Te Mato Vai Contracts I Also Hold Principles Dear to and Freedoms for All Cook Because It Is Required to Have Me That May Cause Me to Set Islanders

COOK ISLANDS

HERALD5 February 2014 $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 Ngatupuna is wearing a necklace, earrings and Always the best selection, best bracelet from Goldmine price & best service at Goldmine! POWERBALL RESULTS Drawn: 30/1/14 Draw num: 924 PB

TATTSLOTTO RESULTS Drawn:1/2/14 Draw num: 3395 SUPP:

OZLOTTO RESULTS Drawn:4/2/14 Draw num: 1042 Next draw:

SUPP: Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 news 2 Where’s the apology Porter, never mind the vehicles what about the people? his publication is calling tongue excuses and assurances. failure of the Ministry of Internal on Toa Petroleum to Why the Ministry of Internal Affairs to enforce compliance. Tapologise to the people Affairs or the Price Tribunal The CIP government must give of the Cook Islands for its have sat back after being put priority to introducing legislation inexcusable blatant disregard on notice and allowed Toa to with the harshest retribution as for their health. Toa should continue selling the dangerous a deterrent to future breaches. also be held in contempt for its fuel is deplorable. Toa’s shocking Toa’s licence to import fuel must disregard of the Cook Islands business practice while being now be the subject of a review pristine environment that is the sponsored by the people of the Sulphur is a very serious heart of our tourism industry. Cook Islands taxes must not go health risk causing as a result Government must now review unpunished. Toa’s import licence of toxic emissions cancers and the $1.5 million sponsorship must be suspended and a full cardio-respiratory diseases using the people’s money for independent inquiry conducted. especially kick starting Porter’s business with the intent Porter stated in Saturday’s asthmatic conditions. For many of revoking it due to the shocking (Feb 1st) CI News the dangerous Rarotongans travelling by evidence Toa imported and sold sulphur content was a motor scooters this has been and is still selling fuel with high miscalculation by his advisor. an undisclosed health risk while sulphur content. Rather than Instead of 57 parts per million Toa’s highly contaminated fuel do the right thing and withdraw (ppm) in fact the diesel ‘turned has been for sale. How many every drop from sale Porter out to be’ 5700ppm. This is travellers and their children have shrugs off his latest malpractice 10,000% more than it should breathed those life threatening like water off a duck’s back. Toa have been. Hardly credible. sulphur contaminated fumes as should be taking out full page An independent test was they have ridden behind motor advertising in the newspapers, carried out after motorists vehicles? radio and television apologising began complaining about their Unsuspecting road users for his misuse of public money. vehicle’s performances. Porter have been emitting highly Toa acquired the highly toxic only carried out his own test toxic exhaust fumes for other Chinese fuel on 100 percent afterwards. The original test innocent people to breathe and credit to supply the Luen Thai revealed shocking health risk possibly eventually die from. All fishing boats. Ships generally results of 7400ppm sulphur the storage tanks where Porter’s use this very cheap highly toxic content. This is 740 times poison sulphur concentrated fuel fuel because their engines can more concentrated than the has been stored must be cleaned cope with it and at sea they are acceptable level for the Cook out, and decontaminated by an Toa Petroleum owner Brett out of sight out of mind. The Islands. While Porter makes an independent contractor by order Porter emissions at sea are blown to apology in regards to the vehicle of the Minister of Health and vehicle’s owner. populated areas with serious damage the contaminated fuel Minister of Internal Affairs Nandi It is now implicitly evident health risks. Numerous articles has done, he deliberately avoids Glassie. Brett Porter cannot be relied on the Internet confirm this. making an apology to the people In the context of the Prime upon when he speaks about fuel. It must be asked if the Price of the Cook Islands who may Minister Henry Puna’s priority All Toa’s further fuel imports Tribunal was made aware of the have become affected with the goal of a clean and green if it is not suspended, must lower grade of fuel used by Toa. disastrous health results not environment and converting to have independent test reports For Porter, an experienced being evident for years making renewable energy Porter has completed by an external source. fuel importer, to say it was a it difficult for Porter to be sued. demonstrated a total disregard Toa must be now carefully mistake is inexcusable as well as In New Zealand the sulphur and should be dealt with. monitored for compliance. unbelievable. Before Christmas content in fuel is strictly Further to that, Porter made a As much as Porter’s silver in a full page CI News advert, monitored to comply with less media release advocating and tongue endeavours to excuse Porter’s competitor Triad’s Chris than 10ppm. Currently Triad’s promoting a healthy lifestyle him from creating this potentially Vaile stated Toa had imported sulphur content is less than through cycling preferably on national health problem. As a fuel with dangerously high 10ppm as NZ. Porter is well a bike purchased from his new moral duty the public needs to sulphur content. In response aware of the danger to health cycle shop in Avatiu. Imagine reconsider where they buy their Porter went public nullifying when fuel is contaminated with visiting tourists riding one of fuel from. To stay healthy look Vaile’s warning with silver sulphur. The Cook Islands limit is Porter’s hired bikes behind for the Triad sign and buy their 15ppm so why Toa has not been a vehicle bellowing out life fuel with a sulphur content of held accountable for this serious threatening sulphur polluted 10ppm not like Porter’s fuel at breach of the rules is an absolute omissions he had sold to the 7400ppm. -George Pitt

ote James Beer for Murienua PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 Political Views 3 Opinions, threats of court action and perceptions of corruption via Mato Vai

By Wilkie Rasmussen, Leader of Mr Dougherty has of course Planning. These range from the Opposition the wrong end of the stick. allegations to actual facts Article 64 (1) (d) (e) of the My column was aimed at with supporting evidence Cook Islands Constitution the Minister for his blatant but I’m not a person with a 1964 says “Freedom of conflict of interest. One vindictive streak but I am a thought”…Freedom of company director said to me person that believes in the speech and expression” are that his company cannot bid law and is guided by the law. fundamental human rights for Te Mato Vai contracts I also hold principles dear to and freedoms for all Cook because it is required to have me that may cause me to set Islanders. Such right(s) and insurance of up to $1 million. aside emotions in order to do freedom(s) exist and shall His view was that this was a what is right. continue to exist without deliberate strategy to push The Opposition is of course discrimination by reason of the smaller contractors out. extremely distressed with …”opinion”. I cite the above Now is he and I entitled to the Te Mato Vai project in the to pass as a message to think of matters in that way? form the Government is now those that got offended by Of course we are. Politics and promoting. It is poorly put “opinion columns” published public funding and spending together, poorly researched in newspapers that such a perceptions go hand in hand and based on models not protection is a mighty stone and Mr Dougherty runs a high compatible to that of the to roll over. profile company that should Rarotonga. The Opposition is Last week, my column in be subject to public scrutiny gathering such support and this newspaper offended Mr like any other and people will rally to halt this project Bill Dougherty when I painted like me are the scrutineers. so we all can fairly say that out the scenario of contract If I was Bill, I would just get what we agree to go forward lineups where Mr Dougherty’s on with his job and have his with is workable, affordable company wins tenders and regular beers and not become and acceptable to our people. subcontracts to T&M Heather, too sensitive to opinions. the company of the Minister Further, he should be mindful of Infrastructure and Planning that politics and governments SWITCH ON WITH Teariki Heather who is Minister are unpredictable beasts responsible for the Te Mato impervious to ones good Vai Project. Mr Dougherty track record. Te Aponga Uira instructed his lawyer to seek Let me again come back Be careful an apology from the publisher to my initial and constant around fallen power lines... and eventually one from concern. The Minister for me. I suppose he felt the Infrastructure and Planning implication was that he and should not be allowed to work his company was depicted on, decide and determine as being corrupt. Ok, was I anything about the Te talking about future possibility MatoVai Project because of or not? Was I therefore his involvement with T&M, speculating and expressing an without doubt, the biggest opinion? Unless the contracts constructing company on have already been tendered Rarotonga and the Cook then Mr Dougherty knows Islands. I understand he had something I don’t. Would I already bought a couple be right in saying that in the of new heavy machinery past the two companies have through T&M ready for the actually worked together on Mato Vai project. Look, I infrastructure projects, say for might appear to be really Wouldn’t it be nice if Cyclone fallen power lines. Always assume instance, the Arorangi Jetty digging into my friend the Ian was the first and last cyclone they are ‘live’ and dangerous. project or some recent road Deputy Prime Minister but to hit our part of the Pacific in Report them immediately. and water works project? Is it 2014! No chance I guess. • Listen to a battery- the bottom line is that such During a cyclone high winds operated radio for official therefore possible that it is a public tenders and works and flying debris can bring down advice and power restoration public perception that these must be free of interference overhead power lines which is information. companies had been working by those that will influence what happened when Ian cut • If you experience jointly? And let me say the decisions that will be made through Tonga. In Ha’apai every tingles or shocks from an public perception goes further and contracts that will be span of overhead power line electrical appliance or water – it sees two companies awarded. I have a long file was torn down by debris or wind. taps, call your electrician to favoured for such jobs ahead Here are 3 important cyclone check your electrical wiring of potentially damaging safety tips to remember: immediately. of other local contractors. information associated with • Stay well away from Members of the public have the DPM’s activities as the www.teaponga.com said that much to me. Minister of Infrastructure and Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 Opinion 4 Chinese Advisors, Neves and Mokoroa stuff up Te Mato Vai project start fter giving the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) assurances that the ATe Mato Vai (TMV) project will be launched on the 21 February, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) secretary Richard neneva Neves and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) secretary Mac Mokoroa are now frantically pointing the finger of blame at others for not being able to meet the dead line. It is unacceptable in the public service for the head of a Ministry to attempt to shift the blame for delays onto someone else. It only demonstrates a failure to accept responsibility. Ministers want action not excuses and ducking and diving. The February 21 launch by the Chinese contractors China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) was meant to coincide with the presence of the PRC Ambassador Lutong from New Zealand while in Rarotonga to attend the Sponsor’s round table funding meetings. A grand launch headed by Lutong celebrating the unique occasion of the PRC’s first tripartite project globally was to be the highlight of his Richard Neves Mac Mokoroa visit. Finance Minister Mark Brown advised to celebrate the launch of TMV. With Neves CCECC’s assistant project Manager BTIB in January 2014 Crown Law had advised and Mokoroa continually telling Nie he Kefeng Nie, Neves and Mokoroa have only CCECC must register with BTIB. In April 2013 doesn’t need BTIB approval or a NES EIA, and themselves to blame for any resulting the National Environment Service (NES) Mokoroa calling the Chair of BTIB “a dimwit” diplomatic embarrassment of the failure advised MFEM that CCECC would require in a widely circulated email, each man must to launch the Chinese contribution to an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). bear the consequences of their self serving TMV on the preordained date. It is totally NES continued to advise the TMV project belief they were above the laws of the unacceptable for an important envoy such principal Neves of the necessity of the EIA Cook Islands. For an ex police officer like as Ambassador Lutong, to be exposed to a several more times. Mokoroa this is inexcusable. Obviously none potential “loss of face” and how he responds With the commencement date within has the strength of character to maintain to this incompetent bungle will be only a few weeks away CCECC had their EIA the morality of power their obesely paid known to those behind closed doors. Expect advertised in the CI News at the close of positions have for they have abused it with Lutong to keep smiling while he seethes January 2014 for public submissions. The bullying intimidation and slander. within. public has 30 days ending on 28 February to There is no sympathy for Nie and his Since October 2013 Nie has known lodge any submissions. These submissions if arrogant behaviour in thinking the PRC is CCECC must apply to BTIB for a Foreign any are reviewed then presented to a NES above the legal requirements of a small Enterprise Registration before any work Council meeting for consideration. The time sovereign country called the Cook Islands. can commence. Nie was reminded in line for an EIA is unpredictable due to the Need Nie be reminded of the fable about the writing in November 2013 then again in the variations of public responses. elephant and the mouse? Sadly Nie, along same month. When BTIB chased him up in CCECC cannot start any work on TMV until with his incompetent advisors, is having to January 2014 Nie admitted he hadn’t done they have been granted EIA approval by NES. learn good manners the hard way. Mokoroa, anything, and then began a stalling tactic BTIB will not approve a FER until an EIA is in behaviour most unbecoming of a Ministry by insisting he be provided with all the BTIB sanctioned. head, has widely circulated an email lashing Legislation to check out the validity of the Nie, Neves and Mokoroa must take out casting the blame on the politicians well BTIB requirements. Managers of TMV KEW responsibility for this bungle which has the as BTIB, even calling the chairman a dimwit also had been prompting CCECC to comply potential to cause great embarrassment who must be reined in. For a person in charge with BTIB requirements. and diplomatic rumblings for the unpopular of a major Ministry of State, with a multi- CIP government. Had these three simply million dollar budget, he appears to have complied with related line ministries, suffered a brain explosion of incompetent everything would have been legally in place stupidity or arrogant immaturity. -George Pitt

