3RO\QHVLDLQ5HYLHZ,VVXHVDQG(YHQWV -XO\WR-XQH

5HYLHZVRI$PHULFDQ6ëPRD+DZDL©L ing nz$1.7 million. Since 2004, New Niue, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Zealand and Australia have combined Wallis and Futuna are not included in their aid programs (CIN, 8 July 2009), this issue. with almost 40 percent now going to education and training. Key portrayed his visit to the Cook Islands as an Continued political maneuvering, effort to “reinforce the already close public budget mismanagement, and links New Zealand has with its Pacific population decline dominated public neighbors” (CIN, 9 July 2009). discourse in the Cook Islands from As the Cook Islands celebrated the July 2009 to June 2010. By June 2009, arrival of Christianity 186 years ago Cook Islands population had dimin- (CIN, 28 July 2009), political cabinet ished to an estimated 13,200 (CIN, 4 shuffles and reshuffles, and realign- Dec 2009), with around 70 percent ments among members of Parliament of people living on the main island (mps) continued. Quests for political of Rarotonga. During the year, New power often overflowed into public Zealand Prime Minister John Key led consciousness, and most residents a sixty-eight-member delegation to the reflected on it with much distaste. The Cook Islands that included two min- constant strain on the government isters, nine members of Parliament, budget was of particular concern. three mayors, several business industry Financial secretary Sholan Ivaiti representatives, a hip-hop band, and summarized the budget strain as com- sixteen media representatives (CIN, 9 peting interests chasing after limited July 2009). government funds, but he identified While in Rarotonga, Prime Minister the hosting of the Mini South Pacific Key announced a NZ$1 million subsidy Games as having the most pull on the for the Air New Zealand flight from budget (CIN, 1 July 2009). Mini games Los Angeles to Rarotonga (CIN, 10 Minister challenged July 2009). (nz$1 is the equivalent Ivaiti’s claim by issuing a statement of approximately US$0.73.) Key also that the government’s funding of the confirmed his country’s commitment mini games was expected to total no to provide aid for the Pacific, although more than nz$3.3 million (to cover he expressed “a desire to change the accommodation, food, and sports emphasis from poverty alleviation to equipment), with this amount “not economic development” (CIN, 8 July putting a strain on the government’s 2009). The 2008–2009 New Zealand 2009/10 budget” (CIN, 2 July 2009). budget included a total aid pack- Rasmussen even suggested that the age of around nz$10 million for the “financial secretary’s insistence on Cook Islands, with AusAID provid- drip-feeding funds to games organiz-

209 210 the contemporary pacific ‡ 23:1 (2011) ers” was actually creating further dif- “future loans by government would be ficulties (CIN, 2 July 2009). However, unsustainable . . . for the next 20 plus there was a widespread notion that years” (CIN, 4 Sept 2009). Rasmussen hosting the Pacific Mini Games would went on to suggest that the mentality cost the Cook Islands closer to nz$20 seemed to be “Think Big and Borrow million (CIN, 7 Oct 2009). Large regardless of our capacity.” A Deputy Prime Minister and Min- letter to the editor of the &RRN,VODQGV ister of Finance Sir News reacted to Rasmussen’s com- joined the public debate on govern- ments, pointing out that until he was ment finances, indicating that the sacked he was actually part of the government had contributed well over problem (CIN, 4 Sept 2009). nz$13 million toward infrastructure Also during the year under review, for the Pacific Mini Games—which a new terminal at the Rarotonga Inter- future generations will pay for. Oppo- national Airport took shape (CIN, 8 sition spokesman for finance and Atiu Oct 2009), and the Cook Islands eco- MP described the bud- nomic development task force revealed get inaccuracies coming from Ivaiti’s initiatives that include private-public office as “alarming” (CIN, 4 July partnerships and cooperation with 2009). When Maoate later described China. The task force suggested that his 2009–2010 budget totaling China was “ready and willing to assist NZ$215 million as “the mother of all the Cook Islands in the areas of trade, budgets” (CIN, 25 July 2009), George tourism, investment, food sustainabil- countered