News Briefs

Gospel Day Reflection

In the celebration of our Gospel Day, this week I wish to reflect on the arrival of Christianity in the Cook Islands and its substantial impact in our culture, identity and values.
Christianity entered the Cook Islands on October 26, 1821 when Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society in England with two native Tahitians, Papehia and Vahapata, introduced the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Aitutaki and consequently it spread to the rest of the Cook Islands. It was a journey of faith into the unknown, however, it was evident the presence of God was with them. Life prior to the arrival of Christianity was primitive. People worshipped traditional gods and practiced traditional form of worship on sacred grounds (marae).
There was strong confrontation with the new set of belief. But, the early missionaries targeted the local chiefs and when they won their favor, it was easier and safer to spread the new gospel to surrounding islands. This resulted in the destruction of traditional idol gods and practices and a shift towards the God of the Bible and acceptance of biblical values. For example, the practice of more than one wife was discouraged, as was the case of Kainuku Ariki of Vaka Takitumu, and the introduction of dress code where locals were encouraged to cover up. These, and the ability to read from the Bible which gave new status and jurisdiction, encouraged the attraction to the new direction.
The teaching of Christ was paramount and it was encouraged to be the new way of life and behavior. The culture of Christianity was deep and profound in molding and enlightening our culture and values. Therefore Christianity paved the way for changes in our islands. It opened the door to the colonizing of our islands and later becoming a democratic country in its operation and direction.
Other religions came to the Cook Islands towards the late 1800’s. However, the concept of Christianity expanded with its impact and interpretation, where today, there is a wider expression of Christianity in our paradise, with its origin emanating from the one person Jesus Christ and the one book, the Bible.
Christianity is prevalent in the Cook Islands and it owes it conception and stability back to the 26th day of October, 1821. It has immensely molded our culture, our identity and our direction from the past, now and the future. Let us thank God for the freedom of expression and worship in our country. I trust you all had a great Gospel Day Celebration. - Robert Wigmore, Leader of the Opposition

Leading our own development
This week marks the 66th anniversary of the United Nations. During this time the Cook Islands - though not a full member - has been an active participant in the United Nations system.
In an address, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said this year the world’s population would top seven billion, and would climb to nine billion by the middle of the century.
Humanity’s growth has already started to alter the climate. The only way to minimize the risks of dangerous climate change is to ensure that energy is sustainable. In short a clean energy revolution, requiring a radical departure from current practices and existing realities – and calling for practical and large-scale action.
Bold solutions. Economically viable projects and programmes. Human and institutional capacity development. Appropriately funded and managed policies. Some problems cannot be solved in isolation. These are international issues, they are global problems needing global solutions,
Our country as a good global citizen, has made a number of international commitments through the UN by signing conventions to promote the rights of women, of people with disabilities, and of children.
We have also agreed to do our part to combat degradation of our lands, address issues pertaining to climate change, to conserve our natural environment and ensure that our development is sustainable.
Over the years we have and continue to be recipients of development assistance from the United Nation system – in health, agriculture, human rights, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, land use, small community development, and responses after disasters – to name a few.
Last month, we conducted a review of the Pacific United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) here in Rarotonga. It is the overarching plan for assistance to the Pacific and the Cook Islands.
The review is a UN attempt to consolidate and better coordinate its 16 agencies working in the Pacific under the umbrella of ‘One United Nations’.
It signifies an important change in the way we engage with our development partners. We have ensured a much sharper alignment of UN programmes to our country’s priorities. We will continue to work with the UN to ensure its systems are harmonised with ours and programmes that are delivered make a positive difference to the lives of our people.
Despite strengthening our relationships in the past we have not had clear direction about how we want to work with our partners so development is in the best interests of our people.
We have now endorsed our National Overseas Development Assistance Policy so that development assistance is aligned to our national priorities, are focused on positive results and ensure mutual accountability.
We, the Cook Islands, must lead our own development.
Internationally however we join with the United Nations to uphold our contribution to global development. In these times, there is only one answer: unity of purpose. -Prime Minister Hon Henry Puna

