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SUPP: Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 OPINION 2 Frame compromises intergrity - political interference corrupts Crown Law evered Cook Islands for public consumption. King’s Constitution (CIC) expert panic charged attempt to gag RAlex Frame has lost the this writer by way of a High Court plot over his controversial legal interim injunction fell on deaf opinion Crown Law’s Cheryl ears as well as her desperate King sought for the Financial attempt to have Police arrest Intelligent Unit’s (FIU) head Bob and charge Pitt with contempt of Williams. When Frame buckled court. to pressure from the former Pitt received an apology from Financial Secretary Richard the Police and Minister of Finance Neves and King and diluted Mark Brown retracted his spin his so called draft opinion he doctoring media comments compromised his integrity and accusing Pitt of breaking the law. professional credibility. King admitted to forwarding a Frame is no longer fit to full version of the so called draft provide legal opinions on matters Frame advice to Williams and an related to the CIC, his initial unauthorised redacted version opinion on matters relating to to Neves then she continued the financial massaging of the in her ignorance to claim client Alex Frame - backflips his opinion scandalous Schoonergate and privilege to mask her serious and claimed circumstantial the motives of the perpetrators the unlawful expenditure of indiscretion of the legal process innocence. Neves has openly who he inexplicitly excuses. inappropriate funds was spot of client privilege. King seriously admitted part of his job is to Frame was not asked for an on but incriminated the Cook erred and committed a breach protect government, this he has opinion on the cognitive state of Islands Party government. of mistrust and confidentiality without shame, blatantly done individuals that motivated their What had been shrouded and must be suspended for to the point of slanting the law actions, he was engaged to give in secrecy and lied about by malpractice by whoever has the with regularity. The law has been a legal opinion on a matter of law those who had mastermind the power to so. crow barred to fit and suit the concerning the CIC. manipulation of public funds In forwarding the incomplete fiscal occasion and purpose of Whatever possessed Frame to under the cover of a flawed unauthorised version of Frame’s government. be manipulated by the protection interpretation of the provisions advice to Neves who is one of the Frame was coerced to produce peddlers of government must of expenditure in the CIC was subjects of the FIU investigation, an amended opinion tailor made be examined by whoever is in a now confirmed by Frame’s legal then unbeknown to FIU to have to dilute the premeditated position to discipline him for his opinion. a telephone conference with indiscretions of Neves and own good. To colaberate with For many months media Frame at Neves’ insistence, King’s Brown to the point of almost the political monkeys of the practitioners had without tenureship and suitability as the granting them absolution. corrupt CIP government is a red reservation put their reputations Solicitor General is in jeopardy The incriminating references card offence. on the line in their relentless and for any continuation she in his draft opinion which initially To widely distribute Frame’s exposure of the sleight of hand must be yellow carded and sent was his opinion full stop have watered down fabricated final fiscal trickery being performed to purgatory for rehabilitation. been dramatically changed as opinion before Williams has by the wizards in the Ministry Pressure was put on Frame rightly commented by John concluded his investigation is of Finance and Economic by Neves to engage in creative Scott’s article in this issue. This another inexcusable political Management (MFEM). editing and reword the shocking back flip by Frame must attempt to pervert the course Crown Law’s inexperienced fill incriminating comments in his without reservation put him on justice. It is no secret Cabinet are in Solicitor General King ignored opinion, King supported Neves’ the blacklist for any further legal reeling and upset at Williams’ colleague counsel and unwisely big picture context of the consultations. unwillingness to abandon his waded into the fray of covering content. Neves literally begged His changes are unexplained investigation. up the corrupt shenanigans Frame to make the changes but a noticeable shift sees King, Neves and Brown have a being courageously served up pleading he acted in good faith Frame making judgement on continued next page PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 NEWS 3 lot to answer for and it is likely papaa protecting papaa were FIU’s interest in the by the control freak Neves and Williams will unearth more publically aired. Schoonergate scandal therefore his side kicks. evidence of the shocking extent It is alleged Stoddart’s loyalty was welcomed news that the Frame’s shameless reworked and depth of corruption in the and reciprocity obligation to compromised Stoddart PERC opinion is not worth the paper CIP government, as persistently it is written on and despite the commentated by this publication FIU’s interest in the political meddling Williams must it is a lot deeper than meets the be congratulated for telling eye. It is little wonder so much Schoonergate scandal Frame where he could shove his political force was committed opinion. It is understood Williams to preserving the secrecy of therefore was welcomed vented his displeasure to King Frame’s initial opinion. news that the compromised for her bungling Faulty Tower Despite Williams declining handling of his investigation. to answer questions related to Stoddart PERC report Brown’s persistent public his ongoing investigation, it is inference FIU’s investigation is on good authority Williams has was not the end of the politically driven has thankfully dumped the Frame opinion after failed to distract Williams who expressing his disappointment matter. Sadly Alex Frame is determined to complete an to Frame for collaboration with has gullibly fallen prey to impartial investigation without Neves and King to excuse the fear or favour. persons of his interest. The the politicking drum beat No doubt Frame will retaliate Herald understands FIU has with verbal threats of legal action engaged another independent peddled by the control freak decorated with defamation legal source for a fresh opinion insinuations but he can be without the assistance of Crown Neves and his side kicks. advised they will fall on deaf ears. Law. Neves stems from the Colagate report was not the end of It is as plain as day Frame stuffed Williams has every right to allegations when Neves excused the matter. Sadly Alex Frame up and he is morally obliged to blow a fuse over the political any commission of inquiry has gullibly fallen prey to the apologise to Bob Williams. interference of his investigation that would have scrutinised politicking drum beat peddled - George Pitt on the Pacific Schooners Ltd Stoddart’s prominent role as (PSL) debacle and the authority the Tax/Revenue Manager who and circumstances surrounding facilitated the CITC tax relief. SWITCH ON WITH the advance of $200,000 to PSL. At Neves’ recommendation The Neves instigated PERC he covers another base investigation into Schoonergate when the retired Stoddart is Te Aponga Uira got contaminated when chair accommodated with the $35,000 person Geoff Stoddart choked a year Chairmanship of PERC. Be Prepared and collaborated with his friend A secondary complaint Neves to release a toothless from a member of the public report that erased and bypassed did not receive consideration the issues which angered concerning the alleged elements the public and praised Neves of corruption imbedded in the who had set the focus of the special treatment afforded to investigation. Accusations of political favourite Mike Henry.

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www.teaponga.com Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 NEWS 4 Government aims to improve performance, small operating surplus expected inister for Finance, a proportion of GDP come down * 0.3 per cent decline in 2016/17. the Honourable Mark to around 26 per cent in 2017/18. 2015/16 (previously 2.6 per cent Tourism forecasts MBrown released the (See table in shaded area) growth) due to an increased New Zealand is still expected 2016/17 Budget Policy Statement Pension Increases proportion of government to remain as the largest market (BPS) outlining the intended In the 2015/16 budget the consumption of imported goods with 67 per cent of total arrivals focus for the development of the Government announced that and services and a slippage in in 2014/15, with Australia having 2016/17 budget for 2016/17 and pensions for those aged 70 and some capital projects, partially a smaller, but significant share (17 the 2015/16 Half Year Economic over will be increased by $10 offset by a rebound in tourist per cent). Update (HYEFU). from 1 July 2016 to $660 a month, arrivals which was evident in the Tourist arrivals are forecast to In releasing the statement these changes have already been first few months of 2015/16. return to solid growth of 1.6 per Minister Brown pointed out the factored into expenditure forecasts. * 4.3 per cent growth in 2016/17 cent in 2015/16, continuing on focus on the first of Government in Changes to Estimates of (previously 0.7 per cent) due to at this rate in 2016/17. Growth the first six months of 2016 would Revenue and Expenditure continued growth in tourism, and over the later forecast years is be aimed at improving public Tax revenue for 2015/16 has capital investments planned for anticipated to remain close to financial management, economic been revised upward by $0.3 2015/16 that are likely to slip into one per cent in each year. governance and the public sector, million due to an increase in 2016/17. Current calendar year-to-date these include: withholding tax being offset by Re-evaluation of debt stocks arrivals (Jan-Oct) are 2.7 per cent * undertaking an independent lower collections of other taxes. based on updated exchange rate higher than the similar period in economic review of the underwrite Estimates of expenditure have movements 2014, and the first four months of Los Angeles and Sydney flights; increased by around $1.7 million Total Crown debt is denominated of 2015/16 (Jul-Oct) are 4.8 per * further upgrading the Revenue in 2015/16, to accommodate costs in a number of currencies. The cent higher than the same period Management System; incurred in 2015/16 for Te Maeva NZD depreciated against all major last year. In large part, this reflects * scoping changes required Nui transportation and the 50th exchange rates between the increased numbers of arrivals to centralise the Cook Islands celebrations. 2015/16 Budget at the time of due to the 50th anniversary Government Financial The underlying net operating this write up. It is worth noting celebrations (which appears to Management Information Systems surplus 2015/16 is anticipated to be that the NZD/RMB exchange have also increased arrivals in (FMIS); of $0.79 million. An underlying net rate depreciated the most (by 20 June. * development and finalisation operating deficit of $0.179 million percent) followed by the NZD/USD The full statement can be found of the Cook Islands tourism is estimated for 2016/17 moving to exchange rate (with a 16.3 per cent at this http://www.mfem.gov.ck/ strategy; a $2.698 million surplus in 2017/18 depreciation), leading to a large mfemdocs/treasury/half-year- * reviewing the medium term and $4.674 million surplus in unrealised foreign exchange loss on updates/1221-20151215-half-year- infrastructure needs of the 2018/19. Revenues from Maritime the overall loan portfolio. economic-update-document-final. education sector and reviewing resources have not been updated Despite this, the net debt position In next week’s issue the Herald expenditure levels in the health at this stage but are expected to be of the Cook Islands remains healthy will take a closer look at and sector; higher than the budget estimate. with net debt (gross debt less loan will comment on the above two * implementing a corrective Seeding of the Sovereign Wealth reserve monies) at 26.4 per cent in reports. action plan to meet ICAO universal Fund safety oversight audit programme The Government is drafting policy CHANGES TO INCOME TAX (USOAP) findings; and and legislation, in consultation with * finalising a set of standard the community, to establish the immigration operating procedures. Cook Islands Sovereign Wealth $11,000 current exempt The 2016/17 BPS outlines base Fund (CISWF). The CISWF will funding for core service delivery invest any short-term gains from 1-Jan-16 0.0% and economic growth activities the natural capital endowments will be maintained across the of the Cook Islands for the benefit 1-Jan-17 0.0% period of the budget and forward of all future Cook Islanders. One estimates (2016/17 to 2019/20). of these sources of short-term Any new initiatives will be focused revenue is from fishing penalties. In $11,001 - $30,000 current 18.5% on strengthening the public sector December 2015, the Cook Islands through ongoing centralisation of received $0.5 million in fishing 1-Jan-16 17.5% corporate services functions and fines. As the CISWF is not yet in improving overall performance in operation, these revenues will be 1-Jan-17 17.0% infrastructure management. held in reserve, and transferred to Changes to Income Tax the Fund as seed funding upon the $30,001 - $80,000 current 27.5% As of 1 January 2016 the passage of enacting legislation. Government will reduce the Updated economic and revenue 1-Jan-16 27.5% income tax rate from 18.5 per forecasts cent to 17.5 per cent for earnings Nominal economic growth 1-Jan-17 27.5% between $11,000 and $30,000. This (which the majority of tax income rate will be further reduced from is derived from) is estimated to be $80,001 & above current 30.0% 17.5 per cent to 17 per cent from as follows: 1 January 2017. These initiatives * 1.8 per cent growth in 2014/15 1-Jan-16 30.0% have already been factored into (previously 0.5 per cent) due to the revenue forecasts. The changes are increase in public consumption and 1-Jan-17 30.0% expected to bring tax revenues as a fall in imports. PB

