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Herman to run for CIP
Beacons out in Penrhyn and Aitutaki
Telecom’s pledge branded a facade by would-be competitor
TCI aims to improve services to businesses
Maoate and Marsters challenge funding
Thieves busy in Arorangi
Pet clinic joins Spay Day event
Govt asked to be specific
Cooks sign new high seas fisheries treaty
Supplies urgent in north
Positive NZ response
Scientists gather info for disaster preparedness
Warrants of fitness for overhaul
Aitutaki tourism all go again
More drink driving accidents
Meeting to go over donations
Ukulele workshop on today
Mitiaro students learn from ‘Rorouira apaipai’
Marketing funds offered
Elderly Cook Islanders catch up
Herman to run for CIP
Thu
18 Feb
Former works secretary Atatoa Herman has been nominated as the Cook Islands Party candidate for Ngatangiia for the upcoming general elections.
Herman’s nomination was confirmed at a meeting of the Ngatangiia CIP membership.
Herman joins several other candidates who have been announced by the CIP recently. The candidates are Nandi Glassie for Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua, Norman George for Teenui-Mapumai,
Mark Brown for Takuvaine, Teina Bishop for Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara, Toanui Isamaela for Amuri-Ureia, and Teariki Heather for Akaoa. - MM
Beacons out in Penrhyn and Aitutaki
Thu
18 Feb
Beacons used by Air Rarotonga pilots to direct landings were recently damaged in strong winds on Penrhyn and Aitutaki.
Air Raro managing director Ewan Smith said that the beacon building on Penrhyn was destroyed and that without it, flights were unable to travel northward.
A Tuesday flight to Manihiki was delayed until Thursday so as to allow technicians to make temporary repairs to the Penrhyn beacon tower, which guides pilots flying to the northern group.
Flights to Aitutaki were able to continue because pilots can navigate to southern islands in the absence of a beacon. Technicians are also on Aitutaki working to repair its airport beacon tower, according to airport authority Joe Ngamata.
Telecom’s pledge branded a facade by would-be competitor
Fri
19 Feb
Telecom’s pledge to deliver better service has been branded a facade by Mervin Communications director William Framhein.
“It’s all very well for Anthony Briscoe of Telecom New Zealand to say Telecom Cook Islands is of like-mind with the government and the people who want telecommunications that are good value, great service and quality second to none, however in Mervin Communications’ view, Telecom Cook Islands’ track record of bad mobile phone service/coverage, probable oversubscribing bandwidth capacity on the internet and high pricing does not equal like-mind with the people in reality,” says Framhein.
He has labelled Telecom NZ’s statement it will support government’s plans to introduce competition a complete ‘facade or a Clayton’s statement by Briscoe’.
“The real spirit is Telecom New Zealand is urging government to consider the risks and implications of opening the market – in other words leave things as they are.”
Framhein says he’s not surprised at the company’s admission it has lost sight of the ball over the past decade either.
He says it has taken pressure from organisations such as the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, Mervin Communications and others for government to agree opening up the telecommunications industry, which has now forced Telecom Cook Islands to review all its business disciplines.
Mervin Communications and its subsidiary companies KukiCel and KukiNet believe the only way TCI will change for the better will be if it allows Mervin Communications and its subsidiary companies to establish and operate their own telecommunications network.
Framhein has hit out at comments made by TCI chief executive Jules Maher that people want better services and better prices.
“The people of the Cook Islands for some time have been squealing about better quality, better service, lower prices, faster and lower internet prices and competition. Jules Maher’s comments neglect to acknowledge that people also want competition and an open telecommunications industry.”
Framhein says Mervin Communications would like to claim some credit for Telecom’s decision to start listening to its customers, adding ‘let’s see what eventuates’ from the pledge.
TCI aims to improve services to businesses
Fri
19 Feb
Telecom wants to tailor solutions to the needs of businesses as it attempts to improve its overall services further, says chief executive Jules Maher.
At a cocktail function held on Tuesday for TCI’s key clients, Maher said the company is hoping to better understand the specific needs of businesses.
“We need to find out what you really need,” he said.
Maher says since he started heading the company last June, he has been listening to the needs of customers.
“The message I get is pretty simple – better quality, lower prices and especially faster and cheaper broadband,” he says.
Maher told key clients that last year TCI responded to this request by increasing broadband data caps by 50 percent at no extra charge, lowered prepaid mobile calling rates, and gave away free minutes to post-paid mobile customers.
