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SUPP: Cook islands Herald 16 April 2014 2 PM Puna now exposed and Vulnerable n the 2010 General skills of strategic and tactical Election night the Cook manoeuvrings within the OIslands Party was swept Parliamentary machinery let into power with a commanding alone his inadequate grasp majority of eight Members of of the Standing Orders and Parliament. An over confident the Constitution leaves his first time Prime Minister Henry leadership exposed to political Puna in the selection of his exploitation. With only five years Cabinet made a political bungle elected political experience, that he now reaps the horror Puna is still a Parliamentary of and that was his failure to novice as during his time as a MP accommodate and secure Atiu Parliament has not sat sufficient MP Norman George. Puna times for him to learn this vital fulfilled what he had already aspect of the political profession. circulated among senior CIP It is doubtful that in five years officials and supporters, he Puna has more than 80 days of would not have George in his Parliamentary sittings. inner circle team, without any There is a lot more too audible communication, a disappointed performances in the House, the George was left totally out in the House’s operational machinery is cold. learnt and honed under pressure After doing more than his more so than during the normal share in the campaign George sittings. demonstrated his participation Prime Minister Henry Puna With only the experienced indicated a solid commitment public statement confirming his Cabinet Minister’s comfort Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop able to to ensuring a victory to the CIP. Beer would not be sworn in was zone shattered. Puna now rules guide the PM in the House the The least Puna needed to do rightfully ignored and rebuffed by the lowest margin possible, rest of Cabinet are lame ducks was to keep George within the by the annoyed Speaker of any deviation from his thirteen that have nothing to offer in CIP frame by appointing him Parliament. without the support of the strategic terms. While the likes to the Speaker of the House. of the opinionated Matavera Three by-elections later Puna is Puna’s serious lack of skills MP Kiriau Turepu have plenty staring down a political barrel to say outside of the House, he of uncertainty with his majority of strategic and tactical along with the loud mouth DPM trimmed to a shaky two. Heather are a couple of dumb After the Democratic Party manoeuvrings within the mice among their Parliamentary candidate James Beer’s jolting peers inside the House where victory in the CIP resignation Parliamentary machinery let individual intelligence is induced Murienua bye-election discerned by what comes out of on 19 February, the expected alone his inadequate grasp one’s mouth. announcement sitting of Without the former Clerk of Parliament was with held by Puna. of the Standing Orders and the House Rakanui, the Speaker The petition lodged by the CIP Nicky Rattle is of no help to her was highly expected to reverse the Constitution leaves his appointer Puna due to her own Beer’s victory and the legal hype lack of experience. The lazy Henry of certainty gave Puna the comfort leadership exposed to political Puna simply doesn’t possess Parliament could be convened leadership characteristics, the before the petition result was exploitation. reality of his weak indecisive delivered by the High Court. leadership skills are being Puna was buoyant and Assurances by the CIP engaged Opposition renders the CIP exposed and will be his ruin. overconfident Beer could not be lawyer Tony Manarangi, Beer’s incapable of passing any Bills Rather than have his swore in and preceded towards tenure as a MP was very in the House and vulnerable to leadership tested he answered the House sitting, but after the short term failed miserably to being toppled out of power. that question by calling a snap date was set, his politicking and materialise leaving Puna and Puna’s serious lack of election. - George Pitt PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 news 3 QR dissolves parliament, elections on 9 July By Charles Pitt absence from parliament on the Government. In that sense to an election. Rasmussen said t 10am on Wednesday 16 Monday and Tuesday, of Minister those members, possibly by their that what has happened indicates April 2014 the Queen’s Teina Bishop and Tupapa/ actions and intimations caused the that the PM has lost the support of ARepresentative His Maraerenga MP George Maggie PM to panic and therefore take this some of his members. Excellency Tom Marsters went on which did not allow the CIP to have course of action.” Rasmussen believes this is a Radio Cook Islands to announce a quorum in the House. Bishop and Rasmussen said there was dishonorable way to do things… that Prime Minister Hon Henry Maggie have been in Aitutaki and no arrangement between the ”There are still essential Bills in Puna had, under S37(3) of the are due back in Rarotonga around Democratic Party and Bishop and Parliament that were in the process Constitution, asked him (the QR) midday Wednesday. Maggie. An approach was made to of being tabled and now they have to dissolve parliament immediately The Herald understands the CIP the Democratic Party yesterday by decided to dissolve Parliament!” and call an early general election caucus met Tuesday night, well into someone but not the two named, Rasmussen said the Democratic on 9 July 2014. The QR agreed. the night. so they called an urgent Demo Party is going to come out to Statement by Prime Minister The Herald spoke briefly to caucus meeting and consulted campaign hard to win this election Henry Puna Finance Minister Hon Mark Brown with the executive. The decision and provide a better and sensitive 16 April 2014 just after the QR’s announcement. was that the Democratic Party was Government to the needs of the The Prime Minister says the Cook Brown said the announcement not going to get involved with any Cook Islands in the future. Islands Party Government has put would not affect the telecom coalition or planning of any. And if Rasmussen said although the wishes of the people first ahead share sale, it will be business as the Government collapsed on their two CIP members were absent, of key decisions, which will come usual. The Supplementary Budget, own initiative that was their own the Opposition could not force into play in the forthcoming year. indeed the main budget will wait problem. The Democratic Party was a confidence motion in the Those decisions helped determined until after the election. The CIP still never going to form a Government House on Tuesday as it had the Prime Minister’s advice to the plan to hold their conference after with Bishop and Maggie. The two members away, one being Queen’s Representative yesterday the election. He said the central Democratic Party preferred to go Winton Pickering. to dissolve the Parliament and hold committee would have the task a general election. of pulling together the campaign “The early election is due to manifesto. SWITCH ON WITH our respect for the wishes of the Leader of the Opposition, Wilkie people,” Puna said today, following Rasmussen said after today’s the announcement by the Queen’s announcement, the Opposition Te Aponga Uira Representative. welcomes this development…”it “Next year, the significance is a political development that we of our 50th Anniversary and the have been waiting for, for some importance of key events and time now.” Cyclone Ita thrashes West Pacific... projects will need the support from “We’ve been encouraging the a mandate by the people.” Government and the PM to go The support of the people and to the poll and ask mandates the teamwork of the Government from the public to elect a new require that fresh start, the Prime Government because some of the Minister says. decisions that this Government Puna says the Government’s has done which really moved away progress and record of from the mandate that they were achievements over the past few given. “I believe as a responsible years are the direct result of the Government if you do that, your strength of his team. option would be would have to go “We’ve built a very strong back to your public and seek that foundation of positive mandate. We’re happy on that and achievements, which can only ready to contest this election.” Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and grow and improve.” Rasmussen said they were a Queensland copped it hard from Cyclone Ita over “Our resolve to do the best little disappointed with the haste the past week. Telecommunications, electricity and we can is steadfast. It’s been in which the QR has made this water supplies were cut off in many areas. challenged but teamwork will still announcement. “I wish the QR Solomon Island also had a strong earthquake after be the cornerstone of how we took a little bit of time to consider the cyclone causing further deaths and damage. Our move forward from this point.” the advice of the PM and perhaps prayers and feelings of compassion go out to them. The Prime Minister says he seek legal advice as to what would Hopefully, in the 2 weeks to the end of the season we remains committed to his team be the Constitutional position.” won’t experience a cyclone ourselves. But stay alert. and meeting the people’s wishes. He said several members of And keep an emergency kit handy: torches, portable The current government will take the CIP strongly disagreed with battery radio, water containers, tinned foods, can up a caretaker role. The QR said the the ways that the PM is running opener, and first aid supplies. timing of the election would allow this country and the way the It’s wise to have a safety net. time to do the Budget. member of Parliaments were The PM’s decision follows the treated and the way he headed www.teaponga.com Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 news 4 CIP petition back fires - Kaota faces possible fraud complaint

