scene again yesterday morning said that during the fire they were throwing things over the balcony into the field next door in order to save their property.
Inspector Arama Tera confirmed yesterday that they had received visits from some of the guests lodging complaints over missing property such as clothes, cell phones, iPods and money. 
As of yesterday afternoon, police had not received a report of any missing passports which Tera said was just as well due to the amount of work it would take to rectify something like that.
Police were working on processing the complaints which were mainly for insurance purposes.
Tera said police were awaiting the final report from Rescue Fire Service Chief Nga Jessie on the fire. 
In the meantime, members of the public who were in the area at the time of the fire and know of the whereabouts of any of the missing property are urged to contact the police on 22499 with their information. All calls will be treated as confidential. - Tara Carr

TOP

Pearl forum to set industry direction

Wednesday 2: About 100 people are set to attend the two-day pearl industry forum that begins today at the AOG Hall in Takuvaine. 
The forum is expected to produce a clear direction for the industry and how Cook Islands pearls will be branded and marketed to the world.
One of the highlights will be the launch of the Cook Islands Pearl Authority's pearl classification and grading guide. The booklet was produced by CIPA's pearl grading task group formed last year to review and come up with a grading system.
The group is chaired by Raymond Newnham, with members Ben Bergman, Peter William, Temu Okotai and CIPA chief executive George Ellis. The guide will be presented at the forum which begins at 8.30am.
Ellis says they hope the guide, in due course, will be backed up by regulations to enforce a grading system for the country. 
The grading task group is expected to produce further recommendations this year on the grading process and export control. 
Deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate will be giving the keynote address before the forum looks at the industry vision and marketing strategy. 
NZ consultant Brian Richards, who produced the marketing strategy with CIPA, will lead the presentations with other speakers like marine resources secretary Ian Bertram, Manihiki mayor Kora Kora, Manihiki pearl farmer's association chairman John McLeod and pearl retailer Helen Muir giving presentations on day two of the forum. - Helen Greig

TOP

Hard luck and drama for young visitors

Wednesday 2: Stories of miraculous escapes and heroism were being told by guests of Backpackers International in Kavera yesterday after their accommodation went up in flames on Monday night.
English visitors Brett Shearstone, Henry Grant and Michael Woodruff recalled how they were just sitting around in the commune area making their supper when they saw smoke and flames pouring out of the family occupied section of the building.
The trio's first instinct was to let other guests know what was happening and to get their stuff from their rooms.
Shearstone says they rushed up into the upstairs area of the premises and saw guests already throwing their belongings out on to a vacant field at the back of the complex.
He also managed to throw his bag into the field and he said there were people everywhere looking for their things.
He says that when we ran out into the field a local woman was standing over the bags being thrown out of the windows saying that she had seen people running off with items that she didn't believe belonged to them. 
Shearstone says that she guarded the bags while he went back into the building to help get people and their belongings out.
While he and Grant saved their clothes and valuables, their mate Michael Woodruff wasn't as lucky.
He lost his entire travelling backpack that he had been carrying with him for the past five weeks while travelling the globe, however he had his passport and travel documents on him when the fire broke out.
Fellow English travellers Matt Hidson and Tony Crosfill told CINews that after seeing smoke and flames 'pouring' out of the landlords' residence attached to the backpackers, they also rushed to save their things in their room.
However, once they reached their upstairs room they realised they could not get back down the stairs as the flames had began to engulf the common room in which they had been playing cards minutes earlier.
After throwing their things out into the back field, they came across two young girls trying to save their belongings.
The two friends helped the girls get their stuff from the room and had to jump from the second story of the building to get out.
Upon returning to the backpackers yesterday morning, Hidson realised that his rental scooter had not been spared by the fire. The side of the bike facing the burning building was melted by the sheer heat of the flames. 
Hidson and Crosfill will be sending home a holiday photo like no other - a shot of themselves with their burnt out scooter and a story that they will sure be telling the grandchildren one day. - Matariki Wilson

