Political Reviews

Micronesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 taberannang korauaba, kelly g marsh, clement yow mulalap, christina sablan, tyrone j taitano

Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 lorenz gonschor, margaret mutu, christina newport, forrest wade young

The Contemporary Pacic, Volume 27, Number 1, 209–293 © 2015 by University of Hawai‘i Press

209 Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

Reviews of American Sāmoa, Hawai‘i, period and the drought conditions Niue, Sāmoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, forecast to extend the dry season and Wallis and Futuna are not (cin, 16 Dec 2013). With two water included in this issue. treatment plants and a desalination machine dispatched from Rarotonga, the New Zealand High Commission added its support by supplying one As the 49th year of Cook Islands of the solar-powered water-treatment “self-governing” in free association plants as part of a nz$225,000 grant with New Zealand, the period under to support the Cook Islands drought review has been characterized by a response strategy. The strategy number of political ups and downs, includes equipment, training, aware- culminating in a snap election with ness raising, and water level monitor- contested results and court action ing and reporting (cin, 31 Jan 2014). set to determine the outcome. The On a much larger scale, the nz$60 results highlight the need for reform million Cook Islands Water Partner- to address the disparity of the value ship, or Te Mato Vai, linked to climate of a vote across the country. As 2014 change, is intended to improve water is also the International Year of Small ­supply and quality­ on Rarotonga. The Islands Developing States, interna- initiative will refurbish water intakes, tional and local attention is focused increase water storage and treatment, on the country’s development partner- and replace ring mains and piping ships as it prepares to celebrate its (cin, 19 Oct 2013). Funding for the unique form of sovereignty in 2015. project has been raised, with nz$22 Other issues this year revolved around million from the Cook Islands gov- a rollout of tax reforms, marine ernment, a nz$15 million grant from resources, and the management of the New Zealand, and a nz$23 million climate change–related drought in the concessional loan from the People’s southern group islands. Republic of China. This jointly funded The Cook Islands continues to partnership has drawn international place priority on climate change and attention and is “believed to be a climate-related disaster risks, with first for the emerging Asian country a number of southern group islands which has ­traditionally been known “dealing with drought-like condi- to deliver aid unilaterally” (cin, tions after months without decent 12 Sept 2013). Visiting researcher rainfall” (cin, 16 Dec 2013). On Atiu, Philippa Brant of the Lowy Institute groundwater supplies were at criti- for International Policy in Australia cally low levels. These problems were suggested that because the Pacific further compounded with increased faced no current military conflict, the demands expected over the Christmas Cook Islands was ideal for Beijing