Kaota Tuariki - Left hanging by the CIP? Kiriau Turepu will now have to retract his acusation n interesting situation registration. The first registration different from the September not supported in Court by the emerged from last week’s was originally made and witnessed 2013 by-election when presence of a single MP or Party AHigh Court Electoral by the CIP candidate Tuariki in allegations were made by Beer official, which is a clear indication Petition in the Murienua by- June 2013; another was filed again against Tuariki citing corruption the CIP won’t be contributing election in the Kaota Tuariki in 2014 at the voting booth. and Beer being quoted as saying to the Petition costs. Quite the verses James Beer hearing that What the Justice mentioned in “ Very evidently corruption in this contrary for James Beer. could have serious consequences Court proceedings was that the by-election changed the result”, The Matavera CIP Member of for the complainant Tuariki. signatures of each registration then a Petition to the result of the Parliament Minster Kiriau Turepu There were three areas that form for the same elector were election was filed by Beer and the will now have to apologetically were being dealt with, they different and so were the dates Democratic Party in December retract his adamant accusation were, eligibility of some voters, of birth. But there were more 2013. Beer was an electoral cheat a bribery allegation stemming irregularities to follow. This took the case to the High and liable for criminal charges from James Beer’s $50 donation Counsel acting for James Beer, Court until Tuariki advised PM of corruption the next time to Grey Power at an advertised Lawyer Tina Browne raised a Henry Puna two days before the House sits. When Turepu’s political debate between Tuariki another important point, that the High Court hearing that he forceful comments, which he and Beer - which Tuariki failed to the registration form though intended to resign in what Rau based on his disputed knowledge show up for and, undue Influence signed and witnessed by the CIP Nga President for the CIP said was of the Electoral Act were allegations levelled at Opposition Candidate Tuariki was registered a “noble gesture” for Tuariki to challenged, he became visibly Leader Wilkie Rasmussen acting in June 2013 but Immigration give it back to the people, further and verbally angry prompting as agent for James Beer the records show that the elector did the CIP added, the only way Beer him the next day according to Respondent. not arrive into Rarotonga until can win is to take it to Court, DPM Heather to add to the list of During the eligibility portion the following month, July 2013. because the people will not vote complaints justifying the sacking of the hearing the total number If one was to speculate, the for Beer. of the BTIB chairman. of voters challenged by the CIP only way that the form could It now appears that not only Alone and soon to be forgotten Petition was reduced from the possibly have been witnessed, have the people spoken, so has as he disappears into political original 23 to 5 with confirmation witnessing requires the signature the Judge and perhaps so will the oblivion, the unemployed from the Chief Electoral Office to be authenticated by the person Police in what appears to be a Tuariki’s political ambitions that probationers were ineligible being present, was for Tuariki to breach of the Electoral Act. Watch may never be revived. There is to participate. This affected both have travelled to the country that this space, Tuariki could well be no honour in the CIP camp for sides. this elector was residing in at the facing further criminal complaints electoral losers of safe Party It was during this session of time. As Tuariki did not leave the and another appearance in Court, seats, on top of that Tuariki may eligibility that Justice Sir Hugh country in June 2013 this strongly something he will not be able to suffer the further indignity and Williams, no slouch on petition suggests that electoral fraud may resign from. trauma of a criminal complaint matters, he is the Chairman of the have been committed. Added to Tuariki’s woes is the then a possible conviction to set New Zealand Electoral Petition It was as most readers will hefty legal debts he is left with a deterrent example and new Board, raised two interesting recall a controversial by-election plus Beer’s legal costs. During bench mark for future political points about a particular in February 2014 appears no the three day Petition Tuariki was aspirants. - George Pitt PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 NEWS 5 Political Interference and nepotism order of the day he independence of the Budget Review T committee has been compromised and is just a waste of time according to some members who claim considerable effort goes into balancing the priorities of national revenues. Some are ready to walk out over the irregularity of political interference and directional Bishop fronts with influence by the Prime Minister Henry Puna. reimbursement As the Minister of Foreign ast Friday Aitutaki MP to be honoured and treated Affairs and Immigration Teina Bishop swung by respectfully. He also apologised Puna has instructed the Lthe Simiona household in on behalf of the CIP. Bishop Tupapa between his Aitutaki stated the money was from BRC to include the cost arrival flight and his departure his MP salary which was tax of a new position in the flight to New Zealand. Teariki payer’s money so it was their Auckland Consulate office. and Nancy Simiona where entitlement. The created position is surprised at the Minister’s visit Bishop also apologised he intended for the Cook CI Consulate Rosie Blake which was to present them with could not personally reimburse Islands Consulate Rose Richard Neves’ passive a reimbursement of Nancy’s everyone who had their money and supportive response money extracted from her bank wrongfully extracted from their Blake’s 19 year old account by Treasury as back tax bank accounts but hoped his granddaughter at her to the PM’s intervention for her NZ pension. initiative would prompted other request. Much to the and influence of the Active members of the Grey MPs to follow suit. annoyance of the majority BRC due process. It is no Power the Simiona’s and Bishop After Bishop had rushed off to of the BRC is the budget secret the Public Service had a very emotional encounter catch his departure flight, a teary Commissioner Russell as Bishop presented $3,100 in Teariki said he was touched in of $60,000 to cover the cash to Nancy. Bishop explained his heart by Bishop’s gesture and new position forcing the Thomas has given Neves he was morally convicted after would continue to fight for the retraction of $39,000 a favourable performance Teariki’s emotional plea to the others reimbursements. He also approved for a Ministry review but it’s the Cabinet’s PM Puna to return the money spoke of the generous heart of of Justice juvenile crime favour and endorsement during the Grey Power march to the CIP founding father Albert prevention programme. Neves desperately requires Parliament a fortnight previously. Henry and was full of joy there to have his $300,000 In a short speech Bishop told was one like him in Teina Bishop, Much to the surprise the happy couple they were “ that’s the kind of leadership we of some members was contract extended for Aitutaki family and as founding need,” stated Teariki, “someone the Finance Secretary another term. -George Pitt members of the CIP with who can bring the love back into Albert Henry they deserved the Party.” - George Pitt Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 NEWS 6 Our Frontpage model Two new agencies desirable By Charles Pitt hile it is timely to revisit and discuss political reform, it is also timely to consider the proposals for reforming the public service Wthat have been around for some time. The proposals were to do with consolidating government services down from some 32 agencies to just six super ministries. A later proposal was to reduce the services down to 12 agencies but this is still too many. Consolidation was to combine like or related functions, eliminate duplication of functions such as accounting and streamline reporting. This does not necessarily mean job losses rather a redistribution of personnel into the new positions that would be created. It was proposed to establish a Ministry of Economic Development which would house all those functions that were finance or business related like MFEM, BTIB. It may be opportune to create some new divisions to enhance the machinery of government. Treasury Unit MFEM is charged with financial management, economic management and management of revenue collection. In NZ these functions are handled by three separate agencies under three different Ministers. The Inland Revenue Department collects taxes, the Ministry of Finance manages government’s finances and the Treasury oversees economic management. In recent years MFEM has grown its economic management role. The difficulty MFEM faces at present is that its proposals are not subject to any robust peer review by an independent government agency prior to submission to Cabinet. There is a superficial review of sorts by members of CAC, the Central Advisory Committee made up of HOMs but it is more comment than review. It is only after Cabinet endorsement that some review may occur either by the Audit Office, the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the public or the media. It is suggested a Treasury Unit be set up to review, scrutinize and comment on all proposals prior to submission to Cabinet. This would ensure submissions will have received a robust review in terms of; affordability, relevance to government policy and plans, the cost/benefit, value to society and achievements of outcomes. Treasury would also advise government on new economic initiatives, economic direction, international and local trends, loan risks and donor management. Strategic Policy and Planning Our frontpage model for Herald Issue 713 is 19 year old The Central Policy Unit at OPM should be beefed up and take on a clear Dayna Tuiravakai. Dayna is currently working at HTTC and is strategic role. This is important considering the future impact of sea bed interested in taking up a pastry and baking course. Check out mining on society as a whole. Enormous changes are expected when the our website www.ciherald.co.ck. and facebook page: www. returns from sea bed mining materialize. It would be wise to prepare for facebook.com/ciherald those changes now. PB Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 8 OPINION Neves fiscal trickery exposed ast week’s publicised chest beating Lachievements by the unpopular CIP Government was accompanied by some sleight of hand fiscal magic conjured up by the inventor of nenevanomics the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) secretary Richard Neves. His latest attempt to hood wink the public was in relation to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) While most MPs aren’t that clear what the GDP is or how it is formulated there are enough discerning members of the public who know that GDP can be conveyed several ways depending on the economic school of Neves caught out, while PM Puna tries to figure out what to do thought or text book version one was indoctrinated with. with his nenevanomics brand. 27.5%, what Neves deliberately Neves and Brown’s economic Happy to go along with any By including $59 million of conceals is these countries are strategy based upon taxing direction Neves wags his tail in, aid funds in our GDP matrix the producers and invest their funds everything and anything hardly his ever dependent master the recent $24.3 million China loan into productivity to increase constitutes a credible increasing Minister of Finance Mark Brown indicated minimal effect on our GDP. DGP exercise. would rather follow then do GDP to loan ratio which Neves In real terms when the $59 Instead of falling under Neves some due diligence of his own. claims now registers at 22%. million aid funds are excluded spell of nenevanomics and One of the checks and When it suits the purposes of from our GDP matrix our loan rolling over his contract, true balances installed by our Neves he makes comparisons to ratio is at least 45%, a shocking political leadership needs to creditors after the 1996 other neighbouring countries. revelation of the state of our step up to the plate and send economic crash was an When this is done by his national fiscal position. Rather Neves packing and for $300,000 imposed limit of our loan to critics Neves hotly disputes than invest debt serving deposits employ a smart switched on GDP ratio of 35%. In order to the relevance of comparisons. into productivity ventures to bean counter who can exorcise mask the over run on our 35% To display how prudent he is increase our DGP, Neves and his the Cook Islands of Neves’ fiscal ration Neves has conjured up a Neves lists the following, Fiji incompetent mob hoard it in the demons with a new productivity calculation formula consistent 50%, Samoa 62.8% and NZ Bank returning low interest. road map. - George Pitt Digicel Buyout of TCI Shares Analysis

ith the soon to through the idea that TCI is is that the reason that TCI and “obscene” level of gouging be completed and has always been a hugely was such a “cash cow”, and its enslaved customers. And Wbuyout of Telecom profitable company so why made such impressive profits TCIs real masters TNZ were New Zealand “TNZ” 60% would the Govt. allow it to be for over 20 years, was that it (and still are) utterly ruthless shareholding in Telecom Cook sold to a foreign enterprise was a Government mandated when it came to any form of Islands “TCI” for $23 million, when we could keep it in our and approved monopoly. This competition even being hinted there have been a number own hands and take the profits allowed TCI to charge rates for at, and had enshrined “secret” of articles and letters to both for ourselves. telecommunications that were agreements that meant that if papers and political figures and The Govt. needs to firmly (and still are) amongst the top any competition was allowed others demanding that the CI resist any efforts to buy or 10 in the world, right up there “ever” that resulted in TCI’s Govt. who hold the other 40% guarantee backing for others with Eritrea, North Korea, profit declining that Govt. would and have a right of first refusal to buy, the TNZ shares or to sell Djibouti, etc. The very idea have to buy out TNZ’s shares on the purchase of the shares their 40% for a discounted price that a company that provides at a ludicrously high price. So should either (a) buy the TNZ to locals. only a communication service there was not a hope of TCI shares themselves, (b) support The reasons for this are for a country of approximately ever giving up their monopoly a consortium of local investors somewhat complex and need an +/- 14000 people could unless another buyer for the to purchase the shares, (c) some understanding and awareness constantly offer dividends of TNZ shares came along. Which combination of the above or (d) of many issues that may not be up to and over $ 8 million a Digicel fortunately has. The sell the 40% to local investors. obvious to a casual observer. year to its two shareholders only reason Digicel has offered These ideas come about The first issue to recognize is evidence of its “rapacious” continued page 20 PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 9 NEWS Whistle blown on confidential report for Cabinet eyes only

