Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005

Reviews of American Sämoa, Mäori in integrating country development Issues, , Sämoa, , Tonga, with region-wide economic develop- and are not included in this ment and in ensuring that the sustain- issue. able development of the actually benefits the people (CIN, 3 Cook Islands June 2004, 6). As part of this devel- The period July 2004 to June 2005 opmental process, the Cook Islands can be described as a year of many government signed an agreement with political twisters and natural cyclones the governments of Australia and that continue to impact economic, New Zealand. This Cook Islands political, and social programs in the initiative, the first of its kind in the Cook Islands. The country faced a Pacific Islands, requires the Australian series of cyclones, one drawn-out Agency for International Development general election, several closely fought (AusAID) to pay its financial contri- elections for parliamentary seats, bution and a management service fee court petitions, relatively regular to the New Zealand Agency for Inter- changes in cabinet ministers and port- national Development, which “will folios, two prime ministers, and three act as trustee of the funds to be put governments. The party that won the into projects of the single co-funded election resurfaced as the opposition program” (CIN, 3 Sep 2004, 1). Loan and the prime minister came from one reserves, projected to reach nz$20.1 of the smallest constituencies in the million by 30 June 2006, are also country. provided so that existing Asian Devel- June 2004 began on a positive note opment Bank loans can be serviced as with a three-day workshop conducted they come due (CIH, 25 June, 2005, 7). by the Cook Islands Ministry of For- Planning meetings alone did not eign Affairs and the Pacific Islands ensure financial responsibility, how- Forum, involving government agen- ever, and the Ministry of Finance and cies, nongovernmental agencies, and Economic Development reiterated its private-sector companies. The train- warning about overspending and ing reflected the spirit of the June spiraling personnel costs (CIN, 30 2000 Cotonou Agreement, which June 2004, 1; 17 Jan 2005). Even the marked the start of a new economic Chamber of Commerce warned of and political relationship between economic decline if government con- the European Union and its African tinued its overspending (CIN, 9 Mar Caribbean Pacific group for the next 2005, 1). Given this general appre- twenty years. Minister of Finance hension, the nz$2.4 million capital Tapi Taio described the Economic expenditure budget set for 2005–06 Partnerships Agreements as important was already receiving much criticism

128 political reviews • polynesia 129 from the public at the end of the Overall, the important tourism review period (CIH, 20 June 2005, 2). industry has brought mixed results Director of Audit Paul Allsworth for the Cook Islands. Increased Air noted that regular departmental over- New Zealand flights have led to more expenditures were primarily caused tourists, but also shorter lengths of by poor planning and political inter- stay. Lack of leadership and vision in ference (CIN, 17 June 2004, 1.). government’s management of tourism Ordinarily this problem could be development is sometimes cited as a solved through the Public Expenditure major concern (CIN, 14 May 2005, 1). Review Committee, which is generally The drawn-out recruitment of a chief seen as an important part of govern- executive and the impact of several ment’s public transparency. But the cyclones have also had a negative committee has had much of its budget impact on the industry. In June 2005, cut and has no powers to prosecute or the board of the Cook Islands Tourism expose wrongdoing discovered by its Corporation reappointed Chris Wong audits (CIN, 29 June 2005, 1). as its chief executive for a further Economic development remained a three years, launching a major post- major focus for the country, although cyclone recovery program. Media certain promising enterprises received teams from the United States, Canada, little public support. Tony Napa New Zealand, and Australia were unsuccessfully defended his proposal brought in to see that the cyclones to establish the island’s first helicopter had not damaged the islands’ tourism service, using a Raven 44 ii Clipper infrastructure. helicopter for tourism, commerce, The fisheries sector had some government, and emergency services successes during the year. Cook (CIN, 3 June 2004, 1). Other