‘Oasis’ campaign grabs world attention
Turtles sign on for $200,000
WYNC to re-look at draw
Eight apply for top job in police
HoMs to sign under new act
CISNOC money still not found
Rapa Nui chief visits Rarotonga
Rape charge laid after complaint
League final goes to court
Extra week given
ON THE STREET
Court let final go on
Japan gives more aid to the Pacific
Atiu Day is next Friday
Marurai holds bilateral talks with Japan PM
Tropic Twilight 09 to deliver medical benefits to Pukapuka
Burglars still at work
Global warming will affect all humanity, Japan PM
Youth exchanges planned
Journalism professor to visit Rarotonga
New vaka takes on trained crew in Auckland
Former Queen’s Representative passes away
New police commissioner named
Triad depot acts on safety recommendations
‘Oasis’ campaign grabs world attention
Thursday 21: The Cook Islands is creating headlines around the world since choosing to opt out of the recession this week.
On Monday, tourism minister Wilkie Rasmussen announced the government’s decision of not taking part in the financial downturn as part of the ‘recession free oasis’ tourism campaign.
Since the decision, this country has been lauded in illustrious international newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, UK’s Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. Many of the editorials give a tongue-and-cheek poke at their own governments for ‘joining’ the recession bandwagon.
“Now, why can’t our politicians be this decisive,” the Daily Telegraph asked.
“It’s a land immune from the international effects of slowing economies and non-consuming consumers. It’s a place where local businesses are growing and new companies are opening up,” the Birmingham Post declared.
The Cook Islands haven is also being touted on cyberspace with mentions on Twitter, Wordpress, Islands Business, Scoop.com, Stuff and of course, recessionfreeoasis.com
The official website is a colourful guide to living in a recession free zone. It hosts an anonymous international blogger who is impressed with what this country offers.
“It could be that there are no franchise properties here yet (all hotels are independently owned), or it could be that nothing is overbuilt. It could be that everyone we meet is genuinely cheerful and happy to see us. Whatever it is, we’ve decided that the Cook Islands may be free from recession, but they offer an abundance of hospitality.”
Included on the site is a list of regulations on how to operate in an anti-recession nation such as, ‘Please refrain from showing any signs of recession. The best way to achieve this is by chillin…’and ‘Do not be troubled with the absence of Italian shoes. Walking barefoot on the beach is de rigueur in the Cook Islands.’
Glenda Tuaine Newport, marketing director of Cook Islands Tourism’ is pleased with the international coverage the campaign was receiving.
“The great thing about a promotion like this is it makes Cook Islanders living overseas a part of the experience,” she says.
“We have had many informal emails and texts form friends and family overseas who have said it is exciting to see the Cook Islands being talked about with such a positive buzz.” -DK
Turtles sign on for $200,000
Thursday 21: Turtles Sportswear has signed on as a ‘family sponsor’ for both the World Youth Netball Championships and 2009 Pacific Mini Games.
A launch of the new sponsorship was held yesterday at the Beachcomber building in Taputapuatea – an event that surely alleviated some headaches for the games organising committee.
The local company owned by Chris and Nana McKinley committed $200,000 to the mini games and world youth netball organising committees at the launch of their new range of branded clothing and products.
Marketing and sponsorship directors Nick Henry explains that Turtles Sportswear sponsorship of $200,000 will be made up of ‘value and kind’ as well as cash.
“Turtles sponsorship is part value and kind which is the supply of Team Cook Islands uniforms and cash,” says Henry.
A gimmicky ‘Turtles Bank’ cheque of $200,000 was presented to the vice president of the board of directors for the Pacific Mini Games 2009 Ltd Sir Geoffrey Henry.
Turtles Sportswear joins the Bank of the Cook Islands as a sponsor for both the mini games and world youth netball.
Turtles Sportswear is a second tier or ‘family sponsor’ while BCI bank an event partner.
Henry says that he and his team are still working hard in the background to sign on more sponsors with their target sponsorship in the vicinity of $2 million. Henry hopes to roll out more sponsors in coming weeks. -MW
WYNC to re-look at draw
Thursday 21: Sports minister Ngamau Munokoa says she feels a bit better about the World Youth Netball Championships, following a community meeting on Tuesday evening.
