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General News

Week ending Wednesday, January 13, 2009

Current events and entertainment in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

Leading the way to Manukau City
Global crisis a challenge
Flowers everywhere for Emily
Fish no-go for pets
Government cannot be allowed to continue: George
QR quiet on requests from MPs
Police presence credited for crime reduction
Cabinet still to discuss report
Descendants of Taarua and Maora reunite
PM Marurai stands firm despite threat
Titikaveka takes on temporary constables
Cyclone warning possible mistake
Public asked to conserve water
Papa Motu to receive British Empire Medal
Cost cutting a joke: MP
Scotts give chooks away
Ministers on the move to new offices
Growers take on climate communications
Former resident passes away
Pineapple holiday
10-year-old rider in motorcycle accident
High interest in Maori language class
Hashers ring in 2010 in toga
Political situation distracting: businessman
New minister sets up office
PM – finance still main concern
‘Country in constitutional crisis’
Visitor numbers up 7%
Visitors hit 100,000-plus
Family law up for discussion
Office request denied
Chopper me up
People in place

CIYA legal advisor Jason Ponga (left) and treasurer Wayne Robati with Sandra Tomokino. 09122322

The Cook Islands Youth Association (CIYA) is leading the way in organisational expertise. Boasting a legal advisor and a treasurer as well as a secretary and media communications advisor, the young committee is gearing up for the first Pacific Youth and Sport conference to be held in Manukau City in March.

The conference will bring together 1400 Pacific young people from the region.

CIYA’s legal advisor Jason Ponga, 21, works for crown law and is in his first year of legal studies. This is the first time he has been involved in a conference.

“I basically wanted to expand my horizons and develop skill in public speaking, which can be daunting, as well as in group organisation and it’s been really good,” says Ponga.

“It’s opened up a whole new scope for how things can be done.”

The Cook Islands delegation to the meeting will comprise of 57 young people, including representatives from Mitiaro, Atiu Aitutaki and Mangaia.

But it’s as much about the journey as the destination with youth development officer Sandra Tomokino stating that the conference “isn’t a holiday”.

Tomokino has helped to organise the young people to organise themselves and they appear to be doing a stellar job, swinging into action at a recent meeting.

The group presented its first newsletter -- courtesy of media guru Esther Sibona.

The meeting then proceeded with an impressive powerpoint display on the group’s funds, including a full breakdown of money raised and banked -- thanks to treasurer Wayne Robati.

All members commit to fundraising from the ground up, taking part in planning activities, and helping out in working bees.

Some are even ready for 4am starts to help with food sales.

Workshops form a part of the preparation for the conference.

Tomokino says the conference will hold four themes which each group makes presentations on. “So we are having workshops with our own community organisations to keep us current before we leave. Our delegation will be informed and aware of their own issues-on their own island-and can adapt that into what they present. You never know, these kids might encourage other youth with their sharing. We opened up selections to all young people living here and they are all representing the Cook Islands.”

The four central themes are health, education and training; citizenship and good governance; social integration, and anti-discrimination.

Tomokino adds that the bonus of the local workshops is being able to link local young people to resources they may not have even been aware existed.

• Edna Takaroka

Whilst frequently facing natural disasters, the Pacific region is now dealing with the global economic crisis.

Although the effects of the crisis have not fully reached the Pacific countries yet, there is clear evidence that its consequences will be dramatic if not tackled properly.

The issue will be discussed extensively over the three day Pacific conference on ‘The Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis’ in Port Vila, Vanuatu next month.

According to a press release from the United Nations organisations - the United Nations Children’s Fund and the UN Development Program -- co-hosting the event, the current global economic crisis represents a challenge, not only for the realisation of the National and Millennium Development Goals, but also for the protection of the most vulnerable populations across the region.

“At the present time, one in four households in the Pacific States are already below their respective national poverty levels and the current situation does not reflect any optimistic forecasts.

Because of the increase in food prices and the decrease in purchasing power, levels of poverty are expected to worsen whilst living standards will continue to fall, leading to even greater hardship,” it says.

Economic shocks often result in a cut in social expenditures, causing negative impacts on people’s wellbeing, mostly that of children and women, as past experiences has shown.

“Beneath this global economic crisis lies a global humanitarian crisis in which the future of Pacific Island children hangs in the balance,” says Dr Isiye Ndombi, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Pacific representative.

This is why the crisis emphasises the importance for Pacific Islands governments to focus on social protection policies, which UNICEF defines as “a set of transfers and services that help individuals and households confront risk and adversity (including emergencies), ensure a minimum standard of dignity and well-being throughout the lifecycle, and that especially aim to protect the rights of the most at-risk, vulnerable or chronically poor”.

UNICEF says the focus must now be on developing or expanding social protection initiatives. “Pacific governments need to take this opportunity to strengthen public protection of the poorest, not only to protect them from the negative consequences of the economic crisis but also to give their countries and populations better chances and abilities to face other downturns in the future.”

• Helen Greig

One person not sleeping through the current muggy weather is Avatiu resident Emily Russell.

Russell was contentedly sewing ei for the Tourism Corporation on Tuesday to “keep busy”.

“Being busy that’s what keeps life interesting, not sleeping,” said the ninety-year-old, who still walks to church.

Russell has long been surrounded by flowers.

Her parents were planters and keen gardeners and she recalls selling flowers to raise funds for the convent school she attended in Rarotonga.

She remembers with a giggle the lyrics to a song she sang to help a fundraising effort many years ago.

“Will you buy my pretty flowers?”

These days Russell sometimes puts vegetables and fruit out on a table by the main road for passers-by to simply take, “rather than seeing them sit on the ground”.

The ei for the Tourism Corporation are in addition to those which Russell sews for many others from her home.

“As I got older I did my own thing, otherwise life can be boring.”

• Edna Takaroka

Clinic director Greg Young asks that donations of food without fish would be most appreciated. 09121003

The Esther Honey Foundation is thankful to all those who spared a thought -- and some food -- for the clinic’s animals in 2009.

And in 2010, the clinic would appreciate more donations of canned food – but no fish.

This is because many animals are being taken to the clinic with fish poisoning.

“We are so appreciative of the help received from the public and businesses giving food over the year,” said clinic director Greg Young.

“But we are looking for donations of food without fish if possible, as we are seeing a lot of fish poisoning at the moment. So if you give fish, they [the animals] can possibly relapse, even if it’s tinned fish.”