Graham warns public not to respond to scam
Mauke entrepreneur Hugh Graham is warning the public of a scam in which a scam artist has impersonated him (Graham) and is asking for friends and acquaintances to send money to him (the impersonator) in Spain.
The real Hugh Graham however, is not in Spain but China. He contacted the Herald on Thursday morning to confirm the scam.
The e-mail sent by the impostor says;
“Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 12:34 PM
Subject: Emergency
Sorry to bother you about this
I am presently in Spain and am facing some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet where my money and credit card were kept. Presently my passport and belongings have been seized by the hotel management pending when i settle my bills.
I need you to lend me 2,850 Euros to settle my hotel bills and get myself back home. I’ve been to the embassy and the Police but they haven’t been helpful;
I will reimburse the money as soon as i return. Please let me know if you can be of help ASAP. I am not available on phone So email is the only option. Please come to my rescue
Hugh”
Hugh told the Herald as follows;
“Unfortunately having arrived here in China, someone had managed to hack into my emails and used my email address.
I need your help, if possible just to let people know, who might have received the email that it wasn’t sent by me , although from my email address.
I understand that the CI Police and FIU have been advised... not sure what they can do.
I have advised my email internet provider as well.
Through you, I just want to apologize to all those that received the email. This is the first time that this has happened to me.” -Charles Pitt

Boxing on 17 November
Boxing’s next big fight night will be held at the Tupapa Youth Centre on Thursday 17 November.
The Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) decided on this date at their Executive meeting on Tuesday as it will not clash with the International Sevens and Vaka Eiva.
The monthly fight nights have proved very popular and have attracted boxers from Atiu and Aitutaki. One Cook Island boxer even came from Melbourne, Australia for the event.
The official weigh-in for the event will take place the day before, on the Wednesday. On Wednesday, CIABA also plans to conduct a workshop for boxing Referees and Judges and for anyone interested in taking part, more details will be released later.
At present, trainers from the various clubs on Rarotonga reported at the meeting that they have a total of 17 boxers in training so the big fight night should see some 8 bouts on the programme.
This boxing event is the first to be held since the South Pacific Games, where local boxer Eddie Daniel won a Bronze Medal, and will be a lead up to the Oceania Boxing Champs coming up next year. A boxer who wins Gold at Oceania will automatically qualify for the Olympic Games next year. -Charles Pitt

Letters to the Editor

Opposition to fish trap planned for Manihiki
Dear Editor,
We in the Northern Group do not need anyone to come and show us how to put in fish traps our ancestors did that and we have many fish traps made out of rocks in Manihiki-has Sam been to Manihiki? Come on Sam we do not want people in the world to think that Sam Crocombe has come up with the idea to create this in Manihiki . Many families in Manihiki have fish traps set in places they know where fish run in and out of the lagoon. Get real we don’t need your advice or outsiders it has and will always be part of our lifestyle for generations
Kia Manuia Toi Tu Rahui Tepapa Te Rautea Mairi David

Passport debacle
To the Editor,
It is quite interesting to read about POLOA a resident of the Cook Islands and an indigenous from the island of Penrhyn, how dare the immigration challenges of her right as a Cook Islander-so every time we as Cook Islanders who visit the Cook Islands have to provide birth Certificate, genealogies –so the Passport is not enough evidence –when it shows in the front page of the Passport of the place of birth? Your officers of immigration need to have a good training or a kick in the but – if they need to complain they need to address this matter at the office of immigration in Rarotonga and New Zealand who offer the Passport
Kia Manuia Toi Tu Rahui Tepapa Te Rautea

National Workshop on Energy Planning and Policy
Four staff of Te Aponga Uira are contributing to national efforts to develop a regional monitoring and evaluation framework for energy. This week, at a workshop on Energy Planning and Policy, the staff are helping to build a national database in conjunction with other stakeholders. The workshop is being coordinated by SPC and the Energy Division of the Prime Minister’s Office. The three days of discussions will focus on key indicators under topics like energy security; renewable energy; energy conversion; and regulatory policy and planning. The stakeholders include Internal Affairs, Energy Division, and petroleum interests in the private sector.
The regional approach is a 2010 vision (Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific) to provide an energy secure pacific where all people at all times have access to sufficient sustainable sources of clean and affordable energy and services – to enhance their social and economic well-being.
At the national level, Pacific countries are engaging in building the necessary databases from which key security indicators will help guide policy and planning for governments and energy sectors.

