2 | Solomons - Issue 82 Issue 82 - Solomons | 3 Welkam Frens

4 | Solomons - Issue 82 Welkam Frens Mr Brett Gebers

Welkam Frens

As we go to print on this magazine we are all experiencing Airline. It will however take many months if not years for air unprecedented times. travel to return to levels seen last year. We are confident that On 7 March we launched our new A320 with much things are going to improve. excitement. The new A320 aircraft replaces our former The Solomon Islands Airports Company Limited has been international aircraft after 12 years of reliable service. On 27 set up and will shortly be taking over the maintenance of March we flew the last scheduled passenger flight in response airports and facilities from the Ministry of Communication and to a request made by our Government to curb the COVID-19 Aviation. outbreak. Once this COVID-19 pandemic is resolved, JICA will Changes of this magnitude are not made or managed by be commencing work on a brand new Honiara Departures one person and I would like to thank all our staff members, Terminal, the refurbishment of the current Departure Terminal Directors, Government Officials, suppliers, leasing company into a Domestic Terminal and the refurbishment of the existing and last but not least, the CAASI staff who have worked very Arrivals Terminal. The ramp will be expanded considerably to hard to ensure that the aircraft is appropriately certified and fit allow at least four A320 size aircraft to park and a new parallel for purpose. taxiway will be constructed. Like airlines around the world, we are struggling to manage The World Bank will be overseeing the resurfacing of the the rapid changes in travel restrictions imposed by most runways at Honiara and Munda and a new terminal building Governments in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. We also for Munda. experienced travel restrictions to the Solomon Islands as a result We have also entered into an agreement with Strongim Bisnis of the measles outbreak in the South Pacific in December and to promote the Solomon Islands as a tourist destination through January. digital marketing. Urgent changes to border controls and travel restrictions are At Solomon Airlines, we are blessed with a team and business usually released overnight and must be applied immediately. partners who understand and are committed to seeing through Implementing and communicating such changes to passengers, this period and the necessary sacrifices given the suspension of sometimes within hours, is extremely difficult for airlines to our operations. do. Unfortunately, this leads to travellers arriving at airports I also want to thank our customers and supplier organisations only to discover they are denied boarding, as they are no who have sent us feedback appreciating the conduct, efforts and longer permitted to fly. If you have experienced a disruption, customer service of our staff in very difficult circumstances. we apologise sincerely, and our thanks go to you for your To echo the words of our friends at Tourism Solomons, understanding and patience and to our staff for managing this “Solomon Islanders have an innate ability to smile through even really difficult issue. the darkest of days and while the time might not be right to The financial and other impacts of the COVID-19 travel welcome visitors just now, it won’t be long before that happens restrictions and associated loss of productivity are yet to be again.” properly quantified. In February IATA estimated the cost to When it does, Solomon Airlines will be back and we will look the industry would be $27billion, this has been revised and forward to welcoming you and to working with you, in a fresh the current estimate is $252 billion. Very few airlines, support new era for our national carrier. companies and countries can afford these costs and the industry will see significant changes. Tengui tumas, In our case, we are a niche player and see a future for the Brett Gebers CEO

Issue 82 - Solomons | 5 You are in good hands with AVIS

To make a reservation, please contact:

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Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm - Saturday – 8:00am to 12:00pm - Sunday – 8.00am to 12:00pm 6 | Solomons - Issue 82 ContentsMay-June 2020

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40

36

8 Out & About 39 Skull Island Sanctuary

14 Your guide to the Solomon Islands 40 Destination Brisbane: A Day at the State Museum

15 What’s On 44 Tulagi’s Reef Riches

15 My Hapi Ples: The Markets of Solomon 47 Airline Nius Islands 50 Solomon Islands Fact Sheet 18 Saeraghi: A Quiet Feast for the Senses 52 Route Maps 24 The Magic of Sky Islands 54 Airline Nius 32 Welkam to the Hapi Isles: Star Harbour and Santa Ana

36 Top 5 Day Hikes Cover photo: Daniel Kakadi

Issue 82 - Solomons | 7 Out &About

Natty D represents Solomon Islands musician and cultural ambassador, Natty Dolaiasi continues to do Solomon Islands proud. Natty D toured Australia again this year with the support of Solomon Airlines, and has been representing Solomon Islands at festivals and through documentaries, performances and in recordings since 1995. Through this project, Natty also visited schools in Northern NSW and spent time with local young people of Solomon Islands background who have been isolated from their culture.

Buy local to grow local

Kokonut Solomon Islands Virgin Coconut Oil, Cathliro Cocoa Powder, SolAgro Ngali Nuts and Frangipani Ice Cream are being profiled as part of a new campaign to buy local. The campaign urges Solomon Islanders to buy local to support local jobs and businesses. At the campaign launch SolAgro Ngali Nuts Director, Dr Shane Tutua said “Our ngali nut company pays farmers in Western Province and gives jobs to people in Honiara who package and sell our nuts. We are proud to be a Solomon Islands company. We promote something special because ngali nut only grows in a few countries. If you support our company, you support our country”. Look out for the “buy local” campaign in supermarkets and stores.

Team Solomons at this year's SPG in Samoa.

8 | Solomons - Issue 82 Solomon Surfboard Run success Publisher Surfboards donated by surfers and families from across Sydney, Australia will soon be Samisoni Pareti on their way to Solomon Islands. Editorial Consultants The first 30 boards donated in the ‘Solomons Surfboard Run’ are due to be delivered to Colin Sigimanu Samantha Magick Gizo with the support of Solomon Airlines. Surfing mates Tim Quinn, Shane Mclachlan, Aaron Amavisca and Ian Warren hatched Advertising Consultant Waisale Rokotuiveikau the plan in support of the Western Solomon’s Surfers Association after Tim, a frequent visit to Western Province, noticed the dearth of boards for kids to use there. Design Consultant "If anyone has a spare board, fins or leg ropes in the garage, or surfing equipment the Albert Rolls kids left when they moved out, we'd love to give it a new life and owner in the Solomon Solomons is the complimentary inflight Islands, " Tim says. To donate a surfboard or equipment contact Tim Quinn on tim@ magazine of Solomon Airlines, the kindleman.com.au national airline of Solomon Islands. It is published four times a year by Front Page Limited.

Correspondence to the airline to: The Chief Executive Officer Solomon Airlines PO Box 23, Honiara Solomon Islands Tel: +677 20 031 Fax: +677 23 992

Editorial correspondence to: Solomons P O Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands. Tel: +679 3303 108 E-mail: [email protected]

Chocoholics rejoice Looking for ideas for how to use the Solomon Islands cocoa you’re planning to take home as a souvenir of your trip to the Hapi Islands? Strongim Bisnis has developed a new cookbook, and while it’s aimed at boosting do- mestic consumption of this delicious ingredient, it has some great ideas for all home cooks. Statements, opinions and points of view expressed by the writers are their own and do It also provides insights into cocoa processing. not necessarily represent those of the publisher, We tried (and couldn’t stop eating) the island-style, coconut bark. editor, or the airline. Information contained in this publication may be correct only at the time You can download the cookbook at https://strongimbisnis.com.sb/resources.html it was originally obtained by the writers and may be subject to change at any time and without notice.

© Copyright. 2019. All rights reserved. Posing for a team shot, No part of this publication may be reproduced SurfAid CEO, Doug Lees without the written permission of the publisher. - (on right) with (from left) SolomonPhoto-bomb Islands style Sasha Leitmanis, Matt Dunbar and Belinda Beggs didn't spot the surprise visitor in the frame. The SurfAid team was visiting Vavaghio Guest House and Kagata Village in western Santa Isabel last week on a fact-finding/surfing mis- sion.