Fish poisoning affects the nervous system and if caught in the late stages, it can take as long as three months of intense care and medication to bring the animals back to health.

The clinic also have kittens looking for caring homes.

• Edna Takaroka

Norman George (at right), with CIP leader Henry Puna. 09011404

A new Democratic Party strategy for prime minister Jim Marurai to be removed from office has garnered the support of 19 MPs in parliament according to the Opposition.

Once again a vote of no-confidence in the PM and cabinet has been threatened -- but this time by almost every other MP in Marurai’s own party, every Cook Islands MP and the lone independent Piho Rua.

Opposition spokesman Norman George issued a statement yesterday saying a government of five MPs will have to be terminated as soon as possible through a vote of no-confidence held in parliament.

But since last week Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin has not responded to the collective call of the 19 MPs for him to step in and call a sitting of parliament.

“This is a situation which the Queen’s Representative will need to step in on his own initiative without the need for advice from the prime minister,” says George.

“The Queen’s Representative has been advised in writing by both the Democratic Party and the Cook Islands Party, together with one independent MP that 19 MPs have no confidence in Jim Marurai to continue as prime minister.”

He says the advice should compel the QR to act as quickly as possible to call a meeting of parliament to consider the issue of no-confidence.

“Under article 29 (1) of the constitution, it states ‘parliament shall meet at such place and at such times as the Queen’s Representative from time to time appoints in that behalf.’

“His Excellency does not need advice from the prime minister,” says George.

“It would appear that a convention has developed where the prime minister advises the Queen’s Representative to call parliament. It is not stated in the constitution. Conventions can therefore be overruled by statute.

“In this case, the Queen’s Representative must act; he has a duty to intervene right now.”

George says the QR can also be compelled by a writ of mandamus to act to call parliament to meet on a confidence issue as soon as possible.

“We expect the new prime minister to be nominated by the Demos as they have the greater numbers,” said George.

“While we all agree to share no confidence in PM Marurai, the same position should not be assumed when it comes to expressing confidence in the new prime minister,” he added.

Opposition Party senior MPs were asked by Cook Islands News to provide proof of the letters sent to the QR in the absence of any confirmation of them from the Democratic Party – they refused to release copies of the letters citing ‘protocol’ and respect to the Head of State which must be given first.

The CIP has promised to release more detail on the proposed move as soon as possible.

• Helen Greig

The Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin will not comment on being asked to call an immediate sitting of parliament to meet on the issue of confidence in the prime minister.

His office has confirmed only half of the claim that the Democratic Party MPs outside of cabinet and the Cook Islands Party MPs sent him letters over the past week regarding the request.

The Cook Islands Party claimed yesterday that a total of 19 members of parliament have written to the QR to advise him that they have no confidence in PM Jim Marurai and they wish to have a vote in parliament which will remove the country’s leader.

Cook Islands News called the Head of State office yesterday and spoke to Sir Frederick’s official secretary Harry Ivaiti who confirmed that a letter had been received from the CIP last week – but he could not confirm its contents.

Ivaiti was adamant that the QR and his office would not confirm whether other letters had been received from a group of 10 Democratic Party MPs or independent MP Piho Rua. He said Sir Frederick would not be making comments through the media on the situation.

It is understood that an audience with the QR is being sought by a group of the MPs to allow speaker of parliament Mapu Taia to meet with Sir Frederick to further discuss the request made in writing last week.

The vote of no-confidence in the PM and his cabinet has often been threatened but rarely carried out – the last time one was posed and successful was eight years ago when Robert Woonton ousted Sir Terepai Maoate.

Marurai has faced several threats of the parliamentary motion in recent years.

In 2006 he opted to have the QR call a snap election rather than risk the outcome of the vote of no-confidence at a sitting of parliament due to be held that day that could have led to the formation of a new CIP government.

While the QR and others in the Demo camp remain silent on the latest plot to remove the PM, there’s no doubt that discussions continue to be held behind closed doors between all of them.

• Helen Greig

Greater police presence in public and community awareness has contributed to a drop in reported crime this festive period. 09121045

Greater police presence and community awareness is credited for the reduction of crime this festive season.

Comparing statistics from last year, burglaries and thefts were down as well as the seriousness of motor vehicle crashes.

Senior sergeant Vasie Ngatoko-Poila said from Christmas Eve to January 4 a total of 117 incidents were reported to police.

This saw a 28 percent drop from the 163 incidents recorded during the same period in 2008-2009.

“We’ve changed our approach and are now working with staff from all over the ministry,” she said.

“Before with traffic roadblocks it would just involve those in traffic but now everyone is taking part from all divisions like maritime.”

The same arrangement has been made for the police patrol beat which has officers walking through Avarua and nightclub areas.

The increased police presence is to continue all year.

Inspector Tere Patia also said with public awareness campaigns by police and the road safety council, attitudes are slowly changing with people organising sober drivers, walking home or sleeping in vehicles to avoid drink driving.

“The community themselves are also calling us when they see a drunk driver on the road.”

Motor vehicle crash numbers remain the same from last year at six. However police said there was good improvement shown with the nature of injuries minor compared to 2008-2009.

“We assess the seriousness of accidents by the injuries as human life is more valuable than just property damaged,” Poila said. “All MVCs had only minor injuries – last year we had a fatal.”

In other crime, three burglaries were reported compared to seven and thefts dropped from 10 last year to seven.

Burglary involves forced entry into an enclosed room or building while theft is considered opportunistic stealing where property has been left unattended.

Poila said the force has taken extra jobs to their normal duties in an attempt to prevent crime rather than react to it. The police have a list of around 20 people who they keep an eye on.

“We run a campaign to visit known offenders to see how they’re doing -- very few people are committing the offences,” she said.

Patia said at times they may see them out and about and take notes of their actions.

The visits also help to rehabilitate those to contribute to society.

“During one of the visits this young man was unemployed and we consider unemployment a high risk to re-offend,” Poila said. “He told us he’s been asking around for work but no one would hire him because of his past. We were able to help him find a job in the government sector. He’s still working and hasn’t offended since,” she said.

• Dana Kinita

Cabinet has yet to discuss the final report compiled by government’s legal consultant into the TOA fuel farm deal.

Former executive officer for the office of the deputy prime minister, Florence Syme-Buchanan said that a submission was prepared last month for cabinet to discuss the report by New Zealand Queen’s Counsel Kit Toogood.