Russell Thomas Mac Mokoroa Liz Iro he Public Service Commissioner him and desperately needs a funding boost to deal with and his report provides that (PSC) Russell Thomas’ latest strictly to achieve meaningful outputs. impression forcefully, the PSC stated that Tconfidential (Cabinet Ministers only) Concerning the controversial Richard despite the Ministry showing an overspend review of Public Service Agencies includes a Neves, a sympathetic Thomas finds plenty to of $107,000, Mac authorised the payment performance review of each of the thirteen commend him on and reports “Government of performance bonuses to 47 staff totalling Heads of Ministries. The performance ratings will need to make a decision whether to $15,000. Also despite repeated requests of ministry out puts are colour coded, white roll his contract for another term or end it. Mac failed to provide compulsory reports to for achieved, orange and red for partial Richard has indicated he is willing to serve Thomas. achievements and red for not achieved. another term if given the opportunity.” Prior to Thomas concluding “The For the record, 13 Ministries listed a Thomas has some words of wisdom for leadership that has been demonstrated combined total of 67 outputs of which only Marine Resources Ben Ponia, who is required by Mac during this reporting period is one 5 were achieved, 13 failed miserably and the to complete a National Marine Policy before that is undesirable.” The PSC wrote, “Mac’s rest were partially achieved. Over $40 million the end of his contract, “Ben has very strong behaviour towards PSC staff and other of public money is appropriated for salaries opinions but he must learn to be humble.” central agencies has been disrespectful and and wages with all 13 Heads of Ministries Of Transport’s Ned Howard it is reported, unprofessional. “ Of Mac’s personal attacks receiving excessive contracts plus vehicles “that he is good but struggles to cope with against him Thomas said Mac was “in breach and many perks. The huge investment of the work demand and expectations...” and of the values and code of conduct specified public funds must now be questioned due to “As the secretary; he has good intentions but in the Public Service Act.” the less than average overall performance. lacks understanding and appreciation...” “Mac refuses to accept any advice or Best reviews are achieved by Liz Iro and Office of the Prime Minister’s Liz Koteka, to follow instructions I give.” Thomas also the Ministry of Health who have the second Culture’s Sonny Williams, and Internal gives further accounts of Mac’s indifference biggest staff off 291 closely followed by the Affairs’ Bredina Drollet get pass ratings to other line Ministry staff and that he consistent Ministry of Education the biggest worthy of extended contracts. has a “blatant disregard for authority employer (351 staff) led by Sharyn Paio. The Ministry of Justice gets a seven red or Government policies. I am really Biggest improver on a previously disastrous output ratings and Tingika Elikana gets a serve disappointed with his behaviour.” review is Agriculture whose Head Dr from Thomas, “The MoJ performance under While other Ministries and Mac’s peers Matairangi Purea survived being suspended Tingika is very disappointing...” concerning found him obnoxious and uncooperative, by the intervention of Cabinet. In this report his budget blow out, “This is a lame excuse...” Thomas said Mac received favourable Thomas states, ”Dr Matairangi came into a “This is unacceptable at this level.” responses from his staff’s evaluation. Ministry that was on the verge of collapse “Tingika is still on probation and his It is little wonder the PRC report is due to the lack of clear organisational performance in the last 12 months is strictly confidential, if permitted for public direction,” “Twelve months later the MoA undesirable. Further, his breach of the consumption there would be an reactionary under his leadership is shaping up well....” MFEM Act will be referred to PERC for uproar from every non government Despite political interference by Minister investigation.” paid worker because the report gives Kiriau Turepu, Thomas commends Dr Purea Despite Tingika’s condemning report and the impression a lot of people are being and describes him as having achieved good Infrastructure’s better ratings than Justice, paid serious money to do little and be ratings including one white output. Mac Mokoroa’s review is the worst overall. unaccountable for being apathetic non Dr Purea has justified Cabinet’s faith in Thomas found Mac a difficult customer achievers. - George Pitt Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 10 OPINION Independent Candidates . . . could easily determine Election Result ndependent Candidates could quite : Tai Ravarua (Ind.) 77 votes. obvious that “quality” Independent easily determine the outcome for this So in both constituencies, their candidates always poll quite well. As we get Iyears General Election. Independent candidates polled really closer to election time, then more and more It is common knowledge that which ever well. There is no reason why Independent Independents will put their hands up and political party takes the most seats on candidates cannot go one step better this stand for election. Rarotonga ends up winning the Government. election and secure one, if not both, of these Some real interesting names have been And for this coming General Election I don’t seats. mentioned in recent times as possible see things any different in that respect. While the two political parties’ are shaping Independent candidates. And so voters Now that the Murienua by-election result up to square off against each other during in most constituencies on Rarotonga in has been confirmed, Parliament is made up the campaign period later in the year, their particular, are going to have a good choice as of 13 C.I.P. members to that of 10 from the biggest political opponent will not actually to who they could vote for. Democratic Party plus Norman George. be each other. But rather, it will be the The number of staunch C.I.P. and Demo Going back over the figures for the Independent candidates and what ever supporters has been dropping in recent 2010 election, had it not been for two political havoc they may cause. elections. And it is still dropping as I write. Independent candidates putting up a very These candidates will be campaigning as So the number of voters who have rejected good showing on Rarotonga, we would individuals in their respective constituencies. both parties’ continues to increase. These now have a Democratic Party Government So they will be flying below the “political voters could go either of two ways. They controlling the Cabinet Room with Norman radar” and therefore it will be very difficult could vote Independent or not vote at all. George (the king-maker) sitting in there to determine how good they are really going. The number of non-voters in Nikao- somewhere. Norman “Independent” George has Panama last election (350) was actually This is because the Murienua by-election already polished up his political boxing more than what Aunty Mau got to win the result would have changed the Government. gloves and is ready to go toe-to-toe with seat (255). The rest of the constituencies on The fact that we still have a C.I.P. the leadership of the Democratic Party to Rarotonga all had a large number of non- Government can be directly attributed to try and get his membership card. But I don’t voters. Sir Terepai Maoate and Peto Nicholas. Sadly, think he will get it. So for an Independent candidate to be these two men have since died. I knew both So this is one Independent candidate successful, that person need not take a of them reasonably well. Great “political who will be challenging both parties’ on the lot of votes off either of the two political warriors” they were. campaign trail. What an absolute headache parties. But rather, simply attract previous But because they polled so well in their he is going to be for both of them. independent voters (being the non-C.I.P./ respective constituencies, with Sir Terepai I think both the Cook Islands Party and Demo) as well as a significant number of splitting the Demo’s and taking 150 votes the Democratic Party look “politically tired”. previous non-voters and who knows what in Ngatangiia while Peto split the anti-C.I.P. There is very little political inspiration might happen. vote and took 160 votes in Avatiu, their coming from either of them at the moment. I wouldn’t be surprised if 5 or 6 efforts were sufficient to allow the two C.I.P. Could it be that both political parties have Independent Candidates came through the candidates to come through the middle and almost reached their “use-by-date”? Could middle and won seats on Rarotonga next take both seats. this next election be the election for the election. Had Sir Terepai and Peto not stood in “Independents”? What a major “Political Reform” that their constituencies, then it is my view that Over recent elections it has become would be. the Democratic Party would have won both seats and so would now have the numbers in Parliament to be the Government. Tim Arnold with 181 votes in Tupapa Sovereign Pacific Publishing Company and Phillip Nicholas also with 181 votes in P.O. Box 3060, Muri Beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Nikao-Panama did very well last election. Email : [email protected] Ph : 50776 While they did not split the two party votes sufficiently to affect the end result, they History books of the Cook Islands as written by Howard Henry certainly had an impact in their respective constituencies. ”My Heritage has a Future” For the Penrhyn and Pukapuka A Collection of Historical Stories from the Cook Islands constituencies, their Independent candidates almost caused a major “political “The Book of Tetaura-Raru” boil-over” in both cases. Henry Family of the Cook Islands : Our Genealogy of 1000 Years Independent candidate for Penrhyn Willie John almost knocked-off Wilkie Rassmussen “Story of the C.I.P.A.” 61 to 71 votes while the C.I.P. candidate was Economic and Industrial unrest in the Cook Islands 1945 to 1950 a distant 3rd with 10 votes. On Pukapuka the count was just as close : These publications are now available at the : Tekii Lazaro (C.I.P.) 88 votes. “Bounty Bookshop” Avarua, Rarotonga. : Vai Peua (Demo) 84 votes.

PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 11 NEWS ADB energy efficiency project update By Charles Pitt shown there are efficiency gains elix Gooneratne who is said Felix. overseeing the ADB funded Felix said consideration is Fprogramme on energy being given to applying the efficiency –PEEP- in the Cook fridge/freezer model to air Islands, is pleased with progress conditioning units. He intends to and last week the Herald with an put this to the ADB. update. He said one tourist resort According to Felix, one had good results from 75 surprising development is air conditioning units. 35 that the project is coming in units had been fitted in under budget so consideration one accommodation block. is now being given to other Significant savings of around 50% likely projects that could be had been achieved compared to implemented. the previous units. PEEP which involves five Pacific As to progress with the nations is in stage two where programme to install lighting at implementation is taking place. the airport, port and Punanga In the Cook Islands, the fridge/ Nui market, he said the ADB were freezer programme has seen funding the lighting system and 285 units replacing less efficient the poles while the Cook islands Felix Gooneratne models in homes resulting in government were funding the the course including two from studies. tangible savings of between erection of the poles and lights. Nauru. Marketing skills was also Summing up, Felix said the $40 to $70 on household power He said the poles would arrive included. PEEP programmes consisted of bills. In the last month of the at the end of May and setting up Felix said he was also dealing 34 projects in 5 Pacific countries. programme there was a surge would be done June/July. with a request to look at the The Cook Islands, which is the which saw 77 units installed in Three other projects have been Rarotonga Hospital. The hospital smallest country, has 8 projects homes. finalized. They are; the public has 9 hot water electric systems. and 25% of the funding which Felix advised that an sector lighting programme and Previously they were solar. LPG totals $2.4 million (from the ADB evaluation phase would follow the Aitutaki and Mangaia street is used in the laundry. Felix will for equipment). and homes will be requested to lights programmes. The street look at funding from the current Felix returns to the Cook take part where there will be lights will arrive in August and programme or elsewhere. Islands in June/July. PEEP is measurements taken of before are to be set up by CIIC. Efficiency guidelines were scheduled to end in November and after meter readings. A Felix said a plan was being being prepared for Hotels/ 2014 but could be extended. month before and a month after considered for the safe disposal commercial premises and street The local consultant appointed said Felix. of spent bulbs and a sponsor was lighting. These will be prepared by the ADB for PEEP is Terekino Felix said there is interest in being sought. by the ADB and distributed. Vaireka who is based at the the Cook Islands experience An energy audit training He said the procedures for Renewable Energy Development from the SPC and other nations programme has just been monitoring and verification were Division (REDD) at the Office of like Tokelau. The programme has completed. There were 25 on very stringent and involved case the Prime Minister. Atua healing-what is it about? emembering things we those who came before us, our bodywork and Atua healing have forgotten. tipuna. promotes a freedom from R Giving thanks to If we are not grounded we can entrapped old ways and habits Ranganui. make bad decisions, living in the that have a negative impact on Papatuanuku and other Gods mind and suffering from a busy the whole being. and Godesses. head can cause blockages which Return from NZ This is not in any way denying stall progress. Teuvira Upokotea has returned the Christian belief system Many of us have suffered to his clinic Matariki Maoro, Hut but recognizing a universal trauma through physical or 38, Punanga Nui Market. energy that can be tapped into. emotional damage. These are Teuvira has been in New Remembering also that Jesus carried in our cellular structure Zealand completing his final was a healer. and affect us in our everyday life. certification study for Atua To become grounded. To stand Through Atua healing methods healing. Now being able to firm upon the Earth Mother these blockages can be removed integrate this with his skills as a who provides food and wai to to allow us to be free of old pains remedial body therapist offering recognize the importance of and hurts and move through life a more in-depth treatment water and the other elements with a renewed vigour. Holding towards wellness which sits well Teuvira Upokotea that surround us that have a old negative thoughts that no within the traditional aspects of island to hold these qualifications direct impact on our health and longer serve us can manifest in Cook Islands culture. and is looking forward to doing wellbeing. physical pain. He is now making the most of the best he can for those in need. By being in touch with our Often what keeps people his western medical orientated As he works on an appointment surroundings makes us more away from personal peace bodywork diploma and only structure, he can be able to be in touch with our and harmony is the ever busy Polynesian aspects of healing. contacted for an appointment inner wisdoms. Gifted to us by mind. Learning to relax through He is the only practitioner on the on 79 781. Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 12 NEWS Time to think about our future By Charles Pitt related to inspections, maintenance and and expertise we will have gained in setting up hree weeks ago, on Australia’s ABC repairs, more advisory and monitoring work the sea bed minerals industry sector will stand Network TV News, it was announced for environmentalists, marine scientists, us in good stead to provide consultancy advice Tthat a Deloitte Access Economic Report lawyers, chemical and metal scientists, or direct technical assistance to other countries “Positioning for prosperity? Catching the next consultancy opportunities in specialized or companies on generic systems development wave” had come up with five growth industries areas and to government eg laboratory and for a range of new industries. We will be able poised to take over from mining over the next analytical services, opportunities to establish to advise on the essential methodology and few decades. They were; agribusiness, gas, support services like data processing and frameworks required to cover a wide range of tourism, international education and wealth programme development, financial support integrated functions such as legal, educational, management. and investment services. financial, environmental, monitoring, According to the report, these industries Logistics support accountability and political processes and could grow to account for 10 per cent of the For both fishing and sea bed minerals where roadmaps. Australian economy helping to drive the post bases are established on the outer islands-air/ Centre for regional dispute resolution mining economy. However, the report has sea transportation of personnel, provisions and We set up a Regional Court to arbitrate, drawn caution from many commentators who equipment, housing for personnel, enhanced mediate, adjudicate and resolve regional say much more work needs to be done. emergency/medical services, establishment of disputes not of a criminal nature but those This development is of more than a passing recreational activities for off duty or land base involving regional agreements related to such interest to the Cook Islands as we are only at personnel. matters that bind regional nations in trade, the start of our sea bed mineral mining phase Regional opportunities labour, immigration, standards and like issues. with an indefinite period to run. It shows the Development All parties would need to agree which importance of looking ahead and establishing As Cook Islanders develop specialized skills matters may be referred to such a court and strategies to cope with possible future in the above areas, there is no reason why they what role if any the “Pacific Way” may be developments. would not be in demand to assist development invoked. The maximization of our fishing resource in other Pacific countries. Cook Islanders could There has been a proliferation of regional and the commencement of mining sea become highly sought after consultants in the agreements relating to various matters for bed minerals exploitation will hopefully region. This can be a long term goal also. Cook example, the Pacific Plan. diversify our economy to the point where the Islanders should have access to specialized The Pacific Plan provides for labour dependency on tourism can be lessened. training in the area of consultancy itself-the portability and if one country is not following Unlike the Australians, perhaps we should techniques, bidding processes, presentations. the spirit of the Plan, a complaint could be consider adopting a two pronged approach to Skilled consultants will be in demand in the laid to have that country ‘s government the future. future and consultancy itself will become an ensure the terms agreed in Plan are adhered Firstly, we should be considering right now, industry sector on its own. to and seen to be working. For instance, what new industries we can develop –say over Investment in the Cook Islands there have been many the next 20 years, as a result of enhancing As the Cook Islands accumulates greater complaints by migrant workers about their our fishing industry and exploitation of our wealth from its resources, it will be in a contracts and conditions. These rarely get sea bed minerals. Then we should encourage position to invest in the region either to assist as far as the Court and usually end up with investment, education and skill development development or provide Pacific countries the migrant worker leaving the country with in these areas from now on. with aid funds for projects. This will provide their dispute unresolved. Issues like this Secondly, we should take a more long employment opportunities for Cook Islanders. should be resolved at a higher level if the term view and consider what new industries Education Leader’s intentions on labour portability we might develop after 25-40 years as a There is no reason why the Cook Islands under the Pacific Plan are to work. consequence or spin off of the fishing and sea USP cannot be equipped and resourced to With climate change will come a range of bed industries. Then we should consider what provide specialized training in the area of other changes which will have the potential educational strategies will be needed to guide sea bed minerals, based on the Cook Islands to give rise to social tensions, migration the next few generations of Cook Islanders into experience. Less technical training can be pressures, labor changes, trading issues, these future industries. extended to local schools. resource issues and border incursions. There Likely prospects in the immediate future Conferencing will be increased pressure on countries to Fishing The Cook Islands should look to establish resolve their differences amicably and by an Employment, new jobs with increased itself as a major conference centre at the top agreed process. local participation in the industry, more level. That is Leadership level. It would require A lower Court could deal with specific issues. technical jobs requiring higher training level, the establishment of a conference centre For instance, in a dispute between Polynesia n increase in tutors, expansion of USP to cater equipped with the latest communication countries. In this Court, the “Polynesian way” for more specialized training, expansion of technology. or Polynesian custom and tradition may be Trade Training Centre to cater for increase in Likely prospects for the long term (25-40 taken into consideration. An example of an other training, establishment of processing years ahead) issue may be one related to copyright where plants including processing of fish waste into It is important to consider the long term, one country may be claiming sole rights to fertilizer and animal feeds, storage plants, say 25-40 years from now due to the time it traditional symbols, rituals or practices. increased harbour activity, further upgrading takes for a person to go through the education Consultancy services of port services and facilities. All these must system. At the end of high school, a youth The Cook Islands can establish itself as be considered bearing in mind changes likely will have completed 13 years education. a leading centre for consultancy services. to fish stocks and fish migratory patterns Add three more years for University study Advanced communications systems mean as a result of climatic effects from global (that’s 16 years total). Add a further year to offices can be based in the Cook Islands with warming. complete a Masters Degree (17 years total) consultants only needing to travel as and when Sea bed Minerals or eight years for a Medical Degree (24 years required. Employment opportunities, more specialized total). Regional Leaders Secretariat and technical jobs, training opportunities, Systems development Establish a Secretariat office in the Cook specialized and technical support services The in-depth and highly technical experience Islands for the Pacific Forum countries. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 13 NEWS Commission to recommend no change to number of MPs, salary cut for Ministers By Charles Pitt visited in Invercargill, NZ, 100 Cook Islanders he Management Committee of the new were employed. organization formed last year called It was estimated that the monthly T“Our Customs and Free Association remittances to Mangaia are about $30,000, Commission Inc” met on Thursday 10 April Aitutaki $40,000 and about $20,000 to at the Tupapa Nui Meeting House at 4.30pm. $30,000 to the other islands. The strong It will recommend to government that there belief was these islands should not be be no change to the number of MPs and that penalized for their low population. Minister’s salaries be reduced. Proposals to change to systems foreign to The Commission last met three months our present NZ/Commonwealth system for ago. MP numbers are opposed. In attendance were Tupui Henry, President, Tupui said parliamentary salaries should George Cowan, Vice President, John be reviewed. He said Minister’s pay was Herrmann, Vice President and committee excessive. He questioned current proposals members June Baudinet, Tupe Short and to reduce the number of MPs in the Pastor Ngarima George. outer islands saying two thirds majority Bi-Annual report was needed in parliament to change the The Bi-Annual Report covers the period Constitution. July to December 2013. After an opening (4) Report by John Herrmann prayer by Tupe Short and brief opening John’s report on the meeting of the comments by the President, the members management committee of the Commission addressed the agenda items. These were held on 23 July 2013 at the Tupapa Nui incorporated into the Bi-Annual Report Meeting House was presented. It lists the Tupui Ariki Henry presented by the President. projects the Commission would work on but later re-written by Tupui and George. (1) President’s Report which were; Sir Terepai Maoate, Jim Marurai and Tom Tupui said the Commission is ready to (a) Land Court matters (J Baudinet) Marsters opposed the plan said Tupui. work and start reaping the benefits. A few (b) Traditional Titles claims (J Baudinet) Tupe said he was on the Board representing discussion sessions had been held and (c) Leases Approval Committee the Koutu Nui but suggested George Cowan now it was time to get results. He said over procedure be recommended for the current Board. the next six months there will be more (d) Survey of Public Service Ministries He said a letter would be needed from the meetings and discussions held. Public Department (J Herrmann) Commission to the Minister. It was also meetings may be called to let people know (e) Review of Electorates and Members decided to revive the old plan and make it what the Commission was doing and to get of Parliament (TA Henry) public. John Herrmann said George should people’s views. He said membership cards (f) Taxation and Health Charges for the be appointed to the Board due to his had been printed and these could be sold. elderly (J Caffery) experience. John was concerned that our Membership would indicate who supported (g) Sea Bed Minerals; (G Cowan) and politicians may not be up with international the Commission. He quoted: “Akara ana ki (h) Free Association Status. developments and trends. He was also te au koro, kua teatea e kau mou.” Which is, Those managing projects are in brackets worried about the current Board members “Cast your eyes on the fields they are white beside the project name. lack of qualifications. and the harvest is ready.” He also mentioned (5) Present Management Committee Tupui said he suspected China was the other well known quote, ”No-one in the Tupui said two positions on the positioning itself through lead up, funded family to be left out and no-one in the tribe Management Committee were vacant, projects to mine our sea bed minerals. That to be forgotten.” they were Secretary and Treasurer. There was their ultimate goal. Tupe said he had (2) Financial report was also a need to confirm the Honorary been told China would have a deep sea sub The President presented the Financial Committee Members representing the ready to retrieve nodules in 8 years time and Report which showed expenditure on four House of Ariki, Koutu Nui, Religious Advisory Korea in 10 years time. items totaling $109.33. As the Commission Council, Chamber of Commerce and June Baudinet said she was not sure if the is yet to generate any revenue, he said he Parliamentarians. Commission was ready to be involved and it covered these expenses himself. (6) Discussions needed to focus on getting the group’s aims (3) Part 1-Project Report (TA Henry) The main item discussed was Sea Bed together. Tupui said he felt the Commission Tupui reported on Project (e) Review of Minerals. Tupe suggested a recommendation was not yet at the stage for communicating Electorates and Members of Parliament. be submitted that a member of the to government. He said he had no faith in The recommendation is that the number of Commission’s management Committee be the present government and felt there was MPs be retained at 24. Each outer island is appointed to the Sea Bed Minerals Board. going to be a new government. to retain their present number, a total of 14 Tupui recalled the appointment of the George Cowan said he would write a and Rarotonga 10 (Te au o Tonga 4, Takitumu first Sea Bed Minerals Board by Papa Albert report on the nodules based on a summary 3, Puaikura 3). which had been suggested by NZ and which done by SOPAC. While the population and number of he, Tupui had the job of forming. Tupui said (7) Next Meeting and closure voters have dropped in the outer islands he appointed George Cowan to the Board. Ngarima suggested and it was agreed it was discovered a number of our people Tupui referred to the first plan which was the next meeting will be held early June especially from Mangaia, Aitutaki, Atiu and to establish a small processing plant on following Queen’s Birthday. The meeting Mauke have migrated to NZ and Australia Suwarrow to process the nodules which closed at 5.30pm with a prayer by Tupe. to seek employment as this is lacking in the were to be extracted by China and marketed For information about the commission go Cook Islands. Tupui said at one factory he by NZ. The original set of plans was lost to page 15 Cook islands Herald 26 March 2014 2

Cook islands Herald ADVERTISING PUBLIC NOTICE TELECOM COOK ISLANDS LIMITED – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

