POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA

Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, I July I989 to 30 June I990

Reviews ofTonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis excise tax. In October 1989 Governor and Futuna are not included in this Coleman introduced a Financial issue because of unforeseen circum­ Recovery Plan, which included a list of stances. various causes of the $18-million-dollar deficit, a projected deficit summary, AMERICAN SAMOA and proposed solutions to the problem. The devastation wrought by Cyclone He continued to claim that the pre­ Ofa was the most dramatic event of vious Lutali administration was re­ 1989-9°. This was the first hurricane sponsible for the financial dilemma, to affect the entire Samoan archipelago and emphasized the importance of since 1966. It followed only three years cooperation from the legislature (fona) after Cyclone Tusi, which caused in order to avert a reduction in govern­ extensive damage in the Manu'a ment employees' working hours and Islands. Ofa swept through the Samoas layoffs. Annual step increments for fis­ during the first week ofFebruary 1990 cal year 1990 had already been frozen, leaving millions of dollars in damage to and it soon became apparent that the property, businesses, and government administration was prepared to services. The Territorial Emergency squeeze the workforce further. On 6 Management Coordinating Office December 1989 the governor immediately began to survey the extent announced that, unless thefana re­ of damage, and within days President pealed the 2 percent sales tax and Bush declared the territory a disaster passed the proposed 3 percent excise area. Fortunately, no lives were lost tax, government employees' working during the hurricane. hours would be reduced to thirty-five Relief from off-island was immedi­ per week. ate and well coordinated. The Federal The fano had already acted on sev­ Emergency Management Agency eral of the administration's proposed began accepting claims on 16 February, revenue-raising measures during the and grants were made available to fam­ November special session called by ilies that did not qualify for loans. The Governor Coleman. Taxes on tobacco, US Navy sent thirty Seabees to assist alcohol, poker machines, and firearms the American Samoa Power Authority products were raised, but there was no to restore electricity to outlying vil­ movement on the excise tax issue. lages. While the governor's criticism of the Prior to the hurricane, the territory's fona was quite open, he remained financial crisis had dominated local silent when it became known that the political affairs, and there was a con­ director of human resources had ig­ tinuing executive-legislative stalemate nored a general directive and author­ over the governor's proposed 3 percent ized more than thirty thousand dollars THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· SPRING 1991

worth of salary increases for several and customs offices. Nor has the employees in his department. administration taken appropriate There was strong opposition to the action to reduce government expendi­ thirty-five-hour work week when it tures, especially by cutting back on went into effect on 15 January, espe­ unnecessary hirings and promotions. cially among the public school teach­ Although more than 80 percent of the ers. The teachers were upset that the annual budget is spent on wages and governor's order did not affect employ­ salaries, leaders have failed to recog­ ees who were considered to be provid­ nize that increasing taxes and reducing ing "essential services." The American working hours delay rather than solve Samoa Education Association and the deficit problems. Concerned Parents of American Samoa The race for the territory's seat in organized a series ofmeetings at which the US House of Representatives was various courses of action, including a beginning to take shape at the end of teachers' walkout, were discussed. A the period under review. Two new can­ petition was drawn up and circulated didates, Moaali'itele Tu'ufuli, former publicly while representatives tried to commissioner of public safety, and get legislators to support/ono action to Afoa Moega Lutu, former assistant restore normal working hours. There attorney general, issued the challenge was widespread agreement among the to incumbent Faleomavaega Eni public that workers were being penal­ Hunkin. Congressman Hunkin main­ ized for a financial crisis caused by cor­ tained a sound measure of popularity ruption in government. both within the territory and with con­ On 23 February 1990, in the wake of stituents in Hawai'i and on the US Cyclone Ofa, Governor Coleman mainland, and will be counting on this announced that the forty-hour work support for reelection in November week would be restored, and other 199°· pronouncements concerning the finan­ BILL LEGALLEY cial crisis mysteriously went with the wind. The 3 percent excise tax had finally died in the Senate in the week COOK ISLANDS prior to the hurricane. At the end of the period under review, American Editors' note: The 1988-89 review of Samoans were waiting for further reve­ the Cook Islands published in Volume lations regarding the effectiveness of 2(1) of the journal stated on page 165 the Financial Recovery Plan and the that the Cook Islands Party "won 13 of status ofthe government deficit. the 24 seats" in parliament. In fact, it The present Coleman administra­ won 12 seats. We would like to apolo­ tion, like all its locally elected predeces­ gize to the authors of the review for sors since 1977, has not demonstrated this error, and for any embarrassment prudent financial management. For it may have caused them. example, the 1989 inspector general's audit attributed annual losses of $2 It was generally a good year for the million to mismanagement in the tax government, but not for the opposi- POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA 193

tion, which fell further into disarray. government, Mr Henry has traveled The Cook Islands party came into much more than any of his predeces­ office in 1989 with only 12 seats in the sors. It is too early to evaluate the 24-member parliament. They were results. enabled to govern by a deal with the 2­ In December 1989, the Cook Islands member Demo Tumu splinter group, joined UNESCO as a full member, wid­ who were understandably well looked ening the range of international organi­ after. But in August 1989 an opposition zations in which it participates. member from Mangaia crossed the Economically the year was con­ floor in return for an assistant minister strained. Tourism is the nation's largest post, and in May 1990 the member for income earner. Tourist numbers Manihiki crossed after a similar deal. dropped by 3 percent in 1989, but grew Internationally, Prime Minister a little in the first half of 1990. Employ­ Geoffrey Henry, an impressive speaker, ment remained high, with, for exam­ was elected spokesman of the South ple, only 60 applicants for 165 posts Pacific Forum's annual meeting in Kiri­ advertised in May 1990 for a new gov­ bati in July 1989. Then in April 1990 he ernment hotel project. Quality control was elected chairman of the Standing on fresh fruit exports was not main­ Committee of the Honolulu-based tained, causing exports to be sus­ Pacific Islands Development Program pended several times while quarantine by delegates to the Third Pacific procedures were tightened. There was Islands Conference ofLeaders. almost certainly a decline in per capita The prime minister met with many real income, and the government -heads ofgovernment during the year. (much the largest employer) was un­ In addition to leaders ofSouth Pacific able to pay the six-monthly cost ofliv­ Forum nations, he had extensive dis­ ing adjustments that have been stan­ cussions with French Prime Minister dard for about a decade. Rocard in Tahiti and in France. France The government pins its economic has an obvious interest in the Cook hopes in the short term on tourist Islands, which is the nearest neighbor growth (with the government building ofFrench Polynesia, the location ofthe a luxury hotel to be managed by Shera­ nuclear testing facility. Official French ton), black pearls (with USAID and pronouncements promised lots of aid, other aid to extend the industry in though very little has yet materialized. Manihiki and develop it in Suwarrow), In April 1990, during a world tour and the international finance center. seeking aid, Henry met briefly with US When Australia, New Zealand, the President George Bush. The US interest United States, and some European is no doubt in Mr Henry's rise to high countries enacted tougher legislation to profile in the South Pacific and in the preclude their companies using tax fact that the Cook Islands has been less havens, the Cook Islands government critical of US strategic interests in the gave the industry more protection, and Pacific than most other island nations. an extensive clientele was located in Despite his intense criticism of the Asia. For the longer term, economic extent offoreign travel by the previous hopes focus on seabed minerals on the ,.