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By Norma Ngatamariki replaced the old pews, the year 1986 to 2015 as well three previous buildings had ew changes for the which had given way to as the setting of a plaque been destroyed by natural Avana branch of age and rot. “The previous engraved with the history of disasters. The Church was Nthe Cook Islands church pews were made in the Church. Toa appreciates one of the first churches that Christian Church (CICC) New Zealand, so I’m quite the efforts of the work was established upon the are now underway, as the proud to say that these team for their assistance in arrival of the missionaries in Church will celebrate its pews were made locally,” upgrading the Church. the year 1824. It served as a 80th anniversary this week says Toa. He expresses his “I think our ancestors would place of worship for not only Wednesday. Secretary, Mauri utmost gratitude to John be proud of what we have the village of Ngatangiia, but Toa, says that the Church Short for the construction of accomplished so far,” says other surrounding villages as has been looking forward to the pews. Toa. well, such as Matavera and celebrating this event, and Other touch ups will also be Ebenezera, which is the Titikaveka. that it was only appropriate set up, such as the laying out name of the Ngatangiia Toa would like to invite the to ‘get some new gear’. of new carpet, revealing the Church, is currently the fourth general public to this event, Brand new church pews Honours Board of the previous building which was erected which starts at 8am on this were constructed and pastors in continuation from on 16th December, 1935. The Wednesday morning. PBPB TUTAKIMOA PETROL STATION AND MINIMARKET

