Cook Islands

COOK ISLANDS

HERALD 16 October 2013 $2 (incl VAT)

Cakes for all ocassions!

Edgewater Cakes Enquiries call us on 25435 extn 7010 Sunset BarBQs at the Shipwreck Hut Saturday Seafood menu with Jake Numanga on the Ukulele 6pm Tuesday Sunset BBQ with Garth Young on Piano 6pm Thursday Sunset Cocktails with Rudy Aquino 5.30pm-7.30pm Reservations required 22 166 Aroa Beachside Inn, Betela Great Food, Great Entertainment Goldmine Model, Luci is wearing this beautiful pearl Always the best necklace and earrings from selection, best price & best Goldmine service at Goldmine! POWERBALL RESULTS Drawn: 10/10/13 Draw num: 908 PB

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SUPP: Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 news 2 PM to attend ofﬁcial opening of Consulate and PALM meeting By Norma Ngatamariki held every 3-4 years. rime Minister of the The Prime Minister met Japan Cook Islands, Hon Henry Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs PPuna, accompanied by Dr. Toshiko Abe in Auckland Chief of Staff Liz Wright-Koteka, this year to discuss issues of will be attending the official mutual interest, including the launch of the Cook Islands Second PALM Ministerial Interim Consulate General Office on the Meeting in Tokyo and Sendai, 23rd of October. 60 people are on 26 and 27 October 2013. expected to attend, consisting of The Interim Meeting of Pacific Cook Island community leaders, Foreign Ministers will cover a local dignitaries and diplomats. wide range of cooperation issues, The Prime Minister will present a including people-to-people carved pate (wooden drum) and exchange, trade and investment, kumete (wooden bowl) as the marine order and sustainable centrepiece for the Office. resource management – as The relocation of the well as the Japanese sponsored PM and Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Consulate Office from Symonds Pacific Economic Fund (PEC), Toshiko Abe in Auckland in March 2013 Street in Auckland to Manukau where Pacific Islands can access of Japan and leaders in the PALM has become an important City was seen as an appropriate financial funding for projects. Pacific region. The Pacific venue of dialogue between move, with the majority of The Cook Islands have used Alliance Leaders Meeting was Japan and Pacific Island nations Cook Islanders residing in South this particular fund for the established by Japan in 1997 in for important issues such as Auckland. Renewable Energy scheme. order to facilitate and strengthen development aid and climate The PM then travels to Japan The Pacific Islands Leaders relations with the leaders of the change. to attend the PALM Interim Meeting (PALM) is a forum nations of the Pacific Islands The PM returns on the 29th of Ministerial meeting, which is between the government Forum. Since its foundation, October.

KARERE KI TE ITI TANGATA KUKI AIRANI Turu i to tatou au metua pakari, auraka kia tero ia Na William Heather Jnr (Smiley), Kavamani kia tero ia to tatou au te VAT (tero akairi). Tauturu Arataki O TE Tua metua pakari. Ko te au metua I teia tuatau kua manako te Akatanotano e te Democratic tikai tei angaanga ki Nuti Reni i Kavamani a Henry Puna raua Party to ratou tuatau i inuinu ei, e kia ko te Minita o te Moni a Mark koi ratou i te moni pakari o Nuti Brown e kia tutaki tero teia e karanga nei te tuatua a Reni, kua manako kia oki mai au metua. Kua tukuna ia atu i te pakari, “E akangateitei kite ipukarea akangaroi ei. Kua reira e te aronga angaanga o te Tatu i toou metua tane e roa ake nei te tuatau kare roa tero tetai au leta akakite e te toou metua vaine, ei reira koe ratou I tero ia ana. I raro ake i tamataku i teia metua, kia tutaki e upokotu ei”. Te karanga katoa te akatereanga a taku Kavamani mai i ta ratou tero tei akaoki ia te nei te tuatua, “Metua e ora Demo, kua akanoo a Papa Sir tareanga ki tetai au mataiti i topa nei, tiratiratu ei te tamariki, me Terepai Maoate, te Minita o te ake nei. Kua riro mai teia ei ngata ngaro ake te metua, aue aere te Moni i tetai au mataiti i topa anga no teia au metua I te kimi tamariki”. ake nei, e auraka roa kia tero anga ratou I te toru tauasini tara Toku irinaki anga, i roto i ia teia au metua. Kua turu ia e te vai atura ei tutai. Takake mei ta tatou akonoanga Maori e aia e te Ruru Minita Demo no te reira, ka tero katoa ia ratou akangateitei ana tatou i to tatou te mea te akapou nei teia au e tai naguru ma rua e te haapa au metua no te mea na ratou metua i ta ratou moni ki roto i patene mei teia tuatau e aere ua Kuki Airani nei. Mei te mea e, e tatou i apai mai ki roto i teia te Kuki Airani. Te oko nei ratou i atu ki mua. Aue te akaroa e. angaanga ke atu taau, ka tero nei ao e i ngaki e rako tangata te kai, tutaki te uira e te taniuniu Kua akari katoa ia mai i roto i ia i reira taau moni pakari. Kare ua mai tatou. Me akapera tatou (telephone) e te vai atura ta te Tax Review (akarakara ki roto i atura o teia au metua tauturu ke ka tiratiratu te turanga o te au ratou au akapouanga. Tera te ta tatou akatereanga tutaki tero) atu ka rauka mai. metua e pera to te iti tangata. aiteanga, e puapinga ta ratou e te inangaro nei te Kavamani te No reira turu ia mai te Demo, Inara i teia tuatau te kite nei e tauru nei ki roto i to tatou tero katoa i to tatou au metua kare matou e tero i te aronga tatou te arumaki maata nei te basileia na roto i te tutaki anga i tei koi i te moni pakari o te pakari. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 Political View 3 Anti - corruption commission rejected by Government By Wilkie Rasmussen, Leader of on subject matters in the print the Opposition media. In my radio comments he Minister of Finance on my regular Monday morning should hang his head in show, I never as he claimed shame with his response said that I want to get rid of T Nikki Rattle as Speaker and about the suggestion for the Government to establish an anti- don’t want John Tangi as Clerk corruption commission. He made of Parliament or Allan Parker as this statement sometime ago. To Auditor-General. I used these even say that it would be used positions to illustrate unwanted to pursue certain individuals corrupt practices with regards or companies to achieve other to the so called “earmarking” people’s agendas insults the of John Tangi preceding intelligence of many interested advertisement for the position. in setting it up. Those members It is also obvious to me that the of the public I have spoken to Minister did not understand my on this matter see the need reference to Russell Thomas, the because the watch dog bodies Public Service Commissioner. we currently have are weakened It was to the fact, that he by the hovering interests of advertised for the position of Government. Whether the Clerk after the earmarking of Prime Minister Henry Puna, John Tangi for the position. To the Minister of Finance Mark me that gave the impression of Brown or any other Government corruption and he would add Minister likes it or not, their term to it if he proceeded with the in Government has caused a appointment. In essence that deterioration of the effectiveness has not been answered by the SWITCH ON WITH of such bodies. Reduced funding, Minister who is trying too hard outdated terms of references to be a smart wit. and slowness has created a loss John Tangi was a former Te Aponga Uira of faith and trust by the public in Democrat MP and served only such bodies. one term. But whether one is Save costs with solar What is more damaging and a Democrat or not I will not probably fatal, is the fact that tolerate shortcutting process as this Government simply cannot favour. Whatever the motives fail to divorce its decisions in of the PM here in terms of the appointment of the people favouring John Tangi may well be onto these bodies that it has a matter for the sitting Tupapa made from being perceived by MP George Maggie to ponder. the public as political favours or There is a now a legal challenge political patronage. That’s the to the decision by the Speaker key point and this Government who told me she took action has failed miserably to reverse because of Rakanui’s failure such perception instead it in his performance review. I has enhanced it. Both the PM venture to add perhaps because and Minister of Finance are Rakanui’s demise was the result champions of furthering such of his alleged misdeed with the enhancement because they law which was dismissed by are both afflicted by an old the Court. Note editor that not Cook Islands Party ailment of once did I advocate or defend “looking after their own”. The Rakanui. I’m simply stating facts Democrats may also do this but and consequences. to a lesser extent and I have and I really think that the Minister am and have been advocating needs to get off his high horse appointments on merit. This is and eat a bit of humble pie. He a different and new Democratic has made some monumental Party under my leadership. It is gaffes as a Minister. Tax here, tax Reduce your power bills Ring 20 054 and ask our much more aware and sensitive. there, tax everywhere even the through solar. renewable energy officers how The Minister must think he is elderly. To accuse me of paranoia Connecting a solar panel to the 2kW net metering incentive in a Parliamentary debate with does not really stack up. I have a the grid has never been easier can work for you. me where he may have the mission though and that is to kick for homeowners. license to let his tongue loose the Minister and PM out of office. www.teaponga.com Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 news 4 Chinese ﬁshing company responds to request from Leader of the Opposition

