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General News

Week ending Wednesday, February 3, 2009

Current events and entertainment in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

Bigger talent pool for cabinet: Tata
Sunday flights an insult: Tom
Minister calls on traditional leaders
Work begins on cells
Five ships to service Cooks
More awards for Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Renovations to begin on Tupapa Nui
Chopper carries out water rescue exercise
Licence plates switched on DPM’s car
Tourism council explains role of new marketing team
Tourism tribute to Dean
Police on the alert and watch
Playing it safe
Most public servants let off work to prepare for cyclone
Harbour clears for cyclone
Offshore industry represented in US
Independent MP says PM is ‘fooling’ on reform
Strong enlightened leaders wanted
Airline story was wrong
Mou Piri response to political reform proposals
Does reform include letting go of Ivirua?
Foreign affairs and marine HoMs named
Overseas driving advice
NZ donates equipment for airport security
Tourism industry wants more answers on new marketing body
Cyclone Nisha downgraded
Police pleased
Esther Honey garage sale success
It was back to school this week
Seabed minerals bill still not in force
Drunk driver pulled from upturned car
‘Full story’ on car
Team to evaluate impact of Paris Declaration
Juvenile crime noted in economic outlook
New navy man settles in
Vaka voyage to Waitangi
Cyclone Oli causes damage
Warrants of fitness for overhaul
CITC employees pass food safety exam
Seabed minerals authority set up costs being assessed
Economic reform: path out of crisis
Super board position still available
Govt travel cut back
Cake ceremonies for 100th birthday

Tata Crocrombe. 10011420

Tata Crocombe says the ‘talent pool’ available for cabinet would be expanded from the ruling political party to around 10,000 people if one of the proposed changes to the political system was accepted.

Currently a PM can only appoint ministers from within parliament and in most circumstances from within his own ruling party – in the current parliament this means selecting from the 15 Demo MPs.

But the new proposal to allow the PM to select from around 10,000 eligible voters is already being criticised by members of the public.

Some say creating this provision would be undemocratic, could lead to a group of ‘businessmen’ running the country rather than the elected voices of the people and would be a move away from the Westminster-based system.

“Whatever dangers can be dreamt up I can not imagine any organisation that moved from selecting its management talent from 13 to 10,000 would put its self at a disadvantage,” says Crocombe.

Crocombe, chairman of the economic development taskforce, along with long-time political reform advocate Iaveta Short recently produced a proposal for political reform for prime minister Jim Marurai.

Marurai is encouraging public debate on the 12 reform suggestions – including the one to allow the PM to appoint cabinet ministers from within the voting population.

Crocombe has issues with keeping the status quo, saying in such a small country far too much is ‘unnecessarily and unproductively politicised’.

“The parliament would focus on legislation and approving the budget and the PM would focus on actually achieving the progress for the whole country that he/she had been voted in to achieve -- rather than daily local level politicking in order to keep their jobs,” he says of the proposed reform.

On proposals such as election of the PM by all voters, Crocombe says the point is not to move away from the Westminster political system.

Cook Islands News asked him what he would consider the new political system to be if the proposed forms are made and whether it is based on any particular country’s model.

“The point is that we should adapt from around the world a system that best meets the needs of the Cook Islands at this time and be ready to continually change the system to meet new circumstances.

“There is no one model that we should adopt without thinking it through, discussing it widely and forming a national consensus as to the best way forward,” he says.

Crocombe describes the proposed system as having elements from a number of other parliamentary democracies including New Zealand.

“A major consideration is that the whole of the Cook Islands voting public would have a direct say in who the prime minister is and what his/her agenda would be. Further, every three years the voting public would get to reaffirm or change the prime minister and parliament.”

Crocombe was asked why such proposals as the appointment of cabinet from within the voting population are being suggested when the 1998 commission of political review report did not recommend such a move.

“Much of what has been recommended is in the 1998 report, but it is now 2010. Times have moved on, and Iaveta and I have distilled everything we know to come up with a 12 point plan that we believe would dramatically move the country forward and can be implemented this year -- prior to the election if the parliamentarians can be persuaded to do so.”

Crocombe reiterates that the 12 proposed reforms are a starting point for national debate on the best way forward for political reform.

“At the end of the day 16 of the 24 parliamentarians will decide if any political reform will actually take place. Unfortunately, for the 10,000 eligible Cook Islands voters their views are, as a practical matter, irrelevant under the current constitution,” he points out. - HG

The 12 recommended reforms are:

- The direct election of the prime minister by all voters

- PM to appoint cabinet from among all voters

- Cabinet appointments approved by parliament

- Create five national seats to be voted for by all voters

- National election of the PM (the top five polling candidates for national seats become national members and the top polling member becomes the PM if they win 50 percent of the vote).

- PM limited to three terms

- Reduce the term of parliament from 4 to 3 years

- Form a permanent Political Review Commission

- Combine the seats of Manihiki and Rakahanga

- Combine the Mangaia seats of Tamarua, Ivirua and Oneroa

- Combine the seats of Mitiaro and Mauke

- Combine the Atiu seats of Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua and Teenui-Mapumai

The continuation of Sunday flights to Aitutaki represents an ‘uneven government hand, a blatant misuse of power and a lack of sympathy to the community’s protest’ says Te Kura O Te Au leader Taraota Tom.

Despite this Tom says ‘the people’s movement’ no longer wants a referendum on Sunday flights because it would be a waste of money given that the election is to be held in September.

In a statement Tom has said that it is a long wait, but the man who helped bring the flight in to the island is ‘no longer in charge’.

He also says while Te Kura O Te Au emerged from the people who have long expressed concern at what they see as government’s forced policies on the Sunday flight to the island, the protest and growing movement did not just come from disappointed Demos.

“The protest and the people’s movement are actually made up of individuals from all political parties and include formerly politically inactive citizens. In their eyes, the ongoing Sunday flight to Aitutaki is a breach of average Aitutaki person’s trust in a government of the people,” says Tom. “Ongoing Sunday flights represent an uneven government hand, a blatant misuse of power, and a lack of sympathy to the Aitutaki community’s strong voices of protest. The Sunday flight to Aitutaki is more than a stab at the community’s long established religious sacred respect of God’s holy day - it is an insult to the democratically expressed wishes of the majority of Aitutaki people who live on the island,” he says.

Tom says this has been proven by the petition that was signed by ‘the majority of the people’.

“Whether you have a problem or not with Sunday flights, all Cook Islanders should be concerned about politically forced policies that trample on communities -- today it is the majority of people in Aitutaki. Tomorrow where will it be? Today it is plane landings for the benefit of a selected private sector and in government. Tomorrow what will it be and who will be in the new select few?”

Government endorsed Air Rarotonga’s two new Sunday flights to Aitutaki in mid-2008 with a promise from former deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate that a referendum would be held following a six month trial period.

Tom says this is when the referendum should have been held and the people’s movement no longer wants one.

Recently prime minister Jim Marurai has recommitted government to holding a referendum for the voting population on the island on the question of the continuation of Sunday flights.

• Helen Greig

The country’s traditional leaders were paid a courtesy call on Monday by new minister William ‘Smiley’ Heather.

Members of the House of Ariki and Koutu Nui in Rarotonga gathered at parliament for the minister now responsible for the two bodies to introduce himself.

Heather’s chief executive Tere Taio says the minister hopes to instil better pride in the traditional leaders of the nation.

While some of the leaders had their opinions on the new five member cabinet, Taio says most were welcoming of the new minister.

One of the ways in which Heather wants to honour these respected community leaders is to look for better facilities than the small office beside parliament in Nikao they currently use. Last week prime minister Jim Marurai said Heather had already asked cabinet to provide a house in Arorangi for the House of Ariki office.

However, that request was turned down because it was discovered that the Cook Islands Investment Corporation has already allocated the building to house workers expected to be staying here over the next two years for the Chinese loan-funded water system and road upgrades.

It is understood some of Heather’s recent requests in regards to House of Ariki president Travel Tou Ariki have not been met with open arms by the prime minister.

Tou Ariki, who had been working for the ministry of infrastructure and planning, is now also being moved to the new minister’s office in Nikao. It is understood the minister has yet to decide on what role Tou Ariki will have but he is likely to be taking an advisory position.

• Helen Greig

Workers this week have started stripping the inmate cells at Arorangi prison.

With the roof having been completed, on Tuesday work began on doing up five of the cells. Workers will renovate five cells at a time so as to avoid displacing all prisoners from their quarters at the same time. For now, the prisoners whose cells are under construction are sleeping in a tent inside the compound.

Early last week, workers and prisoners partially demolished the building and began to lay the concrete groundwork for a new one.

Superintendent Metuatini Tangaroa said he’s happy with the speed of progress.

Justice minister Apii Piho was on site this week and he is grateful to Cook Islands Investment Corporation for helping to correct the safety and security problems posed by the dilapidated state of the prison building.

“I’m really pleased to see this,” said Piho. “We’ve had a lot of breakouts and this will help with that. It will be very hard to break through a concrete roof.”

He said that while security is an important issue, he was also concerned with the fact that the old wooden roof posed a fire hazard.

“If there was a fire, all those prisoners would be trapped inside and that would have been a disaster for the government,” he said. “This should’ve been done a lot earlier. I’m very happy they’ve sped up the process because the safety of the prisoners is of great concern to us.”

The prison building is being fully renovated with funding provided by CIIC and work is expected to be finished within two months.

• Rachel Reeves

Twelve months ago, there was only one boat plying its trade between New Zealand and the Cooks, amidst complaints from importers that cargo was being left behind in Auckland.

And early this month there was concern that Aitutaki could be left off the shipping schedule between late January and early March.