I94 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. SPRING I99I

Manihiki Plateau. These exist in vast imports from Fiji increased, and the quantities, but at great depth. Their Cook Islands government chartered value could range from nothing to vast vessels from Fiji and ordered a NZ$4.5­ amounts, depending on a host of varia­ million ship to be built by the Fiji Gov­ bles. ernment Shipyard for the interisland The government was in the process trade. That price is far above the capi­ of negotiating loans from Italy (for the tal cost needed for a suitable vessel, new hotel), France (to upgrade the and the ship can run only at a heavy power and water supply), Asian Devel­ loss to the taxpayer. At least two pri­ opment Bank (for housing and other vate operators offered to supply ships developments), and other sources. The and run the service at no cost to the loans amount to the equivalent of taxpayer and at no greater cost to the nearly one year's gross domestic prod­ users. The government's decision may uct-an extremely high level, and very have been influenced by the knowledge dependent on as yet uncertain repay­ that a monopoly on shipping is a pow­ ment sources. erful political tool for whichever politi­ Cook Islands Television (a govern­ cal party is in power. ment corporation) began broadcasting Promised reviews ofeducation and to Rarotonga on 25 December I989. It health were undertaken during the is losing money heavily, as advertising period under review. The education revenues are insufficient to finance as review, published under the title The much local programming as is under­ Polynesian Way, advocated major standably desired. Another communi­ changes in school management and the cations development was the NZ$I2­ establishment of a Cook Islands Insti­ million agreement signed in July to tute ofHigher Education. Implementa­ provide telecommunications to all tion ofthe report is proceeding slowly. islands over the next three years. Taxes The health review, undertaken by for­ were increased to finance this and the mer Minister of Health DrJoseph Wil­ television deficit. liams, advocated changes that Dr Wil­ The government's daily newspaper liams has been hired to implement. The Cook Islands News was sold to A review ofthe Department of private owners after making heavy Outer Islands Affairs revealed that losses for many years. The result is a many staff (appointees of the other better and more independent paper, political party when it was in power) but at double the price. had insufficient work to do, and led to There were no significant changes in its closure. This was consistent with aviation, and shipping services the government's promise to reduce the remained very poor. For example, size ofthe public service, which ab­ there was no ship to Pukapuka from sorbed 42 percent of the national October 1989 to April 1990. In ship­ budget in the period 1987 to 1989. By ping in particular, but also in other 1990 it was absorbing 52 percent. fields, the connection between the A major policy shift was intended to Cook Islands and Fiji was enhance the importance ofculture and strengthened. The proportion of was reinforced by the plan for the POLITICAL REVIEW. POLYNESIA 195

Cook Islands to host the next Festival cessful international activity, signifi­ ofPacific Arts, to be held in October cant national developments in several 1992. A Ministry ofArts and Culture areas of policy, a sluggish economy, has been created, and a Nz$20-million and economic projects with as yet arts and culture center with seating for unknown outcomes.

2,300 is to be built. RON CROCOMBE A serious split arose over the ques­ MARJORIE CROCOMBE tion ofleasing the uninhabited island ofManuae, which is jointly owned by about sixteen hundred Cook Islanders FRENCH POLYNESIA ofAitutaki origin. The company that has been pressing for the lease for some Pacific countries have been quite artic­ time, with the backing ofthe govern­ ulate about French political and mili­ ment, is Manuae Leisure, a Sydney­ tary activities in French Polynesia, but based firm whose alleged connections rather less is known about internal and motives concern many landown­ developments in the territory. In part, ers. A government minister assured this is because the Uontieff govern­ opponents that Manuae Leisure is not ment-a coalition ofparties of quite the Mafia. In April 1990, following diverse political orientations-has been long and acrimonious debate, a major­ preoccupied with its own survival since ity of the landowners decided against it came to power in December 1987. leasing. Consequently the major topics in terri­ A consignment of heroin with a torial assembly sessions and the local street value of between NZ$2I and $31 media were economic and social. With million (or about half the national the exception of Oscar Temaru's Tavini budget), arrived in Rarotonga in Janu­ Huiraatira party, and to a lesser extent, ary 1990 from Thailand. It was not Jacqui Drollet's Ia Mana te Nunaa, claimed, probably because the in­ there was little discussion ofeither the tended recipients had learned that independence or the nuclear issues. police in various countries had been Having established itself, however, tracking it. It was seized by the Cook the Leontieff government gradually Islands police in April, but no arrests began to adopt a more assertive stance. were made. For a nation of17,000 peo­ A first initiative was taken in June 1989 ple that is a lot of heroin, and questions by a citizens' group that called for a were raised about the volume that has government debate on the impacts of been or will be distributed from Raro­ nuclear testing. Following this, the Ia tonga. On conviction, the offender Mana party, a member ofthe majority would probably have been given the coalition, introduced a motion calling maximum fine allowed by law for the assembly to establish a commis­ (Nz$20o-about US$I14) which allows sion on Moruroa to investigate the some change from NZ$2I million! Pro­ socioeconomic, ecological, and health posals for higher fines are being consid­ consequences ofnuclear testing. It also ered. called for a public poll on testing Overall, it was a year of very suc- (rather than a referendum, in which '_...... ,.... -

THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. SPRING 1991 metropolitan citizens would have over­ Rocard to stop acting paternalistically whelmed the Polynesian vote). The and allow the Tahitian people to claim result was a showdown within the coa­ their dignity, their identity, and their lition government during which Drollet own destiny. Jean-Marius Raapoto, a was forced to withdraw his motion and member ofthe Territorial Assembly, resign as secretary general ofIa Mana, called for decoloniz",tiori ofthe con­ a post he had held since the party was sciousness, criticizing local officials established in 1975. trained in dependence-oriented colo­ Oscar Temaru was in opposition nial traditions. A more active stance and faced no such constraints. In early was taken by Oscar Temaru, who July, more than twenty members ofthe demanded a public poll on the nuclear youth wing of Tavini Huiraatira began issue and initiated a further hunger a week-long hunger strike at the Cath­ strike on the main coastal road oppo­ olic cathedral in the heart ofPape'ete to site the Tahiti-Faaa international air­ protest nuclear testing. A delegation port. Rocard denied the request, argu­ marched on the Territorial Assembly ing that French defense policy fell and the offices ofJean Montpezat, the outside the jurisdiction of the territo­ French high commissioner, leaving let­ rial government. ters ofprotest for Montpezat and Presi­ In October 1989, four months after dent Mitterrand. They made almost the first hunger strike was held, a daily headlines in the local press and roundtable discussion was· held in threatened to disrupt the bicentennial Pape'ete. As a gesture to local politi­ celebration ofthe French Revolution. cians, Leontieff was named co-chair­ The strike ended five days later, but man, together with the high commis­ only after Leontieff promised to debate sioner. Except for designated sessions, the issue publicly. the doors were closed to the public and This debate, initially scheduled for the press, although spokespersons met 17 August 1989, was foiled by a series with journalists on a daily basis. The of adroit political maneuvers and never roundtable was to include three occurred. Louis Le Pensec, Minister of phases: preliminary discussions in the French Overseas Departments and October, a period of reflection, and Territories (DaM-TOM), arrived in final discussions in December. Oscar Pape'ete on 24 July, and announced Temaru declined to participate, charg­ that the debate would be replaced by a ing that the roundtable was designed to roundtable discussion chaired by divert the open debate that had been Montpezat, and that this would be promised earlier. delayed because of the forthcoming The October sessions included an visit of French Prime Minister Rocard. expedition to Moruroa by visiting Local politicians were aware that the French military officials, territorial nature of the forum had been altered government ministers, majority coali­ significantly by these maneuvers and tion and opposition members ofthe that the issue would now be discussed Territorial Assembly, members of the by a carefully selected group. territory's Economic and Social Com­ In protest, Ia Mana called for mittee, labor union and business repre- POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA I97 sentatives, the Peace and Development back to the usual fare of beauty Committee, the Human Rights League, queens, canoe races, local festivals, the Catholic Church, and members of natural hazards, and Japanese inves­ the local news media. Frans;ois Seners, tors. Oscar Temaru, who is also mayor technical adviser with the French gov­ of Faaa-Tahiti's nuclear-free city­ ernment's DOM-TOM, described the invited Montpezat on an official visit. work ofthe roundtable as a complete The occasion was the inauguration of checkup. the new Faaa Municipal Hall, financed Toward the end ofthe discussions, by a us$2-million grant from France. fa the results of an unofficial public opin­ Mana, which had introduced the ion poll were announced by Napoleon motion for debate the previous July, Spitz, minister of tourism, sports, also appeared to have been placated, employment, and job training. The and Drollet was granted the new posi­ poll was conducted in the Tuamotu tion ofparty president. and Gambier islands, the groups clos­ President Mitterrand arrived from est to the nuclear testing site, and indi­ France in May to attend the centennial cated that the majority supported the celebrations of the city of Pape'ete and presence of the CEP (Centre d'Expe­ the inauguration of a $I4.s-million city rimentation du Pacifique). Spitz hall. Instead ofthe hoped-for addi­ explained that he, as well as the popu­ tional subsidies, Tahitian residents lation, supported the presence for prac­ received a blunt economic diagnosis tical reasons, but opposed the actual that noted the large trade deficit, testing "philosophically." The implica­ mounting unemployment, lavish ex­ tion was that despite concern over the penditures, and inequitable tax system. ecological and social impact of the On Moruroa, Mitterrand promised tests, opposition was muted because of that France would not be the last to the financial payoffs. disarm. The final phase ofthe roundtable, In local politics, Napoleon Spitz was which had been scheduled for Decem­ required to take a leave of absence ber, was not held. Instead, metropoli­ from his ministerial duties because of tan spokespersons announced that a allegations of electoral fraud. Emil written reportwould be distributed at Vernaudon, formerly minister of postal an unspecified future date. In the fol­ services, telecommunications, and lowing months, the normally militant regionalization, was fired by Leontieff parties of Tavini Huiraatira and fa because of suspected collusion with Mana were unusually quiet. The initial Gaston Flosse. In reprisal, Vernaudon momentum that had been mustered by and Flosse introduced motions in the the hunger strikers and the citizens' Territorial Assembly calling for the dis­ group had been successfully dissipated solution ofthe government a year in through a series of French official vis­ advance of the scheduled elections. its, strategic delays, financial aid, and The motions were easily defeated. reinterpretations of earlier political By the end ofthe period under concessions. review, political parties had already By early 1990, news coverage was begun campaigning for the March 1991 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· SPRING 1991 territorial assembly elections. The A little background. Native Hawai­ Leontieff coalition faces the formidable ians are beneficiaries of two land opposition ofVernaudon, Hosse, and trusts: the Hawaiian Homes trust Temaru, mayors of the most populous (nearly 200,000 acres), created by the communes outside Pape'ete. Consider­ US Congress in 1921; and the "ceded ing the territory's history, it would be lands" trust (1.4 million acres of public no surprise if radically different politi­ lands), created in the Hawai'i State cal alignments were to emerge. Admission Act of1959. Set up as a cov­

MOSHE RAPAPORT enant between the State of Hawai'i and the federal government, the "ceded lands" trust has two beneficiaries: Native Hawaiians, defined as those of NATIVE HAWAIIAN ISSUES 50 percent or more Hawaiian ancestry, Theft, theft everywhere. and the general public. Since 1959, nei­ While the record sell-off of Hawai­ ther the lands nor the revenues from ian real estate continued in the year the "ceded lands" trust have been segre­ 1989-90 (over $1 billion in land alone gated into Hawaiian and non-Hawai­ went to greedy Japanese corporations), ian categories. As a result, Hawaiians a sleight ofhand in the governor's have been dispossessed ofthe native office dispossessed Native Hawaiians portion of the trust. oftheir largest land trust. This was the In 1979, a State Constitutional Con­ biggest story, or tragedy, for Hawai­ vention created an Office of Hawaiian ians during the year under review. Affairs in the form of a State agency to A secret deal negotiated between the represent Hawaiians and to receive 20 executive branch and the government­ percent of all revenues from ceded created Office of Hawaiian Affairs lands. The architects of OHA never (OHA) was announced on 8 February intended it to receive lands from the 1990 and went for first hearing in the trust, only a fifth of the trust revenues. state legislature just five days later. At its birth, OHA was, like the Hawai­ Hawaiian communities had barely ian nation itself, a landless entity. heard ofthe agreement when they were By the mid-1980s, OHA was not asked to comment on it. Hawaiian leg­ receiving its share from the airport and islators like Senator Mike Crozier hur­ other revenue-producing uses ofceded ried the bill through the political pro­ lands. Arguing that they were owed cess, essentially rubber-stamping what millions, OHA sued the state. The amounts to the single largest land swin­ courts threw the issue back into the dle since the Hawaiian government lost political arena, that is, the governor's both domain and dominion when it lap. After two years ofnegotiations, a was overthrown by the American mili­ deal was struck that gave OHA about tary in 1893. In detail, the agreement is $8.5 million a year, plus nearly $100 superficially complex; but in total million in back rentals. Exulting in the effect, it is both simple and devas­ press and at the legislature, OHA and tating. the governor hailed the agreement as POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA I99