He promises these latest price reductions won’t be the last.
And to continue the trend he’s asking key clients to talk to TCI about their needs.
The key client management and support structure at TCI has recently been strengthened and the company will be going to each client individually to talk more about tailoring solutions for their specific needs.
IT whiz Robert Matheson has joined Mary Metuariki in the business solutions team which will carry out this function.
Maher also spoke about Telecom’s ‘pie in the sky’ – plans to sign up to the O3B (other three billion) satellite consortium that is aiming to launch low orbiting satellites in about two year’s time that could help provide better and cheaper internet.
He says the broadband speed using O3B would be comparable to fibre optic cable at a very attractive price.
Maher says current broadband use would need to grow ‘substantially’ to make the O3B contract viable.
Maoate and Marsters challenge funding
Sat
20 Feb
Leaders of the country’s two political parties are warning government that all major expenditure on cyclone recovery must be done according to the rules – with parliamentary endorsement.
Democratic leader Sir Terepai Maoate says very little commitment can be made to the people of Aitutaki and the full recovery programme because the minority government needs parliamentary support to spend the sums that are so badly needed to help rebuild the devastated island.
“Very little is being said by government about what renovations, repairs and rebuilding will be done to the homes that have been affected – they have not stated exactly what they are going to do about this.”
He and Cook Islands Party leader Tom Marsters attribute the lack of clear commitment to ensuring those without permanent shelter get it to “the government not knowing what it is doing.”
They add that government is “probably also reluctant to make clear commitments because to do so they know they will be obligated to call parliament to authorise the expenditure needed”.
The leaders are sending a warning to Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin that he already knows that this is not a government which has the command of the majority and because of that the head of state should have some real concerns about what’s being spent out of the nation’s coffers.
“The QR is urged to observe the laws of our land.”
Marsters says the “feeling is that any decision that this crowd will make regarding financial expenditure it will not be in line with the proper rules and we may not necessarily support them once a legitimate government is in place”.
“Call parliament...because the only place you can decide or authorise the kind of spending that’s needed to rebuild Aitutaki is with the endorsement of parliament.”
Marsters also issued a caution to “the small number of people who many want to take advantage of the current situation by advancing themselves, when a legitimate majority government is in place these decisions will be stringently reviewed”.
The leaders say this also affects any contractual appointments that the current government may enter into as political favours or gain – “these will not be supported by a majority government.”
Thieves busy in Arorangi
Sat
20 Feb
Police documented eight thefts last week.
On Monday, pareu were stolen from a Kavera home. A gas bottle and a maroon mobile phone were taken from another Kavera residence.
On Tuesday, residents of a Titikaveka home reported a theft of $400, cigarettes and a cell phone. Another Titikaveka resident reported that a handbag, diary, credit cards and cash had gone missing.
On Thursday, $110 was stolen from a purse inside an Arorangi home and a purse containing mobile phones and an NZ passport was taken from a Titikaveka residence. The same day, eight DVD discs, valued at $7 each, were pinched from an Arorangi home.
And on Sunday, motorbike parts were stolen from the International Backpackers in Kavera.
Senior sergeant Nga Pouao said that police are concerned about the concentration of thefts in the Arorangi area.
“Most of these thefts are burglaries in private homes in Arorangi,” he said. “Neighbours should know to be watching – it’s good for people to keep an eye out for their neighbours. Hopefully we will be able to minimise these burglaries.”
Pet clinic joins Spay Day event
Sat
20 Feb
Cat and dog owners are urged to take their pets to the Esther Honey Foundation Clinic for a free spay or neuter.
Tuesday February 23 is Spay Day International – a Humane Society International annual campaign to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and homeless cats and dogs.
This is the third year the foundation and Rarotonga animals have taken part in ‘Spay Day’.
Last year, the foundation entered the photo contest portion of the event and earned just under USD $1000.00 that was used to purchase new surgery instruments for the clinic.
This year, the foundation entered a photo of a Rarotonga ginger kitty, ‘Cook Islands Craig’ and is inviting everyone to vote for Craig online to benefit the clinic.
Each dollar donated counts as a vote.
People can also enter photos of their own handsome Rarotonga pets at no cost.
Both can be accomplished on the Spay Day website http://www.humanesociety.org/photocontest
To recognise the event, the clinic is holding a week-long campaign providing free spaying and neutering for all companion animals from Monday February 22 to Friday February 26.
The main goal of Spay Day International is to encourage as many people as possible
to have their pets or another animal spayed or neutered as part of the campaign.
