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Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 Political Commentary 2 Hyperbole Rasmussen’s media stunts tiresome and fast emptying the Demo goodwill account e had the chance to in the fore front of political measure up against news. Obviously egged on by Hthe Prime Minister fellow job seekers Faireka, Eddie Henry Puna in a campaign Drollet, Shaun Willis and Paul television debate but the Allsworth, Rasmussen is trying former leader of the Opposition to make a splash but he can’t Wilkie Rasmussen got a dose part the Red Sea. of chicken liver and invented The more he tries to bait Puna every possible excuse to bypass by one sided media sledging that opportunity. Any criticism through a supportive CI News within the Democratic Party who readily give him premium that their Leader was giving up front page headlines the more the chance to hammer nails Rasmussen exposes his lack into the Cook Islands Party of political acumen and his coffin was robustly defended serious deficiency of strategic by vice president Tupou Faireka comprehension. His public who insisted the decision to ranting that Puna should field another candidate in the resign before he is thrown live debate telecast had to out of Government manifests be decided by the collective Rasmussen harbours personal members of the Party. fantasies he should keep locked That nonsensical diversion away in his own brain. Wilkie Rasmussen meant nothing further was Puna’s silence is evident within the Democratic Party. There are loaded guns in the done; the Demos weren’t he is never likely to dignify He can refute that statement Demo team that are never going convinced Rasmussen could Rasmussen’s political sledging. of fact by immediately to stay silent, then Rasmussen, deliver a knockout punch but Puna isn’t going to resign and calling a Conference to test Faireka and company will they were desperate to shelve give up the reins of power to two his Leadership. None of his be rudely awakened and an alternative that could go toe political misfits when Bishop four loyal followers plus ceremoniously dislodged from to toe with Puna and at the same has the corruption millstone Bishop wants a bar of a Party their positions they think they time expose the incompetence’s hanging around his neck and a Conference because all of them own simply because they are of Rasmussen’s leadership. likely arrest with charges and will be unelected. Rasmussen the only ones on the Bishop/ The relaxed Puna eventually Rasmussen having diminishing has lost the plot with the Rasmussen page of self. delivered the blow that knocked credibility within the wider members; his personal No one needs to be reminded Rasmussen right out of the Democratic Party and virtually contour of expectations is a that when a shaky panicking political ring into the arms of none in Rarotonga. Rasmussen contradiction of the Democratic Puna pulled the plug last April his corner man Aitutaki’s Teina in 2014 was a five time loser Party’s geography of the heart. the CIP goodwill account was Bishop who now is super glued that places the country at high No one was impressed with empty and the Demo one was to Penryhn’s unwanted used by risk if he manages to wriggle his Rasmussen for storming out of over flowing with credits but by date politician. way back into the tax payer’s a recent pre Christmas Caucus July 9 2014 the Demos were in The One Cook Island Movement trough. coalition meeting attended deficit and the CIP had balanced leader Bishop is Rasmussen’s When in Government by OCI representatives when their books. ticket to being a Clayton’s Rasmussen contributed more he was disagreed with and he The dumbness of Drollet and Member of Parliament, the damage like the Toa gate fiasco failed to get his way. The over Rasmussen must take the credit unelected seventh minister of than any memorable benefit bearing Rasmussen is engraving and responsibility for snatching Cabinet. for the Cook Islands and his name deep into his critics’ defeat from the jaws of victory Now more aligned to the OCI virtually nothing for his Penryhn notebooks and his behaviour and tender their resignations than his own Party, Rasmussen constituency. Rasmussen is a invites political injury, out of effective immediately. A new seems to have indulged in so political reject that is driven politeness and tolerant restraint team must step up and save much self preserving enrichment by deep political impulses of those within the Demo Party the Demos from being further he is on a self prescribed public self interest that blind him to are biding their time come savaged by its most dangerous relations effort to keep his name the unwanted messages from Conference. enemy – itself. - George Pitt PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 news 3 Sea Bed Mineral plans suffer setback due to ongoing legal battles over elections By Charles Pitt the Authority’s Business Plan so due to lack of resources, both regime 014/2015 was to be the forecasts for the 2014/2015 year in personnel and funding. Up-skilling and capacity year when the Office of in regard to the tender process Currently, the work that is development of staff, in the Sea Bed Minerals have suffered a severe setback required before the Authority particular on legal aspects of 2 and will probably have to be can issue exploration licenses SBM regulatory regime, and in Authority was to commence the tender of exploration blocks written off. include: general on the overall visions thereby heralding in a new This delay means much 1. Review and finalise and policies of the SBM sector revenue stream for the country. needed new revenue from the regulatory framework moving forward. Under the Authority’s Business issuing of exploration licenses is 2. Preparing for international Tender process: Plan for 2014/2015, the office on hold and this will be troubling Tender process Set up process for future was to seek additional funding to for a government at a time when 3. Environmental management issuance of Exploration and increase its technical capacity and fiscal deficits are forecast for the The first two fall under the Exploitation Licenses expertise. Additional staff were to next few years. Authority’s mandate, which is Up-skilling and capacity be sought, increasing the number When contacted by the Herald what was applied for through development of staff, in of staff from four to eight. New on Tuesday, Sea Bed Minerals CITAF. particular on licensing, technical, staff to be sought were; Technical Commissioner Paul Lynch Goals: negotiation aspects of SBM Director (Marine Geology and declined to comment on the Legislative review: sector, and in general on the Biology), GIS Technical Officer, implications of the delay caused Streamlining of the Policy, Act overall visions and policies of the Licensing and Compliance Officer, by the current political situation. and Regulations for effective SBM sector moving forward. Admin Junior. Extract from Business Plan and efficient running of the SBM The Authority is able to However, due to the ongoing page 25 sector effectively and efficiently legal wrangling over the “The Cook Islands has a The Authority is able to administer the SBM regime outcome of the general election window of opportunity for its effectively and efficiently through the expertise gained in which took place on 9 July, and SBM industry as interest in this administer the SBM regulatory issuing of Licenses. “ with an Appeal Court ordered area is at a high – however, by-election in February, there the longer the Cook Islands SWITCH ON WITH is just four months left until the takes to enter the market – the end of the 2014/2015 financial slimmer our chances become year. In that four months there is for attracting the best investors Te Aponga Uira a possibility more petitions could if they are already engaged Cyclone Safety Tips be filed. Just who will control the elsewhere. The Authority is country’s purse strings depends acutely aware of the need upon the outcome of the to develop the SBM industry February by-election. in order to be able to issue With no Budget likely until licenses. However, it has been a new government is formed, significantly delayed from doing PM has priority for political stability he Prime Minister says his first priority is to provide a secure and stable government. That is in the best interests of the It has been mostly only rain and wet weather so Tcountry, he says. far these holidays with thankfully little sign of any “The Cook Islands Party must explore the political opportunities cyclone activity. available to it, and as Leader, I am obligated to look at those options.” But stay vigilant. Remember that weather “There’s no need for the Demos to get into a huff over it. You forecasters have predicted a higher than average don’t see the CIP getting into a hissy fit because the political parties chance of 8 to 12 cyclones in the south east Pacific are talking to each other.” this season. The PM says that both the OCI and Democratic Party have been And, February and March have been active trying to poach individual CIP members for many weeks. months for cyclones in our past. Everyone will recall for example, how the OCI tried to carve off If a cyclone approaches make sure you and your the signatures of support from four CIP MPs. However, the team family have the following items on hand: remained solid and supported Puna as Prime Minister with a vote of • Torches and candles to see at night. confidence in Parliament. • Battery operated radio to hear the latest The PM acknowledged that emotions are bound to run high as news. crucial events got nearer. But he said the CIP was showing true • Food that you can store without refrigeration. character by exercising patience and upholding its integrity. www.teaponga.com - PM Media Release Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 news 4 Chinese contractors at logger heads with Neves inance Secretary Richard Te Mato Vai was the PRC first Neves may have few tripartite project and under F fans but he’s stacking up international observation. some brownie points among Everything CCECC seems those in the know for the to do is shrouded in secrecy stance he’s been taking with where passing the buck in the the China Civil Engineering face of questions is normal and Construction Corporation practise. What bothers (CCECC) . When it comes to a the Chinese contractors is major development Neves is a Neves is demanding a bill of round peg in a square hole but quantities be provided, that is what he lacks in the complex an itemised breakdown of the mechanism of construction lump sum. CCECC is adamant he is making up for it in the Neves is overstepping his equally complex component authority as the signed of the financial constraints contract is a Lump Sum and accountability. Neves is Contract not a measured an economist overseeing a contract. A bill of quantities major development. for the work carried out is For the uninitiated Neves is not the format of the contract demanding accurate financial claim CCECC. accountability from the vague If Neves wants the details noncompliant CCECC. The Richard Neves giving the Chinese the run around? and breakdowns of the lump $24.3 million loan from the sum then he needs to pursue Peoples Republic of China the legal process of obtaining (PRC) is sovereign funding What bothers the Chinese a variation order to change the that is channelled through contractors is Neves is demanding a contract format. A good place and receipted by the Ministry to do that is the BTIB who have of Finance and Economic bill of quantities be provided, that is the power to vary the terms and Management (MFEM) then conditions of CCECC’s Foreign paid on receipt of statements an itemised breakdown of the lump Enterprise Registration. from CCECC. sum. CCECC is adamant Neves is MFEM Information From February 2014 till released to the media September 2014 CCECC were overstepping his authority as the indicates sovereign funds unable to convince Neves to were received and finally make any payments. Neves signed contract is a Lump Sum a payment was made to was unable to convince Contract not a measured contract.. CCECC. Who compromised CCECC to provide a detailed and what was compromised statement of their accounts obstinate Neves. Full credit Neves who held his ground. is as the Chinese insist strictly rather than a one lump to Neves he had grown a CCECC went as far to suggest confidential, for now. payment demand. While beard as well as some balls they were being harassed and In the public interest neither party could convince and was beginning to earn victimised by Neves. Such of anti corruption Neves the other, no payments to the some respect among some of was their annoyance CCECC must not give CCECC any growing irritation of CCECC the two faced politicians and management’s retaliating special dispensations to be were made by Neves. inner CIP circle for his Alamo defiance and down tools exempt from transparent Knowing the Chinese resistance. threat had to be doused by accountability. The public contractors were intending The face saving exchanges the PRC Embassy powers to be have a right to know how to make a $6.5 million gift of by the government who were in Wellington. CCECC is a PRC their loan is being spent. heavy machinery to the Cook passively looking into the State Owned Enterprise and Anyone who can clarify this Islands, the CIP Government concerns raised by CCECC were told to settle down and ongoing saga can be assured were being politely pressured meant it was business as at all costs avoid a diplomatic of confidentiality from this by CCECC to deal with the usual for the bullet proof incident and co operate as the publication. - George Pitt PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 VIEWS 5 Does this ring a bell? Reprinted is a Letter to the Editor of the Samoa Observer State of our economy Tuesday, 25 November 2014 some weeks ago at the I.R.D and of the work done by the Chinese revenue, how will the P.M. justify 00:00 her response was, “no one has Companies? his statement that the country ear Editor, been paid”! If any clarification is required, can pay back the “soft” loans I just wanted to raise a few A few questions thus arise: just visit the Fugalei market and when there is to tax revenue? Dpoints about the current 1. How are Chinese Companies check out the rust coming through There will be no revenue from state of the economy. getting work here and being already. Is it poor galvanising? Is it Customs either as imports will slow Almost everyone (small allowed to use Chinese labour? poor paint? Is it poor steel? Check right down due to lack of economic businesses) I know of here hasn’t 2. How is a Chinese labourer out the quality of the doors at the activity. had any work now for a month. more qualified than a Samoan TATTE and Court buildings. The A chat to the Banks will scare Even some people whom I know labourer to dig a hole or carry wood may be OK but the handles the hell out of you. They are have been here since the Jurassic materials from point A to point B? are falling off! There are cracks forecasting a four-year recession period have left! While I am by no 3. As such, how are work permits everywhere. Check out the tiles at with the economy just entering it means racist (lived and worked all being issued to allow visas to be the rear of the TATTE building, the now. There will be a one-year entry over the world), why are we giving issued? majority are stained due to water period, a two-year full stop, and jobs to Chinese companies who 4. Do the Chinese Companies penetration. another year to climb out of the use Chinese labour? pay VAGST? If so, is it recoverable Also check out the progress of recession. I have some $35,000 worth of when they finish the Project? work being done by the Chinese for On another matter, with quotations out to Customers. These 5. Do the Chinese labourers pay private companies? Progress is slow decreased government revenue, Customers consider the prices to into the ACC? and the quality is questionable. how is E.P.C going to pay for its be OK but as they contracted to 6. Do the Chinese Labourers and If the government doesn’t fuel imports which probably run the S.I.D.S fiasco, they can’t come Companies pay into the SNPF? start recovery procedures for the at around 2.5M/month? Power up with the requisite deposit due 7. For points “5 & 6” above, if the economy “last week”, then there blackouts will follow! to the fact that they haven’t been answer is in the negative, what is will be an economic catastrophe Now, remember what happened paid for the services provided to happening to the financial base of here and REAL hardship! in Nuku’alofa a few years ago! S.I.D.S. the above organisations? With only 25,000 here paying Batten down the hatches! I mentioned this to a Supervisor 8. Is anybody aware of the quality tax and minimal Company tax Charles Mansfield , Samoa Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 NEWS 6 Our Frontpage model Letter to the Editor Demos fly undone: lack of credibility exposed ear Editor in any jeopardy. Puna has been The unzipped lips of confirmed by Parliament already. Dthe Democratic Party The CIP are sitting on 11 – still Leader have exposed the ahead of the Demos. Only the Opposition to major questions Prime Minister can advise the over the credibility of the so- QR to summon Parliament. And called ‘coalition government in- the QR does not have convincing waiting’. grounds to sack a government Wilkie Rasmussen’s seemingly because of the huge uncertainty uncontrolled rants to try and that still lingers. derail the sitting Cook Islands The first several weeks of 2015 Party government are going will yield a clearer picture but for nowhere except to reveal just Rasmussen, Norman George, and how desperately the ‘coalition Teina Bishop himself, patience in-waiting’ is clinging to wishful does not seem to be part of their thinking. thinking. Instead, ignorance In a pitiful saga that can only about the Constitution and its be likened to the tale of the provisions are holding sway over ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’, the experienced politicians. Demo Leadership is completely Rasmussen – and Bishop – for unaware that the buttons on that matter, might like to recall the fly of the party are also the events of 2009. Five years ago undone and exposing the true just before Christmas, the ruling colours of disorganisation. Demo government was reduced The credibility of the Demos to 5 representatives. Shortly has become the casualty of into the New Year of 2010, that the political ignorance of number was increased by one to its leader, and widespread lift the administration to 6 MPs. misinformation among party Rasmussen was part of the ‘Gang supporters is the symptom of of 6’ and firmly supporting the a leadership off the rails. The Prime Minister of the day with question is: does Rasmussen the authority of the Cook Islands even see it? Constitution. At no time, was The ‘Rasmussen Rants’ – as this minority ever in danger of they should be labelled – have being tossed out because of the called for the Prime Minister’s ultimate rule of this important resignation, the Queen’s document. Representative to intervene, and Rasmussen is now ignoring for the ‘coalition majority’ to his own past for the sake of assume power. trying to line up a comfortable Unfortunately, despite many future outside of Parliament. years in politics and terms in It’s an ‘open secret’ that the Parliament, Rasmussen has multi-failed Penrhyn candidate conveniently overlooked the is angling for the Seventh Seat in small matter of the Cook Islands Cabinet. However, the Bishop- Constitution. The Constitution Rasmussen Siamese act is not is the one over-riding, over- getting any stage bookings. It’s arching, formal framework of our become a fizzled-out show of entire governance. Maybe the irrational smears and sideswipes public should be reminding the at Prime Minister Puna. Demos of this overlooked fact This is the time that Bishop since we will soon be celebrating and Rasmussen should button- 50 years of its existence. up and zip-up. Demonstrate The Constitution is now some political knowledge and providing the Prime Minister credibility for a change, and work Our frontpage model is Hayley-Rose McNabb. She is the older and the CIP government all the on getting a successful outcome sister of last week’s front-page twin models and is here on security they need. The time has in the corruption investigation holiday with her family. Check out our website www.ciherald. not yet been reached where the and the Vaipae by-election. co.ck. and facebook page: www.facebook.com/ciherald rules are in breach or been put - Zipper Up PB TUTAKIMOA PETROL STATION AND MINIMARKET Sania Cooking Oil Planters Cocktail Tento Peanuts Toilet Tissue