"historic" and "equitable." One Demo­ land is now being used by the US mili­ cratic party sycophant even called the tary, private investors, the state, sugar deal an act of "self-determination." companies, and nearly anyone and But for tens of thousands of Hawai­ everyone else. ians who are landless, the "ceded OHA, meanwhile, has joined forces lands" agreement is just another act of with the governor and the Democratic villainy in a long line of villainous acts party to continue to dispossess Hawai­ by our alleged "trustees." In the first ians of their lands and waters. For place, the Admission Act clearly identi­ Hawaiians, this deal is painful indeed, fies two beneficiaries of1.4 million because all agents involved are Hawai­ acres ofland. Arguably, this makes ian: the OHA trustees, the governor, Native Hawaiians eligible for halfof and the key legislators. As with other these lands. While both the public and indigenous people the world over, the native portions of the lands have money is not the answer. Hawaiian been commingled for the last thirty­ problems will not be resolved by plus years, real estate values have throwing money at them, even if those soared astronomically. The state, tossing it are Hawaiian. meanwhile, has gone into the business While OHA was devised to circum­ of attracting foreign investment, giving vent the trust first set forth in the land-use approvals for such "native" Admission Act, the legal question of uses as Japanese-owned golf courses whether Hawaiians are eligible for half and high-rise hotels. All this means, of of the ceded lands is still potentially course, that land is worth more than alive. However, since Hawaiians do anyone ever dreamed possible. Given not have standing in either state or fed­ the market, as they say, why should eral courts to bring actions for breach Natives get land when they can be of trust, they must depend on the fed­ bought off with money? eral government to sue the State of This sort of reasoning animated Hawai'i for any mismanagement of both the OHA trustees and the gover­ lands and revenues. Given the Republi­ nor. Created as a kind of state Bureau can administrations in Washington, of Indian Affairs for Hawaiians, OHA is DC, such federal action is highly actually a state agency, not a represen­ unlikely. tative body created by Hawaiians to Amid all the land struggles today­ serve Hawaiians. The difference is cru­ the efforts to stop geothermal develop­ cial because what OHA gets does not go ment on the island ofHawai'i; to ban directly to Hawaiians, but rather to hotels and other resorts in rural trustees for their pet programs. In this Hawaiian communities; to protect manner, millions will be spent, or mis­ fragile ecosystems like wetlands, for­ spent, in the name of justice for Hawai­ ests, and bays-the ceded lands settle­ Ians. ment seems to many Hawaiians a bit of Justice, however, is blind. What good news. But in the guise of giving Hawaiians need desperately at this revenues, the deal has actually moved a stage oftheir history is land. And that step closer toward total dispossession 200 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. SPRING 1991 of the trust lands. The longer the prob­ to promote a series of events that lem is framed in terms ofmoney, the would make the sesquicentennial "our harder it becomes to frame it in terms year." The commission promoted the ofland. In typically American fashion, theme of unity and racial harmony money has come more and more to extensively on television and made replace the Hawaiian birthright. grants to community projects that Meanwhile, Hawaiians continue to would enhance the sense ofnational leave Hawai'i, the intended result of unity. dispossession. This was not an easy task in view of The only hopeful sign is public dis­ the history of colonial despoliation of approval of the agreement by a host of the Maori. For twenty years Maori sovereignty groups. One in particular, activists had targeted the government­ Ka Lahui Hawai'i, dogged OHA at each sponsored treaty celebrations at of its community presentations, forcing Waitangi, revealing the contradictions the question of land dispossession into between Maori and Pakeha in New open debate. Apart from critical educa­ Zealand society. In 1971 Nga Tamatoa, tion, however, these forums did not the young warriors, protested at succeed in overturning the settlement. Waitangi, proclaiming Waitangi Day a In the year ahead, Hawaiians will day of mourning for the loss of 63 mil­ need to consider strategies aimed at the lion acres ofMaori land and calling on US Congress, the Justice and Interior the government to ratify the treaty. departments, and the broader interna­ The government responded in 1976 by tional human rights community. This establishing the Waitangi Tribunal to will demand even more effort from inquire into Maori grievances. The tri­ self-determination groups, but, given bunal was not retrospective to 1840 the closed nature ofpolitics in Hawai'i, and had no power to make awards, so no other course seems available. Maori activism continued. HAUNANI-KAY TRASK In the next decade, the Waitangi Action Committee took over the bur­ den of protest action and denounced the treaty as a fraud. As the demonstra­ MAORI ISSUES tions escalated in size and vehemence, To New Zealanders, 1990 is significant so did the police presence. In 1983, two as the sesquicentennial year ofthe sign­ hundred demonstrators were arrested ing ofthe Treaty ofWaitangi. On 6 at Waitangi in a preemptive strike by February 1840 the nation came into the police and detained without charge being when thirty-five chiefs ofthe for several hours before being released. northern confederation oftribes signed When the Labour government came to the treaty with Captain William Hob­ power the following year, it stepped son, the representative of the British back from a ceremony that required crown. massive policing. Waitangi was deem­ The government established a com­ phasized as smaller ceremonies were mission with a budget of NZ$20 million held in different parts of the country POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA 201

(Walker, forthcoming). Five years on, young men with no educational qualifi­ the government felt obliged to do cations, the projects gave training in something significant to mark the ses­ traditional skills under government quicentennial year and delegated the work schemes. task to the 1990 commission. Although demonstrations were Dr Bruce Gregory, both a commis­ expected from the activists, tribal sioner and a member of parliament for engagement in the waka project gave Northern Maori, promoted the idea of assurance that the Waitangi celebra­ a flotilla of tribal waka converging on tions would be successful. This assur­ the Bay of Islands to welcome Queen ance proved short-lived as Maori criti­ Elizabeth II on Waitangi Day. The cism was leveled at the government commission supported the idea with from unexpected quarters. Television cash grants of NZ$SO,ooo to any tribe New Zealand ushered in the new year wanting to participate in the project. with a special dawn ceremony on the Maori activists saw this as an attempt east coast, where the first rays ofthe to buy off the Maori people, but they sun rising out ofthe sea strike Mount refrained from public comment as Hikurangi. During the event, Ngaati more than twenty tribes built waka in Porou tribal elder Petuera Raroa preparation for the celebrations. referred to the Treaty ofWaitangi as a Maori motives for engaging in the covenant dishonored by the Pakeha. waka project were complex. The Elders, particularly from small towns northern tribes, who have a proprie­ and rural communities, are not usually tary attitude to the treaty, genuinely so frank on public occasions, let alone supported the government-promoted on national television. But the most celebrations. For others, it was a state­ stunning critique of all came from a pil­ ment ofmana. The waka is a potent lar of the establishment, Anglican symbol of tribal identity and the seafar­ Bishop ofAotearoa Whakahuihui Ver­ ing traditions of the Maori. The cul­ coe (Walker 1990). tural renaissance over the last twenty When Bishop Vercoe addressed the years had been given tangible expres­ Queen at Waitangi he charged the sion in the building of carved ancestral Crown with not honoring the treaty meetinghouses in urban as well as rural and with marginalizing its Maori part­ areas. But few tribes had enough re­ ner instead. "The language ofthis land sources to build waka. Interest in is yours, the custom is yours, and the revival of the waka had been kindled media by which we tell the world who by the visits of two ocean-going vessels we are are yours," he said before con­ in 1985, Hokule'a from Hawai'i and cluding that "we come to the waters of Hawaiki-nui from Tahiti. The commis­ Waitangi to cry for the promises that sion's financial inducement was you made and for the expectations our enough to trigger waka projects all tupunas made IS0 years ago" (NZH, 7 around the country. For many tribes Feb 1990). the scheme provided temporary respite The bishop's forthright address did in areas ofhigh unemployment. For not please Prime Minister Geoffrey 202 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· SPRING I99I