Issue 82 - Solomons | 9 Advertorial

Addressing the Special Challenges of Remote Connectivity As a B2B operator, Kacific sells its services wholesale to licenced telecommunications providers and ISPs who have suitable regulatory approval for deploying and selling Kacific bandwidth. Our solutions can be custom designed to meet a wide range of scenarios, from emergency connectivity in the face of natural disasters, to offering enterprise backup which allow businesses to continue with normal activities whenever telecom networks are disrupted. With Kacific’s flexible, open approach, operators can meet the demands of their markets, providing a service that builds economies and empowers communities. The Next Generation of Satellite Broadband for the Solomon Islands Kacific Broadband Satellites Group was founded in 2013 to bring affordable satellite broadband internet to users in remote areas of the Pacific. Since 2016 Kacific has been distributing high-speed internet through partner businesses in selected Pacific Island countries. On the 16th of December 2019, Kacific’s brand-new satellite, named Kacific1, was launched successfully into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Kacific1 has now started transmitting its Ka-band broadband signal covering more than 600 million people across 25 nations. In the Solomon Islands alone, Kacific1 delivers more than 3Gbps of bandwidth on small terminals. Affordable Internet For All In keeping with our philosophy of universal access and affordability, Kacific1 will offer Governments, ISPs and Telco’s Internet for Business, Schools, Healthcare and Disaster a superior broadband product at competitive wholesale rates. Management The satellite’s High Throughput beams allows our customers The internet penetration rate in the Solomon Islands currently to achieve more than 100mbps on small 1.2m dishes. stands at only 14% of the total population1, for reasons There is also no need for sophisticated and complicated which include a lack of existing infrastructure, geographical equipment setup. Users will be able to access internet from challenges, and the high cost of usage. However, studies Kacific1 with small, low-cost and maintenance-free satellite have shown that ICT-enabled opportunities could potentially dishes, which can be transported to remote locations by boat, generate a significant number of jobs and more income. In the car or even on foot. Installed terminals only require low levels Pacific alone, improved internet access could bring in more of electric power to operate and can easily be solar-powered. than 5 billion dollars to the economy and create close to 300,000 new jobs by 20402. By providing high quality broadband at a fraction of the current cost, Kacific1 will allow a much larger part of the Solomon Based on the Boeing 702MP platform and supported by Islands’ population to participate in the digital age. advanced technologies, Kacific1 offers high speed, low cost, reliable broadband that can be applied across many industries, including education, healthcare, emergency services and business. Kacific presently supplies connectivity to the Vanuatu Interisland Telemedicine and Learning (VITAL) Network, which has connected remote schools and clinics with life- changing results, while in the remote village of Maewo, For more information, contact us at [email protected] Kacific’s broadband connection regularly assists remote nurses Connect with us on www.kacific.com in seeking lifesaving advice and hospital transport for patients. Kacific also powers digital healthcare in Timor-Leste, where Source: it has connected 75 clinics to improve the distribution of vital 1. Digital 2019 Report, Solomon Islands, We are Social & Hootsuite medicines, equipment and patient information nationwide. 2. Pacific Possible Report, World Bank

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ENQUIRE NOW Issue 82 - Solomons | 11 Solomon Islands

Capital and largest city: Honiara administered by the Honiara Town Council. The Solomon Islands became independent in 1978, the name The islands' ocean-equatorial climate is extremely humid was changed to "Solomon Islands". The definite article, "the", throughout the year, with a mean temperature of 26.5 °C is not part of the country's official name but is sometimes used, (79.7 °F) and few extremes of temperature or weather. June both within and outside the country. through August is the cooler period. Though seasons are not For local government, the country is divided into ten administra- pronounced, the northwesterly winds of November through tive areas, of which nine are provinces administered by elected April bring more frequent rainfall and occasional squalls or cy- provincial assemblies and the tenth is the capital Honiara, clones. The annual rainfall is about 3,050 millimetres (120 in).

12 | Solomons - Issue 82 Honiara

Honiara between the United States and the Japanese during the Guad- The capital city of Solomon Islands, situated on the northwest- alcanal Campaign in World War II, the Battle of Henderson ern coast of Guadalcanal. As of 2017, it had a population of Field of 1942, from which America emerged victorious. After 84,520 people. The city is served by Honiara International Air- Honiara became the new administrative centre of the British port and the seaport of Point Cruz, and lies along the Kukum Solomon Islands Protectorate in 1952 with the addition of many Highway. administrative buildings, the town began to develop and grow in The airport area to the east of Honiara was the site of a battle population.

Issue 82 - Solomons | 13 Yourto the GuideSolomon Islands Essential information for visitors to our shores

Climate: Tropically warm and humid Health: Malaria is a problem. Take in some provincial centres. Local and with coastal day temperatures averaging anti-malarial medication a week before international calls may be made from 28C (82.4F). April to November tends arrival, once a week during your stay, Our Telekom public card phones which to be drier and November to April and for four weeks after departure. are in prominent locations in Honiara wetter. Consult your chemist or doctor about an and provincial centres. appropriate brand. What to wear: Keep it light and casual. Tipping: is not expected, and not Keep brief beachwear for the beach. Currency: $100, $20, $10, $5 and $2 encouraged. Solomon Islands notes. Coins are $1, 50 Immigration: Commonwealth, United cents, 20c, 10c and 5c. Transport: Taxis and buses are readily States and most European visitors do not available in Honiara. Rental cars are also need holiday visas but will need return or Business hours: Government and some available from Avis, Economy, Travel Car onward tickets. People intending to work businesses open Monday-Friday 8am- Solomons and Zome. must have work permits. 4.30pm with a one-hour lunch break, usually beginning at noon. Shops and Domestic flights:Solomon Airlines Geography: The Solomon Islands has some offices open Saturday 8am-noon. operates services throughout the country. 992 islands, spread across 9 provinces: Choiseul (capital Taro), Central (capital Banks: Bank South Pacific opens Electricity: 220-240 volts in Honiara Tulagi), Isabel (capital Buala), Rennell Monday-Friday 8.30am-3pm. ANZ and some outer island centres. and Bellona (capital Tigoa), Guadalcanal Banking Corporation opens Monday- (capital and national capital Honiara), Friday 9am-4pm. Pan Oceanic Bank News media: Solomon Islands has a Makira-Ulawa (capital Kirakira), Malaita opens Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, and vibrant media industry offering choices (capital Auki), Western (capital Gizo) the Panatina Plaza branch opens 10am- in English and Pidjin languages. Radio and Temotu (capital Lata). 1pm on Saturday. BRED Bank opens services are offered by the Solomon Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Islands Broadcasting Corporation, Honiara: Our capital city is eight private operators and some religious kilometres (4.97 miles) from Honiara Telecommunications: Telephone and bodies. Our Telekom relays BBC and International Airport. Internet cards are readily available other satellite TV networks. The daily through shops, hotels and our Telekom newspaper are the Solomon Star and the Airport tax: SB$305 payable by offices, bmobile and Vodafone outlets. Island Sun. passengers (12 years and over), it is GSM prepaid and postpaid mobile generally added to your air ticket price. cards are available in Honiara, Gizo and

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14 | Solomons - Issue 82 What's On