This week Munokoa expressed her disappointment at a round of games scheduled to be played on Sunday, August 16, during the championships.
Around 50 people, along with WYNC’s Tina Browne, Patsy Hockin and Donye Numa, were present at the meeting at the Nikao Sunday school hall.
Munokoa says that Browne told the meeting that they would look into the matter about rescheduling the Sunday games. She adds that cabinet members also shared her concern at Tuesday’s weekly meeting. - Moana Moeka’a
Eight apply for top job in police
Thursday 21: Eight people are vying for the police commissioner position.
Applications closed last Friday and Public Service Commissioner Navy Epati says strong interest was received locally and from overseas.
PSC were in charge of advertising and receiving the applications. Epati says he was unable to disclose at the time how
many candidates were non-Cook Islanders.
Police minister and prime minister Jim Marurai has chosen three people from the private sector to form the selection panel. Tina Browne, Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid and Ken Matheson will shortlist and rank the candidates for the PM to take to cabinet for consideration.
Epati says there is no limitation on the number of people to be short listed neither is there a time limit for them to decide.
“It’s whoever the panel deems good enough to be invited to an interview.”
New Zealand police are on hand to provide technical advice in the form of assistant commissioner Jon White. Likewise the PSC will aid the panel when needed with any government related information.
The current police commissioner, Pat Tasker, will end his tenure on June 17. According to the job description, his replacement is to possess qualities such as leadership in senior executive management, instil discipline yet be inspiring and be diplomatic with the public, community and national leaders. - DK
HoMs to sign under new act
Friday 22: Public service commissioner Navy Epati believes that new legislation will be put in place to enable the new lot of heads of ministries to be appointed.
“We’re trying our best to complete an acceptable draft of the new Public Services Commission Act, before the end of this financial year, to enable us to appoint the new heads of ministries under the new act.”
Epati says he hopes that the bill can be ready for the next sitting of parliament next month.
“If there are any delays, it will probably be for at most a month, but the prime minister wants this new act in as soon as possible and that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Epati says it is critical to have this done before the new HoMs are signed up for another three years, as the current legislation and structural set up of the public service is sorely out of date.
“The new act will certainly not solve all of the problems of the public service, but it will set a platform upon which a thorough re-examination of all aspects of the services can be commenced. My estimation is that it will take perhaps three to five years.”
When he took on the post of commissioner, Epati says he was asked to identify the underlying problems of the public service and put forward means and measures to address it.
“The new PSC Act is the beginning of that process, and it will set an exciting and challenging journey for not only the public service, but the next commissioner and his/her team.
“Like Moses, my job is to take the public service out of the troubled land into the promised land. But the final part of the journey requires a Joshua. And just like that story, there was from the very beginning the complaining, moaning, distrust, backstabbing, lies and deceit, all the way until the end.”
Epati says that no resources have ever been allocated to his office to address the fundamental legislative problems from which all the other anomalies branch from.
“Even the exercise now undertaken is only possible with the assistance of the New Zealand government through its parliamentary services.
All HoM contracts are expected to expire on June 30, except that of the financial secretary which expires next March.- Moana Moeka’a
CISNOC money still not found
Friday 22: An investigation by the Cook Islands Sports & National Olympic Committee into $34,272 worth of unidentified payments, has found that a number of cheques were cashed over the bank counter.
The delay in getting the organisation’s financial statements audited resulted in last month’s annual general meeting being completed on Wednesday last week.
Copies of seven cheques were obtained from the bank (totalling $18,188.08) with six of those cheques being cashed over the counter, and one used for a telegraphic transfer payment.
The remaining five cheques totalling $16,083.82 were not found in Westpac’s records.
CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry said that the meeting accepted the financial report as presented, and the qualified opinion given by the auditors – subject to the ongoing work being carried out by the auditor, treasurer and board.
Sir Geoffrey said that internal procedures would need to be reviewed to ensure that this is not repeated. He added that CISNOC was not going through a financial crisis, and the only problem is the expected $50,000 reduction in money that government provides through proceeds from Tattslotto. - MM
Rapa Nui chief visits Rarotonga
Friday 22: Te Ariki Rapanui – the traditional chief of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – is currently visiting Rarotonga.
