MAIN STORIES

New company buys shares in ship

Four major Cook Islands business entities have formed a new company and bought a third-share in a container ship that's expected to begin servicing the country next month.
The two other shareholders of the $5.2 million vessel are Phil McNicholl of Reef Shipping in New Zealand and overseas ship-owner Ben Evans.
Shareholders in the new local company, EXCIL Holdings Limited, are Foodland, CITC, Cook Islands General Transport and businessman Brett Porter who owns Meatco.
The vessel, to be renamed Southern Express, is capable of carrying 246 containers and has a gross tonnage of 2,800 tonnes. The 86-metre long ship was built in Germany in 1986. She is about the same size as the Southern Moana, which the EXCIL service currently charters from Reef Shipping. EXCIL shareholders are CITC, Foodland and Brett Porter.
CLARIFY
News that a group of Cook Islanders have bought shares in a ship comes in the wake of a call by the Chamber of Commerce on government to once and for all, clarify its position on shipping. Prime Minister Dr Terepai Maoate also recently announced government is to guarantee a $235,000 loan for its own joint venture shipping company that's to charter a ship this month. The ship will reportedly make just one charter voyage.
Asked if it was wise to be investing in a vessel at a time when shipping is unsettled, shareholder Brett Porter says some members of government had questioned their commitment to providing an international shipping service.
"Presumably that was because the EXCIL service had no ownership of a vessel and we were chartering. But we advised the Prime Minister and Minister of Shipping Robert Woonton some months ago that we were intending to buy a ship - we're pleased that we've now been able to do that." Porter says their third-share purchase in Southern Express should allay any fears within government over their lack of commitment.
The Southern Express has a license for six months that began on December 1.
The local company intends to apply for a long term license "we intend to show government over the next six months that we are able to provide a sustainable, competitive shipping service."
COMPETE
With government again entering into the shipping industry through its Cook Islands Investment Corporation, how well will EXCIL service compete with that?
Porter responds that laws are still in place that ensure there is competition "and we are prepared to do business in a competitive environment."
"Government has to take into consideration that we have made this large investment and we are solid, real Cook Islands companies, good corporate citizens and we trust that they will see their way clear to license us for the future."
He says buying the ship ensures that competition prevails in the shipping industry here "this benefits all importers and all people of the Cook Islands."
The Southern Express will be crewed entirely by Cook Islanders and applications can be made to shareholder Malcolm Sword of Cook Islands General Transport. There will also be two positions for apprentices. Southern Express is due into Rarotonga in late January. - Florence Syme-Buchanan for CINews

NZ govt keeping an eye on CI shipping

The New Zealand government is watching with some interest where the Cook Islands government is heading with changes to its international shipping industry.
New Zealand High Commissioner Rob Moore Jones says they're keeping an eye on what emerges from the current debate on shipping, involving government's policy announcements and legislative changes.
"We have yet to see what that means in practice," says Moore Jones.
He adds this will be in relation to the quality of service that will eventuate and what impact any changes may have on a New Zealand national who is involved with a local shipping company here. The Kiwi ship-owner is Phillip McNicholl whose company Reef Shipping, charters one of its vessels to Express Cook Islands Ltd (EXCIL).
A government source says the New Zealand government is "not impressed" with the Cooks government deviating from policies of the ongoing economic reform by entering into the shipping business through the Cook Islands Investment Corporation and trying to outlaw companies in competition with its political mates.
New Zealand paid over $7 million to assist in making the Cooks economic reform programme happen.
However Moore Jones did not want to comment on New Zealand's position on government's performance to date in shipping in relation to the economic reform programme saying it is an "internal matter."
But the High Commissioner did say "the reform programme stipulated in the Act did not rule out government backed loans providing certain steps were followed."
Prime Minister Dr Terepai Maoate has been reported saying their decision to guarantee the loan took into consideration "issues" raised by Financial Secretary Kevin Carr. - FS-B for Cook Islands News

Auckland-based entertainers come on home

The visiting Auckland, New Zealand, based Vaimutu Recording Studio performers will entertain on Rarotonga before returning to French Polynesia just before Christmas.
After a full-on two week promotional tour on Tahiti, Huahine and Moorea, Vaimutu Records manager Noo Vaevae Pare says their trip to Rarotonga is more of a break for the entertainers before they embark on a first-up tour of the Marquesas.
The group which includes artists from the Vaimutu recording stable in Auckland - the likes of Angelo, the Superstar Sisters, Melissa Gosselin, Chuck Upu, harmonica player Dion Walker and Vaevae Pare's son Jarome - will perform this weekend at the Paradise Bar. - MM

