News Briefs

Release of information opposed
The Cook Islands National HIV Committee says it strongly opposes the release of any information regarding a person living with HIV in the country. Its statement follows a decision by the government to seek legal advice over identifying a resident who is HIV positive. “The HIV committee says it’s held an emergency meeting, where a unanimous decision was reached to maintain the confidentiality of any person diagnosed with HIV. Representatives at the meeting from organisations including the Health Ministry, Red Cross, the National Council of Women, the Family Welfare Association, the National Youth Council and the NZAID programme, expressed serious concern about the alleged breach of confidentiality. The committee says it regrets the impact the breach may have on those who may be considering volunteering for testing, and reiterated that all testing is 100 percent confidential. It says names are never used when testing for HIV, and that a coding system is kept in a secure facility, outside of the Health Ministry’s computer system.
First crop harvested
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Research department had last week harvested its first crop of the new pineapple variety, Paradise Gold. Cook Islands Herald understands that the new pineapples are sweeter and less acidic with golden flesh which is important to the consumer and is the same variety that’s used in tinned pineapple. It’s understood that the new variety was introduced into the country back in October 2008 and will take between 14-18 months to harvest. Mauke, Mangaia, Atiu and Aitutaki have already harvested their first crop. The new pineapple variety is available for purchase from Wigmores Superstore in Titikaveka.
Joyana to perform
Tonight will see a Just Desserts Evening be held with Miss South Pacific Joyana Meyer. The evening will be held at Te Vaka restaurant whereby Miss South Pacific will showcase her performances as well as her beachwear and national costume from the Miss South Pacific pageant last moth. Tickets cost $30pp and are available from Clee Marsters 70556 or from the Miss CI Pageant Association committee.
No threat from weather
Met Service Director Arona Ngari says there is no threatening weather in the pacific and that the low pressure system over the southern Cook Islands will continue to bring showers as it passes over. Ngari says the good news is that there has only been 1 tropical cyclone since the cyclone season began last month in Australia. Currently the sea-surface temperature is between 25-26deg which so far is a good sign if it reaches to 27deg and over will act as a fuel to form cyclones.
Pukapuka seeks land in Samoa
Pukapuka Community leader Nuku Rapana says plans are in the pipeline to secure a block of land in Samoa to use as a base for Cook Islanders in transit to the northern group. It’s hoping that a regular shipping and possibly future air service to Samoa will not only bring Pukapuka people home but will provide a conduit for exports of local produce such as Virgin Coconut Oil, taro and fish and will enable Pukapuka to market itself as a destination for eco-tourism. Cook Islands Herald understands that Samoa has granted land to other pacific groups such as Tokelau, Niue and Solomons. Another proposal is in the pipeline to improve the harbour in Pukapuka to see the natural deep water basin open up for vessels by widening te opening at the ocean side and closing off the opening on the lagoon side. Some coral heads in the basin would need to be removed and the work was to have started by the Americans who visited back in 1958.
Population drops to 400
Pukapuka community leader Nuku Rapana says with the population declining on Pukapuka, a number of innovative ideas may help to increase its population. Since 2005, the population was around 700 and now stands at being about 400 people.
Rapana says, that Pukapuka unlike other islands has managed to maintain its population because of the strong community ties to culture and tradition. He however is now concerned those traditions and culture is under threat if nothing is done to boost the population on Pukapuka. This year, discussions are in the pipeline with the NZ government and Tokelau authorities to utilize the boat servicing Tokelau which the NZ government provides support for. Rapana says, he and other leaders were looking at securing funds to purchase a boat and the proposal is in the design stage for a vessel to carry passengers and cargo that also houses a medical facility clinic.
NZ roads claim Cook Islander
New Zealand’s road’s have officially taken 13 lives during the official holiday road toll period including a 35-year old Cook Islander. Tamataia Per Maurangi from Point England in Auckland was killed in a single car crash just south of Hastings on New Years Day. His body will be returned to Rarotonga on Thursday. He is the son of Mariia and William Pera Maurangi of Arorangi and is a father to 4 beautiful children. Matai as he’s known to many on Rarotonga will be laid to rest on Friday morning at his parent’s home in Betela
Conjunctivitus cases on the rise
Conjunctivitis or sexy eyes has resurfaced again with doctors at the Rarotonga Hospital treating 3-5 cases per day and up to 12 people on Tuesday. Director of Health Dr Rangi Fariu says, sexy eyes is highly contagious and can spread easily and the most important method to minimize its spread is hygiene. The public is advised that if you are in contact with a person who has sexy eyes to always wash your hands and face thoroughly with warm water. So far, mainly those infected with the highly contagious infection are within the same family.

By Moana Tetauru

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?