Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003

Reviews of American Sämoa, French Police Commissioner Tepure Tapaitau Polynesia, Niue, Tokelau, Tonga, and in July 2002. Only seven votes sepa- Tuvalu are not included in this issue. rated the two as Rasmussen won with a total of 112 votes (CIN, 2 Jul 2002, 1). The period ended with the unex- The period under review was charac- pected death of Maria Heather, mem- terized by a worrying decline in popu- ber of Parliament for , who died lation, regression in the ordinary suddenly in June 2003 after a short Cook Islander’s purchasing power, illness. This created the need for a lack of confidence in members of by-election only months before an Parliament and cabinet, continued expected general election. In between public pressure for political reform, the two by-elections, the controversy and a general deterioration in work over cabinet size and membership and leadership ethics. Land contro- persisted. By July 2002, government versies and government-created jobs was pushing for an extra minister for engrossed the attention of leaders, a cabinet, increasing the numbers to few of whom tended to abuse their seven (CIN, 13 Jul 2002, 1). Although status in order to advance family the government remained undeterred interests. Ironically, while foreign by the NZ$158,000 estimated cost for workers entered the country to take this move, there was resistance from up promised employment, the local the general public (CIN, 30 Oct population declined, primarily due 2002, 1). to lack of employment. Even as many While Prime Minister Woonton locals expressed deep concern at the was heavily criticized for taking his sudden surge of new immigrants, spouse on long, expensive, overseas especially from Asia (Thailand, Philip- trips (CIN, 26 Jul 2002, 1), members pines, India, and Pakistan, in particu- of Parliament in general were accused lar), Prime Minister Dr Robert Woon- of “not giving their constituencies ton declared that locals must be able value for money” and were occasion- to adapt to change. He argued that ally pressured to vacate (CIN, 26 Oct “new immigrants are a natural out- 2002, 1). Constant cabinet reshuffles growth of a developing nation” and rumors of reshuffles added fuel to (informal statement to students from the fire. In November 2002 Cabinet Brigham Young University, Hawai‘i, Minister was sacked visiting Rarotonga, June 2003). —again (CIN, 8 Nov 2002, 1). Soon The review period began with for- after, rumors emerged of a new coali- mer Cook Islands High Commissioner tion government, the sixth since the to New Zealand 1999 general election (CIN, 12 Nov winning a by-election in 2002, 1). Within a month, the port- against standing member and former folios were reshuffled again (CIN, 22

146 political reviews • polynesia 147

Nov 2002, 1). Then three months most Cook Islanders. They made later, at the end of January 2003, several amendments (concerning and appropriations, the constitution, were sworn in as new government value-added tax, income tax, indus- ministers, while Sir trial labor, criminal procedure, inter- and were sacked by national companies, and crimes) as Prime Minister Woonton (CIN, 31 well as new laws (concerning the Jan 2003, 1). Mäori language, a UN Security Coun- An increasingly vocal group of cil resolution, banking, extradition, citizens for political change—known mutual assistance in criminal matters, as the gpc—gained momentum as a financial transaction reporting, the result of constant government changes Financial Supervisory Commission, and perceived inefficiency. They called and the proceeds of crimes). While for an early election (CIN, 10 Dec much of the political focus was on 2002, 1), and pushed for political the cabinet, a number of other inter- reform on behalf of many concerned esting, politically charged incidents citizens (CIN, 12 Nov 2002, 1). Some occurred. Tahitian fisherman Raioaoa 2,000 people signed a petition calling Tauae drifted in his boat for over five for change (CIN, 29 Mar 2003, 1), months and ended up on the island including the abolishment of the over- of on 10 July 2002. His seas seat in Parliament. However, it harrowing experience at sea received was generally understood that this much attention, including from French would reduce the total seats to an Polynesia President Gaston Flosse and even twenty-four, increasing the pos- his opponent, Oscar Temaru, leader sibility of a hung parliament. Subse- of the pro-independence Tavini Hui- quently, there was also pressure to raatira party. Back in Tahiti, questions eliminate the constituency of arose regarding why information in Mangaia Island, which has the about Tauae’s disappearance had not smallest population of any constit- been relayed to neighboring countries. uency in the country. He had been spotted by Cook Islands By June 2003, only the overseas pilots over several days and could seat had been abolished, with advo- have been rescued earlier (CIN, 18 cates arguing that those who leave Jul 2002, 