“But then everything blew up,” said Syme-Buchanan in reference to former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate’s sacking just before Christmas.

Sir Terepai was initially relieved of all his portfolios and the office of DPM by prime minister Jim Marurai over the failed buy-out of the Toa fuel farm, on December 22. Sir Terepai was subsequently sacked as a minister the following day, which led to the resignations of three other Democratic Party ministers.

The Democratic Party, in a media release which was published on December 26, stated that Marurai has tried to place the entire blame of the TOA matter on Sir Terepai.

The party said earlier that he would have been better informed if he had read the final report by Toogood.

“Decisions that were made by cabinet regarding TOA/Triad issues relied on the quality of advice that was given to cabinet ministers by the financial secretary and crown law,” said the release.

“The consultants who were retained (for the TOA deal” lacked the requisite knowledge and experience and were not adequately instructed as to a terms of reference for the enquiry and advice,” said the media release in reference to a section of the Toogood report.

The release further stated that “in advising the government to enter into the heads of agreement to purchase the TOA assets, the financial secretary acted in reliance upon the report of the consultants which was flawed”.

A statement released by government on Monday December 28, said that government wanted to stress that there would be “no witch hunt against Sir Terepai Maoate and senior public servants associated with him in the TOA Petroleum matter”.

Minister Wilkie Rasmussen said that instead a review “guided by proper legal and procedural laws” will be considered after “all the facts had been put together”.

• Moana Moeka’a

Descendants of Taarua and Maora Iro Ou spent three days together at a family reunion in Titikaveka. 10010604

More then 300 people came together for a family reunion held at Titikaveka last month.

Descendants of Taarua and Maora Iro Ou (aka Hio Ou) spent three days from December 27 to 30 renewing ties and getting to know each other.

Family travelled from New Zealand, Australia, Mangaia and Atiu to attend the first family reunion of the couple.

Great-great-great-great-granddaughter of the couple and organising committee chairwoman, Vai Henry said the reunion had been in planning for three years.

A committee of five met every week last year in the lead up to the gathering.

“On our opening day everyone was getting to know each other before each kopu [representatives of Taarua and Maora’s five children] went through the genealogy.”

Discussions were held on how each families were connected with sports, dancing and entertainment some of the many activities that kept them all occupied.On the closing day, a family photo was taken before attending church at the Titikaveka CICC.

“Not all the families were able to make it and not all who attended were photographed,” Henry said.

“Some family members in Tahiti and New Zealand couldn’t make it because of finances.”

Henry said the reunion was enjoyed by all involved especially the three eldest living descendents Mari Mareta, Ngametua Rennie and Patrick Terei. “The family is very grateful we put on the reunion so our kids and the next generation know each other.

“For some we’ve seen one another in town but we didn’t know we were family until the reunion,” she said.

“The young ones enjoyed everything. It was the first time to meet their relations and their cousins.”

Henry said they recognised Taarua’s other children as family however this reunion was held for descendents from both Taarua and Maora.

• Dana Kinita

Prime minister Jim Marurai is standing firm despite the threat by the political parties to remove him and appoint the Democratic Party leader – the recently-sacked deputy prime minister Sir Terepai – as the new leader of the nation.

Yesterday Marurai’s office denied rumour that the PM was contemplating stepping down and stated that he will continue to lead the country regardless of the threat.

Even after being given the boot over the $2 million Toagate fuel farm scandal, Sir Terepai, 75, the MP for Ngatangiia, is reportedly planning to lead a caretaker government if the plans to remove Marurai can be pulled off.

Marurai resorted to talks with Sir Terepai yesterday as a ‘means of exploring a way forward’ according to his office.

The meeting of the two men follows this week’s joint announcement by the Democratic Party and the opposition Cook Islands Party of plans to remove the PM and his cabinet which they claim is ‘unconstitutional, undemocratic and illegitimate’.

Sir Terepai and 18 other MPs, including the 8 CIP MPs and independent Piho Rua have reportedly all signed a letter urging the Queen’s Representative to call parliament to meet to consider the issue of no confidence in the PM.

After reacting badly to being demoted as DPM and finance minister, over the costly Toagate fiasco, Sir Terepai was sacked from cabinet by Marurai shortly before Christmas. The sacking prompted the immediate walkout of cabinet ministers Ngamau Munokoa, Tangata Vavia and Kete Ioane.

Marurai wasted no time in appointing previous cabinet cast-off Wilkie Rasmussen, William ‘Smiley’ Heather and Apii Piho as new ministers.

Yesterday Marurai’s office issued a statement in reaction to the threat of removal and following the press release issued by the Democratic Party and CIP presidents condemning the new cabinet.

The prime minister said he wants to maintain his integrity and continue his commitment to the Constitution of the Cook Islands and its processes.

It is understood Marurai believes his cabinet meets all the requirements of the constitution.

“In terms of the decisions he has made and in the governing of the country, he will abide by the supremacy of the constitution and the need to safeguard the interests of the people,” said the statement.

“The cabinet remains committed to the prime minister’s leadership and is proceeding with a policy approach based on a priority of renewed responsibility for sound fiscal management and administration.”

It is understood the new cabinet is urgently seeking legal advice from Crown Law and NZ-based constitutional law expert Dr Alex Frame while the Demo Party and the CIP are also seeking legal advice on the Constitution and whether Marurai’s five member cabinet breaches what looks to be a requirement for a minimum of a six member cabinet (including the PM).

Late yesterday Speaker of the House Mapu Taia met with QR Sir Frederick Goodwin to present the petition from the 19 MPs and it is expected the parties will announce the outcome of the meeting soon.

• Helen Greig

Temporary police constable and neighbourhood watch warden, Mary Iro talks to British tourists Diane and Keith Shepherd on keeping their belongings secure. 10010824

Police have called upon the help of the Titikaveka Neighbourhood Watch group by granting two wardens temporary constable status.

Tua Russell and Mary Iro were sworn in to the police force last month to serve from Christmas Eve to January 10 – granting the pair greater authority for duties they regularly perform with the neighbourhood watch group.

Russell said they patrol around tourist accommodations and produce plots and keep an eye out on the roads for speeding and underage drivers.

“We often ring the police and give them their plate number.”

Joining the police has been a natural progression for Russell. He was involved with neighbourhood watch in Melbourne before moving to Rarotonga five years ago.

