Herald Issue 527 01 September

Demo committees still in deadlock over candidates
The meeting held on Tuesday night at the Hospitality Trade Training Centre in Turangi at 7pm between the two Ngatangiia Democratic Party committees to discuss a way forward ended without the candidacy impasse being resolved.

Assault victim alleges serious miscarriage of Justice in complaint to Police Commissioner
The Herald was informed on Wednesday evening that a formal written complaint was forwarded to Commissioner of Police Maara Tetava on 25 August 2010 alleging a serious miscarriage of justice in an assault case involving Mayor of Aitutaki Tai Herman.

People’s Forum to test election candidates
Candidates for the General Election in November will be put to the test over their commitment to reform if they accept an invitation to participate in a national forum, next week.

We’ll meet the challenge
I am pleased to announce my intent to meet the challenge of calls for change and allow the people to have a say over their future. As the Leader of the Democratic Party, I shall be encouraging all our team members to listen to what the public wants and to engage and consult with them on how to improve our democratic processes of governing.

Winning for the right reasons
Kia Orana to all our people in the Cook Islands. Firstly, let me thank CI Herald for allowing the Cook Islands Party this opportunity to update you on upcoming events as the nation prepares itself to go to the polls in November.

Party Politics – will it survive this election?
At a time when Pacific nations are struggling to come to grips over leadership and governance issues, the government continues to ignore the plight of its people at the expense of individual political survival. The growing trend is that people want change and the Cook Islands is no different.

Allegations against Tapi Taio not valid says Audit Office
Local businessman Tapi Taio is convinced his political enemies are trying to pin something on him prior to the general elections.

Pushing for Political Reform
The way Teina Mackenzie sees it, she has two choices: keep pushing for political reform or start saving up to move her family to another country.

Tepaki to seek over $60 million in lost earnings, damages
Developer Tim Tepaki advised the Herald on Tuesday evening that he had e-mailed eight relevant parties on Tuesday afternoon concerning legal action he was intending to take over the placement into receivership recently of three of his companies and other matters.

Seabed Minerals Taskforce to seek public views
The seabed could yield millions of dollars’ worth of mineral deposits for the Cook Islands. Let’s hope our grandchildren spend the money wisely.

Sporting legend enjoys first visit to Rarotonga
The knee injury was real and so was the enthusiasm as former Auckland Warriors captain Monty Betham made a guest appearance on both sides of the square ring Saturday at the Telecom Sports Arena.

The danger of ill concieved reforms
Statement by Hon Norman George, MP for Teenui Mapumai Atiu

Business Weekly – Supa Saver
It’s fitting that newly established Supa Saver is located beneath High Tide Bar & Grill, since it’s the tide that’s bringing in its point of difference.

Generous donation to Aitutaki for Cyclone relief
Six containers containing building materials and other items have been landed in Aitutaki as part of the Cyclone Pat recovery programme.

Turama
Taking over the reins: Cook Islands Tourism CEO shares her goals for the Corporation

An Angel at my workshop
When master carver Mike Tavioni set out to do a carving commissioned by a client from South America, little did he realize it would result in the appearance of an Angel at his workshop.

Sport: National Netball Squad selected
The national netball squad to represent the Cook Islands at this month’s Commonwealth Games is into its final training programme designed to increase their intensity and to increase their strength.

Shapeshifter show a sell out at Club Raro
You might want to tie down your roofs come Thursday night when Shapeshifter cranks the amps up to 11 for a sold-out show at Club Raro.

Herald Issue 526 25 August

Vai Peua out in the cold, may stand as an Independent
Dumped CIP MP for Pukapuka-Nassau Vai Peua is angry that he has been disregarded as the candidate to represent CIP at the upcoming general elections in November.

GPC to appear at referendum talks
A re-activated Group for Political Change is expected to front up to round table talks with the Prime Minister on Thursday, ready to hammer out a commitment from the Government to hold a referendum.

Two committees to meet after candidate run off
Sean Willis, President of the Democratic Party advised the Herald late on Tuesday afternoon that the Central Executive Committee at its meeting earlier that afternoon had agreed not to intervene in the candidate run off organized by the interim Ngatangiia Committee for Wednesday evening.

Pacific Pavilion records 4 million visitors
International and Chinese visitors to the Pacific Pavilion at the World Shanghai Expo today reached 4 million. Ms Fan Tiantian of Wenzhou City was surprised when informed she was the 4th millionth visitor to the Pavilion as she and her young cousin, Ms Wang Leyi, walked through the Pavilion door

Aitutaki leapfrogs ahead
Telecom Cook Islands is future proofing its public switched network by replacing an older existing REDCOM Medium Density Exchange (MDX) soft switch, with a new REDCOM High Density Exchange (HDX) soft switch in Aitutaki.

Mai TV helps out CITV
Isaiah Narayan a Supervisor for Presentation from Mai TV in Suva, Fiji, has been assisting CITV to install a new fully automated programme system.

Old friend to help Agricultural recovery
The days of ordering a fruit smoothie at the market and having it made with a canned product from New Zealand are fast coming to an end.

Northern group vaccinated against swine flu
Public Health has achieved virtually total coverage of the Northern Group in vaccinations for Swine Flu.

Sports seminar for women
CISNOC are to run a seminar on Women in Sport National Management and Leadership from Monday 30 August to Thursday 2 September.

Regulating Technology
The conference, being held through Friday at the Edgewater Resort, was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations whose mission, according to press material, is to “enable the growth and sustained development of telecommunications and information networks and to facilitate universal access to the emerging information society and global economy”.

Playground upgrade in full swing
The Punanga Nui playground was overrun by adults last weekend as top level managers of key businesses on Rarotonga exchanged office duties for hands-on construction and grounds maintenance.

Turama
Towards a better quality of life - Helping people to regain their mobility

Media workshop in Tonga on New Media
Broadcast journalists and media representatives undergoing training in Convergent Journalism in Tonga are excited about the opportunities available on new media platforms.

Boxing’s big night out
Boxing’s big night out on Saturday 28 August at the Telecom Sports Arena (TSA)in Nikao promises to be a stunning exhibition of amateur boxing featuring young athletes from the Cook Islands Sports Academy (CISA) up against the fit young boxers from the stables of trainers in the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA).

Herald Issue 525 18 August

Ngatangiia Democratic supporters confirm support for Sir Terepai Maoate
A public meeting was called on Tuesday 17 August 2010 at the residence of Tu Tutai-Purua at 7.30pm by the Ngatangiia Democratic Party Committee.

$4 million FAO project enters new phase
On Tuesday morning, Secretary for Agriculture Anthony Brown advised the Herald he had met with three consultants from the FAO (United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation) who are in Rarotonga to follow up the Cook Islands preparation for the FSSLP project (Food security and sustainable livelihoods).

New political movement to contest every seat
The new political movement Te Kura O Te’Au hopes to have political candidates standing in every consituency at the November 17 election.

Opposition to focus on welfare and financial stability
The vice president of the Cook Islands Party Mark Brown told Radio New Zealand on Wednesday that their candidates in the November general election will campaign on the need for financial stability and better welfare support for people at the grassroots.

Interim Ngatangiia Demo Committee seeks fair process for nomination of candidate
Many Ngatangiia Democratic Party supporters want to see a fair and transparent process used in another nomination of a candidate for the constituency, as they believe the manner in which sitting member Sir Terepai Maoate was nominated was unfair.

Industry Leader to visit Cook Islands
Annah Stretton’s second book ‘Wise Heart’ explains the values behind this entrepreneur’s drive for success. In this candid, engaging book she shares the strategies and tools that have got her to the top and that have kept her there.

Ambassadors for God
On Sunday 15 August the youth around Rarotonga from the Cook Islands Christian churches get to travel to other CICC churches.

Warratahs hosted by Edgewater Resort and Spa
New Zealand Iconic Country band “ The Warratahs” have recently completed a sell out tour in Rarotonga performing two shows on Rarotonga at Hideways Bar and Sails restaurant.

The passion behind the lens
For someone with much flare, stamina, live and passion is how I would describe Potini the founder and managing director of blondiesphotography.com.

Turama
Mortgage Management - Keeping your finances under control.

Not quite there
One comment that emerged during the debate in this session of parliament on the Budget was that we were no longer classified by the ADB (bank) as a developing country and in fact we were almost at that point where we could be called a developed country.

Turn off at the wall
POWER-hungry homes filled with TVs, video games and computers are being sucked dry of dollars because appliances are left on standby rather than being switched off when not in use.

Safety hazards at children’s playground need urgent attention to prevent serious injuries
There is nothing wrong with the children’s park at the Punanga Nui Market that a bulldozer with a nice wide blade couldn’t fix.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Herald Issue 524 11 August

Class of ’64 to congregate in Mangaia
A Class of ’64 is congregating in Mangaia this weekend for a re-union.

Can the northern group administrators lift their game?
Government needs a new strategy for improving the management of their assets and personnel in the northern group because the current strategy, whatever it is, is not effective.

Media awareness workshop for Police
The members of the Cook Islands Police Department need to be more open because, as public servants, they are accountable to the taxpayer when it comes to performing their jobs.

No run off for Demos in Ngatangiia
President of the Democratic Party, Sean Willis, advised the Herald on Wednesday morning that it has been decided by the Ngatangiia Committee that the sitting MP Sir Terepai Maoate will contest the Ngatangiia seat in the upcoming election.

QR Reappointed
The Prime Minister is pleased to announce today the reappointment of Sir Frederick Goodwin as Queen’s Representative, in the Cook Islands.

Praise for Solicitor General
Leader of the Opposition Hon Tom Marsters had high praise for the work and legal opinions of Solicitor General, Pukapukan, Tingika Elikana when debating the Appropriation Bill 2010 and vote Crown Law on Tuesday afternoon.

Unfair criticisms on graffiti
Below the belt and absolutely wrong” was the response to public criticisms directed at members of the Cook Islands Handball Federation who have been accused of being responsible for the graffiti that adorned several buildings from Tikioki to Vaimaanga over the weekend.

Aitutaki in short supply of gas
Reports have come in that Aitutaki has run out of gas. This was confirmed by sources in Aitutaki who said the island was virtually empty as of Tuesday and they have no more supplies in stock.

Night Market reopens for art symposium
You wouldn’t normally consider waffles smothered in whipped cream and chocolate sauce to be an evening meal, but the visitor carrying his plate through the Punanga Nui market Tuesday evening was practically salivating in anticipation of digging in.

“A comedy of errors performed by clowns” – Tepaki
Hotel owner Tim Tepaki has labeled as a fiasco, his hotel operator Rarotonga Resorts Management putting out an advertisement for a new general manager using The Rarotongan Hotel logo and CI News having to apologize for it.

$12,000 raised for handball
At the fundraising dinner on Saturday at the Hospitality Training Centre in Turangi $12,000 was raised for the Cook Islands Junior men Handball team to the Youth Olympics in Singapore.

A house full of heart
A large crowd attended the opening preview of Samoan artist Nanette Lela’ulu’s exhibition “In the house of my heart” at artists Ian and Kay George’s gallery The Art Studio in Arorangi on Monday evening.

For the love of art
Some people are calling this week’s gathering of the various members of the Pacific Arts Association a ‘conference’ or a ‘symposium’. Michael Gunn refers to it as a ‘swarm’.

Turama
A House of the good, the bad and the ugly - Puna Rakanui has spent 23 years as a member of the parliamentary staff, working in every department over that time. Whenever someone finally pulls finger and sets a date for the next election, it will be the eighth time Rakanui will welcome the leaders of the nation into the house where democracy resides.

The Warratahs, still strong after 24 years
It was in a café in Wellington, while New Wave ruled the airwaves, that a guitar player first asked a fiddle player if he’d like to form a country/blues band. A group name was pulled out of a hat and The Warratahs were born and, with them, a new sound on the New Zealand music scene.

A Weekend of ‘mana’, pulsating, act
Highland Paradise is hidden high up in the west side mountains of Arorangi. The place felt like it had so much ‘mana’ and I am glad to have been given the opportunity to experience Highland Paradise’s island night on Friday 6 August.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

The wind power alternative
Making the move to alternative, renewable energy is Tama Tuavera who has had a windmill installed on his property in Muri to generate power for his home.

Herald Issue 523 03 August

Fiery end to Tuesday’s Parliament
Tuesday’s parliamentary session which began at 1pm, had to adjourn for 10-minutes after Acting Prime Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen moved a motion that the House adjourn until Monday 9 August to allow members time to further study the Supplementary Budget and the 2010 Budget documents.

