PB

COOK ISLANDS

HERALD19 February 2014 $2 (incl VAT)

Cakes for all ocassions!

Edgewater Cakes Enquiries call us on 25435 extn 7010 Sunset BarBQs at the Shipwreck Hut Saturday Seafood menu with Jake Numanga on the Ukulele 6pm Tuesday Sunset BBQ with Garth Young on Piano 6pm Thursday Sunset Cocktails with Rudy Aquino 5.30pm-7.30pm Reservations required 22 166 Aroa Beachside Inn, Betela Great Food, Great Entertainment Goldmine Model Lauran is wearing a necklace and earrings Always the best selection, best from Goldmine price & best service at Goldmine! POWERBALL RESULTS Drawn: 13/2/14 Draw num: 926 PB

TATTSLOTTO RESULTS Drawn:15/2/14 Draw num: 3399 SUPP:

OZLOTTO RESULTS Drawn:18/2/14 Draw num: 1044 Next draw:

SUPP: Eset SMART Security Upgrade OEM 1year License $45 Only available with the purchase of a new Laptop Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 news 2 Government in business a smoke screen Empty treasury coffers desperately need cash inance Minister Mark reckless media statements that Brown’s parroting of expose his knowledge void. Fhis Finance Secretary To compare the government’s Richard Neves unqualified script purchase of TNZ shares with Government has no purpose Toagate is ludicrous. Whatever getting into commercial business possessed Brown to make such is a sad indictment of his inept self incriminating babble needs understanding of Government to be exorcised immediately. and private sector partnerships. Brown needs to stand back The Chinese Government has take a deep breath then listen seen the value and experienced and hear the voice of the people outstanding results from joint independent of the more and private sector engagements. more business incompetent Then again know all Neves can’t Neves reveals to be. Instead of see beyond his limited business mouthing off Neves’ prepared knowledge and has done scripts, Brown ought to do a lot nothing but slowly reduce Brown of listening and restrain himself to his basement level of business from his silly dismissive off the deficiency. Initially showing some cuff self incriminating comments. promise of growing his business Brown’s shoot from the capacity through being the hip comments have and are Mark Brown Minister of Finance, Mark Brown devaluing hard working Cook locals who have invested their to talk sense with Brown at their has regressed and become Islanders who have tirelessly working lives in TCI would be so lengthy meeting last Friday. dependent on the incompetent toiled to make TCI what it is proud the company was 100% Digicel want a monopoly Neves. Brown simply has the today. Once owned by the British Cook Island owned and all will grace period of five years and wrong coach and should detach Cable and Wireless, after their rise to the occasion to make the the money grabbing Neves himself from Neves and find controversial departure Cook rest of us just as proud. the architect of Nenevanomics himself a small group of business Islanders have owned the results Part of Brown’s sell out thinking won’t hesitate or blink an eye lid mentors whom he can bounce of their labours. TCI is a well run has been shaped by the constant in giving it to them as long as he off ideas and policy components. profitable company operated nit picking by disgruntled expats got his hands on the $7 million The cognitive distortion by highly trained and qualified who have expectations beyond to. Brown is captive to is, if the local managers who could hold reality. Te Aponga is 100 percent Cook Islands exercised our first their own internationally. Take Like Neves, Brown is blinded owned and it is self sustaining right to purchase Telecom New for example the former CEO Stu to what locals can achieve given and commercially profitable and Zealand shares in Telecom Cook Davies, who learnt his craft at the genuine opportunity to do is overseen by a local Board and Islands the business would fail. TCI, he was snapped up by an so. Backed by a Board appointed headed by Mangaian Apii Timoti. How embarrassingly wrong. How international organisation at the based upon competency instead The Airport Authority has a Brown could look at his own face drop of the hat. Then there is of political patronising TCI will local Board with Joe Ngamata in the mirror without scolding Phil Henderson, Jeane Matenga become a real flagship of local at the helm and is commercially himself is self preserving. TCI and many others who did their commitment. Get real Minister sustainable without receiving has been successfully run for time at TCI. of Finance. government funding. years without the operational Last Friday TCI Board Chairman The Cook Islands should be So where is the sense in involvement of NZ or the Temu Okotai met with a group at grateful such talented locals Brown’s flippant comment politicians and has delivered at TCI at their request who shared have not absconded to greener that government should leave least $20million in dividends their concerns of the lack of pastures taking their highly in business to the private sector? over the last ten years. transparency and worries about demand telecommunication TCI, Te Aponga and the Airport Just as he was quick to open his their employment futures. As skills with them. A Digicel buy are successful commercial mouth over opening the books of per normal those affected the out will without a doubt see a operations proudly headed by TCI after his successful election most don’t get consulted but 30% cut in personnel, some at local people. What will be the and appointment as Minister informed after the deal is done. the high end. The outer islands difference with a fully locally for Communications, Brown had Given the opportunity local TCI staff will also be negatively owned TCI? to retract his over exuberant management could step up to impacted. What do you say to Get behind your local work promises because contractual be CEO without a resulting glitch these people and their families force Brown or we’ll end up with confidentialities prohibited in the operations. To imply TCI Mr Brown? We all know its water an influx of more expats and public disclosure . Brown is would fail if the Cook Islands off a ducks back to Neves. immigrant workers. Think local, having a similar thoughtless purchased TNZ shares is so far Hopefully the Chamber of go local or local go. mouth opening moment with from reality. If anything the Commerce delegation was able George Pitt former TCI Chairman PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 news 3 Subtle changes to finance law and policy amount to social engineering It’s time to pause…. for a cuppa By Charles Pitt government demanded it legal provisions that enable confidence in the CIP is that the While it may not be and now the proposed sale people’s bank accounts to tax law and policy changes have noticeable now, the outcome of Telecom without public be raided. The public should not come up through the grass will confirm what has been mandate, are major changes not have to pay for that roots rank and file in the Punas suspected all along, and that which will alter the way our information. As a public and been thoroughly discussed is, precise but subtle changes society evolves. Government servant, Neves must make that and endorsed by conference. to finance laws and policy, has failed in one important information freely available. It should be clear to will bring about fundamental duty, and that is, to fully When the CIP came to power, government that the public changes to our society and explain the reasons for and the it came with a healthy majority are struggling to cope with, pave the way for even more implications of these changes. and as such the CIP could say let alone comprehend, the dramatic changes to come. We saw this social the public had confidence in the magnitude, effect and pace This process of change is engineering in NZ during party and that such confidence of change. Worse, is that the so subtle as to be almost the time of “Rogernomics” translated into a mandate to public do not understand the undetectable except to those when Finance Minister make changes. However, that reason for these changes. who have experienced the Roger Douglas and a Labour majority has been eroded MFEM are setting the process previously. government de-regulated the and now the CIP are finding it country up for a new economic Unless some intervention finance sector and young, harder to convince the public model. occurs, it will be too late to bright, theorists in Treasury to accept major changes to tax The PM, to quote David halt this process of change and with no practical experience laws and policy. Lange, should call for a society will have to deal with began shaping government Undermining public pause……for a cuppa. the consequences. policy to the extent that whole What is happening in the towns and societies were finance sector amounts to social affected. Imported goods SWITCH ON WITH engineering and it is being driven became cheaper forcing some by expatriates who lack cultural factories to close and jobs to Te Aponga Uira understanding and sensitivity be lost. Government ministries 2 months to go... and inexperienced theorists moved to a more business with no real depth of experience like footing and the speed of under a mistaken belief that change took many by surprise. tinkering with the economy to In NZ, after Douglas proposed fit a foreign economic model a “flat tax,” it took PM David will better adapt our society for Lange’s intervention, “Pause the changes to come. for a cuppa tea,” is what he A small group within MFEM called it, to halt a rampant will have needed to sell the Finance Minister Roger idea of a new economic model Douglas and Treasury. Douglas to the Minister of Finance had no option but to resign. and the PM. Other Cabinet Like Douglas, Cook Islands Ministers need not know. Finance Minister Mark Brown Raising VAT, means testing backs his Finance Ministry the local pension by making it to the full. Finance Secretary subject to tax for the first time Neves has been allowed free in our history, overturning a 17 reign to shape laws and policy. year old no-tax policy on the On the issue of demanding a NZ pension, removal of import back tax on those receiving levies thus knee capping local the NZ pension, Neves has agricultural production, the challenged affected parties to introduction of user pays for take him to court. Yet Neves water because an overseas 4 months of the cyclone season has passed. Only 2 months left. has never fully explained the Fingers crossed there isn’t one? If we do get a cyclone, however, then be ready to: Close your shutters or board up your windows. Fill your car’s fuel tank and gather emergency supplies. Gather your family members and pets and stay indoors. Prepare for a possible evacuation. www.teaponga.com Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 Opinion 4 Dingo culture barks politicians into submission Richard Neves has no love of being a tail he readiness to cash up the bureaucrats. Commissioner collect obese pay neither does Neves who has locally owned Telecom Elected to give the country packets to little more than warm no proven business genes. It’s TCook Islands shares in direction and a working road seats. No one would know if they all about the money in their a sell out to international Telco map of prosperity to all the CIP were all closed and disbanded eyes to the point their cognitive Digicel has nothing to do with the government in the prolonged and no one would miss them. distortions are becoming a Cook Islands Party Government celebratory euphoria of How embarrassing for the detriment to the public who own insisting they shouldn’t be in returning to governance after a Prime Minister Henry Puna TCI. business is moral fraud and decade in the political wilderness to go on television and pour The Bible says; Without a more than misleading. The quick have awoken to the reality the out his heart in an emotional vision the people perish. This is fire sale has everything to do drinks have ran out and the speech assuring the raided Grey exactly what is happening, the with the country heading into music they face can be overcome Power members their extracted failure by arrogant neglect for a fiscal melt down stemming if everyone in the vaka has a Bank account savings would the CIP government to deliver from the mismanagement of our psyche of personal ownership. be reimbursed only for Neves visionary policies that unify sovereign financial responsibility Lacking a vision that unifies and to return from his Christmas the people has led to society by none other than the Ministry encompasses everyone in all the holiday to nullify Puna’s promise. becoming fragmented and of Finance and Economic tribes leaving none out of the So who is the head and who is hostile over policies trumped by Management Richard Neves. vaka the CIP Government head the tail? How fitting it is that the Neves. Lead by a novice team has surrendered its tasks and