TCNZ Cook Islands Limited (“Telecom New Zealand”) owns60% of MEDIA PLAYER theshares in Telecom Cook Islands Limited (the “Shares”).It seeks expressions of interest from Cook Islanders and Cook Islands Why should I get one enterprises who may have an interest in acquiring the Shares and At this point, some readers may be asking what’s wrong can satisfy the matters below. with simply plugging in a laptop or PC to the TV? This is certainly an option, but compared to using a media player, it Please submit your expression of interest to Craig Walton at is often a less convenient and more complicated approach. [email protected] and hand deliver acopy to Tim Arnold, Cables are usually not part of the typical living room decor, and are often hidden to the greatest extent possible. Another Ingram House, Rarotonga, on or before 10 May 2014. drawback to connecting a PC to the TV is that navigation can become a frustrating matter. In order to change movies Any expressions of interest should provide evidence that: or load another episode, one has to use the computer mouse and operating system, browsing through folders and files as • you will purchase, own and control the Shares; if sitting by a work station. In a media player, all features are • your ownership and control is not in the nature of a easily managed using a single remote control, avoiding the nominee, agency or other device for a foreign enterprise; hassle of having to switch between the computer and TV, • you have the financial resources to settle the purchase which can easily distract from that cosy "movie time ambi- price of the shares of not less than $23 million for the ence" that viewers like. Shares; and There was a time when people dedicated whole sections of • you have the necessary experience of owning and the living room to display their collection of CDs and DVDs. managing significant telecommunications assets and Alternatively, particularly in households with children, the networks. living room became a storage room in itself, with plastic discs spread out all over the place. Thanks to the introduc- This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of Cook tion of the media player, the CD/DVD shelf can be taken Islands law that are aimed at affording all local persons and down to make room for something else. Whole libraries of local enterprises an opportunity to participate in the business of different media, be it music, videos, or photos, are stored Telecom Cook Islands. Cook Islands and New Zealand law forbid locally on the media player itself or on a PC that connects to the making of a public offer of the Shares and this advertisement it wirelessly. Instead of getting up and walking across the is not an offer within the meaning of all applicable laws. room to change discs, all one must do is push a button on the remote control. And where the CD shelf used to be, you can now install a cool minibar. Our players

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS ASUS HD MEDIA PLAYER SOCIAL IMPACT FUND (SIF) One plug and all play, PROJECT FUNDING Stylish and compact, 7.1- The SIF provides combined Cook Islands and New Zealand channel surround sound, support to Cook Islands Civil Society Sector to meet the auto subtitle detection, needs of those most vulnerable in the community and 4-in-1 card reader support is focused on 6 priority areas: Gender equality, Children & Youth, Disabilities, The Elderly, Domestic Violence and Mental Health.

The SIF Board now invite proposals for Project Funding in the following eligible project areas NOONTEC A3 S • Community Education Projects • Training Supports H.264, MKV and WMV codec, 1080p HDMI • Workshops digital AV output interface, • Awareness raising activities Supports up to 2TB • Income generation harddrive, card reader • Organisational Strengthening Please note Infrastructure projects and International travel are not encouraged, but will be considered on a case by case basis. For further inquiries please contact the SIF Manager on And much more! telephone 29378 or email [email protected] Ministry of Internal Affairs. The deadline for submission of All prices are Inclusive of V.A.T. Price valid 01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014 E.O.E. Project Funding Application is Thursday 24 April 2014. No applications will be accepted after this date. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 15 NEWS About the Commission TENDER Our Customs and Free Association Commission Inc Main aims (a) To be committed to the assessment of the maintenance of our Native Customs in Land and Cultural matters; and (b) To respect and honor our free association status with New REQUEST FOR TENDERS C36/14 Zealand. The Cook Islands Investment Corporation invites tenders for Asset Management Information System supply, installation, Objectives implementation and training. (a) To observe and assist the Leases Approval Committee in Through this tender, the Cook Islands Investment Corporation on the approving of Leases Documents, behalf of the Government of the Cook Islands wishes to implement (b) To observe and advise the courts in Dealing with land a ‘whole of government’ asset management information system. matters according to our “Native Customs,” A copy of the RFT document can be downloaded from www. (c) To examine and assess the validity of Government claims to procurement.gov.ck. Crown Lands, Tenderers should ensure they are registered and have downloaded (d) To conduct a survey in the Divisions of the Public Service as to what is a Department and what constitutes a Ministry or received all files for this RFT including all issued notices. including remuneration rates for Public servants and For enquiries and registrations contact: members of Parliament including members of Cabinet, Anne Taoro (e) Review the Electorates and the number of seats in our Email [email protected] Parliament, Tenders close 3.00pm, Friday 2 May 2014. (f) To be involved in all matters covering our Land rights and Sea Bed Minerals; and PUBLIC NOTICE (g) To carry out any other matters or do any other things for the Common Benefits of our People and Country.

Key functions of the Management Committee (a) To ensure the establishment of good laws for all the people of the Cook Islands, (b) To make recommendations on policies for good government; and 2015 NEW ZEALAND COMMONWEALTH (c) To appoint Boards or Committees to assist with applications SCHOLARSHIPS for re-hearing of Land cases or re-opening of previous court cases ruled as non-appealable. The Government of the Cook Islands is seeking “Expressions of interest” for Scholarship awards from suitably qualified Cook Who may join the Commission Islands men and women to study at a New Zealand academic (a) Any Cook Islander, (b) A resident of the Cook Islands; or institution commencing in February 2015. Scholarships are (c) Such other person as may be approved by the Management funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and are for PhD Committee. or Marsters level study only.

Honorary members The scholarships are available to those working in the public, Requires nomination by two members of the Commission. private and non-government sectors, and to those residing in Nomination to be accepted at a general meeting of the Commission the Cook Islands. There are 2 awards available for this scheme by a majority vote and payment of the fee. Honorary members have and these will be offered equitably to 1 female and 1 male no voting rights. candidate. Applicant selection will be based upon meeting the scholarship eligibility criteria, primarily that of:

• Academic merit of the candidate • The quality of the research proposal • The proposed course of study meets Cook Islands Governments National HRD priority needs

National HRD priority areas are as follows: Agriculture, Education (Secondary teaching: for Maths & Science subjects), Finance Management, Health, ICT, Marine Resources/Fisheries, Renewable Energy, Trade areas and Waste Management although other areas may be included (excluding Aviation, Civil Engineering and Architectural Studies).

For further information and application forms, contact Anna Roi on ph 29357 ext. 245 or email scholarships@education. gov.ck. Application forms must be received no later than 12 Wednesday, 30 April 2014 Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 VIEWS 16 Those were the days By Norma Ngatamariki Booyah!). Nowadays, getting crashing into the nearest tree ave you ever felt like a good grade defines your or bush (I even got my first jumping in a time future and that’s some scary “Raro tattoo”) but as kids, we machine and rewinding stuff. My fondest memory don’t really care. We just get H of my childhood was playing up, laugh it off and try again. the clock? Not too far back, just far enough, when you were nine the game, Marbles. I loved As you get older, it is harder to or ten years old. These days, it because it was something do. You have to acknowledge I’m starting to feel the pressure I was good at (even better your mistake, admit that of being a seventeen-year-old than the boys). All those game you’re wrong and then get on turning eighteen. I’ve got a ton terms: friendlies or keeps, with life. Or the time when of scholarships to apply for, my rainbows and spacings, “no we would head down to the school work (which is giving anythings”. After school, when Avarua or Avatiu Wharf to me hell, by the way), my jobs my friends and I walked back cool down. We’d just jump in (ugh), chores at home plus home, we used to “collect the sea without a care in the my leadership thingys. At the off the land”. In other words, world. These days, I don’t go moment, I have no social life stealing whatever fruits we near the wharf ever since that to speak of (sad but true) and could find on someone else’s maggot incident happened it’s not even half way through land. The mandarin plot next and besides, the construction the year! Or maybe it’s just me, to the Avarua Bakery was a and the boats docked beside stressing out over nothing. I very popular place for us kids the wharf are blocking the dunno. to gather and raid, and there way. When I was a kid, I never was a sign that clearly said So, what happened? Life had any of these problems. “KEEP OFF!” (I’m too lazy to happened. We grew up and I didn’t have to worry about steal fruits now, so I just buy saw the world through a fresh (unfortunately) Some of us being broke (money magically them in the shops.) set of eyes. We became adults will be going to University, flew into my hand), getting I remember learning how and in doing so, we got more some of us will be getting jobs a good grade in school (I to drive a bike for the first responsibilities than just after school or some will work was always topping the daily time (I think I was 10 or 11). It raking rubbish. That’s life. You towards getting their dreams spelling and mental tests. was an ultimate fail, as I kept can’t always stay a kid forever realised. Tereora takes out Vaka Iti By Nadia George enthusiastic on getting soaked some serious B** out on that efore I start off I’d just like that day, especially with the rough water. We had canoes swerving to apologize about the mix winds blowing from every corner. in and out of lanes, bumping into Bup with last week’s article So I begged my friend Kimi to one another. Kids were jumping on the Ngakau Toa run-a-thon, it take me on the starter boat with in and out of their boats to try was postponed due to the annual her, lol, suckers. With about ten and straighten their canoes up on Cooperate Vaka races that was held volunteers dropped out into the the starting line. All this made for last week Saturday. Watch this middle of the lagoon and teams a very interesting and fantastic space for an update on the NTV in their vakas, we were finally day. The intense yelling at one fundraisers. Now back to the show. ready to get the day underway. another, the muscles pumping as So last week, Friday, I got the It was a bumpy beginning to an each person dug into the water opportunity to skip out on school, awesome day. to push their boat forward and without getting into trouble, and The weather was a real of course the excitement on the go help out, as well as support, challenge for not only the winning team’s faces after it was my school in the annual Vaka Iti paddlers but boat handlers as all over, made it all seem worth it. competition for 2014, that was well. They all had to endure Tereora College was crowned held at Muri Beach. The day rough currents and the freezing the overall champions of Vaka Iti started off wet and windy! It was cold water. But the boat holders 2014. The announcement was an early start for all volunteers, in my opinion were the heroes of met with loud cheers and praises prepping and organizing the vakas the day. of one another. And I couldn’t for the hundreds of keen students Although the students had help but feel a strong sense that crowded the beachside. De- only gotten five weeks to prepare of pride for my peers. Finally, rigging and re-rigging canoes themselves for the big event, congratulations to all students were a real hassle for us, but we they all did their schools and their who had shown up and taken were happy to help out in anyway teams, proud. With students part in this year’s 2014 Vaka Iti we could. from year 9 to year 11 showing event. Also, congratulations to Races didn’t kick off till about up and giving it all they had! They the staff of CITC liquor, for taking 9am and so we all kind of lay didn’t let a little wind and harsh out this year’s 2014 Cooperate around until then. I wasn’t too weather stop them from kicking Vaka races. Bring on 2015! PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 RELIGION 1 7 How To Experience