Bishop Throws Down the Gauntlet
Disappointed and angry are the only words to describe Teina Bishop MP following his short exchange in Parliament yesterday during question time where he challenged his Caucus colleague Norman George as to whether he had the right to speak on behalf of the Opposition while addressing the Minister of Finance Hon Wilkie Rasmussen during discussions over the Supplementary Bill.

No conflict of interest in BTIB business support loans to Maoate companies say lawyers
Acting on complaints, the Audit Office investigated the business support loans granted to companies of which Sir Terepai Maoate and Jnr Maoate were major shareholders

Audit Office role in Employment contract disputes queried
A difference of opinion has erupted between the Director of the Audit Office Paul Allsworth and the CEO of the BTIB Terry Rangi over Audit’s involvement in the matter of the replacement of three female staff with three new line managers as part of what the BTIB CEO says is restructuring.

No double dipping by President of House of Ariki
A special review carried out by the Audit Office for the period March 2008 to March 2010 had concluded that Travel Tou Ariki did not breach any legislation when receiving remuneration in his capacity as President of the House of Ariki and as a member of the Mitiaro Local Council even though he was employed full time by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning (MOIP).

Minister of Culture opens Te Maeva Nui 2010
The following is the speech given by the Minister for Culture Cassey Eggelton last Saturday at the Punanga Nui market

Turama
The Infrastructure Football

Cook Islands Handballs’ humble steps to the Olympics
Fourteen Pacific Islanders involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation in their respective countries departed Saturday 24 July for a comprehensive three-week program in the United States to explore emerging policies to address climate change using advances in renewable energy sources, markets, research and innovation.

Open mic at Cocoputt
Even the drizzling and sometimes pelting rain could not let stalwarts and newcomers to ‘Open Mic’ night at Coco Putt down West keep them from rocking the night away.

Herald Issue 522 28 July

Te Kura O Te Au – E ara, E tu, E toa koe!
Te Kura O Te Au people’s movement spokesperson Jancey Trego told the Herald on Wednesday morning that the movement is getting ready for the upcoming election and is setting up office in town and printing policies and promotion material.

Six interested in harbor project
Commencement of the Avatiu harbor development project took a step closer with the arrival in Rarotonga of the six engineering companies that had won the right to submit a tender.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Business workshops underway
On Tuesday 27th July two workshops were held at the Parekura Conference Centre on “How to manage efficiently and profitably a Car and Motor Bike Service and Maintenance Workshop and Internet Marketing’’

Australia to play part in Samoa Lotto
SAMOA’S first jackpot lottery winner is yet to come forward, but when they do, Australia will play a part in confirming the big win.

Iriiri’anga kapua na Te Koutu Nui kua akatuera iatu
I te Maanapiti ra 27 no Tiurai, kua rave iatu te uipa’anga maata a te koutu nui ki ko I te are apii sabati Karavaria i Arorangi. Ko te tumu tapura: Paruru’anga i Te Irinaki’anga e te kite maori.

Koutu Nui holds 36th AGM
The protection of traditional wisdom and conditions was the main theme of the 36th annual general conference and AGM of the Koutu Nui of the Cook Islands.

14 Pacific Islanders depart for the US to explore emerging climate change policies
Fourteen Pacific Islanders involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation in their respective countries departed Saturday 24 July for a comprehensive three-week program in the United States to explore emerging policies to address climate change using advances in renewable energy sources, markets, research and innovation.

All Blacks team to play Australia named
The starting XV features just two changes to the side which beat South Africa 31-17 in Wellington ten days ago...

Turama
Making a difference - Ensuring Foreign Aid achieves results

Outer Islands students here on Work Experience
I teia epetoma I topa ake nei, kua teretere mai au e pera oku au taeake e 11 no te Apii Mangaia School mai e nga puapii no te enua mai ko Mangaia I runga I te enua ko Rarotonga no te akakoroanga o te Career Expo e te Work Experience

Returning to Rugby after injury
Sports Therapist Janice Clook says it is important for rugby and league team coaches to ensure any injuries suffered by their players are properly managed.

BTIB seeks products for Japanese trade show
Consumers in Japan are constantly seeking new products and ideas and one Cook Islands company or entrepreneur will soon have the opportunity to take advantage of this lucrative market.

PM to attend his fourth Pacific Islands Leaders’ Forum
The Prime Minister, Hon. Jim Marurai, will travel to Port Vila in Vanuatu on Friday morning (30 July) to represent the Cook Islands at the 41st Pacific Islands Forum and Related meetings, 3-6 August 2010.

Cook Islands Olympic Handball Team Dinner and Auction Fundraiser 2010
Our Cook Islands under 18 men’s handball team have made it to the first ever Youth Olympics to be held in Singapore from the 14th to 24th August 2010. This auspicious occasion is all about excellence, respect and friendship.

Herald Issue 521 21 July

Parliament may only sit for one day
When Parliament meets on Thursday 29 July for the Budget to be tabled, it is likely parliament may only sit for one day before being adjourned.

Task force to develop policies for Seabed Minerals Act
Government will shortly establish a task force to develop policies for the administration of the Seabed Minerals legislation. Finance Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen informed the Herald on Tuesday evening the task force will include members from the private sector and will have two months to report back to Cabinet.

“If water is life, sanitation is dignity”
Briefing note on the waste management as part of determining a new direction for infrastructure development in the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Infrastructure Sector Forum
Cook Islands Infrastructure Sector Forum.

Environment forum seeks answers
The development of a five-year strategic plan is the ultimate goal of the National Environment Forum being held this week at the Avarua AOG church hall in Takuvaine.

Bedroom Burger place in Aitutaki – a creative initiative
Business as usual, that’s the order of the day for Ned and Greta Neale and their children as they prepare Mac – Ned’s Takeaways for another day of serving hungry locals and tourists who call into their modest but creative takeaways facility located on their veranda at the front of their house for burgers and chips over a friendly chat.

Changes at Crown Beach Resort and Spa
Rohan Ellis General Manager of the Crown Beach Resort and Spa announced on Tuesday the appointment of Tony Bullivant, former owner/operator of the hugely successful ‘Café Salsa’, to the role of Executive Chef to lead & develop the Resort’s team of talented Cook Islanders.

Saving lives, changing minds – a school holiday program
The Cook Islands Red Cross will be running a school holiday program for children 9 – 13 years old.

Tuaine joins Edgewater Resort and Spa
On Tuesday afternoon Chris McGeown General Manager for The Edgewater Resort and Spa said he was pleased to announce that Glenda Tuaine had joined the Resort’s marketing team on a six month contract.

Martial Arts Academy – Results
Martial Arts Academy - Resutls

Te Putokotoko
Kia Orana I te aroa maata, te aroa ngao, te aroa nui, te aroa korereka, te aroa atupaka, te aroa wolo, te aroa polia o to tatou Atua, na roto I tana tamaiti ko Iesu Mesia. Teia te irava, 2.Samuela 5:1, “E teia nei e ivi no toku nei ivi, e kiko no toku nei kiko,” paeopenga o te irava tai.

Pre-training assessments to prevent injuries
Sports Therapist Janice Clook says it is important for rugby and league team coaches to put their players through a pre-training assessment to pick up any injuries before actual training starts.

Herald Issue 520 14 July

Independents don’t worry CIP
The Cook Islands Party (CIP) is not worried about the growing presence of Independents seeking a seat in Parliament at the next election.

Pay rise for Audit Director
The Herald understands that last week Cabinet approved a salary increase for Director of Audit Paul Allsworth.

Letter to the Editor - H1N1 Vaccine – Is it a Global Fraud?
Ministry of Health Response

H1N1 - Another Man-made Pandemic Hoax
There is an entire industry with an innate economic interest to obstruct, suppress and discredit any information about the eradication of diseases,” writes Dr. Mathias Rath MD, a German-based advocate of patients rights and author of the book, “Why Animals Don’t Get Heart Attacks-But People Do.”

$700 raised for Rehab clinic
The dance party at the Rehab bar on Friday night organized by Eclipse Chasers Paris McKenzie and Michael Robinson in conjunction with Scotty Arlander raised $700 for the Te Vaerua Community Rehab Clinic in Arorangi.

BOY a huge success
The Aotearoa Society, Rarotonga recently held their Premiere fundraiser of the No 1 selling New Zealand movie BOY.

Ocean dance party celebrates eclipse
The above image of Sunday morning’s solar eclipse came from film footage shot by Australian Michael Robinson who was one of 55 people who viewed the eclipse from Taio Shipping’s vessel which was chartered for the purpose

Havana jazz dancing
Anyone expecting spirit fingers and/or jazz hands when Havana Vogel-Beal dances will be out of luck.

The greatest show on earth
Where were you on August 21, 1999? Too long ago to remember? Not for David Blackmore.

The Herald: Ten Years After
The Cook Islands Herald celebrates its 10th Anniversary this month, chalking up a decade of news highlights and staking a long term claim on the multifaceted national print media.

Ken’s photos a reminder of the past
An exhibition of selected photos by the late Ken Walters dating from 32 years ago, opened with a preview at the Beachcomber Contemporary Art (BCA) gallery on Monday evening.

Ken Walters - A Retrospective
“He saw the world like a photograph not like a painting.”

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Dedicated to sports injury prevention and treatment
As the standards of League and Rugby improve and players become subject to more intense activity on field in terms of tackling, running and scrummaging, fitness and physical conditioning become vital necessities if serious injury is to be avoided.

Easy Riding
With only a few days remaining before we were scheduled to leave Rarotonga, we decided to finally circumnavigate the entire island.

Vogel family celebrates
It has been a week of celebrating for the Vogel family of Matavera. Family members along with friends returned home from all over the world to commenorate key events

Herald Issue 519 07 July

Audit Report on Toa Petroleum calls for Commission of Inquiry
The Audit Office Review report into the Toa Petroleum affair is out and the prime recommendation is for the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry into the whole matter. However, with the cost of the High Court case, legal action and review standing so far at over $2.5 million, should government commit more taxpayer funds to a costly Commission of Inquiry?

Former MP seeks run off in Matavera
Former Democratic Party MP for Matavera and Minister of the Crown, Peri Vaevae Pari told Pitt Media Group on Monday morning he is keen to represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming election and is seeking a run off for selection against sitting MP Cassey Eggelton.

Joyana to Miss South Pacific
The Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association is extremely pleased to announce that Maine Tapairu Joyana Meyer will be representing the Cook Islands at the Miss South Pacific Pageant to be held from the 22nd-27th of November 2010 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

End of term for Rotary President Mike
The Computer Man Mike Pynenburg ended his term as President of the Rotary Club of Rarotonga on Saturday night. At an official changeover ceremony, Maureen Hilyard took over the responsibility of President of this local branch of one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world.

Creditable performance by local lifters
Cook Islands weightlifters Sirla Pera and Luisa Peters recently took part in the 2010 ZKC E mail International Club Tournament weightlifting competition organized by the Oceania Weightlifting Federation (OWF) which ended on 30 June.

Touring the SY Perseus
$25 - $50m of luxury Yacht

Teach children, see the world
That career path has worked well for Steven and Suzie Rampling who, after teaching in Japan for three years, have now imparted knowledge to eager young minds in Saudi Arabia for the past four years.

Letter to the Editor
H1N1 Vaccine – Is It A Global Fraud?

News Briefs
News in Brief.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Licences may be issued
Government is considering calling for expressions of interest from those wishing to apply for exploratory licences in relation to the manganese nodule resource.

Pacific Youth in Agriculture
A consultation on the Pacific Youth in Agriculture Strategy will be held today, Thursday 8th July 2010, at Studio 6 Conference Room Suva starting at 1.30pm. The public meeting in Fiji kicks off a 3-week Pacific wide consultation to seek views from relevant stakeholders on the recommendations made to increase youth participation in agriculture in the Pacific.

Herald Issue 518 30 June

The Budget: Key points at a glance
On the Turama programme on CITV on Sunday evening which was repeated on Monday evening, Finance Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen revealed some key details from the Budget process.

Director of Audit challenges allegations of misconduct
Director of Audit Paul Allsworth has challenged allegations of misconduct leveled against him by former Secretary of Finance, Sholan Ivaiti.

CIP candidates in good spirits and gearing up for campaign 2010!
Judging by the attendance of candidates, chairpersons and campaign managers at the inaugural CIP meeting of “meet and greet the candidates” the CIP are well on the way to putting their plans and directions into action for the upcoming elections , the date which is yet to be announced by government.

Words of wisdom for a movement
Dr Jon Jonassen wants to make one thing very clear: Te Kura O Te Au is not a political party.