ote James Beer for Murienua PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 5 Atiu delighted to recieve sponsored hardware ome parents of students in Atiu are just as excited Sat the donation of digital equipment for use by their children attending the island’s primary school. One parent is hopping after hours classes can be held so they can have access to the new technology to keep pace with their children. They commented, “It’s so good for our children to learn to use this new technology because in the outer islands we don’t have the resources and our children fall behind those in Rarotonga.” Education Minister Teina Bishop played down the appreciation the Atiuans demonstrated saying, “It’s a team effort, the further you go from Rarotonga the more difficult it is to keep pace with new developments in education. Just because these children are out of sight, they and their parents Minister Teina Bishop flanked by a happy Syaka Tairi and students need to have the assurance they is building a team that is holistic overwhelmed by the Taiwanese education which helped prepare are not out of mind.” driven.” fishing company Yuh Yow’s students for the digital age when Bishop thanked Ministry of A former teacher, Bishop sponsorship. “It’s my wish list they left school.” Paio also Education secretary Sharon said from his own experiences come true.” said the over the last two years Paio for the consistently high teaching in the outer islands Last week 10 slates and 10 teachers have had to complete performance of the Ministry can often be frustrating due to Ipads were presented to Atiu by competency standards to be one reflected in the regular Public the lack of resources, an issue Bishop on behalf of the sponsors. step ahead of the students they Service Commissioner’s he is determined to minimise The choice of equipment was were teaching the technology to. performance reviews. “After during his watch as Education’s deliberate said Paio. “Hand held Mitiaro and Mauke are Sharon has accompanied me to Minister. devises were more durable and next islands to receive their the Northern group islands and Principal of the Enuamanu easier for the young ones to use, equipment in the very near some of the southern ones she School Syaka Tairi said she was the equipment was an enabler of future said Bishop. - George Pitt Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 6 Our Frontpage model PM pays Tribute to Inatio Akaruru and Kura Strickland he Prime Minister has expressed deep sadness over the passing of two long-serving parliamentarians, former Cabinet TMinisters, and political stalwarts of the Cook Islands Party. In paying tribute to Papa Inatio Akaruru and Papa Kura Strickland who both passed away a few days ago, the Prime Minister said both men had contributed in significant ways to the development and growth of the Cook Islands throughout their political careers. “During Papa Inatio’s time as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, he helped spearhead a tremendous wave of growth in the country’s diplomatic relations and engagement in international organisations. He was keenly involved in a number of key development areas and played a strong role in advocating Cook Islands’ interests. Papa Inatio was a solid anchor of support in the Cabinet of the late Sir Geoffrey Henry and oversaw tremendous change over the years.” “Papa Kura was also a firm community man, who upheld the interests of his people throughout his distinguished service to the country. His tenure as a Minister was marked by his willingness to address social issues and concerns wherever he could. Papa Kura was a dignified representative of the people and was recognised accordingly when he received his OBE.” The Prime Minister conveys his condolences to the families of Inatio Akaruru, and Kura Strickland, and says both men will be remembered fondly for the way they upheld the Cook Islands and the advancement of our people. Letter to the Editor ear Editor, I take issue with Howard Henry’s claims in his article Dlast week that the current Opposition is the weakest and most ineffective from any of the others. I suppose the Opposition under my leadership. Really? Did he not know that this Opposition played a major role in the calling to account of his employer Minister Teina Bishop with the Chinese fishing deals? Did he also not know that two by-elections were won against a new Government in office and a third one on the way? There is a growing list of Opposition achievements that puts this Opposition way ahead in this environment of no party hopping. Come one Howard, what do you know about politics anyway? Your grandfather knew about politics, not you. Produce your facts so I could take your comments seriously or air your grievance about your beloved CIP because I agree with you, it is performing abysmally. Meitaki Maata Wilkie Rasmussen Leader of the Opposition Cook Islands Herald goes QR The Cook Islands Herald now has a QR (Quick Response) code. Simply scan this code into your Our frontpage model this week is Ngatupuna Teinak who is Iphone or Smartphone and it will back for holiday while schooling in New Zealand. Check out automatically take you to the our website www.ciherald.co.ck. and facebook page: www. Herald Website in your phone’s facebook.com/ciherald internet browser. PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 Political Opinion 7 Government of Contradictions By Norman George MP for educational background can do Teenui/Mapumai (Atiu) better than Mark Brown a fish eople should be able to and chips salesman as Minister trust their government. of Finance. PMinister’s words Why is TOAGATE still being ought to be treated as gospel. propped up by the tax payer? Government actions, policies And just how is it that one and announced intentions player alleges that he would should be binding. But look back never in a million years make at the last 3 years.... $1.9M in profit if he owned The government, in particular the entire islands fuel supply Mark Brown made some business including Te Aponga? statements about the Commerce So quick is this government to Bill being ready for tabling in raid pensioner bank accounts Parliament in 2012 than in 2013 but where is the due diligence to and now it’s 2014. It’s taken 3 answer such a pivotal question years and the public have yet as that raised by Chris Vaile to see any public consultation in his full page article before or debate over this Bill. But Christmas? Meanwhile let’s readers will remember the wait and see if we can find a few grand standing that followed scraps of wood and half tins of the announcement that the paint to rebuild our schools and government was going to do then go around with our begging something that the Demo’s had bowl in hand to ask for book and not. Today this government desk donations. spends more time patting Let’s look at their taxes. They Norma George themselves on the back for the made statements in early 2011 further stressed and penalized benefit of many years of tax and amount of air points they have as soon as they took office, the people who sacrificed support. In some cases the agency accumulated. For them ‘work’ about government efficiency wastage to put something away fee that is paid to our marketers in is a swear word. Glory to those then immediately introduced a for a special day. Already people Europe would exceed the annual pretenders who can look like withholding tax, it’s important are saying that this government budget of some of our other working but produce nothing at that people see where this lied. I recall Mark Brown saying ministries. The real problem is that all. For this government it’s all government came from and that With Holding Tax would only the Minister in charge doesn’t know about the good times ...let them where they are heading. Every be for a 2 year period; low and how to prepare an agriculture plan roll on! reader will agree that this behold he was right. All he has and then go to Cabinet and fight to When it comes to raising and government is embroiled in a tax done is change the name and get a budget to implement it. But collecting taxes and raiding fever. A rapture of taxing taxing the method but it’s still a tax on worse, is that we continue to see pensioner bank accounts they taxing...everyone’s lives into your savings. The water just gets worthwhile projects take a beating are truly and cruelly masters of oblivion. browner and browner. because our money is spent under this art form. The point must be In September they introduced I was accused recently for writing the Los Angeles flights made that the public in general more taxes, an increase in VAT lacking vision and so I asked instead of facing the reality that it’s have no problem paying taxes, was forecast. But followed it myself was what I was writing not commercially viable even for but they do have an issue with up with their balancing act really about vision? There is Air NZ. paying taxes to politicians who that employees would get an nothing visionary about getting Of course it could not possibly just don’t want to do their fair increased tax free threshold of taro or nita exports or any local be viable if Air NZ departs Los share of work. Doing the only $1000. Do people realise just produce exports to earn valuable Angeles to Auckland about an work he knows how by manning what that saving really translates foreign currency for the people hour before Air New Zealand’s the water station in Tupapa is into? It’s no more than $3.00 of this country. It’s just plain and underwritten flight departs Los George Maggie. Maggie works per week! Or about 42 cents a simple common sense. With our Angeles en-route to Auckland via harder than Henry Puna. day. But they are quick to point almost total reliance on tourism Rarotonga. Who in MFEM and If his cabinet doesn’t make out that they have raised the how can our country really which government Minister over a stand against his travelling tax free threshold by a $1000. benefit when most if not all the looked this small piece of vital excesses and wastefulness then They haven’t lied, but they sure tourist dollars that are spent information when they sat down they are no more worthy to be talk up the $1000 tax free thresh here are spent on imported and negotiated the agreement. Ministers than Henry is Prime hold. I’m almost inclined to think goods...sometimes services! I’m With the PM on his never ending Minister. Maybe it is time to give they are selling an actual annual not advocating vision when just junkets I would have thought he George Maggie a try. $1000 increase in income. plain common sense is really all would have seen that himself But would they? Would the CIP Along came their withholding we need. and commented to his finance accept that Maggie a reformed tax replacement plan with Let’s be honest with ourselves, minister way before the new ex-convict with very little another tax on savings, they we’ve been giving tourism the agreement was signed in 2013. Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 8 POLITICS Democratic Party says it’s time for a real change TAX POLICY The Democratic Party Candidate for the Murienua by election James Beer explains the tax policy he is basing his election campaign on 1. A High Court person’s movement by means order will be required by of a High Court order. Government to withdraw 3. No NZ pension back funds from individuals Bank tax. accounts. What a wonderful This is important! People opportunity to grow the need to know they are secure economy, increase liquidity and their savings too! It and consumption with doesn’t matter whether they only as much as a tweak are pensioners or employed in legislation. Imagine residents. Every Cook Islander one thousand grey power has the right to stand in Court members from NZ feeling to defend themselves; it’s one safe that their bank accounts of our fundamental rights won’t be raided, and that the of our Constitution. Taking law is on their side. They will money from a bank account feel safe to make Rarotonga without a High Court order or their home. We spend $10 the opportunity for tax payers million to get $16 million in to defend themselves in court our Air NZ underwrite. How are some of the fundamental about spending 2 hours in building blocks of democracy. Parliament to amend the 2. No person with legislation to potentially outstanding tax will be generate over $20 million in prevented from leaving the extra spending in the country. country without Government Now do the math on the VAT requiring a High Court order. revenue from this group alone. This really has to stop. The 4. All Internal Affairs public service should not pensioner benefits will be have the right to restrict the exempt from tax. movement of our residents. Yep! The government has James Beer - Democratic Party Candidate Too many people I know who increased your pension but out soon to encourage opportunity to get stagnant own homes and businesses now it will form part of your growth in agriculture and business owners productive here or even retired people taxable income. We are saying local production. and contributing to the have been stopped by a letter your pension is yours. Should 5. All persons or government revenue stream. from the tax department you decide to supplement businesses with outstanding I am aware of over a dozen preventing them from your income by taking up a job taxes will be renegotiated businesses where the owners traveling, sometimes based or becoming a market vendor with the intent of an amnesty are contemplating closure on a tax assessment from or a market gardener, your on the penalties and interest or who are so burdened by over 10 years ago. If a person pension will not form part of with a fixed time frame for penalties and interest that is a serious flight risk and an that taxable income. But wait payment. Special conditions at times make up more than absconding debtor, then the till you see the tax benefits apply. 60% of the tax bill. This is Judiciary may restrict that and the opportunities coming This is easily the best Continued next page PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 9 NEWS Petition calls for a halt to Te Mato Vai project By Charles Pitt “If you have a house plan,” said ue to concerns about the James,” you can see what’s going estimated costs of the on and a plan of the costings Dwater project te Mato and know that inspections have Vai, a petition was launched been carried out of health and on Tuesday morning calling on environmental requirements government to halt work on and compliance with the Building the water project and seek a Code. So have they followed the better solution that is robust and same process?” cheaper to build and maintain. “With a house, every item is Promoting the petition is costed.” James Thomson who told the James mentioned that with UV Herald on Tuesday morning treatment, this requires power that the petition was organized but no costs have been factored by a committee made up of into the plan for this. He asked responsible citizens comprising what back up will be provided in a lawyer, an accountant, outer the event of a power failure or islanders and parents. failure of the chlorination plant? James said the public response WORDING OF THE PETITION so far was tremendous. In just 5 “Article 64 (1) (d) (e) of the minutes, 17 people signed the Cook Islands Constitution 1964 petition. states “Freedom of thought” Once 1,000 signatures or more and “Freedom of speech and have been obtained, James said expression” the committee will lodge the We the stakeholders and petition with parliament. The people of the Cook Islands committee will also seek a High petition the ‘Te Mato Vai’ water Court injunction. upgrade in Rarotonga to STOP! When asked if the committee We must have a better solution James Thomson would seek an MP to sponsor for all that is robust and cheaper government run project and burden to many of our people. the petition or lodge it James to build and maintain. spending spree that will fail The government is ‘for the said they want the petition to be CONCERNS: like others; (SHERATON, 1997, people’ and not the other way seen as a “people’s movement” ‘Te Mato Vai’ $72.7 million HARBOR, TOAGATE, Arorangi around. Thank you and GOD and an exercise of their right to project is based on assumptions Jetty…..) BLESS our people. raise their concerns. and far too costly for our people. ‘Te Mato Vai’ water upgrade QUOTE: Where the elected Those concerns include the ‘Te Mato Vai’ water upgrade and system does not reflect the serve all Cook Islanders, and not Master Plan. James asked, and system will be a failure. concerns and interests of our just a few. PM Henry Puna, Cook “When do we see the Master What do you treat when there is people. Is News Nov 10th 2010. Plan? We’ve seen a draft dated no water? ‘Te Mato Vai’ debt and user Refer to past concerns: Pg 6 20 October.” ‘Te Mato Vai’ another pays system will be a financial Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013.” From Previous page and pay no tax at all. The VAT or meat works of Australia that stimulate growth not so over whelming that their increase is unnecessary when will find this promising. Any devastate moral. We need to best bet is to give up. This is you look at the flawed $750 person who has worked encourage people to stay not demoralizing for them and allowance that may counter a second job and been tax them so they leave. The their employees. Why waste act any potential increase in depressed at their after tax government it seems focuses a perfectly good business revenue from tourists. wages will now find new on revenue collection by way and why waste time? Throw 7. Excluding Rarotonga energy to go that extra mile. of taxes. Taxes for interest these business owners a life and Aitutaki all other Islands Any employer who is finding on savings, increased taxes line cut away the penalties will be exempt from income it hard to fill positions and on consumption, retroactive and interest and sort out just tax. starts looking for overseas back taxes on pensioners, but the tax component. Let’s get Today, the outer islands contract workers will most everyone can see that those working again! are hardly the power house likely start getting inquiries tax increases are not matched 6. No DEMO Support they once were. If an island from suitably - qualified by government curbing its for a 15% VAT. is not producing any taxable people from here. Will appetite for overseas trips, its The crazy thing about the income now, then why not this mean less money for ministerial luxuries, its flash increase in VAT is that it’s find some easy to change government? Not really, not new motor vehicles. supposed to capture more ideas to encourage and foster when they’ll spend it all on So are these tax increases from tourists when they development there. the rock and it will find its really necessary? You have buy goods and services. But 8. Secondary income will way back to the government the choice, you can vote CIP the government introduces be exempt from tax. in the form of VAT. and have your taxes used to a $750 allowance for A long time coming! Any For a New Beginning of buy flash new trucks and first everyone! That means every person who wants to put in Change class airfares OR Vote James single person that travels the effort and carve out a life VOTE Beer who is telling you what here can bring with them up here instead of jumping on a James Beer for Murienua he and his party are going to to $750.00 of food and wine plane to work in the mines We need tax policies do now. The choice is clear! Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 10 NEWS Time to turn underwrite into an asset says Bishop