Kolombangara BioDiversity Wagosia Festival people and communities of Western and Cultural Festival Wagosia is a remnant of ancient culture Solomons. The festival will include A festival to celebrate the official launch originated and practiced by the people traditional bamboo bands, cultural dance of a Conservation Area with sports, of East Makira. This is a traditional spear performances, Tomoko (war canoe) singing, music, Best Speech and Drawing fighting and yam harvesting festival. demonstrations and live bands. This competitions. Listen to local chants and inspiring tales free event will also involve art and craft 13 -17 June of their ancestors. displays and demonstrations including Ringgi Cove, Kolombangara Island, Western June 29 local basket weaving, wood carving, stone Province Santa Catalina, Makira Province carving, painting and much more. 17-18 July Queen's Birthday Solomon Islands Arts and Gizo, Western Province 13 June Cultural Festival July 1-10 PCYC Fishing Competition Mi Save Solomons Tourism The Point Cruz Yacht Club runs a fishing Expo Solomon Islands competition twice a year. Competitors are June 25 Independence Day from various local fishing enthusiasts and July 7 fisherman. They have two days to fish and compete in various categories such as the Akuila Talasasa Festival of heaviest fish. Arts July 25 This 2-day festival will showcase artistic Honiara activities, demonstrations, performances, and other displays traditional to the

My Hapi Ples The markets of Solomon Islands By Samantha Magick sectioned and ready for people to carry off to re-roof their homes and buildings. Ask urban Pacific islanders about their Munda’s market lines a short road also Saturday morning routine, and a trip to leading to the jetty adjacent to the Agnes the local produce market is likely to be Gateway Hotel. Shellfish were plentiful a common theme. At home in Suva, the here. A row of tempting cooked dishes market is one of my happiest hunting covered in colour cloths lined one side grounds, so on a recent visit to Solomon of the road, and carvers worked on their Islands I made a beeline for the produce finely inlaid pieces and swapped stories markets of Honiara, Gizo and Munda. on the other side. Honiara’s sprawling market is right on We visited Gizo market on a Sunday the water, so fisherfolk can motor right morning. Not expecting it to be open, we up to its edge and load their catch into were happy to check out this brand new freezers and cool boxes. The market structure, pick up some salty, crunchy includes the usual plethora of in-season sea grapes to take back to our hotel to fruit and vegetables, weighty watermelons prepare for our lunch, and swig a couple and pawpaws (papayas) galore when I was of coconuts before jumping back into there, plus cooked food, tables of delicate our punt. Be sure to admire the woven strings of shell money, an on-site screen baskets used to transfer goods in this printer and most interestingly to me, plastic-free venue. woven building materials in the carpark,

Issue 82 - Solomons | 15 16 | Solomons - Issue 82 Rekona Moamoa Lodge, Gizo Gateway to the untouched Central Islands of Western Solomons Rekona Moamoa Lodge is conveniently located on an elevated position in the centre of Gizo Town, the capital of Western Province. Whether for business, leisure, study or work, we are ideally positioned as a perfect base from which you can explore Gizo Island and the surrounds. We can connect you to nearby islands for birdwatching, nature tour or to Simbo Island to experience volcano cooking. Otherwise, you can enjoy snorkelling in the Gizo lagoon. • 10 Spacious Suites All air conditioned with en suite bathrooms, queen size bed plus a single bed, coffee/tea making facility, TV, hot water system, bar fridge • 3 Budget Rooms Twin beds, private shower, coffee/tea making facility, fan- cooled • 4 Budget Rooms Twin beds, shared shower, fan-cooled • Communal Kitchen • What To Do In Gizo Surf, snorkel, fish, tour to Skull Island, Simbo Volcano or Village Culture, bushwalking, birdwatching, scuba diving

Rekona Flourish Lodge, Honiara Located just above the Honiara Central Market, we are within 5 minutes walking distance to the CBD of the capital city. From the balcony of your well appointed air conditioned room, you will enjoy a superb harbour view of the port of Honiara, the Iron bottom sound with Florida and Savo Islands in the distance. Our spacious kitchen is well equipped, ready for your self- styled cooking. Options to eat out is within walking distance. For leisure or adventurous travellers, you cannot ask for a better place from which to explore Honiara, the Guadacanal WW2 battlefields, the waterfalls and magnificent dive sites. • Upper Level 6 spacious rooms, private bath, aircon, coffee/tea making facility, queen size bed plus a single bed, hot water system • Ground Floor 4 rooms, private bath, coffee/tea making facility, fan-cooled

Rekona Moamoa Lodge, Gizo P.O. Box 91, Gizo, Western Solomons, Solomon Islands Enquire now PH: (677) 60368/60021 E: [email protected] W: www.rekonalodge.com FB: rekona moamoa lodge Rekona Flourish Lodge, Honiara PH: (677) 21082 E: [email protected] Issue 82 - Solomons | 17 Culture

Saeraghi a quiet feast for the senses

By Samantha Magick for shade and calm and inviting waters. Islands delicacy) which are shelled. The Disembarking, we are seated on kernels are then chopped into small As we draw up to the beach, a group plastic chairs, our feet digging into pieces and ground into a rough paste. of young boys in traditional garb rush to the sand to watch dances and songs This paste is smeared onto vivid green greet us, shaking their spears in our faces performed by the boys who greeted us. leaves, wrapped into neat packages, and and whooping in glee. Each new piece is introduced with a then wrapped again in banana leaves and It is a taste of what to come when short explanation of the story it conveys. placed on hot coals to roast. The cooks you visit Saeraghi, at the western end The face of the smallest dancer creases explain what they’re doing at every stage, of Ghizo Island in Western Province, in concentration as the group moves in as they grind, wrap, and shift hot coals a glimpse into the way of life in this formation, hopping across the sand, their around with bamboo tongs. peaceful village. shell adornments clacking in time to their Then it’s time to taste one they’ve The villagers have a small tourism movements. It’s thoroughly entertaining. prepared earlier. It’s a delicious explosion offering that feels perfect for the location. Next stop is the outdoor kitchen, of nutty, smoky flavours, made silky with Nothing is over-engineered; it feels very where we see the various steps involved the natural oils imparted from the ngali local. And Saeraghi beach is glorious, in making a local staple. Its core nut while cooking. It’s difficult to stop at offering the softest of squeaky sand, trees ingredient is ngali nuts (a Solomon one piece, so we don’t!

18 | Solomons - Issue 82 Getting There Next we sit cross-legged to watch overnight at Urilolo Lodge at Saeraghi. some deft weaving of the baskets locals With a last longing look at the beach, we • Chief William and Serelyn use to gather leaves and transport food, pile back into our boat to resume our day Giroi at Urilolo Lodge: and another villager light a fire, using of island-hopping. +677 8624768 only the friction from his rapidly moving A visit to Saeraghi encapsulates all • Saeraghi is accessible from hands around a stick and the fibrous the best things about a Solomon Islands Gizo by road and boat. material from a coconut husk. getaway, a glimpse into a rich culture, • Book your flights to Gizo at Our visit was short, but you can unpretentious but comfortable lodgings, flysolomons.com arrange to spend the day, or even and a spectacular vista.