Pacific Islands Arab joint meeting
The Prime Minister, the Hon Jim Marurai, along with other political leaders from the region participated in the first-ever Pacific Island Countries-Arab Joint Meeting, held in Abu Dhabi on 23-24 June.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Curator of Pasifik art to speak at USP Thursday
For the last 16 years, New Zealand art Curator Giles Peterson has specialized in running exhibitions of art works by Pacific artists.

The Desirability of Rarity
After watching visitors for the past four months flowing in and out of tourist shops, from one black pearl jeweler straight onto the next, with the singular aim of finding the perfect souvenir to show off on their return home, it has become abundantly clear that pearls are the most desirable commodity on the island.

Turama - Shaping the economical landscape
Amidst a whirlwind of politics and recession recovery, of lawsuits and loan offers, Rasmussen pieces together his first budget as Minister of Finance.

Team departs for Tournament
The Cook Islands TaeKwon Do team departs Wednesday for New Zealand for the 5th Oceania Taekwon Do Tournament to be held this weekend (3-4 July).

Too much on our plates
A UK obesity expert wants Australians to use smaller plates for meals. Dinner plates are growing at the same rate as we are bulging waistlines, according to a UK obesity expert.

Herald Issue 517 23 June

Tepaki responds to $12M leaky building claim
When asked on Tuesday about the $12 million claim by apartment owners at the 90 unit title Stadium Gardens complex in Wellington, which he developed, Tim Tepaki told the Herald he knew nothing about it and never had papers served on him and wasn’t even asked to attend the mediation meeting last year.

Peoples Republic of China should be thanked
Developer Tim Tepaki says the Chinese should be thanked for providing us with a free Courthouse and Police Station.

One of a Kind
With our time on Rarotonga fast running out, we felt the need to make the obligatory black pearl souvenir purchases. Seeking something unique rather than store-bought fare, we decided to create our own pendants and earring designs with the help of Colin Rattle, “The Black Pearl Jeweler”, a long-term resident of the island, originally hailing from England.

Review of 2003 Investment Code timely
The Business Trade and Investment Board BTIB has been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of the Investment Code 2003 to identify whether or not existing legislation and policy, is reflective of today’s demands in terms of business, trade and foreign investment initiatives.

Forum Trade Ministers advance PACER Plus
We are greatly encouraged by the decisions adopted at the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on 29 April, which we had the honour to participate in.

Turama - A change for the better
You may not be able to judge a book by its cover but you can certainly derive a first impression of a country by its airport.

Air NZ board hosts function at Ngatipa
It was the first time that the Air New Zealand Board traveled outside of New Zealand to a Pacific island to hold their meeting and according to David Bridge the Air New Zealand Manager in Rarotonga the Cook Islands was chosen because of the unique relationship we have with Air New Zealand.

Te kave’inga a te pati Te Kura O Te Au
I roto I tetai uipa’anga a te pati ou koia Te Kura O Te Au o Rarotonga nei e manganui tetai au manako tei uriuri

Herald Issue 516 16 June

Tepaki responds to $12M leaky building claim
When asked on Tuesday about the $12 million claim by apartment owners at the 90 unit title Stadium Gardens complex in Wellington, which he developed, Tim Tepaki told the Herald he knew nothing about it and never had papers served on him and wasn’t even asked to attend the mediation meeting last year.

CIP candidates for the 2010 general elections
Despite the continuing discussions aimed at achieving a solid bond between both factions of the democratic party, Finance Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen is confident pressure is now off the Budget process.More coalitions likely on the horizon!
The luncheon hosted by newly elected Party Leader, Robert Wigmore with the nine members of parliament led by Sir Terepai Maoate KBE at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday was the beginning of bringing Caucus Members together.

More coalitions likely on the horizon!
Marriages of political convenience, personality splits within political party rank and file, leadership uncertainties and potential budget blow outs.

Nooroa Teina to stand as an Independent in Tupapa Maraerenga
In a surprise announcement on Tuesday morning long time Cook Islands Party (CIP) stalwart Nooroa Teina told the Herald he intends to stand as an Independent for parliament in Tupapa Maraerenga.

Te Kura O Te Au releases policy details
At a recent Te Kura O Te Au Rarotonga branch meeting several problems were highlighted:

More women needed in Parliament
How to encourage more women to enter parliament?

Testing times for trainees
The revolution has begun and, according to all those involved, it will move very, very quickly.

The coming broadband revolution
Last Thursday, reference to the roles of women and men on the island of Pukapuka aired on Radio Cook Islands, raised considerable objection from members of the local Pukapukan community.

FFA members deter illegal fishing
Operation Tui Moana, a surveillance operation involving Cook Islands, Samoa and New Zealand, coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, concluded on Monday demonstrating determination by FFA members to deter illegal fishing by conducting regional MCS operations.

Herald Issue 515 09 June

PM confirms his passing of the baton after the election
Although Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai has made it known to his Cabinet colleagues that he does not desire the Prime Ministership should the Democratic Party win the election, this decision has not been made public until now.

Way now clear for the Budget to proceed
Despite the continuing discussions aimed at achieving a solid bond between both factions of the democratic party, Finance Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen is confident pressure is now off the Budget process.

Wigmore embraces the ‘Nine’ over lunch
The luncheon hosted by newly elected Party Leader, Robert Wigmore with the nine members of parliament led by Sir Terepai Maoate KBE at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday was the beginning of bringing Caucus Members together.

Turepu wins seat for Matavera CIP
In a run off between Kiriau Turepu and Vaitoti Tupa for the right to represent the Matavera CIP, Turepu secured the winning margin by 218 to 132 votes.

US $2m granted for climate change projects
The 4th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility was held recently in Punta del Este, Uruguay from 24-28 May 2010. The Minister for Environment and Culture, Hon Cassey Eggelton represented the Cook Islands Government at the Assembly accompanied by Myra Patai from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Marsters wins Don Beer Snr Memorial Trophy
Tuna proved an elusive prey for those participating in the annual Queen’s Birthday fishing competition hosted by the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club.

Boxing’s Jim Little inducted into Sports Hall of Fame
At the 2009 CISNOC National Sports Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner held at the Aroa Nui Hall in Arorangi on Tuesday 25 May 2010, Papa Jim Little was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.

Rarotonga’s vanishing trails
Having spent the last week traversing Rarotonga via its jungle highways – the mountainous Cross-Island Track, the Maungatea Bluff walk and the ’Ikurangi trail – we’ve experienced the highs and lows of tramping on this island.

Turama - A voyage of reconnection
“The goal is that people learn and understand a whole lot of the culture that comes with voyaging. This is a voyage that allows people to reconnect throughout the Pacific and then carry specific messages. The message is that we need to be aware of the issues that surround us as Pacific people in terms of what is happening to the ocean, what is happening to our land, and what is happening to our culture”-Hoturoa Kerr

News Briefs
Local news in brief

Te Karere
News briefs in Cook Islands Maori

Herald Issue 514 02 June

Tepaki seeking a good hotel operator
The Herald caught up with property developer Tim Tepaki on Wednesday morning and asked him if he had taken over his hotel investments at the end of May as rumored in the industry.

Maoate’s faction threatens to leave the Demo Party
The 9 member faction supporting former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate signaled their intention to walk away from the Democratic Party unless the PM agreed to their demand to be recognized (see report below).

The ugly side of political character assassinations
In some countries such as Asia, Europe and the Middle East, rogue politicians are either castrated, killed or exiled for not following the will of the people. Minority governments who show defiance and resistance to change also face defeat and personal harm and in some instances, many innocent people are killed or injured because of the actions of irresponsible and selfish politicians.

National Policy on women reviewed
In line with Governments commitment with CEDAW and Cabinet directives towards legislative consistency, a 2 weeks extensive national consultation was undertaken to review the 1995 Cook Islands National Policy on Women.

High Commission building to get a facelift
The historic building housing our High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand is to get a much needed facelift.

Champion lawn bowler inducted into Hall of Fame
Inatio Akaruru C.B.E with his Hall of Fame plaque which was presented to him by CISNOC President Sir Geoffrey Henry in a special ceremony at the Rarotonga Lawnbowls Club on Monday.

Biodiversity Snapshots Competition
As part of the National Environment Week 2010, students of all ages were encouraged to create artwork that embodies the theme of biodiversity. The entrants’ artwork is being displayed in various banks in Avarua.

A more sustainable future
With the nation’s debt ever increasing, finding ways to reduce the deficit should be top of every political party’s agenda.

Turama
Bringing the voyager safely home

Lorrayne Rani graduates
Cook Islander Lorrayne Rani was among 10 other Cook Islanders to graduate from the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) on Tuesday 25 may 2010 in a ceremony held at the Telstra Clear Events Centre in Manukau City.

Herald Issue 513 22 May

Government to seek access to NZ market for more products
Government plans to seek permission to export three locally grown products to New Zealand.

Dialogue between the Demo factions now the priority-Sir Terepai
Discussions are due to start thursday evening between committees made up of officials from the Democratic Party faction, lead by Assistant President Sean Willis, which plans to hold a conference on 31 May and the faction rallied behind Democratic Party Leader and former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate.

QR needs proof of command of majority
Speaking to the Herald on Tuesday, Sir Terepai Maoate revealed that two weeks ago the Queen’s Representative (QR) advised the Prime Minister against holding a snap election.

“Go hard and be the best that you can,” says former All Black Rugby Great
These were the final words of wisdom offered by former All black and World No1 rugby flanker Josh Kronfeld during his casual speech to a full house of dignitaries, politicians, guests, sports administrators, athletes and their families at the 2010 Cook Islands Sports Awards ceremony held at the Aroa Nui Hall in Arorangi last night.

Cook Islands celebrates Year of Biodiversity
This is the International Year of Biodiversity. The local theme for the Cook Islands is
‘E Tango Maori Te Ao Ora Natura: Our Biodiversity, Our Foundation’

Lagoon Day kicks off National Environment Week 2010
Hosted again by Muri (at Nukupure Park), Lagoon Day (May 27-28) will have numerous information and demonstration booths providing ‘solutions’ or best practice methods to environment protection.

Cabinet and officials to blame for Toa petroluem case
In a media release, former DPM and Finance Minister Sir Terepai Maoate spoke about his being blamed for the Toa Petroleum deal going wrong.

Former All Black pays a visit
Dropping by Pitt Media Group on Monday afternoon for interviews with Cook Islands Television and the Herald was former All Black flanker, Highlanders and Otago rep, Josh Kronfeld who is in Rarotonga as guest speaker for the annual CISNOC Sports Awards function at the Aroa Nui Hall on Tuesday night.

Pacific Blue to launch 4th weekly flights to Cook Islands
Tuesday 25 May 2010: Pacific Blue announced today that it would begin a permanent fourth weekly flight between Auckland and Rarotonga starting in July, adding over 9,000 extra seats to the route each year.

A new invasive species
There will soon be a new invasive species arriving on Rarotonga’s shores. Expected in high numbers come July, this new species is commonly known as the Australian tourist. Their arrival, coupled with visitors already expected from elsewhere, could prove disastrous without proper environmental planning.

Turama
Saving Muri - We’re getting very close to tipping the scale to where we’re damaging our lagoon permanently. There are more days now in the year when people shouldn’t be swimming in our lagoon.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

Fiji may miss Pacific Cup netball
The Fiji netball coach Una Rokoura says they will have to pay for the airfares to travel to the Pacific Cup by today or face the possibility of missing out.

Major conferences coming up
USP Cook Islands will host two international conferences in the week following the Te Maeva Nui Cultural Celebrations.

Herald Issue 512 19 May

Toa case reveals weaknesses in key institutions
What further evidence does one need than the Toa Petroleum affair and other failed or mismanaged projects, that all our best brains and talent have migrated to greener pastures overseas.

Te Kura O Te ‘Au peoples movement makes it official that it will join the 2010 General Election
During an exclusive interview with the Founders of Te Kura O Te ‘Au Peoples Movement, the following statement has been provided to the Herald to confirm that Te Kura O Te ‘Au will join the 2010 General Election.

Aitutakians angered at being ruled ineligible for financial help
Several Aitutaki people have become disillusioned and very angry on being informed that they are not eligible to qualify for assistance with the rebuilding of their homes which were damaged by Cyclone Pat in February after originally being advised they were eligible.

Aitutaki Recovery Update
The availability of building materials on Aitutaki saw the return of Project Manager Mr Atatoa Herman and his team to the island from Wednesday last week. They will spend the next two weeks completing minor works of a finishing nature on Categories 1 and 2 houses.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Video pirate spotted
Video piracy has arrived in Rarotonga. On Tuesday morning a local reported an incident which allegedly took place last Saturday evening at the Empire’s Cinema 3 when a foreigner believed to be an Indian was seen in the theatre with a camcorder, filming during the showing of the movie “Iron Man II.”