251 252 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015) to test out its new aid strategy while above its weight, a potential game avoiding accusations of self-interest by lifter for the Cook Islands lies in its allowing the Cook Islands and New ability to deliver on the government’s Zealand to drive the project (cin, 12 optimistic energy security goals. Sept 2013). Locally the project also Targets of 50 percent of electricity to drew attention through public meet- be supplied from renewable energy ings and consultations on the Water sources by 2015 and 100 percent Master Plan. With construction due to by 2020 are looking attainable with start on 14 April 2014, a petition with the help of old and new develop- over two thousand signatures was ment friends. Support from a range delivered to Parliament seeking to put of donors has been negotiated. This a stop to the project “until misgiv- includes a nz$20.5 million project to ings and shortcomings on the project design and construct solar-powered can be identified and investigated and hybrid energy systems on , other options explored,” said James , , Pukapuka, Thomson, spokesman for the Te Mato Nassau, and Palmerston to enable Vai Petition Committee (cin, 5 April these communities to move toward 2014). It was agreed that a Parlia- 95 percent reliance on solar power. mentary Select Committee would be New Zealand company Power Smart established; however, the project still has been contracted and is expected proceeded. to start in August 2014 (cin, 12 June Since the 2011 establishment of the 2014). In addition, another New Zea- Climate Change Division in the Office land company, Infratec Renewables of the Prime Minister, a number of (NETcon International) was awarded initiatives have commenced. A us$5 a nz$3.3 million contract funded by million Adaptation Fund project facili- New Zealand and the European Union tated the development of a national to install a 960-kilowatt solar fan at climate-change policy. In November the Rarotonga Airport. Construction 2013, the Kaveinga Tapapa: Climate on that project commenced in April and Disaster Compatible Develop­ 2014 (cin, 29 April 2014). How- ment Policy 2013–2016 was launched. ever, it was not all plain sailing, with In taking an integrated approach, local businessman and Chamber of the policy is focused on low-carbon, Commerce President Steve Anderson climate-change–and disaster-resilient ­questioning decisions to send hazard- development. Prime Minister Henry ous lead-acid batteries rather than Puna’s introductory statement notes lithium-ion batteries to a number of that the policy, by integrating with low-lying atolls as part of the renew- existing policy instruments and plan- able energy plans. ning tools, “builds on our existing Given the potential of aid being tied structures and draws on our capability to a donor country’s foreign and trade to lift our game” and its “fundamental policies, and noting the nature of the message is to prepare today for tomor- relationship between the Cook Islands row” (Cook Islands Government and New Zealand, such decisions are 2013, 2). perceived as the Cook Islands govern- With a reputation for punching ment’s not wanting “to rock the boat political reviews • polynesia 253 too much with New Zealand and Aus- featured during this review year. With tralia and China and Japan who are an exclusive economic zone of over the donors, so . . . they’re being guided 200 million square kilometers of by the donors who basically lay down ocean, the Cook Islands establishment the criteria of what’s going to be of a marine protected area continues given,” said Anderson in an interview moving toward being “legally desig- on Radio Australia (Fayle 2014). nated and zoned by the end of 2015” Cook Islands efforts at the interna- (cin, 22 Feb 2014). Situated in the tional level took forward three policy southern region, the marine park will priorities of loss and damage, climate- cover an area of approximately 1.1 change adaptation, and climate-change million square kilometers. Following financing to the 19th meeting of the extensive consultations across the pa United Nations Framework Conven- enua (islands), Marae Moana Marine tion on Climate Change (unfccc) Park Project Manager Jacqui Evans Conference of Parties in Warsaw, stated that “we don’t want to prevent Poland, in November 2013. The opportunities for the country to use delegation leader (and one of seven its marine resources but we want to women on the eight-member team), see our ecosystems being sustained Ana Tira‘a, in commenting on the because they provide so much for us importance of attending such meet- in terms of food, shelter, recreation, ings and seeking global agreement to medicine, income through tourism and address climate-change impacts, said, basic ecosystem services such as water “In our northern atolls there are some treatment and coastal protection” areas that are less than 300 metres (cin, 14 May 2014). Meanwhile, with wide—ocean on one side, lagoon on zoning providing varied protections the other. Losing a little bit of land has within the Marae Moana area, the a big impact on low lying communities government continues in developing with limited land area. Loss of land the institutional and regulatory frame- is not easily replaced” (cin, 18 Nov work to enable the mining of mineral 2013). deposits from the seabed. Located During the period under review, the predominately through the central and Cook Islands gave support to regional northern parts of Cook Islands waters, climate-change efforts. Prime Minister at depths of up to 6,000 meters, man- Puna, as the outgoing Pacific Islands ganese nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, Forum chair, attended the 44th Forum and copper are said to offer 10 billion in the Marshall Islands in September tonnes of mineable resources (Cook 2013, adding his signature to the Islands Seabed Minerals Authority Majuro Declaration, but not before 2014). With the government’s eye calling on the leaders to support the on the potential economic benefits Nansen Initiative on climate-change– as an opportunity to diversify the and disaster-induced displacement country’s narrow economic base, the and the Oceans 21 initiative for the environmental and social implications sustainable development of the Pacific continue to be raised as prominent oceanscape (pifs 2013). concerns by cultural and environmen- Marine resource policy issues also tal watchdog groups. After a public 254 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015) session of a Seabed Minerals regional protesters when he announced that the workshop focused on financial aspects Democratic Party would abolish the of deep-sea minerals and attended by a back tax (cin, 27 Feb 2014). However, range of international representatives, the government showed its ability to Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Com- take heed of its constituents’ voices missioner Paul Lynch said the meeting and undertook to amend the legisla- “was hijacked by people who didn’t tion and refund pensioner back taxes want to listen or ask questions of our (cin, 19 April 2014). panel” (cin, 19 May 2014). Attend- On the islands of Rarotonga, the ees included members of the national district by-election was environment organization, Te Ipu- announced for 19 September. This karea Society, which took the opportu- ­followed the resignation of Deputy nity to raise questions about cultural, Prime Minister Tom Masters and his legal, and environmental issues. While inauguration on 9 August as the new frustration and discomfort levels rose queen’s representative. during the meeting, the incident high- The candidate lighted that this is an area of economic Kaota Tuariki won the seat, beating development that will draw locals out Democratic Party candidate James of their shells. Beer. However, alleged bribery and This year under review saw a num- treating claims saw Tuariki resign ber of tax reforms rolled out. Tax rate before the petition went to court thresholds were amended