Comments by Wilkie Rasmussen

hat I would like Huanan to give us a Tcomprehensive list of gifts, amounts of money not just paid by Huanan but also by the parent company Luen Thai. This includes airfares, hotel expenses etc. Hopefully that will assist the police in its investigation of Minister Teina Bishop and further gifts can be given to the number of charitable organizations in the Cook Islands. The company can get that list of organizations from MFEM.

BEREAVEMENT NOTICE

We the Family of PAPAMAMA POKINO, sadly announce his passing away in Auckland on Sunday 13 October 2013. He will be returned to Rarotonga for his burial. His funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. For inquiries please contact his daughter Liz Tiro on 55 557 or Sharon Maoate on 52 092. Na Te Atua te Aroa. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 news 5 Chinese ﬁshing company responds to VCCT Workshop participants request from Leader of the Opposition

Participants for VCCT (Volunteer Confidential Counselling and Testing) on the last day of the training workshop. Photo by Norma Ngatamariki Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 6 Our Frontpage model Put tax reform on hold, exempt NZ pension from tax By Charles Pitt attention from itself, it seems ith the general happy to point the finger at election about a the NZ Prime Minister and hide Wyear away, Finance behind a supposed comment Minister Mark Brown should made by him that if the Cook seriously consider putting the Islands government did not tax proposed tax reforms “on ice” the pension, the NZ government and taking the proposals through would. Why would the NZ to the election as an “election Prime Minister, an intelligent issue.” person, make such a statement The reason for this is, in six knowing that Cook Islands law months time MP’s focus will already provides for the NZ be on winning their seats back. pension to be taxed in the Cook This job will be made harder if Islands? Should the Cook Islands the tax reforms are introduced government change the law to next January and not seen to be exempt the NZ pension from delivering the promised results taxation, that is not a matter and benefits. CIP MPs will then which the NZ government can be be bogged down in trying to seen to be interfering with. The convince the electorates the tax NZ government is aware that reforms were necessary. the UN periodically scrutinizes The Democratic Party declared self governing territories and its hand when it placed a notice that any interference in the in last week’s Herald saying that internal affairs of another it would not tax nor back tax the sovereign nation would attract NZ Pension. How it will go about the most undesirable reaction this is uncertain but will surely internationally. require a law change. NZ is lobbying hard for a seat In its 2010 election manifesto, on the UN Security Council. If the Cook Islands Party (CIP) did Russian President Putin were to not signal any major review or ask the NZ PM why 278 elderly, reform of the tax system. Some defenseless citizens in a small adjustments were signaled. nation of 19,000 people were Therefore the CIP has no being frightened by NZ demands mandate to introduce sweeping to impose taxes when it had changes to the system. If the no right to interfere in another CIP campaigns in 2014 on the nation’s affairs, how would the proposed reforms and returns to NZ PM respond? If NZ is prepared power, then it can clearly say it to go to such extraordinary has the mandate for change. lengths, how does it deserve a Had the CIP conducted a proper seat on the Security Council? Conference instead of the rather Political suicide? In Cook Our frontpage girl for Herald Issue 688 is Lucianne Vainerere, informal one it did conduct, Islands elections, people do not head-girl at Nukutere College. Check out our website www. these reforms could have been vote as “individuals.” Whole ciherald.co.ck. and facebook page: www.facebook.com/ aired and either agreed to or families vote as a “bloc.” Upset ciherald disagreed to by conference. In a respected elder in a family and Cook Islands any case, major reform has come a politician will suddenly find without major scrutiny from that the 25 votes in that family Herald goes QR the party’s grassroots, the party will shift to another party. In the The Cook Islands Herald now has faithful whose job it is to act as outer islands MPs rely on large a QR (Quick Response) code. Simply scan this code into your a “filter.” families for their vote. While Iphone or Smartphone and it will As regards taxing the NZ Grey Power members numbers automatically take you to the pension, the Cook Islands are small, the PM and other Herald Website in your phone’s government knows to do so, MPs have good reason to be internet browser. is political suicide. So to divert concerned. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 October 2013 news 7 22 Countries to attend annual Ports conference By Norma Ngatamariki/Ports Authority Media Release orts Authority General Manager, Bim Tou has Pannounced that the 38th Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance (PMTA) Annual Conference will be held at the Edgewater Resort, from the 16th to the 18th of October. Around 80-100 participants are expected to attend this Conference from 22 member countries, consisting of CEO’s, Senior Executives and representatives from each of the Pacific Island Port Authorities and key strategic partners to the Maritime Industry. A number of associate members from various transport sectors in the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand. During the previous year, the Ports Authority in Tonga hosted the 37th Annual Conference of PMTA. The Ports Authority in the Solomon Islands will be hosting the Conference in 2014. Bim Tou The purpose of the information useful to the port this year’s Conference is “Our covering the costs associated Conference is to promote owners, operators and users Gateway to Pacific Prosperity”. with the Conference, with regional cooperation, friendship of port services. It is also to Tou would like to acknowledge PNG Ports Corporation as their and understanding between promote measures that aim to the number of overseas Gold Sponsor. Industries such member ports and port users increase efficiency and safety sponsors that has accepted as Technology One, Fiji Ports, through mutual alliances and and also to facilitate harmonious the Ports Authority Cook Landeman & Mini Print, Alrite, the exchange of knowledge, development of ports in the Islands sponsorship request Beca, Matson, Willis and the ANZ as well as dissemination of Pacific Region. The theme for for financial assistance in the Bank based on Rarotonga. Nita growers discuss pawpaw exports he BTIB Business Development Manager TTangata Tou and Trade & Marketing Manager Tetuhi Kelly attended a meeting with the Chairman of the Rarotonga Nita Growers Association Rau Nga and also Tai Manuela CEO of the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Kiriau Turepu on Tuesday. The meeting was to provide clarity around the best model that is to be adopted in order to revive our export pawpaw industry. Subsequent meetings will follow suit in the next few days in order to formalize a good mandate and the direction as to what should be done to get this industry up and running again – Charlie Rani BTIB members and Nita Growers Association Chairman Rau Nga Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 8 NEWS Problem kids no problem for Tupui By Norma Ngatamariki eing a pioneer of sorts, Former Minister for BEducation, Tupuiariki Henry has certainly made a positive impact on the Cook Islands which has truly influenced the modern society of today. He made his humble beginnings doing odd jobs here and there in New Zealand but in the end, none of them could overcome his passion for school teaching. In 1954, he attended Teachers College in New Zealand, with a course which lasted one year. Tupui was placed in the “Section T” class, consisting of those under the age of fifty. His official teaching career took Tupui Henry with class at Birkdale Intermediate in 1965 flight in 1955, where he was assigned a position as a New Zealand Internal Affairs, him as a candidate for their that the curriculum of that relieving teacher at Ellerslie where he was a member island. Although Tupui was time wasn’t a “right fit” for Primary School and Otahuhu of the Protocol Committee. undoubtedly grateful for the some children. “The idea of College. “I was almost always He was associated with offer, he graciously declined. arithmetic and spelling didn’t given the ‘problem class’, “ welfare work concerning He returned to New Zealand appeal to them. So I tried a he laughs, “No one else was Cook Islanders living in New with a fresh perspective different method.” He created willing to teach these children Zealand at the time. Not long on the education system a system called ‘Centre of because they were such a after, he was called back to of his country. Tupui was Interest’, where students get handful, but I did my best.” his homeland, Rarotonga, to asked to write up a report to write about things which Tupui saw a door of be involved in the political on the levels of education caught their interest on the opportunity when he spotted campaign of his father. in the Cook Islands, which way to school. “It could be on a vacancy at a particular With his father being Papa he completed with ease. “A anything,” Tupui says. It was school in Manly, New Albert Henry, the first Premier total of 18 pages,” he says brought to the attention of Zealand. He was informed of the Cook Islands, Tupui was proudly. Although, he was the Headmaster, who realized that if he taught at a country- obliged to assist him with quite disappointed with its effectiveness upon the service school for a period his campaign for the local the content of the report. students. His method was of 3-5 years, he would see a elections. Henry took time off According to Tupui, the Cook later scrutinized by a team considerable increase in his from his teaching career and Islands was not “up to the of four school inspectors salary. “Of course I wasn’t part-time jobs in New Zealand cut”. There were insufficient including the Chief Inspector about to say no to that,” to come to Rarotonga. teaching resources and, in who later told him his method he says. After a while, he A change in the tides the outer islands, schools was of interest and would be applied for teaching position caused him to take a side only went up to Form 2. considered for adoption by in Birkdale Intermediate trip to the outer islands, Parents had to send their other schools. Many years and within a few years, he where he established youth children to Rarotonga to get a later, he often wonders what had been made the Deputy and sports clubs, as well proper education. As the first happened to the children he Principal of the school. as a Women’s Federation. Minister of Education, Tupui taught and what path they Tupui also had a job as His efforts resulted in the sought to change that. took in life. a voluntary worker for the people of Mauke electing In New Zealand, he noticed Continued page 24 PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 9 FEATURE