He’s also been volunteering with the police for the past year helping to check curfews, patrolling along the beach and searching for prisoners.

Russell said he worked alongside the former Ngatangiia community constable Tungane Lockington.

In 2008 he formed the Titikaveka watch group and is now the warden supervisor. He juggles his job with Cook Islands Noni Marketing with rostering patrol shifts and covering for anyone away.

“I saw a need in our area with the burglaries, kids hanging out at night, tourists’ belongings being stolen,” Russell said. “I started patrolling by myself for three months before one of my mates joined me.”

The group now boast eight people who share the same dedication to keeping their community safer.

“We’ve seen a big difference in the community in the last 12 months – there shouldn’t be any young kids on the roads at night they have to home by 8pm.

“I think it’s important to show yourself and be active. We patrol 24 hours a day and know who is in our village from one end to the other, we know whose kid belongs to who and those that come in and go out.”

Inspector Tere Patia said the group were a good example for others to take ownership of their villages.

“We really appreciate what they are doing in partnership with the police, they’ve been a great help,” Patia said.

“That’s what we really want other districts to be as active and follow what they’re doing.”

The Titikaveka Neighbourhood Watch group consists of Russell, chairman Teokotai Vainu, Teava Iro, Mary Iro, Junior Mataio, Tereapii Mareta, Russell Thomas and Bruce John.

• Dana Kinita

A Fiji radio bulletin announced a tropical cyclone had formed south of the Cook Islands yesterday.

However the Meteorological Service in Rarotonga said as of yesterday afternoon there was nothing indicating the country was at risk.

“The only thing we can see is a depression around the French Polynesia area which formed around 8am this morning,” director Arona Ngari said.

“It may have upgraded to a tropical cyclone but nothing has been updated on the special bulletins for the northern and southern Cooks.

Ngari said they are alerted by the Tropical Cyclone Centre based in Nadi, Fiji if tropical depressions formed in the area.

The Regional Specialised Meteorological website based at the Tropical Cyclone Centre in Nadi confirmed no danger stating, “No significant tropical disturbances analysed or forecast in the area”.

However a reader pointed out to Cook Islands News that the cyclone bulletin posted by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation may have been a mistake.

“A closer look at the map accompanying the FBC’s article online shows the Cook Islands isn’t even on the map, and an even closer inspection shows what caused the mistake...the map’s dated 5th December 2007,” he said.

“A glitch in the FBC system probably led to the article being posted as if it was current news, which was then picked up by news aggregators such as Google who further distributed the error.”

Ngari said earlier this week that ocean temperatures were currently still outside the critical range of 27 degrees Celsius or higher which fuelled tropical cyclones.

“At the moment water temperatures are hovering around 26 or 27 but it’s not stable,” he said.

“We could see something in six to 12 weeks based on the season temperatures.”

• Dana Kinita

Despite the recent rain, water still needs to be conserved says water works officer Adrian Teotahi.

The humid weather paid off in Rarotonga as the Meteorological Service recorded 23.7 millimetres of rain on Tuesday and 5mm on Wednesday.

Teotahi says we’ve had a good couple days of wet weather but more is still needed.

“At the moment the water inlets are around 40 percent to 90 percent full around the island.”

This is an improvement from the 20 to 48 percent it was last week.

“Intakes are dropping rapidly and we need a bit more water to sustain the levels,” he said. “We are still asking people to conserve water as more is needed to reach the 100 percent level.”

The Met Service said the weekend weather will be similar to the last few days with a few showers.

• Dana Kinita

2010 British Empire Medal awardee Metuakore Kora – Mokare Mataiapo – better known as Papa Motu. 10010822

Papa Metuakore Teremoana Kora was humbled and pleased by his British Empire Medal award given for services to church and community, announced in the recent New Year’s Honours.

Better known as Papa Motu, the Rangiatea resident’s accomplishments span over fifty years.

The 72-year-old cites a strong interest in culture as one reason for his continued service in a vast array of roles.

He was the chairman of the Matavera Packing Shed committee for 28 years, as well as being a committee member for Titikaveka College prior to becoming the chairman for Takitumu Primary school, a position held for 10 years.

Papa Motus’ church achievements include forming the first Christian Youth group in Matavera and organising the first service for both the Boys Brigade and the Girl Guides.

Motu also championed women preaching in the Matavera CICC in 1984 and extend- ed the church building to include a porch and mothers rest room.

Active in Maori affairs, the BEM winner holds the Mokare Mataiapo title and is a member of the Koutu Nui.

Motu was seconded to assist with the activities of the House of Ariki in 2000 continuing there to this day.

Motu was the torch bearer during the Sydney Olympic Torch relay on Rarotonga in 2000 and issued the turou (traditional welcome) to Queen Elizabeth II on her arrival for the official opening of the Rarotonga International Airport in 1974.

He also presented the late Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu with a rito hat during her visit to Rarotonga in 2006.

He lists his hobbies and interests as composing Cook Islands Maori songs and hymns and gives his thanks to those who were instrumental in recommending him for the award, including the secretary of cabinet, the executive of the Cook Islands Christian Church and the prime minister.

The medals will be handed out in an official ceremony by the Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin later in the year.

• Edna Takaroka

Yet another Opposition MP is attacking prime minister Jim Marurai’s ‘government cost cutting priority’ for the New Year.

Atiu MP Nandi Glassie says the PM’s priority – starting with ‘saving’ on not appointing a sixth minister -- is the New Year’s biggest joke.

“What is the sacrifice of one minister’s salary when you look at the travel costs they’ve all racked up? Why now? What about the large delegation to Copenhagen (last month) – that was at a huge cost to the Civil List,” says Glassie.

“Political reform is a disguise for cuts to the public service. This cabinet has so many hidden agendas that I don’t doubt they will popup with some surprises with public sector reform.”

Glassie also says none of the new cabinet members have any training in public finance and crisis management so can’t be trusted to manage the country safely through the tough times.

• Helen Greig

Residents of Muri and Ngatangiia were invited to a New Year’s free-for-all last Friday at Scotts Farm.

Owner John Scott offered 10 chickens per person to the first 40 people to call into the farm, following a pre-Christmas promotion which saw the former laying hens offered up at two dollars a piece.

The 2000 live chickens were set to be culled at the end of December to make way for new birds.

Following the sale- and a lot of giveaways – there were still 400 remaining into the new year.

Last Friday’s giveaway was the last opportunity to ‘grab a bird’ as Scott said the farm needs the shed with the new chickens “long overdue to go in”.