Gods Blessings (according to Psalm 128) By Senior Pastor John Tangi have never met anyone who does not want to be blessed I in life, and most importantly to be blessed by God! In Psalm 128 are important lessons that we could learn from if we are to bless you if you respect Him be blessed by God. and obey His laws.” v.2 reads There are two parts to this “Your fields will produce, and Psalm; you will be happy and all will (1) is our attitude towards go well.” This verse is speaking God which is to respect (or to us as individuals. fear) Him, and to obey His laws The work that you’re doing (or walk in His ways), and; prosper because you respect (2) is the blessings of God. In God and obey His laws. other words if we do what God The root-crops that you’re want us to do then He will bless planting produces manifold us. because of Him! Your boss In the home environment is pleased with your work if the children listen and do performance because you’re what their parents ask them doing it honestly, faithfully, to do then they will receive in the fear of the Lord, and in some form of blessings. This accordance to His ways, His is no different from the things laws, His righteousness! v.3-4 of God! In other words the speaks about you and the Psalmist is saying “Don’t expect family. It reads “Your wife will God to bless you if you don’t be as fruitful as a grapevine, respect Him and obey His laws!” and just as an olive tree is rich “No pain, no gain!” “There’s no with olives, your home will such thing as free-lunch!” v.1 be rich with healthy children. reads “The Lord will bless you That is how the Lord will bless if you respect Him and obey His everyone who respects (fear) laws.” The question is ‘How do Him.” This is speaking about you respect God?’ The answer the joy, the peace, the respect, is ‘We respect God by doing the love of God in the home what is right in His sight!’ – the father, the mother, the One important question is children and everyone else in Jerusalem is the community peace in the nation of Israel. ‘What are the laws of God?’ the home! It doesn’t mean that we are living in. Even the island This verse is also speaking The answer is, read your Bible life is plain-sailing, smooth, we are living on – this is our about the future generations and you will find the laws of no! a little argument now and Jerusalem. in our nation, and the ‘peace God! Anyway, here’s one of then is expected because of Friends, I’m sure all of us of God ’ in the Cook Islands! God’s laws “You shall have our human nature. But what want to see things happening As individuals, God will bless no other gods before Me!” the Psalmist is saying here is for the ‘good of all’ during you! As families, God will bless (Exodus 20v.3) Many people that, most of the time life is our lifetime! According to the members of the families and treat TV as their God, and are good in the home! But this can Psalmist, this will only happen those in the households! God too lazy to go to Church! Some only happened if we “…respect if we “…respect (fear) God will also bless our community, spend too much time doing (fear) God and obey His laws (or and obey His laws (or follow the future generations and also things that takes them away follow His ways!)…” v.5 reads “I His ways!)…” v.6 reads “May the nation! Therefore, we need from God! Things that prevent pray that the Lord will bless you you live long enough to see to respect God and obey His them from reading their Bible from Zion and let Jerusalem your grandchildren. Let’s laws! And do what is right in or praying to God, or even prosper as long as you live.” pray for peace in Israel.” This His sight! singing to God! That is why the This verse speaks about the verse is speaking about the May you have a God blessed Psalmist said “The Lord will city Jerusalem. For us today, future generations and the week! Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 SPORTS 18 Fantasy Odds on who will WIN League Premier FINAL OPINION Team Date Date Apri 11th Apri 18th REFS are BLIND Bulldogs $7 $3 have been watching the local League games Eels $4 $4 on Sundays on CITV and I was very sad and Bears $10 $7 I disappointed with the match officials that were allocated to do these Premier games. Panthers $7 $10 In the average games 10 mistakes were made by the Sea Eagles $30 $21 official in the middle. Some say Not bad, I say appalling. Warriors $40 $100 Inexperience, Unfit and the worse I feel is that they don’t know the full extent of the rules. Sharks $70 $100 The players know more of the rules than the Ref he Bulldogs have overtaken the Eels as favourites to win the allocated to do that game. Whoever is allocating the grand final. 5 teams still vie for 4 positions with the Bears most match officials must be blind. Just makes we wonder Tfavoured to seal 4th but the Sea Eagles are said to be taking whether this is the right track the League association 1 game at a time. Panthers have lengthened in odds because they should be heading down. have a BYE this week and Eels still to play. The stakeholders must be wondering too is it worth The Fantasy Odds column is a hypothetical scenario based on the writers opinion. This is NOT real. their money sponsoring the clubs and the teams. To me, it is sad that the game of League is going downhill RUGBY LEAGUE.. IS IT TRUE? and it’s not like before when all clubs looked forward to the Saturday league game. IS IT TRUE I’m also wondering what the CIRLA is doing to get this Testicle grabbing is a new accusation within the sorted out or are they just turning the blind eye and sport of rugby league. Focusing on the club that hoping that this season is over just like what happened wear black and white the player was stood down for to the Cook Island team that went to the World Cup in 2 weeks. Does that mean he admits guilt? England. IS IT TRUE Where are the experience Refs? The ones that has The best league players on the island are Fijian been there for years and I know for a fact, the league imports fans are asking this question too. I will rest my case IS IT TRUE here and hope that this is sorted or we will lose the Die MFEM have found a new source of income. Hard league fans to other sport codes. Increase levies on overseas island products – under Regards the microscope IMPORTED players. Not confused but Concussed IS IT TRUE Now netball has started crowd attendance at Scores Last Week (Game 11) league games is expected to half. IS IT TRUE FRI 11TH APRIL Bulldogs Mana Ngaau made his mum Mona, take Sharks 14 Sea Eagles 22 him out for lunch on Sunday to help celebrate their Eels 17 Bears 10 win over the Panthers. He’s now waiting for the extra Bulldogs 33 Panthers 14 $20 in the pay packet from his boss BYE – Warriors IS IT TRUE The shop keeper with the jar full of jelly beans has Draw Wk 12 counted the jar. Final count = 1960. (Same year Arthur Pickering was born – not his age) Thurs April 17th IS IT TRUE SHARKS V BEARS Can the Bulldogs beat the Eels twice in 5 days, Win 5 games in a row and Win grand final in May. Arutanga Park, 5pm NO, No and No says a Eels fan. EELS V BULLDOGS IS IT TRUE Avatiu Field, 4.30pm Copies of the Herald are becoming harder to get. Sat 19th April Some say because their price hasn’t gone up. IS IT TRUE SEA EAGLES V WARRIORS Hey Roman (Hifo - Bulldogs injured playmaker) Nukupure Park, 3.30pm Meti Noovao says “He’s got his boots handy. BYE – Panthers PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 SPORTS 19

Simple Simon says.... Week 12 Who they picked! There is More to Sai … 1. Andy Kapi – Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles 2. Muri Nite Market – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles ai Nagi proved he is more than a try scoring machine but 3. Rupe the Sparky – Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles also a solid defender. 4. Kikau Broom Maker – Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles With # 9 on his back but playing at lock, the elongated “Doc 5. Jeff the Ref - Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles Ock”S was running off ball players and putting super hard tackles on 6. Grocers Review – Bears, Bulldogs, Warriors attackers PLUS doing more than his share of taking the ball up. 7. Fred of G+S – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles It seems Sai‘s box of tricks is growing and as the finals loom the big 8. Rob Heather – Bears, Eels, Warriors players are standing up. 9. Henry Hoff – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles At the Titikaveka club they and only they have been able to get the 10. Coach Ric – Sharks, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles best out of Sai Nagi. 11. 3T2U2A2I 1U – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles Tries to Mana Ngaau, who broke the dead lock of 14-14 allowed 12. Roma of Club Raro – Bears, Eels, Warriors the Bulldogs to advance with confidence The POD went to Bulldogs centre Tevita Masima, who scored a fantastic try which put the icing 13. The General – Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles on the cake and out of the reach of the Panthers. 14. The Corporal - Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles Some confusing calls by the ref will come under scrutiny as the 15. The Sargent - Bears, Eels, Warriors refereeing problem has not been cured. 16. The Cook - Sharks, Eels, Warriors The two Teariki’s, Piri and Tou both had better running games this 17. League Fan – Bears, Bulldogs, Warriors week. Defence still remains their Achilles heel but these two Teariki 18. Miss M – Sharks, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles have got game. 19. Randwick Kingfisher – Bears, Bulldogs, Warriors To not mention the hard hitting Ngatamaine Rongo (Panthers) 20. Black & White Panther – Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles would be an injustice. 21. Randwick Kingfisher – Bears, Bulldogs, Warriors His signature 80’s mod squad fuzzy wassy mop head made it easier 22. Boogies Hero’s – Bears, Bulldogs, Warriors to see him on the field. 23. Fungs Takeaways - Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles What stood out more was his soul destroying, Bigger than big tackles. 24. Pam Brider -– Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles Front on, side on and even from behind, Rongo menaced the 25. Naked Chef – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles opposition for 80 minutes. Like his hair Rongo stood tall…… 26. Ake Tangapiri – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles 27. 10 cent Aussie - Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles So says Simon…Simon the Hair Bear 28. Lydia the Barwoman – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles 29. Mum & Dad Tou – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles 30. Pete - Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles 31. Maxine DBM – Bears, Eels, Warriors Who Played Well 32. Ed Framhien – Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs –Tevita Masima , Sai Nagi, Mana Ngaau, Vatu 33. NanaMcKinley – Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles, 34. Salsa’ Chef Terry – Bears, Eels, Panthers Seka 35. Mum & Dad Tou – Bears, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles Panther – Ngatamaine Rongo, Taina Savage, Reubin 36. A Fired Ref - Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles Ooariki, Herani William (H Factor) 37. A Todpole – Bears, Eels, Warriors Half time – Panther14 Bulldogs 12 38. The Mango – Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles, Full time Score- Bulldogs 33 Panthers 14 39. Fijians in Paradise – Sharks, Eels, Sea Eagles, 40. Mr “X” – Bears, Eels, Panthers

PRIZE - FREE t-shirt, Karaoke hire & Meat pack for person Txt Winners Wk # 11 who correctly picks 3 winners from this weeks draw. Rehabs Jane - T-shirt, Conditions apply - If more than 1 winner – draw 1 from a hat. Nga Puna - Karaoke Hire, How to Enter – Txt your picks for next weeks games to Women In Love - Meat Pack Matman - PH 55 921 before Tue 4pm GAME REPLAY OF THE 5PM SUN ON WEEK CITV VS