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Colgate Toothpaste Looney Tunes Baby Wipes Diamond Aluminium Foil Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 8 VIEWS Santa Claus from hell By Norman Goerge working. When the boss issues This coming Friday 18th to be overcome by equally fierce e Cook Islanders like orders or makes a complaint, December marks the Takitumu warriors, in one of the to be renowned for they are not allowed to answer crowning event of unflinching last battles in Rarotonga just Wour kindness, God- and ask questions. He probably determination, commitment before the missionaries arrived. fearing Christian saintliness eats gunpowder for breakfast. and daring, to open what could The people of Puaikura have and for being civil to one A heavily pregnant woman was be the largest building in the always been close to the people another. Amongst us are people required to weed the employers Cook Islands, Te Patupaepae o of Atiu. who bring in cheap low-cost driveway and wash his car. The Enuamanu, Enuamanu III. The Our ancestor Taratoa saved guest workers. The reasons same woman experienced the large three storey monolith Araura enua from from an for bringing in guest workers last stages of pregnancy and is built in steel and concrete invasion by a foreign force include locals unwilling to do nearly lost her baby because she intended to last one hundred –The Aito’s from Samoa. the work or for being unreliable was not released from her work plus years ahead. Atiu as head of Ngaputoru or simply the unavailability of soon enough. The employer is an Te Papa O Enuamanu under Ngamaru Povaru Ariki locals to employ. emotional cripple without care symbolises the solidarity, merged with Tumutevarovaro Out of those who genuinely or compassion. defiance and declaration by (Rarotonga) to create the have need to bring in guest As this particular employer is the people of Atiu that failure “Cook Islands” with his workers are those who exploit very religious. I refer to him as to complete the building is not wife Makea Takau Ariki, them because they are cheap the Santa Claus from hell. an option. The Atiu people Ngaputoru and Rarotonga are at very low hourly rates, they The same employer accused a everywhere in New Zealand, the founders of this rainbow are locked into employment worker of sorcery and witchcraft. Australia, Tahiti and the Cook nation called the Cook Islands. contracts where every breach The level of abuse and Islands dug into their pockets After a successful war Atiu is punishable with immediate interference into the workers to fundraise. Every possible warriors always proclaim – Ka oki deportation and where the guest private lives isunbelievable. means to raise money was rai te ota ki Mokoero (translated workers do not have access to a applied. Raffles, food sales, even the skies above Mokoero will trade union. The most potent weapon claiming the leftover funds of the always light up to signify our These workers usually come used is the threat of deportation pineapple incorporation from victory!) Those lights in the sky from the Philippines, China and and the banning of a chance to the ministry of Justice. are now shining brightly over other Pacific countries such as return to the Cook Islands. There were resistance from Mokoero in Aiu. Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. We have A procession of guest workers within the Atiu community, a This is my final article for the heard about Filipino housemaids come from impoverished few sulked and played no role year! Good luck and Merry Xmas being beaten up and raped in backgrounds. in the project. Now eat your to management and staff at the Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. They are weak and vulnerable. hearts out but welcome home! C I Herald. Some women are jailed in Saudi Employers like Santa from hell The project began in 2008 it All our five boys and their Arabia for adultery even though knows it and exploits it to the soon ran out of funds and the spouses are spending Christmas raped by their male employers. hilt. contractors abandoned the with us, together with the We do not have the same I have helped these poor project. Then in comes the grandchildren. I will organise a level of violence an atrocity here workers gather evidence for a warrior from Kurukavainui petition signed by the grannies in the Cook Islands. Our versions modus operandi and dossier Tangata Kae to form a team that papa does not have to do are much more subtle, those on Bad Santa. He will soon not of about 14 volunteers to the dishes. employers who harbour cruelty be allowed to bring in guest devote free labour and lead To all our readers enjoy your deliver them carefully with an workers. This is the best way to all activities from fund raising Christmas and new year from my abundance of caution. control bad employers Ban them and engineering construction wife and I, our sincere Christmas Workers are herded into from brining in guest workers. and umu preparations for and New Years greetings to leaking houses, houses full I am very grateful with the community needs. On his side the wonderful people of the of rats, housed in poor rental humane and professional manner was senior sergeant Leighton Cook Islands, their excellencies homes and required to do hard in which immigration guest Boaza the logistics man. Next to Tom and Tuaine, PM Henry labour from early morning to workers matters are handled by them Aunty Nga Teao the subject Puna, Akaiti and his cabinet sunset. I have been shown the Principal immigration Officer of so much commentaries, good and caucus to William Heather letters of complaint where a Kairangi Samuela and her staff. and bad, she rode many storms Junior and members of the guest workers complained of Without their timely, fair and and survived. Aunty Nga and opposition caucus, members being treated like a work horse just intervention we will easily Paiki you did it we owe it all to of the churches and all of gods or animal. be like Saudi Arabia. you both. There is no room to people lets celebrate the arrival A husband and wife couple People like Bad Santa mention all major contributions of Christ the baby. To the house have a bad reputation of abuse intimidate the Department in the wee space available to of Ariki and Koutunui, to our and threatening their workers. of Immigration with threats. me but Enuamanu, the warriors guest workers and visitors, One worker complained of Remember the old story the who volunteered all have enjoy your Christmas holidays. being berated and abused for chicken that crows the most delivered! The mama’s who To the people of Enuamanu, I poor daily sales. The workers have rotten eggs to hide. provided food every Saturday have never been so proud to complained they are forced to I conclude this portion by for seven years did it. be one of you, maururu and kia stand on their feet all day as shop saying that 99% of employers Save the final accolades manuia. assistants and are not allowed to who bring in guest workers are for Friday! Atiu’s legendary This is what Napoleon sit down. Toilet and lunch breaks excellent, responsible people. achievements as fierce Bonaparte had to say about are very restricted. Thank Heavens for that. warriors abound! Our ancestor drinking champagne- “in victory When the workers get wet A TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE Tangapatoro Taura Ariki came you deserve it, and in defeat you while serving at the Punaga OF ENUAMANU- ATIU NUI to the rescue of Tinomana need it! Nui they are forced to continue MARUARUA Enuarurutini when he was about Ka Kite PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 9 NEWS Te Pae o te akono’anga By Pai Toko Pai Toko, is a Cook Islands mother living temporarily overseas. She offers a personal comment Te pae o te akonoanga. E vaine au no te kuki airani mai e noo nei ki vao ake I teia enua koia oki ki South East Asia Brunei. Taku I kite I tetai vaine kuki airani e noo ana aia kite kainga. Tāna rare e tāma te ‘are. Ākono I tana tamariki me kore te tamariki e akarongo ite autara kua āruru te pa’paki kia ‘Ākarongo. Apai te tamariki kite apii. Aravei tona taeake vaine e’re. oki kite kainga ‘akā’papa no te tamariki te oki mai anga kit e kainga no te apii mai. E te ‘aka’papa no pū’iki o te vaine e tiēni tana tane te oki mai anga ei. E Āka rare te reira kit e kainga I tona ora kite vaine. Inara e uatu. mea pāpū meitaki te reira Tama are pure ana aia I te i Singapore, Brunei, mānama’a e te akamanea Malaysia e tae uatu ki I te are pure kite tiare. Indonesia. Kare te vaine o Tā’pati kua akapapa aia konei e rēka āna te tutaka. no te pure. Inara tana Kare e Ākono’anga o konei ra’re puapinga tāma no te kua ngaro te reira. Te āu tū’taka ite āu marama rā kātoa’toa. Kia ratou kā’toa’toa. Kua aia I tona āku - ‘responsibilities’ e are e kua akatau ia tona Āitei’te ua te vaine kite are e tetai nga tane tei tūranga o te tane. ere mai note tutaka anga. Mei roto mai ite Kua mareka teia nga tane tūranga o te Āpii e tae te tutaka anga ite kainga. uatu kite tūranga tei’tei. Kare o te vaine peapa kite. Āitei’te ua kite tūranga Inara te kite o te vaine kare kite vaine. te tane I kite. Kē ki tetai vaine no vao Koia oki tei matou ia mai ake I teia pae o te e tatou te kōrero o te enua mei iaku rae ite kite oraanga kopu tangata me anga tetai ākono’anga kore te ‘Ākono’anga. I mei teia rae. Inara e roto I tetai pae enua kua ture ‘ou teia e tū mai nei pāti te reira tuatau. kia I konei na te vaine teia kitea mai I teia vaine I teia ture I kiriti. ra e kua ngaro te kōrero. E āno’ano ana au e kua Rere atu aia ki Nutireni. ‘akapāti I teia turanga. Tona noo anga ki Nutireni Inara te ‘akapāpū atu nei tutaki ‘āre aia. au ko taku nga tamariki I Asia nei. Teiea te te ka ‘akapāti te reira... Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 10 OPINION Letter to the Editor ear Sir informally authorised the 70(3)(b)from that reached here. understood, the most highly I trust Dr Frame Financial Secretary to act as her (The underlining is mine) paid Government servant. Dcan accept criticism agent. Wilful and reasonable excuse He was appointed to this job of his opinions with the same Missing para 3.9 revisits This conciliatory treatment because his experience in equanimity that we expect from that in the context of the Acts continues further into the public financial management our Judges when their decisions Interpretation Act and one opinion where Dr Frame presumably exceeded that of are challenged in the appeals public officer acting for another. remarks in his conclusions- other contenders. The Minister process. Missing para 3.10 continues at para 4.1 for his part is responsible I have never met Dr Frame this examination and opines that Originally the redacted for taking these matters to but have been involved in while the mandatory/directory draft said-That the method Cabinet and carries the ultimate issues previously where I had approach Courts adopt might apparently used by MFEM responsibility. questions about his opinion but save the validity of the spending to apply the spending limits I similarly reject that the way it was pointless pursuing them this could well be negated if a imposed by Article 70(3)(b)(i) the legislation is written allows however on this occasion his breach of Article 70(3)(b) were is not in accordance with the for different interpretations and opinion has more far reaching established. terms of the Constitution the removal of words from the consequences and cannot pass Missing para 3.11 deals with This now changed in the final 1964 Article 70(3)(b) in some without comment. the consequences if the transfer opinion to- That the method way provides support to that Focus from Culture to OPM apparently used by the MFEM notion. In that earlier article of Readers may recall Florence were unlawful and whether to apply the spending limits Florence’s I commented that Syme-Buchanan’s piece in the the subsequent spending by imposed by Article 70(3)(b)(i) should the Financial Secretary, Cook Islands News 12.November the Financial Secretary would involves a mis-interpretation, his Minister or the Cabinet find in which I commented on the constitute an offence under albeit in good faith, of the themselves confronted by an edited version of the draft s.64 of the MFEM Act. Whether terms of the Constitution (The interpretative conundrum that opinion and surmised what the what we now read in the final underlining again, is mine) it was their responsibility to the focus of that opinion was in opinion paragraphs is what was and again taxpayers of this country to seek view of large tracts of it having contained in the draft is not at para 4.4 competent advice. Although been removed. known so the reader should Originally removed in the there were people on this island Well, I have now a copy of the make an allowance for that. redacted version- that could have straightened final opinion and it confirms, Alarm and influence The final opinion says- them out but if pride would not that contrary to popular opinion Irrespective, it can be seen There is probably no offence permit consultation there then that the focus was unauthorised that the Financial Secretary committed under section 64 recourse to the NZ Treasury expenditure per se it was in fact would have every reason to be (e) of the MFEM Act because and the NZ public finance the Pacific Schooners Ltd (PSL) alarmed if he became aware any miscalculation appears to legislation, past and present debacle and the authority and of the direction being taken have been under a mistaken and upon which ours is largely circumstances surrounding the by these missing paragraphs. but honest view of the law, for based, was the other option. advance of $200,000 to PSL and What is interesting is without which there was an arguable It is clear, however, that the while unauthorised expenditure allegedly possessed of that basis, and was not ‘wilful’ (see interpretation being used suited and Article 70(3)(b) did feature knowledge he sought to set para. 3.11) (Underlining mine) the government’s purpose and it was only to the extent that up a conference call between Para. 3.11 which was removed there was no inclination to they were relevant to this issue. himself, Crown Law and Dr in the redacted version deals seek any opinion that would It is now common knowledge Frame. Noticeable in the final with the consequences of deter them from the path they that the Financial Secretary was opinion, and presumably, as a non-compliance and Dr Frame preferred. It is noteworthy in this handed an edited version of the result of his representations, referred there to section 64 connection that in the last four original draft in which several we can only conclude that (e) which contains the words years during which Mr Neves’ paragraphs which would have he had become aware of the ‘without reasonable excuse’ and the CIP had stewardship identified the thrust and focus content of those paragraphs and ‘wilfully’ failing and he of the public revenue there of the opinion were omitted. It because we now see in the final summarises the PSL advance have been no audited accounts still remains unclear what the a considerable moderating of, payment position as he saw it presented to Parliament purpose of that exercise was and restraint, with this- likewise no reports of excess but it could only have whetted in the language used which It seems unlikely that the unauthorised expenditure yet the appetite of the Financial blunts the earlier conclusions ‘wilful’ element could be the latter has occurred. Both Secretary, and his Minister, to and could be interpreted as found in the mix-up as to omissions reflect the level of determine what was kept from diminishing any sense of, and the proper authorisation for contempt this government them. They were- degree, of culpability that may the expenditure in question. has for Parliament and both The missing paragraphs have been drawn from the draft. Alternatively and additionally, are a disobedience to the Missing paragraph 1, which, This view gains weight by the confusion may constitute Constitution. Had Government as suspected, spells out the reference to the addition of this ‘reasonable excuse’ being less secretive, and more facts upon which the opinion paragraph to the introduction I do not accept for one minute protective of the role and was based and this was solely viz: Dr Frame’s accommodation of integrity of Parliament, their the PSL advance. On 27 October (NZ) we (Acting any argument that the Financial ignorance, or deception, in this Missing para 3.3 deals with Solicitor-General and Dr Frame) Secretary, and by extension crucial area would have been whether S.39 of the MFEM had a tele-conference with the his Minister of Finance had exposed much earlier and the Act, which restricted spending Financial Secretary, Mr Neves, ‘reasonable excuse’ and that present nonsense might have authority to HODs, had been in which he helpfully, explained the absence of ‘wilful’ intent been avoided. Now when they breached. to us the basis on which he absolves them from any are caught up in their own Missing para 3.4 deals had, in good faith, reached a wrongdoing. Mr Neves is the misdeeds they prevail upon principally with whether the different interpretation as to the principal financial officer of Dr Frame to alter his opinion Chief of Staff of OPM had meaning of the proviso to Article the Government. He is, it is continued next page PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 11 OPINION in a way which is designed to procedure when it was not. Had the unauthorised sums and little problem however with this at worst present them in a he pursued this more diligently this and the opinion of the validation route which Dr Frame less sinister light or at best, he would have been confronted Solicitor-General were required neglected to mention is that any exonerate them but what is by the contradiction inherent to be tabled in the House of validation of any expenditure disappointing here is that Dr in it namely that if it were a Representatives and a validating which exceeds the 1.5% would Frame has allowed himself to be valid procedure and afforded bill introduced to correct the run up against Article 41. The used in this way. the spending legitimacy why position but not before legal Constitution says you can spend POBOC the necessity for the creative proceedings had begun against so much. You have spent more Another example of this is Dr accounting and search for the Prime Minister, Helen Clark than that. You want to make it Frame’s novel interpretation of savings to claw the excess back for misappropriation. The okay. Well, being inconsistent the management of POBOCs. to within the 1.5%? Would Bill which passed after much with the Constitution requires In para.3.10 and again at this not suggest an element debate rendered those legal any validation to be passed as para.4.3 he contradicts his own of ‘wilful’ on the part of the proceedings defunct. a constitutional amendment reference to section 39 of the perpetrators? The difference here though and that means two thirds MFEM Act which unequivocally Conclusions is that it is just the misdeeds support at the penultimate and pronounces the constraints on To conclude. of the government comprising final vote and a 90 days gap an HOD’s authority to expend 1.Despite his often one political party which are between and as that might be a his department’s appropriation. circumlocutory treatment under