Issue 82 - Solomons | 19 Taj Mahal Indian

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20 | Solomons - Issue 82 Invest in Solomons There’s never been a better time to invest in Solomon Islands

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Issue 82 - Solomons | 21 Phone: (677) 20521 Website: www.solomonbusinessregistry.gov.sb Email: [email protected] Your logistic solutions provider in Solomon Islands

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Issue 82 - Solomons | 23 Cover

The magic of Sky Islands

Words by Patrick Pikacha is scattered throughout these interior, Communities and cultures across high-elevation forests. Remnants of built the archipelago have maintained a deep In 1568 the Spaniard Álavaro de up foundations of former forts and spiritual connection to nature and place, Mendaña first set eyes on the verdant villages, and graves adorned with shells and in particular, to the often sacred, green rolling hills and ridgelines of and traditional money can be found historic, and biologically unique forest a South Pacific island chain. He later along the elevated ridges of Guadalcanal, of the mountainous regions. Although a named this island – part of the northern Malaita, Makira, Kolombangara, Vangunu growing colonial and missionary presence chain in the double-chained archipelago and Choiseul islands. Elders today say in the early 1900s prompted many villages after his wife, Ysabela (Santa Isabel that building along these narrow spaces to leave the protections of the interior Island). Believing that he may have found offered protection and fortifications that forests and resettle along the coasts, ties the source of gold for the biblical King otherwise open and flat areas could not, to the high elevation forests persisted. Solomon’s riches, Mendana named the and defence from the head-hunting raids More recently, decimation of many archipelago the Solomon Islands. that beset many islanders in the past. lowland forests has left the intact upper Exploration of the archipelago’s The high and rugged peaks of the reaches of many islands as a precious major islands and many smaller offshore tallest islands offered both protection and wellspring of vital cultural, physical and islands revealed a diverse Indigenous diverse and valued resources for resident ecological wellbeing. population that had been there for human populations. Yet these unique In an archipelago known globally thousands of years. Primarily hunter- forests contained merely the tip of the for its unique flora and fauna, nowhere gatherers who depended on marine vast wealth of biological diversity that has the effect of habitat-influenced resources, over time these peoples had spanned across the archipelago, diversity species diversification more than in the ventured deep into the interiors of the inextricably linked to the biocultural cool, constantly humid conditions of larger islands and established villages, diversity of the myriad of human cloud-shrouded high elevation forests. shrines, and ‘tabu’ sites. languages and cultures populating the These ‘Sky Islands’—a term first used Evidence of human occupation islands. to describe unique habitats associated

24 | Solomons - Issue 82 "Visitors to the Sky Islands marvel at its magic and mystery. These rugged mountainous spaces are the head and heart, the pulse of the island."

Photo by Daniel Kakadi with isolated mountaintops rising above landscapes. the source of many major streams. the ‘sea’ of the Arizona desert—are the From the coast, the high volcanic Ecological niches created along isolated mountaintops where populations islands extend like a tapestry of grey elevation gradients, and the isolation of of a wide array of species adapt to green textures. Reaching into the clouds, these high oceanic islands has driven the surrounding, insular environment. dense canopies sporadically intersect crazy variation amongst its resident With diverse ecological factors driving overheads, shielding the understory wildlife inhabitants. This has led to the adaptation amongst ‘sky island’ species, from the sun’s scorching rays, creating creation of many endemic species, or over time, entirely new life forms emerge idyllic microclimates. Here moss alies species that are found in a particular from this other-worldly high elevation such as bryophytes and lichens and many location and found nowhere else on cloud forest. creepers or epiphytic plants clinch to earth. As a result of Sky Islands or Solomon Islanders have known trees and vegetation that grow along high oceanic mountains (some greater about this for thousands of years, but high ridges and in wet gullies. Amounts 2000m in elevation) on the large islands knowledge and connection to these of wetness within these forests fluctuate in the Solomon Islands Archipelago, places were largely lost. Only recently between cold and damp situations, and and their geographic location (closer to has this knowledge—coupled with tools tepid, parched and breezy conditions, New Guinea), there are higher rates of of western science—come again to the resulting in “eternal spring-like climes” endemism amongst species here than forefront. unlike the tropical and muggy lowland anywhere else in the entire South Pacific. Visitors to the Sky Islands marvel forests below. A high percentage of endemic and native at its magic and mystery. These rugged Colourful orchids delight the species coexist here lacing themselves mountainous spaces are the head and understory, creating a carpet of greenery, into an amazingly complex web of life, heart, the pulse of the island. It’s a dotted with many colours and shapes, a connected through and with other living place where rhythm, grace and mystery tapestry of intricate patterns much like a components of the environment. persist, and sends breath and life and mother’s neatly woven mat. Sky Islands Beady eyes follow your every move revitalisation into the people and are also critical sources of freshwater, and as you walk through a maze of evergreen

Issue 82 - Solomons | 25 Photo by Zahiyd Namo 26 | Solomons - Issue 82 Photo by Daniel Kakadi along a Sky Island trail. are endemic. Many of these occupy the Sky Islands. Perhaps, Dawn choruses awake you, with frogs squawking, birds none is more sought-after to birdwatchers than the vibrant and singing, and insects whistling, calling out for a mate, for enigmatic Moustache kingfisher, which is only found in the company. highlands of Guadalcanal above 1,300m elevation, and nowhere But if there is any vertebrate that would be a representative else on earth. flagship of montane or mountain forests, then it should be a Sky Islands continue to contribute significant amounts of frog! They are the most abundant vertebrate of the Sky Islands natural resources to the welfare of Indigenous peoples. The systems in the Solomon Islands. The most common being the forests and rivers provide everything for a subsistence life such tiny shrub frogs, Elegant sticky-toed frog (Cornufer elegans), as materials to build traditional houses, many of which can still and Fauro sticky-toed frog (C. vertebralis), and even the larger be seen in the remote recesses of the interior of Guadalcanal terrestrial Malukuna webbed frog (C. malukunu). The original and Malaita. Unlike, high stilt houses common along the coast, specimen or holotype of the Malukuna webbed frog was mountain houses come with intricately designed walls and are collected in the now-abandoned mountain village of Malukuna, structured low to the ground. Almost all are without windows, in Central Malango District on Guadalcanal Island. except for a low door at both ends. Many have a fireplace inside Indeed, many frog species of Sky Islands remain elusive, and the house to warm the interior during cool nights. some new to science. Other animals such as giant endemic tree The forests also provide materials and bamboo to make rats crawl in the canopies making large nests much like eagles for musical instruments, adding an artistic and social learning do, large slow-moving arboreal monkey-tailed skinks move in dimension achieved by observation, practice, and storytelling. the understories and high in strangler figs. Tuned by adjusting the bamboo lengths, these musical Yet more attractive to humans and tourism have been the instruments produce melodic harmonies that are characteristic birds. At least 44 percent of all birds in the Solomon Islands of traditional Solomon Islands music.

Issue 82 - Solomons | 27 "Colourful orchids delight the understory, creating a carpet of greenery, dotted with many colours and shapes, a tapestry of intricate patterns much like a mother’s neatly woven mat."

Photos: Zahiyd Namo, Daniel Kakadi

The allure of the Sky Islands is only complemented by to human wellbeing, language, story, history, and culture. If the dread of losing these special areas, as unprecedented rates we triumph in communicating the necessity of protecting Sky of deforestation occur in the Solomon Islands, caused by Islands, and explore economic opportunities for protected these expanding villages, agricultural pursuits, and especially industrial intact forests, perhaps we have a chance at ensuring that these logging. The latter is by far the largest cause of habitat loss, and connections, both biological and spiritual, may hold for future deforestation in the country, where more and more, high ridges generations. are now being encroached upon. This is having a tremendous impact on flora and fauna, and waterways by increasing About the writer: For Dr Patrick Pikacha, a childhood game of suspended solids and sedimentation, reducing accessibility hunting for birds and being curious about animals and the environment to clean water, and negatively impacting forest-dependent is his daily job today. Patrick is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Pacific communities. Adventist University in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and assists Yet, in recent years, there has been a greater understanding the environmental management efforts of Ecological Solutions (Solomon of the importance of protecting and conserving Sky Islands, Islands), an Indigenous green organisation in Solomon Islands. by understanding and exploring the sequence of interactions that these spaces provide not only to biodiversity, but more so

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Issue 82 - Solomons | 31 Destination