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$2.30 $2.20 $0.60 $3.00 Each $1.80 packet each per 5pk Each Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 8 POLITICAL COMMENTARY Bishop and Rasmussen tag team no match for ring master Puna A soft dictatorship exposes a softer democracy any would argue that as Prime Minister for quite some Puna has turned the Cook Islands down the same path. Take Wilkie our leaders are not at time yet. Because right now only Constitution into a weapon of Rasmussen who has already Mfault, however many the PM can convene Parliament. offence. shown a defiant reluctance to more would disagree. So what rule changes have Henry Puna is astute enough call a conference to test his In 2009 through to 2010 Prime changed from the time Marurai to simply play politics according leadership, any self deserving Minister Jim Marurai held onto was PM to now that Puna is PM? to the rules of engagement; leader would be screaming the powers of office for much Nothing has changed. there is no room for inventions to ensure transparency and longer than many anticipated. Any PM that behaves badly of democratic morality in our contestability. Despite his Party’s With only enough MPs to form can quite easily avoid any tests Constitution as according to Constitution making conferences cabinet he held onto the reins of to their leadership from within the gibberish nonsense Bishop mandatory, one has not been office for over 12 months. First it their own party or from within and Rasmussen keep verbally called for three years. Would and was five MPs then it became six Parliament for as long as they regurgitating. It’s now clear could Rasmussen do the same if MPs in Cabinet and Government. have the budget to continue. who the organ grinder is and he was to become PM? You be Even a petition signed by 19 MPs This means until the next budget who are the monkeys with the judge. from both political parties was allocation, probably around Bishop hypnotically dangling the The difference though is insufficient to remove him. June 2015 and even then they carrot before Rasmussen and that the Demo Constitution is The 19 MP signatures out of are able to continue for at least his dwindling band of loyal job conveniently over looked despite a total of 24 made not a ‘single another three months past this hungry donkeys. its requirements, whereas the iota’ of difference to having date. We sometimes hear the The Prime Minister has more Cook Islands Constitution the PM Jim Marurai removed. The saying that 24 hours in politics is power and authority than the most supreme law in the country exiting PM, Jim Marurai did so a long time and what was agreed vast majority have realised actually gives the power to the on his own terms in 2010 and on upon in the morning will be a including long serving politicians Prime Minister to do most things to the scene the new PM Henry broken deal by the afternoon, who have become deluded that preserve his leadership, Puna arrived. now over a 12 month period by their own greedy thirst for essentially turning what is Admittedly, many would class before Parliament is next called power. Puna is robustly testing a supposedly a democratic PM Puna as behaving badly, anything can happen, numbers the pliability of the rules and to country into a softer version of a the reluctance to address the change, people change. the surprise of many they fall in dictatorship. Grey Power taxation issue, If something does happen his favour by a wide margin. You can’t blame the person, the continuous international it can mostly be a controlled There is no panic in the Cook that’s the law. In business if you travel and the growing cost of situation by the Prime Minister. Islands Party camp; initial keep having to replace people government, increased cost Is the Prime Minister at fault? concerns have subsided by the then sometimes it’s not the of living and increased taxes Partly. Any delays to democracy comical antics of the Bishop and people that is the problem, it seemed to dog him. Despite all are really no real fault of Rasmussen Dumb and Dumber could be the system that needs these and many questions about whoever is Prime Minister. The tag team who have now shifted changing. One thing is for certain, his leadership he has maintained real fault is the law; a suspicious their focus to the February 17 the entire system that relates to his position as PM and even the person would blame the people 2015 by election in Vaipae/ governance in the Cook Islands rumours about internal fighting who prepared the law that gives Tautu. is old, worn-out and in need of of the Cook Islands Party over PM Puna or any other future PM The outcomes of Mitiaro and reform. some of his decisions he seems too much power. Vaipae/Tautu whatever way PM Henry Puna knows this, to have managed to withstand But ultimately the law has the coconuts fall can be totally most parliamentarians know this them. caused both Marurai and Puna ignored and Puna can continue and given half a chance to repair PM Puna will remain as PM for to rule the roost for as long as to be the PM till September it, all MPs should fix it. as long as a conference of the they have and PM Puna will milk 2015 when he can pursue one of Who knows one day if we don’t CIP on the leadership does not the situation for all he can, and several favourable options. repair it we may get ourselves replace him and that Parliament the reason is simple, because he Replacing PM Puna without a real tyrant and it won’t be a is not called or Parliament can, who says he can? The law any law changes that reduce the case of a soft dictatorship it will dissolved. That being so, he says so, that’s the simple truth. PM’s power will only ensure that be a full blown out of control could quite conceivably remain Like his predecessor Marurai, the next PM could easily continue autocracy. - George Pitt PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 9 NEWS Economy slowing, expenditure expected to exceed revenue Growth slowing down, less tourists coming, tax revenue declining, deficits forecast By Charles Pitt Due to the lower than expected will receive approximately $0.500 behind this are not yet available. overnment’s latest financial tax collections since the formation million for 2014/15. It is assumed that the stockpiling report changes the position of the 2014/15 Budget estimates These revisions suggest that the of tobacco is still affecting import Gof the wickets once again. and declines in key tourist markets, 2015/16 Budget will be carried duty numbers. Not good if you are a fast bowler tax revenue has been revised down out under tight fiscal conditions The underlying operating but under arm bowlers have a in 2014/15 and all future years. with limited fiscal space for new balance was initially estimated good chance at taking a wicket or Nominal economic growth initiatives. Therefore, Crown at $0.009 million at the time of preventing runs. (which is what tax income is derived expenditures will be monitored the Budget, after the revision of As required by law, government from) is estimated to be as follows: closely, and Government will estimates this has arrived to a issued its half yearly economic and • 2.0 per cent decline in need to consider cost saving budget deficit of $0.501 million fiscal update on 31 December 2014 2013/14 (previously 2.6 per cent policies if new initiatives are to be for 2014/15. and the news is not good. MFEM growth) due new data being considered. It should be noted that has been warning government for available which showed large Section 2.1.3 Tax Revenue to the 2014/15 net underlying the last few years that if no new decreases in financial services and GDP operating balance is still in deficit revenue streams are established, construction; This ratio sets the revenue and Government will need to then operating expenditure will • 4.8 per cent growth in 2014/15 boundary and ensures government implement policy measures to outstrip revenue. That point is now (previously 4.5 per cent) due to limits the diversion of resources improve cost recovery for service upon us. the large increase in public capital away from the private sector. The rendered by line ministries whilst It’s certainly not good news to projects; and benchmark government agrees also taking into account saving usher in the new year. Operating • 1.3 per cent growth in 2015/16 to work within is maintaining measures to improve efficiencies in budget deficits forecast several (previously 1.1 per cent) due collections to within 25 per cent Government. years ago are here. Tax revenue to a large reduction in the aid of GDP. The expected performance Comments is estimated to be lower than expenditure profile. against this benchmark is illustrated It is interesting that the report expected. Original estimates in Section 2.1.2 Year to Date in Chart 2.1. mentions fuel prices and refers many sectors have had to be Assessment of revenues and (Comment: The chart shows to a time when the reduction in revised downward partly due to expenditure patterns that Government tax revenue world prices should flow through international events and also a Since the 2014/15 Budget will exceed this benchmark of to local suppliers. In NZ the price slowing down of the Australian and published in October, economic 25% of GDP but the report fails of fuel at the pumps has already NZ economies which has impacted conditions and the availability to comment how government come down by around 50%. How on tourism estimates and may of new data have resulted in the intends to comply. Indicators for long will local customers have impact on the special subsidy revenue projections being shifted 2014/2015 show the tax revenue is to wait? Government should arrangement with Air NZ. downwards. The net operating estimated at 26.9% and over 27% be asking the two suppliers this While it is not all grim news, surplus for 2014/15 was originally in out years). question. MFEM advises caution and care estimated to be $0.009 million. Other extracts of interest As mentioned above, in the year ahead as regards After reviewing two months of At the time of the 2014/15 government’s rate of taxation government expenditure and new actual receipts, tax revenue has Budget published in October 2014, exceeds (by 2%) the benchmark policy initiatives. been revised downwards by $1.0 GFS Operating revenues in 2014/15 against GDP of 25% but there is The purpose of the Fiscal Update million for the 2014/15 Budget were estimated to total $186.9 no explanation why this is so and is to revise the fiscal forecasts year. Reductions in revenue result million, of which $108.6 million what government intends to do underpinning the 2014/15 Budget in a net operating deficit of $0.501 was expected to be collected in to reduce the current level of tax. published in October 2014. In million for 2014/15, $0.316 million taxes over the financial year. Government has already reported updating the fiscal forecasts deficit in 2015/16, $3.3 million Since the 2014/15 Budget, that tax is down on estimates but the following factors have been deficit in 2016/17 and $0.602 movements in taxation revenues the GDP measure would indicate considered: million deficit in 2017/18. have resulted in a downward the estimates were probably too • year to date assessment of In addition other revenue revision of operating revenues by high. No comment is offered on revenues and expenditure patterns has been adjusted to take into $0.501 million to $186.4 million, whether the benchmark will be against original Budget estimates account banking arrangements due to parameter changes. complied with once the full effect 2014/15; and on behalf of the Financial Total tax receipts for 2014/15 of the tax review takes effect. Is • updated economic forecasts Supervisory Commission to are expected to be $1.0 million this a case of wait and see? which have impact on forecasted receive deposits which are bona lower than forecast at the time Why do we persist with government revenues. vacantia assets vested with the of the 2014/15 Budget due to “income tax” when our working Since the 2014/15 Budget total: Registrar. They become vested downward revisions in income, population is so small and • operating revenue has reduced with the Registrar when a company and import taxes. Most shrinking? Government should by $0.510 million and company has been struck off our of the revision in income taxes work towards abolishing this • operating expenditure remains registry whilst still holding assets. comes from the writing-off of tax and looking to compensate the same as originally budgeted. These deposits can face legal non-performing assets in the somewhere else. Some countries Extracts from the Report ownership claims for a period of local banking sector, which have (also some Australian States?) Section 2.1.1 “Updated six years. After the six year period negatively affected profitability have introduced a “bed tax” on economic forecasts which have no claim can be entertained and in the short term. Import duties accommodators of around 5% and a direct impact on forecasted the money passes to the Crown. continue to perform poorly, it is understood NZ is looking at government revenues” It is anticipated that the Crown although data on the reasons this type of tax. Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 10 NEWS Environment Internship Scheme, SPC-EU Deep Sea Minerals Project inerals, and the metals social risk associated with and monitoring of offshore which will provide a 2 month they contain, are an deep sea activities are not exploration and mining internship position with the Messential component only properly identified and operations. Project in the SPC regional office of the modern high-tech world. assessed but also, managed in a As part of its capacity- in Suva, is open to individuals Global stocks of raw mineral sustainable manner. building objective, and who have graduated in the resources continue to dwindle Countries participating in following the success of fields of environment, marine in absolute terms, leading to the Project are: Cook Islands, the Legal Internship Scheme, studies or other applicable increased pressures to access Federated States of Micronesia, the Project is now initiating disciplines. Priority will be previously unattainable mineral Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, an Environmental Internship given to applicants from the deposits - including those lying Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Scheme. participating countries who are at the bottom of the oceans. Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon The aim of this scheme is under a bond that requires them The SPC-EU DSM Project Islands, Timor Leste, Tuvalu, and to build a sustainable source to work for their government (www.sopac.org/dsm) aims at Vanuatu. There are numerous of in-country environmental after completing their studies. providing technical assistance other interested partners to expertise, as the interns are Environment Interns will to the 15 Pacific-ACP States, the Project, from international encouraged to return their be working closely with the with a focus on supporting organizations, academia, private country to work with national Project’s Environment Advisor, them to develop and implement sector, and civil society. authorities involved in deep sea Ms Alison Swaddling, in comprehensive policy and The Project has four Key minerals activities. delivering the key result areas legislative frameworks as a Result Areas: As a result, this scheme, identified above. means to ensure that deep sea (1) Development of a Regional mining is a viable economic Legislative and Regulatory option they could efficiently Framework for offshore minerals Syndromic utilize to meet development exploration and mining; goals as well as strengthen (2) Formulation of national Surveillance Report national independence and policy, legislation and autonomy. To this end, it is of regulations; (3) Building national Reports on illnesses up to end of November 2014 (after 49 weeks of the year). These figures are from the ESR Unit critical importance to ensure capacities; and of Community Health Services at Public Health, Tupapa. that the environmental and (4) Effective management 2014 (end of Nov) 2013 Acute fever and rash 72 1 November 2014 Flu like illness 43 116 Diarhoea 143 299 Prolonged fever 12 2 tourism figures Dengue like illness 930 15 Ciguatera (fish poisoning) 7 24 compared to same month in 2013 ey facts In November 2014 compared with November 2013, visitor Karrivals (9,417) down by 9.0 per cent. The biggest changes were in arrivals from: • Europe (up 202) • Asia (down 41) • Australia (down 446) • Canada (up 55) • USA(up 10) • Other countries (down 50) • New Zealand (down 2178) • French Polynesia (up 23) Overseas trips by Cook Islands residents (922) were mainly to visit families and friends. Total arrivals 10,466. Visitors 9,417 Cook Islands residents arriving 1,049 Compared to October the Visitor numbers down by 2,425 This reflects the usual trend at Christmas time when visitor numbers drop while the number of Cook islanders arriving, increases. PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 POLITICAL COMMENT 11 The comedy of errors By Norman George petitioners who had been he July 9, general cheated at the elections. The election delivered to this Court costs imposed are out of Tcountry game changes, league with our cost of living. new concepts and some very We need to reform the means worrying trends. The revival of appointing our Judges. We in our electoral system of need to step outside of the corruption is like a new virus, brotherhood old boy network immune to all available means system and expand selection to to stop it. The most corrupt Judges from Australia, Canada, candidates beat the system. South Africa and maybe Samoa. We have now people in our I make these comments as Parliament who are, barely able a private citizen, concerned to read and write who are our about the present and future of new M.P.s. It would seem that my country. I hope I will not be you can buy your way into the forced to sell out and leave my House of Parliament with zero beloved country, if my ability to ability and talent. As the Beatle practice my profession to make song says money cant’ buy me a living, is affected by these love, but can buy me “votes.” comments. We can thank the CIPs for that. Now back to the position on They are the ones who revived the ground. Prime Minister Norman George corruption in elections and day to Henry Puna while putting up a day governance. Just look back brave face, is a troubled man. but he takes no action to force handle the job. He is not mistake at what has happened in the past His recent Christmas message is Henry Puna out by taking his prone and neither is he likely to 4 years. Corruption in the fishing comical and pathetic. There is 12 caucus M.P.s to the Q.R. to make hasty decisions. industry and Te Mato Vai project. no concern for the state of the demand the post of P.M. or call My second bet is on James The CIPS sewed the viral seeds of nation, just concern for dear the Parliament in 7 days. Beer. New perhaps, a bit of a the new corruption, cultivated Enery’s status and future. His inaction could be fatal, he lone ranger or rough diamond? it, nurtured it, propagated it The issue is not about will miss the boat. Word is that Diamonds once polished will and now it is blooming. Some confidence in you Enery it is Mr. Bishop will wait for the Tautu outshine the stars. achievement after 50 years. about your majority, which /Vaipae, by-election, result on Other possible scenarios? A Many of our people are has now disappeared. The CIP 17 February. Who is advising couple of wannabe Demo caucus troubled with our Court system. government cannot produce Teina? My comments are my M.P.s running across to accept The procedures of the Electoral a quorum of 12 in Parliament own as a political commentator Ministerial posts in the CIP Courts need desperate review. today. A gentleman politician and should not be treated in any Cabinet? This will be a mistake. The old fashioned style that will normally step down and give way associated with my political It will reduce the shelf life of the you can only file an appeal the chance to the Opposition. party, the Democratic Party. M.P.s based on case stated is very That cannot be expected even There is reliable speculation Can the reverse happen, restrictive and difficult for the after 50 years, will it take 150 that Teina Bishop could be like 3 CIP M.P.s joining the petitioner’s petitions. Petition years perhaps? Henry do the facing criminal charges very Coalition? The M.P.s of Penrhyn, cases can only be appealed on right thing old chap! I say ..... soon. If that happens before Mauke and Amuri Ureia are all questions of law. Politics is all parachute down to earth now!. February 17, his hopes of being former Demos. Don’t write this about factual arguments. Some The position on the ground appointed M.P. will be blown to possibility off. decisions based on the wrong can be described from a circus smithereens. Under article 14 What is the final solution to interpretation of facts by the to a farce to a comedy of errors. (7) (b) of the Constitution, the this political free fall? A new Judge hearing the case, cannot “All is not well in the state of Q.R. will find his legal grounds general election old boy! The be appealed against, because it is Denmark,” (Hamlet) to refuse Teina’s appointment as Q.R. could simply say there is a procedural or factual argument Opportunities are coming and P.M. stagnation, the numbers stay and not a question of law. going moments of sheer resolute I would expect the Demo at CIP 11, Demos (after Tautu / Add to that the gate keeper outcomes are allowed to slip caucus to refuse to endorse Vaipae) 11, One Cook Islands 2. who is the trial Judge who heard away. Decisions that should Teina after such an event but This poses the threat of the petition, decides the case be made are not being made. keep him in caucus... A word instability uncertainty and bad stated, therefore holds the key Actions that should be taken are of caution, Teina will remain an governance for the nation. to what can be appealed or not not acted upon. Procastination, M.P. until the Court decides the Dissolution for a March general is considered unjust. You only delays, indecisions will eventually outcome of any likely charges. election is the only solution. Bite hear people talk about political turn to mush. The pressures of Teina is absolutely presumed the bullet and let’s get on with it. reforms. How about urgent indecision have the potential to innocent until proven guilty. P.S. Q.R. Don’t forget to appoint judicial reforms? create a split in both parties. Who could take over as the a neutral caretaker Cabinet, 3 I have watched instances in Focus on what has been likely P.M. in the coalition? My from either side. The last CIP the recent past of gut wrenching happening. The numbers as bet is on Tangata Vavia, the caretaker Cabinet became a decisions. There were more they stand gives the Demo/One M.P. for Mitiaro. As a former corrupt advantage taker. Adios! praise and sympathy for the C.I. 12 seats, CIP 11. The Demo/ Detective Inspector, he has A Happy and successful new hardworking trial petition Judges One C.I. caucus elected Teina the calmness, intelligence, political year in 2015 to all...... than the financially strapped Bishop to be the Prime Minister smartness and experience to Norm. Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 12 VIEWS Letter to the Editor ear Editor environment and seek protection in anonymity In the last paragraph of my Cook Islands News letter of 13 -when successive governments have failed miserably to address de- DOctober 2014 on the parliamentary shambles I presaged that population I was working on a piece that questioned whether we may have been -when so many Cook Islanders now residing overseas tie up land too hasty back in 1963 in choosing self-government. Here is that piece. which then lies idle and unavailable for agricultural use and no attempt I am wondering whether it is time to rethink self-government made to find a formula which brings that land back into production by especially now the 50th anniversary is looming and some politicians will resident family members or interested farmers see this as an opportunity to tell us how it has been such a tremendous -when in the 1950s, the 1960s, the 1970s and the 1980s we had the success and by association a favourable reflection upon them. resources of economic self sustainability because we had the land and But has it: we had the people and while the land remains it remains under-utilised -when more Cook Islanders than ever before have chosen to emigrate because we no longer have the people. rather than now live here -when if we are unable to exploit the potential of the land because -when we have had 16 years since the Commission on Political of political and official short-sightedness then our last hope is in and Reform to reform the political landscape but have kept promising to under the sea but what are the chances there when we cannot even address this vital issue but have steadfastly neglected to do so effectively and transparently manage our fish resource. -when the needs of the country have taken second place to endless -when the abundance we are constantly reminded exists on the travelling, self-enrichment, self-indulgence and the private interest of seafloor is an opportunity whose time will come but the waste of public a privileged few who consider the public revenues their personal bank funds that we see now with the more modest sums at our disposal is account seen as just a practice run for when those riches materialise and the real -when the Cook Islands is bogged down by political malcontents, fear whether we could trust our leaders in the management of them. naked ambition, minorities, inequalities, horse-trading, backroom -when we have fallen behind our regional neighbours in exploiting deals, unnecessary political appointments and self-serving interests the seabed minerals because of suspicious manoeuvring, indecision which pervert the delivery of stable government and a reflection of and general dithering the popular vote Parliament, and the people, on Friday 31 October 2014, heard for the -when a culture of corruption is perceived to be the acceptable first time the suggestion that perhaps Cook Islanders did have reason to standard and any attempt to