USP Award of Honorary Doctorate To Marjorie Crocombe, OBE
The University of the South Pacific Council at its 70th meeting in Honiara, 12 - 13 May 2010 has approved the award of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) to Marjorie Tuainekore Crocombe

Caught on Camera
Mrs Kere Moody with her good friend Deb Tamaiva was spotted in town while they were out and about.

The true cost of information
As the 21st Century marches on and tourism figures wax and wane in the Cook Islands, one factor that may affect repeat tourist visits is ease of access to the internet, or more specifically the price of free information.

Paradise revisited
On Monday evening at the Beachcomber Contemporary Art Gallery Rick Welland’s re-imagined collection entitled “New Works” was launched.

Turama
The Cross of hope - The Red Cross logo – five red squares forming a cross on a white background – is one of the most recognized symbols in the world

Fundraising for Oceania Tournament
Members of the local Taekwon Do Club are fundraising to attend the Oceania Tournament being held in Wellington, New Zealand in the first week of July. They are planning to take nine students over for the event.

Branding ‘Cooks Brewery’ the Rekareka Way!
Growing into the beer industry, creating business spinoffs for other local entrepreneurs to actively engage in the brewery industry and becoming a tourism attraction to taste 100% locally brewed beer is a first for Company Rekareka Breweries.

Joint European Union and European Investment Bank visit to the Cook Islands
Officials from the Delegation of the European Union (EU) for the Pacific and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will visit Rarotonga from 17 – 21 May to discuss current and future cooperation with the Cook Islands.

Herald Issue 511 12 May

Matter beyond my control says Taio
Tapi Taio, Chairman of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) responded on Tuesday afternoon to comments made by former Chairman of the Ports Authority Board, Sam Crocombe in last week’s Times concerning his (Taio’s) involvement in the appointment of John Tini Snr to the Ports Board as the Aitutaki representative.

Akanoa CIP candidate for Ruaau
At the Cook Islands Party (CIP) meeting in Ruaau on Tuesday evening held at the Ruaau meeting house, David Akanoa was nominated and endorsed as the CIP candidate for the electorate in the next general election.

Demos in war of words
The Cook Islands Democratic Party conference date is confirmed. On Monday 31st May at 8am at the Takuvaine AOG Hall will be the opening of the 2010 conference.

Discipline within our Public Service
These are certainly testing times for those people working for the Public Service in the Cook Islands. Since the reform era of the mid 90’s, the Public Service has been benign of loyalty, commitment, innovation and leadership.

Artists meeting demand
The Art Shack is based at the Punanga Nui market and is operated by Kay George who also runs the Art Studio in Arorangi and Ani O’Neil two prominent Cook Islands female artists.

News in Brief
News in Brief.

Turama
Code of Silence-Is there a conspiracy of silence about how the disabled are treated in the Cook Islands?

Kiwi wins world event
In April I attended the 57th World Ploughing Competition which was held near the small tourist and farming town of Methven, close to the base of Mt Hutt ski field in the South Island of NZ.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Mosquitoes on the increase
At present there is an increase in the number of adult mosquitoes on the island.
The type of mosquito that is of concern to the general public right now is the night biting type (culex species) which breeds in puddles/ponds, open drains, swampy areas or open septic tanks.

The Cook Islands became a bit tastier Friday night
More than 100 people attended the launch of Sue Carruthers’ new cookbook, South Seas Cuisine, at Tamarind House, the restaurant Carruthers owns with her partner Robbie Brown.

Dancer of the year 2010
31 dancers will take to the stage on the 27th May for what’s predicted to be the best ever Dancer of the Year competition. The Ministry of Cultural Development says, this years competition is the first time all three sections, junior, intermediate and senior dancers will compete all on the same night.

Herald Issue 510 05 May

George thanks family, friends and colleagues
Below is the full text of the Media statement issued by Norman George following High Court decision by Justice Nicholson on Friday morning 30 March 2010-05-04

Six-Pack Government bizarre
The sacking of Pastor John Tangi by this six-pack government is bizarre and shameful, said Democratic Party President Makiuti Tongia today.

Visit by Mr Mose Saitala, Director, Commonwealth Pacific Governance Facility
Mr Mose Saitala, Director of the Commonwealth Pacific Governance Facility (CPGF) will visit the Cook Islands from 5 to 7 May 2010.

Beattie upbeat about tourism’s future
New CEO of Tourism Corporation Carmel Beattie , an Australian, met members of the media at the Tourism office on Tuesday afternoon with members of the Tourism Board, Tata Crocombe (Chairman),Robert Skews, Thomas Koteka, Te Tika Dorice Reid and Ewan Smith also in attendance.

New CEO honoured to be chosen
The Board of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation today announced the appointment of Carmel Beattie to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

In the line of duty
Maritime Police were put through a rigorous training session in self defence on Tuesday afternoon at Avatiu Sports ground by Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Steve Philpott.

Call to Minister sees road fixed
One phone call from a frustrated resident to the office of the Minister for Infrastructure, and the next day the job’s completed!

Low turnout for AGM disappoints
Disappointing attendance, are the words to describe the AGM called for the Takitumu Vaka Cultural Dance Team on Monday last week. Prior to the meeting, dancers and supporters have been asking when are we starting again this year? Yet, when the meeting was called none of them turned up.

Remebering Mothers Day 2010
Mothers Day celebrations hark back to 1872 when an American woman called Julia Ward Howe organized a day for mothers dedicated to peace.

Tribute to a Cook Islands Media Icon
“She stood as a giant amongst all giants having travelled with many dignitaries including several Governor Generals, Prime Ministers and Ministers from NZ and the Pacific on overseas excursions throughout Pacific in her capacity as a journalist”

Turama
Staying off the rocks-“People need to realise that things are not so great and its time to make some changes across the board”

Boxing: Eddie’s doing well
Cook Islands boxer Eddie Daniel is doing well at his new club in Sydney Australia.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Herald Issue 509 28 April

Open letter to the Government and Budget Review Committee from The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council.
The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council wish to reinforce the strong feelings of its members in regard to the amount of funding the Tourism Corporation will need this financial year.

Minister praised for consultation
Puaikura engineer Sam Napa has praised Infrastructure Minister William Heather Jnr for calling a public meeting on Monday evening to discuss the proposal to site the new jetty near Arorangi Primary School.

Broadcaster Elma Maua passes away
The veteran Cook Island broadcaster Elma Maua passed away yesterday in Wellington at the age of 62 after a long illness that forced her to retire as a sports editor of Radio NZ International earlier this year.

Youth to learn about Parliament
A top official from Parliament in Perth is here to assist the Cook Islands with the Young Parliamentarians program which is made up of students from colleges who have been invited to learn procedures and practices of Parliament.

Suitable site for proposed jetty sought
The community meeting held in Vaka Puaikura called by Minister William (Smiley) Heather and the Ports Authority to seek public opinion on the proposed jetty for cruise ships attracted over 60 interested parties on Monday 26 April 2010.

Iki’anga ia Vaipo Kavana ei pava no te puna Ivirua, Mangaia
Local News in Maori - E angaanga matau na A’ua’u enua me takake atu tetai pava o nga puna I runga I a Mangaia e akakite nei te va’a tara o te enua ki teia iki’anga te Kavana a Mataora Harry.

Grandmother graduates in social work
A fabulous day for myself and my family, was how Cook Islander Elizabeth Daniels described her graduation ceremony at Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton last Friday

News Briefs
News in Brief

Hawaiian revival of Maire no threat to Cook Islands exports
Before the 1970’s the maire (maile in Hawaii) from our southern group islands had no commercial value.

Defence puts Junior Area’s credibility under the microscope in final submissions in Slush case
Final submissions by the Crown and the Defence on the conspiracy case dubbed Operation Slush were heard by Justice Nicholson in the High Court on Monday and Tuesday this week.

Pasifika scholarships awarded
Four Pasifika students at the Wellington campus have been awarded $1000 scholarships to help them complete their study.

Politically led by principles and values that matter
Political talk, Party Dynamics and Candidacy Lobbying has begun and will intensify as we lead up to the general elections. Who will be the next set of Cook Islands Politicians?

Turama
In the hot spot-Telecom fronts up and answers those niggling questions.

World Press Freedom Day 3 May 2010
Message from Irina Bokova,Director-General of UNESCO

The Deadly Virus
Assistants of the International Conference on AIDS, held in Mexico City, have proposed strategies to defend abstinence and fidelity. The Conference had an audience of more than 25,000 scholars, governors, journalists, and sufferers that co-habit with the mortal plague. The actual state of the lethal disease was examined.

Queen’s Baton update
The Queens Baton will arrive into Rarotonga on Friday 21st May. CISNOC President, Sir Geoffrey Henry says, they’re hoping the VIP lounge within the new airport terminal or else another venue will be sort.

Herald Issue 508 21 April

Prime Time For ‘Primefoods Ltd’
The team at Primefoods limited have extended the definition of young entrepreneurs by simply imparting a ‘Cook Islands Touch’ to what they do!

Seminar on Six Ways to make your Website work for you
A series of free workshops entitled 6 Ways to make your Website work for you are being conducted by Grant Everiss, the founder of WebPartners.

Mayor Briefs Aitutaki Communities in NZ and Australia on Cyclone Recovery
The Tokoroa Aitutaki community had lots of questions to ask when visited by the Mayor of Aitutaki Tai Herman and former Prime Minister Dr Robert Woonton who are currently visiting members of the various Aitutaki communities in Australia and NZ to consult and update them on what is actually happening in Aitutaki as far as the cyclone recovery process is concerned.

Wearable arts competition in Samoa raises funds for Aitutaki
11 year old Brianna Fruean won the ‘2010 Ultimate design’ award of “Our Vibrant Environment” wearable arts competition for her submission “Baby Blossoms”.

Turama
Teen Pregnancy-What can be done to combat this problem? Who should be responsible? Or – and this might be the more pertinent question – can anything be done?

Commemorating ANZAC day 2010
On the 25th of April each year, tens of thousands of citizens across the world witness the commemoration of ANZAC day.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Thank you for your support
Statement by Glenda Tuaine.

Herald Issue 507 14 April

To meet or not to meet?
That is the question the Democratic Party must decide

News Briefs
News in Brief

Marurai Demos hope conference next month will show the way
The Demos are heading for a general conference next month. The only question is who will turn up?

Party politics encourages ‘Minority Rules’
Globally, the basic principle of democracy is ‘Majority Rules’. However, in the Cook Islands a different definition of democracy is practiced and is increasingly dividing the people of the Cook Islands into many pieces. A trend that many want to stop but how?

Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal audit completed
The audit of the Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal funds is ready and is due to be collected from the Audit Office Wednesday (today) 14 April. This is according to the chairman of the ACA fundraising committee, George George.

New Zealand may fund Puaikura jetty
In talks with New Zealand Minister Mccully last week, the discussions included the much touted jetty proposed for Puaikura. Minister McCully is said to be willing to have NZ fund the project on condition that several difficult issues are agreed to.

Papa Mike Tavioni takes Rakei Toa boys under his wing
Papa Mike Tavioni is a vastly talented individual renowned as a master carver, artist, poet, sculptor, composer, musician, author, agriculturist and orator.

Rakei Toa boys learning from the Master
What a wonderful education the Rakei Toa boys are receiving under the tutelage of man of many talents, Papa Mike Tavioni.

Te Karere
News Briefs in Cook Islands Maori

Turama
Licence to survive - A slip of paper that can be the difference between financial success and financial ruin.

Herald Issue 506 07 April

Deadline not met so four are out says Tongia
As of 1 April 2010, William Heather Jnr, Apii Piho, Robert Wigmore and Cassey Eggelton are no longer members of the Democratic Party.

State sector job layoffs inevitable-Tongia
Democratic Party President Makiuti Tongia predicts that jobs will go in the public service over the next six months in a bid to cut costs.

Tupapa Cook Islands Party creates history for candidate selection!
“One thing is clear and that is people want change. They are looking for people with credibility, integrity and who they can trust.”

McCully and delegation visit Aitutaki
The visit by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs has raised many expectations from the local community in cyclone ravaged Aitutaki which he and his delegation visited on Tuesday 6 April.

McCully meets with DPM Robert Wigmore
New Zealand Foreign Minister McCully and his delegation met with DPM, Hon Robert Wigmore at his office on Wednesday morning.

News Briefs
Current news in brief

Boxing: Fighting back, fighting on
At the annual general meeting of the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) at the CISNOC office on Tuesday evening, the same executive board was returned ensuring continuity in preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India later this year.

Water polo junior rep has Cook Islands connections
Thomas Kingsmill is a young man of Cook Islands heritage who is making a name for himself in the grueling, explosive and physically demanding sport of water polo.