Welkam to the Hapi Isles Star Harbour and Santa Ana

Words by Gabi Steindl what I planned on doing. He mentioned a toothed smile, invited me in broken Photos by Stephan Kleinlein beach on the other side of the peninsula, English to sit down for a chat and to near Toraa Village of the Amwea Tribe, meet his family consisting of 10 kids and Gabi and Stephan have travelled the difficult to access but apparently “with a 20 grandchildren. I handed him some Solomon Islands with their kiteboard and million dollar view”. presents from Australia and asked for camera. In the third and final story in their Passing through the dark mangrove permission to kitesurf on his beach. He series, they visit Star Harbour and Santa Ana. forest flanking both sides of the narrow granted me permission though I was waterway on the way to this beach was pretty sure he had no clue what I actually The most remote stop on my spooky to say the least and I wouldn’t planned to do. That day the wind was not kitesurfing tour of Solomon Islands tour have been surprised to see a salt-water blowing; we had to come back. took me to Namuga Village in the Star croc floating right next to us. The The day before leaving Star Harbour, Harbour area, two flights from Ulawa and boat secured in deep mud, it was still a conditions looked favourable and we a 45min boat ride. I stayed with Alfred 15-minute walk along a small riverbed went back to Eratus’ Toraa Village. YES! Murray of the Atawa tribe who runs the through the rainforest. Several locals with This time it was windy. All villagers and Star Beach Resthouse. No internet, no large machetes passed us. The jungle kids came to see my big wing getting electricity (although Alfred owns a small opened up to a small village, built on pumped up on the beach. Launching my generator), no cars, the only means of sand, right along a several kilometre long kite, people were screaming, hooting and transport are boats. Star Harbour was stunning palm-fringed beach with high, jumping deliriously. Taking a few kids on regarded as similar to Fiji and Bali in the misty, sea sprayed cliffs at the western my back and cruising out to the reef was early pioneering days of surfing, however end. Big eyes were staring at me from the ultimate highlight for the villagers and surfing explorations came to a standstill all angles. I smiled, waved and greeted for me too! as a result of “the tensions” in the late everybody asking for the chief of the Cyclone Liua threw a spanner in 1990s. After a few hours looking at village. Arriving at Eratus’s hut, the thin, the works as we planned our return to footage on my laptop, Alfred understood 75-year-old chief, with a beautiful, white Honiara. Heavy rain and six foot-plus

32 | Solomons - Issue 82 waves nearly capsized the small fiberglass room. Lucky me; it would have flattened boat on several occasions on the way the guesthouse no worries. The afternoon from Namuga over to Santa Ana where Liua had moved on, the sun came out Stephan and I were meant to catch the and a sweet breeze kicked in. Stephan and plane that day. Sheltering under a tarp, I went down to the lagoon, my kite gear trying to stop board bags and camera in tow. The colours of the rainforest after cases from going overboard, we tried days of rain were intense; all the deepest to stay positive during the roughest shades of green. Cruising out into the boat journey of our lives. Somebody bright blue lagoon, Santa Ana locals was looking over us and we arrived gathered on the beach cheering, a worthy safely, yet completely drenched and with last ride, before boarding the plane the every single bone aching like after a next day. marathon, at the beach of Santa Ana. It Reflecting back on my trip, I’m was pretty devastating being told there grateful to have had these unparalleled that the airplane never left Honiara and life-experiences in a world adrift in time, our flight was cancelled—a beautiful so rich in new friendships and bonds reminder of the “simple” luxuries, such with warm, welcoming people, who live as telecommunication, of our world back a peaceful, happy existence and find joy home. in the simple things—only a three-hour Local Solomon Airline agent Henry flight from Australia. Solomon Airlines put us up in his guesthouse, whilst Liua flies Honiara-Santa was raging outside with heavy storms and kitegabi.com Ana weekly. For more torrential rains. One afternoon a whole oceanbluesky.com information www. tree came down just centimetres from my flysolomons.com

Issue 82 - Solomons | 33 BBESTEST VALUEVALUE INTERNETINTERNET +677 25169 satsol.net

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Top 5 Day Hikes

Words by Dan and Nid Tenaru Falls (East Honiara) depending on the time of year. Ask the If it’s not too dry, Tenaru has the guides for the best places to do mean Looking for an adventure close to mightiest waterfall out of these selected bombs. Honiara that you can do in a day? If hikes. This hike is a good introduction for Duration: 3-5 hours you’re the sort that likes off-the-beaten a first-time hiker in the Solomon Islands. Difficulty: Easy-Medium tracks, you’re in luck (literally, your guide From Honiara, the hike starts at Parangiju may have to beat a track as you walk). Lodge, a 45-minute drive east from town Parisaia Bat Caves (East Hikes in the Solomon Islands are (a 4WD may be required). Although there Honiara) unpaved, unmarked, and tend to lean is more than one starting point, Parangiju The guides will meet you at towards the sportier side. These hikes Lodge is the most common start point, Parangiju Lodge where you can read will take you far enough from civilisation which does mean one has to walk down their handwritten disclaimer not to to warrant hashtagging your photos with the hill to get to the river (and for the overestimate your physical abilities. A #bushwhackingwanderlust, but still close rest of the hike, dread knowing that you short 10-minute drive to the bottom of enough to have you back in time for your have to walk back up it). Once you get the hill and the trail starts at a shallow afternoon aperitif at Coral Sea Resort. to the river, the walk is relatively flat and riverbed (a different entry point than easygoing. This hike is 50/50 walking the Tenaru Falls hike). The entire hike through the river and shortcutting follows the river and is a mix of wading through the bush. The falls vary in size through water and clambering over rocks.

36 | Solomons - Issue 82 This hike is gorgeous. The bush is thick the way) in style. Don’t forget your dry and the reward of picturesque, flowing bag. river scenes is high. You will reach a Duration: 3-5 hours verdant waterfall dappled with ferns and Difficulty: Medium, with 15-20 minutes of moss. There is the option of exploring Difficult the bat cave located behind it, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes return. Kahove Falls/Kakabona Take a torch if you want to go inside. (West of Honiara) Tips: Never wander around on Duration: 4-6 hours Only 10 minutes’ drive past town kastom land unattended and always Difficulty: Medium-Difficult towards Boneggi, hikers can pick up a take a guide with you. 99% of hikes guide from Kakabona village - just ask. in the Solomon Islands necessitate Mataniko Falls (Near The trail starts at a dry riverbed and getting your feet drenched; wear Chinatown) plunges inland. Throughout the walk are grippy shoes that won’t get too heavy Situated behind Chinatown, the start pretty little rock pools and mini cascades when waterlogged. Start early in the point at Lili village is easily accessed to keep you cool most of the way. The morning before the heat sets in and from town by car, bus, or even by foot. hike is relatively easy most of the time take plenty of water. Take a drybag to The walk is preempted by crossing a but can be gnarly in places: for example, keep your stuff dry. river where the guides will give you an where you need to cross an old, slippery, Kastom fees: Expect to pay a innertube - yes, you can float down this and decomposing, log-bridge. 45 minutes small fee to cover land entrance and one. The hike starts up and over some into the hike, spectacular rock formations a guide, somewhere between 50-200 grassy hills where you’re likely to trip straddle the river like mini-canyons. After SBD per person. over some old WWII Japanese foxholes. this point, effects of the 2014 floods Take: Kastom fee, hardy shoes, Entering the bush and descending into become more obvious. Hikers will need plenty of water, insect repellent, the valley is a muddy and treacherous to scramble over loose boulders and sunscreen, food, drybag. exercise for the less coordinated. felled trees before reaching the waterfall. Rainy season: Take care when Upon reaching the bottom, you will Since the floods, the waterfall has hiking between November-April. be compensated for your efforts by seen better days. It is arguable that the Heavy rains turn trails into mudslides a spectacular rockpool and waterfall canyons are the highlight of the hike, but and water levels can rise quickly and combo. Jump in for a swim before if this is your first time, might as well go unpredictably. Tell someone where picking your way down the rocks to the all the way. you’re going, take precautions, check lower levels of the river - be careful, it’s Duration: 4-6 hours the weather before setting out, and very slippery. Then, float back (most of Difficulty: Medium listen to the guide.