oasting along under Tourism industry are banked that our negotiating skills are be likened to the way in which the radar out of sight at the place of booking not the extraordinarily bumbling and shipping and freight charges are Cand out of mind is an destination? clumsy and we simply don’t calculated. As we keep hearing, ongoing cost to the Cook Islands Bigger destinations Samoa understand the way fares are the reason why sea-freight shrinking tax resource base that and Tonga declined to continue calculated or how Northern prices to the Cook Islands are so exceeds the combined cost of with their underwrites with Air tourists decide or plan when crushing is that the ships come the Te Mato Vai Project ($65M NZ when their agreements were they travel this far South. After here full and leave here empty. and counting) the new Avatiu reviewed. 10 years of underwrites you The journey back is mostly Port project ($27M and counting) Tourism Minister Teina Bishop would have thought the people empty. but raises few public concerns. has advocated our marketers in MFEM would already know. In the airline business and in Consider 10 years of Air New have to start thinking out of the But then how could they when all particular to our Cook Islands Zealand underwrites from Los box and produce innovative, they are capable of is ransacking destination that comparison is Angeles to Rarotonga and back smart solutions to getting bums pensioner bank accounts? closer to the truth than we’d like will cost in excess of $100 million. on the direct flights. Bishop’s Our latest agreement is further to imagine. Here’s why. At least the two infrastructure vision of having and international proof of that, we are locked Travelers predominately projects are real, visible and airport on Aitutaki would see into underwriting something first time travelers to the Cook serve a necessary purpose. him push for the flights to land where we simply have been out Islands originating out of North The Air NZ write off benefits at Aitutaki instead of Rarotonga. maneuvered and out thought. America would not come this far are expressed in fiscal reports If Aitutaki had an international That’s going to happen when to the Southern Hemisphere just that are interpretations of airport their marketing pitch will you have Neneva Neves at the to see one place - ours! our Ministry of Finance and be focused on Canada and Alaska helm steering the economy Let’s face it. We are small, Economic Management (MFEM) who have climatic conditions from one disaster to another. coming to one small place is a risk to justify the continuation of this that prompt people to travel It’s always going to happen and to manage that risk travelers one sided arrangement with the during their harsh winter months when we put up an accountant will book other places like New airline. which coincide with our off peak or an economist to negotiate Zealand or Australia. They want In return for the taxpayer’s low season arrivals period. an airline opportunity against to get as much value for their investment of $10 million a With 65% of Canadians having seasoned airline negotiators green back dollars as they can. year MFEM crows about the passports and only 20% of who know every angle of their So although they may pay for imaginary $15 million return Americans having passports, own operations, in an industry some part of the underwrite which nets the Taxman $1.2 tapping into the Canadian that is intensely competitive. through a ticket purchase it’s million in VAT, hardly results market offers great potential. Let’s analyze this further. The highly unlikely that they will to get excited about. Then are The fundamental problem Air NZ underwrite from Los arrive Raro and leave from Raro these real returns when it is fact with the under write isn’t that Angeles to Rarotonga and from to go home on the same flight substantial prepayments in the it can’t work, the problem is Rarotonga to Los Angeles can Continued next page PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 11 NEWS Lending a helping hand hy was Te Aponga Uira shipping power Wcables and clamps this week to Tonga? On Monday TAU workers were seen busy packing and transporting 100 straining clamps and 4,000m of ABC (aerial bundled cables) to Avatiu harbour as cargo for voyage 22 of the Matson line container ship Liloa V22. Here is the purpose. It’s to help out a fellow Pacific power company restore power and “We got a request,” says TAU “We all know and support at the shipping, and saw the lighting as quickly as possible CEO Apii Timoti, “that Tonga each other because of our Pacific Liloa was coming to Raro on the to homes that were flattened Power’s recovery effort was Power Association affiliation 6th of February and would arrive by Cyclone Ian last month. stalled until equipment arrived and we all share the same in Tonga on 14th February, two Altogether, some 90 to 95% from overseas. The problem experiences and challenges. weeks later.” of the power network in the was that they wouldn’t get there We’re good friends.” In an email, Tonga Power Ltd Ha’apai group of islands was until the end of February at the “When we checked our cyclone CEO John van Brink conveyed damaged during the height of earliest.” stocks to see what we could do, heartfelt thanks to TAU for the the cyclone’s ferocity on January “So they asked us if we might we were able to identify that we support. “It’s great knowing 12-13. Every span (the distance help them out with materials could accommodate the request we can lean on others in the between two power poles) was which they would replace once and sought Board consideration. neighbourhood when in strife.” torn down by debris or wind. their own stock arrived.” When they approved, we looked Te Aponga Uira media release From Previous page we under write Los Angeles no need to chase the sun as they American tourists spending a that brought them here. to Raro, Air New Zealand has have it all year around, for their conservable minimum of $1000 They are likely to either fly another flight, a Los Angeles change they head for the snow each, that’s a potential of $16 directly from Los Angeles to direct to Auckland flight, with States like Colorado. to $25 million injected into the New Zealand see a bit of the the underwritten Los Angeles The catch is, return tickets are local economy. long white cloud then, on - Rarotonga - Auckland flight free from LA but accommodation Is Air NZ at fault? No not at their return home stopover in leaving about an hour later. It’s costs for a set minimum stay all. That’s their contingency Rarotonga and only when they the only airline that has two are at the traveler’s expense. plan for making a profit, seems depart from here do they get to flights departing Los Angeles for At least the destination gets we have only contingency plans contribute towards the cost of a major city; in this case the city some benefits rather than our for making losses. This will all the under write, but only in one is Auckland, within one hour of underwrite seats being empty. change though as Air NZ arranges direction. Similarly, they’ll fly each other. Accommodators can offer the agreement to no longer just here first and pay for the under If you’re flying to Auckland incentives to the travelers like include an underwrite on costs, write on that leg here. But when why would you want to go via first night free. Fifty maybe a 100 but an underwrite on profit as they travel on from Rarotonga Rarotonga? If you’re flying to or more free seats a fight? At well. to New Zealand they end up Auckland why Air NZ wouldn’t least that’s a hundred real visitors Where to from here Richard returning home from Auckland put this flight ahead of the a week spending real money in Neves? Will you sign this last and to Los Angeles where only one other Auckland flight going our stagnating economy. Give final burden to the Cook Islands part of the fare contributes to via Rarotonga? The answer away 300 seats on every flight economy before taking leave to the under write. is blowing in the wind...... that’s nearly 16,000 extra North your next job? - George Pitt The lesson in that is clear from because you’d fill up the flight the Canada 3000 days. They that leaves first and leave the made certain that Rarotonga left overs for the flight via was not the destination but was Rarotonga. After all it’s already MV CONSULTING FIRM one of the many destinations on been paid by some other its way from and to Canada. person, in this case the Cook We can supply & install Solar PV system So in much the same way as Islands tax payers. 1) 2kW system $ 9,600.00 shipping freight charges are One out of the box idea worth 2) 7kW system $ 29,500.00 costly because we import plenty revisiting suggests Bishop, is 3) 21kW system $ 85,000.00 and export zilch, tourists will fly giving seats away free seeing (*limited time only*) in directly from Los Angeles but we are paying for them. As a return home from somewhere marketing exercise free seats can All installation work in compliance with AS 4777, AS/NZS 3000:2010 & TAU Grid RE else other than Rarotonga, and be given away by radio stations Policy. Installation by NZ Qualified electrician & installer. that may even be on an airline as prizes or newspapers and other than Air New Zealand. magazines for the same. These Further enquires, contact Terekino Vaireka, CIEWA & IPECI member, ph 54990 All this of course is further can be pitched to the winter or email - [email protected] accumulated when on at least States in the USA. Many of the one of the directions where USA States like California have Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 12 TRIBUTE A Political Tribute to.... Inatio Akaruru C.B.E and Kura Strickland O.B.E. am feeling quite sad this week. he had to do – and did it. This is because Inatio He was also extremely cautious, IAkaruru and Kura Strickland calculating and often a very deep have both died in the last few days. thinker. Unflappable … Inatio never I had known both men since I was made any political mistakes. a “little kid” … and that was before Kura Strickland could best be Self-Government. described as a “political sharp- Both men were “Foundation shooter”. He was also quite Sons” of the Cook Islands Party in “aggressive” at times in pursuit of 1964. Politics was in their blood. what he wanted done and how he C.I.P. was in their “hearts”. thought that should be achieved. Inatio Akaruru was first But he was “aggressive” in a elected to the then Cook Islands respectful sort of way and so no one Legislative Assembly (known as could ever take offense. Like Inatio, Parliament after 1982) as the MP Kura Strickland was also extremely for Pukapuka/Nassau in 1968. He determined and unwavering if he went on to hold that seat until his thought that he was right. retirement from politics in 1999. A In addition to that, Kura Strickland period of 31 years. was a “real worker” in terms of From 1968 until 1978, Inatio the C.I.P. political organisation. He Inatio Akaruru C.B.E Kura Strickland O.B.E. was the Minister of Health in Papa’ was a “political work-horse” who “heaps of political mana”. Both what was best for all the people of Arapati’s C.I.P. Government. He was always had something going on men could have taught many of the Cook Islands. the youngest member in Cabinet. somewhere. Never idle. He was the present day politicians a thing Both men were part of the Inatio then served as the Deputy always up to the challenge and or two. But I am not sure as to decision making process that saw Prime Minister of the Cook Islands never took a backward step. how many would actually bother major “positive” economic and under Sir Geoffrey Henry and From a political point of view, to listen. social developments in this country his C.I.P. Government from 1989 both men were “as solid as the Both men were “political from 1965 to well after 2000. until 1999 where he was also the day is long”. Their “political roots” gentlemen”. By this I mean they It was during their “political Minister of Foreign Affairs. And so were firmly planted deep into were not afraid to be engaged in the watch” that the Cook Islands as far as I can gather, Inatio Akaruru the Cook Islands Party. They had “cut and thrust” of political debates emerged from the “darkness of holds three “political records” in passion, pride and “aroha” for the or Parliamentary discussions. colonialism” and into the “light this country as follows : C.I.P. in what it stood for in regard They were also very active and of Self-determination” … and * The longest serving member of to its foundation principals, aims outspoken on the campaign trail therefore being the masters of our Parliament : 31 years. and objectives. for any given General Election. In own destiny. * Longest serving member of One thing I really admired in both this regard, both men were really in The memory of Inatio Akaruru Cabinet : 20 years, and Inatio and Kura was their loyalty to their element. and Kura Strickland can stand * Longest serving Deputy Prime the Cook Islands Party over several So while both Inatio and Kura had proud and tall next to the memory Minister of the Cook Islands : 10 decades. You can never have too many “political opponents” during of Sir Albert Henry, Sir Geoffrey years. much loyalty when it comes to their respective political careers, Henry, Tiakana Numanga, You don’t get a more impressive politics. Firstly to Sir Albert and they did not have any “political Apenera Short, Sam Samuela, political career than that. then to Sir Geoffrey, both men enemy’s” … there is a difference. Teaukura Roi, Taramai Tetonga, Kura Strickland was a C.I.P. were passionately loyal and for this Both the families of Inatio Joe Browne, Lionel Browne, Taru Executive Member for many I salute them … and I thank them. Akaruru and Kura Strickland Moana, William Estall, Dan Daniel, years after the party was formed They were also reliable, can be very proud of what their Matapo Matapo, Utia Matata, Pera in 1964. He was later an MP for dependable and trustworthy. respective “Papa’s” did during Maurangi, Jim Mareiti, Raymond Amuri-Ureia, Aitutaki from 1978 But above all else … both Inatio their lifetime … and especially Pirangi, Niroa Manuela, Papamama to 1994. A period of 16 years. Akaruru and Kura Strickland were so in terms of their “political Pokino, Pukeiti Pukeiti, Bill Paiti and From 1989 until his retirement “politically honest”. contribution” to the Cook Islands. many others … as former C.I.P. from Parliament (but not They were politicians you could Both were politically active for MP’s who “did make a difference” politics) in 1994, Kura Strickland look up to and respect. They were more than 35 years after 1965. They in their political lifetime. was the Minister of Health and politicians who always had time to rode with the “political high’s”, of All these men helped to create Internal Affairs under the C.I.P. meet, greet and talk to anyone at which there were many. And they history. Government of Sir Geoffrey. any time. They were politicians “of anguished through the “political And they did so with compassion, Both Inatio and Kura were actually the people” who never considered lows”, which in some cases, were dignity and with a warm “political quite different in terms of nature themselves to be “higher” or better extremely low. But never did their C.I.P. heart”. and character. Inatio was quiet, than anyone else. “political C.I.P. heart” waver as they Inatio Akaruru and Kura steady, inoffensive … but extremely They were politicians who had took everything in their stride in the Strickland … these were two men determined. He never “rocked the “mana”. And in this regard, Inatio belief that the Cook Islands Party I am very proud and pleased to boat” but simply got on with the job Akaruru and Kura Strickland had was on the right track in terms of have known. R.I.P - Howard Henry PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 13