Local Business profile of the Month Business Name: Fit Club Cook Islands T/A Tumuora CrossFit Director(s) Name(s): Olivia Heather & Geoffrey Halston Contact Details: Mobile: 55945 / 55944 Facebook page: Fit Club Cook Islands

The owners of FCCI are Geoffrey Halston and Olivia Heather. FCCI provides a gym experience (CrossFit) that has revolutionized fitness and training over the last 20 years. The core focus, programming and administration is very different to the conventional gym as the focus of FCCI is on personal training in a group session. They strive to make every workout different from the last, through providing intensity and fun, with everyone training together. FCC officially opened for business on 22nd July 2013 and is located in Arorangi, next door to PTS plumbing. The target market is aimed at everybody and anybody .

Mitiaro – Outer Island Visit 26 – 30 August 2013

During the month of August, the Business Trade & Investment Board (BTIB) staff members, Tangata Tou and Sarah Samuel travelled to Mitiaro for the purpose of conducting training workshops, private homestead visits, meetings with key stakeholders and follow-up progress on the Outer Islands Development Grant Fund (OIDGF). They discussed with the Island Council the status of the OIDGF and the possible extension of the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) and the Sustainable Export Fund (SEF) to the outer islands. The Council was interested to explore where BTIB could assist in promoting and generating inter-island trade between Mitiaro (supplier) and Rarrotonga (market). Recommendations as a result of the visit are for Trade & Marketing and Business Development division to work collaboratively to assist the Island Administration with business planning, budgeting (including government and household/small business), and job-sizing/banding. Furthermore assistance to identify a market for limes (tiporo), dried banana’s (piere), coconuts, fresh water eels (itiki) and handicrafts. It is also recommended that BTIB assist sourcing labelling and packaging for these local products. Go Local Update To build on the success of the ‘Go Local’ campaign, BTIB is at the forefront of moves aimed at stimulating and promoting local Cook Island enterprises, their products, produce and crafts. During the month of September BTIB made a number of visits to local shops around Rarotonga and discussed new promotional and merchandising materials aimed at helping locals display and promote their association with ‘Go Local’.

Snow Peas – Another high valued vegetable, grown locally to support our local Food supplies and also our Tourist Industry. (Import Substitution)

Snow Pea crop (Pisum sativum) var P. sativum saccharatum is a legume but more know to our growers as Pea, or Snow Pea, eaten with its pod while still young, sweet and snappy. Very popular in the Restaurants and Hotels but these are mainly imported from abroad and yet we can grow them here in Rarotonga and some of the Outer Islands like Mauke, Mangaia, Aitutaki and Atiu. The picture on the left shows local Snow Peas grown by local growers in Matavera and Nikao. Few of these Snow Peas have been sold at the Punanga Nui Market in the past months on Saturdays and were bought very quickly by those early risers to the Saturday Market. In order to reduce dependency on Imported produce like Snow Peas; we should grow our own. We need to help program our growers to consistently sow new seedlings every 5 to 6 weeks cycle, starting in mid March to October. There are 4 or 5 growers on Rarotonga and Mauke trialing the growing of Snow Peas for income generating programme and also for their livelihood. In the next cooler season i.e. March to October 2014, it is planned that the Ministry will encourage more local growers to take-part in the Snow Pea local production programme to Cook islands Herald reduce dependency on16 imports. OCtober 2013 10 NEWS WORLD FOOD DAY 18th October 2013 Healthy people depend on Healthy Food systems By Brian Tairea – World Food Day Committee

The theme this year is: Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is to commemorate the annual World Food Day on the 18th of October 2013 instead of the original date of the 16th of October. The theme for this year is “Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition”. Traditional, Conventional, Organic Farming Systems are making changes due to many reasons, including climate change, health nutritional issues and its effects, such as Non- Communicable Diseases (NCD) etc. Agriculture has planted various Food Crops and Vegetables to be displayed on this Special Day.Agriculture The Ministry of Agriculture invites everyone Field to visit the Punanga NuiReports Market for this special day. September 2013 Ministry of Agriculture, Arorangi - September 2013 Edition, by M Purea, William Wigmore, Dr Maja, Ngatoko

Ta, Noo Tokari, Junior Torotoro, Patu Katu, Brian Tairea, Tiria Rere and Edwin Apera

Snow Pea

3 Oriental Fruit Fly Update – ZERO CATCHES FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS 3

September update for Rarotonga: We have zero catches again during Trap checking in the last week of September and in October 2nd. So in total we have been experiencing zero catches for the past 2 months. This positive result is most welcomed by all. The Ministry is very thankful with all the hard work of field staff under the leadership of Dr Maja for their dedication and commitments in monitoring all the Fruit Fly traps. We will continue monitoring and trap checking / ripe fruit checking for infestations in the next and upcoming fruiting season. September update for Aitutaki: Last week's checking revealed 16 Oriental Fruit Files on 27th Sept., compared to 11 caught during the previous week (i.e. 3rd week in September). Experienced field staff USDA Picture from Rarotonga will join the Aitutaki team next week to help strengthen & provide support under the leadership of Fred Charlie. We will keep the momentum going for the next three months.