Now it appears that in the space of three months, at least five vessels will service the route for a variety of reasons.

Earlier this month Pacific Direct Line and Pacific Forum Line announced a joint venture.

This means that PFL’s vessel, Forum Avarua, and PDL’s ship, Southern Phoenix will both be withdrawn in favour of a larger vessel MV Forum Pacific which is scheduled to leave Auckland for Rarotonga on March 15.

Southern Phoenix is put down to service Aitutaki at the end of this month and in late February but does not have a licence to operate into Aitutaki.

Reef/XCIL’s Thor Pacific called into Rarotonga recently on its last voyage, after filling in for the Southern Express which has been in dry dock and is due to be pressed back into service in early March. -

• Moana Moeka’a

Pacific Resort Aitutaki has been chosen as one of the Top 10 Luxury Resorts in the South Pacific and Top 10 Resorts for Romance in the South Pacific by the TripAdvisor website in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice awards.

Now in its eighth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers.

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com and content from across the web.

“Inspired by the millions of trusted traveller reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor.com, the Travelers’ Choice awards have once again highlighted the finest hotels in the world,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “From remarkable bargains to the trendiest hotels, travellers worldwide are recognising more than 700 hotels for their outstanding service, value and quality.”

Pacific Resort chief executive officer Greg Stanaway says this award further consolidates Pacific Resort Aitutaki’s position as one of the world’s leading luxury resorts.

• Pacific Resort/HG

Renovations of the Tupapa Nui meeting house will kick off with a ceremony on Friday evening.

Tupapa pu tapere George Matutu says the pure at 6pm will formally start the renovation programme heading towards the meeting house’s centenary in October.

Matutu says the renovations will not involve huge changes to the main structure of the limestone building. However the toilets and kitchen, which have been added over the years, will be done up, and the floor area will be tiled.

With most work expected to be done on Saturday mornings, Matutu says they anticipate renovations to be completed well before the October 14 celebration date.

Money raised on a 2006 sports trip to New Zealand and Australia will go towards the renovations and Matutu says fundraising will be conducted by groups within Tupapa-Maraerenga over the coming months.

Matutu adds that community meetings, uapou and sports-related musters will probably need to be held at the nearby Maraerenga meeting house, Osana.

Work will begin this Saturday at 7am and Matutu says they would appreciate if men in the village can spare some time to help out at Tupapa Nui during the morning.

A steering committee chaired by Maraerenga pu tapere, Apai Mataiapo Tekeu Framhein, will oversee work on the meeting house.

• Moana Moeka’a

A volunteer took part in the sea rescue exercise to test rescue methods from the helicopter – now improvements are being made to make it better. 10012577

A simulated water rescue was carried out with the HeliRaro chopper at Avatiu harbour last Saturday.

One of the Rescue Cook Islands stretchers was used in the exercise where a volunteer wearing a life-jacket swam out into the western marina to await the ‘rescue’.

The helicopter took to the air with the stretcher suspended from a 14 metre long double line with a special four-legged lifting bridle.

Arriving above the ‘patient’ the stretcher was lowered into the water and with some tension on the bridle, the patient was able to climb on and lie down for the short trip back to the boat ramp.

Once the stretcher was lowered to ramp, the helicopter hovered to the side (away from area above the stretcher) and then released the rope and harness.

Before the exercise was carried out, young local swimmers were told about what was going to happen and were asked to move away and watch from a safe place.

A Rescue Cook Islands member complimented the youngsters on the way they complied with this request without the need for continued supervision.

From the results of the exercise, actions are being put in place to improve the use of a helicopter in not only sea but mountain rescues too.

Meanwhile HeliRaro is set to replace the Hughes 500 chopper it chartered from New Zealand with a Robinson R44.

The Hughes 500 is now in a shipping container and will be on its way back to New Zealand soon. HeliRaro owner and pilot Brian McBride says their operations will start up again just after mid-February.

He says the Robinson R44 will be more cost effective, more efficient and better for search missions. The new chopper will also be quieter as the company looks to reduce noise level.

• Helen Greig

The licence plates on the ‘DPM’ plated car were illegally switched until two weeks ago when former deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate returned the grey Honda Accord to the DPM office.

Members of the public had noticed Sir Terepai still driving a government vehicle and CINews can now reveal that even though he was sacked as a minister last month over the $2 million Toagate scandal, he kept using the car he had as DPM.

It is understood the Ngatangiia MP had expected prime minister Jim Marurai to allow him to keep using the car.

The DPM office has two other vehicles registered to it – a red Toyota Corolla plated GA384 and a black Isuzu Dmax truck plated GA347.

The Honda Accord plates were switched with the red Corolla’s plates until they were changed back two weeks ago. This only happened when the discrepancy was spotted by audit office officials carrying out the routine audit of DPM office assets for incoming minister Robert Wigmore.

On January 11 audit officials were told by one of the DPM office staff that the licence plate switch had been done because the former DPM was going to ask the PM if he could keep using the older Honda Accord and if government could re-register the snazzy red Corrolla as the ‘DPM’ plated car.

On January 12, during a press conference, Marurai confirmed Sir Terepai had made the request for the car as well as an office on January 8 and that he had turned this down.

Marurai said Sir Terepai gave no reason for his request and he didn’t see why he needed an office and a car.

Audit did not spend time confirming the story they were given on January 11, but CINews talked to DPM office officials yesterday who say Sir Terepai promptly returned the car to the office when he read about his request being turned down in an issue of CINews that week.

The audit office had been concerned that the registration through the Bank of the Cook Islands had not been carried out to legalise the plate switch.

The plates then had to be switched back to the cars they are registered to – both cars now continue to be used by the DPM office.

• Helen Greig

Tourism board chairman Tata Crocombe heads a new group of tourism industry members that will give marketing advice to government.

The destination sales and marketing committee will provide advice to the tourism board.

The group will also be responsible for communicating more with the industry on how to promote the destination.

Tourism industry council (CITIC) chairman Greg Stanaway sent its members an explanation of the committee this week.

The council says the committee was formed in response to ongoing complaints from the industry that CI Tourism is not consulting it on marketing and its level of communication ‘was at best retrospective’.

Industry members had asked the council for some insight on the functions of the committee.

In the email Stanaway said there had been speculation and misinformation within the industry about the group’s origins, aims and power. The council stresses that the new group can only provide advice and can’t direct the way funds are spent.

CINews understands that CI Tourism CEO John Dean, who resigned two weeks ago, has also had concerns about the new committee and its function.

Added to this is rumoured concern by small to medium industry members that some of these high profile committee members will ‘spend’ new marketing funds to benefit their own large resorts and businesses.

Stanaway, also chief executive of Pacific Resort, is a member of the committee along with Thomas Koteka, Temu Okotai, Rohan Ellis, Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid, Karla Eggelton, Des Eggelton, Ewan Smith, Emile Kairua, Chris McGeown, Peter Heays, and Petero Okotai.

It is understood Crocombe appointed all the members and at least two others have been invited to join.

Last week Crocombe publicly announced the formation of the committee as one of his board’s initiatives at the opening of the biannual tourism forum.

The committee aims to create greater coordination of efforts between the private sector, wholesalers, airlines and CI Tourism as well as a better return on investment of time, funds and human resources.

The industry council says the committee wants to create more efficient flow of market opportunities, marketing ideas and the development of new strategies for the destination as a whole.

It also claims that CI Tourism will still have the function of marketing strategy but with the new committee it will be better informed.

The council says Crocombe felt the committee would be better representative of the industry than the council which is still growing its membership.

• Helen Greig

The tourism industry council says CI Tourism CEO John Dean has advanced the work of the corporation in several key areas over the past 21 months.

CINews asked the council to comment on Dean’s contribution to the industry following his resignation this month.

The council says Dean brought a mature and pragmatic business approach to the national tourism office.

“His particular successes included the appointment of new reps in the North American and Australian markets, establishing strong lines of communication with regional airlines as well as successful negotiations with Air New Zealand on continuity of service on the LAX route and the trialing of a Sydney service.

“He leaves behind a legacy of growth and development in our key markets,” said the council statement.

The council believes Dean communicated well with the industry and has been supportive of industry initiatives such as the Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards launched last year.

The council chairman Greg Stanaway did not comment on possible discontent in the industry over Dean’s resignation and the rumoured link it has with new tourism board chair Tata Crocombe’s new plan for industry growth.

“He (Dean) has been able to keep local politics out of his role. Dean was supported by the corporation board and marketing team and in particular Glenda Tuaine who will undoubtedly play a key role again in this transitional period.”

Tuaine, the corporation’s director of marketing, has previously served as acting CEO.

The council executive says it trusts the tourism board will provide for an independent exit interview with Dean so it can gather insight into how they can best recruit and induct a suitable replacement.

“We are now at a major cross road in our tourism road map and it is important that we harness and capitalise on the new energies and initiatives that are emerging in our tourism community.”

The council says new members of the tourism board will be announced soon and they must play a key role in ensuring that processes and policies are carried out correctly and the CI Tourism team in partnership with the industry is ‘left to get on with the job of promoting our products and the destination as a whole’.

• Helen Greig

Police are in emergency operation mode as cyclone Nisha is deep within Cook Islands territory.

The meteorological service placed the country on warning late Wednesday afternoon triggering the police to activate the emergency operation centre in their headquarters.

Officers have been designated to track Nisha’s path with each met service update, answer any inquiries the public may have as well as ring the outer islands on an hourly basis.

“Our emergency response phones have been switched on and anyone who wants to know about the cyclone can call us direct,” inspector John Strickland said.

“So far everything has been running smoothly and we’ve been receiving bulletins every three hours.