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

& THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF THE COOK ISLANDS Press Release: Reminder of changes to Social Welfare As part of the recommendations of the Cook Islands 2013 Tax Review, from 1 March 2014, the Government will increase the local Cook Islands pensions by 25 per cent. Those who are aged over 70 will now collect $7,500 per annum, and those who are between 60 and 70 will now collect $6,000 per annum. For those over 70, this is a $125 a month increase; for those above 60, this is a $100 a month increase – an historically large increase, and a significant step closer to the Government’s election promise to double the 70+ pension.

2013 regular social 2014 regular social welfare payments welfare payments Monthly Annual Monthly Annual 60‐69 pension 400 4800 500 6000 70+ pension 500 6000 625 7500

To ensure fairness, and direct the increased payment towards those most in need, the Cook Islands pensions will now become part of an individual’s taxable income. For a large proportion of individuals receiving the pension, it is likely that there is no change in their tax obligations, as the pension payments remain below the tax-free threshold. For these people, they will receive the entire 25 per cent increase. However, for individuals who earn other income, this will mean that they may pay some tax on their pension payments, depending on how high their other income is. When combined with the personal income tax cuts, every pensioner in 2014 (regardless of income level) will have more money in their hand than they did in 2013, which will assist them in adjusting to the VAT change on 1 April 2014. A tax calculator has been made available at www.mfem.gov.ck/tax for individuals to get an estimate of how the changes affect them. To help ensure that individuals receive the correct payments and are not left with tax debts at the end of the year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will manage potential tax deductions when they make the payments – similar to the PAYE system used by many employees. To make this possible, all persons receiving a Cook Islands pension will be required to declare their Revenue Management Division (or RMD) number to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry of Internal Affairs can organise an RMD number for you if required. Pensioners are encouraged to contact a Welfare Officer in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Rarotonga, or the Internal Affairs Officer in Pa Enua, to ensure that the correct payment is made at the relevant tax rate before 20 February 2014. There is a simple one page form required. In addition to pension payments, all other ongoing social welfare payments will be increased by 10 per cent on 1 March 2014, but remain exempt from tax. The child benefit payment will increase to $792 a year, destitute and carer’s allowances will increase to $1,800, and the power subsidy will increase to $264 a year. 2013 regular social 2014 regular social welfare payments welfare payments Monthly Annual Monthly Annual Destitute payment 150 1800 165 1980 Child payment 60 720 66 792 Carer's allowance 150 1800 165 1980 Power subsidy 20 240 22 264

ote James Beer for Murienua Cook islands Herald VIEWS Tereora kicks off 2014 with assembly By Norma Ngatamariki Introducing Crowds of Tereora College Android Phones students, old and new, filter Cont’d… through the main entrances of Tip 5: Delete Cookies and Unused Programs or Media the Princess Anne Hall as they gather for the very first formal The Android smartphone is capable of storing a variety of information to refer back to or use. This information comes in the form of software apps, assembly of 2014. The Hall was photos, files, and video. Most of these things are accessible in the phone’s chock-a-block with kids who "Gallery," or on the main screen of the phone. Other kinds of information hailed from all around, even stored on the phone come in the form of "Cookies." Cookies are programs installed on a user’s website browser to help keep track of their web as far as Germany. As usual, it usage history for marketing purposes. These files and apps take up a lot took quite a while for the kids to of space and when the memory is full, nothing else can be stored. Taking settle down. When they finally the time to delete unwanted cookies, apps, and media can get a phone did, it was only because Mr back up to peak performance.

Unuka threatened to take away Deleting Cookies interval, therefore prolonging Many users end up with lots of cookies on their smartphone website the assembly. No thanks, forty browsers without realizing it. This can hinder the user’s ability to surf the web quickly. Deleting cookies can help free up some memory and speed five minutes was plenty. It sure up the Android smartphone. Users can open up the website browser, then did feel good to be back into the click on "Menu," then click on "More Options," then choose "Settings," whole “Line Up” routine. and then click on "Clear all cookie data" and the phone will ask for verification before deleting the cookies. Now, like the beginning of any formal event in the Cook Deleting Applications Islands, the assembly began with Users can also manually free up a lot of storage space on their Android phones by deleting unused programs and media. Users can delete a wonderful church hymn. But, software apps on their phones by opening up the "Settings" menu, then if I’m going to be completely half of the school. According clicking on "Applications," then click on "Manage Applications," then honest, it sounded as if the to our principal, there were clicking on "Downloaded apps," and then select and "Uninstall" the also a large number of course application. students were still in holiday mode. I reckon half the school endorsements in the Level Delete Media didn’t even know the actual Two of 2013. In my opinion, Users can delete various kinds of files and media from their phones by hymn. I made a mental note to presenting those certificates opening up the "Gallery" on the phone. Scroll through the gallery, tapping on files and images you want to delete to select them. When ready to myself saying that if become an was a huge motivation for those delete the media, tap the "Delete" button on the bottom of the screen and Anau Leader, I was definitely students who didn’t receive follow the verification instructions. going to do something about any. Hopefully, this will make that. Like maybe announcing senior students to strive for even the hymn in the morning notices better results this year. Out of SEE OUR RANGE or something. We’ve got to get the entire lot, only four students some school pride going with were presented with Overall our singing! Not singing the Excellence Endorsements. They HUAWEI Y320 school song properly, I could were Jessica Puiri, May Myo Min, understand because we’ve got a Debora Mataio and Nicholas whole new bunch of kids. They’ll Henry. Congratulations, guys! learn it in no time, because Just a little heads up, I’m plan on Miss Hosking was very adamant joining you guys soon. about it. Our school principal Mr. Bali The presentation of the Haque introduced fifteen new NCEA Certificates seemed to teachers to the school. We even be the highlight of the formal managed to score a South African HAIER W718 assembly. According to Mr. who taught English. Woop woop! Haque’s statistics, there has I’m pretty sure the entire school been a dramatic increase in the body was curious to know what number of Merit and Excellence these people were like, because endorsements in both Level I was. The introduction was brief One and Two. I am proud and to the point. to say that I was one of the And that ends my report for recipients for those certificates Tereora College’s first formal (not bragging or anything). assembly. I am looking forward The fact that the majority of to a great year, as it is my last AND MUCH MORE! recipients were girls did not go year of school, so all of the Year All prices are Inclusive of V.A.T. Price valid 01/11/2013 - 31/12/2013 E.O.E. unnoticed, so a challenge was 13 students will most definitely definitely presented to the male make it a memorable experience. PB

