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?