“We had other calls from businesses asking if they should close, but we’ve said it’s their call, and we’ve told them not to panic.”

Police also had a visit from a representative of the New Zealand High Commission to assess the country’s situation and if any assistance could be given. Air New Zealand flights and the harbour were also being monitored.

A meeting was held late yesterday afternoon between the police, Emergency Management Cook Islands and the met service to discuss whether conditions warrant the nation being placed on national emergency.

Police emergency centre numbers are 22261, 22262 and 22268

• Dana Kinita

Schools were closed yesterday as the country remained on warning against cyclone Nisha.

Ministry of education secretary Sharon Paio made the decision to have children remain at home after receiving an update from the met service early yesterday morning.

“It’s a bit of an unknown, the situation can change, but I spoke to the met service at around 6am and made the decision on the advice they gave.” she said.

“We don’t want to close the schools but we’re wary of the children’s safety and we knew the winds would be stronger in the afternoon at the time when parents are picking their children up.”

Paio said a decision whether to re-open schools will be made early this morning.

“We will be in touch with Cook Islands Radio and try to get the message out as early as possible.”

• Dana Kinita

Prime minister Jim Marurai was still in his office yesterday afternoon but had sent his staff home after midday following news that cyclone Nisha had intensified and was continuing on its course towards Rarotonga.

At 3pm he told CINews he had not ordered other ministers or government ministries to close early but several of them had made a similar decision to let staff go early.

Public servants were at least able to go home and secure their properties as best they could.

Some ministries like education in Tupapa had spent the morning preparing their office for the effects of a cyclone by placing equipment up high and taking other important resources to higher ground before closing up at 2pm.

Finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen did not go into his office yesterday but instructed staff to prepare the premises right beside the courthouse in Avarua for a possible cyclone hit.

Marine resources, CI Tourism, the ministry of culture, public health, ministry of health administration and agriculture all apparently closed up around midday on the advice of their heads of ministries.

Some, like the national environment service, were staunchly declaring they would remain working until closing time at 4pm.

And those in the MFEM building were varied on their response to the cyclone threat and letting staff off early – the Cook Islands Investment Corporation continued to work while the ministry of finance staff knocked off at 2pm.

One of the frontline cyclone emergency response ministries – the ministry of infrastructure and planning – let some staff go home in the afternoon yesterday but many of its staff will be at work through the night.

These staff are responsible for checking roads for debris and in the case of a cyclone, clearing away heavy debris with their machinery.

• Helen Greig

Boat owners worked round the clock yesterday to remove their vessels from Avatiu harbour in preparation for cyclone Nisha.

While smaller fishing vessels were winched on to trailers and taken to higher ground, bigger charter boats had to be lifted out of the water by crane.

That included the Ports Authority’s tug boat.

Interisland trading vessels also left the harbour including Taio Shipping’s Te Kou Maru III towing the Maungaroa while the company’s fishing vessel Lady Marie was transported and docked right next to the Ports Authority building.

A number of boat owners have also opted to sit out the cyclone at sea on their boats with the Hotel California catamaran spending the better part of yesterday hanging out around Arorangi, in the lee of the storm.

Harbour master John Fallon said he made the order for them to leave as conditions were too dangerous for both the boats and the harbour.

“I warned the boat owners yesterday (Wednesday) that it will probably occur and told them today that it was happening,” he said.

“The majority have been lifted out and there were a couple of cranes moving the fishing boats,” he said.

Fallon said he will be monitoring the situation and will advise when it is safe for vessels to return.

Captain of Te Kukupa, Superintendent Tepaki Baxter, said the police maritime vessel would be departing Avatiu at 5pm yesterday. A near-full crew will be on board with two people left at the office.

“We will be hanging around the Arorangi side after receiving the orders from the harbour master.” he said.

“It’s a matter of safety, the worst is expected to come on the northern side and the harbour mouth is facing north so we’d be the first hit.”

By mid afternoon, most government offices and a large number of shops in Avarua had boarded up their windows and doors, and sent home staff to look after their own households in preparation for the impending cyclone.

• MW/DK

Three offshore finance industry people are flying the Cook Islands flag in the United States this week.

More than 2500 trusts and estates attorneys are in Orlando, Florida, for the 44th annual Heckerling Institute on estate planning.

Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority chief executive Jenner Davis, who has attended previous Heckerling conferences, says it is the largest legal meet of its kind in the United States and the premier gathering for trusts and estates attorneys.

“US attorneys who work with the Cook Islands offshore industry are spread all over the country. Heckerling allows you to see many of those attorneys in one place making it an efficient way for the industry to see clients,” says Davis.

Also in attendance at the conference, which is being staged by the University of Miami School of Law, are general counsel of Southpac Group, Leeann Corvette, and managing director of GCSL Cook Islands, Puai Wichman.

GCSL and Southpac Group are two of seven platinum sponsors for this year’s conference.

“Not only does this mean the companies invested significant money in their sponsorship but it gives them exposure not afforded to other exhibitors.

“No other offshore trust companies are in attendance and the institute has a rigorous process for allowing companies to come in as exhibitors.”

Davis says it took some convincing years ago with the organisers that the attendees wanted to hear from offshore trust companies.

She adds that it is great to see the Cook Islands well-represented with GCSL and Southpac in prime locations opposite each other along the main walkway of the exhibit hall.

“The best part about this week has been seeing Puai and Leeann team up with each other and with me to promote the Cook Islands.

“They are competitors but both recognise it is in the interest of all of the Cook Islands trust companies that they work together as a team.”

Davis, who is promoting the jurisdiction as a whole, hopes that next year more of the trust companies will attend, increasing the Cook Islands profile even more.

• JD/MM

Rakahanga’s independent MP Piho Rua (above) says the prime minister is fooling the public on the proposed political reforms.

“He [Jim Marurai] is saying things that are pretty difficult to achieve,” says Rua. “He knows that he has to go to parliament to achieve those reforms. But the way I see it, he is not going to call parliament because if he does, he’s out. So what’s the point?

“He is within his rights to call for submissions for people can express their views, but what next? Is he just going to consult with people on Rarotonga or is he going to extend this to the outer islands? What is he going to do once he has the submissions? Is he going to take it to cabinet or is he going to consult with us – the 19 MPs – where is he going with this?”

“He’s fooling some people on political reform because how is he going to achieve his objectives? Or is he just passing the buck so that he can look good? My question is what next -- what next?

“Is the prime minister really real about this – why is he thinking of political reform when he knows he cannot achieve his objectives?”

On the proposal to merge Manihiki and Rakahanga, Rua does not feel it would be up to him to decide. However he says he has been fielding calls over the past week from Rakahangans opposing the move.

“It’s not my say but I know a lot of them do not agree to it. We should go back to the people and ask them – it’s up to the people on Rakahanga and Manihiki to decide, not for people on Rarotonga.

“I know that we could do away with three seats and I’m sure that the parties will agree to that. But again we will need to put it to the people.”

A former Democratic Party MP, William Heather Snr, believes the reform issue is a smokescreen which is diverting the public from the real issue which is the upcoming general election.

“It’s [political reform] the wrong issue at the wrong time.”

Heather says he does not agree with the reforms and he is against trying to push the issues through in a short space of time without people being fully informed.

He says the elections should be the priority this year and discussions on the reform should follow and be carried out in the proper manner.

• Moana Moeka’a

Dear Editor

I wish to respond to a couple of issues raised by Piho Rua MP in Friday’s Cook Islands News.

I write as one of the persons involved in putting forward to cabinet options for political reform. In the past three years I have been asked by cabinet to provide proposals for political reform for which no decision has been made. So this is not the first time I have put proposals for political reform to cabinet.

Let me say from the outset that the need for political reform has always been a hot political topic for over ten years since we produced the first report for political reform in 1998.

Firstly there is ample time for the reform measures including the Constitutional changes to be passed before the next election must be called. All it needs is a minimum of 16 MPs who are prepared to support the reform measures through Parliament.

At present it appears to me that the majority of MPs are focusing on parliament to be called in order to throw the present cabinet out only to be replaced by another new lot and who knows how long they will last before further changes will take place. This has surely demonstrated to us all why there is a need for the nation as a whole to decide who the PM should be and end the horse trading, boycotts and shenanigans fighting over the keys for the PM’s office.

You can just imagine how the PM and his cabinet are working fighting on two fronts firstly to ward off MP invasion and secondly trying to focus on the affairs of the nation. It is trite to talk about democracy when what we see before us is mere machinations and maneuvers for either revenge or gain or holding on. Our political system has forced this on our MPs and they are reacting like most human beings squabbling over all sorts of issues. Our system has turned our MPs into what they are today.

To answer Piho Rua, yes it is hopeless if all the MPs are holding knives with gritted teeth pointing to Marurai and ready to end his government in the name of the “majority” which is a nebulous mirage of shifting alliances. At the last election the voters voted in a Democratic Party government which promised that Jim Marurai will remain prime minister.

But equally, it is not a hopeless case and it can be done if someone would stand up and show leadership in both the Demo and CIP camps and broker a way to get these reform proposals through if indeed there is support amongst the MPs for it. At the last election both the CIPs and the Democratic parties talked a lot and promised the people that they would carry out political reform if elected. Now is the time to honour those promises.

If there is open debate and there are strong arguments not to support the proposed reforms, then it will end there and that is what democracy is about. But I have yet to find strong and sound arguments to negate all the benefits to be derived from the proposals for reform. With the elections just around the corner, I believe that the public has a right to ask each MP to declare what political reform he or she supports and what steps he/she is taking to bring it about.