Te Karere
News Briefs in Cook Islands Maori

The way forward
With the Cook Islands still in the international arena following last year’s successful hosting of the World Youth Netball Champs, CINA president PJ Hockin says it’s important to keep the forward momentum and focus energies on developing the code here.

Turama
Lifting the curse
Our reliance on overseas diesel is a bit of a curse for this country and the more we can reduce that, the better off we will be.

Herald Issue 505 31March

Browne not a candidate for CIP in Tupapa
Speaking to the Herald on Wednesday, Janette Browne said she was concerned at statements made on her behalf in the CI News on Tuesday relating to her being a possible candidate for the Cook Islands Party for the village of Tupapa Maraerenga.

Ministers say no Demo Party ultimatum has been issued
The so-called ultimatum to the four Ministers to resign their positions and come back to the Democratic Party does not exist as far as Minister Smiley Heather and his CEO, Tere Taio are concerned.

Tribute to Sir Gaven Donne
Sir Gaven John Donne KBE, was the First Queens Representative to the Cook Islands from 1982 - 1984. ( I was Official Secretary to the QR) He was Chief Justice of the Cook Islands before taking the Office of QR.

Lifting the game - We need quality leadership
The status of our political system today is such that the principles of our democracy are being undermined because of the selfish ideology of a few “dis-enfranchised” Demo MP’s who maintain they have the mandate to govern this country even though they do not command the support nor the confidence of the majority of their own political party let alone Parliament.

Recall of Asthma inhalers
There has been a nationwide recall of a batch of asthma inhalers in New Zealand. Unfortunately it is a batch that we also have here in the Cook Islands. The recall is being made public in NZ.

Tourism Corp to seek public comment on proposed plans
On Tuesday afternoon Tourism Corporation released to the media a copy of their Budget Policy Statement to the Budget Committee.

Review of government functions to be proposed
Public Service Commissioner Navy Epati has just returned from discussions with State Service Commission (SSC) Officials in Wellington New Zealand.

Former CEO gives evidence in long running case
The long running Operation Slush case continues at the High Court before Justice Nicholson.

Coming home from the world
Sometimes you have to travel the world before you realize your final destination is right in front of you.

Easter Message
This week all over the world, Christians will be celebrating the great Mystery of Christ’s Love for us. “Greater Love no man has that He lays down His Life for His friends.” This is the week Christ lived out the truth of these works. He took on Himself our sins and the sins of the world.

Turama
More Players in the Game - Opening up telecommunications to others.

Herald Issue 504 24 March

Giving back to the mothers of our Nation
Should Government step up and foot the entire cost as a way of supporting its future citizens?

Eggelton Welcomed
The Prime Minister has welcomed the appointment of Cassey Eggelton as the sixth minister of his cabinet.

Matavera Demos support Cassey
The following media release from the Democratic Party was issued on Tuesday 23 March 2010.

Cassey Eggelton – A strategic appointment
A week in politics can surely have defining moments to maintain the integrity and revive the confidence of governing.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori.

Welcome to Rarotonga
Visiting Rarotonga for the first time are Shirley Allen (left) and Liz Kirk (right) from Auckland New Zealand.

Pacific Arts Council to meet
The Cook Islands will be among 23 countries and territories attending the 23rd meeting of the Council of Pacific Arts (CPA) which will take place in Noumea from 23-25 March 2010.

Meeting to discuss disease warning systems
The Cook Islands is expected to be among 22 countries attending a meeting in Auckland NZ from 23-26 March 2010 to discuss a new approach aimed at strengthening early warning systems for infectious disease outbreaks

Student values unique Cook Islands experience
Never in his wildest dreams did 25 yr old Patrick Glatt imagine that he would be doing his university semester placement in a totally unknown country half way around the world in a tiny place called the Cook Islands.

Tourism resignations an urgent wake up call - Sir Terepai Maoate
Rarotonga - The resignation of two key staff members in the Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) office must serve as an urgent wake-up call to the current government that it cannot continue to ignore critical issues affecting the country’s lead agency and industry.

Cook Island Tourism stimulating tourism through New Zealand Famil
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation New Zealand has recently hosted a VIP familiarisation tour of the destination from 18-22 March.

News in Brief

Herald Issue 503 17 March

PM had tried to resolve issue of dual leadership
On Monday the Prime Minister, Hon Jim Marurai, released to the media a copy of a letter to the Democratic Party Executive in which he appears to lay the blame for the country’s lack of political stability and policy traction at the door of the Democratic Party.

Strickland Refutes Media Claims
Angry and upset is how John Strickland responded to Tuesday’s front page article in the CI News entitled “Audit looks into claimed Chinese car kickbacks.”

Caution with Proposed Welfare System Overhaul
Wednesday was the final day for receiving public submissions on the proposed discussion paper on reviewing our Welfare System.

Political whispers
There is a possibility the CIP vote in Tupapa may be split if Magee is not selected as CIP’s candidate and stands as an Independent.

Social Welfare Review raising some controversial issues
The Social Welfare Review has drawn a high level of interest but the submissions are coming through more slowly than anticipated but those that have been received have raised quite controversial issues.

Taio Shipping transports goods
Three pick-up trucks full of clothing, linen and footwear were loaded onboard Te Koumaru and bound for Red Cross in Aitutaki.

Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal Fund hits $200,000
The Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal fund now stands at a total of $200,095 – understood to be the largest amount of money raised in the country through public donations.

Southpac Sponsor ACA Office
Keeping the Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal office open during weekday afternoons has been made possible with the help of Southpac Trust Company.

Art show well received
The Manuia Art Exhibition which features the work of top Cook Islands artists, opened in New York on 15 March.

Preparing for the future
Minimising the risks to Aitutaki from future cyclones

New PTA committee elected at Tereora
Tereora College held their Annual General Meeting on 10 March to elect their 2010 office bearers.

Turama-Paying the price in more ways than one
The roads are a very dangerous place.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

News in Brief

Herald Issue 502 10 March

Political Briefs
Chinese offer to build 200 homes in Aitutaki not pursued

Joint Ministerial Forum with NZ government in April
The Office of the Prime Minister said preparations for the upcoming Joint Ministerial Forum with the New Zealand Government for 7-8 April are underway.

Red Cross seeks clothing for Aitutaki
The Aitutaki Red Cross office says secondhand clothing and footwear in good condition would be very welcomed by families there who lost everything during Cyclone Pat.

Ngati Karika lose and Ngati Paroro win in controversial Te Puna case
The court has awarded the Te Puna lands to the family collectively known as Ngati Paroro descended from the union of a lady called Te Kuraveri and her husband Paroro.

Who were awarded the land by Chief Judge Gudgeon in 1908?
In 1908, Te Puna lands had individual names with the first being known as Pokoinu section 50A1.

Let China fund infrastructure-Tepaki
On Tuesday, the Herald asked developer Tim Tepaki for his views of government’s move not to uplift the $37 million Chinese loan for infrastructure development.

Making agriculture attractive, sensible and cutting edge
The proposed funding and resourcing plan of $3.5 million to Revitalise Agriculture in the Southern Cook Islands needs a team that is knowledgeable and experienced in Agriculture, and most importantly have a ‘Can Do’ attitude that thinks and actions innovatively to make agriculture attractive, sensible and cutting edge both in the Cook Islands and overseas.

Girls Brigade Cook Islands (GBCI) to be represented at the GB International Conference in Malaysia.
The Girls Brigade Cook Islands has 3 delegates attending the International Conference of the Girls’ Brigade (ICGB) in Kuching, Malaysia, 24th – 31st July 2010.

Aitutaki appeal committee seeks advice on use of funds raised
A simple process and policy that will ensure the usefulness of funds collected by the Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal committee is maximized for the cyclone damaged island is now being developed.

Turama
The Cook Islands is special, beautiful

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

Cook Islands Family Welfare Association celebrate International Women’s Day
Cook Islands Family Welfare Association celebrated International Women’s Day with a get together at their premises in Tupapa (opposite the Public Health complex).

Herald Issue 501 03 March

Aitutaki disaster a wake up call
It should be a concern to aid agencies donating funds to the recovery of Aitutaki from Cyclone Pat that the very body responsible for ensuring structures meet acceptable standards and the island was prepared, is leading the response and recovery phase.

$10,000 down sees boat diverted
Taio Shipping’s vessel MV Te Kou Maru is to be diverted to Aitutaki after visiting Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke, to deliver much needed items for Aitutaki.

$26,000 donated for Aitutaki Schools
Westpac Bank has donated $26,000 to Red Cross for their Aitutaki Schools Breakfast Program as a way to show their support of the community and of their customers on the island.

Acting Secretary appointed for MOIP
Otheniel Tangianau has been appointed as the Acting Secretary of MOIP as of Monday 1 March 2010. Minister of Infrastructure, Hon William Heather noted that right now is a critical time to be taking over the Ministry with all the infrastructure projects that are due to come on line.

Aitutaki Cyclone Pat appeal exceeds $142K
The Aitutaki Cyclone Pat Appeal by the people of the Cook Islands has now reached $142,000.

First phase of Aitutaki recovery programme to cost $600,000
Phase one of the Aitutaki disaster recovery programme will cost $600,000 to complete.

Ship returns to Auckland with much of its cargo on board
The ship Southern Phoenix that was dispatched last week to Aitutaki with building materials for the recovery programme had to return to Auckland with much of its cargo still on board.

Wichman’s way
The Cook Islands has ended its lengthy representation of three terms on the United Nations funded Expert Group on Technology Transfer (EGTT) which was set up in 2001 to advise nations on technologies to help them mitigate and adapt, in order to counter the effects of climate change.

Everyone’s problem
A tsunami of rubbish threatens our lifestyle and future

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

‘It started with a kiss’
Worldwide women organisations and agencies celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, in celebration and solidarity with each other on holding steadfast to supporting the progress made to date, and continuing the work to ensure that our women are not forgotten in the plans and developments of our countries.

More Pacific spaces coming online as WAVE media Network heads to UN
Members of the Pacific WAVE Network of women in media, information and communications are in New York this week to launch an online information initiative sharing news, presentations and experiences of Pacific delegates with their home communities.

Herald Issue 500 24 February

Miracle plant survives Cyclone Pat
“The Tiare Maori has intrinsic medicinal as well as economic benefit therefore people should be encouraged to plant it as part of their environment”

Call for government to take over Vaimaanga Hotel project
The Vaimaanga Hotel is seen as a “cash cow” that would stimulate the nation’s ailing economy like no other development can

11F lashes Penrhyn
While Aitutaki suffered extensive damage to buildings and its people are now affected by post traumatic stress, for now they have some respite.

TVNZ donates outside broadcast unit to CITV
CITV will shortly be able to conduct live outside broadcasts thanks to the generosity of TVNZ.

President of House of Ariki visits Aronga Mana in Araura
President of the House of Ariki, Tou Ariki said he visited Araura Enua to see the situation on the island on behalf of the House of Ariki.

Unlucky 13 for Festival
It was billed as Absolutely Positively Wellington Pasifika but, in the end, it proved to be anything but.

A sculptural response
On a drizzly Tuesday evening local artist Eruera Nia exhibited works supporting the thesis for his Masters Degree at his Inanui Gallery in Avarua.

Government preparing for the second stage of reconstruction
The recovery plans for Aruara Enua are continuing apace with Government preparing for the second stage of reconstruction on the island after the disaster caused by cyclone Pat on Wednesday 10 February 2010.

Manihiki raises $20,600 but pledges continue
The Manihiki Island Council raised $20,600 last Friday and it is not stopping there for our people in Manihiki.

Safety the key when restoring power
There is no measure of humour in Tino Vaireka’s words when he says the situation he encountered on Aitutaki was “shocking”.

New Red Cross breakfast program supports children as they return to school
When schools reopen Tuesday for the first time since Cyclone Pat ravaged the island of Aitutaki on 11 February, Red Cross will be there to provide healthy breakfasts to more than 500 students.

Identify theft awareness workshop by Immigration
Immigration Services are hosting a workshop codenamed PRIIP (Pacific Region Immigration Identity Report) Phase 2 which is aimed at training relevant agencies and private sector how to detect genuine identification from forgeries.

Another day at the workshop
It was a full on day at the Atupa workshop of the master - Mike Tavioni that is.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

 

Herald Issue 499 17 February

Healing the wounds of destruction
It is a small flash of colour amidst the dust and scattered rubble, a simple DVD movie cover flung about by the capricious winds of cyclone Pat.

Enter the Nomad
Power, telecommunications, shelter — these are all crucial aspects of everyday life that we sorely miss when they’re taken from us.