Nukupure Park, Ngatangiia, 3.30pm watch on: www.youtube.com/brianthematman Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 NEWS 20 Digicel Buyout of TCI Shares Analysis From page 8 are informed that their share of granted a patent on using equipment using techniques to buy TNZ’s shares is because the dividend must be used to satellite technology in a future that will be changing on an of this everlasting ruthless repay the cash that Digicel used I- phone. And there is already almost daily basis. Think data monopoly – if it were not so to ensure that return. Hence available a “SatSleeve” for streaming TV, radio, concerts, cruelly enforced by TNZ, then no pay out for quite a while. both I-phones and Androids sports events, personal Digicel would have entered the The next thing the potential that will enable those phones tracking devices, remote video market as a competitor; and no purchasers do not seem to go direct to satellites, which feeds, webcams, etc. Data is doubt a highly successful one, to realize is that the field means no money for TCI. being used for more than we which would have owned its of telecommunications is Already anyone can buy could even have imagined just shares 100%. changing so rapidly and a satellite phone for under 5 years ago there is no reason So if the people that are involves such manifest changes $500USD with a service that to expect the next five to be counting on the present profit in equipment and techniques can call any phone in the world any less revolutionary. level being maintained they will that it is not possible for a for a flat rate of fifty US cents These innovations and have to insist on their new “ our “small” telecom company to per minute – that’s already far changes will be largely own telecom” company having invest in the infrastructure lower than TCI’s rates to NZ of implemented by companies a similar mandated monopoly and systems that could well $1.04 NZ . As more and more that operate on a global or to prevent the likes of another be obsolete in a couple of capable satellites are launched continental scale (such as Digicel type company or even years, necessitating fresh into variations of orbits this Vodaphone, TMobile, AT&T, Digicel itself, from setting up capital injections which would service will only become or Digicel) and to suggest that independently in competition either have to be paid for by cheaper and cheaper. And this we would be equally well with them. calls on the shareholders or by is a service that will not ever served by a locally owned Have the eager purchasers borrowing even more money have to pay a license fee or ask and operated minnow in this thought that through? which further reduces returns. for the Govt.’s permission to ocean of technology is at Would they then seek to Another factor in the operate, and it will work for all best misguided thinking and ban any new or “foreign” profit picture is the necessity of the islands in the Cooks as at worst would be a financial competitors like Digicel? Who for “small” telecoms to well as the rest of the world. disaster for all those investors, have happily entered into have to employ expensive In addition any money being and as for the idea that Govt. competitive scenarios in most “consultants” to activate and/or made from texting will dry up should use the Superannuation of the countries they operate install these new technologies, as applications like - WhatsApp fund money to buy the shares in – more than 30 around for example the TCI has – which has recently been – the fund would probably be the world - and have in every recently installed its latest and bought by Facebook for over better of going to the Sky City instance reduced the rates greatest 3G technology but USD 19 Billion and which allows Casino to invest. and taken a major share of already much of the world users –anywhere in the world The Government’s role in this the markets from the previous has moved on to 4G and the with a mobile phone and a data rapidly evolving world should incumbent companies like TCI. rollout of 5G is coming soon. So service to send and receive be limited to that of a regulator To insist that Digicel’s while TCI have some good and texts for free for the first year and facilitator of any qualified business sense would ensure skilled staff – they are unlikely and for 99 cents US per year entrants into an open (non- that TCI would carry on being to have any existing staff with after that it is estimated that monopolized) market. If local a “cash cow” is to seriously an in depth knowledge of 4 or it will drain about 35 Billion US private entities wish to buy the underestimate the almost 5G technology. There is not away from traditional telecoms Govt. shares in TCI for the same inevitable reduction in profit a lot of benefit in having a this year and even more in the price as Digicel would pay, then margins that will come as brilliant telephone linesman on near future, in a similar fashion let the Govt. do so, and it would Digicel reduces charges. Digicel your team if the game is being to what Skype has already be quite proper that the shares is also a private company and played wirelessly. done to voice calls and free be offered first to Cook Islanders, is not compelled to make its The purchasers would also voice calls are WhatsApp’s next but such buyers should note profit margins or costs public, have their returns diminished big target. the above points and be aware and while they will carry on by the fact that within a very It must be stressed that that other local people may being profitable in the Cooks short period of time all mobile telecommunication is no be able to offer – possibly their accountants could easily calls could bypass the TCI longer totally reliant on local in partnership with another find ways to ensure that the infrastructure completely as telecoms to provide us with a “foreign company”- a better/ shareholders would have satellite phone technology “connection” to the world –it is cheaper/faster, service that to be jointly responsible for already does. This would more and more a data delivery could make their investment funding cash injections when effectively reduce TCI’s income system with what will inevitably not quite “goldmine” that they needed for new equipment or stream to handling decreasing be more and more data being anticipate. infrastructure for TCI. Failure and obsolescent landline calls sent and received on, and Caveat Emptor! to do so could result in the within Rarotonga. in, and with, a bewildering Bill Carruthers situation where shareholders Apple have recently been variety of constantly evolving 14/4/14 PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014Cook Islands Herald CHOOKSGOSSIP>>> 09 February 2008 2121 TrickyOh dearDickie chooks,was facing those a $1.9m frisky aboutMFEM andinter- pockets island the other shipping! 25% in the deficitbean countingand was young panicking bucks with in the Noform ofmore undeclared pussy-footingcash. the Office o te dosh or OOPS- around! Let’s have a proper Supplementary“Office Offast Pecuniary approaching. Secu-Then, deep water port at each island his rity”-maytrou stayed havedry when pecked a big them- fat whereWas heultra praying large to the passenger Gods chooks, chequeselves arrived in thefrom claws! that place Looks across like shipsfor guidance? like the QEOn IIlearning and 200,000the Lord thethey road wantfrom OPM. an Despiteindoor the sports $1.2 tonneHigh Mandarin oil tankers wanted canto allocate sail morein milfacility cheque almost that coveringmore thanthe shortfall, halves andprecious comfortably stones from thetie Treasuryalongside to the your potential income the the wharf with plenty of room governmentmore it’s is inrelying use! on Example! the razor Ifgang one toofficial spare! outpost Get tothe the TNT south, out the keeperpeo- of to netballslice off teamsome moreis in fataction, from thenthe plthee! books, Why Trickie not Dickie a mini-atom threw his hands bureaucrats2,000 spectatorssacred cows. Trouble can payis, the to bomb?skywards That’ll in despair shift with a lot utterances! of coral A cowsenter. are already That’s sporting brilliant! lean meat But so if inprayer a hurry! for deliverance? Let’s get Holding blasting! his head sometwo bodies teams may arehave into go!action, just Blowand mutteringhalf the toreef the away Gods, if wasnec- he 600 spectators can be accom- essary to get the big boats in! modated! Whoa! What’s with It’shoping going for ato miracle? cost probably $500 Thethe greatestseating sponger deal ofhere? all time If isthree at himwhere on his themany parliamentmillions of dollars in TMV a fromprojects alisted far, were distant less than journey $200,000. million and annihilate all sea it again,teams despite play the thenbest efforts there’s of some no contract,Boarding no matter House what is is currentlysaid about duringPerhaps itwhich would hehave is been thought better toto lifeCrown for a radiusLaw burning of 500 the miles midnight but oil politicalroom friends left forthe sortany after spectators! contract him,based, Heta makescan do noa lottawrong dewhen sense the havelist how visited much the King PM spent Solomon’s on travel hey!chooks? That’s Passersby progress! may have And noticed the it chooks. This area is A1 perfecto mines. A troublesome Knight cost is a mere drop in the pro- wentCrikey to the dick!competition, How so doesits whinge, this big bucks are flashed, he’s a true CIP and how much parents had to raise was all lights on at Crown Law’s digs make anyone any money? And and according to our esteemed has been sent packing from the verbial plastic bucket when we whingewe thoughtand more whingingthe young and threats bucks theyeastern say because engineering he is sharing émigrés the love Roundthrough raffles Table for along educational with items! his haveon Tuesday billions night upon and it billionswas after 9pm!of of injudiciary charge whatever, of the Officetry going o te clock dosh around,from thebut landcan he of singthe thegreat CIP wall, love entourage of scribes, speakers dollarsWere the in cleaners Manganese at work? NodulesOr were the wisewere it may clever! help seeOops! the world from anthem?it would Some be wanna a piece be CIP of candidatessushi to and keepers of the purse. carpetingCrownies cleaning the ocean up someone’s floor in mess? our another perspective. arebowl looking over. to Orthe shouldMan Heta thatto help be Oh boo hoo! Sad sacks at Mato Te Vai 2 millionSee the Pitbullsquare in mileaction EEZ!at the Peking Duck? Those huge, Oh dear chooks! Are that lot in Bring it on! Are the CISNOC sahibs and underwrite their campaign costs, talk snubbed the Local News attending the big trial in South Africa? That’s what’s memsahibs to bed down at the wealthy visitor loaded, float- Blue grateful or not? Chook pulls Thenew Puna indoor administration’s facility orfull not? page If abouting banks-cruisea CIP messiah. boats -would upgrand the opening other and day red afterribbon a cutting scorch- and neededWord at overthe Audit the Office, Coconut a Pitbull to advertisementsthey are thenin the we daily will dribble have be able to tie up along shore, inglyall perhaps hot because crossing a Lord of Highthe MandarinWest- Wirelesssnarl and put and some CNN-Coconut Ministers and HOMs boastingbodies of ontheir site great to ensure achievements the Raj evenTalking the about big containerMr Heta, he boats voted and in erngot hisdesert, speedos to deliverin a twist large over con-some networkthrough the News wringer! chooks But all isis quiet that on aredoors so boring are even opened the writer and lost closed the thelarge Murienua fuel boats bye election,would bethough able heto tainersnegative publicity! of cool, Boo life Hoo! preserving, threethe Audit top Office wig front. and The gowns troops are motor in. Being next to the air- crystal clear water from the oa- from Kiwiland have been in plotand because the premisesthe Te Aponga used one properly had to has a house there he hasn’t slept two not moving out. They’re still in barracks! and there’s no grafittizing or port means fuel can be piped a sis yonder to the Fort of the Blue town practicing hard for an be vandalizing!listed twice. Notice If not, stealing who the will Grey act nightsshort in distance a row there from for themany, boat. many It Brigade!VAT up Onto 15%?returning Phooey! toPre-VAT his upcomingSound the bugle match Alan! Get against your platoon a Poweras caretakers?savings was omittedSolution as chooks?well as monthswould according also be togood the tidingsneighbours. for camel,rise, someone delivery was selling man sarongsfound by one the formidableon the march! local who cannot theTender sacking ofthe the jointBTIB chairman,out to privateraising T&Mone Heather strategically staff says positionedhe used to shack lo- scriberoadside dressedfor $15. inAfter Blue VAT scribblingwent up by be named because the Lord taxesindustry! on anything A Rockand everything, ‘n Roll Revival sexual upcal in travelhis air agent-conditioned having unit aat portthe out2.5% a toparchment 15% the same of offences! sarongs are One now HighThere beaks are a havecouple oftold things the the just a hoppa, skip and a jump carrying the instant fine of camel learned scribes to zip it! The conquests,evening increased or two? debts,If a private mindless in- business premises but in the last year Tahitians are not telling us about growing dustry group into fitness were across the road would be very droppings$20. That’s not to a 2.5%the valueincrease, of it’s $40! a 30% It trio-two roosters led by a hen populationwilling reduction, to manage more saidunserviceable facility, he’shandy been indeed!living at Truly, his Nikao a floating beach seemsincrease! Perhapsthe water MFEM’s economicchook wonderhad –wereand producing apparently vanilla. holedWhy won’t up inthey debts,all blatantthe better! conflicts Most of interest, sports huge use house.bank Wondercome towhere town! he’ll vote next parkedkid baby facein Webbthe sacredwould care place to explain. re- thetell oldus? Why boarding would they house jeopardize by the their loansfitness as gifts gear for anyway our children, so it wouldhiring time? servedWebbie shouldonly fornow Elgo Commissar’sto the northern lagoonvanilla industry in Nikao. to a little upstart? Our morebe taxa perfectfunded workers solution! to do Only nothing re- Big Red has dusted off his specialgroup to seechariot! how much Not prices to behave out- gone cousins to the east have mastered the maining question? Where to trusty crystal balls chooks and done, water boy’s Lord and Em- Chooks Big Red has heard andbase so we CISNOC? can go on and fill this page peeredGovernment’s deep list into of achievements the mists did of pressup by. Itto won’t the beWest, 2.5%. have engaged fromblack hispearl vast and networkvanilla and ofhold in- the with the real achievements of this sometime public and good. the It futurebrought laughter has ap- to a scribe to fire off a sternly formershigh ground. that One the individual real reason up the for back disgracefulBuilding bunch ofa completelylazy sods. new many.peared It was in interestinga frightening to park vision! oneself wordedA black communiquéeconomy could riseto the up Pal-as a theof Ruatongaisland whosewide connectionpower failure to vanilla and relatively inexpensive at inIn a Camelot,local café andBig listen Red tosees members a re- aceresult of of El retailers Commissar! lifting the VAT by more ongoes Sunday way back was to thesomeone old days, for-knows The$50 millionDemos can but kiss completely their Ruaau jus- ofjiggy the public jig of laughing seats atat thethe list.Round One than 2% coupled with the failure of any gettingwhat the to Tahitians top up are the not fuel saying tank but tified, deep water port in Nikao Table. The King has returned Let’s get serious chooks supplying the main generator. seat a fat kiss good bye. The call me said most items were aid funded and if inspection of prices by the Consumer Police. as usual, no-one wants to natter to him bulldozing DPM is offering big bucks to excluded, would leave the list somewhat A retailer simply raises his prices by 40% because they think they know it all! the faithful Demo supporters to work for bare. Another said the total aid funds for (who’s to know?). Retailer sends off 15% to Well, good luck!