Furthermore Piho is wrong to say the issue of the number of constituencies and the proposed merger for Rakahanga and Manihiki is not an issue for Rarotonga to decide. Whilst obviously Rakahanga’s and Manihiki’s views are important, what are more important are the facts – the number of voters in some of our constituencies is far too low and is undemocratic. It matters not where the constituency is, the number of voters is a fundamental basis for the allocation of constituencies.

Of course there are other important issues to consider and not just numbers only. However, every voter in the Cook Islands has a say about the allocation of all seats or constituencies in the Cook Islands and it is not an issue to be decided alone by a particular constituency.

Lastly let us not get hung over with this infatuation over having our own MP. We have turned our MPs into run around fixit people beholden to pressure groups. Many have forgotten that our MPs are in parliament to debate and make wise decisions over the kind of laws we need for our nation. Let us get back to basics as to what parliament is supposed to be about.

The greatest need of this country right now is strong and enlightened leadership at all levels. And our political system is not delivering on this and no one is going to fix this for us – we have to do it. At least the PM and the present cabinet have started the ball rolling and it is up to the rest of the MPs to show where they stand.

Iaveta Short

Dear Editor,

Your Smoke Signal under the heading ‘Flying high’ appeared to say that when the country tried to run our own airline in the 1980s it “lost millions – several Toagate worth per year”.  The writer is wrong.

I led the negotiations for a joint venture airline with Ansett and the formation of Cook Islands International Airlines which ran for a year in the mid 1980s.

The Cook Islands did not pay a penny for the airline.

The way we structured the Joint Venture Agreement was that if it ran at a loss, Ansett will carry all the loss (as the owner and operator of the airline) and if it ran at a profit it will be shared with the Cook Islands.

The airline could not fill the seats from Auckland because most of the travel agents would not sell the seats for fear of losing its business with Air NZ.

After a year it closed the operation but at no financial cost to the Cook Islands.

Hawaiian Airlines tried to take over from where CI International Airlines left off and after a year it also ended.

Air NZ has a strong grip on the wholesale and retail marketing of airline seats in our markets.

Iaveta Short

This is Mou Piri’s considered response and position on the specific political reforms proposed by the prime minister’s advisers:

1. PRIME MINISTER – Yes, Mou Piri supports the direct election of the Prime Minister by all Cook Island registered voters. Advantage: being elected by the people and not a political party will allow the PM to form a Cabinet of the best candidates – not necessarily all from one party, and encourage bipartisan cooperation.

2. PM to appoint Cabinet – No, the Prime Minister should appoint his/her cabinet from elected MPs only.

3. Cabinet appointments approved by Parliament – No. Not necessary with elected MPs appointed – will only lead to party horse trading again.

4. National seats – Yes. National seats are absolutely needed to give all Cook Islanders democratic choice in who is running the country.

We support the creation of 10 national seats with 9 constitutional seats as outlined in our petition. Note: this also allows for a reduction from 24 to 19 MPs which is not addressed anywhere in the proposal to Government.

5.  National Election of the PM – we support the system of the top polling National MP becoming the Prime Minister. Voting by using a Single Transferable Vote (preference system) would be ideal.

6. PM limited to three terms – Yes, we support a limit of either 3x 3 years or 2x 4 year terms.

7. Term of Parliament. We reserve comment at this time.

8. Political Review Commission – Yes, we strongly suggest formation of a permanent political review commission to evaluate and recommend ongoing modification to the political system as needed. Note: we require further clarification on point 8(a) with regards to constituency boundaries being determined. Current boundaries for constituencies are adequate; it’s the necessity of less MPs in particular constituencies that is required.

9-12. With regards to Constituency seats, we continue to support 9 seats as set out in our petition. We have never wavered in our belief of this being a fair and balanced representation.

We have only the Cook Islands voters’ interest at hand and not that of only the MPs so our suggestion has not and will not be watered down to appease any particular political party.

Remember, with our petition, every voter will have 1 constituency vote and 10 national votes instead of the single constituency vote you have now.

In conclusion, Mou Piri stands firm with their intent of being an avenue for the average person to have their say. In signing our petition, we show the will of the people to the Government of the day and we demand they listen to what we are saying with regards to wanting Political Reform.

We do not leave it in the hands of the MPs to make the decision of the country needing political reform, it must come from the people and it must be overwhelming support of the petition that will bring about change.

The people of the Cook Islands are no longer nave to believe that if left to the politicians, we will have reform – experience has shown the contrary.

SIGN THE PETITION, VOTE FOR POLITICAL REFORM.

Mou Piri

After reading about the radical political reforms proposed, one signaller says to push the proposal to combine some of the constituencies, it might help if the prime minister comes out and states that he is in favour of letting go of his Ivirua seat in Mangaia. “Wouldn’t it make more sense if we were to get rid of two in Mangaia and one in Atiu to have 21 seats in total?” And on the proposal to directly elect the prime minister, the same signaller says: “No way – if you get an idiot, then you are stuck with him/her for the rest of the term.”

BUSINESS AS USUAL

With regards to the recent cyclone alert, one resident says seeing an Air Rarotonga plane take off yesterday morning really sums up the attitude of those in the private sector and those working in government. “On one hand we have a flight flying towards the outer islands in unpredictable weather and on Rarotonga, one ministry is shut for the day (SmokeSignals: The Ministry of Justice advertised it would close if the weather didn’t improve; the weather improved and the ministry was open yesterday) and another cancels a graduation function which is going to be held in a secure building.” Another person watched the Air New Zealand flight come in on Thursday afternoon. “That captain deserves a medal – he brought that plane to the ground with absolutely no hassles.”

VOTERS WANT LESS MEMBERS

A signaller writes: “By, no doubt, bowing to current political consultation over reform, task force recommendations for a reduction to 19 MPs have been watered down in the PM’s proposal and is back to 24 again, who are we trying to please here? Then of all things they propose an unelected cabinet of five more. So now we are expected to support the concept of paying for 29. When are these guys going to accept that the voters want a REDUCED number? It’s definitely time to make these politicians step up and publicly state their personal position on reform. We definitely don’t want to vote for anyone ever again that persists in denying the public their democratic choice.”

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

“Is Makiuti Tongia, the Democratic Party president, trying to confuse the simple issue of a reduced parliamentary term?” a reader asks. “A referendum held with the 2004 general election offered voters the choice of four or five years. Over 80 percent chose four years. Three years wasn’t an option. The current proposal is a choice between three or four years. Nothing dictatorial about that. And we certainly don’t want to add five years into the mix. That’s the way politicians managed to avoid decreasing the term in an earlier referendum. The majority of voters wanted a reduced term but the numbers were split between three and four years. Five years received the highest number of votes and government went with it rather than adding the other two together.”

OPPOSITION STANCE DOESN’T IMPRESS

It’s going to be tricky come election time, says one smoke signaller. “I’m not prepared to vote for the opposition who have been almost silent for three years when it was their job to question the dodgy Toa deal, to alert the public to what was going on and to actually oppose it. Only now are they flapping their lips but not to complain about Toa but to support the foolish, arrogant old man who was behind it all. If the ex-DPM had an ounce of integrity he would have resigned but he hasn’t even apologised! And I won’t be voting for any of the Demo MPs who now support the ex-DPM when most of the people are happy to see the back of him. Now might be a good time for independents to have a go but unfortunately many good independent candidates have failed to get elected in the past and those who were have often been for sale to the highest political bidder.”

KEEPING THEIR HEADS DOWN

“Come on media, where are you?” asks a signaller. “In the very public debate over reform the only people we don’t hear from are the gang of 19.Why aren’t the journalists and TV cameras in their face asking some hard questions? Where do they stand? Perhaps they have forgotten what they were elected for because all they do is shelter behind their party caucus or executive statements do none of them have an opinion of their own anymore. And let’s not forget the new contenders being moulded by the party selection process for the coming election. Do any of them have cojones to stand up and be counted or are they all just little piglets waiting for their turn at the trough?” Oink oink.

Keep the smokies rolling in! Smoke Signals will be accepted by e-mail (smokesignals@cookislandsnews.com), text to 188 or a phone call to the newsroom on 22999.

Jim Gosselin. 10012917

Former foreign affairs expert James Gosselin will return to head the ministry that he was once a part of.

Gosselin was announced yesterday by prime minister Jim Marurai as the new secretary for foreign affairs and immigration.

Gosselin is currently serving as regional trade policy advisor for the Commonwealth Secretariat and has been based at the Forum Secretariat in Fiji since 2003.

He was in Nauru yesterday on business when word on his appointment was made public and said via email that he is “deeply honoured by and grateful for government’s acceptance of my application for the position”.

“I look forward to once more assuming a position in government and to serve the people of the Cook Islands and contributing in a positive way to the future development of the country.”

Gosselin, who was the ministry’s international advisor when he left Rarotonga in 2003, says that he and his wife hope to return to Rarotonga in March.

According to a memorandum for cabinet given out at the announcement, Gosselin topped the shortlist recommended by the selection panel for the post. The other shortlisted candidates were former cultural ministry secretary Jon Jonassen and current foreign affairs secretary Mike Mitchell, who took over after Edwin Pittman resigned in late 2007.

Marurai, when making the announcement yesterday, said that Mitchell may be used in another area by government.

The position was advertised along with most of the HoM posts last year, but cabinet did not make a decision on the post.

Public service commissioner Navy Epati says that details of Gosselin’s employment are still being worked on.

And a former research director at marine resources will return to head the ministry.

Ben Ponia was yesterday announced by Marurai as the ministry’s new HoM.

Ponia has been an aquaculture adviser at SPC in New Caledonia, and like Gosselin, Epati says the details around his future employment are also being worked out.

Ponia will replace Ian Bertram who is taking up employment at SPC.

Also on the shortlist was Peter Graham and a former health secretary Tupu Araiti who has been based in New Zealand.