Tuki Tepano, along with his wife, Leticia Atan, and the secretary to the ariki of Maupiti (Teatuaura) in French Polynesia, Roland Tauaroa, are here as guests of Pa Tepaeru Ariki and Papa Tangaroa Kainuku.
Pa Ariki says she and Papa Tangaroa met the chief in Raiatea, and offered to host them if they ever came to Rarotonga.
Tepano is keen to establish ties between Rapa Nui and Rarotonga, and while here he, along with Tauaroa, spoke to Papa Tangaroa about the possibility of having an input to the are vananga being proposed for the new University of the South Pacific centre. He is also keen to spread the concept of Puna Ariki Tere Moana Nui o Hiva, which is about strengthening links between the countries within the Polynesian triangle, and bounded by Hawaii, Aotearoa and Rapanui.
Already stone carvings of this concept have been put together in Raiatea in 2007 and Maupiti last year, following meetings of traditional leaders from around the region held on those respective islands. The carving consists of four separate pieces done by different people, and when put together, resembles the Polynesian triangle and a circular ‘pito’ – symbolising Avaiki – in the middle. The finished carving measures up to around two metres and is placed on a raised stone base.
The ariki adds that he would like to have one done in Rarotonga and Hawaii in the near future.
Rapa Nui is famous for the Moai (stone carved figures) which dot the island.
Tepano says there are around 4000 people on the island with nearly everyone living in the main settlement Hangaroa. The natives speak their Maori language and Spanish, as the island is administered by Chile, which is 3500km to the east.
Tepano and his wife helped to start up the annual Tapati festival which attracts many visitors in February each year.
The visitors from Rapa Nui and Maupiti paid a courtesy visit to deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate yesterday.- Moana Moeka’a
Rape charge laid after complaint
Friday 22: A 34-year-old man appeared in the High Court this week charged with rape.
Police arrested the defendant, who has interim name suppression, last Saturday after a complaint was received from a friend of the victim earlier that morning.
Lawyer Norman George entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant on Monday. The case was adjourned to Thursday for the court to assess whether it has the jurisdiction to grant intermim name suppression.
Yesterday Crown Law prosecution said the court does have jurisdiction as there was no judge on the island to do so.
The case has been adjourned to June 4. - DK
League final goes to court
Saturday 23: Sports scandal twists and turns in grand final courtroom drama
The drama over the rugby league grand final was played out in the high court in Avarua yesterday afternoon.
The Ngatangiia-Matavera Rugby League Association filed an application for a declaratory order, claiming that the Cook Islands Rugby League Association had breached its constitution and competition rules following a complaint by the Sea Eagles earlier this week.
The Sea Eagles questioned the eligibility of Tupapa Panthers player Eddie Rea, who took part in last weekend’s major semi-final, and who had not played for the premier grade this season.
The club also applied for an interim injunction against having today’s premier final being played – should the order go in favour of the Sea Eagles –
allowing the premier side to prepare properly for a final next weekend.
After listening to submissions from Paul Lynch for the Sea Eagles and Navy Epati on behalf of the CIRLA, Justice of the Peace Tiki Matapo adjourned the sitting for one hour.
When JP Matapo returned to the courtroom, he said that as the CIRLA had been de-registered and did not exist, he would have to dismiss the application for an interim injunction.
As for the application for a declaratory order, JP Matapo said that he did not have the jurisdiction to deal with the matter and that it should be heard by a judge.
Lynch submitted that a temporary injunction be granted until such time that a judge hears the club’s application. He further submitted that it would be a miscarriage of justice if his client was not able to have its day in court.
JP Matapo understood the urgency of the matter and he further adjourned the court to look into the matter around 3.30pm.
When he came back into the courtroom just before 5pm, JP Matapo said that he had forwarded the documents to the Chief Justice David Williams who had agreed to look into the case.
Last night both sides were to have sat through a telephone hearing with the judge. - Moana Moeka’a
League sides outline their case in court—page 3.