Cowboys Corner
Welcome to “Cowboys Corner”, last Saturday’s first round of Tournament 2 Club 7’s was a great opportunity for the local Clubs and the two participating teams to iron things out in time for International 7’s. Even the team admin group were ironing out the finer things as one slip-up on their part could result in the team being unprepared or worse...a team disqualification. In the admin group, the day’s program and a watch are the most used tools as everything is about time.
The International tournament will be played on the 3rd, 4th and 5th November which means next week is the big international hit-out. This Saturday is the last weekend of Club 7’s. Many teams including the Island Car & Bike Hire Cowboys are putting in the final touches before naming the final team.
The ICBH Cowboys have over the last 5 weeks trained 25 potential 7’s players and this weekend’s matches is the final showdown for players to show they have what it takes to enter the International 7’s tournament. Early next week the team admin will sit with coach Rob Heather Snr to select the final 12. In our next article we will name the 12 players that will represent the ICBH Cowboys proudly at the tournament.
The ICBH Cowboys have supporter t - shirts for sale at $30.00 each. To pick up a t-shirt, supporters can contact William Tuivaga on 75906 or Rob Heather on 55-404. All funds will go towards supporting the ICBH Cowboys at the International 7’s.
This week, matches will be played at the Avatiu field aka “the swamp”. So come on down and support your team as we prepare for the International 7’s tournament 2011. The draw for this weekend’s matches is in the matrix.
This week, we say a big thank you to Richard & Karyn Vinsen and the team at Island Car & Bike Hire for their continuous support of the Cowboys.

Government News this Week

Power Station Fault
Te Aponga Uira is continuing investigations into a power outage that occurred yesterday afternoon (26 October 2011), for approximately 30 minutes.
The outage was caused when one engine at the Power Station dropped out, shortly after 4pm.
The affected area of the power outage was from Ngatipa Store through to Avana Bridge – the east side.
The Power Station is maintained on the basis of operating a spin-off capacity, which compensates when an engine drops. This policy allows power to the consumer to remain stable and constant.
TAU is now focused on determining the full technical reasons to explain the outage so that there is complete accuracy in the findings and the appropriate remedial action is taken to address any shortcomings.
So far, the technicalities reveal that the fault is known to be mechanical, caused by a misalignment of a pressure controlled plunger (which directly drives the fuel rack lever).
Fuller details are not likely to be determined until at least tomorrow and TAU regrets the disruption of power to all its customers.
TAU Media Release

Government to meet with Air NZ
Prime Minister, Hon Henry Puna, Minister of Finance, Hon Mark Brown and Financial Secretary, Richard Neves will hold discussions with Air New Zealand executives in Auckland next week (1 November 2011).
The Cook Islands Government will meet with Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Rob Fyfe and Deputy Chief Executive, Norm Thompson to explore further opportunities for greater co-operation between the two partners.
He said the Government wished to reaffirm its commitment to working with Air New Zealand on a number of issues as the airline industry is crucial to our long term economic viability.
“I want to work closely with all the airlines to ensure we work as a partnership.
Of course the sheer volume of traffic which arrives at Rarotonga on an Air New Zealand plane explains why in particular, it is such a crucial partner in the long term economic vision of the Cook Islands”.

DPM attends Perth meeting
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon Tom Marsters, will represent the Cook Islands at the Commonwealth and Developing Small States Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held in Perth, Western Australia, this week. His participation in the Meeting is in response to a specific invitation from his Australian counterpart, Mr Kevin Rudd, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The objectives of the meeting are to identify: the challenges that developing small States are facing in the context of climate change and sustainable development; their priorities for addressing those challenges; and ways in which the Commonwealth and other States can advance those priorities in international fora.
The Meeting will take place immediately before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), also to be held in Perth. “Climate change and other sustainable development issues such as satisfying this country’s long-term energy requirements are of great importance to Government and by taking part in this meeting the Cook Islands will be able to influence the content of recommendations that will then be considered at CHOGM and acted upon in important international meetings to be held in the coming months,” observed the DPM. “For that reason, it is important that we be represented at the Meeting,” he said.
While in Perth, the DPM is also expected to have bilateral discussions with Minister Rudd and others on a range of other important issues, including arrangements for the 2012 Forum to be held in the Cook Islands.
Costs of the DPM’s participation in the Meeting are being met by the Australian Government.