As for island secretary positions, Tere Marsters has been announced as Palmerston’s top official, with Lazaro Samson tipping Rangi Mitaera for the post in Manihiki.

No suitable candidate was put forward by the selection panel for the Penrhyn island secretary.

Epati says that five people initially applied for the position and none of the three remaining applicants was recommended.

As for Rakahanga post, Nga Takai’s name has been put forward by the selection panel. However, Marurai said yesterday that cabinet, when it met on Tuesday, did not make a decision on this position.

Takai’s name was the top of the shortlist when applications were first called for in the middle of last year. The selection panel consisted of Epati, Kato Tama, Ken Matheson and Bishop Tutai Pere.

• Moana Moeka’a

The driving licence issued by Cook Islands Police does not necessarily qualify holders to drive overseas, says police commissioner Maara Tetava.

The regulatory office is in the practice of issuing letters to Cook Islanders planning to move overseas, reminding them to apply for an overseas licence.

But those planning to drive while overseas on holiday should heed police warnings that the Cook Islands licence really only prepares holders to drive in the Cook Islands.

The New Zealand Department of Labour website says that “if you have a driver’s licence in your home country, or an international driving permit or driver’s licence, you can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months before applying for a New Zealand licence.”

But Tetava says that though it’s “really up to the New Zealand and other overseas authorities as to whether they will allow holders of Cook Islands driver’s licences to use [them] in their jurisdiction,” it’s a good idea to apply for an overseas licence.

Regulatory officer Karen Ngamata said that different road conditions warrant a different kind of licence. Driving here, where there is one main road and a maximum speed of 50kph, does not thoroughly prepare road users for driving conditions overseas, she said. The maximum speed on the highway in New Zealand, by contrast, is 100kph.

“We in the Cook Islands do not have a graduated licence system and our driving conditions are very different to the high speeds experienced in other countries,” she said.

A Cook Islands licence is technically valid for up to one year in New Zealand, after which holders must pass a theory and a practical driving test to obtain an NZ licence.

The NZ Ministry of Transport says that “some countries require similar driving skills and have similar licensing systems to New Zealand’s” and that road users from those countries need not sit any driving tests. The Cook Islands, however, is not included on that list of countries.

Despite the legality of using a Cook Islands licence upon arrival in NZ, Tetava encourages everyone who plans to drive there to obtain a NZ licence “as the laws and practices are different to ours in the Cook Islands,” he said.

• RR

NZ government donates two marked patrol vehicles and “state-of-the-art” training system to aviation security. 10012702

The NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs donated two marked patrol vehicles and a sophisticated computer-based training system to Cook Islands Aviation Security this week.

Murray Breeze, manager of quality systems development for the Pacific Islands at NZ Aviation Security Services (Avsec NZ), formally presented the gifts to airport security officers on Wednesday afternoon.

He was accompanied by Avsec instructor Bruce Livingstone, who spent the past few days introducing security officers to Tutor 2, the training programme he calls “state-of-the-art.”

Used by Avsec NZ, the programme trains x-ray operators to improve their ability to spot dangerous items in a traveller’s suitcase.

The system presents officers with x-ray images of things like firearms, explosives and knives so they can be prepared to detect possible threats. Like a computer game, it has multiple levels and the images become progressively more difficult to detect as a user improves.

It records the profiles of up to 1000 officers, noting success and failure rates, response times and progress records.

“I have no doubt [the programme] will contribute positively to the safety of aviation in Rarotonga,” Livingstone said. “We use the same equipment in New Zealand and it’s been very effective.”

Breeze agreed that the programme will certainly “enhance” and “improve” the security screens conducted in the Cook Islands.

“It will be very effective at improving detection capabilities of x-ray operators and will help to maintain the high level of competency of aviation security,” he said. “It will provide a higher level of assurance to the travelling public.”

The vehicle and equipment donations were made possible by the Pacific Security Fund project, which is managed by Avsec NZ.

The NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides the project with half a million dollars annually to provide equipment and training to Pacific Islands security services. Each island involved receives about $90,000 of assistance per year.

• Rachel Reeves

The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council is meeting on Monday to discuss a controversial new government initiative – the destination sales and marketing committee.

The committee is to provide marketing advice to the tourism board as well as communicate with the industry to gather more information on how to promote the destination.

Industry council vice chair Stephen Lyon says next week’s meeting will provide the opportunity for an industry-wide discussion on the role of the new committee.

He says industry members did not get a chance to question the role of the new committee at this month’s week-long industry forum and they are hoping to air their views come Monday morning.

Lyon says the council wants to formulate a position on the committee’s role in advising the tourism board and CI Tourism corporation.

He did not elaborate on the concerns of the industry but says there remain concerns despite an explanation of the new committee being sent out to members this week by the council.

One of the concerns likely to be discussed at the meeting is how smaller industry members are to benefit from the committee’s work.

The committee is dominated by the large tourism business and accommodation operators and chaired by tourism board chairman Tata Crocombe.

There is some speculation that the high profile committee members will ‘spend’ new marketing funds to benefit their own large resorts and businesses.

Another concern is that cabinet has apparently approved a proposal that the committee ‘direct’ the spending of new marketing funds being set aside to promote the trial Air New Zealand direct Sydney to Rarotonga flight starting in July.

This funding could be close to $1 million.

The committee was reportedly responsible for a marketing campaign in December which is said to have resulted in little benefit across the industry.

It is understood that the committee may have been set up on the advice of Crocombe’s economic development taskforce, since the tourism board reportedly did not meet around the time it was formed in November. Crocombe has, however, announced the committee as an initiative of the tourism board.

The council says Crocombe felt the committee would be better representative of the industry than the council which is still growing its membership.

Crocombe is out of the country but other members of the new committee are expected to be at the meeting on Monday.

The industry council chairman Greg Stanaway, also a member of the new committee and chief executive of Pacific Resort, is out of the country – so is the other vice chairman of the council Robert Skews, director of Turama Pacific Travel Group.

Members of the new DSM committee include Thomas Koteka, Temu Okotai, Rohan Ellis, Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid, Karla Eggelton, Des Eggelton, Ewan Smith, Emile Kairua, Chris McGeown, Peter Heays, and Petero Okotai.

The meeting is to be held at the Muri Beach Club Hotel at 8am on Monday.

• Helen Greig

Senior met service officer Maara Vaiimene says it is better to be on the safe side and warn everyone for their safety. 10012828

What a difference a day makes.

The glimpse of sun between showers yesterday was a stark contrast to Thursday afternoon as Rarotonga braced itself for tropical cyclone Nisha.

After increasing in movement and losing intensity, Nisha was officially declared a tropical depression at 5am yesterday by the Fiji Metrological Service.

Senior Cook Islands met service officer Maara Vaiimene said based on its previous movement they had predicted Nisha to be approaching Rarotonga within the next day or so – a view supported by the Fiji Met Service and the US Naval Research Laboratory.

“However, no one picked up that it would gain momentum – the increase in movement means it disipitates in intensity,” Vaiimene said.

“We didn’t have enough information that it would speed up at the time.”

The closest Nisha came to Rarotonga was 85 nautical miles north-west of the island around 2.30am. It was travelling at a speed of 15 knots.

“Between the space of 2.30 and 5am, Nisha increased its speed from 15 to 20 knots and moved 100 to 120 nautical miles off Rarotonga,” he said.

“By 5am it was continuing to move north and away from us and Nisha was downgraded to a tropical depression and the tropical cyclone warning downgraded to a strong wind warning.

“Winds near the centre had dropped from 30-35 knots to 20-25 knots. The main factor was a high pressure system to the south of the cyclone which was also moving easterly,” he said.

“Nisha had very little movement in the space of nine hours so by the time it met the pressure it caused winds to slow down – tropical cyclones look for areas over low pressure.”

As of 3.30pm yesterday all that remained was a rain cloud band sitting over Ngaputoru and extending to Rarotonga.

“What we are experiencing now is residue from the depression. Some light showers and we’re still experiencing strong winds but we expect conditions to improve in the next 24 to 48 hours.”

With a full moon last night, Vaiimene said their main concern was not the winds but the higher than normal tide.

“It usually rises about half a metre above the normal level of 1 metre but we were more concerned of coastal flooding associated with high seas as the cyclone was approaching.

“It’s usually the areas along the northwest to northeast of the Rarotonga coast, from Edgewater towards town.”

Vaiimene said he was pleased that overall there was no panic from callers and they were able to receive and send updates in a timely manner.

“It’s always the situation when a cyclone doesn’t occur how we predicted it, that some people react negatively.

“But it is better to be on the safe side and warn everyone for their safety. Even if it didn’t happen, it was good that people were prepared.”

The met service is currently monitoring a low depression sitting north of Fiji and south of Tuvalu northwest of Samoa. Vaiimene said it was still in its initial stages.

Schools were closed on Thursday and Friday but were expected to open on Monday, and ships were seen returning to the harbour yesterday afternoon.

• Dana Kinita

Police are pleased with how their emergency response centre handled the threat of cyclone Nisha.

As the leading government agency in times of cyclones, police opened emergency hotlines for the public and continued to operate well after Nisha was declared a tropical depression.

“The way everyone handled things was a big improvement in the whole process compared to previous years,” inspector John Strickland said. “Overall information was being well received to the public and private sector via the bulletins and on the radio and we were receiving constant feedback from the outer islands via phone or email.”

The police emergency operation centre was declared stood down at 10.42am yesterday after a debriefing with the met service.

“Even though Nisha was declared a depression at 5am, we still monitored the situation until we were stood down.”

The emergency centre had around four to five officers each shift tracking Nisha’s movement and answering any phone or email inquiries. Stickland said the officers were especially trained to deal with this type of situation.