Extra week given
Saturday 23: The budget committee has been given an extra week to put together its recommendations for the 2009-10 budget.
Committee chairman Brian Mason said yesterday that they have been given an extension to continue their deliberations and their report will be forwarded to the finance minister Sir Terepai Maoate by next Friday. Cabinet will have the final say on budget allocations.
Originally the budget committee’s report was to have been tabled by Friday May 22.
Mason says the committee wrapped up discussing with the ministries and agencies their respective business plans and their bids for funding in the 2009-10 budget, at the beginning of the month.
Other members on the committee are Unakea Kauvai, Nooroa ‘Bim’ Tou, John Kenning and Cecilia Short.
The 2009-10 budget is expected to be tabled in parliament next month.
To date there has been a main budget, and three supplementary budgets – mainly to do with mini games funding – tabled in the 2008-09 financial year. - Moana Moeka’a
ON THE STREET
Saturday 23: What do you think of the ‘Recession Free Oasis’ campaign? Are you for it or against it?
Sally Hosking
It’s a joke because everything is so expensive. Do you know how hard it is to get lunch money?
Jeannine Daniel
It’s awesome, it sends a message that we’re untouchable.
Jacqui Evans
It’s a great campaign as long as it doesn’t attract ugly investors. We only want good investors who consider the environment and people.
Jason Atera
I think it’s a wonderful gimmick that has shown a lot of positivity of the Cook Islands. However, some of the statistics are misleading…
Antoni Williams
I think it’s good advertisement and publicity for our country. It’s good so people know where we are and what we have to offer.
Tarita Hutchinson
What, is there a recession? It’s about positive thinking and I’ve been far too busy to notice it.
Annie Ball
We’ve been abiding by the rules, we’ve taken our watches off and kicked back. What recession?
Court let final go on
Monday 25: Failure by the Ngatangiia-Matavera Rugby League Association to file its complaint on time – as stipulated under the code’s competition rules – was a key factor in the club not being able to stop last Saturday’s grand final being played.
Last Friday night, Chief Justice David Williams, in Auckland, heard NMRLA’s applications for declaratory orders and interim injunction via a two-hour telephone hearing.
The Sea Eagles club filed an application for declaratory orders, claiming that the Cook Islands Rugby League Association had breached its constitution and competition rules following a complaint made last week.
The Sea Eagles questioned the eligibility of Tupapa Panthers player Eddie Rea, who took part in the major semi-final, and who had not played for the premier grade this season. In its complaint to the CIRLA, the club believed that this was breach of competition rules but the complaint was thrown out.
After an appeal was turned down by the CIRLA, the Sea Eagles made its application to the high court last Friday morning.
Because of the urgency and complexity of the matter, the hearing was forwarded to the chief justice, after first being heard on Friday afternoon by Justice of the Peace Tiki Matapo.
While the chief justice believed that both NMRLA and the CIRLA did have arguable cases on the rules (20 and 21) relating to player eligibility for finals play, he said that the applicant had not complied with the timeline to file its complaint. Under the rules, the complaint must be received by the executive before 9am on the Monday following the game.
The chief justice said that because of this, a judicial committee did not have to convene to hear the complaint.
Earlier at the JP sitting, the NMRLA submitted that the complaint – which was dealt with at last Tuesday’s meeting of the CIRLA – had to be dealt with by a judicial committee, and its counsel Paul Lynch told the court that all complaints are submitted at the Monday lunchtime meeting.
But because the NMRLA had not got its complaint in on time, and after weighing up the issues – including the possible disruption to Saturday’s grand final – the chief justice said he was not prepared to grant an interim injunction. No orders were issued.
As for the CIRLA being struck off the incorporated societies register, chief justice Williams said that the lack of registration did not have any effect on the application before the court.
The chief justice received judgement on costs, although both parties said that they would pay their own costs.
After the hearing, Lynch said that the club executive had received a good hearing from the chief justice even though the club did not get a determination on rules 20 and 21.
Lynch said that no further action would be taken by the club on this matter.
However, he did add that the case would be a wake-up call for CIRLA and all the clubs regarding the game’s competition rules. Lynch has offered to help if CIRLA needed assistance with the rules.