by calling it the “mother of ity, banking, insurance, shipping, and all mistakes” (CIN, 30 July 2009). The the development of sports” (CIN, 14 status of the budget was particularly Oct 2009). Chinese aid to the Cook disconcerting for average Cook Island- Islands already included a nz$15.6 ers given that total national revenue million soft loan and another pro- for the same period was projected at jected nz$50 million loan (CIN, 23 only nz$96 million. June 2009). In July, Cabinet Minister and Pen- The government secured a NZ$13.4 rhyn MP Wilkie Rasmussen admitted million Asian Development Bank he was making plans to form a new loan for investment in infrastructure government and was subsequently improvement, and the tourism road sacked by the prime minister (CIN, networks in Aitutaki and Rarotonga 25 July, 29 July 2009). Rasmussen became priorities (CIN, 8 Dec 2009, 1). responded by calling for Prime Min- By early 2010, the Ministry of Finance ister to resign. Titika- and Economic Management released a veka MP , who was report that showed total government rumored to have leaked the takeover debt estimated at nz$103.2 million, attempt, was sworn in as the new or “32 percent of gross domestic minister in place of Rasmussen (CIN, product for financial year ending June 30 July 2009). Even though he was 30, 2010” (CIN, 5 Jan 2010, 1). New no longer in the cabinet, Rasmussen Finance Minister Wilkie Rasmussen, continued to publically comment on who by then had regained a ministe- the national budget, declaring that rial position during a cabinet reshuffle pol i t ical reviews ‡ polynesia 211

(discussed later in this review), vering, a “secret” government fuel admitted “a budget deficit of up to farm proposal emerged and dominated $4 million,” but others suggested a public discourse (CIN, 13 Oct, 15 Oct, nz$7 million shortfall (CIN, 12 March 15 Dec 2009). Atiu Island MP Norman 2010, 1). George described the deal to purchase The nation’s social welfare system the Toa depot as a Democratic Party cost the government NZ$11.3 mil- government bungle and called for lion in the current financial year and transparency on the NZ$5.16 million is up for review (CIN, 5 Feb 2010). purchase (CIN, 16 Dec 2009). Then a The Cook Islands state-owned prison secret settlement between the govern- in Rarotonga received NZ$200,000 ment and Toa Petroleum resulted in worth of renovations (CIN, 26 April the government withdrawing from the 2010), although there were ten escapes purchase but agreeing to pay the com- in 2009 that had plagued prison pany NZ$1.7 million in an out-of-court authorities; apparently in some of the settlement (CIN, 17 Dec 2009). In spite incidences “the security gate was not of an effort by the government to locked at the time of the escape” (CIN, modify the settlement agreement, the 9 Nov, 12 Nov 2009). Public focus chief justice eventually ruled in favor on the nation’s judicial system also of the company (CIN, 19 May 2010). noted other disturbing events. Lawyer Cook Islands workers expressed their Tevita Vakalalabure was disqualified concern, describing the Toa episode from driving for two years after being as “a conspiracy, mismanagement and convicted of drunken driving causing exploitation of public funds” (CIN, 18 injury (CIN, 11 July 2009). He was Dec 2009). The so-called “Toagate” eventually struck off from the roll of cost government nz$3 million, with barristers of the Cook Islands High nothing in return—reminding many Court after a long history of miscon- of the 1999 nz$120 million Sheraton duct (CIN, 20 Nov 2009). debacle, in which an abandoned resort Cook Islands hosted several events project left the Cook Islands govern- during the year including an under- ment on the hook for a massive loan 21 international netball event, the (CIN, 22 Dec 2009). The debt to the previously mentioned Pacific Mini Italian government was negotiated Games (CIN, 22 Sept 2009), and the down to nz$13 million but the Cook Pacific Parliamentary Assembly on Islands government still ended up pay- Population and Development-Forum ing a large sum of money for nothing Presiding Officers and Clerks Bian- in return. nual thematic conference (CIN, 17 Nov As the Toagate incident unfolded, 2009). Although such events were the prime minister tried to make great opportunities to showcase the the case that he was unaware of