“We need that shed so any birds remaining will be put out to other sheds to rummage for food,” said Scott who added that the morning had seen quite a few people taking up the offer.

• Edna Takaroka

Cabinet ministers will be moving into their new offices from today with the former ministers and some of their staff having to vacate the premises by yesterday.

Many of the staff members at the offices of the three former ministers who resigned last month were waiting to hear if the new ministers would continue to employ them.

Some have already been asked to stay on, including former minister Kete Ioane’s chief executive Ken Buchanan, while others have declined the offer from new ministers to stay on, preferring instead to move on.

The moving process hasn’t been without the usual logistical problems for those moving out.

Former deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate, MP for Ngatangiia, has reportedly been asking for new office space – probably to accommodate for the large volume of work-related material that he has accumulated over the past two years at the office.

There is apparently so much to remove from the office behind the Banana Court, that some of it has been left in a corner in the back of the office space to be cleared out later.

Yesterday audit officers begam visits to each ministerial office to check that all accounts and lists of assets have been completed. Under the ministry of finance act, the outgoing minister has 10 days to vacate their office.

Audit’s responsibility, according to director Paul Allsworth, is to check off the accounts to ensure that all public funds have been accounted for and all assets such as vehicles, laptops, cell phones, and bank accounts are balanced with MFEM payroll and disbursements.

DPM Robert Wigmore is set to move from his office at cultural develeopment to the office at the rear of the BC, and new finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen will occupy the office by the ministry of justice in town. New health minister Apii Piho will take over the small office behind the ministry of health in Tupapa – just a hop, skip and a jump from his home, and William ‘Smiley’ Heather – the country’s new infrastructure minister -- will take Aunty Mau Munokoa’s old office beside the golf club in Nikao.

• Helen Greig

Jane Adams (standing, left) and Phoebe Fletcher, with a couple of participants, Tavake Manuel (seated left) and Brian Tairea, at yesterday’s workshop at Kent Hall. The workshop concludes tomorrow, Wednesday. 10011122

Improving communication on climate information to growers is one of the aims of a three-day workshop currently being held at the Kent Hall in Titikaveka.

Meteorological service director Arona Ngari says that getting climate data information to growers is important, especially as the country is in the middle of a weak El Nino phase.

The information, says Ngari, will hopefully help growers make decisions about improving or changing their crops during a period of less rainfall, and as to how to use water efficiently.

Ngari says the El Nino phase occurs about every five years, and this brings dry weather to the Southern Cooks, and increases the chances of cyclones in the lower group. The current El Nino is expected to last till about May this year.

The 1982-83 and 1997-98 El Nino phases brought drought-like conditions in the Southern group.

New Zealand-based horticultural scientist and consultant Jane Adams says at a climate variability meeting of policy makers and senior officials in Australia in 2008, it was found that information was not getting through to farmers.

“So this workshop is about improving the method of communication on climate variability to the user groups and ensuring that the message is getting through.”

Assisting Adams at the workshop is Phoebe Fletcher who works in the media studies department at Auckland University. Fletcher will help participants to communicate expert information which could help farmers in their planning and practices.

By the end of the workshop tomorrow, participants would have prepared media products – print, radio and TV – which will be able to convey what they have learned at the workshop.

Those who are interested in attending the workshop can do so – sessions begin at 8.30am at the Kent Hall.

• Moana Moeka’a

Ruth Harnish 10010813

Former Cook Islands resident Ruth Harnish (pictured) will be laid to rest this week in Perth after passing away peacefully in her sleep on January 6 at the age of 90.

Ruth and her late husband Bob lived in Rarotonga in the 60s and 70s where they started the United Island Traders and Tradewinds retail stores on the island.

The couple were dedicated members of the Baha’i community on the island to the point that they gifted the land in Muri where the Baha’i Centre now stands as well as helping build the centre.

Ruth suffered a severe stroke two months ago and died at the Freemantle Hospital, Perth, Western Australia.

Ruth and Bob are survived by their children Dianna, Peter, Darryl, and Shona Colmore-Williams. A memorial service will be held this week in the Freemantle area.

Condolences can be sent to shona@directionsagency.com

• Matariki Wilson

Cornelius Tioni (left) from Auckland, New Zealand, and Joneth Elisaia from Sydney, Australia, sell pineapples from the back of a pick-up at Vaima’anga. The boys said they are enjoying their stay on Rarotonga and they have been tasked with selling the pineapples from the family plantation this week. 10011123

Cornelius Tioni (left) from Auckland, New Zealand, and Joneth Elisaia from Sydney, Australia, sell pineapples from the back of a pick-up at Vaima’anga. The boys said they are enjoying their stay on Rarotonga and they have been tasked with selling the pineapples from the family plantation this week. 10011123

A 10-year-old driving a motorcycle failed to stop and collided into another motorcyclist on Friday. Police said the boy was driving along the back road of Atupa towards Avatiu when he failed to stop at the intersection

He crashed into another motorcyclist and was transported to hospital but was later discharged.

Other motor vehicle crashes reported last week included a female tourist falling off her rental scooter on Thursday morning.

The woman was driving on the sea side opposite Goldmine jewellery store when she lost control and fell onto the footpath. She was taken to hospital where she received treatment for a minor head injury and a gash to her left knee.

Three burglaries were reported last week with a break-in at Tumeke Movies in Arorangi on Friday.

Thieves broke in by removing louvres and ripping the mosquito netting from a window.

Items taken were 32 DVDs, the cash register float of $150 and two pay packets totall- ing $230.

Police are still investigating the matter.

IDCK in Avarua reported a burglary on Saturday morning. It was still being determined what was taken.

On Saturday, a digital camera and cash was stolen from a home in Titikaveka.

A brown handbag was taken from a vehicle while parked in residential garage in Avana. The bag contained pearls, jewellery, bank cards and around $50 to $60 cash.

A wallet with $300 inside was stolen from a home in Matavera on Sunday. Police said they were pursuing a suspect who had been identified at the scene. A 19-year-old man was arrested on Friday night outside the Staircase Bar and Restaurant.

He was placed into custody for fighting in a public place, assault on a police officer and breach of his probation conditions.

He was later bailed to appear in court on Thursday.

A man was arrested and charged on Friday night for assault near the office of the ministry of infrastructure and planning. He appeared in court yesterday morning.