investigate and expose it thwarted by question its leaders’ devotion to the self-government concept. denial and frustrated by vested interests A radio interview where Murienua MP, James Beer in reviewing 50 -when the sanctity and integrity of the rule of law is threatened by a years of self-government flagged areas where self-government had scarcity of defenders failed to deliver was the catalyst for a blistering attack from Minister of -when Members of Parliament are denied opportunities to fulfil their Finance, Mark Brown who, along with Minister Nandi Glassie pointedly representative role by the manipulation and abuse of parliamentary demanded whether Mr Beer was promoting a return to the colonial procedure so Government’s management of the affairs of the country days and a NZ administration. Mr Beer countered that that was not his can escape scrutiny intention at all but was advancing the proposition that as successive -when our propensity to be forever seeking the handout rather than governments had failed the people those people should be given the address our capacity to take care of ourselves creates an obsession opportunity to express, in a referendum, whether in fact they wished with foreign aid which has become an industry in itself and promotes to continue with the experiment which was resulting in the demise of an abdication of responsibility and innovative thinking of how we might primary industry and the flight of its people in alarming numbers. care for ourselves and avoid the appellation of international bludger Minister Glassie referred to the UN policy on non-self-governing -when our boastful claims of being leaders in the region is an exercise territories and attempted to explain the four options that were in self-deception and is a misrepresentation to the people of the real presented to the Cook Islands in 1962. He got three right but the fourth position as our population and land area is miniscule compared with which was central to the issue at hand he did not. The three he stated others like Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and consequently we correctly were: complete independence, a pacific federation and self- should be doing much better than we are government. The fourth he described as being a colony of NZ or some - when our per capita GDP further inflates with each year’s net other country which was quite wrong and he either did not know that negative migration and is a cause for serious alarm rather than foolish or, if he did, was deliberately misconstruing it so as to cast it in the bragging worst possible light as he considered it was this option that Mr Beer -when it is pointless having an economic development plan but no was referring to. labour policy to address the shortage of workers Now for some history. The United Nations Committee on Trust and -when the appointment of people to positions they are inadequately Non-Self-Governing Territories, also later known as the Committee of qualified to fill continues with disastrous results and the wasteful and 24 or the Special Committee on Decolonisation, was established in excessive expenditure on salaries and perks is an unacceptable burden 1961 in pursuance of a Declaration in 1960 by the United Nations that on the taxpayers Member States take immediate steps to transfer power to those non- -when Government uses the power of its office to retaliate and self-governing territories. NZ was a Member State and the Cook Islands attempt to silence its critics by adopting policies calculated to undermine was a non-self-governing territory. their businesses all in the spurious name of consumer interests and In 1961, Frank Corner became New Zealand’s Ambassador to the the global model meanwhile failing to heed cries for the enactment of United Nations, where he chaired the Trusteeship Council for two Commerce legislation that vested interests have been able to delay for years, and served on the United Nations Security Council. Corner was 13 years thus allowing predatory pricing practices and other restrictive the leading proponent of decolonisation of Pacific territories under non-competitive trade activities to thrive New Zealand control and provided the leading intellectual arguments -when the lower income worker constantly struggles with rising in favour of decolonisation of Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Niue, and prices yet government resists a return to price control on basic lines Western Samoa.(Wikipedia) misguidedly believing that the free market system would provide those I believe it neither unkind nor untrue to state that NZ in the very controls earliest stages of the Committee decolonising activities was eager -when Government relentlessly pursues taxes, back taxes and to demonstrate its cooperation and willingness to comply with the penalties with a determination that takes no regard of the wider applicable resolutions and in doing so engender a positive reaction implications amongst its fellow Members and an enhancing of its international -when fewer people contribute letters to the newspaper fearful profile. of recrimination and those that do increasingly see it as an unsafe Continued next page PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 13 VIEWS The thrust of Resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 was Territories and its local Resident Commissioner did. It quickly recognised however complete independence which was not thought applicable that Cook Islanders would not seek to go in to the circumstances of the Cook Islands considering the stage of the same direction as the newly independent Western Samoa but development it had then reached. that integration with NZ where so many of its people already lived did Clearly the United Nation also recognised its blanket demand for remain a possibility. But it was never fully examined in fact Leon Gotz, independence was not universally relevant and by a further resolution the Minister dealt with it but briefly, and negatively, in his address to the 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960 qualified in 12 guiding Principles how Legislative Assembly on 11 July 1962 in which he said- colonial governments should interpret Resolution 1514 (XV). Numbers A few weeks ago the NZ Cabinet discussed what steps ought to be VI to IX are quoted here: taken in the next few years and my principal purpose in attending this Principle VI session of the Assembly is to let you know the views of my Government. A Non-Self-Governing Territory can be said to have reached a full We feel that our aim should be to establish full internal self-government measure of self-government by: in the Cook Islands as soon as this is reasonably possible. (a) Emergence as a sovereign independent State; Having stated the direction NZ wished the Cook Islands to take he, (b) Free association with an independent State; or then, paradoxically, acknowledged that NZ wanted to do the right (c) Integration with an independent State. thing and to cooperate with the United Nations in seeing that the Principle VII Cook Islands people are governed in accordance with their own freely (a) Free association should be the result of a free and voluntary expressed wishes. choice by the peoples of the territory concerned expressed through Of the four options there were really only two which had informed and democratic processes. It should be one which respects the appeal. Independence pretty much ruled itself out with the loss individuality and the cultural charac¬teristics of the territory and its of NZ citizenship if nothing else and the complexities of a Pacific peoples, and retains for the peoples of the territory which is associated Federation could not even begin to be articulated. On the question with an independent State the freedom to modify the status of that of integration with NZ the Minister, consistent with the already territory through the expression of their will by democratic means and announced position of his Government, tended to pour cold through constitutional processes. water upon the notion and no doubt was echoing a submission (b) The associated territory should have the right to deter¬mine its he taken to his Cabinet just a month earlier in which he referred internal constitution without outside interference, in accordance with to the disastrous social effects on the Islanders. He referred to the due constitutional processes and the freely expressed wishes of Cook Islands receiving the same treatment as say the Province the people. This does not preclude con¬sultations as appropriate or of Taranaki; that NZ laws would apply - some that would be liked necessary under the terms of the free association agreed upon. but also a number that would not be liked. Instead of a Legislative Principle VIII Assembly the Cook Islands would have representation in the NZ Integration with an independent State should be on the basis of Parliament but because of its small population would probably complete equality between the peoples of the erstwhile Non-Self- need to share that and its voice would be less than currently Governing Territory and those of the independent country with which enjoyed in its own Legislature. it is integrated. The peoples of both territories should have equal status Without any opportunity being given to more fully examine these and rights of citizenship and equal guarantees of fundamental rights competing options and consult with the people, the Assembly, two and freedoms without any distinction or discrimination; both should days later on the 13 July 1962 passed the following motion which had have equal rights and opportunities for representation and effective been drafted by the Administration: participation at all levels in the executive, legislative and judicial organs That this Assembly- of government. (1) Records its appreciation of the Minister’s speech and of the New Principle IX Zealand Government’s proposal as outlined by him for the future Integration should have come about in the following circum¬stances : political development of the Cook Islands (a) The integrating territory should have attained an advanced stage (2) Declares that full independence as recently granted to Western of self-government with free political institutions, so that its peoples Samoa is not the goal of the Cook Islands would have the capacity to make a responsible choice through informed (3) Requests that the New Zealand Government proceeds with its plan and democratic processes; for giving the Cook Islands the fullest possible internal self government (b) The integration should be the result of the freely ex¬pressed wishes while at the same time preserving for the Cook Islands people their of the territory’s peoples acting with full knowl¬edge of the change in present status as New Zealand citizens their status, their wishes having been expressed through informed and (4) Reaffirms its loyalty to the Crown and its faith in New Zealand’s democratic processes, im¬partially conducted and based on universal willingness to continue giving aid and assistance to the Cook Islands adult suffrage. The United Nations could, when it deems it necessary, without thought of any gain other than the friendship and goodwill of supervise these processes. the people. So it can be seen that while the ‘self-government’ Minister On the strength of that resolution Constitutional advisers sat Glassie was referring to embraced free association with an with the Assembly for a week in August 1963 to discuss in detail the independent state ( in this case NZ) it could also include constitutional framework which would eventually be incorporated integration with an independent state and the way NZ presented into the Cook Islands Constitution Bill. There was no looking back and the options to us was to add the fourth of integration as a clearly although identified other option. there was inchoate movement to get more discussion and David Stone in an article in the Journal of the Polynesian Society understanding of the integration option it never really got any wrote- The alternatives given in Principle VII are precisely those traction (nor support from the administratyion) and although some which were offered the Cook Islands Legislative Assembly, with candidates stood on an integration platform at the ensuing general the addition of Pacific federation. 55 While it is admitted that the elections they were roundly beaten by the glamour, organisational New Zealand Government preferred free association (i.e., internal skills, drive and dynamics of the Albert Henry CIP political machine self-government while retaining links with New Zealand), it would, which it would be fair to say handsomely won the election (14 seats under the set of Principles according to which it was acting, have to 8 ) not so much as a statement and endorsement of the future had to have accepted integration or independence, if such a choice political status of the Cook Islands but more as a result of a coalescing had been made. As it turned out, it seems to me that New Zealand of support behind the novel phenomenon of a charismatic and suggested internal self-government because it was believed that flamboyant leader. It was more a combination of an exciting new this was the status most appropriate - 370 to the political, social leader promising a new direction under a new polity and a rejection and economic development of the Cook Islands, and the one closest of the old establishment. to the aspirations of their people. 