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Home , 2009 Pacific Mini Games, House of Ariki, Manihiki, Ngamau Munokoa, Pukapuka, Ruatapu

Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008

Reviews of American Sämoa, Hawai‘i, in Hawai‘i (CIN, 28 July 2007, 5). , , , , and Hundreds attended his state funeral on are not included in 27 July at the Are Kari Oi Nui (CIN, this issue. 30 July 2007, 1). Landowners of two outer-island airports were dissatisfi ed with the Issues in the Cook Islands during the government. At one point period under review highlight contro- Airport landowners, angry about versial government decisions as well as lease terms, initiated a forced airport some notable judicial and parliamen- closure by spreading debris over the tary amendments. Government indif- runway to render it unusable (CIN, 5 ference to voter concerns was refl ected July 2007, 1). They later agreed to in confl icts at and Manihiki a new lease arrangement for sixty airports, a drawn out debate over an acres of land at an estimated value of indoor stadium for the country, the nz$200 per acre (CIN, 1 Feb 2008, 1). sudden discontinuation of the vaka (One nz dollar was the equivalent of (district) council, unfair cost-of- living us$.69 as of August 2008.) Despite adjustments (cola), and even a chal- the agreement, a fl ight to Manihiki lenge from the traditional leadership was turned back by some disgruntled in the House of . This review Manihiki airport landowners (CIN, 14 underlines the growing disconnect May 2008, 1). A police patrol boat between the Cook Islands government was required to help keep the peace and Cook Islanders, and the margin- (CIN, 16 May 2008, 1). alization of Cook Islands Mäori and Confl ict at the Aitutaki airport their paramount chiefs. focused on the desire of local residents The loss of one of the greatest sons to keep the Sabbath holy (CIN, 12 of the Cook Islands was a sad event June 2008, 1). About 300 protestors for all Cook Islanders. Dr Thomas strongly, yet peacefully, expressed their Robert Alexander Harries Davis kbe displeasure at government-sponsored (1917–2007), former prime minister efforts to land planes on the island of the Cook Islands and a United on Sundays (CIN, 23 June 2008, 1). States Apollo Space Program scientist, The peaceful demonstration was in passed away on 23 July 2007 (CIN, 24 contrast to previous occasions when July 2007, 1, 5). He was a well-known debris was spread on the runway. medical doctor, scientist, statesman, In recognition of continuing high author, voyager, and Pacifi c politi- emotions, the government agreed to cian, who played a major role in the a six-month trial period, although formation of the East-West Center’s expressions of resistance to Sunday Pacifi c Islands Development Program

145 146 the contemporary pacifi c • 21:1 (2009) landings continue (CIH, 28 June 2008, infrastructure. Aggressive approaches 2). by some local operators proved The courts were busy this year counterproductive. The beginning with what is believed to be Beach Resort, for example, gener- the fi rst successful defamation case ated some negative publicity when it in the Cook Islands. The case was charged a man nz$100 for using its successfully argued by lawyer Charles beachfront (CIN, 18 Sept 2007, 1). Little for William Framhein against The Crown Law Offi ce contributed property developer Tim Tepaki (CIN, to the debate by pointing out that the 2 July 2007, 1). The judge awarded resort’s property ended at the high- nz$90,000 to Framhein. Prominent water mark, which can be diffi cult to businessman Richard Barton was defi ne because of erosion, rising sea convicted on fi ve charges of will- level, or land reclamation (CIN,21 Sept fully fi ling false income tax returns 2007, 1). and fi ned (CIN, 10 Nov 2007, 1). The In spite of these challenges, the high American owners of the South Pacifi c standards maintained by some opera- School of Medicine indicated that they tors attracted global attention. At the plan to take the government to court World Travel Awards held in Sydney for reneging on a contract to open on 10 June 2008, the Cook Islands a school in the Cook Islands (CIN, received several prestigious accolades. 