Rarotonga witnesses give Vaipae evidence
By Charles Pitt,
Political Editor

Justice Tom Weston heard evidence from several witnesses in Cook Islands Party’s petition against the outcome of the 26th September general election for the Vaipae-Tautu seat in Aitutaki.
It came in court on Friday afternoon, with the session beginning early due to the previous hearings ending earlier than expected.
Chief Justice David Williams is to hear the case in Aitutaki next Tuesday. Justice Weston acted as Commissioner in hearing Rarotonga-based witnesses called by Norman George, counsel for the Cook Islands Party (CIP).
George admitted to not informing counsel for the Democratic Party, Mike Mitchell, of the early start. George made a frantic call to Mitchell on a borrowed cell phone and a short time later a puffing Mitchell appeared.
BRIBERY
CIP’s unsuccessful candidate, George Pitt, has lodged a petition against the Demos’ Kete Ioane, alleging bribery.
First in the witness box was Anthony Brown, chief executive to Ioane, Minister for Environment. He was questioned about the employment status of Eva Fairbrass in the Minister’s office.
At first Brown denied knowledge of Eva Fairbrass until George pointed out Brown knew her by her full name. According to Brown, Fairbrass was away in Tahiti visiting a sick aunt. This explanation came as something of a surprise to George.
Next up was Democratic Party President Makiuti Tongia. He confirmed Ioane was the Demo candidate for Vaipae-Tautu and a member of the government.
“No further questions!” said George, leaving the public gallery scratching their heads as to this line of questioning.
NEWS
Cook Islands Television news director Nanette Woonton was up next to explain her role in putting news footage together for TV news.
The news item of Ioane’s swearing in as a Minister and an interview with the Prime Minister had been placed on a CD. George, by consent with Ioane’s counsel Mitchell, will present the CD as evidence when the court sits in Aitutaki.
A copy of the Cook Islands News for 27 July which featured an interview with the Prime Minister about Ioane’s appointment as a minister, was also entered as evidence.
FILM
The final witness was Vincent Peters. Cook Islands TV cameraman, who confirmed he had filmed the swearing in of Ioane as a Minister and also the interview with the Prime Minister following that ceremony.
Mitchell raised a few eyebrows when he asked Peters how he managed to film and interview at the same time.
Peters explained he set the camera on a tri-pod, focused it on the subject then stood to one side and interviewed the subject. Mitchell then sat down seemingly satisfied with that explanation.

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