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.
They have levelled their anger and criticisms at Aitutaki Mayor Tai Herman who was appointed in charge of the recovery process by Hon Wilkie Rasmussen the Minister appointed by Cabinet to oversee the Aitutaki Recovery.
They plan to approach the authorities to investigate their situation.
“I am very angry that the Mayor Tai Herman has taken it upon himself to decide who gets assistance and who doesn’t even though I was placed in Category 4 during the assessment process as my house was severely damaged as a result of the Cyclone,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of retribution.
“I was advised that I will not get anything as I was not in the house at the time the Cyclone struck and that I am not resident on Aitutaki. This is absolute rubbish because I have invested a large sum of money in building my home and although I have another home in Rarotonga, Aitutaki is my home island and for the past 6 years, I have been going back and forwards trying to complete my house.”
“The initial assessment undertaken by Red Cross and MOIP confirmed my house fell under Category 4 but for reasons unbecoming and what is believed to be personal, the Mayor has decided to rescind that decision and said I am entitled to nothing. Where is the so called policy that decides the perimeters as to who qualifies and what level of assistance will be provided?”
“This is grossly unfair and it would seem, I am not the only one affected by his decision. I know of others who actually reside on Aitutaki but commute to Rarotonga for family and business interests who have also been advised of a fate similar to mine.”
“I am a full Aitutaki born and bred person and am deeply offended by the Mayor’s arrogance and overbearing attitude. Who does he think he is? He can turn a blind eye to people who have been assessed and legitimately qualify but yet opens his eyes to those whom he favours and grants them assistance even though they don’t fall under any category rating at all. This stinks of nepotism and the sooner we vote this man out of office, the better off Aitutaki will be without him.”
“What has happened to the management and monitoring of this recovery process and where is government in all of this? I, along with others, am not surprised at the concerns of the NZ government during a recent ministerial visit as to the handling of their donor funds. I only hope that they monitor rigorously every dollar that is spent for the recovery process under the authority of the Mayor and to ensure it goes to where it should go and is not siphoned off and presented as “election lollies” to entice potential voters.”
“Right now, I want some assurance from government that a policy direction has been developed as promised by the Minister and that those people including myself, who were deemed a Category 4, are still eligible for assistance without any interference from the Mayor.”
“I intend to also take this matter up with the NZ authorities to ensure that this matter is brought to their attention and immediate action is taken to investigate what I consider to be a “personal sham” on the part of the Mayor because of his personal dislike to myself and others. To date, no one has sighted an “official list” of those identified into the various categories as this is held by the Mayor and Council. This is a shocking state of affairs and reeks of an island under the dictatorship of one person. God help our island if another cyclone comes and he’s still the Mayor,” said the angry resident.
The Herald will follow and report on developments after the residents concerned have lodged their complaints and concerns with authorities.

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