Agriculture Programmes on Import Substitution – The Strategy is based on two focussed areas (see below)

The picture on your left is Farmer Junior Koteka’s Broccoli Plot at Arorangi. Other Growers e.g., Farmer Tua Manea of Nikao, Farmer Sepa Tangimetua of Ngatangia, also grow high valued crops in support of increased local production and reduce imports. The Agriculture Departments on Atiu and Mauke were supplied with Broccoli seeds by the Agriculture Department to grow Broccoli in their respective Islands. This programme was to increase the production of high valued vegetables like: Broccoli, Snow Peas, Colored Capsicums, Zucchinis, Tropical Cauliflower, Oyster Mushrooms and herbs to feed our tourists (field visit - update).

1 1 PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 11 OPINION Brown’s tax proposal comments challenged id Minister of Finance, a University of economic development, rather he takes the South Pacific MBA graduate, Mark the easy path and plunders a shrinking tax Brown really say a tin of corned beef base with greater burdens. Where are any D proposals that will generate new money into will only cost another 2.5% in reference to spinning the new VAT proposal as good news? the economy relieving the burden on the If true, then the expressed concerns of some existing contributors? of the other sixty USP MBA graduates have a Some big questions are staring this point that the Minister’s comment is making government in the face, the inconsistencies their MBA look rather plastic. point to a rather amateurish attempt to Comments like those reportedly made by balance the budget by increasing taxation Brown are political gaffes that the opposition when the government should be leading by Democratic Party spin doctors will grasp example and curbing its insatiable appetite with both hands and feet and use as cannon for spending. Past CIP leaders were no fodder to bombard the increasingly fragile different tipping the country into insolvency. looking CIP government. With doing business in the Cook Islands The simplistic maths of Brown’s corned becoming harder and more costly by the beef comments are an insult to the growing week, Neves can hardly expect anything but a base of tertiary educated Cook Islanders hostile reaction from businesses except from who have, thanks to the USP grown out of the pro government supporters who have the gullible syndrome that may have kept undeserved and disproportional influence in previous generations spell bound by the the Chamber of Commerce. persuasive rhetoric of the political masters. Among the obese pay packets in MFEM, What brings Brown’s level of fiscal Minister Brown has alot to think about. who are if any are the accountants? comprehension in question is his failure to ask any Northern group resident if they are Littered with economists the Ministry has include what is called the multiplier effect where any better off. Their plight will be horrendous become dysfunctional and unbalanced, all the two and a half percentages attached adding to the list of why they should pack this is reflected in the product and service to each click from the ship to the shop shelf. their bags and migrate. The Treasury can delivery festered upon an unconvinced and What about the wharfage fees, the Customs then squeeze one more tax out of them, the increasingly distrusting public. duties and levies and the container delivery overpriced departure tax of $100. The sad fact is Mark Brown is buying into charges? This increases the fixed cost of the Do your research Neves and without a product that will be the ice berg that sinks tin of corned beef before the retailer adds an making unsubstantiated claims these their political ship. Brown is compelled to increased profit margin to avoid a lower return comments are misinforming, inaccurate and endorse and dependently dance to Neves’ before he adds the new VAT increase of 2.5%. politically driven, factually demonstrate how tune on the tax proposals because he lacks Let’s not forget the business owner has to factor the masses will be fiscally better off. You can successful business experience to be self in their increased VAT cost for their electricity, start with the tin of corned beef. determining. telephone and petrol for their delivery vehicles, Neves newly announced tax proposals are With 40 percent (about 1800) of the office stationary and so it carries on. illusionary and a futile effort like rearranging Cook Islands workforce paid by a shrinking Now that’s one grocery item and you’re the deck chairs on the Titanic. It is highly taxpaying public both the Prime Minister unlikely to just buy one a week, add to that flawed with hidden agendas that will result, Henry Puna and Mark Brown know as they your usual list of household consumables, if pursued, in the sinking of the Cook Islands have been advised, this is not financially then consider your fixed telephone, Party government. John Scott’s media exposé sustainable. Rather than bite the bullet and electricity, vehicle running and other costs, of one component of the proposal is evident be guided by Neves’ recommendation to if you are earning anything less than $30,000 it is a juvenile offering to the fiscal woes of balance the budget by adopting prudent go and look at yourself in the mirror and ask a prudent rejecting Puna led administration. measures and reduce the work force and yourself the serious question, “Am I better Neves’ claim the government will be out of unnecessary expenditure, Puna chose to, like off?” If you think you are then you deserve pocket to the tune of $200, 000 is nonsensical the Egyptian Pharaoh of the Old Testament, the new tax proposals. and indirectly misleading, it’s a sleight of to increase the burden upon the struggling Yes Mr. Neves, your new tax proposals deliver hand comment, his job is to boost Treasury’s workers. Hardly a recipe for victory in the more money into our left hand but after you coffers not give away what doesn’t exist in next general elections. grab it back from our right hand with interest them. As a business model you have to invest Don’t expect members of the public to buy we are in debit. Better off by $40 a fortnight money or spend money to make money and any raffles that are sold to raise the funds but worse off by $70 a fortnight means a loss this is Neves’ intention. to clear the $80,000 CIP debt and to boost of $30 a fortnight. Thanks for nothing Mr. But what the left hand is giving out, the the Party’s general election war chest. The Brown. It is conclusive anyone on an income right hand will grab back with sizeable CIP will have to turn to the highly over paid less than $30,000 and that’s the vast majority interest. Directed by Cabinet to go and find expats to sponsor their next campaign; they of Cook Islanders, will be worse off. the money, Neves offers no innovative or certainly aren’t known to buy raffle tickets. If you aren’t convinced after six months, creative model to increase revenues by George Pitt Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 12 OPINION Neves deﬁant on Grey Power pension back taxing