Full harbour delays French naval entry

The French naval vessel "La Tapageuse" is expected to berth in Avatiu Harbour today after being delayed outside the Avarua reef on its arrival yesterday morning as the port was full.
Its delayed entry also meant the postponement of a cocktail function aboard the vessel scheduled for last night - the event will now be held tonight.
La Tapageuse is on a routine visit to Rarotonga through to December 12, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry earlier this week said this latest visit will provide the vessel's crew an "opportunity to take a break from their normal duties, to interact with the locals and forge the ever-growing friendly relationship between the nationals of both countries." There will be friendly soccer and volleyball involving crew members and local teams during the visit. (Anyone interested in playing volleyball tomorrow afternoon should contact the work place of resident French Honorary Consul, Maire Melvin, at Island Craft Ltd, and ask for Pauline). - AJS

OTHER LOCAL EVENTS

Christmas with a shark among school activities today

Avarua and Arorangi primary schools will be getting into their gala day activities today with the former starting this morning and the latter at 2.30pm.
Also on today in Rarotonga's schools is Te Uki Ou's "Christmas with a Shark" inter-action production on the school grounds starting at 9am through to 12noon.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to come along.
Meanwhile at the Ministry of Education's Curriculum Advisory Unit in Nikao starting at 10.30 this morning is the launching of the Cook Islands Careers Education Programme with the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce being involved.
TAKITUMU
As for gala days, yesterday saw Takitumu Primary's students, teachers, parents and other supporters out in force, despite the hot weather, assisting with the school's final fund-raiser for the year.
Food sales, piles of drinking coconuts and various agricultural produce, quick raffles and a $1 disco for the youngsters were among the events. - Alex Sword

Native and other vegetation need to be replanted

For the next four years Southern Group islands will undergo a strategic plan project to replenish native trees on the islands.
National counterpart of the Pacific German Regional Forestry Project (PGRFP) project Sabati Solomona yesterday told Cook Islands News yesterday that each inhabited island in the country will have a committee who will assist the islands be more aware about the depletion of native trees in the country.
During a recent workshop, overseas forestry expert Evelyn Reigberg highlighted the need for people to work towards re-planting of native trees on their islands.
Solomona confirmed that there is a problem with native and traditional trees such as the tamanu disappearing because of human development.
THE PAST
He spoke of the past and how native trees were destroyed so that commercial plants such as citrus, banana and pineapple, and various construction projects such as housing could be established.
Solomona said although the re-plating of native trees is important, other plants including fruit crops also need to be re-planted.
The PGRF Project has been in the Cook Islands for the last four years and has now moved into its second phase.
Solomona said he hopes the commitment from people on all the islands will help everyone see the success and benefits of the project. - Tara Carr

Last chance of tree entry for free prizes tomorrow

The remainder of the 30 free patai (Red Flamboyant) seedlings for planting this week on Rarotonga as part of the Project Akatupu'anga are expected to be handed out to the public today.
Anyone with space to plant the beautification seedlings are to contact Project organiser, Paul Lynch, today on 21-043 for your plant including protection measures sponsored by World wide fund for Nature (Jacqui Evans). The plants can be picked up from Paul this morning.
Everyone who has planted a patai tree as part of the project will have their name entered into a draw to be carried out 12noon tomorrow at the Punanga Nui Market Place.
There are a variety of prizes to be won including an Air New Zealand return air-fare to New Zealand, a painting of Rarotonga's Flamboyant tree lined road-ways by resident artist Jillian Sobiesky, and cash and gift vouchers.
Lynch says a number of new sponsors including banks and hotels have also come forth with prizes towards the village tree replanting project. - AJS