Grey Power has called Puna the Neves treatment of New of leaders both lacking in responsibilities to the tails. Great Pretender. Zealand pension recipients hardnosed business acumen, the Instead of acting decisively and With Puna now firmly put in led to the formation of the Prime Minister Henry Puna and delivering Cabinet’s policies to place by Neves, Mark Brown underestimated Grey Power Minister of Finance Mark Brown the Ministries to implement and is now being transformed into movement that has grown in failed to recruit a small group sustain the lazy CIP Government the image Neves has purposed strength, the very unpopular of successful business advisors has been subordinated by their for him. Facing career ending tax changes and the rise in for brainstorming and guidance tails who have created policies consequences (Neves favourite government fees and charges in matters of sovereign fiscal of their own then imposed them mantra) Brown has been dingoed pushing up the cost of doing issues as did Sir Geoffrey Henry on their Superiors. by the Aussie who is needing business has fuelled an who balanced his occupational Neves introduction of a dingo quick cash to stay solvent. undercurrent of anger in the weaknesses through the culture in MFEM has gradually Neves sees TCI as a cash cow to business community. The strengths of others. spread to every corner of the be fleeced. With no policy on growing resentment to the Te Unfortunate to be daily Public service. The Minister’s national assets being rolled out Mato Vai project is yet to see confronted with financial and of the Crown are now being by cabinet, tail come head Neves the force of their anger at a economic challenges beyond dictated to by the overpaid is creating one from fresh air, sell secretive government and the his personal capacity and officials. With Crown Law’s boss national assets. compromising DPM Teariki experiences Brown has leaned Kim Saunders reinforcing Neves The TCI Digicel by out saga Heather who some say he boasts on Neves to the extreme. Credit and the belligerent behaviour of is being fuelled by Neves and he’ll be making $10 million to Brown, what would have Heads of Ministries it will need driven by Brown, both enthused from TMV. Resistance to the crushed many others, he has so some crow baring to put the about quickly wrapping up the TCI sell out by Neves and Brown far survived one overpowering stroppy tails back in their place. deal for $7 million. If Brown is gathering momentum and issue after another, but for how With no King in the land every was to keep track of all his off the inevitable back lash will be long? Ministry is left to do their own the cuff unintelligent comments severe. A serious deficiency of thing often in contradiction to about Digicel’s proposal he People protest movements the current Cabinet is they their Minister’s wishes. The will realise he has exposed his and uprisings have sprung up all have been preoccupied with unrepentant Neves is a prime shallow appreciation of the around the world confronting everything secondary defaulting example of the dysfunctional telecommunication industry. governments who have lost their primary task of creating dingo culture that permeates Every time Brown opens his touch with the masses. As policies contextually with the the Public Service. Monitoring mouth to defend Neves and his disillusionment and frustrated National Constitution, the CIP Government agencies have no stance he is zig zagging. discontent heighten and Constitution and their campaign teeth let alone bite with the Brown is lacking originality the different groups unite, platforms. Secondary tasks exception of BTIB. Watchdogs, and has no telecommunication unprecedented public protests have been Leadership’s focus The Audit Office, Ombudsman, depth to speak intelligently in will force the government to call advocating their primary tasks to PERCA and the Public Service a business context about TCI new elections. - George Pitt PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 VIEWS 5 Letter to the Editor MFEM silent on impact of removal of egg levy ear Editor talk to us in private!’ What a crock! either a return to rigorous price be made out to enlist the services I have been a bit pre- If you are so confident in your control nor a Commerce Act. The of the BTIB and the invocation of Doccupied and could analysis answer the questions so last Price Order (for grocery lines) the provisions of S.35A-D of the not respond earlier to Mr James interested members of the public was 8 years ago. The Commerce Development Investment Act to Webb’s response to mine in CI may share in your revelations. It is Bill has been delayed now for 11 conduct an investigation into the News of 3 February predicting not as if we believe you when you years. Whose influence is behind role of MFEM and how its policies, doomsday for local egg production say you would get no work done if this do you think? While Mr Webb decisions and operations conflict and asking more questions. you engaged every public enquiry may be under the impression so seriously with, and undermine, Fairly predictably Mr Webb’s because frankly I doubt that there that he is pulling the strings, the statutory requirements replies (08.02.14) have been less are many, besides, few would be determining economic policy of the BTIB functions pursuant than forthcoming. as persistent as I in pursuing you and is the architect of the grand to S 16 of that Act to promote Basically what he is saying is: It is so there would likely be precious design I suggest that he and his an environment conducive to not our business to tell you how to few in the queue. colleagues are merely pawns in development, investment and run your business while we put you Also, don’t talk to me about a grander scheme and are being trade because it would appear out of business, and Come and talk lowering consumer prices. I have engineered, manipulated and to me that MFEM, with its tax to us privately so that we do not already told you that the removal out-manoeuvred by people alot policies, intransigence on glaring have to address your many pointed of levies on pork and eggs for the smarter than they. issues, blindness to the need questions in the public domain. outer islands made not a jot of Because of all the foot for price control, commerce Well that is not good enough difference yet you persist in this dragging, misguided reasoning, regulation, some original thinking except in the case of egg levies it self-deception. misconceptions and inability to and innovation would have to seems. You want to know how to be more innovative and think be the biggest contributor to the On the doomsday date of 1 lower prices to consumers then beyond the text book and the economic ills that afflict us today. April for the removal of egg levies adopt my earlier advice and global model I believe a case can John M Scott he says ‘Public confirmation return to a price control regime was given by Government in for essential groceries and if Digicel interest in Telecom December’ so despite the fact I you are really serious about am hearing whisperings to the underpinning this protection then igicel is currently in advanced discusions with TCNZ and contrary I now take it that Mr enact the Commerce Bill which The Government of Cook Islands to purchase a majority Webb, being the inside chap the Government has promised to Dshareholding in Telecom Cook Islands. There are some of that he is, is reconfirming this deliver but hasn’t. us Cook Islanders who believe that the mighty Digicel is not the most is Government’s intention and Both the return to Price Control appropriate organisation to be handed control of the monopoly in an all business decisions should on basics lines and a Commerce Act industry sector of such strategic national importance. depend on that. Right? So at would provide the foundation for In frank dialogue with the Minister for telecommunications least that is one question sort of real protection yet rather than do last Friday 14 February, Mervin Communications (MCL)/KukiCel answered albeit in a somewhat these things Government (through Company Director William Framhein outlined his concerns in two key circumlocutory fashion and its economic mouthpiece) areas. Firstly that the Minister is chosing to waive The Government’s whether reliably or not we will just blathers on about the remarkable first right of refusal in acquiring Telecom New Zealand’s (TCNZ Cook have to take further losses and panacea levy removal will achieve. Islands) shares in Telecom Cook Islands (TCI) subject to those shares wait and see. Failure to take the hard decisions becoming available for purchase. Secondly, the apparent lack of As to my many other questions is testimony to, and strengthens evidence or report showing that Government has carried out due still no reply. Mr Webb occupies the notion that, Government is diligence on Digicel. the privileged position of not really sincere but continues to During the meeting the Minister was asked to change his position determining public policy but demonstrate its blind obeisance on waiving Governments first right of refusal in acquiring the TCNZ hides behind lame excuses when to its friends with vested interests shares in TCI as Framheim pointed to the local interst in taking a challenged on them. ‘Come and who would have no desire to see position in TCI should TCNZ receive an offer from Digicel. Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 NEWS 6 Our Frontpage model More Neves done deals he most politically driven Finance Secretary ever in the history of the Cook Islands, Australian Richard Neves is at it Tagain. Putting the record straight at the Te Mato Vai public consultations Neves arrogantly brushed aside public questions regarding the Chinese input, saying that was a done deal so no discussion, move on. Done deals have become a trait of the dingo culture Neves has imparted to his subordinates including his superior Minister Mark Brown. If the media hadn’t intervened the Digicel buy out of Telecom Cook Islands that would have become another notch in Neves’ done deal belt. Neves latest done deal involves the new VAT law. MFEM’s saturation advertising through the media instructing people to pick up the new VAT information and forms, yet the new VAT is yet to be passed in Parliament. Done deal? Not this time Neves, it’s glaringly obvious he hasn’t heard of the local saying; don’t blow your horn till the bread is cooked. This time the bread hasn’t even been put in the oven (Parliament) no wonder he’s called neneva. If the three Aitutaki MPs adhere to their constituencies instructions they will not be voting yes for the new VAT bill. As Minister of Tourism, Teina Bishop may be obliged to support the tourism stakeholders who are opposed to the VAT increase. This done deal may never be endorsed in Parliament sending the signal to Neves and Haigh it’s time to pack their bags. - George Pitt Schedule of price order favours Aitutaki ife in Aitutaki might not be as bad as Rarotonga, apart from the absence of roaming diseased barking dogs petrol is $2.23c Lper litre a whole 31 cents cheaper than Rarotonga’s $2.54c per litre. Aitutaki diesel is 30 cents cheaper at $2.21c. Government makes a whopping 28 cents a litre from every litre of petrol sold in Rarotonga. Aitutaki like all other sister islands had no levy on fuel courtesy of the Demo government till MFEM pointed out they were losing $95,000 annually just from Aitutaki alone so they got slammed with a 15 cents a litre levy. Talk about the right hand of love giving and the greedy taxing left hand taking. - George Pitt Banks screw down interest rates sing tricky advertising words like Boost and great interest rates to convince folks their hard earned (Politicians and UMFEM bosses excluded) money would be safe stashed in investment accounts, for one year returns the depositor 4.25% interest. These great rates for the brain dead and undiscerning punters are according to the almost unreadable small fine print (Especially the elderly with diminishing eyesight) subject to change. These pre-warned deposits could be de-boosted to a lower interest rate or being grabbed by the immoral grubby undertakers at MFEM if you are a local resident receiving the lucrative NZ pension. If the banks adopted a Court order Our front-page model this week is 23 year old Lauran Bergin. first before extraction policy they could advertise themselves as the Lauran is based in New Zealand, studying Law. She is SAFE Bank. Imagine the first Bank to do so; they would get most of the currently here in Rarotonga on holiday, working with and $6 million in new money that the pensioners bring into the country learning from Brian Mason at Mason PC. She departs for New each year. No mention of the excessive interest rates if you want to Zealand this Sunday. Check out our website www.ciherald. - George Pitt co.ck. and facebook page: www.facebook.com/ciherald borrow funds. PB