1). the Cook Islands no longer pay taxes. During the year, , The legitimate argument that Cook a successful Rarotonga businessman, Islanders overseas contribute far more launched the Cook Islands National to the Cook Islands than the cost of party and appointed himself as its maintaining the seat was lost in the leader (CIN, 24 Mar 2003, 1). Heather general furor over a variety of mp hoped that his new third party, mod- actions that have been perceived eled after a major party of the same negatively by most Cook Islands name in New Zealand, could topple voters (CIN, 15 Nov 2002, 1). many old-time members of the Cook Members of Parliament completed Islands party and the Democratic much of their work in irregular ses- party. The National party’s first test sions that often went unnoticed by will be the 2004 elections. 148 the contemporary pacific • spring 2004

In January 2003, Cook Islands Covington group and the New Prime Minister Dr Woonton warned Zealand–based Cook Islands devel- the country of the need to be prepared oper Tim Tepaki ran into difficulties for the adverse effects of any outbreak (CIN, 11 Jun 2002, 1). In June 2002, of war between the United States– Deputy Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey A United Kingdom and Iraq (CIN, 31 Henry suggested that the Tepaki deal Jan 2003, 5). The greatest concern was better than the one proposed by for government and private sectors the Covington group (CIN, 12 Jun was that the war would lead to a 2002, 1). But succeeding deputy prime major reduction in tourists to the ministers were not so convinced, and Cook Islands. However, tourist num- a lease was approved in favor of the bers were affected only slightly. A Covington group (CIN, 15 Jun 2002, total of 72,781 visitors were recorded 1). Meanwhile, a massive debt associ- in 2002, slightly lower than the 2001 ated with the original project is still total of 74,575. Although US and owed to the Italian government. The UK visitors dropped by 14 percent Cook Islands government’s hopes that compared to the previous year, overall the debt could be settled with as little European visitors still topped 19,600. as NZ$25 million up front appear to The largest number of visitors to the have been dashed. Cook Islands came from New Zea- A major project to develop a land, with a 34 percent share, or marina business complex including 24,932 people (CIN, 11 Feb 2003, 1). tourist accommodation at Avana on The steady tourism figures enticed the eastern side of Rarotonga contin- Royal Tonga Airlines to express ued to be promoted by some politi- interest in becoming a carrier into cians and private-sector developers, the Cook Islands with possible flights although it had already been rejected from Auckland to Rarotonga (CIN, by the Environment Council and the 26 Jun 2003, 1). landowners. Factors of concern Interest in the failed five-star Vai- included impact on the community, ma‘anga Hotel (formerly the Sheraton the construction of septic tanks on Hotel project) continued as tourism the foreshore and artificial islets, and operators realized that the mainte- the deepening of the lagoon. Land- nance of a reliable air carrier service owners were strongly opposed to the was tied directly to hotel accommo- project (CIN, 13 Jun 2002, 1). Local dation. Evan Smith, president of the traditional leader Manavaroa Mata- Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, iapo George Nicholas expressed trepi- and Don Beer, Jr, chair of the Tourism dation at the general impact of tour- Board, both pointed out that complet- ism development on traditional fishing ing the Vaima‘anga Hotel was a prior- rights, and on fish, shellfish, and ity in developing the country’s econ- bêche-de-mer (pers comm, 18 Jun omy as well as in attracting foreign 2003). The controversy highlighted investment. Beer commented that the underlying concerns about the rapid Cook Islands “need it to give comfort pace of development and its implica- to the airline industry” (CIN, 14 Jun tions for a balanced approach to envi- 2002, 1). However, efforts to restart ronmental management. Many Cook the infamous project by both the Islanders even opposed an environ- political reviews • polynesia 149 ment bill, citing conflict with basic the need to beautify church grounds. land rights, traditional practices, and At the time of this writing, the matter fundamental human rights protected remained unsettled. by the Cook Islands Constitution Agriculture officials have noted (CIN, 11 Jun 2002, 5). some evidence on Rarotonga of the Land and property problems are presence of the rhinoceros beetle, also linked directly to the push for which has caused disastrous damage development. According to a local to coconut trees in some neighboring resident, information published in the island groups (CIN, 19 Dec 2002, 1). classified section of the Cook Islands While the threat looms over coconut News indicated that large areas of trees, agriculture production contin- land on Rarotonga have been sub- ues to focus on juice