News in Brief

Sir Terepai calls on PM to resign
Leader of the Democratic Party, Sir Terepai Maoate is claiming that the current government governing the country is in fact a caretaker government and is limited to its duties. Today on Radio CI, the former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate claims that not only is the current government a caretaker government but also they cannot make decisions or conduct anything within their own constituency. He also announced that the PM call parliament so money can be appropriated for the recovery work in Aitutaki which he says people are still living in halls, he also announced that the PM then resign from parliament and call an early election. Radio CI sought advice and was told that the government which consists of the Prime Minister, Jim Marurai, DPM Robert Wigmore, and Ministers, Smiley Heather, Apii Piho and Cassey Eggelton is constitutionally empowered to keep governing the country and the Constitution of the Cook Islands is being upheld and its business as usual by the 6- ministers.
Netball starts
The start of the netball season begins tomorrow with the Open grades. This season will only see four of the six clubs partake in the competition due to two teams boycotting the season which is being held at the Telecom Sports Arena. Tomorrows games start at 4.30pm between Titikaveka vs Avatiu on Court 1 in the Open 2 division and court 2 between Takuvaine and Ngatangiia/Matavera followed by the Open 1 grade. On Saturday will see the U10 to Premier grades take to the court from 12noon with the main premier games being played at 4.45pm.
Energy audit training
The National Environment Service and Andersons will be conducting training for home owners on how to do basic energy audit of their homes. The main objective of the training is for people to reduce energy wastage and increase energy efficiency. It’s about knowing where each household is using most of its energy in terms of electricity and where they can try and reduce such wastage and reduce the amount of money unnecessarily spent on energy bills. The Second National Communications (SNC)
project sees this as an opportunity to educate the public about the causes of climate change and reduce the consumption of fossil fuel in power generation and therefore reduce GHG emission. This is the first time home owners will be taught the basics of energy auditing and this involves reading your monthly power bill, learning what can be done to become efficient in the use of energy.
Water project on track
A sustainable water project on Mauke is on track for all major construction to be completed mid-year. Groundwater pumped from bores into tanks using diesel powered generators has been the main source of water on the island for decades, but solar energy powered pumps are now to be used instead. Ngateina Rani from the Cook Islands Infrastructure Division says it will greatly benefit to the people living there and the project’s actually gone past the halfway mark and probably around the three quarter way, with the construction around the pipelines, pump stations and the tanks.
Rugby for women to start
The CI Rugby Union will this year include a preseason tournament for womens rugby into this years competition calendar. Womens Rugby Organizer, Lara Sadaraka says, starting this Monday and every Monday, coaching sessions will be held at the BCI Stadium, and is open to girls and women interested in taking up the game and boosting their confidence. The trainings which start at 5pm, with the rugby season starting in June. To those who would like to know more or have any inquiries, to contact Lara Sadarka on mobile 55714.
Auditions begin
The Ministry of Cultural Development will be holding an audition on Friday for the junior section of the Dancers of the Year competition. Culture’s Mauri Toa says, it was decided that auditions be held instead of the eliminations. The junior auditions held first followed by the Intermediate on Friday and seniors next Friday. The national competition is set for Thursday 27th May and will consist of the best of the best dancers in the country
League quarter finals
This Saturday will see the first of the top four teams take to the BCI Stadium in the quarter finals of the rugby league season. Tomorrow will see the game between the Ngatangiia/Matavera and Arorangi Bears in the premier grade and Saturday the main match between the Avatiu/Nikao take on the Tupapa Panthers. This weekends games is expected to be one to watch.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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