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

& THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF THE COOK ISLANDS PUBLIC NOTICE FOR PENSIONERS

In getting ready for the 2.5% VAT increase on 1 April 2014, from 1 March 2014 the local Cook Islands pension will increase by 25% for both the over 60 and over 70 categories.

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

To ensure fairness, and to direct the increased payment towards those most in need, from 1 March 2014 the local Cook Islands pension will also become part of your taxable income.

To help ensure that individuals receive the correct payments and are not left with tax debts at the end of the year, pensioners will need to register their Revenue Management Division (RMD) number with the Ministry of Internal Affairs by 20 February 2014.

If you do not have an RMD number, the Ministry of Internal Affairs can organise one for you – it’s free and easy to do.

All other social welfare payments will also increase by 10% from 1 March 2014 but will not require you to register your RMD number.

When combined with the personal income tax cuts, every pensioner in 2014 (regardless of income level) will have more money in their hand than they did in 2013, which will assist in adjusting to the VAT change on 1 April 2014.

A tax calculator has been made available at www.mfem.gov.ck/tax for individuals to estimate how the changes may affect them.

Pensioners are encouraged to contact a Welfare Officer in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Rarotonga, or the Internal Affairs Officer in Pa Enua before 20 February 2014. There is a simple one page form required.

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 8 NEWS QR Appoints Anthony Brown as new Official Secretary ueen’s Representative His Excellency, accepted Ivaiti’s resignation for retirement Tom J Marsters has appointed local noting his current condition of ill health Qpracticing lawyer Mr. Anthony and that he and his wife prayed for Ivaiti’s Brown as the new Official Secretary of the recovery. Office of the Head of State as of Tuesday Brown has a double degree in 18th February 2014. Administrative and Political Science from In a press statement, His Excellency cited the University of Canberra, Certificate and it was his pleasure to appoint Brown to the Degree in Law from the University of the prestigious post with much support of the South Pacific and a Diploma in Management Prime Minister, Honourable Henry Puna and Studies from Wellington. the Public Service Commissioner. Brown Brown told the Herald it was ‘an Honour is a former Director of Labour, Director of to Serve the Queen especially in the person National Disaster Management and Secretary of His Excellency Tom Marsters as a man of Agriculture and took up legal practice of high public stature, dignity, astute and from 2012 till this appointment. Brown is noble. Brown has already found in his own able to resonate with public administration opinion “an issue of juxtaposition in the however, this time, at a constitutional level Constitutional Amendment with Article 75 envisaged within the realms of the Office of in respects of Article 1”. A matter he has the Head of State. already expressed with His Excellency. Brown takes over from a retiring Harry Brown’s appointment continues a proud Ivaiti who has achieved 40 years of public family tradition, as his father Mr Maine Brown service and was highly recognized by (as former Public Service Commissioner) was His Excellency for services rendered to also the first Official Secretary to the Head of the Head of State, Office of the Prime State in 1983, with the late Sir Gaven Donne Minister and Cabinet, the Parliament and followed by the late Sir Tangaroa Tanagroa the Educational sector. The QR said he and the late Sir Apenera Short. Shallow water fish aggregate device (FAD) deployed for Arorangi ocal fishers and mariners are being advised that a shallow water fish Laggregate device (FAD) has been deployed by the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) seven hundred meters offshore from Arorangi School. Senior fisheries officer Sonny Tatuava advises that the FAD was rigged to support coastal fishing activities that take place in the locality such as trolling of surface pelagic species, deep bottom fishing for snappers, bait fishing for the scads “ature” and “Kōperu” and night fishing to catch snake mackerel Mangā. The final site location was decided after consulting with the local fishers, Arorangi fishing club, Ports Authority and the Member of Parliament. Advice for the bathymetric survey conducted by MMR staffs was provided surveyors from MOIP. This is the eleventh FAD deployed around Rarotonga. It will provide easy access for Arorangi fishers to the fishing grounds and help save on fuel costs and improve sea safety. The latitude and longitude of the FAD is 2114’.160 and 15950’.130, respectively. MMR staff preparing for FAD deployment PB

TUTAKIMOA PETROL STATION Grocery Specials available Budget Nappies Purex Toilet Tissue 2pk Soap Powder 1kg 14’s Xtra Large 2 ply Jasmine/Lemon/ Ocean Fresh

$1.50 packet $3.00 packet $9.50 Soy Sauce 640ml Indomie Noodles packet Mushroom/ Superior Dark Budget Nappies 16’s Large $0.50 packet $2.50 5 packet Imperial Mackerel in Oil/Tomato Sauce

$9.50 packet Budget Nappies 20’s Medium $2.50 $2.60 can bottle Vodka Cruiser (5% Alcohol) Spree Soft Drink Cans Ice/Raspberry/Cool Lime/Passion Fruit Orange/Lemon Juice/Lemonade

$9.50 packet $1.90 $3.40 can Bottle Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 10 BTIB FEATURE

The Business Trade Investment Board publishes a monthly gazette privy to its subscrib- ers with interest in property development, real estate, business diversification, develop- ment and research. The Business Gazette is a monthly booklet packed with information on new registered companies, new approved foreign enterprises, information on leases transfers, assignments and mortgages, news updates on trade and investment in the Pa- cific region and a newly introduced section dedicated to the local banking industry. Ac- cording to Vaine Arioka of BCI, this month BCI formally launch its Renewable Energy Loan programme, designed to help our homes on the island be fitted out with solar en- ergy kits. The programme took 3 years to develop with concepts stemming from a joint feasibility study with TAU, the office of the PM and MFEM to identify solar energy fi- nance solution for low income earners in 2011. The results were no surprises - to be sus- tainable some significant level of donor funding was required. BCI had the privilege to experience the “Energy Efficiency” Finance Solutions forum in Palau in 2011, and actively participated in the “Energy Efficiency” fridge freezer replacement programmes funded by ADB, GEF and the CI Govt in 2013. We also recognised the details were better under- stood by talking with stakeholders in the renewable energy industry. Over time, the learning helped BCI develop the Renewable Energy Loan product tailored to its business and personal customers whilst all along helping Government achieve its “50/15 – 100/20 policy goal for renewable electricity”. BCI are pleased to have the support of its Board of Directors, who wholeheartedly endorsed the concept. They took this initiative as an extension of what BCI is about – sustainability, self reliance and looking after our people. Initially the programme will be open to home owners who have houses here on Raro- tonga, and will be rolled out to the Outer Islands as professional installers of the solar kits expand their services to include them. This programme will be open to all home owners on Rarotonga, whether they are BCI clients or not, provided their house is here and they meet the eligibility criteria. This criteria is based around the value of the house and ability to service the loan, with the term being flexible to fit around power savings wherever possible. For further information contact BCI Ph: 29-341. For those interested to subscribe to BTIB’s business gazette and receive critical and cur- rent business information, contact BTIB Ph: 24-296.