12 June 2008, 1). Meanwhile, Vai Additionally a proposed new Kia Peua, the member of Parliament for Orana Air group sought an operating Island, criticized the Cook license so that it could compete against Islands High Court and Justice System the successful Air Raro (CIN, 6 May for sending criminals to the outer 2008, 1). However, rising fuel costs islands to serve out their sentences. will be a major challenge for the new He also lashed out at the police for airline. For example, one-way fares on failing to monitor a criminal who shot Air Raro from Rarotonga to Manihiki three people on his island (CIN, 31 July went up during the year from nz$682 2007, 1). to nz$1150, an increase of 69 percent The tourism industry faced both (CIN, 17 Oct 2007, 1). challenges and opportunities. Cook Development needs also extend Islands Tourism Corporation chief to health. In a report presented to a executive Chris Wong resigned after Cook Islands health conference, Dr pressure from various sectors of the Kevin Palmer of the World Health public for alleged fi nancial discrepan- Organization indicated that the coun- cies (CIN, 28 July 2007, 1). John Dean try was in dire need of more health was selected to succeed Wong (CIN, 20 personnel. However, Dr Palmer also Feb 2008, 1) and now faces several horrifi ed many local residents when he major challenges in maintaining declared that Reslin spraying was one tourism as the country’s major indus- of the safest insecticides in the world, try. The Asian Development Bank and recommended the use of ddt, outlook highlighted the vulnerability a substance that is banned in many of the tourism industry in the Cook countries (CIN, 13 July 2007, 1). Islands, with its inadequate and aging The shipping issue continues to pol i t ical reviews • 147 heat up in Parliament and, in spite was washed up on Avatiu harbor and of the public uproar, the government then his fv Ana was grounded on the has reportedly incorporated a con- reef two months later (CIN, 17 March tingency budget allocation for the 2008, 1). Fortunately, fv Ana was suc- purchase of a ship (CIN, 12 Feb 2008, cessfully and safely removed (CIN, 19 1). Express Cook Islands Line had March 2008, 1). However, the wreck- sought approval for a ten-year ship- age of mv Maungaroa remains on the ping license to enable it to build a new Avatiu reef (CIN, 2 April 2008, 1). 114-meter-long cargo ship to service At one point, controversy erupted the country. The government now over government plans to scuttle the faces the need to upgrade the harbor, derelict mv Mataora seven miles off which cannot accommodate ships this Rarotonga, fully laden with asbestos long, and remove the current two-year waste (CIN, 29 Oct 2007, 1). Locals license restriction (CIN, 5 March 2008, were disturbed by the government’s 1). By March 2008, a nz$6 million secrecy and rushed approach to the harbor extension was being imple- dumping, and called on Greenpeace mented (CIN, 7 March 2008, 1). to intervene (CIN, 29 Oct 2007, 1). In the fi shing area, a two- member Despite the protests, and although bad team from Greenpeace, Nilesh weather interceded, the sinking was Goundar and Sari Tolvanen, visited eventually carried out (CIN, 3 Nov the Cook Islands to lobby for a sus- 2007, 1). tainable and equitable Pacifi c fi shery Continuing its support of various (CIN, 17 July 2007, 7). Prime Minister Cook Islands development projects, agreed to champion the China loaned nz$9.3 million to assist campaign to save the Pacifi c tuna (CIN, in the construction of an indoor 18 July 2007, 1). Several troubling stadium and the relocation of the incidences occurred within Cook Ministry of Education offi ces. Foreign Islands waters. Two Koreans and a Affairs Minister Vietnamese employed on the fi shing initially questioned some of Deputy vessel fv Matira were left stranded Prime Minister Dr ’s on Rarotonga for three months when statements about the China loan, the shipowner refused to pay their suggesting that Maoate should have salaries, accusing the men of damaging walked away from it (CIN, 30 Aug his vessel (CIN, 18 July 2007, 1). The 2007, 1). The confl ict escalated when Korean Embassy in Wellington was Rasmussen threatened to push to drawn into the matter, and fi ghting remove Maoate from the cabinet (CIN, between the Korean and Vietnamese 3 Sept 2007, 1). Prime Minster Jim crewman further complicated commu- Marurai shied away from the public nication diffi culties (CIN, 9 Aug 2007, spat between his two