enter- Islands Fish Exports signed a multi- prises carried more public support, million-dollar deal with a Chinese including the Captain Bligh resort firm, Shanghai Deep Sea Fisheries. hotel in being built by the The deal came only a few months Tepaki group, and Virgin Blue’s sister after Sealords withdrew from the airline, Pacific Blue, flying from Aus- Cook Islands to concentrate on their tralia via Christchurch to . New Zealand operations. The Cook Meanwhile Aloha Airlines announces Islands Ministry of Marine Resources it was ceasing its flights into Raro- also issued more longline fishing tonga, ending the direct connection to licenses, to reach the current total of Hawai‘i. A bill allowing the issuance forty-four, but noted that the maxi- of titles to anyone owning a portion mum of sixty licenses had yet to be of a building without being a lessee reached (CIN, 19 July 2004, 1). Five (similar to time-sharing) awaits more Taiwanese boats arrived in Rarotonga discussion. Although ownership of to begin fishing in Cook Islands tourist accommodations is reserved waters under a tripartite agreement for Cook Islanders, foreigners can between Taiwan’s Gilontas Fishing access the industry by purchasing Company, Cook Islands Fish Exports existing businesses that fail to find Ltd, and the Cook Islands govern- local buyers. ment. The twenty-four-meter-long 130 the contemporary pacific • 18:1 (2006)

fishing boats have twenty-ton storage beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) found was capacities, and each carries a crew of a black female measuring 4.5 centime- twelve (CIN, 15 Oct 2004, 1). ters long (CIN, 20 Jan 2005, 1). Other During the review period, three than that, the agriculture sector has Cook Islands registered ships were been relatively quiet, with much focus turned away from US ports for lack of on nono or noni (Morinda citrifolia), compliance with the United Nations vegetable gardening, and piggeries. In International Ship and Port Facility May 2005, Rarotonga hosted a suc- Security Code, which had come into cessful two-day regional meeting of effect a week earlier. The code the steering committee for the devel- “demands international ships have a opment of sustainable agriculture in signed certificate from their flag coun- the Pacific (CIN, 31 May 2005, 1). try that says that they comply with Environmental issues were under- the new standards aimed at foiling scored by a series of cyclones in terrorists” (CIN, 6 July 2004, 1). The February and March. Although the Picton Castle was on her way to a main force of missed tall ships festival in Rhode Island, Rarotonga, it caused serious damage and sailed instead to Nova Scotia to Island harbor and airport in Canada. Cargo boat Kwai was (CIN, 9 Feb 2005, 1). A week later, expelled from Martha’s Vineyard Cyclone Nancy inflicted some major in Massachusetts, and cargo vessel wind and surf damage on Rarotonga Equuleus was denied entry at Provi- (CIN, 16 Feb 2005, 1). Super Cyclone dence, Rhode Island. Olaf proved even worse than Nancy Also during the 2004–2005 year, in terms of damage to Rarotonga two leading telecommunication (CIN, 18 Feb 2005, 1), while Cyclone companies (Eircom and Esat bt) Percy badly damaged Pukapuka and announced that they would be closing Nassau (CIN, 2 Mar 2005, 1). Cyclone all direct dialing calls to the Cook Rae caused serious damage on Palm- Islands in an effort to crack down erston and Pukapuka and prompted on Internet fraudsters targeting Irish suggestions for the evacuation of consumers (CIN, 22 Sep 2004, 1). women and children from Pukapuka Another important industry, offshore and Nassau to Aitutaki (CIN, 23 Mar banking, received a positive impetus 2005, 1). The sixth cyclone, Sheila when the Financial Action Task Force (tracked 20–23 April 2005), did not took the Cook Islands off its blacklist seem to receive the same attention as of uncooperative countries, leaving the others. The United Nations and only Burma and Nigeria on the list the governments of Australia, New (CIN, 12 Feb 2005, 1). Zealand, and France offered help to The agriculture ministry renewed storm-damaged Cook Islands, and concerns about the potential damage workers of Cook Islands descent from to the islands’ coconut trees after dis- New Zealand arrived in Rarotonga to covering a rhinoceros beetle on an Air assist with repairs to damaged houses. New Zealand flight from Los Angeles New Zealand cyclone aid amounted and Tahiti. The coconut rhinoceros to nearly nz$2 million even before political reviews • polynesia 131 super