56 Does integration remain an option?-It would appear from And that is what the NZ Government through its Minister of Island Continued next page Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 VIEWS 14 the foregoing that integration was not necessarily excluded from affairs but of the estimated global population of Cook Islanders of consideration at a later time. Reference to Principle IX above that(a) somewhere between 80-100,000 all but 12-13000 have abandoned The integrating territory should have attained an advanced stage of their homeland and chosen to live elsewhere. Successive Cook self-government with free political institutions, so that its peoples Islands Governments were slow to recognise that we were facing would have the capacity to make a responsible choice through a population loss problem and then impotent in how to address informed and democratic processes; presupposes that the Cook Islands it Substantial investment in outer islands harbours, airports and could, after gaining experience with internal self government, opt for renewable energy while admirable in principle has probably come integration. Logically that would for all practical purposes imply NZ but too late to arrest the depopulation of those islands and foster the integration with some other state would not necessarily be ruled out of economic opportunity presented by this investment. Meanwhile consideration although the New Zealand citizenship factor would be a loans associated with these developments need to be repaid and if huge influence. But would NZ accept integration at such a late stage? economic revival in those islands fails the burden will be fall upon David Stone took the view (vide:ante) that had the Cook Islands chosen remaining taxpayers. integration in 1962 NZ would have been obliged to have acceded to As the population diminishes so the cost of government per capita that wish and accommodated it. It is a moot point now 50 years later increases. More and more of our resources are disappearing into non- on whether after satisfying the precondition of having attained an productive avenues. Millions of dollars are wasted in providing public advanced stage of self-government the same obligation exists especially and crown servants with vehicles, with associated running costs and when NZ in 1962 was so clearly against it and carefully steered the Cook maintenance, predominately chosen to suit their private lifestyle rather than job related. In years past official vehicle requirements Islands in another direction. were managed by a transport pool. Financial management which in The irony of course is that since 1962 when the Cook Islands resident years past was centralised in the Treasury has been replicated by as population was around 19000 it is now estimated to be in the region many times as there are Ministries all unnecessary and all operating of 12-13000. With net migration being negative in recent years, and independently and beyond the immediate purview and control of extrapolated out, integration is occurring by default. In twenty years a central agency which is just a further invitation for profligacy and at the same rate the total resident population, unless depopulation is waste demanding more effective oversight by those Government reversed, is expected to reach critical levels with all manner of social agencies charged with protecting the taxpayers money. and economic consequences. As most of those migrants are now in A sobering fact is that if the economy in future years is still expected New Zealand anyway, and more joining them every year, one wonders to operate at something like existing levels, but given the continuing whether New Zealand would still be reluctant to consider integration attrition in the resident population, Cook Islanders will especially when it is internal self-government, and not integration, become strangers in their own land as increasing numbers of imported which is bringing about the disastrous social effects that the Minister workers arrive to fill the vacuum created by fleeing Cook Islanders. warned his Cabinet about in 1962! Is self-government worth saving? Are people satisfied with our A parallel case to this scenario occurred in Newfoundland where after present system of government? Are we performing well within it? 75 years of self-government a constitutional referendum in 1949 chose The howls of protest and derision that followed James Beer’s posing integration with Canada due to its economic collapse in 1933 during the of similar questions predictably came from that quarter which enjoys Great Depression. David Stone wrote in 1965:This underlines the fallacy or aspires to recapture the good life of being in government. Is self- of applying to the Cook Islands the argument that Commonwealth government delivering what the people expect from it or has it experience shows the unlikelihood of a change of status from internal betrayed them? Why else are they complaining and leaving in droves? self-government to anything other than independence. Exceptional as Is self-government actually serving the people or does the defense of it Newfoundland’s example may be, it is precisely in the circumstances narrow down to those selfish few who benefit mostly from it. And is this that led that country to turn to Canada (acute economic difficulties) and why we only get lip service when the subject of political reform comes also the procedure it adopted to do so (a constitutional referendum) up - because political reform has the serious potential to disturb the that the Cook Islands could consider it necessary or desirable to turn cushy life of a tiny but influential minority? to New Zealand in the future should the recent experiment in self- Last chance. If we are going to give self-government one last chance government fail. to demonstrate that it can deliver the expectations of those that And that is how New Zealand regarded self-government. It was an embarked us on this path 50 years ago now is that time. experiment- There is no clear winner yet emerging from the general election of “The experiment upon which both our countries have embarked five months ago. It could go either way or it could end up as it did once - the concept of self government and free association - depends to a before in 1983 and require a return to the polls. large degree, however, not only on the financial measures taken by So while there is no clear winner and therefore no compelling both our governments for the future economic well-being, but also on personal agenda would this not be, as James Beer suggested in a the maintenance of trust and confidence between us as fellow New letter a week ago, the perfect opportunity for all three parties to Zealanders.” (Message from Minister of Island Territories JR Hanan read commit to political reform and by that I mean serious political to the Legislative Assembly in 1966). reform. Not just the tampering with a seat here and a seat there but In this same context we should be reminded of the Exchange of letters a revival of the 1998 Political Review Commission of Iaveta Short, between the NZ Government’s Prime Minister, Norman Kirk and the Ron Crocombe and John Herrmann. I believe so and, as the final CIs Government Premier, Albert Henry in 1973 wherein was identified electoral landscape could be revealed in a matter of days and would that the unusual gesture of extending NZ citizenship to people beyond have the capacity to dilute any cooperation and enthusiasm, that the reach of its own laws creates an expectation that the Cook Islands decision, that commitment, should be taken now before the final will uphold in their laws and policies, a standard of values generally position is known . In the event of a hung Parliament, and that prior acceptable to New Zealanders. If readers will go back to examine my commitment, a government of national unity could be agreed and when questions it would appear that we are not upholding our end of proceed along the lines James Beer has proposed with clear terms the bargain. of reference and a tight timetable. Political reform could then be The Cook Islands Constitution has provision in Article 41(2) fora legislated and the country could return to the polls under the new change in status by constitutional referendum. Section 2 of the Cook arrangements. It will not be easy and it will not be without some Islands Constitution Act 1964 provides that- losses and some pain but unless we are prepared to do it the Cook The Cook Islands shall be self-governing. This cannot be changed Islands has not got a great deal to look forward to if it retains the except by following the procedure contained in Article 41 (2) {2/3rds present system the way it is currently structured. support in Parliament, 90 days wait, poll of electors and 2/3rds support If we do not seize this opportunity then, in my view, we are destined in that poll}. to continue our downward spiral and we would likely be better off Should we be looking at this?-The Cook Islands has in the view commencing negotiations right now with New Zealand on the terms of this writer reached a crucial crossroads in its political evolution. of integration There is an innate desire in all people to want to manage their own John M Scott. PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 NEWS 15 Welcome to the New Year! By Norma Ngatamariki cakes. I think all that baking at The Islander until New Years. oller, everybody! With has put me off making baked I thought of all the resolutions the festive season just desserts for a while. Thinking that I had made in 2014 and Hgone past, everyone of the patience required, the began ticking off the ones that I has hopefully recovered from frustration when something had accomplished (quite a few, all of the pesky hangovers doesn’t turn out right and the I’m pleased to say). The ones I (from the endless drinking) and clean up afterwards (shudder). hadn’t would have to be shifted bloated tummies (after feasting However, I really enjoyed myself to 2015. I had made plans with on all that glorious food). I and was happy with the end some friends to head out on hope everybody enjoyed their result (four snowy-white, cloud- New Year’s Eve. I could already Christmas and New Years with like pavlovas and two delicious tell that it was gonna be an their families and friends. We are chocolate cakes. Yum) After the awesome night. We had decided only in the second week of 2015 bake off, Mum and I were off to on being at Sails in Muri, to say and already people are hyped The Islander for a lunch buffet. farewell to 2014 and to welcome up over what will be going down Even if the weather was a bit 2015 with a brilliant display of this year. We’ve got the school bleh, it wasn’t enough to kill fireworks. Flashes of green, blue, festival coming up as well as the my appetite. I was salivating by red and gold lit up the sky as the Cook Islands 50th anniversary of the time I arrived. For $45 per clock struck midnight. Fireworks independence, where the school head, we were not disappointed. on the beach: a perfect the happy vibe that everybody holiday will be prolonged to The food was to die for and the combination. was letting off. My friends and three weeks for the celebrations. service was friendly. I ate to my People in town partied the I were having the time of our Woop woop! (Sadly, I’ll be in heart’s content and was able to night away with everything going lives, while Mum and Dad were New Zealand during this time) finish two helpings. I would most at full throttle. The nightclubs celebrating the New Year quietly For my family, Christmas was definitely visit that place again, were going hardcore and random back home. I have a lot of hopes far from a relaxed affair. I actually no question. people were screaming out for this year and I can’t wait to managed to keep my promise of I had five days to recover “Happy New Year!” to anyone see what 2015 has in store for baking pavlovas and chocolate from my binge eating episode and everyone. I loved feeling me. TENDER VACANCIES QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPING & LAUNDRY OPPORTUNITIES IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISORS & ATTENDANTS – LAUNDRY SUPERVISORS & ATTENDANTS ARE TAPAEANGA PROJECT – WESTERN BASIN AVATIU HARBOUR, RAROTONGA. Visit www.TheRarotongan.com Or contact [email protected] The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation and the Cook Islands Ports Authority advises that tenders are now invited from PUBLIC NOTICE suitably qualified tenderers for the following contract work on the Are Tapaeanga Project – Western Basin, Avatiu Harbour, SAVAGE FAMILY MEETING, SATURDAY 10TH Rarotonga, Cook Islands. JANUARY 8AM AT NEW RAROMART STORE WITH DON CARLAW TO EXTEND LEASE AND ALSO Turnkey Contract No. C01/2014 – the supply, installation of 9.30AM AT GENERAL TRANSPORT FOR SAME. materials and equipment for the construction of a new building Are Tapaeanga Project – Western Basin, Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Past Tattslotto Results

