Welcome to the Cook Islands Herald

CI Times Weekly | Current Issue 262 | 04 August 2008

The power of positive thinking

Would you believe a Welder with an Engineering company becoming an inspirational thinker with a deep desire to motivate people out of the negativity restraining their development?
Cook Islander Tamaiva Tamaiva Tou is such a person. Recognising the potential in each individual for unlimited development if they could only shed the chains of negative thoughts and behaviour holding them down, he has written a book containing his message of positive steps people can take to improve their lives, become better, more productive employees and fulfill their dreams and aspirations. Tou was especially concerned about helping “Mums and Dads” working in big companies. They commit their lives to create the wealth for others and need a helping hand themselves.
Tou arrived in Rarotonga this week from Brisbane where he and his wife Cook Islander Nani and six children are based, to promote his book and the Times spoke with him on Wednesday.
Tou’s book, “Spark your wallet”- “A Welder’s success story to riches” is all about self development and his aim is to take his approach further and run seminars in large companies and also schools.
Although Tou had thought about putting his ideas, garnered over the years he spent under the helmet as a Mig Welder, down in writing it was only in August 2007 that he became motivated to write a book which Tou says is essentially about what Welders think about while working.
The book, his first, was printed in Australia in March 2008 by Life Success Publishing. This first edition, a paper back of 190 pages, has a print run of 3,000 copies. The book is retailing in Australia at A$34.95. Tou says it will retail in the Cook Islands at NZ$34.95. The book was launched in Brisbane just before he came to Rarotonga and on Saturday he plans to launch it at the Punanga Nui Market.
The book contains 10 chapters on subjects ranging from – “Finding your purpose in life, Self image, Goal setting, Choices and Attitude” to “Tips for a safe workplace” and a “Safety Inspection Check List.”
Tou believes the message in his book will help ordinary people like the “Mums and Dads” to alter their negative thought patterns. Even if there is a 10% change, it would be enough to help them lead more productive lives and be a benefit to their employers as well.
Tou said he is keen to get his message across to young children, to get them thinking positively for the betterment of future society and to become a future asset to the nation.
Tamaiva T. Tou is the grandson of the late Viri Tou Ariki of Mitiaro and the nephew of Travel Tou Ariki. He was educated at St Joseph’s School and Tereora College then in 1982 attended Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland for a year before doing a Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship. Tou said he had wanted to be a Carpenter since he was 12 years old. However, he eventually became employed as an Assistant Engineer working as a Mig Welder.
In 1992 he returned to Rarotonga for a short period for family reasons. In 2004 he went to Australia and is now based in Brisbane along with his wife Nani and six children. He has since also taken up Network Marketing and Property Investment. His wife is the daughter of Harry and Moe Tepaki. She and five of the children are with Tou on this visit.

Headlines : Times 262 04 August 2008
-Approvals by Environment Authority may be illegal
- Rosie – CISNOC’S new Secretary General
- The PDL takeover - what can we expect?
- Research Association to hold second Conference
- The power of positive thinking