A 26-year-old male was arrested for breach of his probation conditions. He was ordered to not consume or purchase alcohol and not to enter a licensed premises. The man was seen by police at Staircase on Saturday night. He will appear in court on Thursday.

Police ask that anyone who may have information regarding last week’s crime to phone 22499.

- Dana Kinita

Tutor Pae Tuteru takes the students through the national anthem. 10011115

Due to public demand and high levels of interest, the ministry of education has begun a Maori language course with the first class held yesterday.

The language classes will run every day for the next two weeks between 12 and 1pm.

Gail Townsend of the ministry of education says that the department was inundated with calls from the general public to find out where they could attend Maori language courses.

Calls came from expatriates and Cook Islanders alike keen to learn the Maori.

Last year cabinet approved a new permanent residency (PR) condition which states that to be eligible for PR in the Cook Islands, applicants must be able to speak conversational Maori.

Townsend says that with the school year yet to begin, the department saw the opportunity to run a language course what staff available to carry out the course.

At yesterday’s first class, 25 students made up of Cook Islanders and expatriates including Fiji students, gathered at the ministry of education for their first lesson with former Nikao Maori Primary School principal and teacher Pae Tuteru.

The students learned basic Maori greetings and phrases, as well as the national anthem.

Townsend says that the ministry is planning another course for their new overseas teachers.

She says this will be another opportunity for people wanting to learn Maori to do so – but numbers will again be limited with a waiting list of interested language students growing by the day.

The ministry hopes that other organisations and community groups will take up the initiative to run Maori language courses what with the high demands for courses at the moment.

To find out how you can take the Maori language course offered by the ministry of education you can contact them on 29357.

• Matariki Wilson

Toga clad hashers gather for a group photo for the first meet of the 2010 running season marking run number 1514. 10011101

Local Hash House Harriers began their 2010 running season in style – in toga, that is.

Close to 50 harriers and their hoffsprings gathered at the Punanga Nui market on Monday January 4 for run number 1514 and the first of the 2010 season.

And in true hash form, the annual toga run was celebrated with much bravado with hashers dressing up in their best and brightest toga.

The event saw the toga clad group run through central Avarua with the only disappointment being the lack of cheering crowds in what was a deserted township.

Nevertheless the hashers pushed on with hoffsprings in tow. In fact the best dressed hasher was young Matai Washbourne who paraded in a blue tie-dye toga with sword in hand.

Drinks and burgers greeted hashers on their return to the markets where the real hash fun began.

• Matariki Wilson

Businessman James Beer. 08072415

Businessman James Beer is coy about commenting on the political situation as it stands now and what impact it may have on the country.

But he is quick to point out that the situation has been brought about not entirely but mostly by the events of the proposed TOA fuel farm purchase.

“I don’t want to comment on TOA directly, I’d like to point to a larger and more important set of issues that proceed out of it,” says Beer.

“The real tragedy is when circumstances – however they may come about – force the government and the citizens to turn their attention from important matters of national governance to affairs of ethics and conduct.

“This can be made even worse if the situation is used – as such situations inevitably are – as an opportunity for rhetoric, bombast, and personal gain; such responses don’t really help in any way, and in fact can compound the initial problems because they further distract us from the business of governance and business.”

Beer says the harm can be particularly great when the world changes quickly, as it is changing now, and illustrates an example as chairman of the national energy committee.

Beer says many opportunities for funding have proceeded out of the recent Copenhagen conference.

“But we will certainly miss some of them as we focus on recriminations and reactions to internal issues.

“This may cost us many millions of dollars, and set our progress toward energy self- sufficiency back many years. This is just a single example of how large, consuming national scandals harm us all,” says Beer.

“So while the apparent cost of Toagate is the money out of the pockets of our people, the true cost may be many times that, and these costs will mount as long as we are distracted.”

Beer says the sooner we can deal with the Toa issue in a professional, mature and just fashion, and return our attention to the real issues, the better off we all will be.

• Moana Moeka’a

New health minister Apii Piho settled into his new office yesterday located conveniently right behind Public Health in Tupapa. 10011214

Cabinet minister Apii Piho was one of the first to move into his new ministerial office yesterday.

While other ministers are taking their time to move, amid office asset auditing and renovations, Piho was keen to get down to work in his office behind Public Health.

Piho says while he’s kept on CEO Ken Buchanan, he has yet to appoint new staff to the office but will do so over the next week or so.

Piho says all was going well for his first week in his new ministerial role, having just returned from a break with family in NZ.

“We were appointed to serve the people and that’s what I’ve pledged to do,” he said yesterday.

The minister continues to be briefed by his new HOM this week after already meeting with secretary for justice Mark Short on Monday – a meeting which included a visit to Arorangi prison.

Piho says he is keen to comment publicly on the shocking state of affairs with the prison services of the country soon as well as some of the directions he hopes to pursue within his portfolios.

He is now also minister of health, internal affairs, youth and sport and non-government organisations.

• Helen Greig

The new cabinet – from left, William Heather Jnr, DPM Robert Wigmore, PM Jim Marurai, Wilkie Rasmussen and Apii Piho. 10011201

A proposal to purchase $174,000 worth of new government cars and office computers was turned down by cabinet yesterday in the face of growing concern over finances.

Prime minister Jim Marurai said he and cabinet turned down the proposal to spend capital expenditure funds because they have placed a freeze on new spending pending the outcome of a review of government’s finances.

The PM has also reiterated his cabinet’s commitment to cut down on ministerial travel as a savings measure as well as in response to ongoing public criticism of their ‘globetrotting’.

It is understood there will now be no ministers attending next month’s UN conference on the global economic crisis in the Pacific in Vanuatu. Until recently about three ministers were to join a large delegation of officials to attend this meeting. The PM says he won’t be travelling out of the country any time soon either.

Marurai met with local media yesterday to discuss his outlook on the performance of his new cabinet appointed just before New Year.

The PM is keen to get the new cabinet off to the right start by promoting openness about cabinet and government business.

He says government’s finances need a serious review before cabinet looks at increasing spending in any way.

“We won’t be moving on anything until an investigation of the books has been updated and we find out where we stand,” he says.

Marurai said there is still concern about over-spending given recent revelations from the ministry of finance that government’s financial situation is looking bleak.

His new finance minister Wilkie Rasmussen already stated last week that sorting out government’s finances was the main priority for him and the new cabinet.