from the nono jected to mortgage sales by commer- or noni, a type of tree (Morinda citri- cial banks. The resident also suggested folia, designated for the world mar- that commercial banks had been put- ket); papaya (usually exported to New ting undue pressure on local borrow- Zealand); maire or maile, a scented ers, perhaps in an effort to alienate fern (Alyxia olivaeformis, for the land (CIN, 1 Jun 2002, 4). As the gap Hawai‘i market); and other vegetable between the rich and the poor in the or root crops for the local market. Cook Islands rapidly widens, exces- The fishing industry continued to sive charges for access to land records grow with the latest addition of a at the Justice Department (a fee of long-liner, Mahr-Leena (CIN, 10 Jun one dollar a page for each photocopy 2002, 1). Most fish were exported to requested), bureaucratic demarcation either American Sämoa or Japan. of required papers, and the pressure New Zealand fishing giant Sealords to hire lawyers for even simple land explored the possibility of setting up cases all contribute to a system that business in the Cook Islands, “work- favors the wealthy. ing in alliance with the local fishing Underlying conflicts have also industry by purchasing excess and developed between some church lead- sourcing markets” (CIN, 22 Jun ers and landowners. The new pastor 2002, 1). The government eventually of the Avarua Cook Islands Christian approved licenses for two Sealords Church, the first Christian church purse seiners to operate in Cook built in Rarotonga after Christianity Islands waters (CIN, 30 Nov 2002, 1). was introduced on the island in 1823, The country’s huge exclusive eco- continued a policy of using a bull- nomic zone continued to attract both dozer to knock down old gravestones. legal and illegal operators. During Enraged landowners and descendants 2002–2003 Taiwanese fishing vessel of those buried in the graves expressed Shang Yih #6 was caught fishing ille- anger at the action. One landowner gally in Cook Islands waters. The took the pastor and other deacons to owners eventually pleaded guilty to court—the first such action in the the charges (CIN, 7 Jan 2003, 1; nation’s history (CIN, 15 Nov 2002, 22 Jan 2003, 1). 1; 16 Nov 2002, 1; 11 Jan 2003, 1; Pearl farming continued to be the 13 Jan 2003, 4). Unapologetic, the country’s second largest income-earner pastor has claimed legal rights and after tourism, although undercutting 150 the contemporary pacific • spring 2004 of prices by producers in Tahiti caused 14 Mar 2003, 1). Prime Minister Dr some problems for Cook Islands farm- Woonton also signed a historic agree- ers. The introduction of a value-added ment with European Union allowing tax was perceived by farmers as a the Cook Islands “to access millions negative influence on the industry of dollars over the next 20 years” because it discouraged technicians (CIN, 23 Apr 2003, 1). from returning to the Cook Islands It remains to be seen whether these (CIN, 18 Jul 2002, 1). A few farmers new dollars will create new job oppor- continued to be involved in setting up tunities. During 2002–2003, poor job farms in other parts of the Pacific. opportunities in the Cook Islands con- New pearl-marketing operators set tinued to push young Cook Islanders up shop in Rarotonga as pearls out of the country (CIN, 8 Jun 2002, continued to attract tourists. 6). The high cost of living was also a As of 30 June 2002, Cook Islands great disincentive to remaining in the government debt was estimated to islands. Prices continued to soar with be NZ$126.9 million (CIN, 16 Aug evidences of over-price profiteering by 2002, 1). The 2002–2003 budgetary some businesses (CIN, 7 Jun 2002, 4). appropriation included NZ$1,379,000 Crime in the Cook Islands has been for the Ministry of Agriculture, very mild compared to other coun- NZ$400,000 for Environment Pro- tries. However, the 2002–2003 year tection fund, and NZ$100,000 to set revealed a growing problem with up the Money Laundering Authority. crime, and an apparent decline in Agriculture funding included a focus morals and ethics. High profile cases on hydroponics for the outer islands, included the conviction of a forty-five- livestock production, and a papaya year-old former pastor “on three industry (CIN, 10 Aug 2002, 1). charges of having sexual intercourse Controversy continued regarding with a 14 year old girl,” and the bru- the ban on the public release of par- tal murder by a neighbor of a young liamentary travel details. The Civil man, Tuakana Tereau Teame (CIN, List, which pays out travel and 28 Jun 2002, 1). Other, subtler crimes allowances mainly to government also seem to have increased. Many members of Parliament, received a stores continued to sell old or expired total appropriation of NZ$2,339,400 foodstuffs (CIN, 25 Oct 2002, 1). for 2002–2003, an increase of Even though government inspectors NZ$5,111 over the previous year discovered this, no charges have been (CIN, 10 Aug 2002, 1). laid against the retailers involved The light at the end of the tunnel (CIN, 2 Nov 2002, 1). Funds raised for Cook Islands developmental activ- from public appeals may also have ities seemed to depend on outside aid. been misused. For example, questions During the year, the United Nations have been raised over the use of the Development Program announced the fund established after cyclone Martin second stage of its aid program to the hit Island on 1 November Cook Islands. Already four years into 1997, killing several Islanders. In the project, a sum of NZ$350,000 was 1999 a total of NZ$265,000 was projected for a biodiversity plan (CIN, reported in the fund, minus some political reviews • polynesia 151