LETTERS

Letting go

Dear Editor,
I would like to answer a letter written by Norman George on the 25 November 2000 to the editor of the CI Herald through your newspaper.
In that letter Norman at last admits that Politics had a hand in the appointment of the President of his political party, Charlie Koronui as Atiu Island Secretary. He then goes on to justify this political appointment based on the political appointment of Henry Puna (formerly President of the CIP) to Secretary of Transport in the past.
Some parallel.
To make a similar type of appointment, it would be like the Mayor of Atiu appointing Jason Brown as the CEO of Norman's DPM Office.
Devolution involves some devolution of power. Our DPM somehow cannot accept this. Instead of praising Atiu Island Council for taking the initiative to run their own power station he attacks and condemns our efforts. We now have 24 hour power.
We have never had to ration because of lack of fuel like in the past. It has been painted, fenced and the engines overhauled. On top of that it has been insured for the first time. He calls us greedy for having increased our power charges but he shows an obvious lack of economic sense.
He claims we still have fuel in stock and should burn this first before raising power charges. If we took his advice, Atiu Energy would not have the money to replace all the fuel when it costs 143% more than last year.
We are acting responsibly. He is advocating dumb economics.
The DPM tells us he has brought a truck for Atiu Energy. Fascinating. We would be happy to receive it. If he had sent this to us earlier then perhaps we would not have gone through the exercise of trying to purchase a cherry picker. Or if he would like to donate $6,000 towards a cherry picker we will not say no.
Incidentally, a cherry picker is becoming increasingly necessary as our linesman nears retirement age.
Norman also criticises us for trying to "cancel" a resigning officers work permit.
What is really happening is that we do not want to be paying for his work permit to work for someone else and then also be responsible for repatriating him back to England.
This would cost us about $6,000 just because we didn't bother to adjust his work permit to relate to his new employer. Further, rather than resigning because of my "continual interference" our Officer in Charge says he is resigning because his wife is finding it too quiet here.
When I approached the new Island Secretary about his "great difficulties wrestling power from Malcolm", he said "Norman's cheeky ay?". "You two are always fighting", and "I want nothing to do with this".
He agreed that I could quote him.
The Atiu Island Council voted for a 7.2 metre barge because they thought that this was the maximum size of barge that could easily be handled on the wharf of Atiu.
Big Norm later insisted this be changed to a barge of 9.45 metres when he heard that the Mangaian barge was being built bigger.
I am criticised of holding on to power but yet all I am trying to do is encourage Atiuans to work towards a goal with their own sweat and determination. Maybe it is true what a fellow Atiuan said to me: "Norman wants us to depend on Government, become crawlers, shiver in our jandals every time he wants us to do something but if we did not then our daughters and sons will be victimised job opportunity wise.
Hard work at school no longer matter as long as we learn to quiver and say yet Norm, no Norm, I hate Roger Malcolm Norm.
Now give me a job, I can qualify because I hate all the people you want me to hate, I can qualify because I have not learnt to be self-reliant, instead I depend on you, Norman and your government."
I differ. I have worked for nearly three years to help Atiuans to help themselves and give Atiu real devolution. Can't you do the same. Let your people go.
Kia Manuia,
Roger Malcolm
Mayor, Atiu.

SPORTS

Nominations for outer islands 2000 national sports awards close today

Nominations from the Outer islands will be accepted until 4pm today for next week's 2000 Sports Awards.
The Takitumu Vaka district will host this year's event on Wednesday 13 December at the Kent Hall. Tickets ($27), which includes dinner and a programme, are available from the Cook Islands Sports & Olympic Association office at Taputapuatea.
Nominations in the sportsman/woman categories are as follows.
Sportsman - Tangi Tereva (variety of sports - Mitiaro); Sam Marsters (canoeing & basketball); Joseph Chambers (soccer); Rangi Ivaiti (athletics); Kevin Henderson (triathlon); Teina Teiti (athletics - sprints).
Sportswoman - Tearii Taia (soccer & tennis - Mitiaro); Tere Carr (basketball & netball); Tereapii Tapoki (athletics - throws - Mauke); Marie Allan (canoeing); Siniva Marsters (athletics - throws); Turia Vogel (boardsailing); Teumere Koteka (martial arts).
Junior Sportsman - Teremoana Tuakana (soccer - Mitiaro); Teina Teiti (athletics); Rangi Ivaiti (athletics); Jan-Micheal Sijp (sailing).
Junior Sportswoman - Vainetutai Tuakeu (athletics & soccer - Mitiaro); Tereapii Tapoki (athletics - Mauke); Elysa Williams (athletics - Aitutaki); Bambi Tekake (athletics - Aitutaki); Teumere Koteka (martial arts); Marie Allan (canoeing). - MM