Tetava reappointed Commissioner

The Prime Minister and Minister of Police, Hon Henry Puna today announced the reappointment of Mr. Maara Tetava as Commissioner of Police.
First appointed Commissioner in June 2009, Minister Puna said Mr. Tetava’s achievements had been exemplary including leading the restructuring of the Cook Islands Police Service; and implementing a work program of assistance with the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Aid which had seen the delivery of programs to improve and enhance the capability of the Cook Islands Police Service.
“He has a track record of commitment to up-skilling local police with officers’ undergoing specialist and tertiary training and work continuing on the new Policing Act and a Code of Conduct for the Cook Islands Police Service.”
Under the Commissioner’s leadership, the Cook Islands Police had also developed coordinated national responses to national emergencies - cyclones, tsunamis and search and rescue operations.
Minister Puna said Mr. Tetava’s close working relationship with the Police in New Zealand and Australia had resulted in funds to support the restructuring; and the gifting of vehicles, forensic equipment, computers, road safety signage, and uniforms as well as fully sponsored specialist, tertiary training and equipment.
“During his first tenure of appointment, New Zealand and Australia with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and other regional partners had committed to continue working on joint operations. A notable achievement has been the establishment of the Transnational Crime Unit.”
“I am sure that the people of the Cook Islands join with me in acknowledging Mr. Tetava for the remarkable success he has made of the job thus far and congratulating him on his reappointment as Commissioner of Police.”
Tetava Comments
Praise be to God for the wisdom and the opportunity.
I am indeed most humbled and honored by the confidence that the Prime Minister Hon. Henry Puna, Cabinet and government have shown by allowing me another opportunity to work with my team as we strive to keep our people, our visitors and our country safe.
I acknowledge the hard work and commitment shown by the men and women (sworn and non sworn) of the Cook Islands Police Service, government, community partners as well as overseas law enforcement partners, as any success that we have made is due to all of us working together committed on keeping our place and the Pacific safe.
My command team and I during this term will together with our partners focus on actively, building on crime prevention/awareness programs including programs to divert our youth away from crime, strengthening our relationships with our local and international partners, working on improving our laws (i.e. Policing Act, Crimes Act, Transport Act), implementing our code of conduct, building the capacity of our people through training programs and work attachments, improving our working conditions and remuneration and acquiring the necessary tools to ensure that we are always better equipped and prepared to enforce our laws and protect our people.
I acknowledge the support of people who have helped us and encourage those who intend to do so. No doubt we will continue to value and rely on that support. Our safety and the peacefulness of our nation rest with all of us. Adopting a “zero tolerance” attitude to crime is an absolute must.

Prince of Wales Athletics Day

On Tuesday primary schools throughout Rarotonga participated in the Prince of Wales athletics day held at the BCI stadium. The annual sports event, which consists of largely track and field events for primary school students, is hosted by a different participating school and this year saw Nikao Maori School newly appointed Principal Terangi Elika along with the assistance of her staff putting together this year’s athletics event.
With 10 schools across Rarotonga competing in the one day event Terangi Elika stresses that the importance of the day is about students participating and not focusing on the competitive nature of the sports code, “some schools will be going with trophies, and some schools won’t be going with trophies but the most important thing is for them to enjoy themselves and have fun.”
Help from other schools and the community is what she describes as determining the success of the event, “it’s hard work but without the help of everyone I’m sure what we’re seeing today won’t be like this,” Elika says. -Maria Tanner

