News in Brief

All Black is guest speaker
Former All Black, Josh Kronfeld is the guest speaker to this years Sports Awards to be held in May. Kronfeld represented Otago and Leicester at first class level and played 56 games for the NZ all Blacks and gained 54 test caps including appearances at both the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups. The sports awards will be held on Tuesday 25th May and is hosted by Vaka Puaikura at the Aroa Nui Hall.
Youth group fund raiser
The Titikaveka Youth will be selling plates of food on Saturday in aid of improving and reviving the youth group within the village. According to Youth representative, Luciana Matenga, the selling of food will start at 9am and will run through to midday. The menu is bbq and maroro tunu tunu and pre-orders and delivery will be taken, by phoning Luci on 58 488. Food will be sold from the Titikaveka Sunday School grounds.
Special fare to Aitutaki
Air New Zealand has come on board to assist with Aitutaki recovery after Cyclone Pat. CI Tourism Manager for the Auckland Office Chris Ingram approached the airline last month for support to help increase tourist numbers to the island after visitor numbers dropped heavily after cyclone Pat and was felt deeply across the island and hotels. For sales from the 21 – 29th March, if people book a holiday to Rarotonga, they will be able to purchase a flight to Aitutaki for $1. Fyfe says that even though the offer sounds insane it is true and is understood to be good news to the people of Aitutaki. Ingram says that the financial impact of tourists not travelling to Aitutaki is of immediate concern. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Fyfe says he feels immensely for the people of Aitutaki and offered to get behind the campaign to start next week.
Oceania awarded scholarship to Youth Olympics
The Oceania region has been awarded with one scholarship to Singapore and is part of the Singapore Youth Olympics. Chef De Mission to the Singapore Youth Olympics, George Hosking said, in total five scholarships has been awarded to each of the continents, and the Cook Islands will fall under the Oceania region. Those athletes who fall under the criteria in the Cook Islands, their names will be submitted to Singapore. The 4-year scholarship is for athletes aged between 13-15 years and can study and train in their chosen sport. The Youth Olympics will be held from the 14 – 26th August and so far, aquatic and sailing has been given the approval to represent the country and is now waiting on word on whether athletics and weightlifting will also take part.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009