Palmer, who spoke after him and right to govern and make laws, was a claimed that no government had done clear signal to the courts and the as much as the present one to resolve Waitangi Tribunal to back off. The Maori grievances. The editor of the government would simply legislate its New Zealand Herald supported the way around embarrassing decisions prime minister and criticized Bishop that favored the Maori, as it did with Vercoe for being "sadly astray" on the the Maori Fisheries Bill and the Treaty immediate past, claiming Maori ad­ ofWaitangi State Enterprises Bill. vances in the 1980s were directly linked The Labour government's assertion to the government and its policies ofhegemony over the Maori signaled a (NZH, 12 Feb 1990). Neither the prime return to the colonizing ethos ofits minister nor the editor recognized that forebears. That agenda was made the concessions made toward some explicit in the Australian current affairs Maori grievances had been wrung from television program "Four Corners" on the government by Maori appeals to the Waitangi Day celebrations. In 1989, the Waitangi Tribunal and the High the Tainui tribes won an injunction in Court. These included successful the High Court against the sale of injunctions against the transfer of Coalcorp lands, pending settlement of Crown lands to State Owned Enter­ their claim before the Waitangi Tribu­ prises in 1987 and the Maori fisheries nal concerning a million acres ofland claim against the government's quota confiscated in the nineteenth century. management system. In both instances, Justice Sir Robin Cooke rebuked the the court ruled that the government government for its handling of the case had an obligation under the Treaty of and ordered it to negotiate with Tainui. Waitangi to protect Maori interests. When asked what he thought ofthat Maori claims were a hindrance to judgment, Palmer was explicit: "The the government's plans for corporatiza­ government has made it clear that that tion ofgovernment bureaucracies and approach is totally unacceptable. maximum use offisheries resources. When it comes to a question of allocat­ Publicly the government made a virtue ing resources that is a political question out of necessity, while taking internal for the government. It is not a legal initiatives to turn back the Maori chal­ question for the courts, and it will not lenge to its hegemony. Its damage-con­ be decided by the courts in any authori­ trol strategy included the establishment tative way." For the colonizer this state­ in 1988 of a treaty unit in the justice ment means business as usual. For the department. The government dis­ colonized it means their struggle for tanced itself from the rhetoric of "part­ justice will continue long into the fore­ nership" under the treaty, and reori­ seeable future. ented its policy to observance of "the RANGINUI J. WALKER principles ofthe treaty" instead ofthe treaty itself. It then proceeded to define the principles of the treaty unilaterally (Department ofJustice 1989). The first principle, that the government had the POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA 2°3

has a constitutional commitment to NIUE provide financial support for the The major event of1989-90 for Niue island. was Cyclone Ofa, which caused severe The Niue Concerted Action Plan damage during 3-4 February 1990. 1988-90, which was designed to stabi­ Despite protection from its reef and lize population numbers, is being reas­ hundred-foot-high cliffs, enormous sessed in the wake of Cyclone Ofa. waves crashed boulders and tons of Damage to infrastructure disrupted water onto the island, wrecking build­ fishing activities in several villages, but ings and equipment. For Niue's fragile the storm's effects on agriculture were economy, already disturbed by the loss more serious. Breadfruit, banana, in 1988 of its international air service, papaya, and taro crops were devasta­ this cyclone may prove to be one storm ted, leaving a relatively small quantity too many. of local food on an island once entirely Hardest hit was the capital, Alofi, self-sufficient in this respect. Royal where most government offices, public New Zealand Air Force flights brought services, and expatriate housing are sit­ in emergency medical supplies, genera­ uated. Structures on the seaward side tors, water and fuel pumps, and food. of the main road suffered the most. A New Zealand navy vessel, Endeav­ The desirable clifftop home of then our, delivered additional foodstuffs, as cabinet minister Robert Rex, Jr-the well as building and plumbing materi­ son ofPremier Sir Robert Rex-was als, two weeks after the storm. swept into the sea in a matter of min­ Cyclone Ofa also had an impact on utes. The residence of the Speaker of the political environment. The general the Niue Assembly, Sam Tagelagi, was election was held as scheduled on 7 virtually destroyed. The government­ April, only two months after the owned Niue Hotel, the principal such cyclone. Sir Robert Rex, aged 81 and amenity on the island, was devastated, premier since self-government in 1974, while the island's hospital was exten­ had begun to face increasing opposi­ sively damaged and initially had to be tion during 1989, surviving a no-confi­ evacuated. Total storm damage was dence motion moved by opposition assessed at more than U5$2.5 million, leader (and former South Pacific Com­ but further costs must include the mission secretary-general) Young impact of the cyclone on the island's Vivian in June. The vote arose after a diminishing attractiveness to its own New Zealand Audit Department state­ people. ment expressed concern about Niue's Niue's population has declined in spending of NZ$10 million in aid mon­ twenty years by more than half, to ies from New Zealand. Despite specu­ approximately 2200 in 1990. With lation about his possible retirement, more than 12,000 people of Niuean the premier linked his decision to run descent now living in New Zealand, for office to the cyclone: "I'll have to this dramatic population decline has stand again now, despite pressure from become a source of concern not only my family to stand down. It would be on Niue but to New Zealand, which like a captain deserting a sinking ship" =nm