Marurai says once the state of government’s finances and the outlook for the economy are known, cabinet will proceed on new initiatives where warranted.

• Helen Greig

George challenges QR’s handling of upheaval

The nation is in the middle of an unusual and abnormal ‘breakdown’ of government says opposition MP Norman George.

He’s calling the new cabinet a five-headed monster that is only surviving through a loophole in the Constitution.

Last week the MP publicly revealed the plans by the 19 MPs outside of cabinet to petition the Queen’s Representative to call parliament.

George was asked to comment on the current standoff between cabinet and the 19 MPs, and he has responded with his personal view on the situation.

“We are being governed by a small group of 5 MPs. What if the number was smaller, say three MPs? The problem is the same, 3 or 5 MPs is enough to form a quorum in cabinet!”

George says the MPs were told that the QR Sir Frederick Goodwin has been advised by an academic lawyer that he must rely on article five of the Constitution – that he must wait for the advice of the the prime minister, cabinet or an individual minister, before he can call parliament to meet on a confidence or other issue.

“All well and good, provided the cabinet is a normal one supported by a majority of MPs in parliament. But all is not well and good.

“We do not have a normal government. We have a five-headed monster on our hands, not supported by a majority in parliament and surviving on an academic loophole in the Constitution. Such absurdity surely must be brought to an end,” says George.

He says the current situation raises several questions.

“Should a minority group of 5 MPs, making up the executive government who cannot obtain supply of any kind, or enter into any major international undertaking or agreements as they cannot commit the countRy by an act of parliament or conduct any political reform of any kind without going to parliament?”

George says all this current cabinet can do is make policies which they cannot enforce, sit out the next six months ‘doing absolutely nothing until the government runs out of money, then face defeat in parliament’.

“Isn’t this what we now face? It is surprising that the vigilantes and other caretakers of our dear Constitution are saying that what the QR is doing is absolutely correct. No concern, no alarm, no responsibility, great academic stuff.”

George says he pointed out that under article 29 (1) of the Constitution which covers the ability of the QR to call parliament to meet, he did not need advice.

“I stand by that, based on the concept of an emergency or dejure situation. This is when the QR should use his prerogative powers to disregard the advice of a PM and cabinet who are clearly in the minority.”

George asks if the QR is prepared to wait the next six months until government funds run out.

“Are we all going to stand back and be idle observers of inaction while the country’s economy falls apart?”

George also asks if it is true that the current cabinet has approved the QR a third term of office.

“Is that a reward for not intervening? I must stress these are questions and not allegations.”

“We thought that we had overcome the Toagate problem, now we face a new one, this Constitution crisis could be worse.

“We are still hurting from the QR’s bad decision of dissolving parliament in 2006 by not following the letter of the Constitution article 37(3). When he was required to follow the letter of the law, he did not. Now he is required to exercise prerogative powers to cover a breakdown in the system as every foreseeable crisis was not envisaged when the Constitution was drafted, the QR reverses position by following the letter of the law.”

George calls this decision inconsistent, impractical, unpredictable and a threat to peace and good order.

And the MP is quick to add he’s got no ambitions of getting into any new cabinet formed upon the removal of the PM.

“Let me assure the poor souls who think I have dreams of getting into cabinet, I have no such expectations. I am quite content where I am. My concern together with my parliamentary colleagues is the state of the nation.”

• Helen Greig

Good news for start of tourism industry forum

The bi-annual Cook Islands tourism industry forum will begin next week on a high note following news of a 7 percent increase in visitor numbers in 2009.

The country is bucking the regional trend for recording losses in visitor numbers and the forum will cover marketing plans that aim to help continue the upward growth seen last year.

The five-day forum is part of the tourism marketing plan designed as a vehicle to increase the knowledge and awareness of accredited industry members in marketing activities in key source markets.

The forum aims to motivate and provide the members with the tools to expand their product profile and promote their businesses with confidence.

The event is also an opportunity for local industry members to meet CI Tourism’s overseas representatives while being provided the opportunity to engage in business discussions relevant to their own businesses and specific target markets by gauging upcoming market representative activity in key source markets.

From next Thursday, all accredited industry members will be able to take part in one-on-one meetings with the overseas reps.

The first day of the forum will see the two days of workshops start. On day one the overseas marketing representatives will conduct presentations of their draft marketing plans for 2010/2011.

Government agencies and departments have been invited to these sessions.

The second day is broken into two parts with CI Tourism Head Office conducting presentations in the morning focusing on key areas of importance to our local industry.

Afternoon sessions will focus on the overseas representatives conducting presentations on two key areas of business in their respective markets that will assist industry members.

The overseas representatives for CI Tourism are Chris Ingram for NZ, Angie Sloan for the UK, Karin Zwiers for Europe, Marilyn Scott and Laura Matar for North America, and Zoe Crane for Australia.

The workshops will cover many aspects of the industry from airlines to accreditation to marketing strategies.

The forum opens on Monday evening with a cocktail function at the Crown Beach Resort where Specialist Brand Leader for Retail/Product and Marketing manager at Flight Centre Specialist Stores James Brooker will be guest speaker.

- Helen Greig

Last year was the first time visitor numbers exceeded 100,000 – a growth of 7 percent over 2008 arrivals.

Cook Islands Tourism chief executive officer John Dean has welcomed the official numbers for the year to December 2009.

According to the monthly Statistics office bulletin for December, the 2009 year saw a total of 101,110 visitor arrivals.

A total of 8256 visitors arrived in December – 1.5 percent up on December 2008. Of the visitor arrivals, 2708 or 33 percent were Cook Islanders living overseas, 2334 were visitors from NZ, 1138 were from Europe, and 875 were from Australia.

Dean says this great result has been achieved during a year of global economic turmoil and a serious downturn in visitor numbers to most of our Pacific neighbors and major tourism destinations around the world.

He says he’s confident that 2010 will continue this solid growth curve in visitor numbers to provide additional income to government coffers as well as local employment opportunities.

Extra airline capacity scheduled throughout the year, an increase in marketing dollars and increasing private sector representational support in overseas markets are expected to boost this growth.

The Cook Islands achieved significant growth in visitor arrivals during May to October 2009 due to the $1 million extra marketing funds provided from the government’s economic stimulus package which was spent in core short haul markets of New Zealand and Australia and the long haul markets of the USA and Canada.

“This additional marketing spend was focused and well timed and the results were fantastic.