NZ$42,000 spent on tools and equip- 8 Jan 2003, 1). The lack of an effec- ment for two villages. There has been tive copyright law in the Cook Islands no accountability, although some has also allowed the abuse of intellec- would like to see the balance of the tual property. It has been suggested money spent on the building of two that illegal copying of video and hospitals on Manihiki (CIN, 5 Nov audio material is worth more than a 2002, 1). quarter of a million dollars each year Some top leaders and officials have for one local operator alone. Local experienced apparent conflicts of composers, artists, and musicians also interest. For example, Eddie Drollett, suffer from parliamentary inaction to the chief of staff for former Prime protect their cultural images and Minister Dr Terepai Maoate, was creations from being plagiarized. accused of receiving kickback benefits Some of the crime in 2002–2003 of at least NZ$25,000 (CIN, 1 Jul crossed international borders. Albert 2003, 1). Prime Minister Dr Robert Shahalain from South Africa was Woonton’s chief of staff, Piho Rua, jailed in the Cook Islands for forgery continued to be surrounded by rumors (CIN, 2 Oct 2002, 1). An even more of questionable deals, including elaborate South African–based scam demands for cuts of business deals. aimed to draw unwary Cook Island- Some appointments to the Cook ers into parting with their money on Islands office in Auckland also sug- the hope of receiving huge rewards. gested possible improprieties. Pa Ariki One Cook Islands victim lost was secretly appointed as the new NZ$70,000 (CIN, 24 Jul 2002, 1). consulate general, while the daughters Conned into believing they were of the head of tourism and the prime million-dollar winners in another minister were sent there as tourism scheme, a Spanish lottery, Cook officer and consular officer respec- Islands residents who responded by tively. The appointments of mp phone were immediately charged Tepure Tapaitau and later mp Nor- exorbitant fees (CIN, 27 Nov 2002, 1). man George as consultants to two Some Cook Islanders have occa- different prime ministers were also sionally initiated questionable actions publicly perceived as inappropriate. across the border. The Cook Islands Even the Cook Islands government’s has been identified as the third highest own Audit Office apparently later exporter into New Zealand of illegal deemed both actions illegal (CIN, products such as turtle meat and 27 Jan 2003, 1). shells, as well as giant clam meat. One of the government’s continu- Some “13 percent of all unlawful ing problems centers on its offshore goods seized by the Customs Depart- banking industry, which has been ment of the Pacific Islands” have targeted by countries such as the apparently come from Cook Islanders United States. It has tried unsuccess- to New Zealand. fully to get the Cook Islands removed Rarotonga’s traditional double- from the list of eleven countries black- hulled canoe continued its historic listed by the Financial Action Task series of open-sea voyages; in July Force for questionable activities (CIN, 2002, Te Au O Tonga departed for 152 the contemporary pacific • spring 2004

Tahiti, this time with an eighteen- people now live in the Cook Islands, member crew, including seven women a significant drop from the 20,000 of (CIN, 8 Jul 2002, 1). The Cook the 1970s (CIN, 15 Mar 2003, 1). In Islands representative at the world April 2003, forty-seven more people fire-dancing competition walked away left the Cook Islands than arrived with the world title (CIN, 12 Jun (CIN, 1 Jun 2002, 13). The outer 2003, 1). Orama, one of the Cook islands have been particularly depop- Islands popular dance groups, per- ulated, with many now unable to field formed at the European Union’s full teams in local sporting competi- summit of African Caribbean Pacific tions. Some Aitutaki Island teams even Heads of State and Goverment (acp) fly in players from Rarotonga every in Fiji (CIN, 23 Jul 2002, 5). Tradi- weekend to strengthen their numbers. tional investiture ceremonies continue As local water specialist Sam Napa as reflected by various title investi- observed, “In a survey conducted tures held this year, including that of in Atiu Island we found that of 187 George Nicholas, who was bestowed households altogether, 93 houses had the Manavaroa Mataiapo title (CIN, 1 no people living in them” (pers