bore down on going on.” They also asserted, “Old the islands (CIN, 2 Mar 2005, 1). The habits, family ties, culture and tradi- government declared a state of emer- tion” set the scene for corrupt prac- gency, and problems with loiterers tices (CIN, 21 July 2004, 1). forced officials to issue warnings In July 2004, New Zealand Educa- (CIN, 3 Mar 2005, 1). tion Minister Trevor Mallard, noting Other environmental related issues that Cook Islanders were the second- that arose during the year included largest Pacific ethnic group in New lagoon pollution and fish poisoning. Zealand, announced the addition of Ongoing problems of irritation to the Cook Islands Mäori language as swimmers in the Titikaveka area were part of New Zealand’s educational finally linked to bacteria associated curriculum. He described the Cook with household sewage and piggery Islands Mäori language as “a precious waste leaking into the lagoon (CIN, gift from the Cook Islands community 14 Oct 2004, 1). In 2003 there were to New Zealanders” (CIN, 28 July 227 cases of fish poisoning reported 2004, 1). in the Cook Islands, of which 169 Between July 2004 and June 2005, cases (74 percent) occurred on Raro- politics dominated the news. One of tonga. Forty of the Rarotonga victims the most controversial and memorable were hospitalized. The number of political figures in Cook Islands his- patients with ciguatera poisoning tory, the first premier, the late Albert increased from 19 in 1992 to 40 in Royale Henry, hit the headlines again 2003 (CIN, 29 June 2005, 1). when Parliament passed a motion During the year, traditional leaders granting full pardon for all convic- again expressed concern at the use of tions against him. Albert Henry had Cook Islands cultural images, such as lost his leadership position and later chants, music, and drumbeats, with- his knighthood after an infamous out consent or proper acknowledg- 1979 bribery case. The forgiveness ment (CIN, 26 June 2004, 9). Lily extended to Henry by fellow politi- Henderson challenged her sister Marie cians was not generally shared by the for the traditional chiefly title of Pa country’s citizens, who have developed Ariki, but the court ruled in favor a general apathy toward politicians. of Pa Marie Ariki. Members of the This indifference was reflected in a Taka‘i family also placed a claim for local press article accusing Prime Min- the Pa Ariki title. Their claim was ister Dr of corrup- also dismissed. Meanwhile, a report tion and improprieties. Local media on corruption became a topic of con- owner George Pitt subsequently faced versation. The writers of the report, possible prosecution for publishing a Dr Takiora Ingram and Mathilda letter by Woonton to the premier of Urhle, claimed, “Traditional respect the Republic of China following the for elders and leaders is a leading prime minister’s state visit there. The cause of corruption in the Cook allegations of political corruption and Islands. . . . This respect stops people sexual impropriety were singled out from asking questions about what is as libelous (CIN, 8 June 2004, 1). 132 the contemporary pacific • 18:1 (2006)

The general elections were hotly announced the formation of a new contested by political party, made up of Health (cip), Democratic Party, and a few Minister Peri Vaevae Pare, Education independent candidates, with the two Minister , as well as main parties portraying an image of Teenui Mapumai, Poko Simpson, unity within their ranks. In the and the independent member for absence of the queen’s representative, Rakahanga, Piho Rua (CIN, 1 Dec who would normally act on such mat- 2004, 1). This group joined with the ters, the chief justice dissolved Parlia- Cook Islands Party, giving them the ment on the advice of the prime min- parliamentary majority needed to ister, and the general elections were form a new government, with cip set for 7 September 2004. During the leader Sir as deputy campaigning, both major political prime minister. Not surprisingly, the parties declared their abhorrence for Democratic Party severed its ties with coalition government, with the Demo- the four members of Parliament who cratic Party leadership particularly had switched allegiance after winning adamant on this point (CIN, 17 June their seats under the Democratic Party 2004, 1). While the Democratic Party banner (CIN, 3 Dec 2004, 1). focused on individual commitments The Cook Islands Party further to organizational goals, the Cook increased their numbers in Parliament Islands Party signed agreements with after a court