Whacked in the ear - Tai Herman
Tai Herman once thought himself a brave man, afraid of nothing. Shark? Right. Bring it on.

Local airline plays vital role in cyclone aftermath
When Cyclone Pat threatened the Southern Cook Islands last Wednesday Air Rarotonga dispatched two aircraft carrying a complement of emergency personnel to Mauke to shelter over in case the storm moved southward over Rarotonga.

Big repair bill for buildings
Finance Minister Hon Wilkie Rasmussen, who has been appointed by Cabinet as Coordinator for the Aitutaki Cyclone Pat recovery efforts, advised the Herald on Monday morning that it will cost an estimated $12 million to repair the buildings in Aitutaki damaged by Cyclone Pat when it struck the island early last Wednesday morning.

Help is on the way to Aitutaki
More supplies were flown to Aitutaki on Tuesday morning. 500 kilograms of cargo was airlifted on the Hercules courtesy of the New Zealand government.

Aitutaki community gets organised
When the Aitutaki Community committee convened a meeting to discuss how to raise funds for Araura Enua which has been devastated by Cyclone Pat, the community responded with gusto.

Telecom Directors pay visit
Telecom New Zealand International executives, Anthony Briscoe-General manager International and Nick Olsen-Group Controller, were hosted to a farewell party held at Café Salsa on Tuesday evening.

Residents reject Government claims
Claims that government is acting in a responsible manner over the handling of the cyclone recovery is absolute rubbish claims a woman who lost her house during the cyclone.

Immigration Directors meet
The Pacific Immigration Directors Conference (PIDC) was held at the Muri Beach Club HoTel from Tuesday 16 February to Wednesday 17 February 2010.

Wedding on Muri Beach for Radio ZM winnersi
Romance was in the air for Eddie Rakanui and his lovely bride, Debbie on Sunday 14 February, which also happens to be Valentines Day.

Changing climate and Pacific fisheries: Photo competition
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (www.spc.int) needs your eye and talent to create awareness and help ensure the Pacific region can continue benefiting from the wealth of its fisheries.

Jelly fish in Muri lagoon
Visitors should be alert to jelly fish while swimming in Muri lagoon. On Sunday a female visitor was stung by a jelly fish while swimming in Muri lagoon.

Te Karere
Local News in Maori

Herald Issue 498 10 February

Pat packs a punch in Aitutaki
Cyclone Pat a category three cyclone and the third to affect Cook Islands territory this season walloped Aitutaki when it hit at 2am Wednesday morning.

PM declares state of disaster, state of emergency
On Wednesday morning at 11.40am the Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai went on air at Radio Cook Islands to declare a state of disaster for Aitutaki under s19 of the Disaster Risk Management Act 2007.

Cyclone Pat wreaks havoc in Aitutaki
Firsthand reports from Aitutaki this morning confirm widespread damage and destruction following the onslaught from Cyclone Pat. “Never before have I seen so much damage and this one is bad and I mean bad,” said a concerned Teina Bishop MP for Are Nikau.

TCI downward pricing trends
Telecom Cook Islands management are mystified about recent claims of high charges when in fact their rates for international calls, broadband internet and mobile phone call rates have fallen dramatically in recent years.

Cook Islands’ students receive CFTC awards
Five Cook Islands students have received Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) awards under the Professional Development Programme for the Pacific for 2010 offered by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Wide ranging review for Welfare System
The public are invited to make submissions to assist in a major review of the $11.3million Social Welfare system administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Punanga Tauturu welcomes Welfare review
The Social Welfare review has been welcomed by Nane Samuel director of Punanga Tauturu Inc, a non government organsiation which assists and counsels families in crisis, particularly the women and children.

Is freshwater more valuable than oil?
The most valuable commodity in the world today, and likely to remain so for much of this century, is not oil, not natural gas, not even some type of renewable energy.

UN warns that global warming will lead to freshwater becoming more scarce
What has global warming and freshwater shortages have to do with the Cook Islands? More than you realized, if the chronic water shortages in Ruaau, Nikao and sometimes Takuvaine are any indication.

News in Brief
At the media briefing at Police HQ on Wednesday morning, Arona Ngari of the Met Office said a new tropical depression near Samoa was being monitored.

Herald Issue 497 03 February

Government adopting fiscally sound approach to management of sea bed resources
The Prime Minister is supporting a comprehensive ‘steady as she goes’ approach to establishing the framework for the Seabed Mineral initiative.

Cyclone Oli belts Penrhyn
Cyclone Oli, a category 2 cyclone, has passed out of Cook Islands but not before making its presence felt in Pukapuka, Manihiki and Penrhyn.

Vaimaanga Hotel developers should not have the edge over local developers-Tepaki
This week the Herald spoke with developer Tim Tepaki for his reaction to the announcement by Prime Minister Jim Marurai last Friday that new developers were to complete the Hotel project at Vaimaanga.

Stuck in the shadow of death
At the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen the plea from small island states was heard but no-one came to the rescue.

Tupapa CIP takes on new challenges with new committee!
Serious and ready to do battle” was how one CIP supporter summed up the Tupapa CIP meeting on Monday night at the Tupapa Centre.

Are the visitor numbers given by DSM credible?
Many small and medium players in the tourism industry are questioning many aspects of the recently formed Destination Sales and Marketing (DSM) committee.

Are the achievements of the Tourism Corporation being hijacked?
Disquiet over the workings of DSM (Destination Sales and Marketing) committee is widespread throughout the tourism industry including their official body, the Tourism Industry Council.

Lest we forget
Let’s not forget what the two major political parties promised regarding political reform, at the last election in 2006

Parents can be held legally liable for their delinquent children
The issue of juvenile delinquency or youth crime has temporarily dropped off the radar but that does not mean the issue has gone away

Families living below the breadline in Paradise
Welfare officer, Mii Daniela-Makikiriti from Internal Affairs said many parents are shocked to find that when their child is dealt with under the Children’s Court system that they have been ordered to pay reparations to the victims.

Caring for Wetlands – An answer to climate change
Statement from David Sheppard, Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), on the occasion of World Wetlands Day

Learning all about Rotary operations
Rotary and Rotaract members joined forces at the weekend to attend a training session provided by their District Governor, Leanne Jaggs.

Te Reo – (Cook Islands Maori) are we failing our future generations?
“How effective is our language and how does it relate to the economic and social enhancement of our society?”

News in Brief
Cyclone Oli stronger, heads for Tahiti

Herald Issue 496 27January

New group to complete Hotel at Vaimaanga
A new group is to take over and complete the Hotel at Vaimaanga.
Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai made the announcement at a press conference at his office on Friday morning at 9am.

Senior appointments to public service announced
At a press conference at his office on Friday morning, Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai announced the appointments to several top public service positions.

Cyclone Nisha speeds by, fades
The Cook Islands has been spared the effects of the season’s first cyclone, Cyclone Nisha. The cyclone passed by some 85 nautical miles north of Rarotonga early Friday morning. It was moving at 15 knots, a speed too fast to intensify to a higher category cyclone.

Fish complaint won’t hurt tourism
New Zealand’s biggest -selling weekly magazine Woman’s Day features a real life article this week that portrays holidaying in Rarotonga in an unpleasant light.

Operators making and selling pirate copies of movies
Chief Censor Alfred Morris is going public with his concerns that there are ‘too many pirated movies on the market’ and he has the evidence.

Political reforms must be taken to the people not just Parliament
When businessman and CIP candidate for Takuvaine, Mark Brown was asked by the Times for comment on the proposed political reforms, his reply was that the Cook Islands Party is still formulating their official response which would be announced in due course.

News in Brief
A witness reports unsafe operation of a forklift truck on the site of the airport extension on Thursday.

 

Herald Issue 495 20 January

Positive response by Cabinet to reform proposals
In a media conference at his office on Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai said Cabinet had responded positively to the political reform package presented by Tata Crocombe and Iaveta Short.

Field day for Minister
The new Minister for Planning and Infrastructure William (Smiley) Heather is getting down to business for 2010 to tackle the issues of water shortages, waste management and good roading.

Dean resigns as Tourism CEO
In a move which has taken many by surprise, Tourism Corporation CEO John Dean has resigned.

Aid money to fund waste management programme
When New Zealand PM John Key and his entourage visited the Cook Islands during their goodwill Pacific tour in July 2009, they were taken on a brief lagoon cruise and stopover on Motu Koromiri in Muri lagoon.

Tokoroa High Princpal a Cook Islander
Tokoroa, often referred to as the “Heart of the Timberlands” has a long history of success, achievements and its own stories as far as the local Cook Islands community goes but for one person, his recent achievement has brought together feelings of personal as well as community pride and success.

Tourism Industry Forum begins
The tourism industry forum began on an upbeat note at the opening night function held at Crown Beach Resort in Arorangi on Monday evening.

Correction and apology
During the Police report on CITV News on 31 December 2009 the report showed film footage of the main road in Titikaveka at Kent Hall and included a shot of Karl Numunga’s store “Kano’s” the same moment as a “voice over” referred to a report of employees stealing from their employer.

After Copenhagen, where to now?
The most important meeting to date in the history of mankind, the 15th meeting of the COP-Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009, ended without any legally binding agreement on climate change.

Flight Centre helping to promote the
Cook Islands
Guest speaker at opening night on Monday at the Crown Beach resort for the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Forum was Flight Centre executive, James Booker.

UK visitors still wanting to visit our Paradise
Just because the United Kingdom economy is still in recession does not mean there are not visitors who still want to visit the Cook Islands according to Angie Sloan our Tourism rep in the UK.

News in Brief
On Tuesday Radio Cook Islands held a public poll during the talkback show on whether the PM and his Cabinet should remain in power until the September general election and whether the people should be able to vote for a Prime Minister.

New Cabinet Minister appoints own CEO
Cabinet Minister Hon William (Smiley) Heather Jnr has appointed his own CEO, Tere Taio to run his ministerial support office for him in the building previously occupied by former Minister Ngamau Munokoa in Nikao next to the Golf Club.

Consent of the people needed if reform to succeed
The advocates of political reform appear to be saying that changes will just be a matter of having a two thirds majority in the House of Parliament.

Copenhagen Accord
The Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers, and other heads of delegation present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 in Copenhagen, In pursuit of the ultimate objective of the Convention as stated in its Article 2, Being guided by the principles and provisions of the Convention, Noting the results of work done by the two Ad hoc Working Groups, Endorsing decision x/CP.15 on the Ad hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action and decision x/CMP.5 that requests the Ad hoc Working Group on Further Commitments of Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol to continue its work, Have agreed on this Copenhagen Accord which is operational immediately.

Te Karere
Local news in Maori

Herald Issue 494 13 January

PM’s commitment to referendum on political reform, Sunday flights will make him popular
The Prime Minister made two announcements on Tuesday afternoon which will give him the upper ground in the popularity stakes.

QR needs PM’s advice to call parliament
At a press conference held at his office on Tuesday afternoon the PM advised he had received a copy of the legal opinion given by the NZ constitutional lawyer Alex Frame to the Solicitor General on the question of whether under our constitution the QR could call parliament at his own discretion without the advice of the PM.

Suspension of Financial Secretary being considered
The Herald has been advised that government is considering suspending Financial Secretary Sholan Ivaiti while he is subject to Audit Office investigation over the his actions and involvement in the proposal to purchase the Toa fuel farm.

Justice Ministry priorities
Secretary for Justice Mark Short has advised that the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) met with the Budget Policy Committee on Monday alongside the Police, Crown Law, and Financial Investigation Unit to provide feedback to the committee on the issues and priorities regarding law and order.

News in Brief
The Cook Islands Tourism will be hosting a Cook Islands Tourism Forum next week. It will begin on Monday the 18th January 2010 at 8:30am at Crown Beach Resort.

The Winds of Change for Public Servants – The Unknown Factor
Are the employees of the public service being conned and held to ransom because of the inept and irresponsible behaviour of our politicians? While the bickering continues as to who should govern the nation, there is growing concern as to the instability of governance especially amongst public servants working in government departments which in turn has impacted on their service delivery to the general public.

Sunset soul poolside
The highly talented musician Peter Morgan is visiting Rarotonga partly for a holiday with his wife Catherine and partly to perform at the Muri Beach Club Hotel.

A balancing act in soil
For the Cook Islands to achieve optimum nutritional value in their fruit and vegetables and thereby ensure top prices for their produce, it is essential to achieve a balanced composition of chemicals and trace elements in soils.

National Study on Trade by Pacer Plus consultants
A team of consultants are in the Cook Islands to carry out a national study on the current state of play in trade in the Cook Islands and our trading partners in New Zealand and Australia.