BTIB Media Release, 11th February 2014. PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 11 China warships in Pacific raise alarm Bejing flexes its maritime muscles with unannounced war exercise in international waters

hree Chinese warships ports in Tonga and Papua New ordination. its military. have sent dark new clouds Guinea. State television said no China insists that its naval Tscudding over Australia’s The United States has already advance warning of the mission operations present no threat to strategic horizon, adding to responded with a shift in its had been given as “part of the other countries in the region and growing unease across the region naval emphasis to the region, navy’s plan to simulate actual that its Lombok Strait exercises as Beijing flexes its muscles increasing its marine presence combat conditions”. were part of annual training through the Indian Ocean to the in Australia and the intention to Analysts have seen a number plans during which its navy western Pacific. base 60 per cent of its warships of signals in the deployment upheld its right to free passage The sudden appearance in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020. beyond the demonstration in international waters. near Australia of the guided By that time China’s navy of power, reach and “self- China has also been increasing missile destroyers Wuhan and will have become even more confidence” advocated by cooperation within the region, Haikou, in company with the formidable. Funded by an policymakers in Beijing. joining US warships for search- advanced, 20,000-tonne landing economy that is now the world’s Among these is the ability and-rescue exercises near Hawaii ship Changbaishan, led to the second-largest and on track to to protect the sea lanes vital last year, and sending ships on RAAF Orion patrol aircraft being become the biggest, Beijing’s for its energy imports, and the goodwill visits to Australia and scrambled and sent north of the US$110 billion ($132 billion) potential to use alternatives New Zealand. This year it will continent. defence budget is exceeded only to the Malacca Strait if the key take part in the huge American Although operating legally by the US. route was closed. Rimpac naval exercise off Hawaii. in international waters, the Its sole aircraft carrier, the The exercise was also the first Prime Minister John Key has unannounced passage of the Liaoning, bought from Ukraine to extend beyond the western said New Zealand “doesn’t feel ships through the Sunda Strait and refurbished, will be joined waters of the Indian Ocean, and concerned by anything [China] between Java and Sumatra to the by an 80,000-tonne nuclear- to come so close to Australia. might be doing”, a view also Lombok Strait off Bali has been powered vessel within six years, Last October, similar expressed after the Lombok seen as a clear message that with plans for four more. As well capabilities were demonstrated exercises by Australian Foreign China is now a major maritime as a larger, advanced surface when Chinese warships, Minister Julie Bishop. power operating wherever it fleet, China’s ballistic and attack supported by bombers and Noting that the exercises took wants to go. submarine force will also be patrol aircraft, passed through place in international waters, The series of 10 exercises significantly expanded. the Japanese archipelago to Bishop said: “The Chinese navy between Indonesia and Australia Chinese warships are rapidly conduct war games in the is growing, commensurate with was also a demonstration gaining new potency through western Pacific, alarming Japan. the increase in size and strength of China’s increasing might, advanced technology. This With tensions already high of the Chinese economy and its reach and sophistication as the month a Song class diesel-electric over the disputed Senkakus/ place in the region and its place emerging superpower ramps up attack submarine slipped past Diaoyu islands, Tokyo increased in the globe.” its territorial claims. screening US warships to surface its defence budget, announcing Lowy Institute international The implications have within striking range of the plans for more strike jets, security programme director triggered concern also in India, aircraft carrier USS Kittyhawk. warships and other hardware. Rory Medcalf wrote that Japan, Southeast Asia and the That set the alarm bells ringing. India is also concerned at there was nothing illegal or Philippines, and raised further In the Lombok Strait, the three China’s operations in the eastern fundamentally hostile in the questions about Beijing’s Chinese warships conducted Indian Ocean, worrying that exercises, and that a greater increasing presence in the exercises including fast-response Beijing is placing the crucial Chinese role in the Indian Ocean South Pacific - particularly its electronic warfare, anti- waters around the Andaman and was inevitable. development and expansion of missile defence, and attack co- Nicobar islands within reach of - NZ Herald World News Cook islands Herald 12 February 2014 12 NEWS Murienua by-election a genuine contest James Beer 187 votes, Kaota Tuariki 184 votes By Charles Pitt performance, the contest is very votes. a lot into his campaign. James Beer 187 votes, Kaota close. As is the case in this electorate, The Herald congratulates Beer Tuariki 184 votes. There are still 8 special votes a large number of eligible voters, and his team on their efforts It was a two horse race but to count, 18 advance votes and 117, did not exercise their right and wish them well and success. they were evenly matched. The 27 declarations. Historically, to vote. Katoa has shown he is a worthy preliminary results on the night the special votes have favoured For the present Beer has his opponent in his own right and reveal that while James Beer the CIP. Back in September nose in front and one cannot cannot be easily discounted. (Demos) has made up a lot of 2013 James Beer did capture a deny him his right to celebrate It will be about a week or so ground on his September 2013 significant number of the special on the night because he has put before the specials are counted. Murienua 2014 by‐election, 2013 by‐election and 2010 general election analysis (CIP/Demo)

Murienua by‐election 19 February 2014 votes on day (preliminary)

CIP (Kaota Tuariki) 184

Demo (James Beer) 187

Special votes still to count 8

Advance votes still to count 18

Declarations still to count 27

On roll: 541 (up 14)

Voted: 424

Did not vote: 117

Murienua by‐election 19 September 2013 votes on day Final after specials counted

CIP (Kaota Tuariki) 193 219 (+26)

Demo (James Beer) 174 194 (+20)

Special votes still to count 39

On roll: 517

Voted: 406

Did not vote: 111

Notes:

Beer has increased his votes on 2010 total. Gap with CIP narrowed from 66 to 25 votes.

CIP votes on the day about same as 2010 final vote.

78 less on Roll than in 2010.

Less people voted than in 2010.

In 2010 special votes favoured the CIP.

In 2013, Beer’s share of the special votes has increased from 9 to 20. PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 NEWS 13

Murienua 2010 General Election votes on night final after specials counted

CIP (Tom Marsters) 171 193 (+ 22)

Demo (James Beer) 118 127 (+ 9)

On roll: 595

Voted: 452

Did not vote: 143

Notes:

Special votes favoured CIP.

Three other candidates also stood. Murienua by-election 2014 scenes

Cook islands Herald NEWS New Premium Gin

LAPTOPS Tips & Tricks

Make Your Own Power Plan

Windows laptops include a few preset power plans for maximizing battery life, but you can also customize your operating system's power-management features (in Windows XP, under Power Options in the Control Panel; in Vista, under Mobile PC in the Control Panel). Setting aggressive targets for when the display turns off and when the machine goes into sleep or hiber- nate mode will help your battery last longer.

Limit Your Connection

When you aren't actively using your notebook's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WWAN, or other wireless connections, turn the radios off (via the hard switch, if your PC has one, or using the appropriate utility), so they don't run down the battery while they keep searching for a signal. Also, use USB-attached devices sparingly while you're mobile.