As all complaints are lodged at the Monday lunchtime meeting of CIRLA, the validity of recent decisions made may come into question.
By the way, the Tupapa Panthers won last Saturday’s grand final over the Avatiu Eels 21-16. And the player at the centre of the attention – Eddie Rea – did not play. - MM
Japan gives more aid to the Pacific
Monday 25: JAPAN – Japan announced a new three-year 50 billion yen ($852.2 million) aid package for the Pacific region at the conclusion of the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Hokkaido, Japan, last Friday.
Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum and premier of Niue, Toke Talagi, said the island nations are grateful to the government of Japan for remaining as a significant development and trade partner to the region.
“The thing that concerns us as economies contract is that the level of overseas development aid reduces,” Talagi said. “We are encouraged that Japan’s has increased.”
Talagi said with the assistance Japan provides to the region, Pacific nations will be in a much better position to take charge of economic recovery.
On climate change, Talagi said he has always been confident that Japan is a leader in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
“Therefore it is imperative that we take action now. We hope developed countries take notice of climate change. It’s not just the survival of small island countries, but the whole earth,” he said.
Japan’s prime minister, who co-chaired the leaders meeting, said that major emitters like the United States, China and India must be encouraged to take part in cutting emissions. - HG
Atiu Day is next Friday
Monday 25: Atiuans on Rarotonga are being called to attend a meeting to prepare for Friday’s Atiu Day at Te Atukura.
General secretary Nga Teao says the meeting will finalise details on the fundraiser to raise money for the completion of their hostel at Maraerenga.
Teao says the new hostel is expected to be opened on Friday, December 18, and a number of people from New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti, as well as the homeland, will be travelling to Rarotonga for the big occasion.
This week’s meeting will be held at the hostel site at 4.30pm tomorrow.
Marurai holds bilateral talks with Japan PM
Tuesday 26: Prime Minister Jim Marurai engaged in a bilateral meeting with Japan’s leader, Taro Aso, during the 5th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting held in Hokkaido last week.
The discussion focussed on strengthening the ties between the two countries and ways in which Japan could provide further technical assistance in training.
The talks also touched on the tourism sector, in particular the impacts that the global financial crisis has affected the tourism sector in the Cook Islands.
The meeting was the first time that the leaders of both countries have met at a formal bilateral level, and is seen as a significant stepping stone in the future establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Despite the global economic downturn, the total level assistance to be provided by Japan to the 14 Forum Island countries over the next three years will increase from NZ$900 million to NZ$1 billion.
This package of assistance will be provided to Forum Island countries both bilaterally and multilaterally, focussing on environment and climate change; human security (health, education, water and sanitation), and people-to-people exchanges such as scholarships, training and tourism.
In recognising the special relationship that exists between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, the Japanese prime minister indicated that Japan would continue to pursue a relationship with the Cooks that is based on mutual understanding and respect.
Reliable shipping and air services are the arteries for continued growth and development in FICs and greater economic integration is being
encouraged amongst the region. However to enable
regional economic integration to be successful it requires strong political leadership and will.
This critical issue will be addressed at the Cairns Forum Leaders meeting in August. - OPM
Tropic Twilight 09 to deliver medical benefits to Pukapuka
Tuesday 26: A New Zealand frigate is heading to the Cook Islands carrying medical and dental supplies.
The HMNZS Canterbury left Devonport Navy Base last weekend bound for Pukapuka as part of Exercise Tropic Twilight. The annual humanitarian mission is a New Zealand government initiative led by the NZ Defence Force with a focus this year on providing medical and dental support, and engineers to the island.
Under the helm of commander Jim Gilmour, the Canterbury has a core ship company of 91 personnel.
It will stop at Raoul Island to drop off 20,000 litres of fuel before berthing in Apia, Samoa this Friday. From there they will gain an extra 60 personnel consisting of NZ Army Territorial Force and civilian medical and dental staff before sailing for Pukapuka on June 1.
Tropic Twilight will be the first mission to have two Seasprite helicopters used to transport people and supplies from the navy ship to Pukapuka.