ministers, prefer- 1; 10 Aug 2007, 1). In September, the ring to deal with it “in house” (CIN, 7 fv Moana sank in rough seas forty Sept 2007, 1). Meanwhile the Cham- kilometers off Rarotonga, although ber of Commerce weighed in request- the three Fijian crewmen were rescued ing more discussion of the indoor (CIN, Sept 2007, 1). In early 2008, stadium contract, and mounting public Tapi Taio’s cargo ship mv Maungaroa opposition forced the government to 148 the contemporary pacifi c • 21:1 (2009) place the project on hold (CIN, 7 Sept public comments and indicated that 2007, 1; 11 Sept 2007, 1). By October the soft loan might be withdrawn (CIN, 2007, the cabinet fi nally approved 30 April 2008, 1; 7 May 2008, 1). The the new indoor sports stadium for government revitalized its commit- the 2009 Pacifi c Mini Games. The ment to the loan but promised that 50 expected grant from China would go percent of the money will be given to toward the cost of constructing the local contractors. At the close of the stadium, but the source of funding for year in review the loan was fi nalized the hosting of the mini games, esti- (but not signed), and contracts to con- mated at nz$2.715 million, was still struct the stadium were in place. unclear (CIN, 25 Oct 2007, 1). The While open public confl ict over government later sought to increase the national stadium continued, the the amount of the soft loan from University of the South Pacifi c–Cook China to nz$13 million (CIN, 16 Feb Islands committee suggested that the 2008, 1). proposed Pacifi c studies campus on Mini games ceo David Lobb Rarotonga was far more important expressed outrage that the planned than the stadium. A sixty-year lease sports complex had not been fully for fi fteen acres of land had already discussed with the local sports com- been approved for such a campus, but munity, and his criticism received planning was delayed pending a more support from Cook Islands National positive government response (CIN, Olympic Committee President Tiki 5 Sept 2007, 1). Matapo (CIN, 16 Feb 2008, 1; 22 Feb A major issue throughout the 2008, 1). The government’s indecision year was the cost of living adjust- over the hosting of the world youth ment (cola) for Cook Islands public championship also caused servants. President of the Cook Islands anxiety among sports organizers (CIN, Workers Association Anthony Turua 5 March 2008, 1). Amid public criti- was critical of how the politicians’ cism, the prime minister reconfi rmed 4 percent cola was quickly approved, that the government will deliver on the backdated, and paid out, while public sports facility (CIN, 6 March 2008, 1; servants had to wait (CIN, 9 July 2007, 8 March 2008, 1). The International 1). The opposition members of Parlia- Netball Federation board subse- ment joined the censure by question- quently reaffi rmed the Cook Islands ing the government’s mishandling of as the host for the 2008 World Youth budgeting and payouts (CIN, 11 July Netball Tournament (CIN, 8 April 2007, 1). The Workers Association 2008, 1). opted to go to court over the cola The projects sank further into issue, with Turua pointing to increases confl ict when the Chamber of Com- in fuel prices, power and phone merce renewed its demands that the bills, freight costs, and a 100 percent government stop the multimillion-dol- markup on the cost of commodities. lar China loan and abandon plans for He also highlighted the fact that cola the indoor sports complex (CIN, 25 had been ignored since 2001 (CIN, 14 Feb 2008, 1). The Chinese government Sept 2007, 1). In October, the cabinet expressed concern about the negative agreed to a limited 4 percent cola pol i t ical reviews • polynesia 149 payout, but union members said that port from the communities they served the decision fell short of what had (CIN, 10 Oct 2007 1). already been approved for public ser- Relationships with the House of vants (CIN, 18 Oct 2007, 1). Also, the Ariki also plagued the government proposed payout was not backdated during 2007–2008. Established in as it had been for politicians (CIN, 19 1967, the has become Oct 2007, 1). Opposition spokesman an important and recognized voice Norman George agreed with the pub- on traditional culture and land issues lic servants and criticized the govern- (CIN, 26 July 2007, 5). However, the ment for its mishandling of the cola