n a sporting context the Ministry of Finance and IEconomic Management Secretary Richard Neves has his Minister Mark Brown and his tag teamster and corner man the Prime Minister Henry Puna on the ropes and they may not even know it. In political terms this has made them all unwelcomed targets. Neves is becoming the infesting irritation of an undealt with little prick under a finger nail for members and supporters of the Cook Islands Party and the other two, a larger target for the invigorated and synergistically enthused Grey Power pensioners. This melting pot of political engagement will not produce a single winner among them but will be likened to winning the lottery without having bought a ticket for the alternate Democratic Party government. Without making a contribution the outcome points to a political What must Brown be thinking? - Richard, you are giving me a headache. victory by knock out reminiscent and called upon the pensioners perception is their reality, a fact relationship with Neves whose to a WWF brawl where all the who later banded themselves unattended to by the CIP spin private secretary is Drollet’s combatants including the referee into the Grey Power to doctors who like their leaders wife. Drollet is noticeably absent are sprawled out on their backs collectively make a submission considered the Grey Power as when his financial skills are in the ring. for consideration. entertainment fodder and not a needed to scrutinize financial While the wider public In a meeting with Grey Power political threat due to their small documents to provide his leader perception is superficially representatives Brown stated his size. with challenging pointers. focused on the political power personal concerns and views as Puna’s mind must have been There is now an expectation play with the official over the the Minister of Finance and as elsewhere in the Sunday school Puna or Brown should instruct heated New Zealand pension the Minister of Internal Affairs classes and the influential Church Neves to pull his head in and back taxing there are underlying plus clarified the legal bound environment he was raised cease the political stupidity additional tensions and issues working relationship between in, for the Bible is clear that a of hounding the pensioners. being played out that is a dish of the Minister and the Ministry. few, even one individual can Questions are now being asked gourmet food for table talk and Unfortunately neither the achieve a lot and the repeated of our political leaders as to entertainment of a fetish kind for pensioners or the CIP members Biblical message oppressive who is running the country? the political savvy audience. and the majority of the public political powers crumble under A perception Neves is out of When the issue of back taxing see it that way. the efforts of the least and the control and untouchable is the local residents receiving Tag team Puna and Brown’s humbled’ size doesn’t matter. gathering strength by a public the highly prized New Zealand correct observance of the The Democratic Party’s highly being fed mixed messages. There pension was in its infancy PM terms of engagement and paid spin doctor Eddie Drollet is a growing perception non Puna and Mark Brown publically good governance are being failed miserably to capitalize Cook Islander expats are running stated and clarified and rightfully propagated as an exhibition of on the opportunity to seize the country and the politicians so that they had no intention of weak and indecisive leadership, the moment and score some are being rendered powerless. interfering with the tax review backed up by the dithering over political points for his employers While Puna and Brown now process and possible outcomes who will be DPM. The public’s most likely because of his close Continued next page PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 OPINION 13 see the political wisdom of neutral record. Why the need to rearrange the is adding to doubts and this abandoning Treasury’s efforts to There must be times where tax deck chairs with a new glossy project will be a major stuff up collect the back tax they cannot Neves has to pinch himself to restructure tax proposal? far greater than the multimillion enforce their will upon Neves see if it’s all real. He’s landed the When Puna and Brown in dollar Sheraton project. unconditionally. Despite making perfect job to open the doors of an act of political preservation If the final drawings and their will known to Neves he future opportunity and he’s been under pressure, buckle to the plans are yet to be agreed to or remains uncompromised. Neves paid handsomely. Neves has Grey Power’s demand for no confirmed how was anyone able isn’t bound by political currents, insight into his future prospects back taxing the Grey Power will to say with certainty what the he’s doing his job within the that’s so crystallized he’s claim vilification and a Davidian total project will cost? What if framework and security of immunized himself to external victory over the cruel Goliathan there are over runs, where will the MEFEM Act. Right now by media and political distractions. CIP Government. the extra funding come from? legislation he is above board and Puna and Brown won’t be able The DP must be standing on What if there is a cyclone during untouchable and despite the to beat Neves into submission, the sidelines wondering and the project construction? How pressures from Party hardliners they’ll have to find a legal gloating how lucky they are, or who is responsible for any and their colleagues, Puna and mandate to shift Neves process before them the CIP are being damage costs? None of these Brown are intelligent enough to or create new legislation to bombarded with self inflicted questions are of concern to know Neves now has the upper change the tax direction of distractions fueled by their own Neves who most likely will not hand. Treasury. Right now the Tax head arrogance and over confidence. be retained after his contract This is payback time for Neves, has the discretionary power to With close to a hundred if expires in July 2014. during the Budget allocation waiver individual taxes and not not more of higher educated With an estimated $60 million discussions Puna humiliated him the Minister, a matter that’s locals graduating from the USP, being spent, of that amount over Neves initiative to reduce irritating CIP officials. Cook Islanders today are not very little will find its way into the CIP government’s spending Neves’ standoff integrity as politically gullible as their local fiscal circulation. Overseas by five percent. Neves took the preservation serves to distort predecessors. Their gripe is contractors and consultant embarrassing berating on the the short falls of the Puna despite their sacrificial efforts of companies will gobble up most of chin but unlike a Kiwi expat it. How is the loan to be serviced? who will crawl into his hole in The DP must be standing on Have access agreements with submission he’s a Middle Eastern landowners been negotiated? blooded Australian who are a the sidelines wondering and Will water be metered and different lot. charged for? If so, what will it Neves was put in his place gloating how lucky they are. cost? What is the consequence and blatantly told to find the if the People’s Republic of China money and that’s exactly what government who haven’t self improvements educationally loan is defaulted? What are he’s doing. Government fees of convinced the voting public the jobs that should be awarded the conditions for the PRC to every kind have been increased, they are governing in the wider are still going to foreign expats convert their loan to a grant if import levies on selected imports interest of the public. The CIP who once in, prefer to employ we default? increased, back tax collecting government’s failure to bank their own kind rather than a The Chinese are hardly going being vigorously pursued on political credits to compensate Cook Islander. to convert this loan into a grant, past defaulters and now new for unexpected political fallouts With the next general elections examples of Chinese loans being tax proposals that are stacked in demonstrates how ill advised looming around the corner time defaulted in Africa are evidence favor of Treasury. they have been. is running out for the CIP to stop of this. If the Cook Islands Neves is here to do a job While Neves is becoming the their self destruction and to government defaults on any according to the book, this is focus of CIP members concerns restore public confidence in their loans you can almost guarantee his stepping stone to a more that their waning public support brand. Man for man the CIP have that some “debt for resource” prestigious position elsewhere is his fault their finger pointing a far superior parliamentary negotiations will take place. In and he’ll tolerate and won’t be is water off a duck’s back. At a team than the DP but their Africa where some nations have diverted by the knocks and the public display of the banners brazen public display of the many billions of dollars worth knockers. Kiwis call it arrogance the Grey Power are going to superior arrogance has become of minerals and oil, this debt for but Aussies are winners because use in their protest march to their own worst enemy. With a resources swap happens regularly. it’s part of their DNA. Neves has Parliament one said “Neves go few in house tiding up the DP These questions and many a progressively growing CV that back to Australia.” stand to gain from the CIP’s loss. more if unanswered, will provoke is glowing and impressive, it is his Puna and Brown may not get Unable to put out the Grey a resistance to the government step up ticket to the next job and the sympathetic reception they Power embers out which are that will result in irreparable he isn’t going to allow political expect from Crown Law in their now a scrub fire that may political damage. Or will the CIP interference to jeopardize his attempt to conjure up a way become bush fire category, the politicians flippantly follow the future. Accompanying Brown to around Neves back tax stance, government is yet to face the echo the words of the former many prestigious international for Crown Law’s highly paid legal bigger simmering and yet to be chairman of the Ports Authority meetings has provided Neves wiz Kim Saunders and the defiant publically manifested growing CIP royalty Mike Henry who said with networking opportunities. Neves have similar mindsets. resistance to their multimillion “We’ll sort that out when the His dealings with high level Recently the Government dollar Rarotonga infrastructure time comes.” He was making Chinese Officials in negotiations proudly announced an $8 million upgrade. With the indications reference to the question of on behalf of the Cook Islands surplus and congratulated the Chinese will arrive before any how will the loan repayments government are a CV scoop. themselves on a job well done. public consultations are held and of $US95,000 per month be met Neves’ directional future hinges If our fiscal position is so good existing working plans being kept starting from 2017? on him having a proven politically why change a winning formula? from public viewing, the secrecy - George Pitt Cook islands Herald ADVERTISING Crossword

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Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 15

Poetry by Ikram Elabssi Ikram is a student at Nukutere College. Dear Old Friend Every time I see you I can’t help but stare Always thinking to myself That life just isn’t fair. I get that we are friends no more You’ve made that very clear. But I’m still here pretending That I don’t really care Just wishing this was a game, A game of truth or dare. Seeing you replace me-was a deepest Fear. Guessing it don’t matter no more You’ve already changed your gear.

P.S. I guess this is goodbye I’ll miss you I will. I no longer want to be- So up in your grill. So don’t worry “B” All is good I know the drill. Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 16 Breast Cancer Awareness week Photos by Norma Ngatamariki

Staff of Foodland with their wonderfully pink ‘Fresh Staff of CITC Avarua proudly showing off their support Produce’ display as a back drop. for Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

The staff at CITC Main Administration Office are your very own ‘Breast Friends’, as they shower the place in pink.