Rugby World Cup
It was all tension and anxiety in the Ngatamariki household. My dad had already gapped it to Staircase to watch the grand final on the big screen at Staircase (lucky bloke) while me and my mum were stuck at home, watching the game on our awesome 20” inch flatscreen.lolz. I gathered all the junkfood we had inside our cupboard and dumped it on the bed. I made sure that I had a good view of the screen and that my mum wasn’t blocking the TV (She usually does when she’s in a buzz)
I was getting really impatient with all the hoo ha happening at Eden Park. I sang along with the New Zealand anthem with pride (even though I mucked up half of the lyrics. Pfft, like I cared) and when it came to the French, I kept my silence. Not that I’m against them or anything, it’s just that I had this feeling that they weren’t going to make it easy for the All Blacks. But who won in the end? That’s right, New Zealand. Despite all the odds (that disturbing score 7-8, really had everybody on the edge of their seats)
My mum was really scared when Piri Weepu missed that conversion, so she ran into my room until I called out to her that it was okay. What a wimp. But judging from the feedback I got on Monday, there were a few wimps who didn’t have enough faith in the mighty All Blacks. I knew they were gonna win from the start (I just didn’t predict that the score wouldn’t be that short) in my opinion, I reckon that score was good enough to win New Zealand the Rugby World Cup. Yaiya. I totally admired Richie Mc Caw for holding up that beautiful, shiny trophy. Sigh…
That very night, people all over the island began a celebration that would have put the Kiwis back in New Zealand to shame. All these people were going crazy, one group in particular, who screaming “GO ALL BLACKS!!” in their loudest voice (Nadia George, Michael Tangimetua, Reny Roi, Mami William. The usual suspects) and this crazy group even got offered a ride from this complete stranger, just because they were supporting the All Blacks out loud. lolz. Man, I should support the All Blacks more often.
When I made my return to Tereora College, everybody was buzzing out on that infamous rugby game between New Zealand and France. While I was on the bus, I saw this giant-as All Blacks flag on a teeny weeny truck. Go figure. My main topic on Facebook was All Blacks. Never before have I seen my notification thingy so filled up! I was amazed at the comments on my page. Well, I was one of those random people typing comments, trying to show my support for the All Blacks through my comments (even though it wouldn’t earn me a free ride) My last words to the All Blacks: YOU ROCK THE WORLD OF RUGBY!! -Norma Ngatamariki

Week 29: Nutritional Program
Kia Orana and welcome back to another week of updates on our journey to a ‘healthier us!’
Last week was another excruciating week for most of Team Determinators. As I mentioned last week, the M&B Challenge is over for most but for us it’s a continuing program as we lead up to the festive season.
As we move closer to the pile on the kilo’s season, our intense workouts has stepped up another notch since we’ve been doing the daily workouts with Nathan for 6-weeks now. It’s been an interesting 6-wks as we look at ourselves now compared to how we were when we first started. On Day 1, I struggled big time and I must admit publicly I was ‘puking’ after the first session, not ever in my life had I done a single full press-up (no knees) let alone 100, 6-weeks on, this has improved, I’m not super fit now but I can feel the difference. The team has seen a difference in Mack and I’s running speed, just last week alone I actually put an effort into my running and actually ran and didn’t do my slower than jog pace, so in terms of that I can finally say, I can run or I am actually running – well my pace compared to Luci, Alex, Harriet and Puru is still a jog but am get there!
I know I mentioned last we about bringing you some results of our weigh-in last week, I’ll now have to bring you this next week so we’re hoping we’ll have much better results seeming the exercising has stepped up AGAIN!
We’re now drinking more of the ‘fat burning tea’ in which we take about a half an hour before our work-outs, this helps boost our energy and of course ‘burn fat’ at the same time. A lot of people have now jumped on the NUTRITIONAL PROGRAM band-wagon which is great to see, the best thing about it is the much bigger ones, they’ve stopped us on the street, asked us more questions about the eating program itself and how the tea and shake has helped us – and the best best thing about it is that this weekly column is what’s encouraged them to finally make that trip up to Top Shape for the free consultation.
In the meantime, to all those who have chosen a new and healthier you, give yourself a pat on the back and hey, if we can do it so can you. For those on the program and would like to share some of your stories with us, feel free to contact us @ CITV or email me at tunein@radio.co.ck... Till them, keep up the good work people and remember to ‘smile like an FR’.

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