2°4 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. SPRING 1991

(PIM, March 1990, 15). Nevertheless, plementing major constitutional the election results suggested a mixed changes intended to upgrade Niue's response amongst Niueans to their pre­ political status. The Niue Constitution mier's sense of commitment and Amendment Bill, which reflected the tenacity. recommendations of a constitutional Sir Robert stood against two chal­ review committee, had been with­ lengers for reelection as the representa­ drawn in November 1989 ostensibly tive for Alofi South. He gained 71, or "for procedural reasons," and the refer­ less than half, ofthe 152 valid votes endum proposed for January 1990 did cast, but this was enough to win reelec­ not eventuate. Vivian's faction tion by 9 votes over the runner-up. He mounted an "It's time to change" cam­ owed his victory to a divided opposi­ paign, and seemed set to capitalize on a tion and was the only candidate re­ variety of favorable circumstances, turned with less than a majority. On 12 including Sir Robert's age and Niue's April, the Niue Assembly reelected Sir economic difficulties. But the election Robert to his sixth successive term as results were disappointing, with oppo­ premier by a vote of 12 to 8. Sam Tage­ sition groups commanding eight votes lagi was reelected speaker by the same in the assembly, just one more than margin, a reflection ofthe party align­ they had managed at the time ofthe ments that have developed recently vote of no-confidence in June 1989. among the diminishing population of Some 94 percent ofthe 1157 people Niue. eligible to vote did so. Each of fourteen Given Sir Robert's longevity in poli­ villages is represented by one member, tics, his "faction" may be described as with a further six elected on an at-large the Niuean political "establishment." basis using an island-wide electoral Also contesting the 1990 elections were roll. However, the different villages Young Vivian's Action Party, and Sani have been affected unequally by emi­ Lakatani's Niue People's Action Party gration, so that now Alofi South's 156 (NPAP). Shortly before the elections, voters and Toi's 22 each send one mem­ these two opposition groups joined ber to the assembly. In April 1990 it forces with the sole aim of changing the was possible to be one ofthe highest government. polling candidates overall but still lose, The most notable aspect of NPAP'S as did Tukala Makamau Hekau in manifesto was a pledge to reduce Alofi South. On the other hand, one Niue's public service from its present candidate was elected with a mere 14 level (around 600) to "a maximum of votes. In three villages, no elections 100-150 personnel," an ambitious were held; as only one candidate had restructuring favored by New Zealand. been nominated, their three members The program was vague in other re­ (among them Young Vivian) were spects, giving no details ofhow the declared elected prior to the election. proposed "repatriation plan" for By contrast, nineteen candidates Niueans might be effected, for stood for the six common roll seats, example. including Lady Tagaloa Rex (Sir Young Vivian's plans included im- Robert's wife) and Robert Rex, Jr (his POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA 2°5 son), both ofthem incumbents. Lady that Niueans begin to pay for govern­ Rex gained 483 votes, sufficient to ment services. However, this raises the retain her seat and finish third in the possibility that Niueans removed from balloting, but a decline of IO percent the public service (the island's largest from her top-polling victory of1987. employer) or adversely affected by Robert Rex, Jr received 396 votes to market-led policies might simply emi­ take fourth position, 13 votes more grate. On the other hand, the April than the NPAP'S Sani Lakatani. Leading 1990 decision to pay 50 percent of New the field was O'love Tauveve Jacobsen, Zealand superannuation benefits to a nurse first elected at a November persons living outside New Zealand for 1988 by-election, and regarded as polit­ six months or longer may encourage ically independent of the various fac­ eligible Niueans to return to Niue. tions. Other developments foreshadowed by Initially Sir Robert Rex's survival as the Niue Concerted Action Plan, such premier seemed in doubt, but he as a land-title review, were being expe­ broadened his support by including dited where possible. one ofthe opposition factions in his STEPHEN LEVINE four-member cabinet. Only one cabi­ net member, Frank Lui, was reap­ pointed-Robert Rex, Jr lost his minis­ TOKELAU terial position as well as his house -while NPAP leader and first-time Cyclone Ofa ofFebruary 1990 was the member Sani Lakatani became minister most important event for Tokelau dur­ of finance. Following the political ing the period under review. Following reshuffling, however, the principal Cyclone Tusi (and a tsunami a fort­ challenges to the Niue government night later) in 1987, the vulnerability of remain substantially unchanged. the low-lying atoll environment has Prospects continue to depend on been demonstrated in the strongest constructive collaboration with New possible manner. Without substantial Zealand-whose aid package now rep­ external assistance it may be years resents roughly NZ$5000 per Niuean before the villages can recover to their resident-and mobilizing what remains pre-cyclone state, while outer islets will of the island's economy. Efforts to rein­ probably never return to their former troduce a sophisticated air service have condition. led to plans to upgrade the island's air­ No feature of organized life on the port. Air New Zealand has concluded islands was unaffected. Twenty-two that a Niue stopover would be uneco­ houses were completely destroyed, and nomic, and prospects for renewed air a further ninety-one were severely links appear to rest with one ofthe damaged. Vital seawalls, protecting smaller regional carriers. the fragile Tokelauan land base from In mid-1989 the New Zealand minis­ erosion, were washed away. Fishing ter of external relations and trade sug­ equipment, water tanks, sea latrines, gested not only that the public service and cooking houses were lost, and might be reduced by two-thirds, but food supplies decimated. About 80 per- USM

206 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. SPRING 1991

cent of the breadfruit and coconut trees diseases expected as a result ofwater, were destroyed or damaged. hygiene, and food-supply problems. The Apia-based Office for Tokelau Tokelauans in New Zealand were Affairs (OTA) issued a preliminary requested to return to assist with recov­ assessment of the costs for recovery at eryoperations. Nz$3.95 million. But OTA'S figure did In March 1990 former New Zealand not include all forms of damage, and public servant Geoff Parkinson carried other estimates ranged much higher. out an assessment ofthe Tokelau Pub­ For example, the damage to the physi­ lic Service and reported on the steps cal character of one atoll, Nukunonu, necessary to promote cyclone recovery. was assessed at NZ$22 million. A month later, the General Fono met In the wake of the storm, the Royal on Fakaofo in the presence of the Wel­ New Zealand Air Force delivered lington-based administrator, Neil D. urgently needed supplies via airdrop Walter. As well as the cyclone damage, (there are no airstrips on any ofthe the forty-five delegates (fifteen from atolls), and further assistance arrived each atoll) discussed shipping needs. later by sea. Even so, delays in assisting There are plans to replace the vessel the atolls-a week passed before the used between Tokelau and Apia and to airdrop took place-are likely to lead build a new interatoll vessel, expected to new disaster preparedness and relief to be in service byJune 1991. The dele­ procedures. gates also discussed moves to improve While acknowledging New Zea­ coordination between the Tokelau land's support, each island's council of Public Service and the Tokelauan com­ elders (taupulega) was adamant about munity. Administrative authority has the need for more substantial mea­ increasingly been delegated by Wel­ sures. Because of its political status, lington to Apia-based officers, and bas­ Tokelau cannot expect to receive sig­ ing the public service in Tokelau itself nificant support from other donors, is likely to be the next step. and the recovery program is essentially New Zealand allocated some an internal New Zealand management NZ$1.2 million for cyclone recovery in problem. Tokelau's requests envisaged addition to its existing development a substantial and sustained New grants and budgetary assistance of Zealand Army engineer presence. One approximately NZ$4 million annually. proposal involves teams equipped with In February 1990 a proposal to intro­ bulldozers and trucks spending ap­ duce a new funding arrangement, mod­ proximately four weeks on each atoll. eled on Tuvalu's trust-fund concept, Agreed priorities include reconstruc­ was politely criticized by OTA, which tion of housing and seawalls, channel later recommended that current ar­ clearance, repairs to stores and other rangements continue. These recom­ government buildings, and replanting mendations were predicated on a view of damaged trees and crops. Additional ofTokelau as an entity "not seeking to medical supplies were delivered in be independent" and feeling no "stigma anticipation ofthe increased number of from the international community" as diarrheal, respiratory, and nutritional a result of its present political status. POLITICAL REVIEW • POLYNESIA 2°7