Souvenirs’ Manager Heidi-Rose Henry standing next to The latest edition to CITV, Dean Tangata, is hard at work, CITC Avarua’s beautiful display. puzzling over a Word Find which consisted of Breast Cancer terms. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 1 7

News Briefs By TeRiu Woonton School holiday soccer Voltaren that contains the ingredient Diclosenac which is only a reliever for the pain. Shannon says it’s fine to use Voltaren, but Last week the Cook Islands Football Association held a fun soccer if you are experiencing more than 2 gout attacks a year then it is activities and games day for students aged between 5 and 13 years strongly advised to use Allopurinol and although it may take a while on their 2 week school holiday break. Last week they saw a number of to kick in unlike Voltaren, this medication will actually avert gout by 160 children turn up to join in on the fun. After a successful turnout, preventing the uric acid from crystallizing. Excessive use of Voltaren CIFA will be doing it again this Thursday the 17th of October. Like last can damage your internal organs such as the kidneys, heart and week, there will be free bus pick up and drop off transportation, and stomach lining. Rangi Aitu recommends those who are misusing the event will start at 10am and finish at 12pm. Look out for flyers Voltaren as a means of preventing gout pains, to stop and see a on the pickup and drop off locations and the event is free to attend. doctor who can prescribe the right medication. Housie fundraiser for Manea Fisher our rep at youth Games conference The Mauke Manea Games organising committee will be holding a Daniel Fisher has been selected to represent the Cook Islands at Super Housie Fundraiser at the Tupapa Centre, on Monday the 28th the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris at the end of this month. Daniel of October from 1pm. All proceeds will go towards hosting the next will be fully funded by UNESCO to participate at this conference. Manea Games, to be held on the island of Mauke next year. Already The Youth Forum is a lead up to UNESCO’s formal conference which the committee has raised $80 thousand dollars from Mauke Day, by is a week later of the Youth forum and will be held from the 5th sale of raffle tickets, radiothon & sale of food. The Committee has a to the 20th of November. 190 UNESCO countries will participate target of $300 000 to raise by October next year. More fundraising in the youth forum and with the Cook Islands nominating only 1 events are planned leading up to the games. representative to the event, 2 delegates from the Youth Forum will Leadership training for young go on to address the intervention and youth strategies at the major UNESCO General Conference. There were a number of applicants women bought before Ministry of Education but with NCEA exams taking Yesterday was the start of a three day gender based training for the place around the same time as the forum and with Daniel studying Pacific Young Women’s Leadership Alliance led by Punanga Tauturu in New Zealand, he was lucky enough to be nominated. Daniel says Incorporation- Cook Islands Women Counseling centre. The Pacific he feels there is going to be a lot of work to be done, but despite Young Women’s Leadership Alliance is a group of organizations that, he is very excited to be going. Daniel is in his last year studying working together towards a common goal of developing young at AUT, towards a bachelor of Business, majoring in management women’s leadership in the Pacific region. This includes sharing and human resources. information, good practice and resources on effective waysof developing young women’s leadership and advocating for the rights of young pacific women and working with governments, donors and regional policy makers to ensure that the issues facing young women remain on regional and national policy agendas. The Alliance also provides a platform for young women to influence policy and programs through decision making at all levels and believes in increasing the level of regional and in-country dialogue and actions that promotes young women’s leadership. The 3 day training is in hope of spreading awareness of issues relating to gender equality to the participants as a lead up to next week regional meeting of the Pacific Women’s 12th Triennial Conference, held from the 21st to the 25th of October. The Conference will see over 300 women from around the Pacific attend, including the Pacific Young Women’s Leadership Alliance. The training is held at the USP Centre and involves participants from the Pa Enua as well as Rarotonga. Awareness programme on Gout This week the Ministry of Health will be promoting an awareness campaign on the disease Gout. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes and deposits needle like crystals in the joints, tendons and surrounding tissues which cause red, hot and painful, tender swelling. It can occur in the fingers, knees or elbows but is commonly found amongst Pacific Islanders in the big toe. Rangi Aitu, men’s health co-coordinator for community health services says that with a high number of cases of gout in men and women, an awareness programme will run throughout this week. The main issue that Aitu wants to share and help try prevent is the misuse of medical treatment for gout. Pharmacist Shannon Saunders from CITC Pharmacy says lots of people; majority of them men go in to seek Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 18 Little Poly puts Cook Islands on the map By Norma Ngatamariki am Napa, General Manager of the Little Polynesian SResort and Spa, has recently returned from half way across the globe with an internationally- recognized World Travel Award in tow, making him a very proud man. The World Travel Awards is a well renowned event, held annually to showcase some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Napa, accompanied by Jean Baptiste Ioaba (owner of the Little Polynesian), made their way to Dubai as one of the nominees for the Cook Islands Leading Boutique Hotel. Etu Moana, Manuia Beach Boutique Hotel, Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel and The Muri Beach Club Hotel were also in the running for this prestigious award but alas, only one would prevail. The “Little Poly”, as it’s more commonly Sam Napa (second from left) and Jean Baptiste Ioaba (third from left) proudly known, has upheld the title for representing the Cook Islands at the World Travel Awards in Dubai. more than six years. This goes to show that with the right backing this event one hundred businesses to support Hula for the economy but it also dedication and commitment, percent,” says Napa. He would Mania, as it not only generates promotes Cook Islands culture at things are achievable and also like to encourage local a substantial amount of income its finest. obstacles can be overcome. For both Napa and Ioaba, the possibilities were endless. With the efforts of the late Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid and her sister Jeannine Peyroux, the Little Polynesian was established and turned into the lavish boutique hotel that it is today. Not forgetting to acknowledge the hard work of the General Manager himself, Napa is proud to say that the hotel has currently earned a four and a half star ranking. “We are actually competing in the world arena with the bigger hotels,” he states, referring to the tourism industry in the Cook Islands. This offers a means of positive exposure for the country, showing the rest of the world that even a resort as small as Little Poly contains loads of ‘local potential’. This, in turn, will benefit the local economy and will see an improvement in employment levels within the tourism sector. The Little Polynesian Resort and Spa is also a main sponsor Miha and Rima Mitchell with Sam Napa, General Manager of the Little Polynesian for the upcoming Hula Mania Resort & Spa. A partnership has been formed with regards to the upcoming Hula Dance Competition. “We’re Mania event. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 RELIGIOUS VIEWS 19