Cook islands Herald 29 January 2014 NEWS 15 Increase in port charges raises concerns at Port’s ability to service ADB loans concern appears to be the Ports By Charles Pitt ability to service the ADB loans. he Ports Authority Three stake holders spoken Rarotonga Board at its to commented on the ability Tlast meeting recently, has of the Board to meet the Port’s approved the new fees, tariffs financial commitments in terms and charges for port services to of operating costs and servicing apply as from 1 February 2014. of the ADB loans spent on the The Board comprises Willie harbour upgrade. Kauvai (Chair), Lucky Matapo, Their concern was that Makiroa Mitchell John and revenue may be well short of Teariki Matenga. that needed to meet the loan Ports CEO Bim Tou told the repayments. One stake holder Herald on Tuesday afternoon thought the shortfall could turn that Port charges are reviewed out to be a high as $1 million. annually and the new charges Another stake holder follow a review which was last expressed concern at the carried out in 2012(applying capability of the port to service from 1 June 2013 and running the loan. He said at the time the until 2013). loans were agreed to, the project Tou said the new charges may have been justified but now represent an increase of 3 per the outlook in terms of future cent and that the CPI (cost price revenue appeared grim. index which measures rises in The Herald put the issue the cost of living) was used as of loan commitments to CEO the bench mark. Bim Tou on Tuesday. In 2011 in One stake holder when asked an article in the Cook Islands to comment by the Herald said Times, the issue of meeting loan he did not wish to be named and commitments had been raised. Bim Tou said he expects his clients and Tou advised that the ADB loan over 24 years. revenue for the port however, customers will end up bearing was approved in 2008 based on Then there was an ADB all available space in the the costs through increases revenue projections done at that commercial loan at 3.24% international section of the to his charges, increases of time. Tou said current revenue interest. The term was 25 years. port had been taken up. Due to probably around 10 percent. He projections showed the loan was There was a 5 year grace period the change in plans regarding said this was a concern because still manageable. then the principal would be the port entrance it was now his clients will also have to bear Tou said the Port was looking repaid over 20 years. This loan unlikely smaller cruise ships the costs of an increase in VAT by at possible partnerships with the was converted to NZ dollars to would be able to tie up alongside 2.5 percent. He said he expects private sector as indications were remove any risk of fluctuation in the wharf. The proposal to widen to lose business. there will be no government foreign currency. the port entrance was cancelled Another stake holder who also bail outs. Government will not When asked about future after wave modeling showed did not wish to be identified provide any more funds said Tou. development at the port which rough seas would cause damage. echoed the same sentiments. To recap, Tou said the ADB may increase revenues, Tou said There was a proposal to develop While increased costs to retail loan was in two parts. this was up to the commercial commercial and retail outlets at customers is a concern, a greater There was a soft loan at 1.5% sector. He said the frozen fish the marina end in partnership interest. The term was 32 years. transshipment plant proposed with the private sector however There was an 8 year grace period by the Luen Thai company this was subject to discussions then the principal was repayable would have generated more with landowners. ote James Beer for Murienua Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 16 Te Mato Vai: Other, cheaper options should be considered An information paper - Te Manako By Enua Bishop- Former Deputy Director of Water Works Part 2 ast week we began a mesh over it as primary filter off point, main and back road would be ideal to move this two part look at Enua to rid of twigs, leaves, rocks ring mains. intake up the valley, right pass LBishop’s suggestions for that will be washed over by COST ESTIMATE: One and a the taro planting areas by the a cheaper option to upgrade the running stream water. This half million dollars. families of these lands. This will water system. will be piped into a secondary MATAVERA INTAKE: Perhaps constrain human contamination TOTOKOITU INTAKE: This filtering chamber away from for the mean time, shut this of the water source. Build a water intake is very modest in the stream with say a mosquito intake at where a branch main new access road towards the it’s construction, a good guess, netting screen, to rid of smaller was connected to the trunk new intake and storage tanks. maybe $10,000.00 to build. size debris and eventually pipeline that used to supply a Install a new 300mm and Suggests, that this intake be into a graded gravel filtering prawn farm up the valley and 150mm trunk pipeline and lay moved back to the required chamber before it enters the if I recall correctly, there was a them through the center of the height with double storage two storage tanks. The Gallery gate valve installed at this point. access road. Re-connect the tanks, same as the others. A and the Weir catchments have Like Rutaki Intake, Matavera 300mm trunk pipeline at the new trunk pipeline and access to be piped through the storage intake can also be used for branch main feeding into the road be built onto the existing tank systems to maintain clean water carting emergencies concrete storage tank at where DSIR road that was built years water regardless of flooding. during times of drought. Future the old Happy Valley restaurant back to access the pine trees Connect system onto existing proposal, build a higher dam for used to be. The 150mm trunk planting scheme at the time. trunk pipeline. Avana can cope water retention, if required. pipeline can also be finished at We use to drive up this road to easily with the areas from Up- COST ESTIMATE: NIL the same point with a washout the water source. Hook up the wind, Down-wind road right up TUPAPA INTAKE: This valve connected onto it. The new trunk pipeline onto the to the Turangi trunk pipeline should also be shifted back up smaller trunk pipeline is to ring main in the open area that connections at the back road the valley as far as possible, service consumers in the valley crosses the stream and install and main road ring mains. installation of storage tanks and who normally get affected two gate valves on either side of COST ESTIMATE: One million the whole works, extend access during severe drought periods. the ring main, and one valve on dollars road to new position, run a new We did experience a drought the trunk pipeline, controlling TURANGI INTAKE: This is our trunk pipeline and re-connect at that went on for nine months points for the inland ring main, other good intake that does give the gravel sand filter chamber. without rain. Takuvaine intake the main road ring main is good pressure, a lower height Shut off the valve feeding into can be fed into the areas from already done. This intake can be level compared to Avana intake the chamber unit, use the Papa Isaia’s shop in Tupapa sectorised to service the areas is the difference. I believe, if by-pass and again further down and to the High Com control from Totokoitu Station towards Avana and Turangi were to be the track, shut off the manual valves and going westward to the Up-wind and Down- wind tapped of it’s full potential, filtering unit, open the trunk the intersection crossings at road. the two intakes can supply all pipeline heading towards the Papa Teeu’s resident at the back COST ESTIMATE: Two million of Rarotonga. For years, we back road ring main and control road of Avatiu. Also the main dollars have fed Turangi all the way to gate valves. Not sure if this trunk road from Papa Isaia’s shop AVANA INTAKE: This is the the Weather Office at Nikao, pipeline extended to the main going westward pass the round- best intake that we have on main road areas without any road, because a “marae” stood about at Avatiu stopping at the the island. A Water gallery was problem. Again, I suggest that in the way. Whatever is the adjacent control valves at that constructed to the right hand Turangi be moved back up the case, Turangi sectorised zone point. side of the weir. Both water valley, storage tanks the pivot can be extended to Papa Isaia’s COST ESTIMATE : Two million sources do provide a 10 BAR point, to attain the 10 BAR mark, shop without a problem. Tupapa dollars water pressure at the main water pressure. The same set up intake will be fed through the AVATIU INTAKE : The same road, pressure check point. All outlined for Avana intake from back road ring main to the approach of elevating the intakes the steel trunk pipeline crossing the weir to the storage tanks High Com’s road. I think there to possible maximum height to the streams have been replaced to be used. Actually, this set are control valves installed at get the best water pressure out with new ones lately, the under- up will have to be applied to all that point. These valves can be of gravity feed is also required ground sections done in AC are the intakes selected. Run a new confirmed on the Water Works for Avatiu. As mentioned earlier, okay. To me, the only work to trunk pipeline from the storage reticulation network mapping, regarding drought spells that be done on this intake, are to tanks in the center of the access for all of these documents are we get now and then, we did install the double tank system, road right through to the back written just off my head. N.B.- built a temporary dam across sedimentation process to occur, road ring main and install two because Turangi intake may the stream with mount dirt doing away with dirty water gate valves either side of the be used in Tupapa’s sectorised opposite the top end chamber during flooding. Which means, ring main and the third gate area, the 80mm sub- mains may of the water gallery and piped the same old weir water system valve on the trunk pipe line as have to be manupilated to stop the water through the gallery which was solidly built, has to control points. Turangi can be any pressure differences. system. High grounds in Nikao be redesigned down-stream sectorised where Avana ends COST ESTIMATE : One million received good water pressure of the weir to catch water into and continue through Turangi, dollars for the first time until we went a trough with chicken wire Matavera, to Arai-te-tonga cut TAKUVAINE INTAKE: It back to the lower level intake PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 1 7 Te Mato Vai: Other, cheaper options should be considered when it rained. Just to elaborate the advantage of shifting the intakes to higher levels. By the way, Takuvaine and Avatiu water galleries that were constructed at huge costs, failed to work, and it never did. The same routine as in Takuvaine, do the same for Avatiu. A 200mm and 150mm trunk pipelines to be installed similar to the layout proposed for Takuvaine. Re- connect the 200mm trunkline just before passing the Power Station. Run the 150mm trunk pipeline to the first bridge as you go into Avatiu valley. Avatiu intake can be directed through Avatiu towards Nikao Arametua ending at T. Solomon’s shop at the Black Rock. Also supplying Avatiu heading towards the main road at the Avatiu round-about veering off westward main road to Nikao by the sea ending at the Weather Office. COST ESTIMATE: Two million dollars. SUMMARY OF COST ESTIMATES PRODUCED: • Muriavai Intake and Akaoa Reservoir $2 million • Rutaki Intake Nil • Ngatoe and Papua Intakes $ 2 million • Taipara Intake $ 1 million • Totokoitu Intake $ 2 million • Avana Intake $ 1 million • Turangi Intake $ 1.5 million • Matavera Intake Nil • Tupapa Intake $ 1 million • Takuvaine Intake $ 2 million • Avatiu Intake $ 2 million SUB- TOTAL------$ 14.5 MILLION CONGINGENCIES------$ 5.5 MILLION GRAND TOTAL------$ 20 MILLION ( NB - My draft estimates can be brought to exactness by bringing on board a proper Water Engineer and a proper Quantity Surveyor to design, draw out the blue print for all works to be done, only then proper costing can be done. THIS IS THE PROPER WAYOF DOING THINGS OF THIS MAGNITUDE. We are doing it the wrong way and we will be taken to the cleaners and will be heavily ripped off. ) BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT OUR RAROTONGA WATER SUPPLY Enua Bishop Over the years we have managed to maintain, upgrade, and these so called experts, I’ll say NO! develop our water resources plus our current existing reticulation REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER AND TEMPORARILY water network to a very robust conditions today. Ninety-nine PUT ON HOLD ITS DECISION TO BULLDOZE THE MATO VAI PROJECT percent of leakages eliminated, except leaking taps, drip irrigation, THROUGH WITHOUT LOOKING AT OTHER SOUND OPTIONS. running garden hoses, or abusive use of water that can be easily • Although public consultations are held round the island, remedied with new water policies put in place. it’s just pastry dressing. China has loaned us $23 million, they are We knew that the final job to be tackled are the WATER SOURCES. arriving in February with 38 labourers to take $23.5 million back Way back, it was thought that when or where the possibilities of to China. Now, what about the company assigned to be in-charge developing an intake in any of the villages are identified, priority of the project, 1, 2, 5, $ million for their services, your guess is was given to go ahead with the project. So that the whole of the as good as mine. All I know is there are going to be many happy island community can share the benefits, a consent of mutual people laughing all the way to the bank on our unfortunate behalf agreement in the society to tap into the water sources on their because we lack drive and self determination to do it by ourselves. lands free of charge were achieved without a fuss. This is the main Our Civil Engineer graduates, proof your worth for your country. reason why people are against water tariffs. Anyhow, people have • There is absolutely no need for a new ring main to be always paid for the water they are getting now for years through put in. Whoever recommended this is totally wrong. The Water indirect taxes, that government is able to allocate at present about System we have is designed on sectorising. The existing ring mains $750,000 per annum to run and maintain the Water Division. we have in place will last many decades to come. Water usage has always been used for all general purposes, human • There must be no expensive water treatment plants and survival, hotels, factories and all sorts of water consumption, chlorination of water be allowed to be constructed, too expensive especially the survival of our agriculture industry that is totally to maintain and run. Ultra-violet purification filters are the answer, dependent on water. All water demand is piped through the same to be installed in the homes, owners contribute towards the cost reticulation pipe system for everyone to use. Imagine an expensive to make them responsible for it. treated water with chlorine send down the pipeline to water the • No water tariffs, maybe the Golden Goose at the airport cabbage, tomatoes, pig pen, clean the car, it is beyond foolishness. ( departure tax ) can lay an extra million to service the loans, but We have always had potable water for donkey years except at according to my proposal, loans should be cancelled and allow our times of flooding. Really, are we getting our monies worth from government to proudly finance our water projects. Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 18 20th New Zealand Scout Jamboree 2013 - 2014 Fielding 28th December 2013 to 7th January 2014 he Cook Islands Boys Scout attended the 20th TNew Zealand Jamboree 2013 - 2014 this was held in Fielding New Zealand. We had 26 members, 9 from Mauke, 15 from the St Joseph Scout Troop and 2 from the CIs Boy Scout Association. The Group left on Christmas eve arrived in Auckland Christmas day just in time for the Boxing Day Special, for the boys to buy last minute stuff for the Jamboree. We drove down to Fielding by Bus which was a 7 hour drive, got to the camp site, the team had to off load the bus and put up the tents and help set up the camp site. The boys enjoyed the activities which ranged from Shooting, building rafts, ab- sailing, riding motorbike, going through army training courses and much more. There were evening shows for the scouts even had a new years eve party with it ending the night with Fire works. This Jamboree was an eye opener for the our scouts from the Cook Islands to see alot of scouts from different countries coming into one place to enjoy the activities, making new friends and being independent, not depending on other people, this was awesome to see the scouts taking and following the theme that was set for the jamboree which is “Empowering”. Now the boys are already planning for the next Jamboree which will be held in Christchurch 2016. If you wish for your son to join the Scouts please contact the following people: ST Joseph Scout Troop John Paul Wilson - 54267 Ben Maxwell - 71704 Matavera Scout Troop Tuakana Makara - 21692 PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 RELIGIOUS VIEWS 19 Let us ﬁx our eyes on Jesus part 2 By Senior Pastor John Tangi In Part 1 of this theme I stated that the path-way we’re going through this year 2014 is very exciting and challenging. The main scripture reading is in Hebrews 12v.2 (GN) which reads “Let us keep 2v.9). Ephesians 2v.4-6 reads our eyes fixed on Jesus, on “But God, who is rich in mercy, whom our faith depends from because of His great love with beginning to end. He did not which He loved us, even when give up because of the cross! we were dead in trespasses, On the contrary, because of made us alive together with the joy that was waiting for Christ (by grace you have him, he thought nothing of been saved) and raised us the disgrace of dying on the up together, and made us cross, and he is now seated at sit together in the heavenly the right-hand side of God’s places in Christ Jesus,” These throne.” There are 3 important are wonderful verses saying issues from this verse. that by grace we have been I Our Focus v.2(a) reads “Let saved, raised, and even seated us keep our eyes fix on Jesus, with Christ in heaven. Because on whom our faith depends we are joined with Him by from beginning to end”. No faith, where Christ is right one knows what lies ahead now, we are there with Him. for any of us. We all have We have a share in the victory our plans and dreams but we He won through His death believe God is in-charge of and resurrection. This truth, our future. wonderful as it is, is hard II. Our Example v.2(b) “…He to comprehend, especially did not give up because of the when most of us are dragging cross! On the contrary, because through the mud of daily of the joy that was waiting for lives. We do not “feel” seated him, he thought nothing of in the heavenly places. But the disgrace of dying on the from God’s point of view, the cross, ...” In this portion of battle is over and the victory the scripture is the principle is already ours. And someday of delayed gratification when we see Christ, all that is (enjoyment; pleasure; delight). His will become ours because For example giving up the good we are “joint-heirs” with Jesus. to obtain the best. Students Our great hope in the race set give up social life to study. before us is that one day soon There is sacrifice involved - we will cross the finish line we need to help us along the very important. Start with one is forfeited that a higher and will be seated with our way. Don’t be distracted by Jesus, not your problems. 3) one might be achieved. There Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. the things of the world. 2) When you feel like giving up, is pain involved, but it is pain In Hebrews12v.1 it reads When hard times come, don’t remember that in God’s eyes endured for the sake of the joy “Therefore, since we are start with our problems. Start you are already a winner. that comes when the goal is surrounded by such a huge with Jesus and then go back Remember who you are and reached. No pain, no gain. No crowd of witnesses to the life to our problems. Review who you belong to. God has suffering, no glory. No cross, of faith, let us strip off every what you know about our not given us a spirit of fear no crown. No tears, no joy. weight that slows us down, Lord—His mercy, His grace, but of love and power and a III. Our Hope v.2(c) “…and he especially the sin that so His kindness, His power, and sound mind (II Timothy 1v.7). is now seated at the right-hand easily hinders our progress. so on. Once you have laid the Let that truth of God give you side of God’s throne.” It means And let us run with endurance foundation from the Word of strength when you feel like that the work of redemption is (patience) the race that God God, then you can find your you cannot go on. In Christ now complete. He must have has set before us.” Three way back to your problems. there is strength, lean on the preeminence (dominance) simple thoughts come to That doesn’t mean you will Him. Trust in the Lord Jesus in our lives because God has mind: 1) The only way to win understand all that happens Christ. given Him a name that is the race is to keep our eyes to you but it does mean May you have a God blessed above every name (Philippians on Jesus. We have everything that your starting point is week, te Atua te aroa. Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 NEWS 20 Government under pressure, desperate for a diversionary tactic By Charles Pitt issue is the objection to paying any endorsement of the master plan amendment to the Constitution t a media briefing following back tax. and the estimated costs. That is and government does not have a Cabinet last Tuesday, ©MFEM’s selective use how the democratic process is two thirds majority. Government APrime Minister, Hon Henry of information to distort the supposed to work. There has not had such a majority following Puna revealed that when the NZ contribution made by Grey Power been adequate consideration the 2010 election but through a Foreign Minister Murray McCully members to the local economy. of other options. Because due series of blunders this has eroded. arrives for the Donor Round Neves had earlier issued a process has not been followed, Another major blunder was to Table meetings commencing on statement on the importance of the public itself may move to listen to the advice of an ex-pat. 10 February 2014, he intends to paying taxes but failed to point cancel the whole project and seek After winning the election in discuss with McCully three topics; out that the amount of taxes that a more cost effective solution. The 2010 with a healthy majority, the -Membership of the United would have been collected by whole matter may become an CIP considered building further Nations, taxing the NZ pension, is dwarfed election issue. on that popularity and holding -citizenship, and, by the actual amount Grey Power (d)The fluctuating costs, a snap election after two years. -the NZ pension. members are pumping into the suspicions and dissention Winning the snap election would The PM did not elaborate as to local economy and have been associated with the water project give the CIP a further four years why these three topics in particular pumping into the local economy has become so unsettling, the in power and a total of 6 years in warrant discussion however, for the last 17 or so years. Grey Demo Party are indicating that all to implement major policies. members of the Democratic Party Power members bring in nearly should they become government, However, the Herald was told shadow Cabinet say that all three $6 million to this country and they they may delay the project until last year that Finance Secretary topics are linked to the issue of spend that money here. Earlier the issue of costs is resolved to Neves advised against this for “independence.” governments had the brains to the public’s satisfaction. As the some reason connected with The Demos suspect the PM realize this and the no tax policy NZ and Chinese contributions are the budget process. Now the CIP will raise these issues possibly of earlier governments was to fixed, any cost overruns must be face the prospect of being ousted as a diversion to deflect the attract these Cook Islanders borne by Cook Islanders through before its major polices such as in severe public criticism over the home so they would spend their user pays. With depopulation and the renewable energy area, have a way government is handling pension here. Those on the local a shrinking tax base, user pays fees chance to come to fruition. the economy and infrastructure pension are saying they worked will only increase. A referendum on political development process. here and paid taxes so those on (e)The Murienua by-election reform is a possibility but outer Government is unpopular at the NZ pension should pay taxes default and re-run will cost the tax island MPs should remember present over; because they did not work here payer $60,000. they hold the majority of seats in (a) the increase of VAT from and contribute to local education (g)Dissention within the CIP parliament and can out vote the 12.5% to 15%. The impact on the and health services. From an ranks over government’s failure Rarotonga based MPs who get any outer islands, pensioners and low economic point of view, this to adhere to the CIP constitution “funny” ideas. The last PM is an income earners has not been argument is invalid. Those on the and long held policies, failure to outer islander; Marurai (Mangaia), properly assessed according to local pension do not pay any tax hold a national conference, failure current PM Puna represents some commentators. It is likely the on their pension so why should to seek conference endorsement Manihiki. Opposition Leader Demo Party will revert the VAT to those on the NZ pension pay tax? for major new policies as in Rasmussen represents Penrhyn. 12.5% if it becomes government. Since the 1950s, those on the NZ the tax area, failure to control For Rarotonga based MPs to use (b)The potentially illegal pension worked in NZ and through the actions of public servants, the old argument about the zero extraction of monies from NZAid some of their taxes came failure to properly scrutinize and economic return from the outer pensioner’s bank accounts by to the Cook Islands to assist with question Cabinet submissions islands as justification for reform of MFEM has put Cabinet under development of the education and and the perceived abdication MP numbers is a sad reflection of pressure from Grey Power. Some health services. The failure on the of responsibility and authority the failure of the Rarotonga based prominent local lawyers are of part of government to publically portraying Cabinet as weak, government to generate economic the opinion that no authority acknowledge the contribution ineffective, without authority and development in the outer islands, exists in law to extract monies by Grey Power members to the lacking leadership. Some long create new industries, create from bank accounts without wider community, is only fueling standing CIP supporters have now jobs, improve transportation and a High Court order. For MFEM dissention and dividing the withdrawn their support of the prevent depopulation. We now to suggest pensioners take the community at a time when the Party. know that the landed value of the Tax Collector to Court over the community needs to be united. Leader of the Opposition Wilkie Albacore tuna caught in northern issue is an inappropriate use How the Minister of Finance and Rasmussen told the Herald NZ’s waters was $64.7 million in 2012 of tax payer funds when the indeed the Cabinet can sit by and McCully will wheel out the same yet not a cent of that money came solution is clear. Go to the High allow MFEM to manipulate the comments made to the Demo back to the nation or northern Court and get an order. Unable information to suit its aims, is government when it was in group islands in particular to assist to withstand sustained pressure disgraceful and most unbecoming power. That is, if the Cook Islands development. from Grey Power, government of the country’s prime authority want to go down the road of UN The PM would do better to ask has agreed monies taken from and decision makers. membership, it will need to go McCully for some tips as to how bank accounts will be reimbursed (d)Government agreed to independent and have its own to get government out of the but on condition pensioners funding from China and NZ for passport. predicament it is in. Better still, firstly agree to pay two years the water project before the draft Another diversionary tactic perhaps McCully could discuss back tax. This is tantamount to master plan was issued with the Rasmussen believes government these matters directly with MFEM emotional blackmail considering estimated costs. No agreement will float is that of political reform since MFEM now appears to the extraction of monies may have should have been entered into in the outer islands. fulfilling the role once played by been illegal and Grey Power ‘s key until after public consultation and Any reform would require an Cabinet. PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 CHOOKS 21