All animals spayed or neutered will be given free flea and worm treatment so be a part of this life-saving programme and book an appointment today for a free spay or neuter.
Bookings can be made on 22336.
Govt asked to be specific
Sat
20 Feb
Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal Committee says an intention to formally request country embassies in Wellington to match dollar for dollar any funds it raises has been sidelined on advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
ACA secretary Flo Syme-Buchanan said the committee had planned to write formal letters to embassies requesting assistance by matching the final fundraising figure. “But we decided against this as we were advised this would muddy approaches that have already been made by the government, and we understand, have been successful.”
Syme-Buchanan said if this is the case, then that is an excellent outcome.
“However, what we would like to ask the government, on behalf of all Cook Islanders and especially our people in Aitutaki who need these grants so desperately, is to tell us which country has donated and how much.”
“In addition, we would also like the government to clarify exactly what grants have been received and what it will be spent on. So would the people of Aitutaki, who need to know if financial help has been made available by several countries and if they are going to see any of it quickly.”
The ACA say people should be kept informed of what formal approaches the government is making to other countries and organisations.
“It’s called transparency.”
- Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal Media Team
Cooks sign new high seas fisheries treaty
Mon
22 Feb
The Cook Islands has become the second country to sign a treaty on the conservation and management of high seas fisheries this month.
While in Wellington earlier this month, deputy prime minister and minister of marine resources Robert Wigmore signed the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean (SPRFMO) on behalf of the country.
The treaty covers the Pacific Ocean south of the equator from West Australia to the West, and to the edge of the EEZ of Chile and Peru to the East. It protects non-tuna species from over-fishing. The country has two Cook Islands flagged fishing vessels in the Jack Mackerel fishery west of Chile and Peru.
The treaty was negotiated over eight sessions and participants included the European Union, United States, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Peru.
Minister Wigmore said he was pleased that the Cook Islands delegations played a significant role in negotiating the text of the treaty. The treaty will come into force after eight signatures have been obtained. The signing took place at the office of NZ minister of fisheries Phil Heatley.
At the same meeting the DPM, who was accompanied by acting secretary of foreign affairs Mike Mitchell, signed the official arrangement between the Cook Islands and New Zealand on High Seas Fisheries issues.
While in Wellington, Wigmore and Mitchell also called upon the Ambassador for China, at the Chinese Embassy.
At that meeting, the DPM sought clarification on the 25 tractors that China has promised to supply from grant money.
The ambassador explained that the arrangements are well underway but that China and Cook Islands should sign an exchange of notes – there would be a public bidding process to supply the tractors in China, and then a designated company will organise production and delivery of the tractors. He said he thought these procedures should be completed in three to four months.
The Chinese ambassador has said China would welcome a delegation of planters and growers to China for the purposes of gaining knowledge on the production of crops as well.
Discussions also involved renewable energy, as the Chinese government had earlier been approached for assistance in a trial project involving alternative generation of electricity in the outer islands.
Talks then focused on the possibility of assistance with constructing a jetty on the western side of Rarotonga in order to provide an alternative landing area for visiting cruise liners.
All the minister’s travel costs were covered by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
Supplies urgent in north
Mon
22 Feb
The northern group islands could get much needed supplies earlier than expected if Taio Shipping manages to fix its second ship over the next week.
MV Te Kou Maru is expected to depart with cargo for the north on March 10 but this could leave sooner if repair work on its sister ship is completed before then.
Taio Shipping owner Tapi Taio says the MV Maungaroa has been undergoing an engine replacement, leaving the MV Te Kou Maru II to complete the scheduled voyages to the outer islands since December.
Cabinet minister and Manihiki MP Apii Piho says the northern group islands need supplies of food and fuel as soon as possible as stock is running out.
Finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen says while government’s recent focus has been on Aitutaki cyclone relief efforts, it has not forgotten about the north.
Cabinet is providing $20,000 in assistance to Taio Shipping for the delivery of cargo to the north next month after MV Te Kou Maru II was unable to offload its cargo in Pukapuka and Nassau and was forced to turn back this month.
Rasmussen says the sailing cargo vessel Kwai has also agreed to bring goods from Hawaii to Penrhyn. The northern islands have been without a new shipment of cargo for several months and the minister says government is aware of their need and is trying to help. - HG
Taio’s schedule
MV Te Kou Maru V52
ETD Mangaia 25/02
MV Te Kou Maru V53
ETD Atiu, Mitiaro & Mauke 2/03
MV TE Kou Maru V54
ETD Pukapuka, Nassau, Manihiki, Rakahanga & Penrhyn 10/03
Positive NZ response
Mon
22 Feb
A presentation outlining the key points of the country’s economic development task force programme was well-received in New Zealand, according to a media release from the office of the prime minister.