scrutiny and it is refusing bit difficult given the respective There is no latitude given to of the issues and attempts to release the information for numbers in the House I would accommodate the delegation of to mitigate culpability and proper examination. So what suggest the Cabinet members this spending authority beyond putting aside incorrect and does it intend to do? Seek should perhaps be consulting his department and there is irrelevant matter Dr Frame’s a validation of an unknown their Accountants and Bankers definitely no support for Dr opinion cannot be deemed to sum of excess unauthorised and start figuring out how they Frame’s cavalier observation provide the Government with expenditure? ! That would are going to repay the several that ‘The Cabinet probably has the relief it desperately wants be a first but not unlike the millions involved! the power to transfer POBOC however because of the general secretive way it operates. One John M Scott across ministries but must use obfuscation this writer believes the Article 70(3)(b) mechanism an application for judicial review to do so’ (The underlining is should be proceeded with in mine) order to cut through the Suggesting that there may confusion to obtain clarity and have been some informal a more definitive statement of arrangement between the HOD the position than Dr Frame’s of the OPM and the Financial opinion provides. Secretary to permit the Financial 2.Dr Frame’s conclusion that Secretary to pay the PSL advance ‘The Audit Office may have begs two vital questions. Firstly, obligation to report to the that the transfer from Culture Speaker under Article 70 (3A) of to OPM was illegal therefore the Constitution’ is questioned was not available to either because the operation of that person to expend and secondly provision has as its trigger a the Public Service Act 2009 at normal term general election section 19 makes it quite clear and that is not the position that the powers of delegation here. of an HOD are limited to intra 3.Dr Frame also concludes departmental activity and must ‘Any irregularities discovered be in writing so even if the in the approval and spending funds were the OPM’s to spend would need to be validated by (which they were not) there was Parliament’. no authority for the Financial Validation Secretary to be spending Dr Frame then proposes the them under delegation either terms of such a validating clause informally or otherwise. without any reference to the Executive Council procedure sums being so validated. In this I am further surprised that respect Dr Frame could have Dr Frame did not fully examine usefully continued his study the misguided and quaint new of the NZ position. He quoted variation Government has given from a NZ Treasury Guide to the Executive Council process. the Public Finance Act 1989 While briefly explaining which describes Parliament’s ‘enactment’ and making an sovereignty when it comes to oblique reference to ‘subsidiary the management of the public instruments such as orders in revenues and could have Executive Council’ at para 2.10 extended his enquiry to embrace he did not develop the analysis a situation in 2005 which leaving the reader to conclude exposed unlawful spending of that the process Government public money by several of the has been increasingly abusing to political parties in the lead up circumvent Parliament, and of to the 2005 General Election. which I have been very critical, A report from the Comptroller was perhaps an acceptable and Auditor-General detailed Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 12 NEWS Cook Islands Herald Issue 797 TE KAVE KORERO TE KAVE KOREROHost: Tony Hakaoro, FRI 11th Dec 2015 Final interview with FinSec Richard Neves Financial Secretary, Richard Neves, was “This is my opportunity to say this to you Richard. whether you’re 60 we all have to contribute interviewed for the last time on Te Kave Kōrero, I always say to my close friends that of all the and I think what needs to be understood here is on Friday 11th December 2015. people I have interviewed on this programme, that if everyone pays their fair share, whether Neves’s term as the Financial Secretary ends on you’re the one with a very organised mind and you’re a small little person or whether you’re a Tuesday 15th December and he returns with his that’s an honest assessment of yourself”. big businessman, you pay your fair share then family to Australia on Friday 18th. “I’m flattered Tony. My wife probably wouldn’t we’ll collect it and we should be able to bring The following is a record of the interview. agree with you on that one but, well, I think rates down”. “Richard I understand you’re coming to the end when you’re in a role like the Financial “Now on the 1st of January 2016 income tax of your term as the Financial Secretary, when is Secretary, there’s a lot of things happening and rates come down by one per cent and the your last day at work?”. the only way you can deal with them is to have following January 2017 Government also “My last day at work will be Tuesday. I keep that sort of organised structure in your mind announced so it just demonstrates that these signing cheques until Tuesday afternoon and and it just all comes from having an overall things can be done if we all pull together and then I have a few days off to rest and relax and picture of what’s happening so that you can put do it. Now in terms of exemption, when you enjoy the little time I have left in Rarotonga the jigsaw together”. exempt one group of people from paying tax before I get on the flight back to Sydney on “I hear Parliament is sitting on Monday, may you have to collect it from someone else so Friday afternoon”. be for two or three days. What do you know of that’s just the simple equation. I know there’ll “Anything planned in Australia, have you this sitting, are we looking at a supplementary be people who say that Government should secured yourself a new post?” budget?” spend less and they shouldn’t spend this much “Oh no, I’ll go back to Canberra and have a well “Oh no, we haven’t prepared any supplementary money, well, the demands on Government are deserved break because I’m from Canberra so budgets, I think what we have prepared is, never ending”. we’ll get back to Canberra on the Sunday, we’ll the Government would probably would put “You save money in one area and another area move back into my mother’s house for a little forward its budget policy statement and its will need it, health, education, you can never while until our house is ready”. half year economic fiscal updates. The MFEM stop, it’s an endless bucket of expenditure in “We’ll enjoy Christmas and the New Year and Act requires a half year economic update to be health and education and so it’s really about then start looking for a job. I’ve got a couple provided by the 31st of December and the staff saying to people, we’ll all need to chip in, and if of consultancy businesses so that will be good, have worked very hard and very dilligently and you don’t pay or if you don’t want to pay, it has that will keep the money coming in and we’ll we’ve got something ready for next week which to come from another bucket from someone see what eventuates from there”. the Minister will present”. else so Dennis can suggest to people where we “Well, one would have thought, one would have “Now that we’re coming to the end of the should raise the tax from that he doesn’t want expected Richard that you’ve been here what year. Do you have any suggestion or advice for to pay, I’m sure that the Ministry of Finance will three, four, five years now, that you might have Government before you leave?”. listen to him and take his view into account”. considered setting up a consultancy business “Oh no, I think, as I have explained to William, A caller rang and critised Neves in relation here and continue even after FinSec?”. we’ve had an economic review done a few to taxing Grey Power members’ retirement “Someone will have to give me PR Tony and I months ago. There are structural issues that incomes. think Australians have to wait 10 years to get face the Cook Islands around how you manage “We’ll Richard what’s your response to that?”. permanent residency. I’m not sure if George land, how you manage immigration, now these “Well I accept that there are people out there Pitt can handle 10 years of Richard Neves are key issues that need to be discussed and that aren’t happy with the actions we took, hanging around in Rarotonga, and many others sorted out within the next two to five years I I understand that the timing wasn’t right and either as well”. think so that the Cooks can move forward and I acknowledge that. Ultimately in the end “I’m sure he’ll be glad to have you here to keep progress on these particular issues”. as I tried to point out a while ago, we can’t the sales of the Cook Islands Herald up”. “Richard, you’re going back home with the divulge people’s personal circumstances and “Yeah, George tells me he’s expecting the sales knowledge that you’re not popular with Grey unfortunately people can only see one side of of the Cook Islands Herald to drop so I’ll go out Power. Do you have any message for them, the story. We take great steps before we start to your listeners, don’t forget to buy your copy perhaps a Christmas message for them?”. garnishing people’s bank accounts towards tax. of the Herald, George needs to keep the income “Look, I’d like to wish, not just Grey Power We go to great steps towards telling people flowing in”. people but everyone in the Cook Islands. The what their obligations are, we endeavour to “You’ve mentioned you’ve got a couple of elderly are special but so are the young people great steps to try getting to arrangements consultancy businesses that you’ve got lined and so are the people working, we’re all very where people can pay their tax”. up, I take it they’re still in relation to your special people and I’d like to wish everyone a “I apologise if people feel offended but I don’t expert field in finance?” fairly peaceful and a happy Christmas and I wish apologise for applying the law and I don’t “They’ll be related to public finance, yes, they everyone a prosperous and happy New Year”. apologise for trying to get a more equitable are around public financial management, my “I interviewed Pāpā Dennis Tūnui the other day society. The law requires that people pay tax strength”. and he is adamant that pensioners should not and if you begin to exempt one group of people “Now that you’re going back what are the good be taxed. Your views on exempting Grey Power that aren’t exempted in the law then what memories you’re taking with you?” members from paying taxes on their retirement about other people? It’s just about consistency” “I wake up every day happy Tony. I wake up incomes?” “In relation to the Tiare Taporo would you and I enjoy going to work. I don’t have many “Dennis seems to chop and change every expect Pacific Schooners Ltd to win some or all bad memories, in fact I can’t think of any bad few weeks on what his views are but you of the shipping subsidy given its failure?”. memories, I mean I’ve got a fairly thick skin know ultimately in the end, what we need to “Oh Tony, look I don’t want to prejudice any and I get on well with lots of people and I try understand is that tax is around, everyone in sort of tender process that’ll happen. The to smile everyday and that’s what gets me society contributing towards the Government Government will get a group of senior public through so no bad memories just may be the so that they can achieve things that society bad weather every now and then”. wants them to do. Whether you’re 15 or continued on next page PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 NEWS 13 Cook Islands Herald Issue 797 TE KAVE KORERO TE KAVE KOREROHost: Tony Hakaoro, MON 14 DEC 2015 Final Parliament sitting for the year The Parliament sitting was the subject of He added that the Bill is not a new piece of karanga te papa`ā i tērā ē, well organised na te discussion on Te Kave Kōrero on Monday 14th legislation but rather a proposal to amend the reo Marike ei”. December 2015. main legislation passed in 1960. One caller to the programme stated that the Presenter Tony Hakaoro stated that he had “Te karanga nei au ē, e ture tāmanako`anga, Government was well prepared when they attended and observed Parliament’s sitting `akakoromaki mai, kāre mei te mea ē, e ture `ōu went to Parliament today. He added that during the day before going to air on Te Kave tākiri tēia, māri rā, e ture tāmanako`anga tēia Government said exactly what they wanted or Kōrero. kia `akatūkē`ia te ture metua tei `akamana`ia intended to say. He informed listeners that the petition i te mata`iti e ta`i tauatini e iva `ānere eono “I āku kua papa te Kavamani te `aere`anga rātou against purse seine fishing was presented nga`uru”. ki mua i te Pāramani i tēia rā, kua papa rātou. before Parliament. He advised however that Vaitata ē, ta rātou tuatua i tuatua i tēia rā, kua Members of Parliament agreed that they will “Ko te ture tāmanako`anga tēia tei tae ki mua tano meitaki ki ta rātou i `akakoro”. not debate the petiton for reason that the i te aroaro o te Pāramani i tēia avatea, i te “Me `akarongo `ua atu au i to rātou manako matter (Application for Judicial Review against tāmanako`anga i te tauī`anga i te ture metua kua papa `ua rātou i te `aere`anga ki roto i te Government in relation to purse seine fishing) tei `akamana`ia i te mata`iti e ta`i tauatini e iva Pāramani i tēia rā”. is before the High Court of the country. `ānere e ono nga`uru”. The caller said that the opposition needs to lift “Te `akarongo atū ra au ē, kua tuku`ia te Hakaoro informed listeners also that Parliament its game. petiton o te tautai kupenga tā`iri poti, inārā, elected a Committee whose task is to look at the “Tērā `ua `akamāro`iro`i mai te tua pāto`i”. noā atu ē, kua tae te rēira ki mua i te aroaro budget before its presented before Parliament. Parliament resumed and also concluded o te Pāramani, kua tuku rā `oki te Pāramani i “Kua tae katoa ki mua i te Pāramani i tēia rā its business for the year on Tuesday 15th tēta`i `akano`ono`o`anga ē, kāre rātou, te au te tāmanako`anga ē, kia `iki`ia tēta`i Kōmiti no December. It now stands adjourned sine die. Mema, kāre rātou `e `uri`uri manako no runga i te `akarakara`anga i te tu`anga o te moni, koia Te Kave Kōrero would like to wish the Speaker te kupenga tā`iri poti, no runga i te petition, i te te budget, i mua ake ka tuku`ia ai ki roto i te of the House, the Clerk and Assistant Clerk of mea `oki ē, ko tēia manamanatā, tei mua katoa Pāramani. Kua `akamana`ia te rēira Kōmiti i tēia the House, interpreters and audio technicians, i te aroaro o te `Akavā`anga Ngāteitei o te Kūki rā. stenographers, typists and all the staff of our Airani nei”. He stated that the Committee comprises of the Parliament, their wifes, husbands, partners, “Ae, kua tuku te Pāramani i tēta`i Honourable Mona Ioane, MP for Tautu/Vaipae, and families, a very Merry Christmas and a `akano`ono`o`anga, ē, kāre rātou e `uri`uri i te as Chairperson, Tekii Lazaro MP for Pukapuka, Happy New Year. petition no te kupenga tā`iri poti no te mea te Temu Hagai MP for Rakahanga, Tangata Vavia Te Kave Kōrero would also like to wish the vai nei tēta`i `oro`anga i mua i te `Akavā`anga, MP for Mitiaro, James Beer MP for Murienua Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet `oro`anga i te Kavamani, no runga tikāi i te rēira and Tama Tuavera MP for Ngatangiia. Ministers, Leader and Deputy Leader of the tumu manako, mē kārē ra, tumu tāpura”. Hakaoro stated that Government’s presentation Opposition, Leader of One Cook Islands and all Hakaoro stated also that a Bill to amend the of papers before Parliament was well organised. Members of Parliament, their wifes, husbands, water ordinances was also presented before “Tāku `ākarakara atu`anga, `akarongorongo partners, and their families, a very Merry Parliament. atu`anga, meitaki `iā rā te `akano`ono`o`anga Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. “I roto katoa i te Pāramani i tēia rā, ae, kua ā te Kavamani no te mea, i mua ake `oki ka May you all have a wonderful festive season tuku`ia ki mua i te aroaro o te Pāramani, te ture `akamata ai i tēia rā, te ui nei tēta`i pāpāke ē, and a happy time together with all your families tāmanako`anga no runga i te mato vai, no runga ea`a rā te `akakoro`anga o te Kavamani? Inā, i and loved ones. See you all again in 2016. Kia i te vai o Tumutevarovaro nei. tēia rā, te au pēpa ta rātou i tuku ki mua i te orana e kia manuia. Pāramani, te au ture tāmanako, ae, mako iā ra, a while unless something dramatic happens here at the radio station and television station NEVES continued in the world that you know really affects our and to all your listeners. Our family have really servants together to work through exactly what economy but the Minister will release his half been privileged to have been here, I feel they want and what sorts of options may be year economic update on Tuesday I think. I privileged to have done what I’ve done. I’d like available and go out to market. I always felt that don’t want to steal his thunder, I’m certain he’s to thank all my staff out there for the fantastic it was probably better to put out an expression got some good news to put out there”. efforts that you’ve gone to. I’ve always enjoyed of interest to allow people either to bid on their “Well it would seem to me that this would be coming onto your show, I don’t mind answering own or bid as a consortia to come forward and our last time to talk on radio Richard. I’d like questions, I recognise there are tough ones and put forward the ideas and then you can fine to say thank you, just about everytime I ask I’d like to thank Government for their support tune it around that but we shouldn’t prejudice you to come on radio, you’ve always been and my colleagues and peers around the place. around whether I can think they can do it or not obliging. That’s something I’m really grateful, Kia manuia, Merry Christmas everyone, have a or whether someone else thinks they can do it. really appreciate during the year that your great New Year and may you live for a long and The Government will put together a group of contribution to the program, your willingness prosperous lives. Thank you very much, meitaki people, there’s some money there and they’ll to come onto the program, and your firmness maata”. go out and probably seek expressions of interest in answering questions, and your position in Te Kave Kōrero would like to say goodbye to around some service, they may stipulate timing relation to some of the questions, e.g. Tiare and wish Neves and his family all the best for or something like that, that’s up to them to do Tāporo, I’m very grateful for all that my friend Christmas and New Year and the best of luck and then we’ll go from there”. and as you leave to go back to Australia, I wish for the future. Have a safe trip back to Australia. “Is the Government or is the country in a sound you all the best, you and your family, your wife Kia manuia and God bless. financial position at the moment?”. and children, and all the best for Christmas and “It always has been, it has been for a long time New Year and all the best for the future”. continued on next page and probably would continue to be so for quite “Tony, meitaki maata to you and all the staff Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 14 NEWS Papua New Guinea wins Miss Pacific Islands