How to build friendship part 1

By Senior Pastor John Tangi or this article of Encouragement I want Fto talk about How To Build Friendship. Choosing your friends is very important because they will have some Greedy people – the Books of influence on your life. Whether Ecclesiastes and Proverbs in the the influence is positive (good) Old Testament talks about these or negative (bad). In Genesis kind of people. Avoid as your 2v.18 it reads “It is not good for closest friends people who have man to be alone.” Loneliness chosen not to believe in God. is not part of God’s plan for us. The question is “What do you do God made us for relationships. with these people?” The Bible We were meant to have friends. says we’re to love everybody, There are basically two different but don’t have these people as kinds of friends. There are your closest friends because it Casual friends and there are will influence you. Close friends. Casual friends According to the Bible there is the result of circumstances. are 3 types of friends we ought You happen to be in the same to select as Close friends: circumstance together. For i) Choose as your Close example in your work place friends those who Stimulate you interact with different (inspire; motivate; encourage) people. Maybe living next you mentally. The Bible says, door to somebody, or meeting “He who walks with the wise someone in the ‘Market place will grow wise” and “As iron (Punanga Nui)’, and so on. sharpens iron, so one man But Close friends is the result sharpens another.” Friends are of choice. You can’t be close part of your education. Do your friends with everybody so you friends make you think? Or have to be selective. The closer do they put you to sleep? The you are to a person the greater Bible says choose friends that their influence will be on your stimulate you, motivate you, life, they can influence you in who bring out the best in your a “bad” way or “good” way. life. Therefore, choose your close ii) Choose as your Close friends carefully. friends those who Support The Bible has a lot to say you emotionally. A friend is about the kinds of friends we somebody who walks with you Fellowship is a function of our spiritual life. The question is are to choose. Proverbs 27v.19 when everybody else walks spirit. We can be friends with “How do we attract these kind (GN) “A mirror reflects a man’s away. A friend is somebody who an unbeliever but we can only of friends?” face but what he is really like is there with you even when fellowship with other Christians. In the next issue of the is shown by the kind of friends the going gets tough. Galatians The Bible says everybody needs a Cook Islands Herald I will focus he chooses.” In other words, 6v.2 says “Bear one another’s spiritual encourager, somebody on how to build friendships the kind of friends we choose burdens.” A friend can be we can share our struggles with, according to the word of God shows what kind of person we counted on in a crisis. somebody who can pray with which is Part 2 of this article of really are. iii) Choose as your Close us, somebody who really lifts Encouragement. Proverbs 12v.26 reads “A friends those who Strengthen us up and is an encouragement May you have a God blessed righteous man is cautious in you spiritually. I Thessalonians not a discouragement to our week, te Atua te aroa. friendship.” The Bible talks 5v.11 “Encourage one another about some people we need to and build each other up.” avoid as our closest friends. The Hebrews 10v.24 “encourage one Bible says Lazy people should another toward love and good not be your closest friends. Even works.” a Bad Tempered or Angry person We all have a deep need for - don’t befriend a bad tempered fellowship. There’s a difference person - you may learn his or between fellowship and her habits. Immoral (wicked, friendship. Friendship is based corrupt, dishonest) people. on our mind and our emotions. Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 VIEWS 20 The Power of Gossip By Norma Ngatamariki some reason, spreading gossip a little “white lie” helps, then Every time I hear that about other people makes you by all means, do it. Nah-uh! Do something...interesting went feel good about yourself. That you know the saying “Out of down over the weekend, it there’s actually someone out the frying pan, into the fire”? never fails to amaze me. Gossip there who is worse off than If you spread rumours, then that usually goes through the you, which automatically gives that’s exactly what you’d be rumour mill are things like: So- you the right to mock them. doing. I’ve seen what happens and-so got with this really ‘out In all honesty, that is the logic firsthand when a person passes of it’ dude, or this random chick of a narrow-minded person. along a little “chitchat”. Fighting was snapped drinking with this If you really want feel good is the result of the “He-Said- older, uglier guy. Sometimes, about yourself, then actually DO She-Said” game and it’s not I wonder if half the stuff I’m something to be proud of. Get pretty. So unless you want to told is actually true. Our very out there and donate blood to end up in crutches with a black own “Coconut Wireless” is a save someone’s life, or complete eye, I suggest that you quit the very powerful thing these days, the Cross Island Walk, just so “Rumour Newsfeed”. especially with the younger that you can have satisfaction of This may not be surprising, generation. Some will say saying “Yeah, that’s right. I did but the main reason why anyone that gossiping is a phase that it”. If you spend all your energy who spreads gossip is because... everybody goes through and doing stuff like that, then you they are bored. Many of us are will eventually grow tired of, won’t have time to spread guilty of this (me included). It but I have to disagree. With an rumours. Easy as that. has been statistically proven island as small as Rarotonga, Sometimes, we spread that when we have absolutely is too boring, so others will try rumours can spread like a bush rumours to be part of the group. nothing else to do with our and spice it up. A little gossip fire and not every secret is kept If everybody else is doing it, you lives, we turn to the latest would be harmless, as long as a secret for long. feel as if you are obliged to do “dish-up”. It makes life that it doesn’t reach the ears of your So why do we do it? Why it as well. This is where peer much more exciting. Celebrity aunty over in New Zealand (it do we deliberately say hurtful pressure kicks in, hard. This is gossip and tabloids is proof truly is amazing how fast news things to about people? Well, how an average teen would that rumours are a popular travels). Please back up your here’s a couple of reasons: It probably see it: You wanna fit form of entertainment. People story with actual facts before makes you feel superior. For into the group, so if spreading probably think that the truth you tell somebody else. Stakeholders in Cook Islands discuss roadmap for disaster and climate resilient development Tuesday 15 October 2013, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Rarotonga, Cook Islands

he Office of the Prime their suggestions concerning its Change Policy Adviser with 2015, and the Climate & Disaster Minister in Cook Islands development. the Secretariat of the Pacific Compatible Development Policy Tcalled a special meeting Teina Mackenzie is an Community and Professor John 2013 – 2016. of the National Platform for Executive Board Member for E. Hay, a consultant advising the The SRDP is next step in Climate Change and Disaster the Te Ipukarea Society, an development of the SRDP. addressing climate change Risk Management on Friday 4 environmental NGO in Cook ‘The meeting increased and disaster risk management October, 2013. The purpose of Islands. She says, ‘The most awareness about the in the Pacific from 2016 the meeting was to facilitate encouraging aspect of the recent development of the SRDP,’ says onward. It will supersede the stakeholder input in Cook Islands meeting is that it seeks true Ana Tiraa, the Director of Climate two current frameworks, the for the proposed new regional engagement of stakeholders and Change Cook Islands in the Office Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction strategy for disaster and climate the community at the outset of of the Prime Minister. She says and Disaster Management resilient development in the the proposed strategy.’ that continued dialogue on the Framework for Action 2005– Pacific (SRDP). The meeting took place SRDP will be encouraged in Cook 2015 and the Pacific Islands The development of the SRDP, at the New Hope Church in Islands and will enable further Framework on Climate Change referred to as ‘the roadmap Rarotonga and was attended contribution to the development 2006–2015, after they expire in process’, is led by Pacific Island by representatives from of the strategy. 2015. countries and territories. government, NGOs and the The Cook Islands has taken Further consultative meetings Stakeholder engagement is private sector. It was chaired steps to incorporate climate in other countries will be held being sought throughout the by William Mocevakaca change and disaster risk in the coming months. These Pacific region in a variety of Tuivaga from Climate Change management in key planning will include representatives forums. During the Cook Islands Cook Islands in the Office of and policy documents including from non-governmental and meeting participants had the the Prime and facilitated by the Joint National Action Plan for faith-based organisations, the opportunity to learn about the Cristina Casella, Disaster Risk Disaster Risk Management and private sector and development roadmap process and provide Management and Climate Climate Change Adaptation 2011- partners. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 CHOOKS 21 To be The Power of Gossip FAT CATS drawn when? COCONUT ROUNDTABLE Number Rumour What’s the A 2, Cabinet wants to organize a $50 has it, Government wants 1st Prize? business class raﬄe to raise funds for Ministries travel to raise more travel money by trip with a minister budget! running a $50 raﬄe! somewhere!