institution has been marginalized by and sports stadium issues (CIN, 24 Oct the government and maintains merely 2007, 1). an advisory role with no real powers. As the cola debate continued, new This may have made Ariki leaders vul- salaries for heads of ministries were nerable to outsiders who come in with recommended (CIN, 18 Feb 2008, 1). promises of respect as well as support Unlike public servants, “secret” pay for land control and cultural integrity. increases for members of Parliament Bruce Ruatapu Mita, an eloquent were reportedly approved. The prime -based Mäori minister received an increase from with an appreciation of traditional nz$75,000 to nz$105,000, and the leadership, exploited this vulnerability. mp base salary was increased from While the government quickly labeled nz$35,000 to nz$50,000 (CIN, 7 Mita as a scam artist seeking seabed June 2008, 1). Subsequently, it was mineral rights, Mita organized secret revealed that the fi nance secretary was meetings with traditional chiefs and to receive nz$120,000 per year (CIN, convinced many to follow his advice 8 June 2008, 1). The salary review (CIN, 2 May 2008, 1; 30 May 2008, for other heads of ministries fi nally 1). Calling themselves Te Ui Ariki established top salaries at nz$75,000 Ngateitei O Te Kuki Airani, several of plus per annum (CIN, 9 June 2008, 1; the country’s paramount chiefs signed 14 June 2008, 1). a proclamation declaring that they There was also controversy when no longer recognized the government, the government suddenly abolished Parliament, the Crown, and ties to the Rarotonga Island’s Vaka Council, the British queen, and that the coun- which was scheduled to cease operat- try’s natural land and sea resources ing by February 2008. Minister of belonged to them. Spokesmen Vakatini Internal Affairs Ngamau Munokoa Ariki and Vaeruarangi Teaukura Ariki explained that the locally elected publicly read the proclamation, stating Vaka Council was not maintaining that now was the time to rid the coun- the upkeep of community roadsides, try of government politics, which had road drainage systems, and streams. marginalized and ignored traditional Council mayors challenged Munokoa’s leaders. reasoning and pointed out that they The prime minister turned down had accomplished much more than a request by Vakatini Makea Ariki their budget allocation called for, and to meet, and Deputy Prime Minister that mayors had always received sup- Terepai Maoate suggested that the Ui 150 the contemporary pacifi c • 21:1 (2009)

Ariki proclamation appeared to be The export of fresh maile lei treasonous (CIN, 12 June 2008, 1; 13 (garland made from the leaves of the June 2008, 1). After pressure from fragrant maile vine) from the Cook the government, the House of Ariki Islands to Hawai‘i was seriously and reaffi rmed their support of the queen abruptly affected by the shutdown as head of state. Opposition members of Aloha Airlines, which prevented also urged the government to refrain the shipment of thousands of dollars from legal or negative responses, and worth of the plants (CIN, 2 May 2008, to respect the basis of the concerns 1). On a more positive note, the anz expressed by the paramount chiefs. Bank opened a solar-powered branch Bruce Mita was not the only person in Aitutaki Island, a fi rst in the to show interest in seabed mining Pacifi c. The forty-eight solar panels (CIN, 29 April 2008, 1). US Ambas- produce 12,000 kilowatt-hours of sador William F McCormick met with electricity per year (CIN, 25 Oct Maoate and expressed interest in a 2007, 1). joint US–Cook Islands exploration Perhaps the most tragic develop- of the manganese nodule in the Cook ment for the Cook Islands occurred Islands exclusive economic zone (CIN, on the road, with seven accidental 10 Nov 2007, 1). A Canadian mer- deaths in twelve months. Rarotonga’s chant bank also sought access to the per capita death toll from traffi c Cook Islands seabed minerals, describ- accidents is the highest in the world ing them as being worth billions (CIN, (CIN, 10 Aug 2007, 1). Recognizing 20 Nov 2007, 1). the seriousness of the situation, the Maoate agreed to reinstate the nod- government pushed for an amendment ule advisory committee and alluded to to the Transport Act 1967. It sought ongoing discussions with the Norwe- to change the speed limit, introduce gian government, International