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Miss Tonga - Sarong Traditional Wear

Miss Papua New Guinea - Sarong Traditional Wear

Miss Niue - Sarong Traditional Wear

PB

WIN

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Order your Christmas ham before Dec 21 and go into the draw to WIN your ham for FREE! 10 lucky winners. Details and order form in-store or call 22259. Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 NEWS 16 Cook Islands Herald Issue 797 TE KAVE KORERO TE KAVE KOREROHost: Tony Hakaoro, WED 9th Dec 2015 Warning about Internet scams Internet scams was the subject of warning He said this type of scam emails also asks continues to encourage families and and awareness on Te Kave Kōrero on for one’s personal and contact details. friends not to get involved with any form Wednesday 9th December 2015. He warns that listeners or internet users of internet scam. should never reply to this type of emails Presenter Tony Hakaoro said the most and never to provide or give them those “The best advice I suggest is just ignore common form of scam occurs through the details. those emails and delete them. Don’t even internet and is usually sent via an email get tempted to read them”, said Hakaoro. from the scammer to vulnerable internet Hakaoro added that often the information users. the scammers want includes one’s full “If it looks too good to believe, it is usually names, age, marital status, contact phone the case, that it is too good to believe, so He said it is around this time of the year, number, fax number, country, occupation the best thing is, ignore and delete it and around Christmas and New Year, that these and sex. don’t get sucked into the scam. Just stay types of emails become more frequent, away from it”. that one may find them in their emails or Hakaoro reinforced the importance of inboxes unexpectedly. not giving out one’s personal and contact Hakaoro said he is aware of a number of details. Cook Islanders being sucked into one or Hakaoro said everyone should be very two scams and their money stolen or taken careful not to be sucked into these scam He warns that if one gives or provides those fraudulently. emails and not to reply to them. details the scammers can easily access one’s bank account by fraudulently using “In one case involving a community Hakaoro read out to listeners an example one’s personal details for identification organisation there was more than of a scam email as follows: purposes to access the account and once $300,000.00 scammed out of the they achieve that there’s no stopping them organisation”, Hakaoro said. “Hello. Compliments of the day to you. I am from stealing the money in the account. Mrs Fatima Kabore. I am sending this brief “In another case an individual suffered a letter to you to solicit your partnership to Hakaoro stated that this is a common form loss of more than $30,000.00 having been transfer 19.5 million US dollars. I shall send of scam and is occuring quite regularly sucked into paying a certain amount of you more information and procedures all over the world and that internet users money by instalment. The scammers were when I receive positive response from you. should be very careful not to be scammed contacting him by email and promising Please send me a message in my email. this way. him that he would be paid a million dollars Thanks. Best regards. Mrs Fatima Kabore”. as soon as he sent them a certain sum of The best advice, according to Hakaoro, is money via Western Union”. Hakaoro said this is a classic example of to delete these types of emails and never one of several scam emails being sent by to open or read them. According to Hakaoro the individual ran internet scammers to innocent internet out of money and could not borrow from users. Hakaoro stated some scam emails have families and friends anymore and gave up attachments and he advices everyone not sending the scammers further money. In another example Hakaoro read the to open or read the attachment as the email for listeners to hear and be aware of. content may be a malware or a virus. “Sadly by the time he realised his mistake he had paid the scammers over “I am Mr Fedex Sanouva, the Manager He said this type of scam emails almost $30,000.00”, Hakaoro said. of foreign remittance department, bank always come from unidentified sources, of Africa in Burgina Faso. I will like you that is, they come from people whose At this time of the year Te Kave Kōrero to indicate your interest to receive the names one does not recognise or from would like to reinforce the message to transfer of US 19.3 million, 60 per cent people one has never come across or vulnerable Cook Islanders, keep away from for me and 40 per cent for you. You will known before. scam emails, ignore and delete them and stand as next of kin to my late customer never provide or give away personal and who had died in a plane crash leaving After the programme and off-air Hakaoro contact details to anyone asking for them. nobody behind. I will like you to forward the information below to me if you are interested. Please, for more information, copy my email to notify the sender, okay. Waiting to hear from you soon. Mr Fedex Sanouva”. Hakaoro said these types of scam emails refer to someone who had passed away without a next of kin and states that there are millions of dollars to be inherited by someone who can claim to be the next of kin. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 17 AGRIBUSINESS Within arm’s reach After this current mango season, Atupa Heights will seea transformation. Currently, this one acre property has 6 large mango trees and 4 large lychee trees. They will all be topped to 8 meters which is a manageable height. According to Mario Caffery, the trees won’t be lopped in one go but in stages. So half the tree will be allowed to fruit into the next season, while the topped part sprouts new branches. Height is always an issue with orchards. Beyond 8 meters and Mario will have to look at investing into a cherrypicker. Mind you, he would love to have one. But economically speaking, it won’t make sense. But you only have to look at the lychee trees which are probably close to 3 storeys high. Well, you can use the 2 storey Atupa Orchid Units as a measuring guide. The trees are loaded with half ripe fruit. It is a truly amazing sight. Mario’s mum Ingrid said that this is a good year for lychee and it’s because there has been rain. Apparently, lychees need water and feed especially during the fruiting stages. Ingrid explains that a fruit with a water source is rounder, whilst one that has only a little water is long and skinny. But it makes you wonder how in the world they will be able to pick all those lychees when they do get ripe in a few weeks. It will probably be left to Mario’s son to climb the tree. Mario says that FAO Chamber of Commerce agribusiness consultant Brian Paxton has already been around to have a look at the existing orchard, and they have already set up a plot plan which will utilise all the existing spaces. About 50-60 commercial mango plants will be planted into the spaces. For now, Mario is only looking at mangoes Ingrid Caffery in her lychee orchard. The fruit should be and lychees on this site. ready soon, so if you would like to buy some then just He does have a problem with flying chickens. They fly up onto the contact her at home, or her son Mario. Below: Mario trees and pick at the fruit. In addition, they scratch away at the with dad Joe & mum Ingrid roots of the trees. However, once his fence goes up, they won’t be a problem anymore. He has fruit fly traps and over the last month he hasn’t had very many which is a good sign. But on his existing trees there is a caterpillar that eats the flowers of the mango and this prevents them from developing fruit. This he says is not a long-term problem as it can be controlled with a spray. But they will deal with that when the tree gets lopped. Despite his 80 years of age, Mario’s dad Joe keeps the grounds well- maintained. Mario has offered to buy him a ride-on mower but Joe has refused saying he needs the exercise with the push kind. When Ingrid first planted the trees in this current orchard, she did it so that the grandchildren would always have something to eat, in the event that she was not able to provide for them. Mario is continuing on the orchard as a family project where he, his parents and his children will all be in it together. He does come from the generation of children who watered the plants by carrying buckets of water with a corned beef can that had holes in the bottom. And so the fact that agriculture is a lot easier now makes it just that more appealing to him. But he did work in one of the travel agencies when he was younger and it was always a common complaint that the variety and amount of fruit available on the breakfast table was limited. 20 years on, the problem is still the same which has motivated him to be a part of the FAO Chamber of Commerce project which will address this problem in the long run. Furthermore, he is excited about the pineapple plots that are being developed under this project as he believes that this will make the prices of pineapple on the market reasonable, which in turn will be The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce was invited by FAO welcomed by our visitors. Currently, pineapple can sell for $10-$12 to facilitate private sector agribusiness investments that per fruit. Getting it down to $5 per fruit would make it a lot more will support the growth of the agricultural industry. This attractive. intervention has included a small grants programme assisting existing agribusinesses through technical training, mentoring and business planning. In less than one year the number of farmers has more than doubled with land cultivated four times greater than in 2011. FAO have confirmed ongoing support in 2016. Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 18 NEWS Papua New Guinea wins Miss Pacific Islands Pageant for the first time

WINNER: New Miss Pacific Islands, Abigail Havora during her victory lap as she acknowledges the audience after being crowned the winner of Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2015 by Miss South Pacific 2014, Teuira Napa at the National Auditorium in Rorotonga, Cook Islands. n the 29th year of the Miss platform in Papua New Guinea Interview - Miss Samoa, Ariana dance for one last time. Pacific Islands Pageant - ‘the and allowing us young women to Taufao Performed also on the night IPageant with a Difference’, stand up and speak up for what Best Talent - Miss Papua New was the Pageant Theme Song - Miss Papua New Guinea (PNG) we believe in.” Guinea, Abigail Havora ‘Spirit of Adventure’ sung and makes history and wins the The new Miss Pacific Islands Best Sarong - Miss Papua New put together by Cook Islands region’s beauty contest for the won Best Talent and Best Sarong Guinea, Abigail Havora female artist, Tara Kauvai. The first time, as she was crowned by Wear in which she attributed all Best traditionally inspired Master of Ceremonies for the Miss South Pacific 2014, Teuira to the this year’s Pageant Theme outfit - Miss Fiji, Zaira Begg night was the talented Miss Napa on the Crowning Night - ‘Our Spirit of Adventure’. The Float Parade held Saturday Pacific Islands Pageant Host at the National Auditorium in At 24 years of age, the new morning was not judged. Committee Director, Metua Rarotonga, Cook Islands tonight, Miss Pacific Islands hails from the Special Awards: Vaiimene and his Co-host, Saturday 12th December 2015. village of Gabagaba in the Central Miss Social Media - Miss Former Miss Cook Islands and Miss Abigail Havora, will be a Province of Papua New Guinea. Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono Former Miss South Pacific 2001, household name in the Pacific She is a graduate in biology and Miss Photogenic - Miss Tonga, Engara Gosselin. within the next 12 months of chemistry from the University of Brittne Fuimaono The five Main Pageant Judges her reign and many more years PNG and is employed by Papua Tourism Award - Miss were led by Head Judge, Sarah to come, as she looks to explore New Guinea’s largest oil and gas American Samoa, Suluga Taliau Haoda Todd of Papua New her new adventure and make a company Oil Search. Miss Personality - Miss Guinea, joined by Rachael difference. Below are the results of the American Samoa, Suluga Taliau Afiaki-Taumoepeau of Tonga, “Pacific Islands, we have a Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Claudia Montenegro, Teremoana voice,” said Miss Havora in her 2015. The message from the Kenneth Mato of the Cook Islands victory speech on stage. “As Ms Miss Pacific Islands 2015 - Chairman of the Miss Pacific and NZ Fresh TV Producer, Lisa Sonja (Hunter) says, we own Miss Papua New Guinea, Abigail Islands, Honourable Tuilaepa Dr. Taouma of Samoa. There were 50 million square kilometres of Havora Sailele Malielegaoi, was read in also Special Awards Judges and Pacific Ocean, we are a force to 1st Runner up - Miss Samoa, his absence by the Miss Pacific Scrutineers. be reckoned with. Ariana Taufao Islands Pageant Host Committee The Miss Pacific Islands “I’m looking forward to the 2nd Runner up - Miss Tonga, President Mr. Clee Marsters. This Pageant 2016 will be held in reign this year taking on from Brittne Fuimaono year’s pageant coincided with Apia, Samoa, celebrating 30 our previous queens and I know 3rd Runner up - Miss Fiji, Zaira the 50th anniversary of Cook years since the inception of the with God on our side, he will Begg Islands. Pageant. lead me well.” She added. 4th Runner up - Miss Solomon The Miss South Pacific Islands For more information including Miss Havora also thanked Islands 2014, Teuira Napa delivered her photos, please visit the official her pageant committee “for Judged Categories: farewell speech and performed Facebook page www.facebook. the opportunity providing a Best Presentation & Stage her traditional Cook Islands com/misspacificislands PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 19 NEWS