“The USA/Canada market continues to show signs of growth and this growth will ensure we maintain improving load factors and yield on our direct Air New Zealand Los Angeles-Rarotonga-Los Angeles flight,” says Dean.

He says the Cook Islands continues to gain strong destination awareness particularly in Australia where we have seen significant growth of 34 percent over the past year.

With the new direct Air New Zealand flight from Sydney to Rarotonga and return scheduled to begin in July for a trial period of four months, and with the extra advertising dollars committed to promote this new direct flight, the future looks extremely bright from the Australian market, says Dean.

Extra advertising dollars will also be committed to New Zealand to shore up the Cooks’ prominent position in that core marketplace.

Next week the tourism industry is set to hold its annual marketing forum where the positive growth in tourism will be reviewed. CI Tourism has its overseas office and marketing representatives in town for the event.

• Helen Greig

Punanga Tauturu will hold a family law consultation in mid-February.

The NGO established a fund for non-molestation orders late last year and legal representative Kairangi Samuela says the organisation receive a large number of inquiries from women seeking the orders.

PTI are holding the consultation as part of the effort to streamline what is happening for women in the wider legal and social scope.

Samuela says the non-molestation orders are one part of the experience for women. There is also the cost of housing and child custody issues which arise with domestic violence cases and the orders-which can be granted on an interim basis may not cover these effectively.

PTI have been working in partnership with the ministry of internal affairs on a policy paper which will be submitted and discussed at the upcoming meeting.

• Edna Takaroka

Former deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate, who was sacked over the $2 million Toagate scandal just before Christmas, had his request for an MP office and car turned down this week.

Prime minister Jim Marurai has confirmed that the request was made during his meeting with the Ngatangiia MP and leader of the Democratic Party last Friday.

Marurai says Sir Terepai gave no reason for his request for office space and a government vehicle and he doesn’t see why he needs them.

During a more informal meeting with media yesterday, Marurai said the meeting had been set to hold discussions on the current threat to remove cabinet by the other 19 MPs.

Marurai doesn’t seem to be impressed about Sir Terepai’s latest ambition to take over the role of prime minister. He said he’d heard like many others that Sir Terepai would lead the new coalition government the MPs are seeking.

He also said Sir Terepai had admitted to no wrong-doing on his part in the controversial fuel farm scheme.

“Not to me anyway,” said Marurai.

Marurai said he sacked the former finance minister after taking further advice following Sir Terepai’s initial demotion within cabinet.

The PM says there were strong views including those of the public that asking Sir Terepai to resign from cabinet was not serious enough action to take against the minister.

Marurai says on the advice of Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin he has made attempts to talk over the Demo Party rift with Sir Terepai. The result of talks so far, says Marurai, is that the 10 Demo MPs outside of parliament are not willing to change their stance on opposing his cabinet.

• Helen Greig

A helicopter view of the motu of Muri. 10011119

Hoani and dad Brett take to the skies. 1 100111121

It was up and away for Hoani Gibson when dad Brett suggested a HeliRaro chopper ride.

It was the younger Gibson’s first ride in a helicopter.

The 10-year-old Avatea school student said she was a bit nervous at first, but by the end of the ride she couldn’t chose a favourite part.

“My favourite thing about the ride was all of it!”

Hoani didn’t appear the least bit intimidated by the spinning blades or the air tilts, looking very much the pilot–to-be in her earmuffs and an ever ready thumbs up signal.

HeliRaro operators Jacques and Brian McBride have so far seen a quiet start to their venture which launched on Boxing Day.

“The wind and rain hampered us in the first few weeks, but those we have taken out have all enjoyed it,” said the pilot McBride.

The basic flight is a half-hour tour of Rarotonga, leaving Nikao and landing halfway at Raemaru. But the mid-way break is after seeing Te Manga. It would be wrong to say Te Manga greets you. Rather the tallest peak advances rapidly upon the eye, after the chopper leaves Muri and heads for the mountains.

From Muri, the altitude climbs and the scenery changes, from the turquoise of the waters and the Google earth looking roof tops, to pure green. Rising higher, through a gap in two peaks, is a glimpse of the water, before the chopper turns and heads back for the green. And there it stands, unmistakeable and looming larger.

Did someone carve Tangaroa’s image on Te Manga or is the face at the cliff’s base the result of water trickling over the ages? I do not know and neither does McBride, although he hedges a bet someone carved it.

“Someone will know,” he says. Maybe someone does.

From there the machine descends on Raemaru with passengers bounding out. Soon it’s back to the rooftops, and it seems a shame to have to join the tiny cars snaking around Te Ara a Toi, back to the houses and buildings, after the peace of the mountains.

The peace without the climbing, it should be said.

If you are similarly inclined, and have a reasonably healthy wallet, HeliRaro offer the 30-minute flight for $180. However, there are sometimes last minute specials so it pays to call first.

The helicopter seats four passengers plus the pilot, and can be found at the HeliRaro hangar, just past the airport. HeliRaro can be contacted on 28440.

- Edna Takaroka

Keeping an eye on their communities are Vaka officers (from left) senior constable Taruia Ringiao for Ngatangiia, constable Tungane Lockington for Te Au o Tonga and constable Allan Rua for Puaikura. 10011124

Senior constable Taruia Ringiao will be making sure all is well in his neighbourhood.

The Takitumu resident has been appointed the Vaka Ngatangiia constable in a reshuffle of community officers.

Ringiao replaces constable Tungane Lockington who will be serving in the Te Au o Tonga area while constable Allan Rua remains with the Puiakura vaka.

All three live in the area they’ve been appointed to and will be based between their community offices and the police headquarters.

Ringiao said he was looking forward to working in his village but there were some challenges ahead.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the area,” Ringiao said. “A lot of young people on the roads need to be controlled, alcohol and motor vehicles, as well as thefts and burglaries.”

The policeman with 14 years of experience will be working closely with the Titikaveka Neighbourhood Watch group and one of his goals is to set up counterparts for Ngatangiia and Matavera.

Police commissioner Maara Tetava said vaka constables were needed to work more closely with the community and on developing crime prevention strategies.

“The reshuffling is necessary to ensure that we have the right people in place,” Tetava said. “We will continue to support the operation of the community groups in Puaikura and Titikaveka who have been very active in implementing crime prevention strategies.

“Our vaka constables are working with other interested community groups on forming groups similar to those in those areas.”

• Dana Kinita

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