Finan- immediate fi nes, and require motor- cial Corporation, Commonwealth cycle riders to wear helmets. The Secretariat, and Asian Development amendment called for jail terms and Bank (CIN, 17 April 2008, 1). When heavy fi nes for reckless driving that the opposition boycotted the nodule results in bodily harm (CIN, 15 Sept committee, its leader, , 2007, 1). After public consultations, explained that seabed mining “is the the amendment was refi ned, and the future of the Cook Islands” and that speed limit on the island of Raro- the government should leave it to the tonga was reduced from sixty to fi fty professionals (CIN, 18 April 2008, 1). kilometers per hour (ie, thirty-seven Instead of a committee, the opposi- to thirty-one miles per hour). Exceed- tion recommended that the prime ing the speed limit would result in minister create a nodules portfolio fi nes up to nz$250 (CIN, 27 Oct (CIN, 23 April 2008, 1). The World 2007, 1). A petition against motorcy- Bank offered to provide support for clists being required to wear helmets development of the country’s seabed emerged, with the anti-helmet group resource in the most environmentally arguing that the headgear should not sustainable and fi nancially secure be mandatory (CIN, 26 March 2008, manner (CIN, 28 April 2008, 1). 1; 3 April 2008, 1). Bowing to pres- pol i t ical reviews • polynesia 151 sure, the government scrapped the Hawai‘i was no longer justifi ed, it was compulsory helmet law, inadvertently closed (CIN, 1 March 2008, 1). leaving some retail shops stuck with jon tikivanotau m jonassen pre ordered supplies of helmets (CIN, 4 April 2008, 1). Police also began using laser guns to catch speeding drivers References (CIN, 16 April 2008, 1). CIH, Cook Islands Herald. Rarotonga. In the 2007–2008 period, the Cook Weekly Islands Parliament passed an electoral amendment act that clearly defi nes CIN, Cook Islands News. Rarotonga. Daily. the process by which a prime minister may be removed from offi ce, either by the defeat of an annual appropriations budget, or a vote of no confi dence. The act also forces members to vote With three changes of governments, according to party lines or automati- political instability in French Poly- cally lose their seats. This part of the nesia increased further during the act attempts to prevent the party period under review. Reform of the hopping that has led to the formation country’s political system and fresh of new governments outside of Parlia- elections, both unilaterally imposed ment (CIN, 11 Aug 2007, 1). by Paris, served to further aggravate Secretary of Foreign Affairs Edwin the situation. Meanwhile, the local Pitman resigned from his post after political scene was being reconfi gured, fi fteen years of service (CIN, 14 Nov with once staunchly pro-French leader 2007, 1). To the surprise of many, Gaston Flosse allying himself with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilkie his pro-independence archrival Oscar Rasmussen selected fellow lawyer and Temaru, while many of Flosse’s former former British honorary representa- allies formed a heterogeneous pro- tive Mike Mitchell to succeed Pitman French coalition under Gaston Tong (CIN, 16 Jan 2008, 1). Public criticism Sang. emerged over the appointment because In mid-July, the governing pro- Mitchell is only a permanent resident, French coalition under President Tong not a Cook Islander (CIN, 17 Jan Sang, formed in late December 2006 2008, 4). This was especially troubling out of Flosse’s Tahoeraa Huiraatira as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (People’s Rally) party and several is responsible for immigration, and splinter groups opposed to the previ- controls the process for issuing perma- ous pro-independence president, Oscar nent-resident status. It was noted that Temaru, broke apart after barely Mitchell’s expertise lay in areas other six months in existence. An internal than foreign affairs, and Cook Island- power struggle between Flosse and ers were insulted that qualifi ed local Tong Sang had been going on for candidates were not considered (CIN, several months, but it escalated dur- 19 Jan 2008, 1, 4). Mitchell reviewed ing Tong Sang’s visit to Paris in early the Cook Islands’ overseas offi ces, and July. Tong Sang and his delegation after determining that the consulate in met French President Nicolas Sarkozy