NZAid manager Julie Affleck says they were supporting the mission and the ministry of health in Pukapuka by funding the costs of the medical supplies.
“The NZDF have been very generous with loading all the water tanks onto the Canterbury free of charge. Usually these tanks are shipped by freight to the island.”
She says they’ve also reconfigured the vessel to accommodate carrying the medical and dental personnel. Also loaded onboard are six boxes of New Zealand Law Commission reports which will be gifted to the Samoa Law Reform Commission when berthed in Apia.
“Tropic Twilight provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Canterbury’s capabilities in these types of operations and also to demonstrate the ship’s ability to support the other two services and other government agencies,” Maritime Component commander, commodore Ross Smith said.
Tropic Twilight was last conducted in June 2008 in Rarotonga for two weeks. This year’s exercise is expected to run from June 2 to 16 before unloading personnel in Apia and returning to Devonport on June 24. - NZDF/DK
Burglars still at work
Tuesday 26: It was a quiet weekend for the police with no reports of motor vehicle crashes and problems in the town’s bars.
However 10 burglaries were reported last week with thieves continuing to target tourist accommodations. Among the items taken were cash, cell phones, digital cameras and a Play Station. Two businesses were also broken into including the new Avarua eatery, Le Bon Vivant.
Staff reported the incident to police last Thursday after opening the store in the morning. Police said forced entry was made through a window with around $500 cash and alcohol stolen. An investigation was still underway.
Six thefts were recorded which included a cash register being taken from a Vaimaanga shop. Police say a man walked into the retail store after 10pm and took the register while the attendant was in the house behind the shop.
Among the items taken last week were motorcycle parts, cash, backpack with a wallet and a JVC camera.
Four motor vehicle accidents occurred with a female motorcycle driver admitted to hospital with facial injuries. Police say alcohol was involved.
A motorcycle also collided into the back of a Jeep on the back road of Arorangi. The driver of the bike was admitted to hospital and the crash was not alcohol related. Two other minor crashes were reported.
Police are still monitoring the roads and senior sergeant Inano Matapo says it’s reminder for all motorists to ensure their vehicles are registered and have their annual licence attached and ready for inspection. - Dana Kinita
Global warming will affect all humanity, Japan PM
Tuesday 26: JAPAN – Japan’s prime minister Taro Aso mentioned the Pacific island’s plight in the face of climate change at an international conference on the future of Asia just before the two-day Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting held last week.
“Asia is said to be the ‘centre of the world’s economic growth for the 21st century, open to the world,’” said Aso.
In his speech on ‘Overcoming the economic crisis to rekindle a rapidly developing Asia’, Aso said global warming is a serious issue that will ‘certainly come back to affect all humanity if left unaddressed.’
Aso said this would be through frequent and larger scale natural disasters and land loss.
For example, in the Pacific Ocean, small island states such as Tuvalu are at risk of submersion of their national land due to sea level rise, making global warming an urgent issue connected to their very survival as nations,” he said.
Aso told the conference that the Fifth PALM would have global warming as one of its key issues.
“Japan intends to lead a low carbon revolution for the benefit of Asia as well as the entire world. In Japan, I have launched large-scale projects to disseminate solar power generation, electric cars, and energy-saving home appliances. The weak point of the Kyoto protocol is that it covers a mere 30 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions.”
Aso says Japan will push for an agreement on a post 2012 framework on climate change at the UN COP15 meeting this December. - Helen Greig
Youth exchanges planned
Tuesday 26: JAPAN – The Kizuna Plan aims to get more Pacific Islands people visiting and learning in Japan as well as more Japanese experiencing what the islands have to offer.
The plan was one of the main aid package priorities from Japan talked over at the Fifth Pacific Island Leaders Meeting in Japan last week.
The updated plan includes the goal to focus more on youth exchanges between the countries. This focus on youth will mean at least 1000 people in the next three years will benefit from country-to-country exchanges.
A new programme called ‘World Youth Ship’ has been included in the Kizuna Plan. Within this plan are programmes that allow Pacific students to study in Japan, high school student exchanges, youth exchange as well as increased efforts in the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme.