The contract requires the contractor to provide insurances at specified levels. Suitably qualified and experienced tenderers should apply to Cook Islands Tourism Corporation for tender documents, including a brief statement of their experience and qualifications.

All tenders are to be delivered to Cook Islands Tourism addressed to: Mrs Noeline Mateariki, Destination Development Coordinator, Destination Development Division. During the tender period all enquiries regarding the tender document should also be addressed to the said person above on email [email protected] or telephone 29 435.

Tenders close at 4pm on the 16th January 2015. (Cook Islands Time). Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 NEWS 1 6 Crafts attract much interest On the 30th of December 2014 at the Punanga Nui market, crafts carved by prisoners under the tutelage of master carver Mike Tavioni, went on public exhibition and sale. The works were of a commendable standard and on show were a wooden table with local designs, kumete bowls with designs, pates, spears and carved panels. Most of the pieces sold and aroused much public interest. - By Poko Utia PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 NEWS 1 7 Rutaki School celebrates 50 years On the 30th of December 2014 Rutaki School celebrated its 50th anniversary and the event attracted many ex students some of whom back from overseas for this special event. There were performances by young groups. An excited crowd screamed and yelled and the smaller children couldn’t help but dance even if it wasn’t their turn. Although events ran behind schedule everyone didn’t seem to mind. - By Poko Utia Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 NEWS 18 Moetaua Tutere reunion On Tuesday at the St Joseph School, the Moetaua Tutere family held their reunion. Each family introduced themselves and their families then told the kopu what line they come from. There were many surprised faces when those present found out who was related to whom.. - By Poko Utia PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 RELIGION 19 Love – the greatest gift By Senior Pastor John Tangi about material things, but This Article of about a person called Jesus Encouragement I will focus Christ. on the events surrounding The third trend is that the birth of Jesus Christ. It is we have placed more upon important for us to do this Getting rather than Giving. because it’s becoming very We tend to speak about what difficult these days to identify we got for Christmas rather Christ with a lot of things than what we gave. Christmas happening around us at this is to be a time of giving. For time of the year. God so loved you and I that We need to stop and think He gave Jesus. of the worldly trends imposed What really happened at upon us, and look directly Christmas was this. Love to God and say to Him – came and knocked at the ‘help us Lord to rediscover a door of the world’s heart. perspective of Christmas that God’s love for the world was glorifies and honours Jesus!’ so strong that it conceived Christmas is to celebrate the itself by a miracle, from our joy of receiving Jesus Christ perspective, in the womb of the Saviour as a ‘free gift’ a virgin. The evidence of that from God. It is the time to spiritual act was the eventual acknowledge God’s great birth of Jesus – Emmanuel – love towards us. Yet I see God with us. three distinct trends that are When we read in the Bible nothing more than diversions of the build up to the birth or distractions from a sincere of Jesus and the events that celebration. followed, we discover that The question I kept asking people reacted three different myself is “Where is the joy of ways. Secondly, there were those disappointments, and instead the world?” For many people Firstly, there were those who were so concerned of of being a hostile person at Christmas becomes a time of who totally ignored it. God’s love to the world. When Christmas, you are a happy doing things in excess – we When love came knocking Herod the King heard of this person. spend more money than we on their door, the door of great occasion – a Messiah Thirdly, there were those have, people eat, eat, eat, their hearts, it was turned was to be born – he did who searched God’s love. and drink, drink, drink, and away in ignorance. The pre- everything within his power When love comes knocking this leads to increase in road occupation of the people to stop this from happening. at your door, don’t ignore it accidents, partying, and so with what the world had After it happened he tried to or have concern for it, but on. Shops stay open for long organized for them distracted cut off God’s love towards search it. hours to draw people into their attention from earth’s people by seeking to physically Christmas is about spending. greatest historical event. kill baby Jesus. God’s love is searching for the love of The first trend is that Revelation 3v.20 reads to be received and enjoyed, God. Friends, we can’t Christmas has become more “Behold, I stand at the door yet there are many who are ignore God’s love, or show of a Holiday instead of a Holy and knock. If anyone hears concerned about this love. concern for it, but rather we Day. My voice and opens the door, For some reason their hearts ought to search for it. Let us The second trend is that we I will come into him and dine are so hardened that they set our minds, our hearts have Commercialized and not with him, and he with Me.” are so negative towards love. and spirit on searching for Christianized Christmas. Now- Many ignored that knocking. Despite all the hurts and the greatest gift of love the a-days Christmas is a business Friend, do not get carried disappointments we have world has ever received – with Santa Claus as the main away by the external trends had during the year, let us Jesus Christ. Let us not be person. People are about and events of Christmas, open up our hearts to God distracted from that. making money rather than that we ignore God’s great and receive His love towards Merry Christmas and a focusing on the significance manifestation of love toward us and we will find that the Happy New Year to you –God of Christmas. Christmas is not us. love will heal those hurts and bless, te Atua te aroa. Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 NEWS 20 New Year, new Chooks extra Spotted in Captain’s Log, SS Daily, Christmas Eve, the new rates for fuel approved by the one person Price Tribunal. How is it chooks that with the world prices for beginning fuel coming down, one supplier has dropped his rates across the board while the By Teherenui Koteka casting away of mistakes other, has increased his rates significantly? How does the one person Price Tribunal t’s that time of the year made in the previous year. justify such a situation? Only in the Cook Islands do such oddities exist! where we get to say The idea of new possibilities goodbye to 2014 and and opportunities also 2015 was proclaimed as the year government would start earning much needed I new revenue for its grandiosely touted Sovereign Fund, from the issuing of licenses hello to a fresh new year. accompanies a New Year. At this time of the year, I The New Year means new for exploration of our sea bed by foreign companies. However, this is contingent and no doubt a lot of you, things to look forward to and upon firstly getting a budget to employ the necessary extra staff and to train them tend to hear the flutter of new adventures to partake up. No idea where the money is coming from just yet. Our taxes or our donor new year’s resolutions. All on. For many of my friends buddies? With parliament still up in the air and no budget likely any time soon, over Facebook I see people 2015 means embarking on the sea bed mineral dreams will stay just that-dreams! spreading the word of their their journey into adulthood various goals for 2015. I as their initiation into The longer we dither in getting our sea bed licensing system airborne, thanks to see people’s usual targets university draws closer. all the political wrangling, the worse it will be for us as other nations, like India, such as “I’m going to lose A New Year always brings plough ahead with greater speed and urgency. All our efforts to date are likely to go weight” or “I’m going to aim hope and a little dread. We down the proverbial gurgler as we get overtaken and drop from a leading position to do better at school” and hope for a prosperous year to last! Whether we like it or not, we are in a race and if we drop the baton, we I see the more exotic goals ahead, and hold a little can forget all about winning any medals! such as “I’m going to save dread at the thought of not enough money to travel to knowing what the year will Bathers at Muri were somewhat stunned chooks to see a noisy jetski zooming Europe this year”. The catch bring. January 1st marks about the lagoon at high speed. Is such a thing allowed? What of the bathers? phrase ‘new year, new me’ is the beginning of a voyage Who polices this activity? The Harbour Master? The Traditional Chiefs? What are one often heard throughout throughout a brand new, the speed limits? the holiday period and into fresh year. Although we do the start of the New Year. not know what the next 365 Posh hotel out west opens its doors to locals at an affordable price but the way By today, January 7th many days will bring we have to just some were paddling their kayaks gave others cause for concern thereby raising people have set goals to hope for the best and battle queries about breathalyzer tests for erratic paddlers! battle out the journey of out what ever challenges 2015 hoping to emerge come along the way. New If the numbers of budget tourists keep rising and no new accommodations are in 2016 a new and better Years is a time to reflect built, will we see the first camping grounds set up? These were all the rage in person. upon the previous year and Kiwiland some years ago. All we need now is “tent town” with an ablutions block, a I think the ‘New Year’ look towards the up-coming PA system and an early morning, “Hi Dee Hi campers!” is the perfect time to set year. All I can really hope objectives for the on-coming for this year is a safe but With deficits expected over the next few years, MFEM has ordered a new set of year. To me the New Year is challenging year that helps cheque books from the bank for issuing as payment to private sector contractors. a magical time where any me emerge in 2016 a better, The new cheques are made of a rubbery material, not for long life or durability but goal seems possible and stronger and wiser person for their “bouncing” capability. The higher the bounce, the less likelihood of payment! the next 365 days will test than I was in 2014. My how much you really want New Years resolution this to achieve the goals you year is “umeia te marokura” Athletic types stand a better chance of employment when the new government have set. Although I, and meaning aim for the highest. takes office chooks. When the new Minister says, “Jump,” those who can jump no doubt many of you out Although this has been my higher than ordered, will get to keep their jobs! With the abolition of office there still have New Years New Years resolution for vehicles, those who can run fast, also have a better chance of retaining their resolutions from 2012 that the past four years I’m not jobs! have not yet been achieved, convinced that I have truly the New Year marks a new done my best to achieve it. Here’s a tip chooks. Watch for a major development at Avatiu wharf. The whisper beginning and the chance Maybe 2015 will be my year. is those who operate the dry dock for ships in Tahiti are looking to re-locate to reach those goals that I go into 2015 with a New and Avatiu harbour apparently fits the bill! With a long list of vessels seeking dry just seem inaccessible. The Years resolution in my back docking for maintenance work on their hulls, business at the harbour is looking up! New Year for me means pocket and the will power to that you symbolically get stick it out. I hope many of a new beginning. With you do the same. Either way Halleluiah chooks! A new use has been found for the humble tobacco plant! It this new beginning comes here’s hoping that we all appears the leaf has bio-fuel properties and in South Africa, massive plantations are new chances, room for have a fantastic prosperous planned to grow tobacco not for puffing on but for powering vehicles and other improvement, and the year. Happy New Year! means of transport. PB

