Important select committee meeting canned
Democratic Party MP Wilkie Rasmussen told the Herald on Wednesday morning that he was very disappointed that Wednesday’s meeting of the Employment Relations Bill Select Committee had been cancelled. It was a critical bill said Rasmussen and the meeting was cancelled indefinitely. He said there appeared to be no urgency on the part of government.

A Zumba Summit says Wilkie
MP Wilkie Rasmussen has labeled the National Economic Summit a Zumba type of exercise. He said he did not bother to attend and other opposition MPs did not attend either. He said the whole matter was an ego soothing activity for government. He said the timing was too early and there was no indication of a back-up plan. He had reports that most of the attendees were public servants.

Pukapuka Hostel fundraiser
The Pukapuka Rarotonga Community is to hold an Island Night Buffet on Wednesday 20 April at Te Atukura Park starting at 6pm. Pukapuka Community President Makirere Poila told the Herald that the fundraiser was in aid of raising money for the renovation and completion of the Pukapuka Hostel.Guest artists are LaydeeZ Mai Wale and there will be a special appearance by the Fabulous Pukapuka Rarotonga Culture Group. The price of $55 per ticket includes dinner, floor show and free drinks. For tickets or more information contact Helen Tiere ph 76596 or Poti Maeva ph 74418 or Teautoa Peua on ph 52830.

By election nominations close on a public holiday
The nominations for the Pukapuka by election close on April 25th. This is ANZAC Day, a public holiday. Therefore nominations will have to be lodged by the Friday.

Change coming to way aid delivered
A four-week assessment will be carried out next month to test the country’s financial management systems against the criteria that would allow the Cook Islands to change to a different system of aid delivery. The assessment model Public Expenditure Financial Accountability (PEFA) is utilized by the European Union to allow aid funds to be channeled into General Budget Support. This delivery system is used elsewhere in the Pacific and the government hopes to make the change once the financial systems are found to meet the PEFA criteria.

Learning to build boats
Reps from the Southern Group are on Rarotonga to take part in a boat building workshop, which kicks off tomorrow. The participants had a head start today though working with a tutor from Kiribati, who is assisting the Ministry of Marine Resources in running the training.

By election date set
The date for the Pukapuka By-election has been set for Tuesday 7 June. The CIP has already indicated it will be putting up Tekii Lazaro as its candidate again. The Democratic Party says it will be organizing a run-off between Tai Ravarua and Vae Peua (pic) so that only one person will stand. Ravarua was the Demo man back in November but many feel that Peua is a better bet. Peua ran as an Independent last year.

High seas reach road
Rarotonga’s southern coast experienced unusually high seas over the weekend. Waves surged up to road level at Kavera and the Rarotongan Beach Resort had to clear guests from beachfront rooms, as a precaution. Hotel owner Tata Crocombe says there was minor damage to a deck. The uncommon sight of big waves in the lagoon, however, was a joy to local beach goers.

Diplomat to visit
German Ambassador HE Thomas Meister will be visiting the Cook Islands at the end of the month. Meister, based in Wellington, will be presenting his credentials to the Queen’s Representative - scheduled for 2 May. The Cook Islands established diplomatic relations with Germany in 2001.

The Pope’s pick
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Father Paul Donoghue SM as Bishop of Rarotonga. Bishop elect Donoghue succeeds Bishop Stuart O’Connell SM. Born in Auckland, Paul was ordained a priest in 1975. He currently serves as the Provincial Superior of the Marist Oceania province. The date of the hand-over is not yet confirmed.

Herald Issue 554 09 March
- Norm exposes Trio of Doom
- Briefs from PM’s media conference Tuesday
- Tourism Industry ponders $5 million draft strategy
- Norman George resigns from Cook Islands Party
- Letter of Resignation from CIP
- Norman selfish says Prime Minister