TOP

China loan better than borrowing locally

Wednesday 2: The Cooks could have pulled out of negotiations with the Chinese over the building of the new multi-sports complex. 
But Financial Secretary Sholan Ivaiti says accessing money through the Chinese provided a better option than anything that was available at the given time. 
"The Chinese loan provided this government better financial terms when compared to other potential donors. We would not have got a good deal like that with the Chinese.
"No one gives out money for sports stadiums so it was the best option available."
Ivaiti says they could have pulled out of negotiations right up to the day the building contract was signed but he felt that government had gone past that point of no return. 
"The negotiations were very challenging - yes we could have [pulled out] as the documents to formalise the process to access the loans had not been entered into. This though was done last week [on Tuesday 24 June] by the signing of the commercial contract. 
"We could have borrowed locally but that would have meant that there would have been no new money in the economy.
"By taking on the loan, we inject new liquidity into the economy over the next year in preparation for games and we maintain our good relationship with China.
"We get a concessional loan at better financial terms than what other potential donors can provide. Given the world has tightened up on liquidity, obtaining this will be relatively expensive.
"We get new sporting infrastructure and we can now move forward to prepare for the Pacific Mini Games."
Ivaiti says this loan is different from the grants that were used to put up the courthouse and police station, in that it is a loan and the Cooks has some say in what it can be used for. 
"We had to force the issue [with the Chinese] and had to fight for everything we got."
After criticism on the two previous buildings put up by the Chinese, Ivaiti says it is in the interest of both the Chinese and the Cook Islands to ensure that the indoor stadium is of the highest quality. 
"It's a matter of working with them and they understand that they have to do a good job. I believe in CIIC and I believe that CIIC also want a quality building and John Tini will ensure that there is a quality building."
Around $6.3 million of the $13 million soft loan will go into the building of the stadium. - Moana Moeka'a

TOP

ADB official looks at infrastructure needs

Wednesday 2: Back from a weekend in Mangaia, the Asian Development Bank's executive director responsible for the Cooks, Dr Ceppie Sumadilaga, says the island's infrastructure needs are pressing. 
Deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate arranged the visit to impress upon Sumadilaga that using just Rarotonga to measure the Cook Islands' economy does not give an accurate picture if the outer islands are not included.
Sir Terepai and Mangaia MP Winton Pickering were part of the visit. 
"I have stressed at every opportunity to ADB that for small island states, our geographic location, small size and populations, narrow economic diversification and import dependence mean that we are highly vulnerable environmentally and economically," says Sir Terepai.
Sumadilaga says he met with the people of Mangaia to get the real picture of the outer islands.
"The ADB mostly looks at the general point of view and data for the country. Sometimes it can be misleading because it is missing what the real situation is," says Sumadilaga. 
He says the overview of the country doesn't take into account the income disparities between those living in Rarotonga and those in the outer islands. 
He says Mangaia's land is fertile and the climate ideal for agriculture, but it lacks good infrastructure. 
Sumadilaga says with a new harbour there will be more reason for locals to stay on the island and produce crops that can be more easily exported. 
"It's not appealing for them to live there because of the infrastructure."
ADB will be assessing new funding applications from the Cooks at the end of the year and Sumadilaga says this latest visit will help ADB understand more about the needs of the country.
Since the Cook Islands became a member country in 1976, ADB has approved 13 loan projects amounting to more than $38.9 million and 28 technical assistance projects amounting to almost $12.6 million. The Cooks have two current proposals for ADB funding - the first is a US$5.1 million loan due to be approved this year for an upgrade of the Avatiu Harbour and another US$15 million for an infrastructure project that will come up for approval in 2009.
The most recent ADB assistance is for the recently launched preparing for infrastructure development project for US$700,000 worth of technical assistance. Assisting with infrastructure development through loans, grants and technical assistance to generate economic growth in developing countries is one of the five core areas of the bank's focus. Other priority areas are the environment, regional cooperation and education.
Sumadilaga is responsible for seven of the 67 ADB member countries - the other six are Fiji, Indonesia, Kygyz Republic, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga. - Helen Greig 

TOP

Index | Photo Gallery | Memory Lane | Cooks Info | FAQs | About Us | Subscribe |

Cook Islands News, PO Box 15, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Phone +682 22999   Fax +682 25303   Email mailto:editor@cookislandsnews.com