Landowner: HQ for Police only

The Deputy Prime Minister’s push to squeeze extra people into the Police headquarters got a slap in the face from the landowner, Joseph Vakatini Ariki.
In his message at the opening it was made clear Vakatini Ariki agreed for the project to go ahead as it was for the Police Headquarters only. It was also agreed to honour members of the Vakatini family who served in the Police Force.
At the opening he asked the Government to remember this.
Meanwhile, the whole issue to move extra Government agencies into the Police Headquarters may have been a waste of funds and time.
A press statement from the Office of the Prime Minister clarifies it is a non-issue.
An information paper was presented to Cabinet this past week with the committee’s report attached. The information paper contained the committee’s recommendations in the preamble section. The paper did not seek Cabinet’s approval on any decision.
In such cases Cabinet receives and notes the paper or report. Cabinet didn’t approve the information paper.
Radio Cook Islands understands neither Cabinet nor the Minister of Police, Jim Marurai, commissioned the committee or the report.
The committee was acting upon instruction from the Deputy Prime Minister.
There were five members on the committee. Chairman was Brian Mason, and members Mike Mitchell, Tarita Hutchinson, Paul Allsworth and Mac Mokoroa. Two members of the committee were paid as both worked in the private sector.
It’s understood that the Emergency Management Cook Islands will remain at its current location at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Headlines : Times 194 02 April 2007
- Medical school hits back
- Drum maker in demand
- Woman’s mayoral hopes dashed
- Cooks Tourism named for world travel award
- YOU SAY: Be warned about board sackings
- WE SAY: Anti Media Bill in April?
- Landowner: HQ for Police only
- Idle Te Kukupa was put at risk
- Tough routine for Oceania hopefuls

Headlines : Times 193 26 Mar 2007
- Spanish fleet threatens our fishing
- Red Cross meeting will feature HIV, AIDS, STIs
- Area’s not for huts: Minister
- Achievement gets official recognition
- GOOD SIGNS: Road markings show Police Review action
- Training squad chosen for Oceania
- Tony Iro gets coaching job.
- Watch research, warns Sir Tom
- Lagoon Petero’s training ground