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015Cook Islands Herald CHOOKSGOSSIP>>> 09 February 2008 2121 RassieOh isdear so in chooks, love with those his Bishop frisky aboutnone of inter-these tickets island were paid shipping! for, why were he’sbean even countingoverlooking younghis recently bucks past in Nothey in morethe draw? Surelypussy-footing to qualify for the the Office o te dosh or OOPS- around! Let’s have a proper muck“Office ups. 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Demo Let’s Way! get blasting! wenttwo as farteams to say are the inBishop action, was nuts just Blow half the reef away if nec- 600 spectators can be accom- essary to get the big boats in! andmodated! what do you Whoa! expect What’sit was a withfull It’s Trustgoing government to cost probablyto come up $500with a moon.the Soseating what candeal we here? expect If Rassie three ofwhere the day the it’s parliamentgood ideas not inhard a fromHampers! a Willfar, Sticky distant Fingers journeybe feeding millionnovel way and to boost annihilate economic development all sea to teamsreport toplay the thencentral there’scommittee no workBoarding that attracts House investors. is currently And what duringthe poor alawhich Robin heHood? is thought to lifechooks for a and radius raise of GDP! 500 Openmiles up but the whenroom the leftcurrent for attempt any spectators!to become a based,great beach makes front a site lotta to havede sensea bar have visited King Solomon’s hey!Market That’s rent free progress! to entrepreneurial And the high chooks. 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Not Word to be is out- he is the unprepared! maining question? Where to trusty crystal balls chooks and done, water boy’s Lord and Em- Chooks Big Red has heard taxpayerbase CISNOC? sponsored businessman has inpeered Vaimaanga deep coming into back the tomists “Papa?” of pressfearful tothe theHigh West, Court havefinding engaged may have from his vast network of in- acquired a suitable property to start That’stime the and word the among future the has swaying ap- aput scribe some of to his fire band off of afollowers sternly off! formersThe daily that dribble the real is reasona glutton for for a brewery.Building Let’s ahope completely they have new a palmspeared chooks. in aEven frightening the ghosts vision!of ages wordedHence the communiqué sensation below to his the legs Pal- of thepunishment, island thewide last power time they failure bit the competitionand relatively for a name inexpensive and a logo. The at pastIn Camelot,predicted it. Big Red sees a re- acecooling of Elfeet! 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NEW ZEALAND-FIJI, SAMOAS, TONGA AND COOK ISLANDSCOCONUT SERVICE ROUNDTABLE VESSELFAT CATS VOYAGE NEW ZEALAND FIJI SAMOA & TONGA Cook Islands Number AuckSilver Lautoka Suva Apia Pago YouNuk Raro 2, Cabinet looks like the plated? Rumour Forum Fiji lll 32 SLD 09,10/02 10,11/02 12/02 12,13/02know what16/02 that - They’ll Forumnew CabinetRarotonga is giving usll the 08 10,11/02 - has15/02 it, Government 18/02 is 17/02 means!25/02 21/02 bullet! to put some no hopers out come to us Forum Fiji lll 33 25/02 28/02 29/02 01/03 02/03 05/03 - for jobs! to pasture! Forum Rarotonga ll 09 02,03/03 - 07/03 10/03 09/03 17/03 13,14/03 Forum Fiji lll 34 13,14/03 18/03 18,19/03 20/03 21/03 24/03 - Forum Rarotonga ll 10 23,24/03 - 28/03 31/03 30/03 07/04 03/04 Forum Fiji lll 35 02,03/04 07/04 08/04 10/04 11/04 14/04 - Forum Rarotonga ll 11 13,14/04 - 18/04 21/04 20/04 28/04 24,25/04 Forum Fiji lll 36 23,24/04 28/04 29/04 01/05 02/05 05/05 - MozzieForum Rarotonga ll 12 04,05/05 - 09/05 12/05 11/05 19/05 15,16/05 Forum Fiji lll 37 14,15/05 19/05 20/05 22/05 23/05 26/05 - Forum Rarotonga ll 13 25,26/05 - 30/05 02/06 01/06 09/06 05,06/06 Forum Fiji lll 38 04,05/06 09/06 10/06 12/06 13/06 16/06 - Forum Rarotonga ll 14 15,16/06 - 20/06 23/06 22/06 30/06 27,28/06