Information about the programme was conveyed to the New Zealand government during a visit to Wellington recently by task force chairman Tata Crocombe, and the prime minister’s chief of staff Mac Mokoroa.
“The prime minister and cabinet have been advised by the team that the meetings conducted in Wellington were positive and well received,” said the release.
“Crocombe and Mokoroa met with New Zealand minister of Pacific Islands Affairs, Georgina Te Heuheu, the select committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade chairman John Hayes, prime ministerial and MFAT staff.”
Among the areas of discussion were the main initiatives of the current economic drive, including the development of air links, eco-tourism, organic agriculture, green energy, shipping and infrastructure, and bank interest rates.
“There was additional information on how the Cook Islands and New Zealand can work more closely together in areas of social development, such as health and education, sports development, police and justice.
“Regulatory harmonisation with New Zealand may offer considerable advantages and there are a number of areas where the two countries can realise benefits, such as environmental management, employment relations, building control, fair-trading and commerce.
The prime minister says many of these key discussion points are being formulated into agenda issues for the forthcoming joint ministerial forum, which is now expected to take place in early April.
The agenda will be subject to ongoing negotiation with the New Zealand government in preparation for the Cook Islands to host the inaugural JMF, concluded the release.
Scientists gather info for disaster preparedness
Mon
22 Feb
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Leading a team of mapping experts – Phil Glassey with his integrated handheld computer, GPS and camera used in the field to capture building data.
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Building and infrastructure data will be compared in region
Scientists from New Zealand are in Rarotonga and Aitutaki this month as part of an initiative to measure vulnerability and risk from earthquakes and cyclones in the Pacific Islands.
Led by scientist Phil Glassie from NZ government-owned research organisation, GNS Science, they will spend the next six months collecting information on buildings and other infrastructure in Pacific Island countries for the project.
The initiative is part of a joint Asian Development Bank and World Bank project ‘Regional Partnership for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Preparedness’.
Glassey says they are working closely with government officials. Six local officials from the national environment service, statistics office and ministry of infrastructure and planning are part of the 10-member team working on the project here.
The ADB contracted GNS Science to carry out the work in association with the Pacific Disaster Center and the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) over the next two years.
The work on this field data collection phase of the project will be carried out in eight Pacific countries – the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The Cooks is the first country to be visited for field data collection – this part of the initiative is due to finish in Tonga in September with the entire project set to be completed by September next year.
Glassie said they will be collecting existing building, road, pipeline, and utility network data held by the countries, and where this is lacking, they will collect it by field survey, concentrating on the major urban areas.
“The field data collection will involve staff from each of the country governments using hand-held computers with integrated camera and GPS,” Glassey said.
“The location of many of the assets will be captured using satellite imagery, prior to data collection in the field.”
Mr Glassey said data would be collected in a form that could be used in any Geographic Information System (GIS) to ensure it had maximum utility for the project and for the countries involved.
“Data for each country will be retained by the country with a regional database held and maintained by SOPAC. The data will help local and regional decision-making processes and support greater resilience to the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.”
“The data will also be a critical input into the assessment of a regional, pooled catastrophe fund - a related World Bank project.”
Warrants of fitness for overhaul
Mon
22 Feb
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 recently to assist in drafting 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.
After the first official meeting between police and the mechanics committee, he said they had
formulated what criteria and requirements are needed for the types of inspections.
“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. - DK
Aitutaki tourism all go again
Mon
22 Feb
Tourism is all go again after the disruption caused by cyclone Pat, according to the Aitutaki Tourism Council’s second situation report.
Yesterday’s report (dated Sunday February 21) starts by saying that in the interest of helping visitors to Aitutaki make informed decisions on their travel to our Island, the Tourism Council of Aitutaki will provide accurate, up-to-date information on the state of services and accommodation on the island over the next few weeks as the clean up continues. This is the second bulletin:
Services
The following restaurants are open for business with full services: Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, Boat Shed, Pacific Resort Rapae Bay, Tamanu Beach, Caf Tupuna and Koru Caf.
Our tour companies are all operating. Although some boats had damage to their roofs, all have started operations. We have included photos of the motus as taken by guests of Bishops cruises during the week.