“They stayed calm as they have been trained to be and the commissioner didn’t go to the national level as he could see everything was under control,” he said.

“We have done very well and I praise not only us but all the respective authorities involved such as the met service, EMCI, ministry of infrastructure, CIIC, the harbour master. It was good to see some unity.”

“On behalf of the commissioner, I would like to thank all those involved especially in the outer islands for their cooperation and updates. They were our eyes and ears and were able to tell us what was going on for us to pass it on to the met service,” Strickland said.

• Dana Kinita

Thanks to the generosity of the Rarotonga community, the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic raised $625 from last Saturday’s garage sale.

In addition, animal patients enjoyed full tummies because of the kindness of local bargain hunters who also donated animal food.

A bonus to an already great day was the placement of two sweet-faced kittens (is there any other kind?) into new and loving homes.

EHF also thanks the animal clinic veterinary team and all of the EHF volunteers for their assistance.

The clinic also sends a special thank you to Thea Pypers who came up with the idea to hold the sale and whose organisational skills resulted in this very successful event for Rarotonga animals.

The clinic still has a television and a large fridge/freezer – both in good working condition – for sale at the Nikao clinic .

• EHF

Nikao Maori Preschool students line up ready to march to the playground. 10012571

Two Nikao Maori School students remove linoleum from their classroom so that they’ll have a clean learning environment. 10012569

It’s been an interesting first week back at school for Rarotonga students.

Most pupils spent the first day back at school on cleaning duties making sure their classrooms were spick and span for a healthy learning environment.

Kids seemed to be starting to settle down and make new friends on Tuesday and Wednesday but on Thursday Rarotonga schools closed their doors for cyclone Nisha.

In this week’s Kids Page we look back at the first day of school for Rarotonga children.

• Matariki Wilson

The landmark law covering the management of the country’s seabed minerals has yet to come into force because Crown Law claims it is ‘too overworked’ to provide a document that, once signed, will complete its passage into law.

The seabed minerals bill, passed in parliament last November, still has to receive approval of the Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin by ‘order in executive council’ to become law.

Until recently it was understood the bill had been enacted.

Prime minister Jim Marurai revealed yesterday that the executive council (cabinet and the QR) have been ready to pass the bill into law but the simple document needed to complete this process has yet to be provided by Crown Law.

Marurai said he had been informed by attorney-general Wilkie Rasmussen that solicitor general Tingika Elikana told him they were too overworked at Crown Law to provide the document.

Meanwhile government continues to advertise for a seabed minerals commissioner to head the authority to be set up to manage the country’s vast seabed mineral resource under the ‘seabed minerals act’ which still does not exist.

Marurai also revealed yesterday that Endeavour Mining Capital – the Canadian company which put a mining proposal to government a few years ago – is still pressuring government to make a deal on allowing it to explore and potentially mine the Cooks’ manganese nodule resource.

In fact representatives of the company spoke to Marurai’s executive advisor Trevor Pitt last Thursday at the office of the prime minister.

Marurai says the Commonwealth Secretariat, which helped write the seabed minerals bill, has once again warned government against making any deals with the company or any other interested groups until the law is in force.

• Helen Greig

A 24-year-old, who was over the alcohol limit, had to be pulled from the rental car he flipped in Avatiu after police chased him. 10013001

A 24-year-old driver was lucky to escape injury after he flipped a rental car on Saturday morning.

Senior sergeant Ngatamariki Pouao said the Nikao man had overtaken a police car in front of their station around 1.44am. Police gave chase to the white Nissan as it was seen driving dangerously and at high speed.

The driver continued on to the back road of Avatiu. As it turned the corner, it crossed over the centre line, clipped a power pole and drove through hedges before flipping over.

Pouao said the man needed to be pulled from the vehicle but appeared uninjured.

He was transported and admitted to hospital as a precautionary measure but was discharged that afternoon. Police said he was unable to be interviewed straight after the accident as he was too drunk to talk and later returned a positive blood alcohol result.

He is expected to appear in court this week on charges of excess breath alcohol and dangerous driving.

“People who drive drunk don’t have no consideration of the consequences,” Pouao said. “The rental car, damage to the power pole and the medical expenses will cost a lot of money that has to be paid.”

Pouao said police will continue to patrol the roads and nightclub areas on Friday and Saturday nights.

On Friday, two other crashes were reported. Around 2.23pm a 65-year-old female motorcyclist collided with a building pole at CITC supermarket. The woman was driving a rental scooter and had to be taken to hospital after suffering a dislocated right shoulder.

A black Mitsubishi crashed into another vehicle as they were reversing on to the main road in Muri. Police said they were still looking into the incident.

• Dana Kinita

Former deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate admits that he continued to drive the old grey Honda Accord vehicle after he was sacked.

But Sir Terepai claims that he acquired the car on a gentleman’s agreement he had with the prime minister Jim Marurai and deputy prime minister Robert Wigmore.

Sir Terepai was responding to a story in Friday’s Cook Islands News which said that the licence plates were switched between two of the vehicles under the DPM’s office, so that he could take one of the cars.

Sir Terepai says that he went to see the prime minister early this month [January] to ask for a car and office space for the 10 Democratic Party MPs outside of cabinet.

He says when he arrived at the PM’s office, DPM Wigmore was also there.

Sir Terepai says he asked about office space and the PM offered Wigmore’s old office at the ministry of cultural development. He says he asked for a car and Wigmore told him to take the new red Toyota Corolla.

He says he told Wigmore and Marurai that he preferred the old Honda which he always drove, to which they agreed to. And he claims that he told them that he would then need to swap the DPM number plate to the Corolla as he was no longer the DPM.

It was about a week later, that he was informed by one of the DPM’s workers that he would need to return the car.

He was also told verbally that a request for office space had been denied.

Sir Terepai says that after the vehicle was taken, he informed parliamentary services that he no longer had a government car and asked about claiming his transport entitlements.

“That’s the full story – I didn’t sweep anything under the carpet. They gave me the car on a gentleman’s agreement.”

When asked what he is driving now, Sir Terepai laughs.

“You don’t need to know that. But it’s not a government car.”

• Moana Moeka’a

The Aid Management Division of MFEM is currently in the process of recruiting a team of consultants to evaluate the impact of the Paris Declaration on the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands is one of 23 countries in the world to undertake the evaluation, which will measure whether aid is being effectively and appropriately administered and managed. Developed at a Paris forum in 2005, the Paris Declaration (PD) is an agreement between donors and recipients that aid should be used to maximise development results. Fifty-two donors of aid and their partner countries and 30 other multilateral agencies and non-governmental organisations have endorsed it.

The PD is based on five principles: local ownership of aid programmes, using aid to meet national needs, harmonizing aid from multiple sources, using aid to maximise results, and holding both donors and recipients accountable for aid effectiveness.

The agreement seeks to correct problems that occur when, for example, donors dispense aid with strings attached. It aims to ensure that aid flows are determined by national priorities and not donor agendas.

“The Paris Declaration reflects an aspiration by both donors and recipients [of aid] to improve aid effectiveness, to create sustainable development outcomes on the ground, particularly for the poor and marginalised,” AMD manager Garth Henderson said. “It is a recognition that aid delivery in the past has not delivered the outcomes we all want.”

Henderson said that the Paris Declaration represents a positive change in aid management. He added that the Paris Declaration seems to be working effectively here in the Cook Islands.

“Based upon my own observations in our local context, I have seen improvements,” he said. “Since our endorsement of the PD in 2006, its principles have been one of the foundations of our negotiations with donors. There have been many small endeavours to increase the extent of local ownership of aid initiatives, alignment with national priorities, use of national systems,” he said. He expects it to be successful at “improving aid effectiveness into the future and delivering on those development outcomes on the ground.”

Henderson said that government has “undertaken a lot of restructuring work” to satisfy PD requirements.

“We have improved our national planning capacity, our government financial systems and procurement processes are high standard,” he said. “We score very high on the country assessments by some of our development partners.”

The Cook Islands receives aid from multiple sources, including NZAID, AusAID the European Union, the People’s Republic of China, UN agencies, SPC, Forum, CROP agencies and new emerging donors like India, Italy, Turkey and Indonesia.

The national budget for 2009-2010 predicts that for 2009-2010, the country will receive $30.2 million from donor partners, which is 43.8% more than total aid contributions during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

This year, aid was used for funding education, funding the development of the outer islands, supporting the Pacific Mini Games and partially subsidising Air New Zealand.

AMD is currently reviewing expressions of interest from potential evaluators of the Paris Declaration. The consulting team will evaluate whether aid is being allocated and received properly and effectively, and will measure the transparency and accountability of aid transactions.

• RR

Tupou Faireka. 10012615

Health secretary Tupou Faireka is leading a country delegation to the Pacific Conference on the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis to be held in Vanuatu this month.

More than 200 high level delegates from 16 Pacific island countries are set to gather in Port Vila on February 10-12 to talk about the issues that the poor and vulnerable in the region are facing.

The meeting will discuss ways to ease the impact of the crisis especially on vulnerable groups such as women and children.

The Cook Islands will share its experience of the crisis and the ways it hopes to counter its effects.

Faireka says the country has definitely suffered a decline in economic activity since 2008 with a significant decline in gross domestic product.

The revenue generated by the economy, divided up by the population is now much lower.

Faireka says while certain data or information is not available to get a clear picture of how households have felt the impact of the crisis, they have relied on some key indicators.

Revenue from tourism, the country’s economic base, has declined. There was lower consumer spending in 2008 compared to the previous year (based on value added tax income to government), and since then there has been a lower spend on ‘big ticket’ items such as new homes and businesses being built.