appeal awarded the individual candidates stating that they Titikaveka seat to Tiki Matapo by a would not leave the party after being narrow, two-vote margin over Robert elected. The Cook Islands Party Wigmore. Court intervention also benefited from the open infighting raised questions about the results of among Democratic Party members. the electorate, and placed One of the victims of this infighting Robert Woonton’s seat in jeopardy. was , whose newly When the court ordered a by-election, formed Tumu Enua Party failed to win Woonton was unable to continue as any seats. In the end the Democratic prime minister and Queen’s Represen- Party won 14 seats and the Cook tative Sir Frederick Goodwin assumed Islands Party won 9, with 1 seat going executive powers pending a meeting to an independent member (CIN, 6 Sep of Parliament (CIN, 13 Dec 2004, 1). 2004, 6). The September elections The new coalition government elected also included a general referendum, former mp Norman George as and Cook Islanders voted to reduce Speaker of Parliament. They also parliamentary terms from five years elected mp Jim Marurai as the new to four (CIN, 16 Sep 2004, 1). prime minister for two years in a While the results of the referendum shared agreement that will see Sir were clear, a squabble over the Demo- Geoffrey Henry take over leadership cratic Party leadership added an ele- for the second half of the four-year ment of uncertainty to election results term (CIN, 15 Dec 2004, 1). The new already complicated by challenges to prime minister promised political Prime Minister Woonton’s seat. After stability, transparency in government, the election, incumbent Woonton and growing prosperity. His govern- political reviews • polynesia 133 ment established a new Ministry of implied a new cultural orientation, Sports and prepared to celebrate the away from the French influence and fortieth anniversary of Cook Islands back to the country’s Maohi (indige- self-government on 4 August 2005. nous Polynesian) roots, as well as jon tikivanotau m jonassen toward a more pan-Pacific perspec- tive. Three events in particular embodied these tendencies. References On 12 July, the new government celebrated the annual autonomy CIH, The Cook Islands Herald. Raro- tonga. Weekly. holiday parade. Thousands of people participated, while several guests of CIN, Cook Islands News. Rarotonga. honor from other Pacific Islands Daily. countries were present. The new pres- ident changed the holiday from 29 June to 12 July to honor Francis San- ford, the father of the territory’s first French Polynesia statute of autonomy of 12 July 1977. Events in French Polynesia in the Flosse had made the holiday 29 June period under review were essentially when he created another, enlarged characterized by political upheaval autonomy statute, which passed on and unrest, with an elected govern- that date in 1984 (NT, 28 June 2004; ment ousted in a “legal coup,” only TP, 12 July 2004). to return after another by-election. In early August, President Temaru The country experienced a period of achieved an even greater triumph instability but also an unprecedented when he attended the Pacific Islands mobilization of peaceful popular Forum in Apia, Sämoa, and French protest, culminating in the largest Polynesia was granted long-awaited demonstration march ever seen in observer status in that organization. Tahiti. The president welcomed the reintegra- Before the crisis started, the islands tion of his country into the Pacific were in a state of enthusiasm during family and invoked his vision of a July and most of August 2004. The more closely integrated Pacific com- new coalition government of the munity in the future. He also formal- Union for Democracy (upld), Fetia ized the demand that French Poly- Api, and No Oe E Te Nunaa parties nesia be reinscribed on the UN list was headed by pro-independence of Non–Self-Governing Territories. leader Oscar Temaru, who had been However, he was careful to present elected president in June after the this in his capacity as political party almost twenty-year reign of pro- leader, not as president, in order not French Gaston Flosse. The new lead- to create tensions with his anti-inde- ership’s motto, “Taui” (“change” in pendence coalition partners (Temaru Tahitian) was not only conceived in 2004; TP, 6 Aug 2004). the purely political sense but also Finally, the Taui also proved its reflected a determination to set the vitality among institutions outside whole society on a new course. It the political spectrum, when in mid-