Track it down

Thousands of laptops are reported stolen every year. Our advice? Prepare for the worst by investing in tracking software like Absolute Software's Lojack for Laptops, CyberAngel Security, or the free TheLaptopLock. John Sexton and his son Anthony These utilities can pinpoint a registered notebook's location once it connects to the Web, increasing your chances of recovering your system. n exclusive Premium Pacific gin with ties Dim the display to the Cook Islands is A A laptop's biggest battery-life-sucking component is its LCD display. To now available in Rarotonga. It eke out more juice when you're off the plug, turn down your panel's bright- is a refreshing citrus forward ness to the lowest level your eyes can stand. Most notebooks have a Func- Pacific gin associated with tion key combo—or even a dedicated hot key—for a quick crank-down. the South Pacific and is (You can also adjust brightness in Display Settings under Control Panel.) currently being sold by CITC … to be continued in Rarotonga. It is manufactured in an Auckland distillery and SEE OUR RANGE marketed throughout the South Pacific region by Colonial Commodities New HP TOUCHSMART 11” Zealand Limited. The gin, Vaione, won AMD A4-1250 1GHz golds and best in class in the 4GB RAM - 320GB HDD Stillmaster competition 2008 No optical drive 11.6” Touch Screen for John Sexton, who was also Wifi - HDMI - Webcam awarded Stillmaster of the Year 2008. Vaione also won a bronze at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013. ASUS P550CA The distinctive bottle represents the South Pacific Intel i5-3337U 1.8Hz region. 4GB RAM Nuku’alofa, Tonga. 750GB Hard drive John Sexton (64), the man John won the New Zealand DVD Writer - USB3 behind Vaione, has roots Pacific Business Trust Wifi - HDMI - Webcam in the Cook Islands. His inaugural Business of the Year Grandmother, Meletihau was 1992. from Manihiki. He has cousins John’s son Anthony, who in Rarotonga, Pastor John has been involved in the Tangi and his sister Meleone, project since its inception, is OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE! Loretta Reynolds and Karen managing the business. Johnston of Muri Beach. Interested enquirers should All prices are Inclusive of V.A.T. Price valid 01/11/2013 - 31/12/2013 E.O.E. John’s father, of German/ contact Fraser Nooroa at English heritage, was born in CITC. PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 NEWS 15 Memories of my fallen MP friends By Norman George MP for Australia, New Zealand and During the South Pacific Teenui/Mapumai (Atiu) the United States. That was Forum of 1985 held in n my 31 years in the time New Zealand declared Rarotonga, Papa Tom again Parliament, 29 of my peers itself a nuclear free zone, which tried to buck the system by Ihave passed on. I wish to prohibited U.S. warships from initially refusing to support share some of my experiences, visiting New Zealand if they the South Pacific Nuclear involving them, with you, in carried nuclear weapons. Free Treaty. We in Cabinet alphabetical order. Papa Tom charged in with persuaded him that as the I continue with Papa Tom, Sir pro USA postures. There were hosts this is a once in a life Thomas Davis. It is often said jokes about a new treaty to time opportunity to take the that power corrupts. When be called “CANZUS’ to include lead. Reluctantly he supported Papa Tom met up with Pa Terito the Cook Islands. Papa Tom it. When we made an official Ariki of Takitumu, he became welcomed US warships to visit visit to New Zealand in 1986, Pa Tuterangi Ariki when they Rarotonga instead, but the US I was in shock when we went got married or Pa Tane. Government wisely declined. up the Beehive to meet PM Papa Tom always carried They did not want to fracture David Lange. He welcomed us airs of eminence as he was the relationship further. to our seats, and then started a brilliant scientist who Three other events shook reading out a prepared press worked for the NASA Space our relationship with New statement. He said something programme. Add to this a Zealand at the time! When like .... “at a meeting between knighthood and an Ariki title, Papa Tom taunted NZ P.M. the two Prime Ministers, it is on top of being Prime Minister Lange about New Zealand agreed that the Cook Islands of the Cook Islands you have inability to defend the Cook is now free to declare full the most powerful man in the Islands, New Zealand ordered independence!... He was nation with unlimited powers. the biggest military exercise still trying to read on when I That signalled alarm bells. held outside of New Zealand in interrupted. Papa Tom took on airs greater the Cook Islands in Rarotonga Lange, I said, “Prime Minister than those of a simple Prime and Aitutaki. it is not as simple as that.... Minister. He decided to attend The cost was rumoured to be our status is entrenched in our $350.000, from the Mangaia the Commonwealth games in NZ$31 million. constitution. A referendum Island Pineapple budget in Scotland in 1986. He decided After so much ground work to must first be held and supported 1987. Matepi Matepi led the that he had to have an aide-de- shift aircraft and equipment to by 75% of the population. charge to remove him. I was comb, with Lady Davis having Rarotonga, with me as Foreign I also advised him that the in Samoa at the time, but was a lady-in-waiting. In cabinet I Affairs Minister working closely people of the Cook Islands will recalled to Rarotonga. There advised him that the privilege with the NZ Government, Papa throw us out of Parliament, was clearly majority of caucus was for a Head of State only, Tom tried to pull the plug on if they hear it. The speech against Papa Tom. not to mention the prohibitive the exercise. was screwed up and ended up His replacement was decided costs of taking two extra A week before the military in the rubbish bin. All these between me and Papa Pupuke people. When he ran out of exercise, Papa Tom called for incidents were never released Robati. I will reserve the drama excuses, he simply said to us in a special cabinet meeting. He to the public. of selection to another time Cabinet, “let’s call it a leaders announced that the Ui Ariki and The last of Papa Tom’s for the record; I conceded the privilege”. He carried the day. Aronga Mana wanted him to demise was when he removed position to Pupuke Robati. Before he left, Papa Tom cancel the exercise. I advised tried to persuade Sir Tangaroa him that Cabinet unanimously Tangaroa to sign an undated approved the exercise, he must “revocation or dismissall understand the ramifications MV CONSULTING FIRM Ministerial Warrant”. He of collective decision making, if wanted to carry a signed one cabinet Minister disagrees We can supply & install Solar PV system dismissal warrant without a with the rest, them he must 1) 2kW system $ 9,600.00 name or date. If a Minister resign. I also advised him that 2) 7kW system $ 29,500.00 upset him all he had to do was the Ui Ariki and Aronga Mana 3) 21kW system $ 85,000.00 write the Ministers name down had no role in Cabinet decision (*limited time only*) and the date! I knew that was making. designed from me! He switched to saying that as All installation work in compliance with AS 4777, AS/NZS 5033, To his credit Papa Tangaroa Minister of Defence he had a AS/NZS 3000 & TAU Grid Conn RE Policy. Installation by NZ qualified refused! right to cancel the exercise on electrician & installer. In 1985, there was major his own. I asked him to point fallout between New Zealand to the constitution to tell US Prime Minister David Lange where it says that. He quickly Further enquires, contact Terekino Vaireka, CIEWA & IPECI member, and Papa Tom over the Defence backed down and a successful ph 54990 or email - [email protected] Treaty called ANZUS between exercise was conducted. Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 VIEWS 16 Thank you for not forgetting us By Howard Henry have got some good news for you.” I The good news is that the old people in the Cook Islands, who receive the Cook Islands Old Age Pension, are all getting a significant benefit increase as of 1 March 2014. But everybody already knows that by now. However … to recap : for those aged between 60 and 69, their benefit goes up from $400 a month to $500 a month ($6,000 for the year). And for those 70 years and over, their benefit goes up from $500 a month to $625 a month or $7,500 a year. For a married couple of 70 years or more for example, this gives them a combined monthly income of $1,250 … or about $315 per week. And all this pension money is Left to right : Albert Henry, Dr Manea Tamarua, Mana Strickland, Julian “Rakau” “tax-free” because this income is Dashwood, Apenera Short and Tiakana Numanga. under the “tax-free” threshold of like a Universal Old Age Pension that time toiled and worked and the Old Age Pensioners in the $11,000 per person, per year. Scheme. In fact, the Cook Islands strove to create a better a better Cook Islands, who are going … now for the “real good is the only Developing Country in way of life, a better standard to get a benefit increase, are news.” the world that has such a benefit of living and a better and more thankful and grateful to this This being that the Old Age programme. prosperous future for all to share Cook Islands Party Government. Pensioners are grateful, and We should be very proud that and enjoy in later years. However, because of their thankful to this Cook Islands we have got such a scheme. So It is those “workers” from the political opposition to the C.I.P. Party Government for giving all of many other countries will NEVER 1960’s 70’s and 80’s who are now there are some who would never them such a significant increase get a Universal Old Age Pension retired and so collecting the Old openly admit it. But that’s OK. in their benefit payments. Scheme because they can’t afford Age Pension. I’ve got no problem with that. While some, because of it. They will NEVER be able to They earned this money The vast majority of the “Real their political persuasion to afford it. So the Cook Islands a very through sweat and toil during a Cook Islands Grey Power” are the “other mob” will be quite unique and special in this regard. bygone era. not like that. They are thankful happy to “take and say nothing The Old Age Pensioners of They earned the “benefit” and grateful for the money being in acknowledgement”, the today will remember Albert they are receiving today through given to them on a fortnightly vast majority of pensioners Henry and his first C.I.P. hard work, sacrifice and great basis. throughout the country will Government after 1965. They personal effort to bring up their I think it is only appropriate accept these benefit increases will remember how hard and children and to provide for that a “thank you” be given to all with open gratitude and heartfelt tough life really was for people in their families at a time so vastly the wage and salary earners who appreciation. those days. They will remember different to what we have in the are paying P.A.Y.E. as well as all These people are the “Real how it was a real struggle just to Cook Islands today. those businesses who are paying Grey Power” in the Cook Islands. earn a living to put food on the Before any smart-alec jumps VAT to the Government. “Thank Not that small “fringe group” table to feed their families. up and down to claim that we You” also to all those companies of individuals who are always The vast majority of people of only have an Old Age Pension paying “Company Tax” and to on TV, and sponsored by the that time were living in homes Scheme because it was funded those individuals and businesses Democratic Party, who keep that still had thatched roofs, by New Zealand Aid money, let who pay import levies and other trying to “Run the Government no electricity, no running water me knock that assumption on fees and costs to Government down” every TV chance they get. inside their houses. Hard work the head right at the start. Aid for what ever reason. It is common knowledge that was an everyday necessity with money from New Zealand, or This is because “Your Taxes” the Old Age Pension was Albert very little money in hand. anywhere else, has never been is where the money is coming Henry’s “Pet Policy” when he The 1st Cook Islands Party used to fund this scheme. It has from to enable the Cook Islands formed the Cook Islands Party Government/Cabinet of 1965 always been funded by the Cook Government to pay the Old Age in 1964. It is also common These were the men who Islands Government from its Pension to the levels that they knowledge that he and his introduced the Cook Islands Old own financial resources. are. It is through your hard work Government introduced the Age Pension Scheme in 1966. Sometimes it is very hard for a and efforts of today that enables “Cook Islands Universal Old Age The Government of 1965 Cook Islander to say “thank you” the elderly in this country to Pension Scheme” in 1966. inherited an economy based … for anything. live a life above poverty and What is not commonly known entirely on the export of copra More often than not it is destitution. is, that as a result of Albert’s and “Raro Juice”. They were a “take-take-take” and no They are able to live a life of “Pet Policy” implementation, the basically broke from Day One. appreciation offered or gratitude dignity and with self respect. Cook Islands is the only country But collectively, the given. And for that, I am sure, all the in the Pacific which has anything Government, and the people of But in this case, I am sure, all elderly are most grateful. PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 NEWS 1 7 Crossword Letter to the Editor Clarification of Te Mato Vai Petition ear Editor, The Petition to stop the TeMato Vai Project is not Dbecause it is being driven by a CIP Government. The Government is the Government. It is being objected to because it is full of errors and mistakes and assumptions and the Public have not been consulted. As the Papa say, the Government thinks we are Mushrooms and can be fed bullshit. (Mushrooms grow on bullshit that has been composted) We have two Parties who at times are as stupid as each other whether they are in Govt or not. Joe Public needs to remember that we are the ones who pay in the end. We the public paid for the Sheraton, we paid for Toagate, we paid for Colagate, we paid for the 1996/7 reforms and the expulsion of 5000 odd Cook Islanders. We paid because “The Government” stuffed things up. They stuff up and Joe Public pays, that’s you, me, your grand children, and maybe even your great grandchildren. It is time for Joe Public to stand up and tell Government enough is Across Down enough. Sign the Petition. 1. Pertaining to a galaxy (8) Fed up payer 6. Brownish purple (4) 2. A salt of acetic acid 8. Harass (6) (7) 9. Tangle of logs (6) 3. Slender part of the 10. Ran swiftly (5) leg (5) 11. Office head (7) 4. Migrate (4) 13. Instrument used in combat 5. Cave in (8) (6) 6. Costumed procession 15. Sixth planet (6) (7) 17. Deformed lip (7) 7. Derange (5) 19. Frothy (5) 12. Event (8) 22. Starvation (6) 14. Looking closely (7) deals 23. Quantity (6) 16. Love affair (7) 24. Beat with a whip (4) 18. Benefit (5) 25. Having ability (8) 20. Enhance (5) for raro 21. Drop (4) f lyers Hurry deals end  February  