Soccer round cup update

The referee appointments for matches in the Round Cup soccer competition today and tomorrow on Rarotonga are as follows.
Note the venue of the Titikaveka-Arorangi matches tomorrow, Saturday, will be at Matavera.
Friday 8 December -
At Titikaveka:
5.00pm Senior B. Titikaveka vs Arorangi. Ref - Teariki Goodwin (Paul Lynch & John Pareanga)
Saturday 9 December -
At Matavera:
Titikaveka vs Arorangi
1.00pm Under 16. Ref - Teariki Goodwin (Leah Tumutoa & Eiau Tangapiri)
2.10pm Women. Ref - John Paul Wilson (Ross Dunlea & Joyce Matamaki)
3.20pm Senior A. Ref - Paul Lynch (Teina Napa & Joyce Matamaki)
At Avatiu:
Avatiu vs Matavera
12.30pm Under 16. Ref - Paul Lynch (Toru Mateariki & Papa Pokokeu)
1.40pm Senior B. Ref - Nga Enua (Joe Akaruru & Ikurangi Tiro)
2.50pm Women. Ref - John Pareanga (Tinirau Tupa & Papa Pokokeu)
4.00pm Under 13. Ref - Vaine Teokotai (Vanya Tou & Joseph Akaruru)
4.45pm Senior A. Ref - Ikurangi Tiro (Leah Tumutoa & Eiau Tangapiri)
At Nikao:
Nikao vs Tupapa
1.00pm Under 16. Ref - Lai Gukisuva (Tai George & Aturangi Hosking)
2.10pm Senior B. Ref - Nii Arona (Mike Mouauri & Terry Paniani)
3.20pm Women. Ref - Teariki Goodwin (Aturangi Hosking & Davina Hosking)
4.45pm Senior A. Ref - Vainga Tonga (Mike Mouauri & Terry Paniani).
Soccer Round cup points table (as at 6/12/00)
Senior A men
P W D L Pts F A Dif
Nikao 9 9 0 0 27 41 8 33
Tupapa 9 7 0 2 21 28 11 17
Avatiu 8 4 1 3 13 21 18 3
Titikaveka 8 2 0 6 6 15 29 -14
Arorangi 9 1 2 6 5 9 26 -17
Matavera 9 1 1 7 4 16 33 -17
Senior B men
Takuvaine 11 7 3 1 24 31 5 26
Nikao 11 5 4 2 19 12 7 5
Avatiu 10 5 3 2 18 18 10 8
Titikaveka 10 4 3 3 15 16 11 5
Tupapa 9 4 2 3 14 23 14 9
Arorangi 10 2 2 6 8 10 14 -4
Matavera 10 1 1 8 4 2 51 -49
Women's
Nikao 11 9 0 2 27 35 3 32
Tupapa 10 8 2 0 26 19 0 19
Avatiu 10 6 2 1 20 13 4 9
Arorangi 11 6 0 5 18 13 12 1
Takuvaine 11 2 1 8 7 9 10 -1
Titikaveka 9 2 1 6 7 7 16 -9
Matavera 10 0 0 10 0 2 53 -51
Under 16
Nikao 9 7 0 2 21 27 8 19
Avatiu 8 6 1 1 19 20 13 7
Titikaveka 7 4 1 2 13 21 10 11
Matavera 7 3 1 3 10 9 9 0
Tupapa 8 2 1 5 7 7 18 -11
Arorangi 7 0 0 7 0 2 26 -24
Under 13
Takuvaine 7 4 3 0 15 5 1 4 Arorangi 7 3 3 1 12 6 2 4
Matavera 7 2 2 3 8 4 7 -3
Tupapa 7 2 1 4 7 7 5 2
Avatiu 7 1 1 5 4 3 6 -3.
- GA

Potential in local handball

"They have a long way to go, but they definitely have the potential" says Australia National Women's handball team member Katrina Shinfield about Cook Islands players.
She was referring in particular to the participants in the Cook Islands' first Olympic Solidarity Handball course which ends at the Avatiu Recreation Centre and grounds this week.
Shinfield, who began with the course last Monday, yesterday told Cook Islands News that she is very impressed with the attendance of the participants who "know that they want to learn."
This is the first course Shinfield has taught within the Oceania region but she has previously taught at club level in Sydney, Australia before.
Shinfield is not a newcomer to the world of handball having been involved for the last 13 years in the sport which is relatively new to the country, having been introduced here about two and a half years ago.
She is the only Australian women player to have played in every international handball match since the team began. She was also part of the National Australian Women's Handball Team that participated in the recent Olympic 2000 Games.
Shinfield is impressed with the level of handball in the Cook Islands adding that she sees "a lot of potential in the players."
She hopes "that it can take off."
Shinfield has trained a lot of beginners in the game of handball before and with that background says "there's more potential here" in the Cooks.
OUTER ISLANDS
Outer islands participant from Mauke, Tenii Tararo told CINews that he's finding the course "very interesting."
"It more alive than any other sport with friendship inside", he adds.
A confessed rugby fan, Tararo said he found the game of handball has "more team work than any other game."
When Tararo arrived in Rarotonga this week for the course he knew nothing about the sport, and had never seen handball played before.
"Now I'm interested in the game....not only the game but the friendship and team work side of it too," he says.
OPEN MINDED
Also impressed with Shinfield and the course is 1999 New Zealand Under 21 team player Andrew Winchester.
He represented New Zealand in the 1999 World Handball Championships in Qatar and is also a member of the current top Cook Islands team on Rarotonga, Bulls Tribe.
Winchester said the solidarity course is "giving me more knowledge of the game, not with fitness but with the basics of the game."
About Shinfield's tutorship, Winchester says that "having an open minded person with a down to earth personality makes us enjoy the course even more and the fact that she's enjoying what's she's doing is also encouraging."
The closing ceremony for the course is scheduled for 6 o'clock tonight at the Avatiu Recreational Centre. - Too Hot To Handle