Bishops cruises have also begun a one foot Island shuttle to allow guests from all resorts to enjoy the beauty of the lagoon for as little as NZ$20 pp running from Samade bar to one foot island twice daily.
Nane’s Tours and Safari Tours are operating regular tours and all main roads are now clear of trees and offer full access to bikes and cars.
Full domestic air services with Air Rarotonga continue to operate with increased freight flights being provided during the week to keep supplies of fresh goods and essential items available.
Communication
Telecom Cook Islands have restored lines to most properties with internet and mobile phones now operating in most areas. Some properties that are not yet re-connected to the electricity supply will have internet difficulties but that is expected to be resolved in the next few days. A team of technicians from Rarotonga is still on the island and they are progressively working to fully restore all communications systems.
Accommodation
Almost all accommodation is open although some have only opened some rooms. Almost all properties have been re-connected to the mains power supply and others are using emergency generators.
For detailed information on individual properties please refer to their websites or directly with the property.
The biggest noticeable change to properties over the last week is in the cleanup of grounds and beaches. As the images with this report will show, it has been business as usual with regular island nights, dance teams and theme nights being held by all the regular properties.
Beaches and Aitutaki Lagoon
As we reported last week, the lagoon is in great shape and received no damage other than some debris from shore. The beaches of One Foot, Honeymoon Island and Akaiami are in perfect condition and we have some of these images taken during this week.
Our People
Of the eight villages on Aitutaki none escaped damage, many homes have been lost and most received some damage.
There is a huge amount of trees and leaf debris that will take a few weeks to clean up.
It will also take between two and four weeks for the foliage to begin its recovery but as is the case in the tropics after just two months we will see a dramatic re-growth.
The people of Aitutaki are resilient and already have made good progress to returning their lives to normal, but it will take much work and importantly it will need the support of our visitors from around the world.
More drink driving accidents
Tue
23 Feb
Police responded to six vehicle accidents at the weekend and say that those involved were lucky not to receive major injuries.
Three accidents occurred early on Friday morning.
The first accident occurred opposite the Kii Kii Motel in Tupapa when a female driver heading towards Muri crashed through the hedges.
She was breath tested and found to be over the legal limit. She will be appearing in court this Thursday.
The second accident occurred at Ariki Road in Avatiu when a drunk motorcyclist fell off his bike.
The young male driver left the scene of the accident before police arrived but was later apprehended and found to be a disqualified driver.
The last accident on Friday morning was a collision between a van and pick-up truck in front of Ruatonga meeting house next to the Punanga Nui Market.
Alcohol was not involved in this accident and both drivers escaped injury.
On Saturday night a pick-up truck rammed through the hedges at the Rarotonga airport but the driver fled the scene before police arrived. This matter is being investigated further by the police.
At midday on Sunday, police received a report that a man had fallen off his motorbike in Kavera and was not breathing. He was transported to hospital and treated for cuts and scratches and is recovering.
On Sunday evening, two motorbikes collided in front of Tokerau Jim’s in Matavera. The driver of one vehicle, who police suspect had been drinking, fled the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured, but his partner suffered a broken arm, a dislocated shoulder and a deep cut above the eye. Police are looking into the matter.
Senior Sergeant Ngatamariki Pouao would like to reiterate to disqualified drivers that police take a zero tolerance stance when they find a disqualified driver in control of a vehicle.
“We have photos of all the disqualified drivers at the station and you can be easily identified.”
Pouao would also like to remind the public that drink driving is a serious offence and very dangerous not only to you as a driver but to innocent road users.
“People are still not getting the message,” he said. “We want to be hard on drunk drivers.”
If you drink, don’t drive – make sure you have a designated driver.
Meeting to go over donations
Tue
23 Feb
The Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal Committee will be reviewing and processing donations at a meeting in Rarotonga on Thursday at 5pm.
The committee requests village leaders to be present and asks that they bring a list of donors and all receipts to the hostel on Wednesday, so as to reconcile the accounts. - RR
Cyclone Appeal
Committee contacts
- 55898 -55957
Ukulele workshop on today
Wed
24 Feb
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Performing arts advisor Nancy Fulford gets some ukulele practice in with her workmates, payroll officer Mari Pirake and science advisor Jane Taurarii, on three of the dozen ukulele commissioned by the ministry of education. /13
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Ukulele playing skills are about to increase in local schools.