the politicians and the country’s dynamic deal by sacking his deputy Sir Tere- culture (CIN, 19 Sept 2009), many pai Maoate (CIN, 23 Dec 2009). The observers pondered the wisdom of shared responsibility of cabinet deci- hosting commitments, given the bud- sion making was thus marginalized, getary struggles facing the country. and Toagate became widely viewed Amid all the political power maneu- by observers as a soap opera at the 212 the contemporary pacific ‡ 23:1 (2011) expense of taxpayers (CIN, 24 April tive Sir Frederick Goodwin. As the 2010). It prompted the sacking of newly appointed minister and attorney key government personnel and the general, Wilkie Rasmussen revealed reshuffling of others (CIN, 19 May that he and Marurai were “following 2010). The court decision upholding the constitution to the letter” (CIN, 8 the settlement arrangement increased Jan 2010) and refused to request that public anger, with blame being leveled Parliament be called into session. MP at the Democratic Party and politi- Norman George argued that since the cians in general (CIN, 20 May 2010). majority of Parliament (19 out of 24) The sacking of Sir Terepai Maoate did not support the prime minister from the cabinet led to the resignation and his government, the prime minis- of several other members of cabinet ter should not be allowed to continue who remained loyal members of the (CIN, 8 Jan 2010). The remaining 5 Democratic Party and their party members of Parliament were benefi- leader, Maoate. Although also a Dem- ciaries as members of the cabinet and ocrat, Robert Wigmore stayed on in could in essence be perceived as col- the cabinet to become the new deputy laborators in the usurping of power, prime minister. Wilkie Rasmussen, since no clear mandate was sought who had been previously sacked by from Parliament. Both of the country’s the prime minister, returned to Maru- political parties contended that Maru- rai’s cabinet. Two other disillusioned rai’s new five-member cabinet falls Democrat members of Parliament, short of the constitutional requirement William Heather Jr and Apii Piho, (CIN, 9 Jan 2010). The queen’s repre- also accepted ministerial posts (CIN, sentative rejected the no-confidence 6 Jan 2010), and Marurai continued petition and apparently also rejected with his governance even though it a plea to call a sitting of Parliament was apparent that he no longer com- (CIN, 12 Jan 2010). Rumors circulated manded the confidence of Parliament. that the queen’s representative’s con- Acutely aware of the public outcry on tract had been renewed, and Maru- public budget waste, Marurai declared rai revealed that he was unlikely to that his priority in his newly reshuffled request a sitting of Parliament unless cabinet was cutting costs (CIN, 7 Jan he was forced to do so for budget- 2010). ary reasons (CIN, 13 Jan 2010). With Disappointed by Marurai’s latest increasing outcry for changes in the cabinet reshuffle, the leaders of the nation’s governance system, Marurai two political parties (the Democratic sent out public signals that he favored Party and the ) political reform (CIN, 14 Jan 2010). prepared to remove the prime minister Marurai continued to rely on a and his five new cabinet members with legal opinion regarding the calling of an expected vote of no confidence Parliament, asserting that “without when Parliament reconvened (CIN, his advice the [queen’s representative] 8 Jan 2010). Requests for a parlia- cannot call parliament to sit” (CIN, 15 mentary sitting to table the motion Jan 2010). Marurai declared he would of no confidence were made to the not quit the job of prime minister head of state, Queen’s Representa- despite calls from some for him to pol i t ical reviews ‡ polynesia 213 do so (CIN, 21 Jan 2010). With the The political drama further fueled Democratic Party leadership warning a growing independent movement that members of Parliament who did among voters. With a general elec- not toe the official line could lose their tion expected soon, several concerned party membership, Minister Rasmus- voters began seeking a third option. sen hinted that the cabinet of five Dr Philip Nicholas, a prominent might form a new political party (CIN, dentist and traditional leader, declared 4 March 2010). The three remaining himself an independent candidate for Democratic Party cabinet ministers in