Why COCONUT ROUNDTABLE FAT CATS do they all have Maybe to go? Rumour Why? it smells Number diﬀerent! 2, Cabinet is all set for its has it, Government has been How is their waste diﬀerent trip to Tahiti! invited to Tahiti to see its waste to ours? management facilities close up! All of Cabinet is going!

Mozzie

Crow about impersonators and look alikes. An observant tourist on the bus was surprised to see a look alike of the Muslim Egyptian Brotherhood leader Mohammad Morsi. (Had Mosi sought asylum in the Cook Islands?) After pointing out the bearded gentleman and making the comment, one of Cooks Buses regular free travelers, an elderly local hen, takes a look out the window suggested she go outside by his vehicle a solitary Cabinet Minister. Mark Brown LA flights! Since these flights began and yells out that’s Tim Tepaki! The to hear his presentation. Refusing to do prised himself from a commitment our government has shoved nearly tens driver said it’s moments like this that so she asks him what was he going to and when he arrived there were no of millions of dolleros down Air NZ’s relieve the monotony of going in circles do for her? Koata’s answer was, “You empty pews for him to perch so he pockets! No wonder Air NZ loves the all day. vote for me and when I get in I’ll show went unnoticed then flew off after text Cooks! you what I can do.” A pretty persuasive messages of where are you, were waiting Talking about Tepaki, political answer but not convincing enough for for you to make your speech. Expect attacks and robberies on observers are worried for the PM. a hen who is highly educated and had tourists to increase chooks. Big Red has Last time Tim bombarded the daily worked professionally in Australia for The time has come for the Lord High said before that when unemployment with letters of support for a politician, many years unbeknown to the wanna Mandarins in the Palace to wake up and is high, cash flow non-existent, when namely the Bishop, we all know what be politician. come to their senses! This preoccupation there’s no trickle down of money from happened. with propping up big business financially the tourism sector to the little people, The other morning during a has to stop! First there was Cola then petty crime will increase and some Good to see our own people’s bank passionate radio talk back show, the something then Toa something now desperate people will target tourists the BCI do the right thing by extending Demo candidate for Murienua James Air NZ gets to have 2 flights out of for ready cash. Government has sat their go green promotion of renewable Beer challenged the PM Puna to a LA with the Cooks subsidizing one of on its hands and done little to ensure energy beyond an expat solar installer live debate on radio or TV. It was a them! And the Air NZ executives did not the benefits of the tourism sector are who isn’t even a qualified or locally great presentation spoilt by the host even use hypnosis! Air NZ would not fairly and equitably distributed through registered electrician. It all helps locals Wee Willie Framhien who obviously loves schedule an LA to Raro flight because society from the top to the little people stay put instead of applying their skills the sound of his own voice. An answer they said it was unprofitable for the at the bottom. A fairer distribution of and qualifications in the Australian was received within hours, a message company. But hang on, we could pay wealth should come in the form of mining industry. came from Elvis Puna’s office accepting for the flight if we wanted it! Samoa raising the minimum wage, limiting the a challenge but all exchanges must be and Tonga were not sleep walking and inflow of foreign workers and ensuring Murienua’s CIP candidate Koata was in the singing format. rejected any suggestion they subsidize hotel owners declare all their earnings doing the rounds campaigning and came such a flight. Instead of trying to and remit overseas held funds back to across a hen pottering around inside Noticeably absent from CIP trooper squeeze tax out of the vulnerable, frail, the Cook Islands or pay tax on these her house but instead of going in he Papa Kura’s church funeral service was old folk, stop spending money on these funds. 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 05 February 2014 NEWS 22 GOPAC OCEANIA Regional Workshop 5-6 February 2014, Edgewater Resort, Rarotonga Keynote Address by Prime Minister Hon. Henry Puna ia Orana Ministers and Members Kof Government Opposition Madam Speaker and Parliamentary Staff House of Ariki and Koutu Nui Secretariat of the PLPG Chair of the RAC Special Kia Orana to our visiting delegates John Hyde, Chair of GOPAC Parliamentarians from around the Region Public Accounts Officials Ladies and Gentlemen and strengthening of public degradation, and our capacity to administered by our long-serving Welcome to the Cook Islands. accountability and oversight grow narrow-based economies. former Director of Audit. And Any opportunity to work closely – both at the national level The constraints and both the Audit Office and the with Parliamentarians and and in the building of regional vulnerabilities we endure Public Expenditure Review colleagues from around the and international cooperative are compounded by the Committee continue to provide Region is always a welcome one networks and frameworks to fight pervasiveness of corruption robust oversight on behalf of and we are delighted to host corruption and other criminal because of the way these taxpayers. you all here in Rarotonga this activity. practises present obstacles to The national strengthening week on the occasion of this In previous years, the Cook our growth and well-being. that has been steadily taking gathering of GOPAC Oceania – the Islands, like many Pacific States, Corruption erodes the integrity place in our respective countries Regional Chapter of the Global was a participant in the processes of the governance systems we now stands to benefit from a Organisation of Parliamentarians for, and a willing contributor uphold and the goals to which we more concerted push among Against Corruption. to the 2003 Asia Pacific Anti aspire as a nation. the GOPAC Oceania alliance. The Cook Islands is the right Corruption Action Plan Initiative. Recognition of the gaps and The establishment of National place to host this meeting as I In the Post-9 Eleven World, the weaknesses is an essential Chapters throughout the Pacific believe this country is a leader in global efforts to close the gaps step, especially as the culture is a positive move forward, and the Region for transparency and and vulnerabilities within offshore of corruption can run deep the formalisation of the Regional accountability. finance jurisdictions were closely below the surface of visibility. Chapter would be a valued boost There is also some irony inter-connected with Regional What passes for acceptable, to the broader cooperative involved as two important cooperation arrangements to conventional behaviour to some, efforts. meetings are taking place fight corruption, particularly in could in fact be corrupt or be Strengthening parliamentarians simultaneously – the Cook Islands areas of public accountability and corruptive to the workplace, the with the knowledge and capacity Tourism Forum and the GOPAC transparency. home, and the community. We to uphold the UNCAC, and its Oceania Regional Workshop. Widespread financial reforms must recognise corruption for provisions is fully appreciated, The Tourism meeting is taking were undertaken in the Cook what it is. as is the opportunity to forge a place in a church hall while this Islands over several years to As parliamentarians, our strategic plan of action. So in one is being held in one of our bolster compliance, oversight, communities look to us for the keeping with my theme today of top resorts. So as someone has and accountability – resulting in initiative and leadership in taking adopting Three Rs, I would like remarked to me this morning, new legislation and institutional responsibility to tackle corruption to conclude by mentioning that perhaps this one, which is talking strengthening through agencies – effectively and in a timely Recognition of corruption and about morals and principles like the Financial Supervisory manner. the Responsibility to take action should be taking place in a church Commission and Financial The organisational structures against it must be upheld by our hall and the Tourism one should Intelligence Unit. and regulatory frameworks Resolve to work collectively and be held at the resort! While it is important for the are key factors in equipping cooperatively for better practises. This is a welcome occasion Cook Islands to demonstrate parliamentarians with the The Cook Islands will do what because of its comprehensive such commitment, including the necessary tools. In the Cook it can to provide the necessary approach to instil greater levels of eventual ratification of UNCAC Islands these arrangements support and motivation to appreciation and understanding in 2011, it remains vital that have been strengthened by build stronger coalitions against about the institutionalised we, as a community, maintain the formation of a national corruption. The objectives for oversight of corrupt practises, recognition and a responsibility Anti-Corruption Committee, this gathering are therefore as well as advance the structural to combat corruptive practises represented by several highly regarded as an important organisation of Oceania, and and influences in our society. agencies and departments, way forward, and I wish us all alliance of National Chapters. Our communities, small that including, Crown Law Office, the sincerest encouragement in Acceding to the United Nations they are and highly remote, Police, and the Ombudsman’s working together over the next Convention Against Corruption are changing rapidly evolving Office. couple of days for the betterment just over two years ago, the Cook under the pressures of modern Parliament also accommodates of our Region, and our respective Islands Government is firmly consumption patterns and the newly-established people. committed to the development population trends, environmental Public Accounts Committee, Kia Manuia PB

Cook islands Herald 05 February 2014 CLASSIFIEDS 23 PUBLIC NOTICE TENDER

ENVIRONMENT SERVICE PUBLIC NOTICE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINSTER Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports SUPPLY OF WATER TANKS AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE ISLANDS OF AITUTAKI, ATIU AND PALMERSTON Government Departments, Agencies and the CONTRACT NO.SRIC-CC C01/13 General Public are hereby advised that the Environment Service has received the following Strengthening the Resilience of our Islands and our application for a Project Permit as required under Communities to Climate Change (SRIC - CC) Section 36 of the Environment Act 2003. The Office of the Prime Minister throughthe Climate Change Application: Coordination Unit wishes to seek tender proposals from Suppliers for the Supply of Water Tanks and Construction Materials for the 1. TE MATO VAI PROJECT Islands ofAitutaki,Atiu and Palmerston. Project: Phase.1 – The Proposed Ring Water Tender documents including specifications can be collected during Reticulation Upgrade (Ara Tapu and Ara Metua) work hours from the Office of the Prime Minister in Parekura. for Rarotonga. Tenders close 12.00pm 7thFebruary 2014 and must be submitted Land: Te-Au-o-Tonga District, Puaikura District, to the Office of the Prime Minister in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Supply of Water Tanks and Construction Materials for Takitumu District. the Islands ofAitutaki, Atiu and Palmerston Contract No. SRIC-CC C01/13”and addressed to: In accordance with subsection 5 a) and c) of Section 36 of the Environment Act 2003, any person, Chief of Staff Office of the Prime Minister Government Agencies or Organisation who wish Private Bag to make a written submission for or against the Avarua granting of a Project Permit by the Environment Rarotonga Service for this applications, may do so within 30 A non-refundable payment of $150 will be required for a copy days commencing on the 30th day of January of the Tender Document 2014. Written submissions may be in Cook Islands Maori or English be submitted to the National All enquiries to Daryl Rairi, SRIC-CC Technical Assistant, Telephone Environment Service no later than the 28th day of 55-064, or email: [email protected] February 2014.

EIA Reports for the above applications may be viewed at the following venues or on NES Website: www.environment.gov.ck NES Office Takuvaine, National Library Maraerenga, Super Browns Kiikii Matavera Traders Matavera Muri 6-11 Shop Muri Akapuao Store Akapuao Wigmores Vaimaanga Kavera Shop Kavera, Rite Price Shop Akaoa Oasis Nikao Turamatuitui Shop Tereora Tauae Shop Takuvaine Director Environment Service DEMOCRATIC PARTY IT’S TIME FOR A REAL CHANGE TAX POLICY 1. A High Court order will be required by Government to withdraw funds from individuals Bank accounts. 2. No person with outstanding tax will be prevented from leaving the country without Government requiring a High Court order. 3. No NZ pension back tax. 4. All Internal Affairs pensioner benefits will be exempt from tax. 5. All persons or businesses with outstanding taxes will be renegotiated with the intent of an amnesty on the penalties and interest with a fixed time frame for payment. Special conditions apply. 6. No DEMO Support for a 15% VAT. 7. Excluding Rarotonga and Aitutaki all other Islands will be exempt from income tax. 8. Secondary income will be exempt from tax. For a New Beginning of Change OTE James Beer for Murienua