OTA was concerned that "limited eco­ violating human rights," and that the nomic independence could encourage New Zealand government could not be Tokelau to entertain illusions of politi­ accused of "hindering our path cal independence," illusions happily towards self-determination." In devel­ dispelled by "living under the economic oping its own approach to the dilem­ and political umbrella of New Zea­ mas of development and self-rule, land." Tokelau looked to the committee for These observations notwithstand­ "understanding and patience." Never­ ing, New Zealand remains committed theless, constructive moves toward the to assisting Tokelau mov!:; toward a assumption of greater political author­ greater degree ofself-government and ity by Tokelauans were identified for economic self-sufficiency, not least the committee's benefit. because of the remote supervisory scru­ The Tokelauan representative also tiny of the United Nations. On 26-27 seized a rare opportunity to speak out April 1990, a Tokelauan member of on international issues. He spoke of New Zealand's ministry ofexternal threats to the Pacific environment such relations and trade, Falani Aukuso, as driftnet fishing, the dumping of reported to the UN Committee on toxic and nuclear waste, climate Decolonization "on behalf of the change, and nuclear testing, and Faipule and the people ofTokelau." alluded to a sense of powerlessness This was only the second time that the when confronting depredations committee had been addressed by a brought about by the actions of"more "special representative" of Tokelau, the 'advanced' countries." Tokelau's vul­ first having been in June 1987. nerability was poignantly expressed: Reiterating what Tokelau's elected "We are a tiny dot.... Nevertheless leadership had said at ceremonies in we do exist, and we do have a voice. New Zealand commemorating the one ... Ifwe are to believe our knowl­ hundred fiftieth anniversary ofthe edgeable scientists our 'voice' will dis­ signing of the Treaty ofWaitangi, appear forever in 50 years time. We Aukuso's statement indicated that have no one else to turn to but the Gov­ Tokelau's "partnership" with New ernment ofNew Zealand and the \ Zealand "feels right and we wish [it] to United Nations." continue." He reported that thefaipule, Triennial elections were held in Feb­ Tokelau's three elected island leaders, ruary 1990 for the three faipule and had taken the opportunity "to renew three pulenuku 'village mayor' posi­ and reaffirm the wishes of the people of tions, and a new group of Tokelauan Tokelau to remain and keep on the community leaders emerged. On 'special relationship' that currently Fakaofo (whose island council gives exists." While not challenging New somewhat greater authority to the Zealand's responsibilities to the United elders) both thefaipule (Peni Semisi) Nations, the testimony nonetheless and the pulenuku (Lui Kelekolio) were noted that "unlike other countries, reelected, but new representatives were Tokelau has not been 'colonised'," that elected on the other two atolls. Atafu "New Zealand cannot be accused of reelected itsfaipule (Kuresa Nasau) but 208 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· SPRING 1991

chose a new pulenuku, Paulo Kitiona, University of Samoa. Matters came to very popular with the aumaga (village a head on 14 August 1989, when the workforce) and a young graduate of professor ofSamoan language and cul­ the University of the South Pacific. On ture, Dr Aiono Fanaafi, Le Tagaloa, Nukunonu (the more lightly populated was summarily dismissed by vice chan­ of the three atolls), new leaders, Mika cellor Tauiliili Uili (ST, 25 Aug 1990). Koloi (pulenuku) and Salesio Lui Critics charged that she was ousted (faipule), were selected. because of her association with the The choice of Lui, a man in his mid­ opposition party, and that the minister thirties, as faipule represented a partic­ for education and chairman ofthe uni­ ularly notable departure for a commu­ versity council, Patu Afaese, was nity that has always lodged authority behind the sacking. and decision-making power with elders Although Dr Aiono sought a and older heads of families. A graduate supreme court injunction and was rein­ in political science from the University stated a week later, the University Lec­ of the South Pacific and a school­ turers' Association and some members teacher, Lui's perceived strengths ofthe university senate charged the include an understanding of the public vice chancellor with mismanagement service and an ability to articulate when the university council met in alternative policies and perspectives at October 1989. The council responded both island council meetings and the by setting up a subcommittee, includ­ General Fono. It seems clear that some ing Professor Colin Aikman of New Tokelauans wish not only to enhance Zealand, to investigate (ST, 6 Oct traditional authority but also to ad­ 1989). The vice chancellor himself vance individuals with the skills and responded by suing both the lecturers' confidence to represent them in ex­ association and the senate petitioners changes with New Zealanders, their on the grounds of character defama­ own public servants, and the interna­ tion (ST, 17 Nov 1989). tional community. The subcommittee submitted its