The JOVC sends professionals like doctors to the Pacific island nations.
Leaders at the meeting noted that the issue of human security is an important aspect of health and education too. - Helen Grieg
Journalism professor to visit Rarotonga
Tuesday 26: A journalism professor and freelance writer will visit Rarotonga next month to learn about organic farming and aquaculture with Teava Iro and Tap Pryor of the Titikaveka Growers Association.
Susan Weill plans to write an extensive feature story about the award-winning efforts of the TGA, one of only 20 winners worldwide of a 2009 SEED Award for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development.
She also plans to do some voluntary work at Cook Islands News where one of her projects will be to help compile a ‘style book’ for journalism.
The prestigious SEED Award, a program funded by the United Nations, “recognises innovation in local, environmentally-responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship”.
Weill has taught undergraduate and graduate courses since 2002 in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University where she is a tenured associate professor.
Prior to that, she taught at Jackson State University, Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She holds a doctorate in communication from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her research interests relate to race and gender in the media and environmental issues. She conducted research in Germany as an American Council on Germany Fellow and taught in Jamaica and Canada as a Fulbright Scholar.
Weill has worked as a print and broadcast journalist, an editor and a freelance writer for nearly 40 years. She is the author of a book, ‘In a Madhouse’s Din: Civil Rights Coverage by Mississippi’s Daily Press, 1948-1968.’ - MW
New vaka takes on trained crew in Auckland
Tuesday 26: Crew members for the newly built double-hulled voyaging canoe Marumaru Atua have been undergoing sailing training and skipper courses in Auckland, New Zealand.
The vaka was built and launched in Greenhithe, Auckland, and is one of four being built for a voyage between Rarotonga and Hawaii next year.
Last weekend the vaka, which had three crew from Rarotonga onboard, undertook trials to Great Barrier Island. Already four crew members -- who not only helped with the building of the vaka -- have completed a skippers course at the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre.
The new crew members are Sam Napa Jnr, Paul Mangakahia, Leanne Young and Alan Sullivan.
“Marumaru Atua will remain in Auckland for some time to carry out crew training sessions there before being sailed to Rarotonga later in the year,” says Cook Islands Voyaging Society president Ian Karika.
The vaka building project is one initiated by the Pacific Voyagers – a network of voyaging groups in American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga and Western Samoa, which was formed in February.
The participating groups intend to celebrate the formation of Pacific Voyagers by assembling a fleet of seven ocean-going canoes in Rarotonga in April 2010. The fleet will then sail to Hawaii at the invitation of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Makali’i Voyaging Society. - MW
Former Queen’s Representative passes away
Wednesday 27: Another elderly statesman, and former Queen’s Representative has passed away in Auckland at the weekend.
Sir Tangaroa Tangaroa, who turned 88 earlier this month, passed away last Saturday (NZ time).
His death follows that of former prime minister and long-time Rakahanga MP Sir Pupuke Robati who died in Auckland last month.
Papa Tangaroa was born on Penrhyn on May 6 1921, and was a government radio operator from 1939 – when World War II broke out – until 1954. While a shipping clerk for JPI (from 1955-63), he was elected to the legislative assembly in 1958, and then continued as the MLA when the country attained self-government in 1965.
He was to remain in opposition until 1978 when the Democratic Party government rode into power on the back of a court decision. Papa Tangaroa held a number of cabinet posts and sat on several select committees.
He was the first Cook Islander to be appointed as Queen’s Representative in 1985, and was knighted two years later. Papa Tangaroa served as QR until the end of 1990.
Current Penrhyn MP and minister Wilkie Rasmussen says that Papa Tangaroa’s family is bringing him back to Rarotonga, and cabinet has approved a state funeral for him. Rasmussen, along with family, will be coordinating arrangements on Rarotonga.
He adds that he should be in a better position to know Papa Tangaroa’s funeral arrangements by today. - MM
New police commissioner named
Wednesday 27: The current deputy commissioner Maara Tetava was picked from eight applicants to replace current commissioner Pat Tasker in June.
Prime Minister Jim Marurai and cabinet made the decision yesterday morning, merely hours after the PM arrived back in the country from a Pacific leaders meeting in Japan.