Prices are one way per person from Rarotonga ONE WAY AIRFARES Seat Seat + Bag The Works Works Deluxe

ž ž ž ž Auckland (all inclusive) Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Wellington (all inclusive) žŸ¡ ž žŸ ž Christchurch (all inclusive) Fly to all other NZ operated domestic destinations for the same price. phone 26300 or visit your Air New Zealand Travelcentre, or your local IATA Travel Agent. Visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz

ON SALE FROM    FEBRUARY   FOR TRAVEL RAR TO AKL/WLG/CHC FROM  MARCH     JUNE  

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Prices correct as at 15 February 2014. The ‘Seat’ option includes a carry-on bag (up to 7kg) but no checked baggage. AIRFARE TRAVEL PERIOD: RAR to AKL/WLG/CHC 10 March 2014 – 26 June 2014. CLOSE OUTS: RAR/AKL 22 April 2014 – 4 May 2014, and AKL/RAR 1 April 2014 – 03 May 201. DEAL ENDS: 24 February 14. Fares include $65 Departure Tax. The above fares include a non-refundable service fee of $20 per one-way journey for bookings made through our Travelcentre. Travel Agent service fees may apply. Customers who purchase fares using Airpoints Dollars will be required to pay in cash the government and airport charges. These fares do not accrue Airpoints Dollars and are not eligible for upgrades and or companion tickets. Return airport and government costs will vary. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. CANCELLATIONS/CHANGE FEES: General terms & conditions, special fare terms and conditions and Airpoints terms and conditions apply. See your Air New Zealand representative for full details. AIR”””• Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 RUGBY LEAGUE 18 Local Rugby league Results The Sharks vs Week Three Tupapa Panthers Sharks 16, Panthers 32 upapa Panthers went to Aitutaki with intent of dominating Eels 36, Warriors 6 the Aitutaki Sharks. Panthers are one of the Super Powers of Bulldogs 32, Bears 12 TRugby League in the Cook Islands for many years, and unlike last year’s slow start to the competition, they are hitting their straps right from the start. This is a very uncomfortable position for the BYE - Sea Eagles rest of the Clubs, it seems like the Panthers are have set their goal, a back to back Championship. The young players in the team are a Simple Simon says.... credit to their coaching staff by introducing young players into the Premier Grades Competition. Aitutaki Sharks have not changed their style, their play is instinct Unhappy Valley dictated, unstructured; may look brilliant at times, but does not put fear in their opponents. If you dominate the Sharks in the forwards, the rest is history. he inability of the Warriors to control their own enthusiasm This Friday Aitutaki Sharks will be heading to Nukupure Park to when offered a scoring opportunity exposed the challenge the Matavera/Ngatangiia Sea Eagles. This should be a Tinexperienced and youthful look of this team. With huge very entertaining encounter as both teams in my view are evenly front rowers not able to put consistent runs together the pack were matched, man on man; this should be a ripper. left to lament opportunities lost through dropped passes or lost All rugby league supporters are encouraged to come out to the balls in the tackle. The Warriors have the potential to climb the next fields and support your teams. hurdle but don’t back themselves enough. Mental toughness is Food for thought for the coaches; Rugby League is a game learnt in the battle trenches against the enemy – age and reputation compared to Mathematics’ algebra! You have to manipulate mean nothing - so give it nothing. The Warriors season needs a shot your opponent’s defence, create opportunities to penetrate the in the arm to get it back on track they have the BYE this week so a defence line to score tries. When in possession, you dictate play; bigger drawing board will be needed when talking tactics with the and without the ball, your defence must be aggressive and fierce to troops. I’m routing for the Warrior – but the Warrior aren’t scaring regain possession. anyone at the moment. …….. So says Simon Have fun all...Cheers.....Teuira Ka This could be the year ....fun time with RUGBY LEAGUE Spot the Differences of the Bulldogs Q. How many imports does each club have this week? A. Panthers (3), Bulldogs (3), Eels (0), Sea Eagles (1), Bears t Teimurimotia Park, Fijian flyer on the wing may just the Titikaveka Bulldogs be the last puzzle to complete (0), Sharks (0) Adisplayed a very a dominant force to reckon aggressive and a very tight for this current season. If the defence game plan. The big and Bulldogs maintain and sustain Q. How many imports does each club have next week? mobile forward pack combining their workload, they will be A. Panthers (3), Bulldogs (3), Eels (2), Sea Eagles (1), Bears with a classic halves pairing a very difficult opponent to (0), Sharks (0) around the ruck, controlled topple. We will see how they and directed play with go this weekend against the Trivia precision impact. The second Tupapa Panthers; this game Q. When is the REF wrong? rowers in particular were very should weigh in a better A. Never !!!– So players should remember that and get on with dominant with their carry for indication as to where they are easy yardage. Backline with the against the current Premiers. the game. Draw Wk 4 Q. How many referees does it take to change a light bulb? A. 3 – that’s all the officials on the field cause they can’t see Fri Feb 21 and get decisions right so somebody please turn the lights on!!! Sea Eagles v Sharks Q. Who is the best Ref on the island? Nukupure Pk, Muri 5pm A. My dog cause he agrees with me all the time. Q. Name the player who got sinbinned in last week’s Game Sat Feb 22 of the week on TV – Eels v Warriors. Bears v Eels A. # 8 Prop Avatiu Eels Capt Bilsy Gukisuva. Raemaru Pk, Arorangi 4pm Q. What is a Book End referred to in a League game? A. A large player who runs with determination. Panthers v Bulldogs, Q. What’s the difference between a GOOD haircut and a Victoria Pk, Tupapa, 4pm BAD hair cut? A. Two weeks – cause that’s how long it takes to grow some BYE – Warriors back. PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 RELIGIOUS VIEWS 19 How to overcome long standing problems By Senior Pastor John Tangi believe there is no-one who has not faced a I problem from time to time. There are problems we can resolve ourselves; and there are those we need the believed by Faith; and she and sincerely commit your help of others to resolve. But acted in Faith; and she was problems to Him through what happens when we can’t Healed! She did what was Faith and believing that resolve the problem? What humanly possible, and God Jesus can help you. Establish if others can’t help? What if through Jesus Christ did the a permanent relationship we have tried everything and impossible! with Him and allow Him to still the problem remains? Hebrews 13v.8 reads “Jesus be your friend, your Lord In the Bible in Mark 5v.25- Christ is the same yesterday, and Saviour for life and 34 is the story of a woman today, and forever.” Friend, experience overwhelming who had a problem for 12 if you have a long standing blessings from God through years. Her blood was flowing problem tell Jesus through His Son Jesus Christ. May out from within herself prayer what the problem you have a God blessed and she couldn’t solve her really is. For example if week. Te Atua te aroa. problem. Others couldn’t you are sick tell Jesus what help her either. She used all your sickness is. If you have her money paying people, been hurt perhaps by those doctors, to help her, but still closest to you rejecting you her problem remains and it or abusing you tell Jesus was getting worse each day. everything. Although she was a wealthy Our Bible reading says that person, she had used all this woman “told Him the her wealth in an attempt to whole truth.” Friend, God deals get cured but her situation cares for our problems even continued to deteriorate, our problems that have been for raro gone from bad to worse. All bothering us for many years. she had left was the clothes I Peter 5v.7 read “Casting all on her. your care upon Him, for He f lyers When this woman heard cares for you.” Hurry of the healing power of God The requirement for this is deals end we must believe by Faith and  February through Jesus Christ she was  so determined to come to totally trust that God can, through His Son Jesus Christ, Jesus to help her. In Mark Prices are per person from Rarotonga 5v.28 she said, “If only I may help resolve our problems. ONE WAY AIRFARES Business Class The woman in this story in  touch His clothes, I shall Auckland (all inclusive)  be made well.” When she Mark chapter 5 is a gentile Wellington (all inclusive) touched Jesus garment, in who previously does not  v.29 it says “immediately she believe in God, yet when Christchurch (all inclusive) was completely healed.” faced with a “long standing Friend, this woman never problem” she had no other gave up. She is a fighter choice except to turn to the phone 26300 or visit your Air New Zealand Travelcentre, or your local IATA Travel Agent. even after 12 long years. Great Physician our Healer Visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz Jesus said to this woman The Lord Jesus Christ. This was the turning point in her ON SALE FROM  FEBRUARY    FEBRUARY  FOR TRAVEL RAR TO AKL/WLG/CHC FROM  MARCH    JUNE  in v.34 “My daughter, your WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Prices correct as at 15 February 2014. AIRFARE TRAVEL PERIOD: RAR to AKL/WLG/CHC 10 March 2014 – 26 June 2014. CLOSE OUTS: RAR/AKL 22 April 2014 – 04 May 2014 and AKL/RAR 01 April 2014 – 03 May 2014. DEAL ENDS: 24 February faith has made you well. Go life. 2014. Fares include $65 Departure Tax. The above fares include a non-refundable service fee of $20 per one-way journey for bookings made through our Travelcentre. Travel Agent service fees may apply. Customers who purchase fares using Airpoints Dollars will be required to pay in cash the government and airport charges. These fares are not eligible for companion tickets. Return airport and government costs in peace, and be healed of So friend I encourage you will vary. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. CANCELLATION/CHANGE FEES: General terms & conditions, special fare terms and conditions and Airpoints terms and conditions apply. See your Air New Zealand representative for full details. your trouble.” This woman to turn to Jesus and truly AIRŒŒŒŽ Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 VIEWS 20 Happy Valentine’s Day! By Norma Ngatamariki a swim, having dinner at the ourselves and when we received Okay, so it’s way past most expensive restaurant on it in class; we’d akamea that it Valentine’s Day, but don’t hate! the island or just chilling back was from someone really hot. It’s a day where you’re supposed at home with the hubby. To be Muhahaha! to love one another (the exact honest, I’ve only seen these Sadly, no one was fooled. date doesn’t really matter). One things happen in the movies, but After the rehearsal for the thing to mention is that Tereora hey...that doesn’t mean that it Investiture, which took a lengthy College (and a few other schools) can’t happen in real life. two hours (or so it seemed) we held their Student Leader Anyway, back to Valentine’s ate our goodies and exchanged Investiture on this special day, Day. What we already know is comments. It was a great way so it makes it very memorable. that it’s about giving chocolates, to celebrate Valentine’s. Oh, I On that note, I would like to roses, wine (if you’re old forgot to mention that this took welcome my fellow writer, Nadia enough), picnics (if you’re into place the day before Valentine’s George, who will be writing that kind of thing) and love (Thursday 13th), because the about the Investiture. Since she’s to that one special person. Investiture would be on Friday new, I sacrificed the topic to her Some smart girls in Tereora 14th. It didn’t really matter to (and she better be grateful for it College took the initiative upon us, because the feeling of being lol). themselves to actually make loved was still there. Here’s a little history lesson: it happen (with the exception So, how did you spend your Valentine’s Day was invented of the wine, of course). They Valentine’s Day? Maybe you partner, I don’t think it really by some Greek person, who made cute, little baskets of took your partner somewhere matters if you spend $100 on a was obviously named Valentine goodies, dressed up as “love really romantic and expensive. meal at some fancy restaurant or (To be on the safe side, you fairies” and delivered them Or, if you wanted to save money $20 on cheap food. should check out these facts for around the school. One basket instead of spending it, you made Another fact worth yourself). These days, people contained a brownie, cupcake, a nice, little dinner for the hubby mentioning: It was Ioana Turia’s have gotten a lot more creative cookie and a note from your (Can’t go wrong with corned Sweet Sixteen on Thursday with this special day: proposing “Secret Admirer”. My friends beef, bread and moina tai: it’s a 13th, so Happy Belated Birthday to their spouse on Valentine’s, and I came up with a plan: We real budget meal lol) As long as to her! (Sorry, girl, just had to heading down to the beach for would secretly send a basket to you spent quality time with your mention it lol) Tereora College student leader’s investiture By Nadia George Tereora, myself included. The photos of themselves pilled Nadia is a Year 13 student only difference this year being, high with beautiful eis. Then it at Tereora College, and a that there are no head leaders. was kaikai time. student leader for her Anau, Unlike having your traditional Student leaders of Tereora Maungaroa. Her interests are head boy and head girl, the College for 2014 include: paddling, performing arts and senior management team of Jessica Puiri, Heleina Strickland, media studies. She enjoys the college decided to go with Bouchard Solomona and Taylor spending quality time with the theme of equality for this Rangi, for Te Kou. Norma family and friends. year. Everyone is equal, as we Ngatamariki, Nurse Matangaro With only three weeks into are all in it together, sailing our and twin brothers Jason and the school year, Tereora has great big vaka that is Tereora. Thomas Potoru for Ikurangi. already inducted sixteen new The ceremony was very Ben Toru, May MyoMin, Marina students leaders for 2014. The short but sweet, and we were Paptua and Ngatuaine Jessie college’s principal Mr. Haque all grateful for that, as it was for Te Manga. April Ngametua, told us, that it was one of extremely hot and humid in Robyn Moetaua, Ngatokorima the most rigorous selections the hall. All the speakers for Paia and myself, Nadia George, they’ve ever had, which made that day kept their speeches for Maungaroa. me feel pretty damn proud to to a maximum of 2 minutes; All in all the day was a raging have been selected as one. with one student leader success, with some special On Friday 14th, we were representative from each people receiving roses and all lead into the hall with a Anau getting up in front of six chocolates from partners and traditional turou and even got hundred odd students, to speak secret admirers, because of to sit up on stage with all the on behalf of their Anau. Some course who could forget that important guests and teachers. had traditional Maori chants Feb 14th is Valentine’s Day, the Looking out into the crowd in theirs; others went for the day of love and romance. I was able to see my friends subtler, formal and inspiring For some students at Tereora, family and peers. Everyone approach. Once the badges had their journey is just beginning, had crammed into the Princess been presented and speeches for others, it’s slowly coming to Anne Hall that day, to watch on being said, all sixteen leaders an end, as we all sail together as all sixteen-student leaders lined up in front of the stage in our vaka, Vaka Tereora. With received their badges for the for their family and friends to all sixteen-student leaders year. Just like last year, four come up and “aka ei them”. invested and ready to rock, students from each Anau With the ceremony officially we can only hope to make our House had been selected to over and done with, everyone final year at Tereora a good of school. Bring on twenty- represent the students of raced out of the hall to take one. Here’s to another year fourteen. Kia Toa! PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 CHOOKS 21