STEPHEN LEVINE report in November 1989. However, the university's executive council went into a long recess, and was not con­ vened again until early in August 1990. WESTERN SAMOA When the report eventually came up In January 1990, the academic world for discussion, chair Patu Afaese was shocked when a principal inform­ insisted that things were back to nor­ ant ofMargaret Mead, Fa'apu'a mal on campus and that everyone Fa'amu, admitted that she and other should now forget about the past. teenage girls had fabricated stories Over the hill from the university, the about lovers in 1926 to tease and long-standing and bitter confrontation humor the young American anthropol­ between the nurses association and ogist (50,3 Jan 1990). Meanwhile, an Director-General of Health Dr Walter academic controversy of a different Vermeullen continued. In early August kind continued to rage at the National 1989, a commission of inquiry recom- POLITICAL REVIEW. POLYNESIA 2°9 mended sweeping changes in the health Early in 1990, the Special Posts Bill department, including the removal of was passed into law. Under it, all top Dr Vermeullen. However, the govern­ posts in government departments are ment appeared reluctant to carry out no longer appointed by the Public Ser­ the commission's recommendations. vice Commission, but by the govern­ Although the Public Service Commis­ ment. Justified as an attempt to make sion had written to Dr Vermeullen on the public service more responsive to 20 September asking him to step down government policies and priorities, (50,3 Jan 1990), he was still living in a critics argued that the bill would make government house and driving a gov­ political affiliations rather than profes­ ernment vehicle at the end of the period sional qualifications the number one under review. criterion for selecting top executives One of the more controversial issues (so, IS Sept, 24 Nov 1989). that preoccupied parliamentarians in Econ'omic performance during 1989, 1989 was the accusation by Minister of like the year before, was mixed. The Lands and Survey Sifuiva Sione that the balance ofpayments surplus for 1989 Nauru government had given money to was WS$0.9 million higher than for help the opposition's election campaign 1988, and gross international reserves in 1988. The Nauru government denied increased from WS$98.S million in 1988 the charges and asked for an apology. to ws$I26.S million in 1989. Yet pro­ The leader of the opposition chal­ duction trends for the same period lenged Sifuiva to provide evidence or were negative. In the manufacturing withdraw his remarks. Seemingly sector, for example, production de­ unruffled by the stir he was causing, creased by 10.9 percent. Agricultural the minister did nothing to either con­ production improved slightly, but the firm or retract his accusation. As a volume ofexports dropped 7 percent result of the ensuing political uproar, below the 1988 level. Despite improve­ Nauru abandoned its plans to build a ments in prices during the year, total huge five-star hotel in Apia and pulled export earnings dropped from WS$3I.4 all of its investments out ofWestern million in 1988 to ws$28.8S million in Samoa (so, IS & 20 Dec 1989). 1989. The import bill on the other hand Parliament also got into some mud was a staggering WS$17I.6S million, throwing when it was revealed that the offset only by heavy inflows of funds newly appointed ambassador to the from overseas. Remittances-currently United States, Canada, and the United the biggest source of finance for West­ Nations, Dr Felix Wendt, a sitting MP, ern Samoa-were worth ws$86.61 mil­ would be based in New York (50,10 lion in 1989 (Central Bank, March Nov 1989, I Dec 1989). Critics argued 1990). that the costs of a permanent post in According to the chairman ofthe New York were not justified and Western Samoa Manufacturers Associ­ accused the government oftrying to ation, Tuigamala A. Lam Sam, the avoid intraparty rivalry by distancing economy was in trouble partly because one ofthe more ambitious government the government was interfering in the MPS from the center ofpower. private sector, "running businesses 210 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. SPRING 1991 which it knows nothing about" (so, 9 Japan in the region was being compro­ Mar 1990). As if to prove Tuigamala mised by Japanese aid (so, 28 Sept right, the government in June 1990 1989). revealed it was writing off ws$26.7 mil­ The year 1990 began with a lavish lion in bad debts, mostly owed by birthday party for Head ofState unprofitable public corporations (so, Malietoa Tanumafili, to mark his fifty 22 June 1990). years of service to the nation. Some Suggestions were made during the taxpayers were unhappy with the half­ year that overseas donors were trying million-dollar bill for the party, and to use aid to influence government pol­ Malietoa seemed uneasy about the icy. For example, a multimillion-dollar whole thing (so, 3Jan 1990). The legal loan from the Asian Development system was also rocking early in the Bank was approved only after the gov­ year, but not to birthday music. The ernment committed itself to privatizing controversy involved Acting ChiefJus­ public corporations, particularly the tice Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu, who financially troubled Western Samoa charged the editor ofthe Samoa Times Trust Estate Corporation (so, 22 June with contempt ofcourt (so, 30 June 1990). The importance ofoverseas 1990). In an article published the week development assistance was under­ before, the Samoa Times had suggested scored by the proposal to change the that the acting chief justice should dis­ fiscal year from January to December qualify himself from hearing a murder to July to June, as used by major case because of conflict of interest. The donors such as Australia and New article pointed out that the counsel for Zealand (so, 22 June 1990). the defense was the sister ofthe acting Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana chief justice and an unofficial partner made headlines by becoming the first in the Sapolu law firm. It also noted Commonwealth leader to visit the Peo­ that the case was being prosecuted by ples Republic of China after the massa­ the office ofthe attorney general, and cre at Tiananmen Square. The visit that Tiavaasue still held the post of was generally seen as the price paid for attorney general. The editor was fined the ws$18.2-million interest-free loan WS$1500. to build a government office complex The Village Fono Bill, which would in Apia (so, 27 Sept 1989). Earlier in give extensive powers to the village 1989, Western Samoa's high commis­ fono and matai, was introduced at par~ sioner to New Zealand denied allega­ Iiament's first sitting of1990. Widely tions by Greenpeace that Japan had criticized as a potential threat to bought Samoa's silence on the issue of human rights, the bill was passed into driftnet fishing with a WSho-million law by parliament after some modifica­ aid package (so, 26 July 1989). Ironi­ tion. Support for the government's pro­ cally, a senior government minister, posal to hold a referendum on the issue Jack Netzler, gave credence to Green­ of universal suffrage appeared to be peace's claim by suggesting in parlia­ gathering momentum at the end of the ment the same week that his govern­ period under review. However, the ment's position on issues pertaining to government has made it clear that the POLITICAL REVIEW. POLYNESIA 2II referendum is only meant to gauge the assistance that poured into the country feelings of the nation, and a majority after February. Multimillion-dollar vote for universal suffrage will not nec­ loan packages were approved by the essarily lead to its introduction. World Bank and the Asian Develop­ If1990 will not be known as the year ment Bank. Australia, New Zealand, of universal suffrage, it will certainly Japan, Great Britain, West Germany, be known as the year of Cyclone Ofa. the United States, France, the Euro­ For three days in February, the pean Economic Community, andvari­ cyclone, believed to be the worst in his­ ous international organizations gave tory, brought things to a standstill in substantial assistance in the form of Samoa. It left behind twelve dead, a grants or relief supplies, or in kind. shattered economy, and damage esti­ The emphasis on cyclone relief and mated at more than US$200 million. rehabilitation in the first half of 1990 Damage to infrastructure was exten­ has created new problems and exacer­ sive, with some villages and roads com­ bated existing ones. The economy is pletely wiped out. Forests were badly far more dependent as a result of the hit, as was the agricultural sector, cyclone, and the handout mentality has which contributes more than 50 per­ been further entrenched. In terms of cent ofthe GDP and employs 60 percent self-sufficiency, the cyclone has put of the labor force. Banana and bread­ Samoa back many years. fruit crops were totally destroyed, and IOSEFA MAIAVA taro crops, except for the very young ones, were leveled and had to be used almost immediately. References Since the cyclone, life in Western Central Bank ofSamoa. 1990. Bulletin, Samoa has revolved around relief and March. rehabilitation. The government quickly implemented a number of mea­ Department ofJustice. 1989. Principles for sures to help the recovery. Budgetary Crown Action on the Treaty ofWaitangi. funds were diverted to agriculture and Wellington. infrastructure rehabilitation; interest NZH (New Zealand Herald). rates were reduced; lending policies so (Samoa Observer). Apia, Western were altered to favor loans for cyclone Samoa. relief and rehabilitation; and an export 5T (Samoa Times). Apia, Western Samoa. finance facility was introduced to enable commercial banks to lend to Walker, R. J. 1990. Korero. New Zealand exporters at concessional rates. How­ Listener, 19 April. ever, national efforts were completely ---. Forthcoming. Struggle Without overshadowed by the international End. Auckland: Penguin Books.