and welfare (cin, 14 Jan 2014). A rerun of the payments were increased, making by-election was set for February. This more money available for low-income time was successful over earners. While many of these measures the Cook Islands Party’s Tare Mareiti, were seen as favorable, the increase leaving the Cook Islands Party with 13 in Value Added Tax to 15 percent seats, the Democratic Party 10 seats, was less popular, with price increases and holding one seat expected to be passed on to consumers as an independent. (cin, 3 Jan 2014). Since her appointment in 2012 as The instigation of back taxing the non-elected Speaker of the House, pensioners who collect New Zealand well-regarded former Secretary-Gen- superannuation was also unpopular. eral of the Cook Islands Red Cross The reform saw the Revenue Man- Niki Rattle has been kept busy inside agement Division of the Ministry of and outside of parliamentary sittings. Finance and Economic Management The termination of the Clerk of Parlia- take money directly out of pension- ment Tupuna Rakanui, a long-serving ers’ bank accounts. Such was the member of staff, featured in 2013. outcry that a pensioners lobby group Rakanui, who was appointed in Janu- was formed. Known as Grey Power, ary 2013 following the retirement they campaigned against the taxing of Nga Valoa, was discharged of his of pensions, with a march on Parlia- duties in August after a review of his ment in December 2013. Opposition performance. leader and Member of Parliament In reaction to the termination, found favor with Democratic Party Member of Parlia- political reviews • polynesia 255 ment for Selena Napa and for the Nikao Cook Islands Christian stalwart Atiu Member of Parliament Church (cin, 2 July 2013). for Teenui-Mapumai Norman George On 24 August Samoan resident waded in to publically question the Tamanavao Navy Epati passed away termination. Prime Minister Puna suddenly after suffering a heart attack would not be drawn into commenting at the Rarotonga Golf Course at age out of respect for “the authority of the 49. Well known in Sāmoa and the Speaker in maintaining responsibility Cook Islands, he was a representative over any employment issues” (cin, 20 athlete and national sports administra- Aug 2013). tor for rugby, rugby league, and box- In consolation for his termination, ing. Epati was the head of the Ministry Rakanui was appointed back into par- of Marine Resources and held the post liamentary services in the role of clerk of public service commissioner for five to the Are Ariki (House of Paramount years until September 2011 (cin, 26 Chiefs), an appointment advocated Aug 2013). During that time he led for by the head of the Are Ariki, Tou public service reforms, which included Ariki (cin, 12 Sept 2013). the passing of the much-needed Public The subsequent appointment of Service Act in 2009. Pastor John Tangi as clerk of Parlia- Another passing of sorts also ment drew a reaction from the opposi- eventuated during the year of review. tion party leader Wilkie Rasmussen Investigations by authorities of Cabi- (cin, 19 Sept 2013). Despite Tangi’s net Minister ’s business suitability based on his previous expe- dealings remain unresolved, with no rience as Speaker of the House and a decision despite assistance from New Democratic Party member of Parlia- Zealand’s Serious Fraud Office (cin, ment for Tupapa, Rasmussen alleged 14 June 2014). The investigation interference by the prime minister and surrounded the 2012 purchase, sale, the Speaker in the appointment (cin, and trading of two fishing boats, the 14 Sept 2013). Orongo and the Bounty, to Huanan The period of review was also Fishery (Cook Islands) Limited, a sub- marked by the passing of two promi- sidiary of Luen Thai Fishing Venture, nent figures. The paramount chief of without the Business Trade Investment the Puaikura district on Rarotonga, Board’s approval to sell to an offshore Tinomana Ruta Tuoro Ariki, passed buyer, and the granting of a fishing away on 27 June 2013. She held the license to the company approved by title for over twenty years after her Bishop as minister of marine resources investiture in 1991. Affectionately (cin, 1 Aug 2013; cih, 10 July 2013). known as “Mama Bear,” her services With the allegations potentially posing extended beyond her tribal boundar- a threat to the credibility and survival ies to a number of nongovernmental of the Cook Islands Party–led govern- organizations and groups. Of note, ment, Puna accepted Bishop’s deci- in 1984 she was a founding member sion to hand in the marine resources of the Cook Islands National Council and pearl authority portfolios while of Women, and in 1988 she became investigations took place. Initially this the first woman deacon on Rarotonga led Bishop to relinquish his marine 256 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015) resources and tourism portfolios in a caretaker role in order to manage early August, but Bishop remained a the country’s affairs in the run-up to cabinet minister, retaining the educa- the snap election. Legislative matters tion portfolio. There was speculation due to be tabled in the April sitting of that the investigation of Bishop as a Parliament have now been benched long-serving cabinet member might until after the election. These matters have had some bearing on his consid- included the 2013–14 supplementary eration for the deputy prime minister budget, which is intended to rectify position, which had also been vacated the unpopular taxing of pensions and in August. Four months later, in to fund the rebuilding of two schools December, was named that were damaged by arson attacks in deputy prime minister, with Bishop 2013 (cin, 14 April 2014). himself believing that the investigation Finance Minister Mark Brown was the reason he was not appointed expected to keep rolling out exist- to the role (cin, 18 Dec 2013). ing commitments, while provisions By April, discord within the cabinet within the constitution allow for a 1.5 had taken hold, resulting in Bishop’s percent expenditure of the 2013–14 resignation from the party. In the nz$200 million annual budget as an midst of a Parliament sitting and administrative measure to address with the supplementary budget to be funding gaps created by the policy presented on 15 April, the no-show changes. No new initiatives will be by Bishop and Tupapa Member of addressed until after the election (cin, Parliament George Maggie reduced 14 April 2014). Parliamentary select the Cook Islands Party one-seat committees were also dissolved until majority of 13 to 11 (cin, 17 April after the election. This includes the 2014). On 17 April, Queen’s Repre- committee convened to review the Te sentative was advised Mato Vai major infrastructure water to dissolve Parliament. Initially he project in response to the public peti- said that “it is necessary to have early tion (cin, 14 April 2014). elections because of the need to have Political campaigning for the early the incoming government in place well July general election dominated the in advance of the 50th anniversary final quarter of this year of review of self-government in 2015” (cin, and culminated in preliminary results 17 April 2014). showing no clear majority winner. With the general election set for Of the 24 parliamentary seats, elec- 9 July 2014, the prime minister also tion night results had the Democratic had a “conflict of interest” allega- Party ahead with 11 seats, followed by tion to deal with. This related to his the Cook Islands Party with 10 seats. pearl farm in Manihiki, which was The newly formed Cook Islands One allegedly set to gain over nz$100,000 had 2 seats and the Mangaia seat of in ­assistance as part of a nz$3 mil- ­ tied. Following the recount lion aid funding from New Zealand and additional special and postal to revitalize the pearl industry in the votes, the results swung to give the Cook Islands (cin, 20 May 2014). Cook Islands Party a 13-seat major- The current government assumed ity to lead the country. Despite the political reviews • polynesia 257