Tetava was the only applicant recommended by the selection committee which consisted of Tina Browne, Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid and Ken Matheson.
Speaking to Cook Islands News yesterday afternoon, Tetava said the news “hadn’t really sunk in” but felt honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Cook Islands police service into the future.
“There’s been major changes over the last two years and we’ve come a long way, “he said.
“I am committed to carrying on what Pat has taken us through and to maintain that momentum.”
Serving in the police force for the past 24 years, Tetava was recruited in 1985 – when the South Pacific Mini Games were last held in the Cook Islands.
Tetava says he will stay focused and committed to the police vision and work more closely with the people.
“I have a good team and together we will continue to strive for the delivery of quality policing which will not be possible if we don’t build strong partnerships with government, traditional leaders, religious leaders and our people,” he says.
“I am keen not only to build our capacity in contemporary policing methods but keen also to explore with our people Cook Islands solutions to our crime problems. I have no doubt with better cooperation between police and our people we will make our place the “oasis of the Pacific”.
Tasker says an appropriate choice has been made and he had the “upmost confidence” in Maara’s ability as commissioner.
“He’s been part of the change process during the past two years and I sincerely hope for the benefit of the Cook Islands that the change process continues.”
He says it’s been a privilege to assist Tetava in helping the police reach the required standards during the two years and believes the selection process was well handled by the ministers and the wider community.
Prime minister’s advisor Trevor Pitt says the selection committee met over three days last week to review the eight applicants. An unanimous decision was made to recommend Tetava and unanimous approval was given by the cabinet and the PM.
Pit says there will be formalities to follow such as the executive council to convene and the prime minister will formally advise the Queen’s Representative to initiate a warrant of appointment.
“He’s going to commence June 18,” Pitt says. “As soon as Pat finishes on the 17th – Tetava will be there.”
The incoming police commissioner says he valued the contribution Tasker has made, not only for the Cook Islands police but for the country as a whole.
“We’ve come through a lot together and on behalf of the men and women of the police, I would like to thank commisioner Tasker for his leadership, dedication and commitment to making the Cook Islands a safer place to be in today.”
Tetava also acknowledged the support his wife and family have given throughout his policing career. - Dana Kinita
Triad depot acts on safety recommendations
Wednesday 27: Motorists passing Triad Petroleum’s Panama depot last Saturday would have witnessed one of the large tanks being craned out and relocated alongside the premises.
Triad’s managing director Chris Vaile says that a lot of interested parties are continuing to say that their depot is unsafe and should be shut down.
“That is simply incorrect.”
Vaile says a report was produced by a New Zealand inspector last year but he did not recommend closure of any of the depots.
“Instead, he says, the report contains a number of recommendations needed to bring each depot into line with requirements.
“It’s no secret our depot came in for most criticism at that time. However the biggest criticism wasn’t about the depot but about our staff and we took steps immediately to remedy that.”
Since the report came out, Vaile says they have implemented in-service training and employed a qualified marine engineer as the depot’s resident manager.
Vaile says one of the main complaints was that their tanks were too close together.
“In fact, on measuring up our tanks, there was only one tank that caused the problem. Last Saturday we removed that tank completely.”
Vaile says Triad is committed to being a long-term player in the country despite its legal battle with government over its proposed purchase of the Toa fuel facility.
“If the government wants to close us down short of compulsory acquisition, they have got a long fight on their hands. We have a great deal of community support at all levels and we are digging in for a fight for as long as it takes.”
Vaile says now that they have moved the tank, they are progressing with a nib wall around the perimeter of their depot, and are fast approaching Juhi standards.
“Put it this way, we have heard rumours that Sir Terepai and others want us closed down for safety reasons so they can force the Te Aponga fuel down to Toa.
“That won’t be happening, even if I have to fly the dangerous goods inspector back up at my own expense to give evidence as to the current condition of our depot.”
Meanwhile in related developments, Triad filed an urgent interim application to have the current order – which relates solely to the Toa purchase – extended to government’s plans for the Juhi depot, after the crown refused to give an undertaking it would not move forward with its plans to acquire the depot. - MM
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