From COCONUT ROUNDTABLE FAT CATS ursday to Number 2, Sunday? But Cabinet has directed all Rumour the swim suit models Ministers go to Aitutaki with has it, Government Ministers have gone! ey McCully and the Chinese except for Heather are headed for don’t know Ambassador! Aitutaki this weekend! that!

Mozzie

It seems Demo wonder boy Drolley’s finger pointing at this publication is a bit rich coming from a once highly paid govt official whose fabrications, fiction, lies and outright premeditated dishonesty got him 12 months in the mother of all stews of like behaving residents rent free or was that all a fabrication? Not happy with his huge pay packet and numerous perks, pride and greed got the better of him. What about the $24,000 of public when the self praising Drolley is absent Talk about trying to stamp his mark, machinery is the evidence of national funds that never got paid back that doing his own private businesses while Edrey’s double standards indicate he leadership then the tractor driving was used to build his Tupapa mansion being paid by the taxpayer through the can’t be trusted because he doesn’t Turepu will be his deputy. And the word not to mention an outstanding public opposition office. Lots more next week. mean or do what he says. Send your is the DPM wasn’t even drunk, but he debt of $21,000 owed to a government letters to the real cutting edge paper. had better learn to sing the CIP love agency? Or is that another misleading Timber would been better off sticking to anthem if he wants to be the bulldozing fabrication? Boasting he could take his The new editor at the daily dribble the telephone abusing street kids at least leader or Aitutaki will dump him off the former benevolent sponsor to court is must have had a hangover, the usually she could of only got better. wharf and tell him to swim back to the just more misleading sloppy dribble. Talk visually pleasant front page the other nut house he came from. Bulldozer, what about accuracy coming from a finance day was a visual mumbo jumbo with At the final rally for the CIP in a space cadet. guru who cooked the books in a stew instead of two stories and a photo he Murienua last Saturday the small turn of his own. Kata got it wrong, it was had four stories, two of them seriously out wasn’t worthy of a key note speech Oopps poor Eddie has dropped a Drolley who was working in the tax detrimental to our biggest money earner. from the PM Puna. Puna is saving his clanger! Singing the praises of the in funded kitchen no doubt learning how The major story was on dengue with a key note speeches for overseas audiences cruise tabloid of the SS Daily for its to fabricate stews. He makes the one top of the page story about a crime unlike the locals who can’t hear what accuracy, poor Eddie should glance at the night resident non tax payer dependent wave against tourists in Puaikura. Just top Rooster Elvis (Don’t be Cruel) Puna opposite page which mentions last year’s self employed Junior Areai look like a the kind of alarming stuff that gets is saying because of their envy of his Ministerial chin wag in Queensland! The saint. visitor cancellations. If this keeps up our power over the hens. The unashamed, chin wag was actually in Queenstown politicians will start censoring nationally aspiring, waiting in the rooster wings PM NZ! Well, they were half right! After 12 months on the Demo policy damaging news just like Fiji and Samoa presently “call me DPM” T Heather took committee their overpaid CEO with so does. to the floor and set about humiliating Oh dear chooks, new Captain at the called economic skills couldn’t come up Puna. Leadership isn’t about singing, helm of the SS Daily, Bark De Fray, with a tax policy let alone organise a Someone ought to give the aging kissing the girls or frequent flying is cancelling bookings by loyal letter Party website so James B had to write daily dribble editor a calculator because bellowed Heather. It’s about driving a writers who now have no option but to one himself in all of twenty minutes that he can’t count. After stating his new bulldozer, the PM can’t drive one nor re-book in first class, aboard the super it took. The highly embarrassed Drolley rules for letters to himself including can anyone else in Cabinet but only him. liner, the SS Weekly! With the super failed to sabotage it but the rest of letters must be 300 words or less, he That’s what the country needs! Action, liner SS Weekly able to accommodate the committee gave it their stamp of publishes one from Tim Tepaki praising getting the job done. Talk about the the longer letters, further bookings are endorsement. It seems things flow better Elvis Puna to the tune of 670 words. CIP version of Edy Drolley. If driving expected! Cook Islands CITV Building Moss Road Editor: Charles L. Pitt Parekura, Rarotonga Columnist: HERALD PO Box 126 Rarotonga Norma Ngatamariki Tel: (682) 29 460 Graphic Artist:Nga Glassie Fax: (682) 21 907 Accounts/Deliveries: E mail: [email protected] Te Riu Woonton www.ciherald.co.ck Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 NEWS 22 VACANCY VACANCIES