Miss American Samoa - Sarong Traditional Wear

Miss Fiji - Sarong Traditional Wear

Miss Cook Islands - Sarong Traditional Wear

Miss Solomon Islands - Sarong Traditional Wear

The mollycoddling of our children do, we wore hand me downs and designer social habits in their room or on the table I was reading an article wear, what was that? As children we had to while eating are socially unacceptable. We all recently regarding how learn to use our brains and our hands, to know children like this, but more importantly we are not bringing up cook, sew, wash, clean, garden, fix, repair, we all know parents who just give in to their our children to have modify and reuse. We looked after the little child’s poor behaviour. Not realising that they ‘resilience’. It reminded ones, changed their pooey and pissy nappies. are contributing to a social misfit who thinks me of a number of We went hiking, camping, swimming, climbed only of themselves because mum and or dad references I have made on how parents in the trees and we thrived picking wild mushrooms, won’t take a consistent approach to setting Cook Islands are raising their children. One of blackberries, puha, watercress, fishing for their child or children right. The child who those articles dealt with child abuse and the crawlies and trout. Going eeling and generally plays one parent off against the other without risk that this poses for us going forward. In getting into all sorts of strife were some of the any compunction at all. We do not run our this article I want to expand on the concept of highlights of our lives. If we got hurt or homes any more without one child or children ‘resilience’ and how we are bringing up our injured, we sucked it up and got on with it, we thinking that they know what is best for children to fail at a time when we need them had to. Who wanted to have the tag of ‘baby themselves and as for discipline or to be able to manage in an environment of cry’ or ‘cry baby’ as we were called in those punishment, what is that when it’s at home? adversity and challenge as adults. We all love days, a ‘mummy’s boy’, a ‘sookie bubba’ or a We are trying to become friends with our our children and we want to protect them ‘tangi weto’, you had to be tough or you got children when children do not need their from danger and adversity. Danger represents singled out for teasing. There were parents to be their friends. Friends come and harm, hurt, illness and death. Adversity stereotypes galore growing up in those days, go, friends tell you what you want to hear, represents facing challenges, risk taking and we had ‘golly wogs’, ‘niggahs’, and ‘black and friends can be your greatest asset or coping under pressure. The problem I see is arses” and other derogatory names which we greatest liability. Parents are family, family that parents are trying to do both, i.e. protect were proud of and those were just the nick gives you grounding, family tells you to your their children from danger and adversity and names of cousins or mates. No PC brigade, no face, family are not PC, family use your real thereby stunting their ability to cope in taking part in competitions just for the fun of name, family are the last line of defence when adverse situations. They do this in the it, we were encouraged to compete and win. you are in trouble, family is blood. Blood will mistaken belief that they are doing what is We even went out and helped ourselves to not take any crap from you, blood gives you right or best for the child and muddying the the local neighbour’s fruit trees, which is whakapapa, blood takes you in when no one child’s coping mechanisms. I suspect that a lot called stealing these days. If we wanted else will, blood is thicker than water, and of this mollycoddling is a reflection on how something we traded for it, saved up or blood endures across time. When have you many of us current parents were brought up. persuaded our parents to give it to us for exacted some form of punishment only for Speaking as a baby boomer, I can recall vividly Xmas or birthday presents. Contrast that with your child to disregard this and you do how poor my parents and their parents were a lot of children these days who cannot do nothing about it. When you finally do after WW2 and the early 1950’s and 1960’s in half the things we took for granted. I had to something about it, it is because you have Aotearoa (NZ). We had moved into a Maori teach my first wife how to do all the home blown your stack and lost your cool thereby Affairs home in the early 1950’s into a Maori stuff that I was taught by my mother and becoming the very child you were trying to settlement or village which was out of sight grandmother. In the kitchen, hopeless, discipline. Children need boundaries; they and out of mind as far as the local City Council sewing, forget it, go buy it off the peg, make need to know that there are consequences for was concerned. We had a concrete water tank home made gravy, no way it comes from a breaking those boundaries. The child needs to attached to a runoff pipe off the roof and this packet, jams, preserves all bought at the understand that they have responsibilities to became our first fridge. Glass jars of butter, supermarket. Grow fruit trees, nahh go to the themselves and their family and their friends milk, jams and other perishables were supermarket and buy it. In short our home and that they will be accountable for their suspended in the cool waters of this tank and conditions developed a generation of children actions. Children do not need parents for brought out when we needed them. My first with resilience. Unfortunately these friends, because they have friends who fit bed was the mattress on the wooden floor, experiences also drove us to ensure that our their idea of the ideal parent. Children need a chairs were beer crates, and Dad had children would not suffer the lives that had whole range of coping mechanisms that they removed the lounge door and mounted it on shaped us. In doing so I believe we set up a can call on and that will help them grow into beer crates for our table and Ma had sewn up rod for our backs. In shielding our children mature adults and future parents and future an old sheet as a table cloth. We couldn’t from the hardships that a lot of us faced leaders. What we have done with our children afford shop bought nappies so Ma made do growing up we have unwittingly turned a is social engineering on a vast scale because with old sheets and old flour sacks which generation of children into those unable, unfit we love them and want what’s best for them. were bleached, starched, washed and then or unwilling to face adversity. A generation We faced dangers and adversity growing up, ironed. No disposables in those days just back that we have encouraged to be self centred, and we don’t want our children to be exposed breaking work washing out pooey nappies, indulged, run home to mummy if something to that sort of a life style. The upside is that a soaking them in bleach, boiling them in the goes wrong and not take any responsibility or lot of us baby boomers are several steps old copper, rinsing and then hanging out to accountability for our actions because ahead of where our parents’ generation was. dry on the clothes line. No dryer, radio or tv in someone will always be there to pick us up. But in terms of our children, we are several those days. We even made our own soap in Clean the house, tidy up their rooms, hang generations behind the ball when it comes to that copper as it also took turns for boiling up out the laundry, no way mum or dad will do building their resilience to those dangers and old chooks, pack horse crayfish, pork bones, this. We know they get frustrated at our poor adversity we were faced with. In following this puha and watercress and fish heads and was standards so they will eventually give in and path, we have done our children a disservice, especially versatile for massive family do it themselves. We’ve all experienced this, we have dithered when giving advice, we gatherings at home. I wasn’t the only one of and it is usually mum that caves in. We all have procrastinated when we should have my generation brought up in similar know the type of children I am talking about, been more forthright. We have allowed them surroundings and growing up in that the, ‘I won’t listen to you, if I don’t get my to dictate the relationship on their terms and environment shaped our lives in ways we own way’ child, the child who’s ‘hand is we have made excuses for them which they could not have imagined. We learned to always asking for a hand out rather than a do not need. They have friends and their improvise, we learned to take risks, we hand up’. The child who throws a tanty if they peers who do this job quite well thank you learned what it was to go without and make can’t get their own way. The child whose very much.

1

PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 NEWS 2 1 Hukarere Girls College visits the island