Pacer Plus consultants
Who is entitled to be registered on the electoral roll? The answers were rather surprising when the Herald asked members of the Electoral Commission whether the electoral rolls were up date in case the Prime Minister calls an early election.

What are the odds of an early election being called?
Whatever fairy tales or spin doctoring the politicians may dish out to the public as they accuse each other of being undemocratic or unconstitutional, there is still the probability that an early election might be called.

“There is no change until you change”
Rarotongan inmates original CD

Te Karere
Local news in Maori

Future Plans for the Islands
On December 23 last year, a project was announced by DPM and Minister for Agriculture Hon Robert Wigmore last December 23rd to revitalize agriculture on Rarotonga and the outer islands of Atiu, Mangaia, Mitiaro and Mauke.

Herald Issue 493 06 January

Political whispers
Whisper in the Political Arena

First cabinet free of tension
Wednesday 6 December 12.50pm-It has been reported that the PM and Cabinet have decided today at their first formal Cabinet meeting that their top priority will be to look at cost reductions and a stronger focus on the efficiency of government expenditure.

Portfolios allocated but no 6th Minister
At about 2.30pm on Tuesday, letters were sent to the new Ministers appointed by Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai prior to Christmas, advising them of their portfolios

New beginnings as Cook Islands gears up for Election 2010
The political situation points to an early election and rather than trawl over the embers of last year, Cook Island Herald is looking to the future and will present aspiring politicians who intend to stand for Parliament in 2010.

Drop in tax take predicted
Government’s announcement of a better than forecast tax take in the first half of the financial year must be viewed with some caution due to a prediction of a drop in the tax take in the latter half of the year.

The money’s running out
The new Cabinet is likely to discover that money is very tight

Revitalising Agriculture in Mangaia and Nga Pu Toru: A Proposed Model
The following is a plan for facilitating the project (the roadmap). It comes from the document released by DPM and Agriculture Minister Hon Robert Wigmore on 23 December 2009.

Enjoying the moments Cook Islands style
Rest, recreation and relaxation were the order of the day for a number of visiting personalities visiting our shores over the Xmas/New Year period. Twins Julie and Karen Hardie and their partners, took time out from busy schedules in NZ and Australia to spend time with parents Tere and Alan Hardie of Tupapa.

Te Karere
News Briefs in Cook Islands Maori

Herald Issue 492 30 December

Issues of public interest to be reviewed
Before the swearing in of the new Ministers last Friday afternoon, an agreement was reached between the Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai, the new Cabinet and the Leader of the Democratic Party Sir Terepai Maoate for Minister Wilkie Rasmussen to make a media statement that reflects as best as possible the current situation regarding the Government and the Democratic Party.

Signing of TIEAs between Cook Islands & the Nordic Countries plus Ireland
Earlier this month MP Tangata Vavia on behalf of the Cook Islands government signed 7 Tax Information Exchange Agreements (“TIEAs”) with the Nordic countries at the Danish Ambassador’s residence in Canberra. This follows the recent signing of a TIEA with Ireland by the previous Minister of Finance, Sir Terepai Maoate.

CIP states its position
In response to events that unfolded over a week ago regarding the sacking and appointments of ministers within the Democratic led government under the Prime Ministership of Jim Marurai, the Cook Islands Party has declared its position in order to distance itself from rumours that it was involved in negotiating potential coalition deals with the Democratic Party.

New body search for air travelers
Travelers to the United States face increased security checks of their person after the recent aircraft bomb scare in the United States where a would be bomber hid an explosive device in his underpants.

A growing opportunity
A project which aims to revitalize agriculture on the islands of Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu to cater for the tourism market mainly on Rarotonga was launched on Wednesday morning by DPM and Minister for Agriculture Hon Robert Wigmore.

Attack at tourist resort leaves sour taste for victim
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, the young woman at the centre of an attack by an intruder at a resort in Arorangi last Friday night has spoken out about her ordeal. Bruised and scratched, she expressed her gratitude that the offender has been caught, charged and is now in custody.

Tax take up-for now
Government has just released its Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update for 2009/2010 and which is for the half year to November 2009.

Looking back on the Year that was 2009
The Cook Islands is often referred to as Paradise or as Heaven on Earth (in the ads) and for the most part, we are a friendly and hospitable people who enjoy a laidback and relaxed lifestyle. However, not everything is so rosy with undercurrents of tensions which occasionally boil over. Here is a tiny sampling of the events of 2009.

Herald Issue 491 23 December

PM sacked by Demo Party
The Prime Minister has been sacked from the Demo Party.

“I’m still PM”-Jim
Early election possible

CIP Reaction
CIP Points the Finger at the PM Also

More Doom and Gloom on the Political Horizon
The removal of Sir Terepai Maoate as Deputy Prime Minister has ruffled a few feathers and it is likely to be the beginning of the end for the Democratic Party government.

May your Christmas be full of joy and goodwill
Christmas greeting from the leader of the Opposition Tom Marsters.

Aotearoa Society bid farewell to NZ High Commissioner
The Aotearoa Society turned out for their salute to the New Zealand High Commissioner, the late Tia Barrett and in support of Theresa Barrett who has ‘come home’ to heal after the passing of her beloved husband.

A rising tennis talent
The Cook Islands is fortunate to have up and coming tennis players based in New Zealand who are adding depth to the sport.The latest talent is young Brogan Maoate who is based in Christchurch.

Castaway Beach Villas…
a well kept secret until now
Thousands of tourists travel hundreds of miles each year to visit our beautiful country. Rimmed with sandy white beaches and a crystal clear lagoon our warm island paradise is what holiday dreams are made of.

Sold on Raro
Listeners to Bob Sell’s former radio talk back show in New Zealand want to know where he is and what he is doing. On Tuesday morning, 5am Cook Islands time all was revealed.

No quota on Cook Islands for swordfish
There were a number of successful outcomes for the Cook Islands at the 6th Annual Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission held in Papeete from 7-11 December 2009.

Ending domestic violence against women
Enacting Domestic Violence legislation and setting up a Regional Human Rights Commission were two of the main initiatives that came out of the Consultation for Regional Members of Parliament on Advancing Legislative Change on Violence Against Women & other Human Rights Issues held from 14th – 18th December 2009, at Diana Plaza Hotel, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.

Herald Issue 490 16 December

Man cheats death in 4m fall
A man is lucky to be alive after the elevated work platform bucket he was standing in, disintegrated and he fell some 4m (about 12 feet) onto a concrete surface.

TOA Petroleum to get $1.75m
The government is satisfied that its out of court settlement with fuel importers, TOA Petroleum and Triad, is a fair result for the taxpayer, says Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate.

Mediation best possible solution
The out of court settlement the government has reached with fuel importers, TOA Petroleum and Triad has been the best possible result for all parties concerned, says Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate.

No drug use detected during South Pacific Mini-Games
No use of illegal drugs was detected during the Pacific Mini-Games held in Rarotonga during September 2009.

Who Will Wear the Crown of Thorns for 2010 – Marurai or Maoate?
“If you look at the various scenarios that have been played within the confines of Cabinet and Government as a whole, the real power base has been Maoate all along with Marurai as just a puppet on a string”

Toa settlement confirms incompetence at the highest levels
The announcement that came on Wednesday morning of an out of court settlement reached between Government, Apex Agencies (TOA) and Triad Petroleum, also came a container load of unanswered questions.

Woman of the Month
Congratulations, Nooroa Sword Browne

Makea Karika Ariki celebrates her 90th Birthday
Makea Karika Ariki celebrated her 90th Birthday on Saturday 12 December in great style with a ball held at the National Auditorium.

Elite Close Encounter Combat System for Police
Ten members of the Cook Islands Police Force have just completed a rigorous, hardened and rugged training course organized under the supervision of the Founder and Chief Instructor of the “ELITE CLOSE ENCOUNTER COMBAT SYSTEM” (ECE) Shihan Dan Turua.

The most beautiful place in the world
The more it changes, the more time stands still

Sydney air link exciting news
Minister for Tourism Robert Wigmore has announced the ongoing commitment in 2010-2011 to the direct Air New Zealand Los Angeles-Rarotonga-Los Angeles flight and an exciting new initiative which Cabinet approved last Saturday.

Herald Issue 489 09 December

Underage sex –a problem in our community?
Underage sex is a topic that is very little spoken about and often regarded as taboo. Well believe it or not, it is happening right under our very noses and it could involve your own children without your knowledge.

First world plans, third world solutions
Repairs to leaking water pipes in Takuvaine are not 100 per cent effective and the pipes are still leaking.

The Economic Development Task Force - a statement of opinion
Opinion Piece By Leader of the Opposition

Bettaway home still far away
When a young family man and his wife decided to build a new home through Bettaway Homes, they never dreamed it would turn into a nightmare.

Adoption and Maori custom
Although the Pa Metua are still familiar with Maori customs and traditions and what our ai tupuna practices regarding entitlements to tribal titles and family and tribal lands, sadly that generation is passing on.

Guidelines for Land Court on Maori custom
The annual general meeting of the House of Ariki for 2009 held from 2-4 December 2009 has yielded some intriguing recommendations.

Words of wisdom for young doctors
Keynote address at the Fiji School of Medicine 2009 Graduation
By Sir Terepai Maoate KBE

Rags to Riches Christmas Party with Cook Islands Tours
When the invitation came from Temu Okotai to attend their Rags to Riches Christmas party last week, we knew it would be a fun evening

Titikaveka College student awardees aim high
Titikaveka College held their end of the year prize giving last week with 3 students commemorated for their outstanding performance during the year.

Diploma awarded to Resort employee
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa congratulates Mila Engu for achieving her American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Diploma in Hospitality Management.

Restoring the body beautiful
The sport of Body Building is poised for a comeback

Te Karere
News Briefs in Cook Islands Maori

Herald Issue 488 02 December

Tongia to be new High Commissioner to NZ
Former Head of the Ministry of Culture, Makiuti Tongia is to be appointed High Commissioner to NZ in a move seen by some as political

Cook Islands set to back Tuvalu Statement
In Copenhagen, Pacific nations will be hoping for salvation, but expecting the worst

Bishop gives seat back to voters
In an unprecedented move 10 months out from a general election, MP for Arutanga/Reureu/Nikaupara Teina Bishop placed his seat on the table during his constituency’s Annual General Public Meeting held in Aitutaki yesterday.

Fishery Agency meets to decide strategy
Forum Fishery Agency (FFA) members, including the Cook Islands, are in Papeete, Tahiti, for the 72nd Special Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee, which opened on Monday to discuss negotiating positions and strategies for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) meeting which will be held next week from Monday 7-Friday 11 December. Peter Graham, Josh Mitchell and Pam Maru from Cook Islands Marine Resources will be attending the meeting including the preliminary meeting.

Large delegation heading for Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
The Cook Islands is to send a delegation of 14 members to Copenhagen, Denmark for the Climate Change Conference to be held from 7-18 December 2009.

Ministry ends year under budget
The Annual Report of the Ministry for Agriculture for the year 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 was tabled in Parliament last week by the Minister for Agriculture Hon Robert Wigmore. Secretary for Agriculture Nga Mataio completed the report on 30 July 2009 and submitted it to the Minister on 31 July 2009. For those who may be interested copies are available from Parliament for $8.50.

Condoms, KY Jelly missing
An Audit Office stock take report for June 2009 on the Ministry of Health revealed nearly 15,000 condoms were missing from the Tupapa Pharmacy.

Tou Ariki re elected President of House of Ariki
The House of Ariki came together for their Annual General Meeting for 2009 on Wednesday morning at which they selected their President and Vice President.

The promised sea
Will our sea bed give up its riches?

Unwanted items up for sale-seven years later
An Audit Office stock take report for June 2009 on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning uncovered five 40 litre containers of acid had been stored in a container for the last seven years.

FAO workshop encourages young agriculture entrepreneurs
The final in a series of workshops in a two year scheme to encourage young people to consider agriculture as a money making venture is being held from 1-2 December at the Parekura Conference Centre.

Catholic Church celebrates 100 years in Atiu
Last week, Catholics from all over the Cook Islands descended on Atiu to celebrate 100 years of the Catholic Church in Atiu.

Wedding bells for Carl and Pua Hunter
What a beautiful wedding when Carl Hunter married his beautiful bride, Pua in a ceremony in front of all their family and friends and all the aunties, uncles, cousins and children of Takitumu.

Te Karere
News Briefs in Cook Islands Maori

Herald Issue 487 25 November

All in the name of nation building
Why did the DPM go to New York?

No water in Ruaau forces resident to leave!
Enough’s enough, I’m outta here this week,” said a very disgruntled and angry Ruaau resident who has purchased a one way ticket out of the Cook Islands after spending 4 weeks without hardly any water.