Since its introduction to the Cook Islands early in the 20th century, the ukulele has been an important instrument – an essential part of our string bands – but today school teachers are looking at how to get the most out of it for the next generation.
A group of teachers will get together today to improve their ukulele skills for creative work in the classroom.
Ukulele means ‘jumping flea’ or ‘gift from afar’ depending on who you ask.
The ministry’s performing arts advisor Nancy Fulford says the ukulele we know and love today is based on a string instrument played by the Portuguese on the Island of Madeira. In the late 19th century Madeiran workers were recruited to work in the sugarcane plantations of Hawaii, and took their music with them.
The instrument was quickly adopted by indigenous Hawaiians and became popular throughout the Pacific. It has experienced two major waves of popularity in the West, first in the 1920s and again in the 1950s when it became associated with comedy routines.
Recently it has had a global wave of popularity and has become part of many school music programmes in New Zealand and further overseas.
Fulford says many local teachers are good at playing the ukulele, but some teachers have been asking if they can learn more – and especially how to use it in music programmes in schools.
Today’s workshop at the University of the South Pacific Centre will be led by Riki Adamu who was also commissioned by the ministry to make a set of 12 ukulelev for use by teachers and students. The ministry of education held an introductory session last week conducted by Dora Evans, a long time player.
Fulford says the teachers really appreciated Evans’s expertise and guidance.
Teaching resources are also being made available to support the music curriculum in schools through working with the ukulele.
Funding for the ukulele came from NZ’s PRIDE (Pacific Regional Initiative for the Delivery of Basic Education) fund.
Fulford says the ukulele will be made available for schools to borrow in future to help with their music curriculum.
All teachers of children are welcome to join the workshop by confirming with facilitator Nancy Fulford on 29357.
Mitiaro students learn from ‘Rorouira apaipai’
Wed
24 Feb
Mitiaro school students already have a name for the new state-of-the-art laptops they received as a pilot school for the One Laptop Per Child Project – ‘Rorouira apaipai’ – literally the carry around computer.
The laptop project had been stalled for over a year, but this January, about 70 of them were finally sent to Mitiaro to be used by students.
Secondary students in Mitiaro are now exploring a new world with the laptops – even taking home electronic copies of CI News each week.
Principal Thomas Samuela has reported that senior students actually pick out their favourite news from the top news and general news sections, and the sports section of the online CI News.
In-school training on the laptops took place in week two of school and two days were spent on teachers exploring ways to integrate their use into the curriculum in the areas of social science, language and music.
The green compact, rugged laptops contain pre-loaded resources – kids can use them to write, chat, take photos, play simple games and, if connected, surf the internet.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community pilot programme is part of a world-wide project to have each child supplied with a laptop computer.
The special laptops – which cost around US$100 each –were developed by the American-based OLPC social welfare organisation.
The computers were designed specially for distribution to children aged 6-12 in developing countries around the world to provide them with access to knowledge.
Marketing funds offered
Wed
24 Feb
Local businesses who are members of the chamber of commerce can now access an annual marketing support fund through the Pacific Island Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO).
The chamber announced the fund is now available for small and medium businesses to provide for market research, exploration visits, exhibition or conference attendance, and promotional material.
Funding amounts range from $3665 (FJ$5000) to $5864 (FJ$8000).
Businesses can apply for the funding by going to the chamber website at cookislandschamber.org. Completed applications should be forwarded in electronic format by email to the chamber.
“We hope that members will make use of these grants to promote their businesses. Applications are on a first-come first-served basis,” says chamber president Steve Anderson. - HG
Elderly Cook Islanders catch up
Wed
24 Feb
Cook Islands Maori chatter on the heatwave Auckland has been going through lately was the soundbed for lively ‘gathering’ spots in the Glen Innes Library in Auckland last week.
But every week you can be sure that the news and views are flowing when the Glen Innes Cook Islands Elderly group meet every Friday at the local library in Line Rd, just opposite the shopping centre.
Nia Vaka is chair of the oldies group with Mii Tarapu as secretary and Memory Kimiora handling the finances.
“It’s an informal catch-up time for us, and people come and go every week so if they are busy one week we might see them the next,” says Tarapu, who also tutors in basic tivaevae during week nights as part of the government-funded Community Education programmes run in her area.
Highlights of the informal catch-up, at least for those like this reporter who happened to be buried in a corner of the library catching up on assignments, were the occasional bursts of CI Maori tunes and songs -- especially those no longer heard on radio, even in the Cook Islands!
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