Issue 82 - Solomons | 37 Visale (West Honiara) and not recommended for those who get Visale is an hour’s drive west wobbly at heights. There is a nice view from town and starts opposite the at the halfway point for those who don’t Dan and Nid are two Kiwis who wrote a very colourful Visale Catholic Church want to go all the way. To get down from blog while living in the Solomon Islands. compound. There is no shade so it’s best the top, return the way you came or take Achievements include coconut cracking, passable to start early in the morning. Usually there the bush trail. The bush trail is five times Pijin, and one slippery cabbage recipe. will be some boys hanging around who longer, five times less steep, but five times will be happy to take you up for a small harder to find. Only go bush if you’re fee, unless you’re climbing at the crack with someone who knows the way. No of dawn. If there isn’t anyone about, it waterfalls on this hike. Complete the hike is easy enough to find the trail from the with a snorkel and picnic at Visale beach. road opposite the church entrance. There Hike duration: 45 minutes - 2 hours is a great view, but the hike is very steep Difficulty: Difficult/Scary

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38 | Solomons - Issue 82 Culture

Skull Island Sanctuary

I’ve been here before, I mean no harm, and that whips across the small island. Again, money are also secreted on the island, I’ve brought two visitors. Barney greets and reassures the spirits, which feels sacred and silent. Barney Paulsen calls out words before removing the small piece of wood A small alter to the local fishing gods conveying these messages as he steps covering the entrance to the shrine to can also be seen close to the island’s ashore on Skull Island, a short boat reveal intact skulls and pieces of shell ‘entrance’. Fishermen stop here to offer ride from Munda in Solomon Islands’ jewellery. shells, fish, tobacco or coins on their way Western Province. It’s a show of respect The skulls range in age, but all are to catch bonito in a tradition that endures appropriate for this special place. hundreds of years old and date to the today. Dozens of skulls, of both defeated days of headhunting in the area, when Visitors to the shrine must pay a small warriors and Rendovan chiefs now rest warriors went on raiding parties and fee and be escorted by a local guide; ask on coral and stone platforms on this announced their return with the long at your accommodation or the local dive tree-fringed island. The chiefly skulls are notes blown into a conch shell, says outlets. housed in a small wooden shrine which is Barney. shielded from prying eyes and the wind Conch shells and traditional shell

Issue 82 - Solomons | 39 Destination Brisbane

A day at the State Museum and Library

By Samisoni Pareti I find the display named Dinosaur the Queensland Museum has these too. Stampede intriguing. How these agile sticks can be thrown If you happen to find yourself in It’s a sizeable slab of red stone with then return to the thrower has always Brisbane’s South Bank during one of the imprints of what’s believed to be baffle me. your travels to the Queensland state 3,000 footprints made during a stampede Up on level 4, I came across the capital, try finding time to stop by at the of dinosaurs millions of years ago. collection I have been eager to view. state museum. The display comes complete with an A crescent-shaped shell ornament You won’t be disappointed, that I can audio-visual presentation beamed to the worn undoubtedly as a ceremonial chain assure you. wall above you, so you can visualise what is around 150 years old sits majestically Queensland Museum is unique in the mayhem could have been like. on a timber chest with a glass frontage many ways. Not only does it feature The Museum’s Indigenous Cultures for easy viewing. Beside it is the ancient and Indigenous artifacts in its collection is limited but fascinating explanatory note, this being a pearl shell collections, but the museum also features nevertheless. The various axe heads on from Malaita. collections of Queensland’s biodiversity display shaped from volcanic rocks are a There is also a head comb, made from and geosciences; comprising specimens marvel; reflection of how advanced and black treefern core-wood. of the state’s natural resources, as well creative the Indigenous community was. This one is believed to have been as research into Queensland’s fossils, No display would be complete carved during the 1880s, also from the geology and minerals. without a collection of boomerangs, and province of Malaita, collected by one W.

40 | Solomons - Issue 82 H. Lawrence who worked in one of the The commentary in the display Sea Islanders’ Customs collection of the many so called labour-trade vessels that describes it as a lime container, which was Queensland Museum. ply the waters of Solomon Islands and collected from a Solomon Islander during Most if not all of the items on Vanuatu. 1886 to 1905. the display were collected during the There is also a basket plaited from It is made from bamboo, of blackbirding years of 1863 to 1904. dried coconut palm leaves. about 17cm in length, used to store In that 40-year period, up to 10,000 This also came from Solomon lime collected from crushed corals, a Solomon and Vanuatu islanders were Islands, believed to be made around 1883 much sought-after ingredient in the either tricked or kidnapped outside to 1900. consumption of betel nuts, a favourite their homes or villages, and shipped in I particularly fancied a nicely carved past time in Solomon Islands up to this overcrowded boats to work on sugar or cylinder on display, only because I do day. cotton farms in Queensland. not see it often and I am oblivious of its These artifacts and a lot more are the Some today said the practice was no purpose. prized trophies in the Australian South different to the slave trade of Africa and

Issue 82 - Solomons | 41 of the Americas, or the Indian indentured the Museum’s Torres Strait Islander and the Queensland Maritime Museum and a labour trade that saw Indian men and Pacific Indigenous Studies Cultures and campus of Griffith University. women shipped to work in cotton and Histories. sugar plantations in neighbouring Fiji. Miller was one of the organisers of Contacts: Some 60,500 Indians were bought to the Plantation Voices, a portal about the Queensland Museum: Fiji in this way, any if not all of them got Australian South Sea Islander culture and • Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, deceived or kidnapped, just like those in history that the Queensland State Library South Bank, South Brisbane Solomons and Vanuatu. hosted. • Opening Hours: 9:30am to 5:00pm | The similarities do not end there, Both the State Library and the State • Website: www.qm.qld.gov.au because just as many Indians opted to Museum are located on Brisbane’s South make Fiji their home, many descendants Bank, an oasis of 17-hectares of parks, State Library: of blackbirders have made Queensland gardens and freshwater pools located • Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South home as well. along the southern banks of the Brisbane Bank A number of them built small towns River. • South Brisbane, Queensland along the coast of Queensland, and they It’s one of my favourite places in • Telephone: +61 7 3840 7666 still exist to this day. Brisbane. • Website: www.slq.qld.gov.au There’s ‘The Old Place’ on the There’s so much to see and do, and all Sunshine Coast, as well as ‘Kanaka Town’ within easy walking distances. Helpful travel and Joskeleigh near Rockhampton. In addition to the Queensland information can also be I was not aware of this until the Museum and the State Library, South found here: Queensland Museum, in the process of Bank also hosts the Queensland Art • www.visitbrisbane.com.au/South-Bank researching this story linked me up with Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, Imelda Miller, who is the Curator of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre,

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Issue 82 - Solomons | 43 Diving

Tulagi 's Reef Riches

Text and photos by Located just an hour by boat from During our day stay, we dived Nigel Marsh and Helen Rose Honiara, Tulagi is one of the easiest four amazing seaplane wrecks, a large dive destinations to reach in the American fuel tanker, the USS Kanawha, With a wealth of World War II ship Solomon Islands. Taking divers to the a Kiwi minesweeper HMNZS Moa, a and plane wrecks, Tulagi rightfully has wonderful reefs and wrecks in the area scuttled fishing trawler and a vast junk a reputation as a wreck divers’ heaven. are Raiders Hotel and Dive. Located on pile of World War II rubbish at Base However, on a recent visit we discovered the waterfront, this small hotel is run by One. And while all these wrecks were that the area also has a rich collection expat Kiwis Bob and Yvie Norton, who fascinating to explore, the thing that of reefs that are as good as any in the offer daily boat dives to their wonderful surprised us the most was the reef diving Solomon Islands. array of dive sites. - as we simply hadn’t expected it.