Another NEW ZEALAND-FIJI, SAMOAS, TONGA AND COOK ISLANDS SERVICE 5%! COCONUT ROUNDTABLE VESSELFAT CATS VOYAGE NEW ZEALAND FIJI SAMOA & TONGA Cook Islands Number Auck Lautoka SuvaRumour Apia Pago Nuk Raro Forum2, Cabinet Fiji lll wants to cut 32 SLD 09,10/02has it, Government10,11/02 is to 12/02cut 12,13/02 16/02Staff - ForumMinistry Rarotonga budgets by 5%! ll 08 10,11/02 -Ministry budgets15/02 by 5% and18/02 look 17/02 Cuts?25/02 21/02 into cuts in areas like human L e a n Forum Fiji lll 33 25/02 28/02 29/02 01/03 02/03 05/03 - and mean! Forum Rarotonga ll 09 02,03/03 - resources!07/03 10/03 09/03 17/03 13,14/03 Forum Fiji lll 34 13,14/03 18/03 18,19/03 20/03 21/03 24/03 - Forum Rarotonga ll 10 23,24/03 - 28/03 31/03 30/03 07/04 03/04 Forum Fiji lll 35 02,03/04 07/04 08/04 10/04 11/04 14/04 - Forum Rarotonga ll 11 13,14/04 - 18/04 21/04 20/04 28/04 24,25/04 Forum Fiji lll 36 23,24/04 28/04 29/04 01/05 02/05 05/05 - MozzieForum Rarotonga ll 12 04,05/05 - 09/05 12/05 11/05 19/05 15,16/05 Forum Fiji lll 37 14,15/05 19/05 20/05 22/05 23/05 26/05 - Forum Rarotonga ll 13 25,26/05 - 30/05 02/06 01/06 09/06 05,06/06 Forum Fiji lll 38 04,05/06 09/06 10/06 12/06 13/06 16/06 - Forum Rarotonga ll 14 15,16/06 - 20/06 23/06 22/06 30/06 27,28/06

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 CLASSIFIEDS 22 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST PUBLIC NOTICE

COOK ISLANDS TOURISM CORPORATION Due to continuing growth and high occupancies, The Rarotongan EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Beach Resort & Spa, Sanctuary Rarotonga on the beach and PURCHASE OF PHOTOGRAPHY Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa have a wide range of employment opportunities seeking enthusiastic, motivated staff serious about Cook Islands Tourism Corporation seeks to purchase photography a long term career, in all areas of all three Resort’s operations, to be used for the general promotion of the Cook Islands. This in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, on a full or part time basis, including is an ongoing project to reach out to all photographers, both school leavers such as; professional and amateur, in the Cook Islands and beyond. Cook Islands Tourism Corporation will use this photography to - Purchasing Officers reach target audiences in the print and digital space. This includes - Accounts Officers/Qualified Senior Accountants the outright purchase of imagery for use including (but not limited - Activities & Kids Club Officers to) content for online, multimedia, brochures, books, displays and - Restaurant & Bar Servers promotional material. - Chefs & Kitchen Hands This will form a part of the Corporations asset management - Porters programme, photographic library and archival system housed at - Security Officers Head Office, Rarotonga. - Room Attendants Photographers may submit work on any of the following types of - Laundry Runners photographic categories: - Gardeners - Front Office/Spa/Tour Desk Receptionist • Destination, Landscape, Scenery & Nature - Weddings Planner • Persons, talent, characters, children - Duty Managers • Action & Interaction - Qualified Tradesmen including Plumbers, Mechanics, • Life style Electricians, Carpenters, Refrigeration Engineers, Painters, • Above & Under the Water Tilers etc. • Tourism Themes Images portraying the Cook Islands stories of: You will have excellent communication skills, be able to relate well • Romance (weddings & honeymoons), to guests and staff alike and be able to work shift work. • Families, • Adventure, Previous experience is preferred however full international • Sister islands, standard training will be provided to the right candidates. • Groups/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) For more information on the position and the Resort visit our All expressions of interest can be made in writing to website www.TheRarotongan.com or apply to Human Resources [email protected]. NO submissions of imagery on; required at this stage. Cook Islands Tourism Corporation will Email [email protected] be in touch to make an appointment with you to discuss the Skype address trbr.hr service arrangements and to view the said images. It is a Phone (682) 25-822 ext 8014 or 25-800 requirement that all work submitted adheres to technical and Fax (682) 25-797 commercial image control, format and standards set by Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. The work will be accepted on TENDER the terms and conditions of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation purchase agreement and sign over of complete Intellectual rights and digital property rights upon purchase of these assets.

For further information please refer to: www.cookislands.travel/photo-services CIPA-11: STAGE 1: TOILET BLOCK CONSTRUCTION The Port Authority and the Aitutaki Island Government seeks Deadline for expression of interest is 4pm, 01 May 2014. tender proposals from reputable contractors for the supply of all materials and construction of a Toilet & Amenities Block in Aitutaki. Tender documents can be collected from the Ports Office in Avatiu or Arutanga upon the payment of a refundable $150.00 deposit. Tenders will close at 4:00pm on the 28th April 2014 and need to be lodged in the tender box located at the: Ports Authority Office Avatiu RAROTONGA For any enquiries please contact Des Eggelton, Project Manager, on Tel 55-020 or email [email protected]. PB

Cook islands Herald 16 APril 2014 CLASSIFIEDS 23 TENDER PUBLIC NOTICE

TAU SAFETY PROJECT DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION TENDER Te Aponga Uira is inviting suitably qualified companies or joint 2014/2015 NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC SCHOLARSHIP venture companies to submit to (a) conduct a review of, and (NZPS) & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP complete a Fire Safety Assessment of TAU Power Station in the (RDS) AWARDS Avatiu Valley, including its Fuel Facility Depot, as well as the Tutakimoa Administration-Network Building assets, and (b) design The Government of the Cook Islands is seeking “Expressions of and specify the fire safety systems for those facilities in order to interest” for Scholarship awards from suitably qualified Cook upgrade the existing systems to meet current Australian and New Islands men and women to study at a Pacific Regional Institute Zealand standards. (excluding Australia) or NZ academic institution. The assignment is to lead to the completion of the Fire Safety Designer’s Documentation, including plans and specifications to *NZ Pacific Scholarship – undergraduate study in NZ only Australian and New Zealand standards for building consent and • 5 multi year awards construction to mitigate and prevent fire damage for all of TAU’s • 1 single year award – study options are at undergraduate, strategic assets forming the Avatiu Valley Power Station and the graduate or at postgraduate level that are designed to Tutakimoa Administration-Network Buildings, Rarotonga. take no longer than one year to complete The successful Tenderer will be required to oversee the procurement, acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and *NZ Regional Scholarship – are available for both undergraduate review and certification of as built drawings, for the fire safety and postgraduate study at a Pacific based tertiary institution (eg. system that they have designed and that was approved by TAU. USP, FNU) To initiate progress towards the completion of this assignment, TAU has developed Request for Proposals Documents and Term The NZPS & RDS scholarships are open to Cook Island persons of Reference (TOR) for the associated tasks and now invites from all sectors of the community, public and private, living here in interested companies to register their interest in order to submit the Cook Islands. Applicant selection will be based upon meeting their proposal for this assignment. the scholarship eligibility criteria, primarily that of academic merit Registration and Tender Document can be requested from the and that the proposed course of the study meets Government’s following contact person: HRD priorities for the Cook Islands. TAU Project Manager Te Aponga Uira, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 2014/2015 SHORT TERM TRAINING AWARDS (STTA) Ph: +682 20054 Employers wishing to develop staff skills through New Zealand Fax: +682 21944 provided training are invited to apply for assistance from the New Email: alex.napa@electricity .co.ck Zealand Aid Programme supported Short Term Training Awards. The proposed timeframes for the bidding process are set out This may include new studies towards courses at tertiary institutes below in Cook Islands local time: (eg. Universities and Polytechnics) provided that completion Deadline for submission of questions: is within a period of less than 12 months. Please note, degree 3pm Thursday 11 April 2014 studies, postgraduate studies, conferences and workshops will not Deadline for submissions of Proposals: be considered under this scheme. 3pm Thursday 18 April 2014 Notification to preferred Tenderer: STTA will not be awarded where the proposed country is available Week of Monday 28 April 2014 in-country. Preferred Tenderer negotiations: From the week 28 April 2014 The STTA awards are open to Cook Island persons from all sectors of the community, public and private, living here in the Cook PUBLIC NOTICE Islands.

Scholarships and the STTA are offered in specific subject areas that are relevant to the development needs and employment opportunities of the Cook Islands. Applications will be prioritized according to the following HRD priorities for 2014/2015: Agriculture, Education (Secondary teaching: for NOTICE TO TE APONGA UIRA CUSTOMERS Maths & Science subjects), Finance Management, Health, ICT, Marine Resources/Fisheries, Renewable Energy, Trade areas We advise all our valued customers that the March power and Waste Management although other areas may be included consumption charge included in your April power bill has been (excluding Aviation, Civil Engineering and Architectural Studies) levied at the new April VAT rate. For further information and application forms, contact Anna We apologise for this and we will be crediting your next account Roi on ph 29357 or email [email protected]. with the difference between the amount you were charged and ck Application forms must be received no later than 12pm, that which you should have been charged. Thursday 24 April Cook islands Herald 02 APril 2014 CLASSIFIEDS 24