comm, Oct 2002, 1). Even efforts to displace Rarotonga, Jun 2003). Pa Ariki as paramount chief in Taki- The government has tried to entice tumu backfired because of traditional Cook Islanders now living overseas to loyalties; her subchiefs reaffirmed return to the Cook Islands. “A total their support for her (CIN, 17 Oct of $100,000 was appropriated in the 2002, 1; 18 Oct 2002, 1). The Girl last financial year to a ‘transition Guides celebrated the establishment fund’ to assist with the return of of the movement in the Cook Islands Cook Islanders to the Cook Islands.” on 25 Oct 1928 (CIN, 17 Oct 2002, The assistance to Cook Islanders from 1). Archeologist Dr Anne Di Piazza overseas applied to those who were excavated ten square meters on the returning home for two-year contract motu Te Kainga of Island government jobs. However, only and discovered an earth oven possibly NZ$35,000 was spent before the a thousand years old. She found government terminated the program “black charcoal stones, fish hooks (CIN, 30 Oct 2002, 1). made from pearl shells, two chisels During the review period there made of clam and a pounder made were some major changes in the pop- out of coral stone” (CIN, 17 Jan 2003, ulation makeup of the Cook Islands. 1). And the Reo Mäori bill making Successes in tourism, pearl farming, Cook Islands Mäori an official lan- and offshore banking have enhanced guage of the country finally made its business profits and increased tax rev- way into Parliament (CIN, 17 2003, 1). enue. Along with expected additions Although the passing of the Mäori- in foreign aid, the budgetary situation language bill was an important politi- appears healthy. However, the realities cal statement, the largest single issue of a poor and outmoded salary struc- facing the Cook Islands during ture, a spiraling cost of living, and 2002–2003 remained its dwindling overconfident, self-serving, incompe- population. An estimated 15,000 tent politicians, paint a bleak future. political reviews • polynesia 153

It is hoped that things may change for 1978 constitutional convention) and the better with proposed new laws on the Department of Hawaiian Home- immigration and land, as well as new lands (established in 1921 by the elections in 2004. But a better future US federal government, setting aside depends on educated parliamentari- approximately 200,000 acres of ans, moral leadership, realistic govern- land for Hawaiian homesteading) be ment and private-sector goals and declared invalid and unconstitutional. actions, and the tenacity of a friendly The suit also asks that any and all and hospitable Cook Islands people. monies and properties be immediately jon tikivanotau m jonassen returned to the State of Hawai‘i to be used for all residents of the state, regardless of ancestry. In addition, the Reference plaintiffs have asked that the creation of any similar laws in the future be CIN, Cook Islands News. Rarotonga. Daily. prohibited. If successful, the suit would take away all current support systems and programs designed to redress historical wrongs perpetrated Hawaiian Issues against Hawaiians, including the loss In light of pending litigation (Arakaki of Hawaiian sovereignty and the v Lingle) attempting to invalidate the resultant, dismal socioeconomic Office of Hawaiian Affairs (oha), the conditions. Department of Hawaiian Homelands Arakaki v Lingle owes its standing (dhhl), as well as all other federal, to the 2000 Rice v Cayetano ruling, state, and privately funded agencies which forced the State of Hawai‘i to that support Native Hawaiians, the allow non-Hawaiians to vote in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs stepped election of trustees of the Office of up its campaign for federal recogni- Hawaiian Affairs. In anticipation of tion of Native Hawaiians as indige- the ruling, Hawai‘i’s congressional nous peoples of the United States. delegation authored a bill for federal Federal recognition would solidify a recognition of Native Hawaiians in political relationship with the United 1999. They believed that the passage States government and put Hawaiians of such a bill would negate similar on par with other indigenous nations court cases and allow a certain degree within US borders. Provoked by such of control for Hawaiians over lands legal challenges, the oha campaign and other assets currently adminis- for federal recognition has gone main- tered by state and US federal agencies. stream, producing a slew of public The latest incarnation of the fed- informational meetings in communi- eral-recognition bill, Senate Bill 344, ties around the state of Hawai‘i as was submitted to the 108th Congress well as high-profile televised forums. in June 2003. While maintaining the Arakaki v Lingle was originally general thrust of its predecessors, this filed on 4 March 2002 by sixteen version contains a new section that plaintiffs asking that the Office of would establish a registration roll for Hawaiian Affairs (established by a Native Hawaiians, to be overseen and