Mozzie

Word is the Chinese want the Cooks to have a booth set up when the PM and his tere party travel to China in November. Great opportunity to promote travel to the Cooks but deep down, it’s really the culture the Chinese want to see. The Chinese don’t want to see flashy pics of white sandy beaches and blue sea-it’s the swinging hips, drum beats, singing and TAV shirts they want! Whisper Ministers! What about the jet setting MAGS first XV, comes to town and the Wigmore’s falls emptied? Not very often is, while the travel numbers have been HOMs? Environment HOM just back from coaches offer to conduct some training it seems as a group of German tourists cut back, will the PM take a top dance Samoa is now jetting off to Japan. Seven sessions with our young fellows. A local have discovered! What a welcome to the team with him? days after he jets back home, he will be chook claims this was apparently declined falls, rubbish bins crammed so full, smelly jetting out again! by the local CEO of the oblong ball. As it trash has fallen out and been torn to Which HOM is the PSC about to weed is our fellows were eclipsed by 63 points shreds by chickens, rats, cats and dogs! out? That’s the question! Seems the A local chook laments, no legal rules to zip. Locals are grumbling about the Wake up somebody! Do your job properly PSC had a little chin wag with Crown in place? No worries! Make it up as you passover of the chance of some training or some ex-pat will step in and do it for Law first! The PSC is in the process of go along chook says! Seems that’s what for our starved of class action teams. you! Just like they are doing at MFEM! assessing all HOM’s performance and some successive administrations have done Our only bright consolation is the MAGS At popular tourist attractions you cannot have escaped the net! regarding the position of Clerk of the offer to tour again and to make this a empty bins once a week! Sure the bins House. Chook says while the Constitution regular event. Lets hope the local oblong are there for the rubbish now someone Bright idea that was to put all recognizes the Office of the Clerk, it does ball powers take up whatever offers of has to empty them and regularly! government offices onto the one server not stipulate that the Clerk has to be training are made! Lets help our boys for email. Last Friday the server went appointed by the QR or anyone else! So develop and not deny them the chance down for five hours and did not how did this hole in the law arise chooks? to. Three more academies at our top High resume until 3pm-home time for most School? That brings the number to six. government workers! Oh dear chooks! Don’t kiddies love to Why not simply turn the whole school The political whisper is that the PM’s fiddle with buttons and switches! Trouble into an academy? Our future PM won’t Best thing the Brown chappie can do hold on Manihiki is becoming very is, when they do, there can be dire results be a Lawyer or a Doctor or an Economist, is put the whole tax reform proposal loose now that the great Apii Piho has like one kiddie aboard a yacht at sea who our future PM will be a ballet dancing on ice! Let it go to the election as an announced he intends to contest that sent out an emergency signal, picked up planter who likes to fix lawn mowers on election issue. If the CIP are voted back seat for the Demos! The former MP has by the local maritime eyes and ears who the side. Here’s an after -thought, set up a in then the Minister can say he has the hit the lead over another former MP to summoned up an Orion from Kiwiland! Red few special classes for the disadvantaged mandate for reform! represent the Demos. faced yachtie is left holding a bill! students who for some silly reason want to learn a science, do maths or learn a Chooks says forget the globetrotting Auckland’s top schoolboy rugby team, How often are the rubbish bins at language! Cook Islands CITV Building Moss Road Editor: Charles L. Pitt Parekura, Rarotonga Columnist: HERALD PO Box 126 Rarotonga Norma Ngatamariki Tel: (682) 29 460 Graphic Artist:Nga Glassie Fax: (682) 21 907 Accounts/Deliveries: E mail: [email protected] Te Riu Woonton www.ciherald.co.ck Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 CLASSIFIEDS 22 PUBLIC NOTICES VACANCIES UMA SHIPPING LTD TIARE MOANA V16 Now Accepting Cargo for the Northern Group Islands Dry Goods & General Cargo – Cargo Cutoff is 18th October 2013 Frozen Goods, Fuel & Gas Cylinders – Accepting Cargo from 21st Oct 2013 with Cutoff 23rd October. LEGAL RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY Please ensure your cargo is in by the cutoff dates. Crown Law is an exciting and challenging organization to work PH: 27185 for further information for. We perform a vital role in providing legal advice and representation services for Government. NIUE COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS The Niue High Commissioner to New Zealand and her party of We have a position available for a Legal Receptionist/Secretary. 14 adults (mainly women) will be arriving on Sunday afternoon The successful applicant will possess the following attributes: 20th October together with the New Zealand Governor General. Also present on Rarotonga on this date is the Niue Minister for • Excellent telephone manner Women Affairs with her delegation of 4 women to attend the • Good presentation Regional Conference on Women Affairs. I humbly request for • Fast and efficient keyboard skills the Niue Community and friends that we will be hosting our Niue • Ability to work under pressure and maintain a friendly visitors as follows. All the “kaikai” will be held at the Rakahanga approach at all times Hostel (where some of them will be staying) at 6 p.m. each • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, excel and outlook evening. Sunday 20th October will be by Teauotonga; Monday would assist 21st October by Takitumu and Puaikura; Tuesday 22nd October • Digital Dictaphone experience an added bonus by everyone. Te Atua te aroa, fakaue lahi. John Tangi Please apply in writing to Kim Saunders, Solicitor-General, Chairman Crown Law Office , PO Box 494, Avarua or email kim.saunders@ cookislands.gov.ck Applications close 18 October 2013 at 4pm. TENDER If you have any queries about the role please call Dorothy Ivaiti on 29337

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Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 23

Former National Bank of New Zealand staff to hold reunion By Norma Ngatamariki The NBNZ has a little bit A second reunion will be of history to it, according held from the 28th to the to Tou. The Rarotongan 30th of October in honour branch was opened on the of the former staff from 10th of November 1969, the Rarotonga branch of with Graham Adams being the National Bank of New the manager at the time Zealand (NBNZ). Bim Tou, who was also a original staff one of the organizers for the member of the main branch event, is expecting a great in New Zealand. The NBNZ turn out with the 20 local then sold its banking license participants in addition to in Rarotonga to European the multitude of ex-patriots Pacific Banking Co. in the from overseas. They will year 1986. be arriving to our shores The program consists from the 25th to the 27th, of a ‘Meet & Greet’ on a anticipating a weekend filled Sunday afternoon at the with entertainment and fun. Whatever Bar, followed Tou, alongside John Kenning by a formal welcoming and Marjorie Toru, have dinner on Monday at Club organized the event locally Bana, finishing off with a with their acquaintances in golf tournament /wrap-up New Zealand, Brian Voice function at the Rarotongan and Brent Glasson. Golf Club grounds. Bim Tou - Former member of the National Bank of NZ Cook islands Herald 16 OCtober 2013 NEWS 24 Problem kids no problem for Tupui From page 8 She tells me that he left the fitting that almost 50 years His memories of the school part way through the later the daughter of girl Mr time have come alive again year in 1965 and moved to Henry took under his wing thanks to an inquiry from the Cook Islands where he is undertaking educational the daughter of one of his became involved in politics. research with Pasifika males former students at Birkdale For someone who only taught so that we can improve School. The daughter heard my mother for six months, their educational outcomes. how Tupui helped her mother Mr Henry made an incredible Without him being aware of and now wants to dedicate impact on her. My mother was it, Mr Henry’s influence on my her research into educational restricted educationally by family has been far reaching factors contributing to her parent’s expectations but and I would love to be able to academic success for Pasifika she instilled in her children dedicate my research to him males. She wrote; “In 1965 that we had the potential to in gratitude.” my mother was taught by a achieve whatever we set our On Rarotonga, he continued Tupui Henry gentleman called Mr Henry minds to. I must have heard to make improvements to the at Birkdale Intermediate on about Mr Henry hundreds of education levels of various Side School, where only Auckland’s North Shore. All times as I was growing up but areas. Tupuihad wanted to children of European descent her life she had been told she had no idea of the significance unify the settlements with a were permitted to attend, as was stupid and would never until very recently. I became a pre-school, primary school to promote equality. amount to anything. Mr teacher knowing the impact and high school in every In addition to being a Henry believed otherwise. He I could have on the children village. Titikaveka was the politician and school teacher, told her that he believed in I taught and believing that first village to see this, where Tupui was also a theatre her and had high expectations I could make a difference. the schools were under one manager at Kings Theatre of her. He taught her in ways I have since completed a Parent Teacher Association and clerk for AW Brians. that made learning easy and Masters in Education and I (PTA). All of that changed When asked which career he enjoyable. From her accounts am just finishing my Masters when the Democratic Party enjoyed the most, he did not it sounds like he was a very in Educational Psychology. came into power. He also hesitate to say, “Why, school skilled and effective teacher. It is serendipitous but rather wanted to alter the Nikao teaching, of course.”

Progress at the PUNANGA NUI MARKET – Agriculture section

Two Shelters Completed

From the Manager’s Desk

The second Shelter Building of the shelters, in support of the Vendors for now in use by vendors Agricultural products and food, continues this month. Two long shelters were completed in September and Vendors are now selling their produce under cover away from the rain and hot sun. The third shelter is planned to start in early October stretching towards the eastern side of the market. Funds for this project came from the Market rental fees paid by the vendors. (A good example of improving the market and re- investing to benefit the Vendors and the general public.) The next planned project, to improve the Punanga Nui Market, is the Solar Lighting, a co-share project to be funded by ADB and the Punanga Nui Market.

Floriculture Vendor

Some of the Punanga Nui staff, (data and fee collectors)

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