From the Parliament
Newsbriefs from the Parliamnet

Review finds no wrongdoing by former CISNOC staff
The Audit review for unidentified payments by CISNOC totalling $32,465.00 prompting public concern and especially from within the sporting codes, has confirmed in its Quarterly Report that there is no evidence to suggest any fraudulent activity by any of the former CISNOC management staff or Executive Board members with regards to the 12 payments under review.

Mauke Water Project
Progress of Construction Work

Takamoa graduates 10 student pastors
The nation’s oldest institution will see another 10 student pastors graduate Thursday. Beginning at 4.30pm, the student pastors and their wives will receive certificates and diplomas in theology, and biblical studies as well as special awards for Hebrew, Greek, Theology, Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Pastoral Theology.

Getting youth on track
Master Carver Mike Tavioni and Te Uki Tumanava.

Home owner not happy with NZ supplier
When deciding to build your dream home or a retirement home for mama and papa, have you gone out with a shopping list of building products and decided that it is cheaper and easier to buy everything from overseas?

Mission to Maupiti
A symbolic gesture marks the long awaited arrival of Mike Tavioni’s father on Maupiti

White Ribbon Week to end violence against women
Women’s advocate, New Zealander Jude Simpson is in the Cook Islands as part of the run up to the international day to eliminate violence against women and children also known as “White Ribbon day.”

Vaka Eiva exhibition opening Tuesday night
The fifth Vaka Eiva exhibition which opened on Tuesday night at the Art Studio in Arorangi attracted a great response with Kay and Ian George thanking everyone who has taken part.

Failures a feature of Audit report
The financial year ended 31 March 2009 was a busy and eventful one for the Audit Office.
Audit’s annual report to Parliament was tabled in the House by its Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate when the Parliament resumed on Monday 24 November 2009.

Cook Islander gains Diploma in Film Making
When Henry Ah-Foo Taripo won a scholarship to study film making in New Zealand, he could hardly believe it because he had applied four years in a row and had almost given up.

Herald Issue 486 18 November

Disappointing end to Food Summit
The World Summit on Food Security wraps up in Rome today under an air of disappointment over the future direction of the cause to eradicate hunger.

Statement by Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai
PM Hon Jim Marurai's speech at the World Food Security Summit in Rome

Rogue MP’s – are they value for money?
What have they got that is likely to make a difference tomorrow if they can’t make a difference today?”

John Hayes - A closet Colonialist?
Opinion piece by the Leader of the Opposition Hon Tom Marsters

Woman of the Month of November
Woman of the month of November 2009 is Mairi Mokoroa Heather.

Justice Department presentation at Kent Hall
The new Secretary of Justice is certainly bringing new life to the Ministry with his new initiative of holding workshops to explain the mysteries of land court applications.

Kavana invite Koutu Nui delegation to Numangatini Palace
Tradition and protocol play an important role in the customs of the Aronga Mana in Mangaia which still hold great sway over their people.

Rugby League greats thank major sponsor
On Monday morning at the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa, two former greats of the sport of Rugby League Football, Kevin Iro and David Fairleigh were on hand to present Tata Crocombe with a Pacific Cup medal and Mini-Games medal in recognition of his tremendous support and sponsorship of the Cook Islands team and the game generally

Mission 9 to Pakistan
Bob and Barbara Sutton from New Zealand are on their third visit to Rarotonga.

Te Karerre
News Briefs in Cook Islands

Draft Land Use Policy out for Public Comments
Land use planning and its importance is the key emphasis for the Draft Land Use Policy, available to the public for comments. The Central Policy and Planning office of the Office of the Prime Minister has released the Draft for public feedback before finalization in 2010.

Niue Government prepares its youth
With a population of only under 2000, Niue is walking the talk by paving its pathway forward by preparing its Youth for Politics and its Parliamentary affairs.

Kiribas not waiting
Pacific Parliamentarians Assembly on Population and Development (PPAPD) and Forum of Presiding Officers and Clerks (FPOC) stand united against World countries causing global warming impacts on low lying atolls like Kiribati.

Herald Issue 485 11 November

“Te Kura Ote Au” Peoples Movement Listening To The Voice of the People
The newly established Te Kura Ote Au people’s movement has held several meetings over the last couple of months, which originally stemmed from the island of Aitutaki over the Sunday flights.

Tamarua growers lead the way
Various growers within the village of Tamarua have opened their plantations and shown their appreciation to Ottilie Upshall from Kawabe and Associates for volunteering her services to show growers how to take soil samples and prepare their soil samples for testing at Brookside Laboratories in the USA.

Titikaveka Cook Islands Party appoints first woman chairperson!
The Cook Islands Party continues to strengthen its election campaign through the appointment of its first constituency Chairperson in Titikaveka last night under its new constitution. What makes this process more ground breaking is that Titikaveka supporters have elected Moeroa Tamangaro, a woman and well known personality as its Chairperson, said a CIP Media/ Policy spokesperson.

John Hayes - A closet Colonialist?
Opinion piece by the Leader of the Opposition Hon Tom Marsters

Tipped over the cliff of viability
Paradise is being lost very quickly because of the cost of doing business

Suitable site still sought for wind farm
Rarotonga’s Wind Farm Project is still awaiting a suitable site for the wind generators.

Small businesses to be reserved for local people only?
Why are small businesses not being earmarked for our local people instead of by foreign investment?

Cabinet receiving Ministry requests for funding without adequate information?
The Koutu Nui community visioning meetings are bringing to light many issues which are certain to be helpful for the government policy advisors as they review the original plans in Te Kaveinga Nui 2007-2010 and prepare the updated version intended for 2010-2015

Power to the people
A description of Net Metering is in order, this is a term to describe electricity being produced from homes or offices or public buildings, mostly generated by solar panels or wind turbines.

Testing our air
Atmospheric research scientists are on a mission to find out what’s in our air

Te Karerre
News Briefs in Cook Islands

Herald Issue 484 04 November

Disaster preparedness on village level needed say EMCI
A delegation from the Members of the EMCI taskforce convened a meeting on Tuesday evening with residents and business people of Ngatangiia at the Sports House at Nukupure Park to discuss the need to prepare a community response to tsunami or cyclone emergencies.

ADB Loan Pie in the Sky “pre-election lollie”
How government really intends to spend the recently announced ADB Loan will certainly be very interesting

Early election likely February
Herald readers will be aware for some time the paper has been predicting an early election.

Learning curves lead home
After riding some sharp learning curves overseas, a talented young Cook Islander is back home

John Hayes - A closet Colonialist?
There have been of late several responses both audio and in print to statements made by John Hayes and reported in the local print media and all of which have been critical of his reported statements.

Concern over speed of project’s development
Concern has arisen in Mangaia at the speed at which proposals are being developed to replace pine trees in the Tamarua area with pasture for cattle grazing and allowing ferns to regenerate.

Climate change scientists to stop over
A team of scientists from America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) and other USA agencies and Universities, are expected to stop over in Rarotonga on Sunday as part of a world wide survey to monitor increasing levels of greenhouse gases and black carbon in the atmosphere.

Outer Islands Development Grant Funds very successful
The scheme to assist with the setting up of small private sector projects which can create business and job opportunities for Cook Islanders living in the outer islands is working well.

Pacific world heritage meeting begins in French Polynesia
A UNESCO regional meeting kicks off this week in French Polynesia’s Maupiti island with high on the agenda the identification of further Pacific sites to be classified in the UN body’s world heritage list.

Future PRs must pass language test
A condition that to be eligible for permanent residency, applicants must be able to speak conversational Maori has been approved by Cabinet.

Community Visioning delegation from Koutu Nui visit Mauke
A delegation from the Koutu Nui has just returned from a fact finding Community Visioning project aimed at asking the people of the outer islands for their input into the Kaveinga Nui 2010-2015

Te Karere
News Briefs in Cook Islands Maori

Herald Issue 483 28 October

Restoring Mangaia’s magnificence
Scientists arrive to advise the best way forward for Mangaia’s agriculture.

Tourism facing huge challenges
Cook Islands report at Forum Economic Ministers Meeting 2009

Political reform, public service reform and lower interest rates to boost the economy
There have been calls for lower interest rates from the banks as a way to boost the economy in the report by Associate Minister, Junior Maoate to the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting 2009.

Dilemmas facing our people in Kiwiland!
Visiting our shores last week was Chairman of the Hastings Cook Islands community Mokoenga Kavana who has just returned from Aitutaki following the death of his mother. “This is my second trip to the Cook Islands in the last 3 months and each time I come back, I’m homesick to return for good,” said Kavana.

Weathering the hardships
Ministers talk about surviving the global recession in the Pacific

Cairns Compact: Peer reviews of National Development Plans
The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) at the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, on Tuesday, reiterated their commitment to the Cairns Compact which was agreed to by all Forum leaders in August 2009.

The current system-it’s broken, so fix it
A housewife is focusing public attention on political reform

Gospel Day celebrations 2009
It was a brilliant day on Monday 26 October for the reopening of the magnificent Takamoa Mission House which was first built some 170 years ago under the guidance of Reverend Buzzacott of the London Missionary Society (LMS).

Boxing: so much owed to so few
A handful of gutsy young boxers have saved the sport from certain death

Weightlifting: third placing for Luisa
The Cook Islands was represented at the 2009 Commonwealth Senior and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Penang, Malaysia from 19-23 October, by Luisa Peters and Sirla Pera.

Herald Issue 482 21 October

Bertram accepts job with SPC
Ian Bertram, Secretary for the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) is to take up a new position with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Noumea in January 2010.

The surplus that disappeared
Concerned and more confused. That was the response from Opposition Deputy Leader Teina Bishop, to comments made by Financial Secretary Sholan Ivaiti last week on local TV News in response to statements made by the Minister of Finance during the presentation of the Budget in July alluding to a surplus of $2.9m.

Rotary’s generous assistance
Ballarat West Rotary Club in Australia has organized a consignment of goods estimated to be worth $100,000 to be shipped to the Cook Islands.

Landowners take popular resort to court for trespass
When landowners from Ngati Makea decided enough was enough, they went to the High Court to request a permanent injunction against a beachfront resort in the land called Vaitamanga for trespass on their beach front reserve.

Greenpeace guarding our Pacific waters
The Greenpeace campaigners are back in the Cook Islands as part of their expedition to call for all Pacific governments to come together and collectively agree to close off pockets of areas beyond EEZ which are beyond scrutiny.

Stage one of harbour project completed
Just back from working on the harbour project at Nassau is Rarotonga based machine contractor Terepai Ariihee who conducted the excavation work.

Miss Cook Islands, Engara Gosselin
This week we bring to you Miss Cook Islands Engara Gosselin as she prepares to partake in the Miss South Pacific Pageant in Suva, Fiji next month.

Porotito Rangatira title issues highlighted
The well known local Master Carver, Michael Tavioni has come forward to clarify some issues surrounding the recent claim to the Porotito Rangatira title by Fanau Hunt.

 

Herald Issue 482 21 October

Bertram accepts job with SPC
Ian Bertram, Secretary for the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) is to take up a new position with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Noumea in January 2010.

The surplus that disappeared
Concerned and more confused. That was the response from Opposition Deputy Leader Teina Bishop, to comments made by Financial Secretary Sholan Ivaiti last week on local TV News in response to statements made by the Minister of Finance during the presentation of the Budget in July alluding to a surplus of $2.9m.

Rotary’s generous assistance
Ballarat West Rotary Club in Australia has organized a consignment of goods estimated to be worth $100,000 to be shipped to the Cook Islands.

Landowners take popular resort to court for trespass
When landowners from Ngati Makea decided enough was enough, they went to the High Court to request a permanent injunction against a beachfront resort in the land called Vaitamanga for trespass on their beach front reserve.

Greenpeace guarding our Pacific waters
The Greenpeace campaigners are back in the Cook Islands as part of their expedition to call for all Pacific governments to come together and collectively agree to close off pockets of areas beyond EEZ which are beyond scrutiny.

Stage one of harbour project completed
Just back from working on the harbour project at Nassau is Rarotonga based machine contractor Terepai Ariihee who conducted the excavation work.

Miss Cook Islands, Engara Gosselin
This week we bring to you Miss Cook Islands Engara Gosselin as she prepares to partake in the Miss South Pacific Pageant in Suva, Fiji next month.

Porotito Rangatira title issues highlighted
The well known local Master Carver, Michael Tavioni has come forward to clarify some issues surrounding the recent claim to the Porotito Rangatira title by Fanau Hunt.

 

Herald Issue 463 10 June
- World famous activist assisting residents
- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?