44 | Solomons - Issue 82 Issue 82 - Solomons | 45 Our first reef dive was on a large gorgonians. We enjoyed a sensational We always thought Tulagi was just pinnacle called Twin Tunnels Reef. Rising drift dive at this site, encountering reef for wreck divers but discovered that this from 60 to 12 metres, this reef has a top sharks, humphead parrotfish and schools wonderful destination has something for covered in hard corals, walls covered in of fusiliers. everyone. lush soft corals and is a great place to The most surprising reef dive we see sharks and pelagic fish. But the main did was right in front of the hotel, on www.nigelmarshphotography.com feature of the reef is an L-shaped cave the Raiders House Reef. Only 10m that starts on the top of the reef and deep, this combined reef and muck exits on the reef wall at 33 metres. site was a delight, full of critters like Equally as good was the wall dive we shrimps, pipefish, gobies, anemonefish, Raiders Hotel did at Tanavula Point. Coating this wall scorpionfish, nudibranchs and even a pair www.raidershotel.com were beautiful soft corals, sponges and of common seahorses.

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46 | Solomons - Issue 82 Airline Nius

WakaCreating a healthy Mere workspace for all

Creating a healthy and respectful progress, to take on leadership roles, and and management support to address this workplace for all employees is a key goal also non-traditional jobs,” said Zoleveke. issue, we are providing an avenue where at Solomon Airlines. “We are very proud of the achievements victims of violence can come forward to It is more than two years since Solomon and example of our female employees seek help. Airlines opted to join the ‘Waka Mere’ and company and hope that by providing “Under the programme, education is Commitment to Action initiative which a respectful workplace and greater work also important. Previously it may have aims to promote better opportunities opportunities, this will lead to benefits been that staff would think that violence and supportive workplaces for female for our staff, their families and the happening outside of the workplace such employees in the Solomon Islands. community,” she said. as domestic violence is not the company’s Already positive change has occurred. Over the past three years, the number of business. Or that workplace harassment Launched in July 2017 at the Australian women working with Solomon Airlines was to be tolerated, as it could be too Solomon Islands Business Forum, Waka has grown to 105 female staff, who embarrassing to reach out. Mere is led by International Finance work alongside 187 male colleagues. “However having a company Violence Corporation, a member of the World The company has created new human Policy helps us all to recognise why we Bank Group, in collaboration with the resources policies related to employee have a responsibility to help and why this Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce welfare and workplace behaviour. is important for the business as well. It and Industry. The initiative now includes “Wake Mere provided this platform and empowers employees to come forward 15 of the largest private sector companies we made this commitment with our in confidence and seek help or report an in Solomon Islands, with nearly 6,000 CEO’s support because we want to create issue without fear. employees combined. a healthy and respectful workplace for “Under the Waka Mere programme we Under Waka Mere, which means all of our employees, female and male,” have engaged in workshops that especially ‘She Works’ in pidgin, each company Zoleveke said. help women to discuss issues affecting has committed to at least one of the “This led to the development of new them in personal and professional life and following priorities: promoting women human resources policies regarding how they can best deal with these issues. in leadership; building respectful and supporting employees who may be “We have been able to listen to supportive workplaces; and increasing experiencing domestic violence at home inspirational stories from successful opportunities for women in jobs or potentially unacceptable harassment in women who have made it to the top traditionally held by men. the workplace. and to participate in professional Our Human Resources Manager “In any company, should a staff member development workshops to inspire Hernandia Zoleveke and female staff become a victim of violence, their positive personal and professional have been particular champions of the performance is likely to be affected which growth." initiative. “Waka Mere is about supporting of course is a productivity a loss for an women in the workplace, giving them the employer. confidence and opportunity to shine, to “Now with a specific company policy

Issue 82 - Solomons | 47 TRAVELLING TO THE PACIFIC?

+(678) 29111 +(677) 27777 +(679) 3100222

www.bred.vu www.bred.sb www.bred.com.fj

[email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

st European Bank in the Pacific, with branches and subsidiaries in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia and Tahiti. In addition to Europe and the Pacific, BRED Bank is also present in Africa, Asia and in various French territories.

48 | Solomons - Issue 82 “We Have Pride In Everything We Do”

Aluminium & Glass Fabrication

Products • Double Hung Windows • Shopfronts • Curtain Walls • Sunshade louvres • Sliding Doors • Hinge Doors • Wardrobe Mirror Doors • Shower Screens • Security Barrier Screens

Services • Commercial Construction “Quality Does Matter” • Executive Residential Homes • Office Fit Outs • Architectural Hardware supplies • Commercial & Residential Swimming Pools

Products / Services • Executive 2- & 3-Bedroom Apartment available for long term lease • Luxury 3 Bedroom Homes including automatic garage doors • Supplier of Quality Hardwood Kitchens • Supplier of Quality European Appliances

Ranadi Industrial Estate, PO Box 1551 Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: +677 30836 / 37 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Issue 82 - Solomons | 49 Solomon Airlines

Aircraft: A320

Registration: HB -SIB Cruising Speed: 830 kpm Length: 37.57 m Seating capacity: 144 Wing Span: 34.10m Configuration: Business:12 Economy: 132 Range: 3,000 nm Current Routes: Brisbane, Nadi, Port Vila, Tarawa

Emergency Exits Toilets Galleys Belama Club

AIRCRAFT: Dash 8-102 AIRCRAFT: Twin Otter

Length: 22.25 m Length: 15.77 m Wing Span: 25.91 m Wing Span: 19.81 m Range: 2040 km Range: 1350 km Cruising Speed: 490 kph Cruising Speed: 338 kph Seating capacity: 36 Seating capacity: 16 Crew: 3 Crew including 1 cabin crew Crew: 2 Current Routes: Honiara; Seghe: Munda; Gizo Current Routes: All Ports in the Aircraft in Fleet: 1 Solomon Islands Aircraft in Fleet: 3

50 | Solomons - Issue 82www.flysolomons.com Fact Sheet

With an elegant leather finish, our luxurious cabin is specifically configured for space and comfort. Our 12 business class and 132 economy seat configuration provides all our customers with more personal space and privacy. Our traditional in-flight full service is second to none and allows customers to enjoy simplicity in GENERAL INFORMATION a sophisticated modern setting. Head Office: Henderson Airport • P.O.Box 23, Honiara, Solomon Islands Belama Club • Ph: +677 20031 • Fax: +677 20232 Membership Types: Belama Plus, Corporate, Family, individual Travel Centre: Benefits: - Priority Check in and Express Clearance Mendana Avenue (Brisbane) • Ph: +677 20152 • Fax: +677 23992 - Additional baggage allowance/ Priority • Email: [email protected] baggage - Preferential seating Australia: - Belama Club Lounge access for all members Level 1 5a Grevillea Place (Honiara) Brisbane Airport Qld 4008 - Brisbane, Qantas Lounge and Nadi, Tabua • Ph: +61 7 38605883 Lounge access (Belama Plus Members) • Toll Free: 1300 894311 (Aus) 0800 424980 (NZ) • Email: [email protected]

Fiji: Nadi Airport, Office 27, First Floor Our exclusive club caters • Ph: +679 6722831 • Fax: +679 6722140 for Corporate Executives, • Email: [email protected] Individuals & Families Annual membership fees range from $8,990 SBD (Belama Plus) to $3,940 SBD (individual) and are streamlined to a standard calendar year.