Cook Islands Party being out-polled References by the Democratic Party, the result highlights “the disparity in the value cih, Cook Islands Herald. Rarotonga. Weekly. of a vote across the Cook Islands” (cin, 23 July 2014), with the balance cin, Cook Islands News. Rarotonga. Daily. of power ­sitting with smaller voter Cook Islands Government. 2013. ­constituencies. Kaveinga Tapapa: Climate and ­Disaster The Democratic Party, now with Compatible Development Policy 2013– eight seats, saw their leader Wilkie 2016. August. Rarotonga: Office of the Rasmussen lose his seat by 10 votes. Prime Minister. http://www.mfem.gov The seat they won on election .ck/images/Climate__Disaster_Compatible night came back tied after the recount, _Development_Policy_Final_copy.pdf [accessed 23 June 2014] with both candidates garnering 50 votes each (cin, 18 Jul 2014). A by- Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. election will be needed to sort out the 2014. Frequently Asked Questions. deadlock unless a petition to the court http://www.seabedmineralsauthority.gov proves successful for either party. .ck/index.php/about-us/15-faqs [accessed 1 July 2014] On that note, by the 25 July dead- line, nine electoral petitions had been Fayle, Tom. 2014. Cook Islands Solar lodged with the Cook Islands High Energy Project Causing Concerns. Court. As the post-election ­caretaker Interview with Steve Anderson, Radio ­government, the Cook Islands Party Australia, abc, 2 January. http://www will now have to wait for the outcome .radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/ program/pacific-beat/cook-islands-solar of the court actions. With the con- -energy-project-causing-concerns/1241848 stitutional provisions to enable the [accessed 30 June 2014] caretaker ­government to operate with one quarter of the 2013–14 govern- pifs, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. ment appropriations until the end of 2013. Forty-fourth Pacific Islands Forum, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. September, the pressure is now on the Forum Communiqué. Suva: pifs. judiciary and Chief Justice Thomas http://www.forumsec.org/resources/ Weston, rather than the voting public, uploads/attachments/documents/2013 to determine the country’s govern- _Forum_Communique_Final.pdf ment for the next four years. While [accessed 1 July 2014] the year has featured a full range of political challenges and government- led reforms that have been contested and debated by the public, it is likely French Polynesia that the upcoming celebrations of fifty years of Cook Islands sovereignty will The political situation of French provide a positive focus for 2014–15. Polynesia during the period under christina newport review was in two ways fundamen- tally different from previous periods. First, as a result of May 2013 elec- tions, there is a two-thirds majority for Gaston Flosse’s anti-independence