A real drop in car sales shows we are not rushing out to buy bigger items anymore – and one of the added reasons for this is the increase in loan interest rates.

Faireka says overall, several factors have led to the people having reduced purchasing power.

While the economy showed strong signs of recovery towards the end of last year, the negative impacts of the crisis seen in Rarotonga are thought to have been much worse on the outer island population.

People living in the outer islands sometimes pay twice as much and more for products – from fuel to food – than those in Rarotonga.

Faireka says government actions to counter the crisis and help recovery are already underway.

Government has provided an extra $1 million for tourism marketing in the hopes of increasing visitor numbers.

Last year the hosting of the Pacific Mini Games, the World Youth Netball Championships, and the likes of now growing annual events such as the Vaka Eiva outrigger canoeing festival have helped build revenue, says Faireka. Securing a $13.4 million Asian Development loan for an economic recovery support programme should also pay off over the next two years.

But the impacts of the crisis are still being seen in dramatic ways such as the outward migration of at least 1000 members of the population since June 2008 – government estimated the population to be around 13,000 towards the end of 2009.

There are still a large number of outer island residents moving to Rarotonga. Faireka says a new trend causing concern is the higher crime rates, particularly juvenile crime.

Learning from other Pacific island country’s experiences of the economic crisis may result in more future plans for regional cooperation to build economic growth and many countries will be looking to donor nations and organizations at the conference this month to take notice of their specific needs.

The Cook Islands delegation will also include secretary of internal affairs Bredina Drollet, secretary of education Sharyn Paio, secretary of justice Mark Short, finance representative Dallas Young, office of the prime minister’s Liz Koteka, Atiu mayor Nellie Mokoroa and Manihiki mayor Kora Kora.

The outcomes of the conference in Vanuatu will be reported to the Pacific Forum Leaders at their annual meeting later this year.

• Helen Greig

Chris Cooper has just settled into his job as the new Maritime Surveillance Adviser down at the Avatiu wharf.

The Australian navy has loaned him to Rarotonga for two years, during which he will be directing and supervising Te Kukupa’s patrol of our exclusive economic zone.

Cooper will be training the boat’s captain and crew and the maritime police division in naval surveillance, lending his extensive navy experience to the effort to defeat illegal fishing.

Cooper was born and raised in the south of England and spent 17 years in the Royal Navy. He spent the past six years in Darwin, Australia, working on patrol boats and recently completed a Masters degree in Strategic Policy in Canberra.

A Lieutenant Commander in the Australian navy, Cooper hopes to provide what advice he can to the maritime division while he’s on the island.

“I’d like to consolidate what my predecessor has done because he’s done a very good job,” he said. “And of course, if possible I’d like to leave [the maritime division] in an even better state.”

Cooper said he’s still “finding [his] feet” and exploring the island. He visited Rarotonga in December to sort out some administrative issues and found it to be a “beautiful place”.

He’s accompanied by his wife Juliet and his son Robert, age 11, who will be attending Nukutere. The whole family is looking forward to “an enjoyable two years” and to getting involved with the island community.

• Rachel Reeves

The new Cook Islands voyaging vaka Marumaru Atua will add a Polynesian feel to this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations in New Zealand.

Cook Islands Voyaging Society president Ian Karika will be among the crew of 16 that will sail the double hulled vaka from Bayswater Marina on the north shore of Auckland to Waitangi in the Bay of Islands.

Among the sailors making the 133 nautical mile voyage will be 10 Cook Islands sailors along with traditional sailors from Easter Island and Vanuatu.

Waitangi Day is commemorated every year on February 6 to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Marumaru Atua crew will set sail for Waitangi on February 3 with the voyage expected to take up to 30 hours.

“It will pretty much the same sort of trip that we just did to Aitutaki on the vaka Te Au O Tonga,” says Karika.

He adds that they hope to reach Waitangi on the evening of Thursday February 4 or in the evening of Friday February 5.

Karika is not entirely sure as to exactly what role the vaka will play in the Waitangi Day celebration but he understands that the crew have been invited to make a presentation so he is currently organising a unique Cook Islands gift to present to the people of Waitangi.

Marumaru Atua was built by Karika and a crew of builders from Rarotonga and New Zealand in Greenhithe, Auckland, and launched in April 2009.

The vaka was built for a planned voyage to Hawaii later this year initiated by the Pacific Voyagers – a network of voyaging groups from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga and Samoa.

Marumaru Atua is part of a fleet of seven ocean-going canoes built in Auckland and is expected to make the voyage to Rarotonga in March.

The canoes are expected to assemble here in Rarotonga in April before sailing to Hawaii at the invitation of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Makali’i Voyaging Society.

• Matariki Wilson

Homes in Manihiki and residents of kaoa like this one were forced to evacuate during the weekend when cyclone Oli arrived. Pictured is the pearl farm Pohaturoa, photo contributed by Emma William and her daughter Marie. 1 10020201

Cyclone Oli was no longer a threat to the Cook Islands yesterday.

At 1am, it was declared a tropical depression by the Fiji Meteorological Service yet a strong wind warning still remained for both the northern and southern groups.

Senior Cook Islands met service officer Maara Vaiimene said at 2pm the depression was located 15.2 south and 159 west, heading south-east at seven knots (12 kilometres per hour).

Winds were at 20 to 25 knots (37 to 46km/h) gusting to 35 knots (64km/h).

Oli started losing intensity around 6pm on Monday, when it travelled north-east for 120 nautical miles (222km) in six hours before returning in a south easterly direction.

“We don’t know exactly why but it just started losing intensity. We’ve queried this with Fiji as well and we’re waiting on an answer,” Vaiimene said.

However, despite not being in the danger zone, repercussions were still strongly felt in Penryhn, Rakahanga and Manihiki as homes were evacuated, roads were flooded and heavy downpours were experienced. Vaiimene said as Oli moved south-east it created a funnel affect which strengthened winds and waves towards the northern islands.

Penryhn police sergeant Mitasola Tini said they were hit the hardest on Monday evening. “I’ve been here for 27 years of service in the police and I’ve never seen it so severe before,” he said.

“We had very heavy rains, winds and there were a lot of coconut, bread fruit and mango trees fallen.”

Seven structures were damaged in the villages of Tetautua and Omoka.

“It was mainly roofing iron ripped off from homes and storage sheds.”

Tini said waters were washing five to 10 metres inland with homes near the lagoon forced to evacuate.

“No one was hurt – we were warned on Saturday this was coming so everyone helped each other prepare.”

Rangi Mitaera of Manihiki said their island had been battered with strong winds on the weekend with around 10 households evacuating to the cyclone emergency centre.

Worst hit were areas of Tukau and those living on the kaoa who were given the green light to return home yesterday.

“I haven’t really ventured out into the Tukao village as a lot of the roads were damaged. It was mainly the inner side of the island lagoon where most of the roads were damaged,” Mitaera said.`

“I know people think we weren’t really hit but there was quite a lot of damage. We had really strong winds on Friday and were quite concerned.

“We only got the call on the radio on Saturday and police went house to house warning everyone.”

Vaiimene said the depression continued to lose intensity but they were still issuing warnings of strong winds and high seas.

“We expect the depression to continue over us until Thursday.”

Meanwhile a low depression which formed north of Samoa was still being monitored.

“It’s had very little development in the last 24 hours,” he said.The police emergency operation centre was stood down by the police commissioner at 4pm.

• Dana Kinita

A committee has been formed to help introduce a standardised warrant of fitness checklist for the Cook Islands.

Police held a meeting with motor vehicle industry people last week to assist in drafting a legislation that will tighten WOF regulations.

Inspector John Strickland said representatives from the group were chosen and police will be relying on their local knowledge and expertise, as well as the New Zealand Land Transport Act, to form a Cook Islands checklist.

“We’re looking at a system to be suitable not only for Rarotonga but for the entire country,” he said.

Strickland denied that last year’s court case, which found a man not guilty of manslaughter, had sparked this need for WOF changes.

During the November trial, it was revealed that a rental vehicle involved in a fatal accident had several mechanical faults despite having a current warrant of fitness.

“This has been an ongoing need for quite some time. It’s been in discussion for around 10 years – Mr (Don) Dorrell has been on this for longer than that.”

Strickland said this issue has been made a priority by police commissioner Maara Tetava.

The first official meeting between police and the mechanics committee was held yesterday.

“We were just formulating what criteria and requirements are needed for the types of inspections,” he said.

“I want to have something completed this month, to have a full version of a first draft to propose to the minister for approval.

“We have a really good team, all these guys know what they’re talking about,” he said.The committee comprises chairman Teariki Matenga and members Eric Short, Teokotai Strickland, Francis Dyer, Mike Wood, Don Dorrell and Isoa Waka. Police representatives were Strickland and senior sergeant Jane Tuavera.

Police said the committee was formed to not only tackle the WOF but to be used in the future for any land transport discussions.

The next meeting is to be held next Monday.

• Dana Kinita

Thirty-six CITC employees last week received certificates of achievement for a food safety course they completed through the Wellington Institute of Technology.

The course was coordinated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Course instructor Stephen Pope, executive director Julia Hennessey and head of school Cherie Freeman presented the awards at a ceremony in New Hope Hall.

CITC funded the course and recruited the trainers, who came in September to administer the four-day programme and supervise the final examinations.

“We really want to make sure we’re providing a good standard of product and hygiene,” CITC human resources manager Eileen Turepu said.

“I like to see workers in the food and service industry learning good and safe ways of selling food and looking after food, and being aware of where food spoilage and poisoning comes from,” Pope said.

“It’s important to recognise and identify a hazard.”

Freeman added that most people overlook the importance of food safety skills.