Cook islands Herald 07 January 2015 22 NEWS VACANCIES VACANCIES QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED RESORT WEDDING PLANNER OPPORTUNITIES IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Visit www.TheRarotongan.com Or contact [email protected] Advertise your vacancies to Cook Islanders right here and around the world. JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHEFS List your jobs on www.cookislandsjobs.com today IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Fast and easy Visit www.Therarotongan.com

Or contact [email protected] Economical JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUALIFIED Immigration TRADESMEN IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS Carpenters – Electricians – Refrigeration Engineer – Plumber – Painter / Tiler – Handyman

Visit www.TheRarotongan.com Or contact [email protected] OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED SPA & BEAUTY VACANCY: PROGRAMME OFFICER – THE THERAPIST JOB OPPORTUNITIES SRIC-CC PROGRAMME IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Applications for the position of Programme Officer are invited Visit www.TheRarotongan.com from qualified, experienced and motivated individuals. Or contact [email protected]

The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting in the QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED RESTAURANT & BAR management and coordination of the Programme; Strengthening OPPORTUNITIES the Resilience of Our Islands and Our Communities to Climate IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS Change (SRIC-CC). Visit www.TheRarotongan.com The objective of the SRIC-CC programme is to strengthen the Or contact [email protected] ability of Pa Enua communities, and the public service, to make informed decisions and manage anticipated climate change QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING JOB driven pressures (including extreme events) in a pro-active, OPPORTUNITIES integrated and strategic manner. IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS The successful applicant must have a passion for learning, be ACCOUNTANTS – ACCOUNTS CLERKS – innovative and have recently worked on community based PURCHASING OFFICERS projects in the Pa Enua or Rarotonga. They must also have excellent communications and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Visit www.TheRarotongan.com Cook Islands Maori is an advantage. Or contact [email protected] To receive a copy of the Terms of Reference for this position QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED RESORT SECURITY please contact Mrs Tina Samson–Hoff at the Office of the OPPORTUNITIES Prime Minister (OPM) between 8am-4pm (Mon-Fri) on phone FOR GUEST SERVICE MINDED STAFF 25494 or 29300, or email [email protected]; IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Applicants should submit the following to Mrs Samson-Hoff at Visit www.TheRarotongan.com the OPM or by email to the address above (hard or electronic Or contact [email protected] copies are acceptable); 1. A full curriculum vitae (CV); Resort Trainee Opportunities ideal for a young person with 2. A covering letter outlining your interest for this position; a good high school education & hospitality qualifications and aiming for a long term career in the international 3. At least two letters of reference that support your hospitality industry. No experience required however a application great attitude & strong work ethic is mandatory.

Applications close on Monday 19th January 2015 at 3.00pm. Visit www.TheRarotongan.com Or contact [email protected] PB

NOMINATION FORM The 2015 Development Awards - Honouring 50 Years of Development in the Cook Islands

• Closing date for nominations is Friday 23rd January 2015. • There is no limit to the number of nominations made by individuals. • Winners will be chosen by a judging panel representing business, civil society, youth, traditional leaders and others. • Winners will be recognised at the 2015 Development Partner’s Meeting Awards Dinner on Tuesday 10th February.

Jaewynn McKay, the Awards Coordinator, is happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact Jaewynn by email: [email protected] or by phone: +682 55 486

BACKGROUND The 2015 Development Awards will recognise the country’s best development achievements over the last fifty years. These 7 awards will honour organisations, individuals and the public and private sector for their efforts in creating positive change in the Cook Islands.

CATEGORIES

• Best Development 1965 – 1974 • Best Development 1995 – 2004 Special Awards • Best Development 1975 – 1984 • Best Development 2005 – 2014 • People’s Choice • Best Development 1985 – 1994 • Supreme Development 1965 – 2014

CRITERIA

Recipients of the 2015 Development Awards will have demonstrated to our experienced panel of judges that they or their project were at the forefront of the country’s development. These awards will recognise the most successful and innovative, people, projects, programmes and partnerships; entries will need to demonstrate how they have improved the physical or environmental quality of an island or islands within the Cook Islands or the economic or social well-being of a community within the Cook Islands. Other criteria that might be incorporated include: • The contribution and benefit to society and impact on community or nation by the individual/group/event or project being nominated. • Their personal interest and involvement in the wider community. • Details of any challenges faced and how they were overcome. • The length of time living in the Cook Islands. • Outline contribution to the Cook Islands development. • Outline degree of difficulty in achievement. • The involvement in establishing and/or setting the direction of a group, organisation or cause in which they have been involved. • Value of contribution to the Cook Islands.

TIMELINE

• Call for nominations opens Monday 15th December 2014. • Nominations close Friday 23rd January 2015. • Judging panel convenes Monday 26th January to consider nominations and to short list up to three nominations per category. • The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by the public from the short list published on Monday 2nd February. • The Supreme Award will be chosen from the category winners. • Announcement of Awardees at the Development Awards Dinner Tuesday 10th February. NOMINATION

Nominee name/project/programme: ______

Contact name (if different from above): ______

Contact email: ______Phone:______

Category, tick one:

 Best Development 1965 - 1974  Best Development 1995 – 2004  Best Development 1975 – 1984  Best Development 2005 – 2014  Best Development 1985 – 1994

Supporting information Please tell us the reasons why you believe your nomination should receive a Development Award (in about 250 ‐ 1000 words). You can provide additional material in support if you wish. You can use this section to list the achievements. Please feel free to add additional pages or attach a separate document to this nomination form.

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

NOMINATOR GENERAL STATEMENT OF INTENT

I agree to the Development Coordination Division (MFEM) recording the personal contact details provided in this nomination, retaining and using these details and disclosing them to the judging panel for the purposes of selecting recipients for the Development Awards 2015. I understand that my nominee’s name and brief details about this nomination may be released to the media or appear in publicity material.

Your name: ______

Signature: ______Date: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

SUBMIT NOMINATION

• email to [email protected] • Post to Development Coordination Division, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, PO Box 120, Rarotonga • Deliver by hand to the Development Coordination Division, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management