[email protected] 82 - Solomons | 51 International Connections

Papua ChoiseulChoiseul Ba Bayy New Guinea New Guinea Solomon IslandsIslands TarawaTarawa HoniaraHoniara Port KagaKagauu Suavanao Moresby Suavanao

Ballalae Ballalae Fera LosLos AngelesAngeles Fera

Cairns MonoMono Auki Manaoba Auki GizoGizo Atoifi Townsville Atoifi Townsville RamataRamata Brisbane Afutara MundaMunda Australia Vanuatu Parasi Australia FijiFiji PortPort VilaVila SegheSeghe AronaArona NadiNadi Perth Lomlom Sydney HoniaraHoniara Adelaide Canberra Santa Cruz Canberra Santa Cruz SolomonSolomon IslandsIslands MaraMarauu Melbourne KirakiraKirakira SantaSanta Anna Anna

BellonaBellona RennellRennell

AucklandAuckland NewNew ZealandZealand ChristchurchChristchurch

For all bookings, ticketing and flight enquiries: AUSTRALIA NEW CALEDONIA Fax: +64 9 2758707 Australia Cargo GSA Axxess Travel, 22 Rue Duquesne, Espace Mobile: +64 21757400 Pak Fresh Handling Moselle, Email: [email protected] Quartier Latin, Noumea BNE AIRPORT | 5 Cyperus Street Brisbane Airport BP 336, 98845, Noumea UNITED STATES QLD 4008 | 07 3119 2571 | 0499 018 481 Tel: (687) 286 677 Solomon Airlines Fax: (687) 274 050 Solomon Airlines USA c/o AirlinePros Georgia McCabe | Branch Manager BNE | 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 358-360 [email protected] | 0499 018 481 NZ Passenger GSA New York, NY 10170 Airline Marketing New Zealand Tel: 888 468 5736 ADL AIRPORT | 2-3 Comley Street Export Park SA 5950 Level 9, 120 Albert St, P O Box 6247 Email: [email protected] 08 8234 4222 Wellesley St, Auckland 1141 www.flysolomons.com Ph: DDI: (64 9) 969 7610 UNITED KINGDOM CBR AIRPORT | 8 George Tyson Drive ACT 2609 Mobile +64 274167562 Solomon Airlines 02 6247 1157 | 0424 840 922 Email: [email protected] Flight House Fernhill Road, Horley Eagle Farm NZ Cargo GSA Surrey, RH6 9SY Ph: 07 3260 2603 | Fax: 07 3260 2959 GSA Cargo Services New Zealand Ltd United Kingdom Mobile: 0419796065 Carolyn Evans| Director Tel: +44 (870) 443 0757 Email: [email protected], or [email protected] PO Box 107 027, Auckland International Fax: +44 (870) 240 2208 www.aircraftloaderspackers.com.au Airport, New Zealand 2154 Email: [email protected] Phone: +64 9 2758767 52 | Solomons - Issue 82 Domestic Connections

Papua Choiseul Bay New Guinea Solomon Islands Tarawa Honiara Port Kagau Moresby Suavanao

Ballalae Los Angeles Fera

Cairns Mono Manaoba Auki Gizo Atoifi Townsville Ramata Brisbane Munda Vanuatu Parasi Australia Fiji Port Vila Seghe Arona Nadi Perth Lomlom Sydney Adelaide Honiara Canberra Santa Cruz Solomon Islands Marau Melbourne Kirakira Santa Anna

Bellona Rennell

Auckland New Zealand Christchurch

Solomon Islands Offices Overseas Administration Offices VANUATU Head Office P O Box 23, Henderson Airport, Honiara, Solomon Islands Surata Tamaso Travel Limited AUSTRALIA - Brisbane Airport Administration La Casa D'andrea, Tel: (677) 20031 • Fax: (677) 20232 Administration Solomon Airlines, Level 1 5a Grevillea Place, Finance Lini Highway, Port Vila Tel: (677) 20031 • Fax: (677) 20232 Brisbane Airport, QLD. 4008 Tel: (678) 22666 Sales & Reservations Tel: (677) 20031 • Fax: (677) 23992 Tel (Aust Wide): 1300 894311 Fax: (678) 24275 Reservation - 177 (Local calls) Tel (Outside Aust): 617 3860 5883 Email: [email protected] Fax: 617 3860 4351 Email: [email protected] Vanuatu Cargo GSA Operations Solomon Airlines, Level 1, Ridley Daniel Airport Offices International Terminal, Right Freight Services HONIARA Brisbane Airport, Eagle Farm, QLD. 4007 PO Box 1407, Port Vila,Vanuatu Tel (Aust Wide): 1300 894311 Phone:+678 24690 Operations Tel: (677) 36048 • Fax: (677) 36244 Engineering Tel: (677) 36104 • Fax: (677) 36040 Tel (Outside Aust): 617 3860 5883 Mobile:+678 7744690 Fax: 617 3860 4351 Email:[email protected] Cargo Tel: (677) 36071 • Fax: (677) 36372 International Terminal Traffic Tel: (677) 36077 • Fax:(677) 36076 Email: [email protected] Domestic Terminal Traffic Tel: (677) 36048/36251 • Fax (677) 36244 F I J I - Nadi Solomon Airlines P O Box 10229, santa cruz Sales & Reservations Tel: (677) 53159 • Fax: (677) 53092 Nadi International Airport, Fiji GIZO Sales & Reservations Tel: (677) 60173 • Fax: (677) 60202 Tel: 679 672 2831 MUNDA Sales & Reservations Tel: (677) 62152 • Fax: (677) 62152 Kirakira Sales & Reservations Tel: (677) 50070 Fax: 679 672 2140 Issue 82 - Solomons | 53 Airline Nius

Farewell H4-BUS, Welkam H4-SIB

Solomon Airlines bid farewell to our previous flagship carrier, the Air- bus A320 (H4-BUS) on January 28th this year which has faithfully served us since 2012. We recently welcomed the arrival of its replacement, a newer A320 now registered as H4-SIB into the Hapi Isles. A first image of the shiny new Airbus A320 aircraft H4-SIB being painted in Towns- ville, Australia and the arrival in both Munda and Honiara created much excitement. We look forward to welcoming you onboard and providing you the best service, with the highest safety standards and comfort always our priority.

54 | Solomons - Issue 82 Issue 82 - Solomons | 55 ANZ Solomons Thriving Pacific 180x120mm HR.pdf 1 26/03/2019 3:54:09 p.m.

COMMITTED C TO A M Y THRIVING PACIFIC CM

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Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Solomon Island Branch

56 | Solomons - Issue 82 45 th Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance

For more information please visit: www.pmtasolomons.com Issue 82 - Solomons | 57 Suppliers of quality Fuels & Lubricants in Solomon Islands.

A 100% locally owned company Celebrating 10 years of fuelling our islands.

[email protected] +677 21838 +677 36142 +677 61077 www.spo.com.sb Sales & Operations | Henderson Depot | Noro Depot southpacificoil 58 | Solomons - Issue 82 Issue 82 - Solomons | 59 60 | Solomons - Issue 82