Club cricket games postponed for weekend trials

All Round Cup club cricket matches this weekend on Rarotonga are postponed due to the trial matches which will be held tomorrow, Saturday, at Muri, starting at 10am sharp.
Team captains must ensure their players turn up at least 30 minutes before the start of their respective games. The selectors will be on hand to watch the action.
The trials are to select a team to participate at the East-Asia Pacific Cup in Auckland early next year.
Team 1 will play team 2 at 10am and team 3 will play team 4 at 1.30pm.
The teams selected are as follows.
Team 1 - Tuakana Marukore (capt - Tup), Jim Katoa (v-capt - Taku), Tiri Toa (Muri), Tuaine Pereiti (Tak), Ikurangi Tiro (Tup), Vane Tere (Turangi), Nga Akava (Mat), Tampe Apiuta (Tup), Fabian Kairua (Muri), Patiia Ngatokorua (Tup), Opura (Muri), Putere Putere (Muri)
Team 2 - Teva Mataora (capt - Tup), Sepa Tere (v-capt - Turangi), Jim Barnes Vaea (Muri), Moni Matavera (Mat), Alan Taylor (Tit), Thomas Lambert (Muri), Bo Meti (Nik), Tokoa Henry (Turangi), Nauma Atiau (Tup), Pori Ngateina (Tit), Ken Tiro (Mat), Junior Ngamatareu
Team 3 - Tunatu Kavai (capt - Muri), Mata Kapuvai (v-capt - Tit), Davies (Tup), Sonny Williams (Tak), Joe Browne (Nik) Kamate (Mat), William Estall (Tak), Kori Raumea (Nik), Vengi Hagai (Tup), Ripanau Karito (Tup), Apii Mamanu (Tit), Mata Tararo (Muri)/Ben Pokia (Tit)
Team 4 - Nga Emile (capt - Tit), Tatira George (v-capt - Tak), Mark Cowan (Tit), Chief Turangatira (Tak), Kake Ioane (Nik), Richard Piakura (Muri), Turikava Tapurau (Turangi), Rama Taiki (Turangi), Oliver Monga (Muri), Mata Tapoki (Tak) Tianini Raumea (Muri), Arama (Muri) . - GH

Hastings Valley U17 unbeaten so far

The Hastings Valley Under 17 team is unbeaten going into today's round of games of the international netball club tournament on Rarotonga, after defeating Henley High 27-22 last night.
RESULTS
Results from yesterday's games:
Under 17 -
SA Districts 34 vs Motor Centre Palms 29
NZ Niue 49 vs Aitutaki 24
Hastings Valley 27 vs Henley High 22
Open -
Rarotonga won by default over Aitutaki
SA Country 71 vs SA Districts 15
Rarotonga 48 vs SA Districts 32 (Wednesday)
WEEKEND DRAW
The draw for the netball tournament today and tomorrow, Saturday, is as follows.
Friday 8 December -
At Raemaru Park (morning)
Under 17:
8.30am Aitutaki vs Motor Centre Palms
8.30am NZ Niue vs Hastings Valley
9.30am SA Districts vs Motor Centre Pearls (Henley High - bye)
At the National Auditorium
3.30pm NZ Niue vs SA Districts
4.300pm Aitutaki vs Henley High
5.30pm Motor Centre Pearls vs Hastings Valley (Palms - bye)
Open:
7.00pm Rarotonga vs SA Districts
Saturday 9 December -
At the National Auditorium
Under 17:
8.00am Motor Centre Pearls vs Motor Centre Palms
9.00am SA Districts vs Hastings Valley
10.00am NZ Niue vs Henley High (Aitutaki - bye)
Open:
11.30am Rarotonga vs SA Country
1.30pm SA Districts vs Aitutaki.
- Pute