Applications are invited from qualified, motivated and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER experienced professionals for the position of Communications and Media Coordinator. The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (“CINSF”) is a Applicants will be required to: national superannuation scheme designed to assist all employees • Develop and manage the Ministry’s annual media save for their retirement. programme. • Create and manage content for the Ministry’s Website. The Fund is currently seeking an experienced, pragmatic, and • Support compliance with the OIA energetic Chief Executive Officer with proven experience in • Support staff in the development and use of multimedia meeting targets to effectively manage and oversee the Fund’s for professional development and presentations. business operations and continue to build and develop the business in accordance with the Cook Islands National Superannuation Act, Applicants should have Trust Deed, vision and values. • 2-3 years experience managing communications or media projects. Based in Parekura, Rarotonga, this varied and challenging role • Knowledge of and operational experience with media requires a strategic business manager with strong operational hardware and software (Final Cut, Photoshop) including experience and proven leadership qualities. website management • Excellent Communication (oral and written) including Reporting to the Cook Islands National Superannuation Board, report writing, preferably in both CI Maori and English the CEO will contribute to the direction and operations of CINSF • Tertiary qualification major in the following areas: by developing strategy for the business and effectively directing marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or and developing the team (Operations, Client Services, Risk and equivalent. Compliance and Administration Services) in the provision of all services to our members, employers and service providers. A full job description and application pack is available from the Ministry website at: www.education.gov.ck The CEO will develop and build strong relationships with internal Please send completed application forms with CV and references and external stakeholders, manage staff to achieve key business to: objectives; monitor the industry, market and trends and undertake business development and marketing activities to ensure continued Director - Human Resources Management high member satisfaction and engagement levels. Ministry of Education P O Box 97 Essential Criteria Rarotonga • Minimum of 5 years experience in a senior management Cook Islands role Ph (682) 29357, fax (682) 28357 • Demonstrated capacity for clear strategic thinking, or email [email protected] planning and problem solving Applications close on Wednesday 26 February 2014. • Strong leadership, interpersonal & communications skills • High level of business development and marketing skills PUBLIC NOTICE • Proven record of success in human resources and CHINA CIVIL ENGINEERING leadership CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION • High degree of commercial & business acumen, strong (CCECC) understanding of financial management and budgetary CCECC has been appointed the general contractor for the control skills construction of the Rarotonga Ring Mains in the Mato Vai project. • Experienced in the operational management of ICT and CECC is now commencing to source local services and resources. Office Administration • Ability to develop new innovative solutions that address In particular we are seeking expressions of interest for the structural and operational barriers that stand in the way following: of achieving successful business outcomes • Capacity to effectively represent and promote the • Labourers for trench digging, pipeline laying, backfilling business and its vision and values and other physical works (CV required); • Machinery hire including excavators, trucks, loaders, Applications are to be in writing, (including applicant’s CV and trailers, water trucks, as well as fuels; the names of two referees) to be addressed to the CINSF Acting • Building materials including sand, aggregates, cement, Chairman. blocks; and Applications to be delivered to the Office of the Financial • Chip sealing for road repair. Secretary or emailed to [email protected] no later than 4.00pm, Monday 3 March 2014. All applications will Service providers and contractors should contact Mr. Nicky Nie, be treated in the strictest of confidence. A job description can be Assistant Project Manager of CCECC. Phone 29396 or Email: obtained by emailing [email protected] [email protected] PB

Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 CLASSIFIEDS 23 VACANCY PUBLIC NOTICE

WrittenPUBLIC Submissions NOTICE on EXPRESSIONS Written Submissions OF INTEREST on TE MATODraft VAI Master PROJECT Plan LAUNCH FORDraft THE Master PROCUREMENT Plan The Te Mato Vai projectPROGRAM team wish to advise that due TheOF Te Mato SERVICES Vai project FORteam wish THE to advisePURPOSE that due Theto public requests is from hereby the public advised for more that time there to prepare will be a to requests from the public for more time to prepare submissions relating to the Te Mato Vai draft Master Plan, OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TE disruption to traffic at the roundabout in Avarua on submissions relating to the Te Mato Vai draft Master Plan, the closing date for submissions has been extended to MATOthe closing VAI date PROJECT for submissions DETAILED has been extended DESIGNS to WednesdayFriday 14th February, 19 February 2014. 2014 around 10am to Friday 14th February, 2014. allowWritten the submissionsinstallation can of be thesent Teto: Mato Vai monument TheWritten Project submissions Management can be sent Unit to: (PMU) for the Te besideTe Mato the Vai projectoffice of the New Zealand High MatoTe Mato Vai Vai project project invites Expressions of Interest Commission;PO Box 3286 this work will take approximately 30 (EOI)PO Boxfrom 3286 qualifies and experienced parties minutes.Rarotonga Rarotonga Cook Islands for Cookthe Islandspurpose of the development of detailed OnOr Thursday emailed to [email protected] November 2014 between the designsOr emailed for toStage [email protected] 2 of the Te Mato Vai on the hoursPhone of queries8am and to Te 12pm,Mato Vai projectthe roundabout office 28851 in Avarua islandPhone of queries Rarotonga, to Te Mato Cook Vai project Islands. office 28851 willThe b Draftclosed Master to Planallow can forbe downloaded the Te Mato at Vai project TheThe EOI Draft documents Master Plan willcan bebe downloaded available at from the PMU launchhttp://watsan.gov.ck/water-partnership program. officehttp://watsan.gov.ck/water-partnership at the Infrastructure Cook Islands Compound, 76720 During these hours traffic will be diverted in the Arorangi or downloaded from the WATSAN76720 following areas: website http://watsan.gov.ck/water-partnership and the Pacific Water and Wastes Association 1. Traffic travelling from Tupapa village will website http://www.pwwa.ws/ member’s page be diverted to the Empire Theatre road and the Cook Islands Government Procurement 2. Traffic travelling from Avatiu/Ruatonga website http://www.procurement.gov.ck/ area will be diverted to the Energy Centre Complete EOI proposals must be delivered to the road address below before 12pm, Cook Islands time on 28 February 2014 in a sealed envelope and The Cook Islands Police will be at each of these areas clearly marked “TMC-EOI.001/2014 Expression to assist with the diversion of traffic. All enquiries of Interest – Detailed Design for the Te Mato Vai to Daryl Rairi, Deputy Project Manager, telephone Project” to the following address: 55064 or email [email protected] Te Mato Vai Project Management Unit PO Box 3286 Rarotonga Cook Islands

All enquiries to: Project Manager [email protected] Phone: +682 28 851 Mobile: +682 52 807 Cook islands Herald 19 February 2014 NEWS 24 Aitutaki in top ten on TripAdvisor rip advisor have named Aitutaki as T the 7th Best Island in the world for 2014. In the Best Pacific Islands, AItutaki took second place with Rarotonga taking fifth on the top ten list. The following is a article taken from their website Planning an island vacation? TripAdvisor the world’s largest travel site, can help you choose which island to visit it with its Travelers’ Choice Islands. In its second year, the travel site created a list of the Top 10 Islands in the World, in the U.S., Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America and the South Pacific, recognizing more than 100 islands around the globe. “There is something transporting about an Lagoon near Aitutaki island vacation, and these VACANCY Travelers’ Choice Islands winners will help travelers Marco Island, Florida find their next escape,” Lewis and Harris, Scotland said Barbara Messing, Naxos, Greece chief marketing officer for Aitutaki, Cook Islands TripAdvisor. “From the coral Nosy Be, Madagascar reefs of Ambergris Caye to Easter Island, Chile INFRASTRUCTURE COOK ISLANDS the beaches of Ko Tao, these Ko Tao, Thailand VACANCY winning islands have been Top 10 Islands in the U.S.: CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR highly rated from travelers Marco Island, Florida The Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) is seeking qualified, motivated around the globe.” Chincoteague Island, and experienced individuals for the position of Chief Electrical The Travelers’ Choice Virginia Inspector. Relevant qualification and experience in Electrical systems, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Renewable Energy regulatory Island winners were Anna Maria Island, Florida and standards is highly desirable. Preference will be given to determined based on the San Juan Island, individuals with a strong understanding of emerging changes in quality and Washington the Electrical sector, Solar PV systems, and Power systems in the quantity of the most Maui, Hawaii Outer Islands. Applicants must be computer literate and possess highly-rated hotels, Kauai, Hawaii very good written and oral communications skills in both English restaurants, and attractions Island of Hawaii, Hawaii and Cook Islands Maori. listed for each island on Nantucket, Massachusetts All applicants must be submitted in confidence with a covering TripAdvisor gathered during Hilton Head, South letter, updated CV, evidence of qualifications delivered either a 12-month period. Carolina by emailing to [email protected] or hard copy inside a Here are TripAdvisor’s Key West, Florida sealed envelope addressed to: Top 10 Islands in the For the complete list of Mr. Mac Mokoroa World: winners from the 2014 Secretary Infrastructure Cook Islands Ambergris Caye, Belize Travelers’ Choice Islands, PO Box 102 Providenciales, Turks and as well as reviews and RAROTONGA Caicos candid traveler photos, go For further queries or copy of the Job description, please contact Bora Bora, French to www.tripadvisor.com/ Diane Charlie-Puna on ph 20321 ext 705 or email diane.puna@ Polynesia TravelersChoice-Islands. ici.gov.ck. Applications will close 3pm Friday 28 February 2014.