the Nikao constituency in the upcom- the five-member cabinet were “given ing election (CIN, 23 June 2010). an ultimatum by the party—resign Others indicated interest in standing from Cabinet or be booted out of the as independent candidates in other party” (CIN, 18 March 2010). Both the constituencies, signaling an increasing Democratic and Cook Islands parties loss of confidence in the political party again urged Marurai to call Parlia- system (CIN, 24 June 2010). Even ment into session (CIN, 19 March Teariki Matenga, the former mayor of 2010), while Marurai confirmed that , declared his candidacy as the queen’s representative had talked an independent for Titikaveka (CIN, 25 him out of a dissolution of Parliament June 2010). (CIN, 25 May 2010). The government’s continued In response to the cabinet members’ active policy of supporting the land- refusal to resign, Democratic Party ing of planes on Aitutaki Island on President Makiuti Tongia declared Sundays also caused many problems. that “the four Democratic Party Perceived government resistance to a ministers have sacked themselves from referendum on the issue angered many the party by not resigning from their Aitutakians, who had long expressed a cabinet posts” (CIN, 8 April 2010). desire to allow only emergency flights Democratic Party affiliate and Mata- into Aitutaki on Sundays. From this vera MP Cassey Eggleton complicated issue emerged a new political move- the debate when she became the sixth ment called Te Kura O Te Au, with member of the controversial minority an expanded aim of pursuing major government (CIN, 24 March 2010). As changes in the country’s political the standoff continued, Democratic system—a system interpreted by most Party puna (or constituency commit- Cook Islanders as focusing over- tees) called for a conference (CIN, 11 whelmingly on the interests of those in May 2010). In spite of party leader power (CIN, 2 Oct 2009). Prime Min- Sir Terepai Maoate, party president ister Marurai blamed the Democratic Makiuti Tongia, and party secre- Party for causing the fracture in the tary John Tangi filing an injunction party that resulted in some Aitutaki to stop the party conference (CIN, 1 members breaking away to form this June 2010), the conference proceeded new political organization (CIN, 9 Oct and Maoate was replaced as leader 2009). by Robert Wigmore and Sean Willis Other challenges to the country’s replaced Tongia as party president governance system emerged. Business- (CIN, 3 Jun 2010). woman Teina McKenzie and a group 214 the contemporary pacific ‡ 23:1 (2011) of concerned supporters promoted a any of its promises and also had paid public petition pushing for political only a portion of the NZ$640,000 in reform (CIN, 24 Oct, 4 Nov 2009). license fees (NZ$40,000 per vessel) that They launched their petition, calling it owed the government (CIN, 30 Nov themselves Mou Piri and declaring 2009). that all voters should “have the right In October the Greenpeace vessel to vote for the national seats and the Esperanza alerted the government prime minister” (CIN, 28 Nov 2009). about the Japanese fishing boat Koyu They lobbied for political reform (CIN, Maru 3 illegally fishing in Cook 4 Dec 2009), hoping to acquire 4,000 Islands waters (CIN, 16 Oct 2009). A signatures that would be submitted payout settlement of NZ$1 million was through a member into Parliament. later reached between Cook Islands The changes put forward included the and Japanese governments regarding following: (1) the number of members the illegal fishing in the Cook Islands of Parliament would be reduced from exclusive economic zone by the vessels 24 to 19, with a new mix of 9 constit- Koyu Maru  and Koyu Maru  (CIN, uency and 10 national seats; (2) the 10 17 Dec 2009). national seats would be contested by Marine activities were not limited candidates from any electorate, with to fishing ventures. A Seabed Minerals the 10 receiving the highest number Bill was completed, setting out laws of votes winning the seats; and (3) the and regulations for the exploration prime minister would be the national of Cook Islands manganese nodule seat candidate with the highest num- resources (CIN, 31 Oct 2009). The ber of votes, assuming that he or she Cook Islands also planned to have must have received at least 51 percent the largest marine park in the world, of votes (CIN, 4 Dec 2009). covering all the territorial waters of During the year the government the Southern group islands (CIN, 11 received almost NZ$650,000 in settle- May 2010). There were also addi- ments from “three South American tional efforts to incorporate customary purse seine vessels that illegally fished law into marine activities; the Ministry in the countries waters between of Marine Resources acknowledged 2006 and 2007” (CIN, 21 July 2009). that the government could not cur- The Cook Islands government also rently penalize people for breaching reviewed fishing licenses that had the customary law of the raui (marine been granted in 2008 to Northern reserve) but hinted that “it might be Fishing Cook Islands Ltd and their about time to introduce legislation to sixteen Taiwanese long-line ves- cover it” (CIN, 13 Oct 2009). sels. The company had promised to There were several Cook Islands incorporate “proposals to develop national alerts during 2009–2010. ’s harbor and airport, and A general panic arose after an earth- provide employment and income to quake with a magnitude of 8.3 on the islanders” (CIN, 30 Nov 2009). the Richter scale struck Pago Pago, Although Northern Fishing began $PHULFDQ6ëPRD CIN, 30 Sept 2009). operations in February 2009, a year Lack of information fueled panic and later, the company had not fulfilled became a wake-up call (CIN, 1 Oct pol i t ical reviews ‡ polynesia 215

2009). While reviewing their own been stranded for ten days on Manuae alert system, Cook Islanders raised Island when their rundown Gypsy thousands of dollars for the Red Cross Trader broke anchor and disappeared WRDVVLVWWVXQDPLYLFWLPVLQ6ëPRD out to sea (CIN, 17 May 2010). Police $PHULFDQ6ëPRDDQG7RQJD CIN, 7 launched an investigation into the Oct 2009). The Cook Islands also had incident (CIN, 18 May 2010). other national alerts: tropical cyclone Cook Islands Voyaging Society Nisha (CIN, 29 Jan 2010), cyclone Oli members assisted in constructing (CIN, 2 Feb 2010), cyclone Pat (CIN, 8 several sea-voyaging canoes (CIN, Feb 2010, 1), a tropical depression in 28 July 2009). Two months later, February 2010 (CIN, 22 Feb, 23 Feb double-hulled canoes Te Marumaru 2010), and cyclone Sarah (CIN, 27 Feb Atua (Cook Islands), Faafaite (Tahiti, 2010). When cyclone Pat hit Aitutaki, French Polynesia), Uto ni Yalo (Fiji), the island was pounded (CIN, 11 Feb Matau O Maui (Aotearoa), and Hine 2010). Most houses were flattened by Moana PL[HGQDWLRQV6ëPRD7RQJD the winds and damages were estimated and Vanuatu) arrived in Avana (CIN, at NZ$10 million (CIN, 12 Feb 2010). 31 May 2010). A symbolic traditional Reconstruction became a major prior- stone-laying ceremony followed in ity for the government (CIN, 22 Feb honor of the five voyaging canoes 2010), and New Zealand announced that had sailed from New Zealand to a NZ$5.5 million recovery plan for the Rarotonga (CIN, 2 June 2010). island (CIN, 13 Mar 2010). However, jon tikivanotau m jonassen the Aitutaki mayor expressed opposi- tion to Habitat for Humanity New Zealand’s offer to build seventy-two References new homes, saying that the island needs housing that is strong and suits CIN,&RRN,VODQGV1HZV Daily. Rarotonga. the environment (CIN, 17 Mar 2010). Air New Zealand launched a NZ$1.00 fare to Aitutaki for the period 21–29 French Polynesia March to assist in the Aitutaki recov- ery program (CIN, 20 Mar 2010). The frequent making and unmaking of There were two dramatic rescues political alliances by opportunist poli- during 2009–2010. The country’s ticians, resulting in regularly occurring police-managed patrol boat Te ousters of governments since 2004, .XNXSD rescued a Canadian sailor continued during the review period, about 450 km (280 miles) northeast of with one successful motion of no Rarotonga (CIN, 6 Oct 2009). Forty- confidence in late 2009 and another eight-year-old Sylvain Caron and his change of majority in the assembly in fox terrier Eddie had for three days 2010. Yet none of these events repre- hung on to their sinking forty-foot sented anything substantially new. The ketch Inherit the Wind before being ongoing chaotic situation continued to rescued (CIN, 7 Oct 2009). Some six annoy the French government, which months later, four other people were by mid-2010 was planning yet another rescued by 7H.XNXSD after having revision of the territory’s organic law.