By Norma Ngatamariki of schools and performed items. Takitumu,” says Te Aomahia Te Nukutere for your gracious group of wahine from “It’s been great, connecting Koha, a student from the girl’s welcome and hospitality,” says Hukarere Girls College with the people and getting to college. “We’d like to thank Naomi Tupene, another student Ahas made Rarotonga know our ancestry from Vaka Pa Motu and the kids from from the college. their holiday destination, and are seemingly enjoying their stay. On Friday morning, some of the students visited Radio Cook Islands where they sang a song. They also performed an item for CITV. The boarding school, which is situated in Napier, New Zealand, has been fundraising through various events such as galas, formal dinners and markets days in order to pay for their trip. So far, the girls have done a whole lot of activity such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, the cross-island walk as well as attending the cultural sessions at Highland Paradise and Te Vara Nui. They also visited a number Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 SPORT 22 New Look Tennis Products by Tavita find new sponsors, promote At all of the tournaments, the This, naturally, is perhaps the whole new outlook on it better, use the social media emphasis will be on what makes most vital move being envisaged tennis is due to start in more efficiently, connect better Britain traditionally great. by Mr. Kermode. 2016. A with its audiences and how to a. Players will carry onto No more back page stuff. It reminds me of Mangaia. get the players whacking the ball the court five huge extra bags What’s needed is the latest front We used to have a tennis court entertainingly and where they full of bananas and will then page headlines. Tennis must be down in the far corner of the should be whacking it. proceed to entertain the fans by up with latest eye-catching ones. rugby field. It was the scene of From next year on, it’s throwing them at each other. The following are being many a great encounter. The big goodbye sport. Enter Roger the b. They will wear considered for permanent attraction was watching Kimi fall Dodger and Handy Andy. Maria entertaining funny clothes and inclusion on all front pages. over or seeing Moko hit a serve the Screech and Raging Selena. drink various entertaining fluids. “Deadly Volleys Behind Post into the lagoon. Joko the Socko and the dreaded c. They will wear highly Office!” In other words, it was El Raffa. entertaining multi-coloured “Mixed Doubles Gang entertainment first. Sport a long Mr, Kermode has identified clothes, entertainingly punch Arrested!” way second. two vital stakeholders holding the air and snarl entertainingly “Naked Visitor Warms Up In And the world has now very big stakes – sponsors and at each other until the sponsors Front of Church!” recognized that we were dead the media. decide they need to do See? right. And he is currently understood something more entertaining, Where Mangaia once led, the It has come to a clear to making important decisions MEDIA rest of the world now follows! conclusion about tennis. on some or none of the following For far too many years, it goes, moves…. the game has been widely felt SPONSORS to be in danger of becoming The preliminary warm-up will just a boring East European sort now last two hours. During that of sport - grunting, growling time, you will have the choice whackers of the ball and names of six hundred and twenty eight that ended in an “–ic” or a “–ski”. varieties of pre-match sponsored But now, Great Britain has goodies with an extra sponsored found the solution. It’s the result goody for those who buy the of their winning the Davis Cup most goodies. last month, the top team event Then the umpire will give a in international tennis. special sponsored rendering of It was the first time in 79 years the God Save the Queen and and they never suspected that it invite everyone to join him in any was so easy. other anthem requested by the All they needed was Andy sponsors. Murray to take care of the points This will be accompanied and anyone ranked anywhere by lots and lots of sponsored from about 127 and 749 on the ball girls doing all sorts of international ranking lists to get entertaining things. on with what really matters… There will be an entertaining The Entertainment. speech by a sponsored British It’s a totally new approach. Davis Cup reserve on how to hit And it’s all being re-designed the ball out. in Great Britain. The latest 398th ranked Briton THE FUTURE will give a special sponsored At the heart of the plan is a exhibition of hitting the ball little-known Great Briton called into the net, followed by an Chris Kermode. sponsored free exhibition Mr. Kermode is the CEO of the performance, featuring methods ATP, otherwise known as the of missing the ball. Chief Entertainment Officer of After that, further All Tennis Products. entertainment will be provided His job is to make important by free sponsored netball, decisions. curling, conkers, marbles and And the most important one hopscotch, all of them highly he announced last week is to turn entertaining sports invented in tennis in to an entertainment Great Britain. attraction rather than just All tournaments of note will another boring old sports event. be in London, since no one else “That way,” he’s believed to can offer the same number of believe. “Great Britain will hold players ranked above 300 who on to the Davis Cup long after have won the Davis Cup. Andy Murray’s retired.” Each game will last a maximum He is said to be working out four minutes. how improve its marketing, PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 RELIGION 23 How God meet our needs his way Part 2 you, so that in ALL things, at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will abound in EVERY good work.” The main lesson is this: If you are a giver, God will By Senior Pastor John Tangi it pleases God. Jesus said, “In take care of your needs. Giving n Part 1 of this article I as much as you have done unto guarantees God’s provision. Be a was talking of what God the least of these, my brethren, Generous person, helping those expect us to do before He you have done it unto Me.” in need. The happiest people I are the most generous people. could bless us according to the (Matthew 25v.40). We must Bible in Philippians 4v.19 which remember that the condition The most miserable people are reads “And my God will meet comes before the promise. The those who are mean! God want all your needs according to his Promise of God in Philippians to bless us! Be a faithful giver, glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” 4v.19 does not: and also a generous person with Many want to take this promise 1) Include laziness. God others and watch what God of God and apply it to their lives expects you to work. This does in your life. while avoiding the conditions in promise is not an invitation to May you find these words v.14-18. When we are generous sit with folded hands and say, encouraging in helping those to others, God will be generous “I’m just trusting the Lord to in need. God bless, te Atua te with us. Luke 6v.38, “Give to provide.” He has not promised aroa! others, and God will give to to meet your needs if you you...The measure you use for sit around and do nothing. I others is the one God will use Thessalonians 3v.10 says that for you.” The Apostle Paul gives people who are unwilling to us three reasons why we should work should not be given be generous: handouts. “Let him who does 1) Our Giving Encourages not work not eat.” others. Philippians 4v.14-16 2) Cover all our wants. reads “It was good of you to James 4v.3 reads “You ask share in my troubles... as you for something and when you Philippians know, in the early don’t get it’s because you’re days .... not one church shared asking with the wrong motive. with me in the matter of giving You just want to consume it and receiving, except you on your desires.” God has only, for even when I was in not guaranteed to provide us Thessalonica, you sent me aid with all our luxuries. God is again and again when I was in interested in having our needs need.” The Philippian church met. If you spend all your was not a wealthy church. Yet money on some unnecessary they were a generous and a things and your needs were not giving church. met, and you say, “God, Your 2) Our Giving Is An Investment promise isn’t true!” That’s not In The Future. In Philippians God’s fault. It’s your fault! Who 4v.17 Paul said “though I knows you might blame the appreciate your gifts, what devil! It’s not his fault either, it’s makes me happiest is the well- your fault! What’s covered in earned reward you will have v.19 are ‘All legitimate needs!’ If because of your kindness.” you’re a faithful giver you have Giving benefits the giver as well every right to ask God to meet as the receiver. I Timothy 6v.18- your financial needs! If you’re 19 (LB) “...Give happily to those not a faithful giver you have no in need, and always be ready right, to ask God to help you. In to share whatever God has II Corinthians 9v.6 8 it shows us given you. By doing this, you the condition (man’s part) and will be storing up real treasure the promise (God’s blessings). for yourselves in heaven -- it is “Remember this: whoever sows the only safe investment for sparingly will also reap sparingly, eternity!” and whoever sows generously 3) Our Giving is a Sacrifice will also reap generously. Each to God Paul said in v.18 “I am one should give whatever he has amply supplied, now that I have decided in his heart to give, not received from Epaphroditus reluctantly or under pressure, the gifts you sent. They are a for God loves a cheerful giver.” fragrant offering, an acceptable This is the condition (man’s sacrifice, pleasing to God.” part). Then the promise (God’s When you give generously you blessings) “And God is able become more like Christ! And to make ALL grace abound to Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 VIEWS 24 Acceptance All about By Lucianne Vainerere hard to accept ourselves and We have become self- everything we go through? conscious about every part A lot of people brush it off of our being. If at some point and tell us it’s nothing to that Uni life we are confident, there’s still worry about. But they end By Norma Ngatamariki emotion at the time was a hint of doubt or ‘unpretty’ up hurting themselves while ey everyone! Gosh, excitement. Orientation week feeling lurbing around. doing it. it’s so been so long was loaded with all sorts of We blame society for We subconsciously wait since I did my little activity, where you could join portraying beauty as thin for someone else to come H piece in the Herald. Feel a club, participate in any event with a hint of chemicals and pick us up from our good to be getting back on and watch entertainment. All smeared across our deep slumber we fail to that grind. I arrived on this and all, it was great fun. faces or shapely and where from. We wait, and beautiful island two weeks So for my chosen degree, curvaceous. Media is full wait for someone to come ago and, I must say, I was which is a Bachelor of of contradictions, yet we and mold us again and fix really looking forward to it. Commerce, there a seven core still believe what’s being all the pieces that are bent But, most of all, I wanted to papers which are compulsory televised across the globe. and broken. Maybe you can get my tan on! Everybody to take. That’s Information There’s nothing wrong with turn tables and be your own that I’ve met so far keeps Systems 110, Commercial wearing heaps of make-up hero. As we get closer to the telling me that I look so Law 101, Statistics for or wearing tight dresses festive season, I want to wish white, it’s blinding (I may Commerce108, Accounting and shirts to compliment everyone a Merry Christmas be exaggerating, but that’s Information 191, Business your figure. If that helps you and joyful and prosperous what they sound like to me!) Economics 191, Business feel ‘pretty’ then so be it. New Year 2016. Eat and be I wasted no time, putting Enterprise 101 and 102. You If that’s how you perceive merry, love unconditionally, on my pareu and marching can pick General Education yourself then so be it. But…. laugh till your stomach outside to lounge around and course for an eighth paper, so do you really accept yourself hurts and just enjoy being absorb some of that good that’s four papers in the first that way under everything. with your loved ones and Raro sun. It felt so good! semester and four papers in Or maybe you prefer baggy the peace it brings being I just completed my first the second. I only took seven clothes and sweatpants amongst people who love year at the University of (long story short, I didn’t make and colors. Either we still you back and ACCEPT you Auckland. I stayed in a Hall of a certain enrolment on time) struggle to accept ourselves wholeheartedly for who you Residence called Grafton Hall, but it was still a workload. If wholly. are despite all the things which was a completely new there’s one thing that Uni has This year is about to end that lay between warm and and fun experience. I met taught me, it’s to manage my and if you’re feeling a change cold. Be like Olaf and enjoy some new friends, and had time well. coming and a new found the summer and love warm some pretty mean parties It was a concept that I attitude towards how you feel hugs and just be HAPPY even and formal dinners. But, of struggled with. There was about yourself than maybe when the sun’s not shinning. course, I’m only telling you many a sleepless night where this is a good time to let all Thank you to my readers for the pretty side of things. I I had to complete assignments that negativity go and leave it keeping up with my writing, haven’t gotten to the most or study for a test. I had in the past where it belongs. you’re all awesome-take care important part yet. The actual adopted a nocturnal lifestyle. It’s a really hard process to on the roads this season and university experience, where But, if you’re smart and stick to go through. We find it easier cook look after yourselves. Te there are lecture theatres, a set schedule and not deviate to accept others for who Atua, Te Aroa. “For the Lord assignments, studying and all from it, then you’ll actually they are naturally; successes shall be thy confidence, and that other...stuff. So, here’s have time to fit in a full, eight- and failures, ‘perfections’ shall keep thy foot from being what it was like for me. hour rest. It’s entirely up to and mistakes, beauty’s and taken”. Proverbs 14:26. “In You know that feeling you you whether or not you want flaws-they mean nothing the fear of the Lord is strong get when you start a new to go to lectures (it’s not like to us. But since we were all confidence and his children school, and you’re all nervous they mark attendance and made the same way. In the shall have a place of refuge”. and tingly about it? I didn’t they don’t care whether you image of God, why is it so Proverbs 14:26. feel that way the first time turn up or not cause they I entered a lecture. I felt still get paid). That’s very overwhelmed! There were dangerous, especially when about 500 first year students you’re feeling particularly lazy. all crammed inside this one So self-motivation is a key lecture theatre. There was factor to have in Uni! no room for feeling nervous! In a nutshell, it has been a I think my most dominant busy, fun and crazy year. PB

Cook Islands Herald Cook islands Herald GOSSIP>>> 16 December 092015 February 2008 CHOOKS 2125 NoticeOh thatdear whenever chooks, Elvis those the greatfrisky aboutcousie bro!inter- Why? island Because shipping! the CIP now pretenderbean countinggets challenged young with bucks issues in Norealize moreto their shock,pussy-footing horror, they will his thestandard Office answer o te doshis to oryou OOPS- have around!not have theLet’s numbers have to agovern proper when “Office Of Pecuniary Secu- deep water port at each island to rity”-mayask my wife havethat question, pecked then them- his whereOCI wins ultrathe by-election large passengerfor Bona Yu-Ah otherselves stock inanswer the claws!is we must Looks not belike ships-Nee’s likeseat thewhen QE Bona II and is ousted 200,000 after driventhey by wantemotions an and indoor political sports gain, tonnehis upcoming oil tankers court case. can The sail demon in Elvisfacility claims thatit is moreimperative than policies halves andDemos, comfortably languishing in tie another alongside paddock, mustyour be basedpotential on fact basedincome science, the theneed wharf OCI if withthey want plenty to govern.of room How yet morewhat it’sdrove in use!him Example!to make Ifthat one todesperate spare! areGet the the two TNT major out players peo- to irrationalnetball panicky team illogicalis in action,decision thento plholde! theWhy purse not strings? a mini-atom pay2,000 a ransom spectators to the land canextortionists pay to bomb? That’ll shift a lot of coral fromenter. his lazy That’s constituency brilliant! of Manihiki? But if in Whya hurry! have so Let’s many getChinese blasting! machines Blow half the reef away if nec- two teams are in action, just been sent to the outer islands chooks? On 600what spectatorsbasis did he fork can out be $200,000 accom- essary to get the big boats in! to modated!help his friend Whoa! Mickie EneryWhat’s retrieve with It’sBecause going when to costthey probablystart rusting $500 down his the‘big boysseating toy’ junk deal boat here? Tiare IfTaporo three gotwhere paid $70,000 the parliamentfor marketing by in the a Fishingfrom aExplanation” far, distant Welterweight journey belt, millionin a few andweeks annihilate time, they will all provide sea fromteams the debt play collector then in Canada?there’s no PearlBoarding Authority House without isthe currently contract betweenduring the which CIP champ, he is Henrythought Foonah to lifethe forsoil awith radius much of needed 500 miles nutrients but to room left for any spectators! goingbased, to tender, makes it seems a lotta the Wolfgrammde sense andhave “El visitedSpeekar.” KingAdopting Solomon’s an Ali ploy, hey!boost That’sagriculture. progress! And the Crikey dick! How does this pairchooks. have got This themselves area is A1entangled perfecto in Foonahmines. tried A troublesometo floor El Speekar Knight with cost is a mere drop in the pro- Onmake Monday anyone Mr 500 any Tupapa’s money? George And a andPERC according investigation to to our be esteemedtabled in ahas barrage been sentof verse packing but Elfrom Speekar the verbialWhat plasticdid our MPs bucket do once when they endedwe Maggiewe thoughtattends Parliament the young in his buckspink parliament.eastern engineering émigrés counteredRound Tablewith strong along verbals with sending his haveparliament billions business upon somewhat billions earlyof suit.in Unable charge to ofbuy the pink Office socks oto te wear dosh from the land of the great wall, entourage of scribes, speakers dollarsafter sending in Manganese Christmas greetings Nodules to the were clever! 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Solution chooks? wouldQuestion also time be ingood the tidingsHouse onfor Ministercamel, becomedelivery his man“Toy Boy?” found one formidable local who cannot TitikavekaTender but the when joint the landownersout to private kick Mondayone strategically afternoon and positioneddid the Demo lo- scribe dressed in Blue scribbling benations named abstaining because from thevoting Lord were up industry!a stink and A challengeRock ‘n Rollthe political Revival premiercal travel team blitzagent- the CIPhaving with difficult,a port outOh a parchmentdear chooks! of Wordoffences! whispered One Highthe UK, beaks USA, Australia have toldand France.the abuseevening and lies or of two? the governmentIf a private she in- controversialjust a hoppa, questions skip to and set athe jump CIP tocarrying Big Red the that instant one fineof the of camelChinese learnedNations whichscribes did to not zip want it! 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It was delayed from wantsbe aand perfect rarely solution!criticises the Only hand re- Big Red has dusted off his special chariot! Not to be out- 10 June because the new government Thetrusty CIP reigningcrystal ballschamp, chookswelterweight and jobdone, of assembling water boy’s machinery Lord andwhen Em- they Chooks Big Red has heard maining question? Where to changed the Constitution to enable thatbase feeds CISNOC? her. Watch how she makes Henripeered Foonah deep barely into raised the a mistssweat inof werepress not to trained the West, to do have so! engaged from his vast network of in- every excuse and effort not to criticise thetime ring asand he easilythe bobbedfuture and has weaved ap- a scribe to fire off a sternly formersPapa Albert that to the qualify real reasonto stand for for the governmentBuilding ona completelyissues she is newthe hispeared way around in a frighteningthe best the vision!Demos wordedA few weeks communiqué ago none ofto thethe majorPal- theelection. island The wide qualifying power period failure had Oppositionand relatively spokes person inexpensive for. at couldIn Camelot, throw at him. Big Result? Red seesFoonah a re-by politicalace of Elparties Commissar! wanted to give OCI onbeen Sunday changed was from someone 3 months for-to 3 $50 million but completely jus- unanimousjiggy jig points of seats decision at bythe the Round Judges. so much as a $5 maroro or a brass gettingyears to to prevent top up Papa the fuelAlbert tank from Browntified, Makie deep finally water let port the in cat Nikao out Table. The King has returned razoo.Let’s OCI getwas seriousbeing trashed chooks by so supplyingbeing elected. the Butmain Margaret generator. Story of the bag and what a stench, he biffed called experts. Now, suddenly and rather stood then stepped down after the the Demos in the face with the news Best bout of the day in the House oddly, everyone wants to be OCI’s friend, Constitution was amended. Papa one of their election campaign members ring was for the coveted “Purse Seine pal, mate, buddy, side kick, long lost Albert won the by-election.