“We want to work with the Cook Islands community to raise the quality of food handling,” she said. “And the only way to do that is through education. Food safety really isn’t something that’s commonly known anywhere.”

She pointed out that the skills the students picked up from the course are “transferable” and match those of chefs and industry people everywhere.

Pope said that the students were quick learners and showed “really great commitment” throughout the course.

“I had a lot of fun with [the students]. I learnt a lot from them about how things are done in the Cook Islands.” He added, “And I’m really proud of them.”

• Rachel Reeves

A timetable for the set up of the seabed minerals authority will be announced by mineral and natural resources minister Robert Wigmore once costs and a job specification for the position of authority commissioner are clarified.

Prime minister Jim Marurai is supporting a comprehensive ‘steady as she goes’ approach to setting up the framework for the new initiative.

On Monday he gathered the central agency heads from finance, Crown Law, the Public Service Commission and the office of the PM to ensure there was harmony in the set up of the new authority which will oversee the minerals and natural resource management of the country.

Wigmore’s office will remain the focal point for the responsibility of administrative functions which will work closely with Marurai on a way forward.

According to Marurai’s office, both ministers have discussed the way forward and are supportive of maintaining a momentum of progress that meets the principles of fiscal accountability.

Minister of finance Wilkie Rasmussen is also reportedly encouraged by the approach and has contributed to the process, which will engage two of his areas of responsibility – Crown law and finance.

The ministers are looking into issues such as available finance for the new authority. The current budget set aside $20,000 to help with administrative costs.

The PM’s office says while the new law is not yet in force, government is not prevented from proceeding with putting a framework in place for the new authority. For now the advertising for a commissioner for the authority is on hold. It is understood Wigmore, who is presently overseas, was concerned that the central agency heads had to be engaged in the process of establishing the framework for the country’s management of seabed resources.

Meanwhile PM’s office stresses government won’t be pressured into any early deals or commitments with any interested parties such as Endeavour Mining Capital until all processes have been managed properly in the set up of the new authority.

• Helen Greig

Economic reform is the path out of the crisis, says chair of the economic development taskforce Tata Crocombe.

Crocombe had initially been invited to join the country delegation to attend the three-day Pacific Conference on the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis in Vanuatu this month.

Although he won’t be attending the conference, Crocombe was happy to share his views on the impacts of the crisis and how the country can move forward.

Crocombe heads the taskforce created by government last year to provide advice on economic recovery and growth. He believes the measures the taskforce has recommended will work.

“We’ve seen the impacts of the crisis here in bank interest rates, the cost of imports such as fuel, food and construction, and inflation with purchasing power going down.”

Crocombe says tourism, the country’s key revenue earner, has seen shifts in its performance.

“There has been a shift from long haul to short haul travel to come here. Visitors are coming for a shorter time and spending less – net yield is down on two counts,” he says.

He says countering this is already a struggle as government provided an extra $1 million in stimulus funding for tourism marketing to be spent on fewer ‘customers’ and more money is being pumped in to keep aviation links.

In the home people are more and more stretched and businesses are likewise suffering, says Crocombe.

“Revenues are going down but costs are coming up – as the gap between the two closes there have been more signs of a stressed economy.”

A high number of mortgagee property sales, the collapse of grocery company Pacific Distributors Limited, government’s reduced tax take and 1000 Cook Islanders leaving for greener pastures since 2008 are all signs of an economy under increasing stress, says Crocombe.

He says more Cook Islanders are heading overseas for better education and health services.

“There’s a lack of confidence in our economy.”

Crocombe says this is the ‘human face’ of the impacts of the economic crisis as socioeconomic groups continue to ‘cop it’.

“Highly mobile, educated people are leaving as well as low income, low skilled people who have probably moved for welfare elsewhere.”

Crocombe says the only way out is economic reform.

He says the country has three economies – the largest being Rarotonga, then Aitutaki ‘very fragile and possibly sustainable in future’ and the ‘rest of the country’ – the outer islands with no economic base.

Crocombe says heavy government investment would be needed to grow the economies of Aitutaki and the other outer islands. He says Rarotonga can largely see economic growth through increased private sector efforts.

The taskforce has recommended several government initiatives to begin growing the economy in a big way. There is a large focus now on improving tourism marketing as well as what the country has to offer to visitors.

Crocombe says the Cook Islands can share its plan for economic recovery with other nations at the conference in Port Vila this month. The conference will be a forum for 16 Pacific island countries to talk about the issues that the poor and vulnerable in the region face.

(Helen will be providing Pacific coverage of the conference for the co-hosting UN agencies)

• Helen Greig

The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund board is still looking to appoint a representative for private sector employers who are not members of the Chamber of Commerce.

CINSF chief executive Anne Herman says the advertisement for the vacancy has been extended due to the lack of response. Expressions of interest for the vacancy closed on Monday.

“I am guessing the ‘non-chamber aspect may be difficult for some potential members.”

Herman says this position was previously filled by Angeline Tuara.

“The process for this member is to call for expressions of interest and then interview. There is no need for a vote for this member, only for the contributors’ member,” says Herman.

“I would like to encourage employers who are not on the Chamber of Commerce to express their interest in being on the board and assisting in securing the financial future of our Cook Islands people. Have your say, make a difference.”

The current board consists of John Kenning (chairman and Chamber representative), Sholan Ivaiti (statutory position as financial secretary), Anna Koteka (contributors’ representative) and Anthony Turua (Cook Islands Workers Association representative).

The board meets monthly at the CINSF office in Nikao.

• Moana Moeka’a

Prime minister Jim Marurai says all overseas travel by public servants will be questioned from now on if it is to be funded by government.

He claims that the concern is simply to cut the cost of travel by government.

Marurai says he has been assured by minister of finance Wilkie Rasmussen that there are no problems with government finances at present, but they are concerned that too much has been spent on travel in the past.

Marurai says while a freeze on ‘non-essential’ ministerial travel has been put in place since the formation of his new cabinet last month, he is also looking to cut the cost of overseas travel across the public service as well.

“It will be questioned if it has to be funded locally,” he says.

Marurai says cabinet turned down a travel request by Pukapuka MP Vai Peua last week following concern at the fact it was to be paid for by government but that no amount had been declared in the application made to cabinet last year.

The PM says cabinet had initially approved the travel by the Opposition MP to Samoa to investigate the feasibility of regular shipping services from Samoa to Pukapuka, but this week it revoked that decision.

“He was supposed to go tomorrow but now cabinet has not approved that travel,” he said last week.

Many overseas trips for public servants are funded by other governments and organisations, but high level officials are often provided extra funding by government. Ministers collect large per diems and allowances on overseas travel which they are entitled to under the Civil List – the fund allocated to pay out their travel costs.

Marurai says he wants to see less travel to save on costs.

Meanwhile, foreign affairs minister Robert Wigmore is the first minister to have a ministerial travel request for 2010 approved – he will head to Wellington with foreign affairs secretary Mike Mitchell next Monday to hold talks with the Chinese Ambassador and the country’s embassy there on Chinese grants.

• Helen Greig

Centenary ambassador Tutu Mare (left) and Caroline Crummer with the cake at the Ngatangiia CICC-based celebrations on January 10. 10012822

Girl Guides on Rarotonga have been getting into the spirit of celebrating the worldwide movement’s centenary with celebrations of their own.

This year is the start of a three-year global celebration with the international organisation WAGGS setting a theme for each year – 2010 (plant), 2011 (grow) and 2012 (share).

Centenary ambassador Ngara Katuke says the country’s first events coincided with the conclusion of the Cook Islands Christian Church’s pure epetoma (week of prayer) on January 10.

Katuke says in the Cooks they have decided to celebrate the achievements of past members in 2010.

On Sunday, January 10, cake ceremonies were held at all the six CICC churches on Rarotonga, starting at Avarua.

The ceremony was organised by leader Keu Titaa at the Tutakimoa meeting house following the early morning service. Katuke says it was appropriate that a 100-candle-cake was lit in Avarua as the first Cook Islands guides company was formed in Takamoa in 1928.

The country’s second centenary ambassador Tutu Mare was involved in the Nikao ceremony that same early morning, with a breakfast being hosted by leader Haumata Hosking, and Rev Tereora Tereora and his wife also being part of the celebrations.

Mare also attended the afternoon service at Ngatangiia CICC where a similar ceremony was held at the nearby meeting house.

At Titikaveka Rev Ngatokorua Patia and his wife cut the special cake which was prepared by leader Apii Ben and the family.

At Arorangi, a presentation of long service certificates and badges was held, and the cake ceremony was held in the church before being cut up. The chocolate cake was baked by Sandra Tisam, the granddaughter of guiding stalwart Tokerau Munro.

The afternoon service at Matavera was attended by Peggy Turua and Rosa Henry from the St Joseph Girl Guides and six Brownies from the Arorangi company. Katuke says Matavera no longer has a guide company but it did have one from 1956 to 1973.

The main centennial anniversary date over the next three years is April 10 – 100 days from the start of the year.

Katuke says that all the guide companies on the island will be putting on a special event to commemorate the date.

However, Katuke says on the 10th of each month this year, they hope to take the cake ceremony to each of the primary schools on Rarotonga as part of the organisation’s ‘celebration in education’.

Katuke says they would like to thank those who participated in the recent cake ceremonies and also those who sponsored the cakes – Avarua (Noo Browne and family); Nikao (Haumata and Albert Hosking); Arorangi (Tokerau Munro and family); Titikaveka (Apii Ben and family); Ngatangiia (Pauline Kirikava and family, Maoate family, and Manoa and Mariake Pirake and family); Matavera (Rev Nio & Ititau Mare and family).

• Moana Moeka’a

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