HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 574:27 July 2011

Work begins on Red Cross National Headquarters

The construction of the Cook Islands Red Cross National Headquarter started on Monday following the signing of the contract last Friday 15th July, between Land Holding Ltd the “contractor” and Donye Numa, (Acting Secretary – Ministry of Infrastructure) on behalf of the Government.
President of Cook Islands Red Cross Nga Jessie and Peter Tierney of NZ High Commission office were also there to witness the signing.
The Red Cross project had been in the planning process for over three years for which some changes had to be made, realized a “lessons learnt”. One of the main common reason, is “finance” Never the less, we’ve gone pass these. Right now there is concrete evidence the project had gone past the face of “talk to talk” it is now “walk the talk”. That, we look forward to witness the completion of our building in the next 6 or 7 months time. Nga Jessie said.
The project cost is just over a million NZD. Financial support came from NZAID through the Government of the Cook Islands, the New Zealand Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross and other supporters.
Cook Islands Red Cross had moved office for more than 7 times since formation by 10 members back in 1989. They were first housed in an office in one of the buildings at the Takamoa Theological College. This building still stands today and is the building on your right as you enter the premises.
The current design of the building is to accommodate staff offices for their roles and activities under the Cook Islands Red Cross programs, a cyclone shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people with living accessories and support offices for other purposes.
A warehouse for storage of disaster relief supplies could not be included in the current phase of the project due to not enough funds.
Cook Islands Red Cross is very grateful to land owners Tua Nicholas, William Vakatini, Alemain Vakapora and others for their support with the piece of land for our building.
Red Cross also acknowledges the support of the Government of the Cook Islands through the Ministry of Infrastructure Acting Secretary Donye Numa and Ngateina Rani, the New Zealand High Commission and NZAID through Peter Tierney, the Project Management Committee, Red Cross Board, Secretary General Mrs. Nikki Rattle and staff, volunteers and people of the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Red Cross is an auxiliary body to the Government of the Cook Islands under the Cook Islands Red Cross Act. 2002.
It’s programs includes;
1. first aid training in the community and workplaces
2. first aid support to sports activities
3. disaster preparedness, disaster response, disaster management and disaster risks reduction,
4. Youth peer educators for awareness on HIV, STI and other contagious diseases
5. Support Ministry of Health on Health Issues awareness programs
6. Blood donors recruitment program
7. Support to transport disability people to day to day activities.
8. Support community water and sanitation awareness program.
9. Psychological and counseling supports to affected families.
10. Support Climate change program
11. the dissemination of International Humanitarian Law awareness
12. outer islands development program
13. supported the Aitutaki water tank project by financing the roof spouts, down-pipes, taps and labours to install these so water can get into the water tanks.
14. Responded to Tropical Cyclone Pat in 2010 and provided immediate relief and support supplies to the people affected of Aitutaki.
Cook Islands Red Cross was admitted to the Red Cross Movement in 2003 and is the 179th national society. The International Red Cross Movement, the biggest humanitarian organization currently has 186 national member societies worldwide.
Cook Islands Red Cross employs 12 staff in Rarotonga, 2 in Mangaia and 2 in Aitutaki.
Nga Jessie
President, Cook Islands Red Cross.

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

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