NEW ZEALAND-FIJI, SAMOAS, TONGABuild AND COOK ISLANDS SERVICE VESSEL VOYAGE NEWsheds ZEALAND around them? COCONUTFIJI ROUNDTABLESAMOA & TONGA Cook Islands FAT CATS Use Number Auck Lautoka SuvaRumour Apia Pagothem or pushNuk them into Raro Forum2, Cabinet Fiji is worried lll about all the 32 SLD 09,10/02 has 10,11/02it Government 12/02 12,13/02the harbour!16/02 - Chinese machineryForum sitting Rarotonga on Outer Island ll Wharves!08 10,11/02 - is worried15/02 that the Chinese18/02 17/02 25/02 21/02FADs! Forum Fiji lll 33 25/02 28/02machines 29/02 have been left01/03 on 02/03 05/03 - Outer Islands wharves Forum Rarotonga ll 09 02,03/03 - 07/03 10/03 09/03 17/03 13,14/03 going rusty! 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 16 December 2015 CLASSIFIEDS 26 VACANCIES Building Pacific capacities to promote and facilitate marine PACIFIC RESORT HOTEL GROUP A GREAT PLACE TO WORK… scientific research We are currently seeking the following for our properties in 14 December 2015 Rarotonga & Aitutaki: usan, Korea- Marine science and marine scientific research • Executive Chef (Aitutaki) play a critical role in the sustainable development of the oceans, seas and their resources. • Executive Sous Chef (Aitutaki) B This is consistently recognised by the United Nations General • Sous Chef (Rarotonga) Assembly in its annual resolutions on oceans and the law of the sea, • Chefs de Partie the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development • Demi Chefs and by the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of • Wait & Bar Staff Action (SAMOA) Pathway adopted in 2014. • Qualified Builder (Rarotonga) Marine scientific research is also at the core of the ‘2030 Agenda We are always on the lookout for talented individuals interested for Sustainable Development’ and the Sustainable Development in a career in the tourism industry. If you want to be part of a Goal 14a officially adopted by the General Assembly in September high performing team then feel free to visit one of our resorts 2015. in person to complete an employment application form. To address this, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of To apply : email – [email protected] the Sea of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (IOC- UNESCO), in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) European Union supported Deep Sea Minerals Project and the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), recently organised a first of its kind training workshop for Pacific Small Island Developing States government officials and scientists in Busan, Republic of Korea. Participants from 13 Pacific Island states attended the training This week’s top vacancies from Cook Islands Jobs course which covered the legal, technical and scientific aspects related to the conduct of marine scientific research under the United Ikurangi Ltd, Housekeeper/Gardener, Rarotonga Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in particular with regards BodyFuel Cafe- Sushi Chef, Rarotonga to the rights and obligations of coastal and researching states. Kelly Pick- Home-based Nanny, Rarotonga Participants included government officials and scientists from both coastal and researching states. For these roles and more, please visit www.cookislandsjobs.com “This training course is very significant as it enhances my skills and capacity to help my country embark on developing its marine scientific research policy and other relevant policies in accordance PUBLIC NOTICE with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. I’ve identified gaps in our legislations dealing with marine scientific research, hence this training is supportive for improving and strengthening of such areas for the benefit of Vanuatu citizens,” Vanuatu’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division Desk Officer, Mr Roel Tari, said after the training. Pacific leaders have identified the need to strengthen national Wishing you all capacities in marine scientific research, recognising the benefits A Merry Christmas & Happy New year that could be derived from investing more in this field as a means from COOK ISLANDS GENERAL TRANSPORT LTD to increase scientific knowledge of the marine environment and support national and regional economic growth in marine sectors, such as shipping and offshore energy, as well as in security and Statutory Holiday business hours defence. Wednesday 23/12/15 8.00am to 3pm It also creates enabling conditions for pioneering new and more Thursday 24/12/15 8.00am to 12pm sustainable routes for exploitation and technological development Friday 25/12/15 CLOSED such as bioprospecting or deep seabed mining. Saturday 26/12/15 Closed Increasing scientific knowledge and developing research capacity Monday 28 / 12/15 Closed are also critical for ensuring the protection and preservation of the Tuesday 29/12/15 8.00am to 4pm marine environment.

The week-long workshop included representatives from Cook Wednesday 30/12/15 8.00am to 4pm Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Thursday 31/12/15 8.00am to 3pm Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Friday 01/01/16 Closed Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Saturday 02/01/16 Closed The training teams included regional and international experts in Monday 04/01/16 Closed their respective fields drawn from DOALOS, IOC-UNESCO, SPC, the Resume normal hours Tuesday 5th January 2016 University of the South Pacific and research institutes. For emergencies call: The workshop concluded on 11 December. Jessie 55 242 or Clerk 56480 PB

Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 CLASSIFIEDS 27 TENDERS PUBLIC NOTICE

TENDER PURCHASE AND SUPPLY OF BITUMEN TRUCK AND MOBILE KETTLE Tutaka CONTRACT NO. C15-13 Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) seeks tender proposals from Monday 7 – Friday 17 December Contractors for the Purchase and Supply of Bitumen Truck and Mobile Kettle, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Tenderers should ensure they are registered and have 1 Mon. 07.12.15 Tuarai, Matavera downloaded or received all files for the RFT including all 2 Tue. 08.12.15 Turangi, Avana, Muri prospective notices. Files can be obtained either online via www.procurement.gov.ck or from ICI office. 3 Wed. 09.12.15 Tikioki, Titikaveka, Turoa, Vaimaanga Tenders close at 3pm on Friday, 18th December 2015, and 4 Thur. 10.12.15 Rutaki, Aroa. Kavera, Betela must be submitted in hard copy format in an envelope marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and have the following information clearly 5 Fri. 11.12.15 Akaoa, Black Rock, Tokerau, Inave, Ruaau exhibited on the outside: 6 Mon. 14.12.15 Rangiura, Panama, Tereora, Tepuka, Pokoinu TO: The Principal Infrastructure Cook Islands 7 Tue. 15.12.15 Ruatonga, Avatiu, Atupa Arorangi Rarotonga 8 Wed. 16.12.15 Takuvaine, Parekura, Tutakimoa, Teotue. COOK ISLANDS 9 Thur. 17.12.15 Maraerenga, Tupapa, Pue, Kiikii, Ooa FROM: (Name of Tenderer) (Tenderers address 1) (Tenderers address 2) (Tenderers address 3) TENDER FOR: C15-13 PURCHASE AND SUPPLY OF BITUMEN TRUCK AND MOBILE KETTLE Final Tutaka for 2015 and part of the VAKA PRIDE ACTIVITIES TENDER CLOSES: 3.00PM, FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER 2015 All Enquiries to be directed to: Solomona Solomona Contact Officer Email: [email protected] Phone: +682 20321 FESTIVE SEASON TRADING HOURS

Te Aponga Uira will close for the Christmas and New Year holidays from 1pm Thursday 24th December 2015 and will re-open for normal operations at 8am on Wednesday 6th January 2016.

ATIU WATER UPGRADE PROJECT (PHASE 1) Customers seeking new power connections or connection of approved solar installations before Christmas will need to Tender OPM/REDD-03/2015 have completed administration work (application, inspections, Supply and Delivery of Water Pipes and Fittings etc) by 4.30pm Monday 21st December 2015. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is seeking tender submissions from reputable manufacturers/suppliers for the During the holidays, the following services will be available: supply and delivery CIF of PE water pipes and fittings for the Atiu Water Upgrade Project (Phase 1). 1. 24 hour fault services remain available 7 days The full tender document is available on the website www. a week throughout the festive period; procurement.gov.ck. Those who download the tender document call 25 257 for this service. from the website must register their interest with the REDD’s office in writing (email sufficient). 2. Receipting of electricity payments only on your All enquiries must be directed to the Project Engineer Ngateina accounts will be available at the Tutakimoa Office Rani, Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD), OPM, on the 29th, 30th and 31st December 2015 and Telephone +682 25494 Ext 7024, Mobile +682 54433 or 5th January 2016 between the hours of 9am Email [email protected]. and 12 noon. This tender closes at 1.00pm on Monday 11 January 2016 (local time). All tender submissions must be deposited in the tender box located at the REDD’s office, OPM, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook “Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year” Islands. Electronic tender submissions will not be accepted. Cook islands Herald 16 December 2015 NEWS 28 Harmon cleared of wrong doing allegations

Lee Harmon, exonerated of malicious allegations arlier this year in the month Kumar is now the CI News of June, Lee Harmon was sports reporter who covers CIFA Eaccused on the front page news but back in June as a recent of the Cook Islands News for arrival he was stupidly waging mistreating a former employee. a one man kamikazi campaign In the article it was stated that against the Cook Islands most Harmon treated his imported influential sports administrator Fijian Indian plantation worker stated without qualification, Ashwindra Prasad like a slave “It’s clear and simple. CIFA is in and was accused of luring the serious trouble and its leadership employee on false promises. is to blame.” Prasad had been terminated for When letters to the media failing to meet his contractual began rebutting Kumar and his obligations then sought reprisal fabricated comments he justified through his friend Rashneel his reporting by stating “only Kumar a Fijian Indian journalist telling the truth.” who together with Cook Islands It is now confirmed the Cook News, despite Harmon denying Islands News only wrote the story the allegations published a one as a smear campaign against Mr. sided malicious and defamatory Harmon and CIFA officials in story on the front page once retaliation to CIFA for refusing Prasad had left the country. to continue with the CI News Kumar assisted Prasad in owner’s insistence published Harmon cleared of making a formal complaint to soccer content has to be paid for. the Police that included assault. No other code was subjected to Police have since exonerated this editorial demand. Harmon and had Prasad still be In the future Cook Islands here Police were considering News should gather factual charging him with a malicious evidence first before writing wrong doing allegations complaint that wasted limited negative things about people for resources. something they didn’t do. The very next day, Cook Islands Attached is the full apology News published another story by Cook Islands News for both to say that FIFA grants to CIFA articles printed on the second were under investigation and page of the newspaper on whether there is any falsification Tuesday 15 December 2015. of documents. - George Pitt