News in Brief

People confused by PM’s inaction says Sir Terepai
Sir Terepai Maoate says that he could not just sit back and do nothing when it came to trying to reduce the cost of fuel. In his statement that was aired on Radio CI today, Sir Terepai Maoate says the deal was supposed to have benefited the people of the Cook Islands unless alternative energy is readily available. He says that people will continue to become confused and unless the report on the mediation and audit is to be known publicly the public will continue to become confused. Sir Terepai Maoate added that the minority government in which he refers to is the Prime Minister and his 5-member cabinet took things under the helm and took the issue back to court and the result is loss in millions dollars more, which means extra money is spent in which the outcome is millions. He is calling on the Prime Minister to convene Parliament so money can be appropriated and also to call an early election so people can have their say at the polls. He also said that Parliament needs to be called to enable money to be allocated and appropriated to enable the outer islands to travel to Rarotonga for the Te Maeva Nui celebrations.
Regional meeting for Guides
The Cook Islands Girl guides association will be hosting a Regional meeting from Thursday 20th May, to May the 22nd. Parties from countries across the region including Fiji, Kiribati, and the Solomons are expected to arrive this evening for the event. The official opening ceremony will be held this Wednesday the19th of May at 5:30pm, with an official closing ceremony to take place this Saturday the 22nd of May, at 5:30pm.
A bluie over Hughie
Mangere councillor Hugh Graham’s been asked by Auckland Mayor Len Brown to return from overseas and explain his lengthy absences and his living arrangements at a council-owned property in Kirkbride Rd. Anger and consternation is growing among Manukau city politicians and Mangere residents over ward councilor Hugh Graham’s lengthy absences overseas. Mayor Len Brown has sent a blunt “come home and finish your term” message to the first-time councilor who’s understood to be in Mauke campaigning for a seat in parliament and is expected to return on Monday for next weeks monthly council meeting. Brown says he’s passed him a message that its essential for him to return and that in Auckland he’s a councilor and should be carrying out his role as representative for Mangere until the end of the council term. Mr Brown has also asked Mangere council staff to look into a complaint about Mr Graham and his partner living at a council-owned property in Mangere leased by a Cook Islands trust linked to the councilor in which the mayor has only realized. Graham had spoke to CI Herald some months back and indicated that his job was done. According to Stuff NZ online, Mr Graham’s intentions to abandon Mangere under the new Auckland Council for a political career in the Cook Islands have been reported in the Rarotonga media since April last year. Between September and October last year, the Democratic Party announced Graham as being the candidate for Mauke where he’s been residing for sometime. The Auckland Mayor is asking for Graham to resign if he can’t attend meetings and be available for his constituents.
Demos name woman for Manihiki
Rangi Mitaera has been elected as the first woman candidate for the Democratic Party in Manihiki. Democratic Party President Makiuti Tongia said, the party is happy with the choice of the people because Rangi is a community person and a pearl farmer with her husband Mataio.
Fundraiser for mental health
Radio Cook Islands will be holding a radiothon for Te Kainga Mental Health starting from 1.30pm. An hour before this, Te Kainga will be holding a talkshow before the major event starts. For pledges, call Radio Cook Islands from 1.30pm on phones 20100.
Oldies and Papa’a to dance off
The Golden Oldies and Papaa section for this year’s dancer f the year competition will be held tomorrow night at the Hideaway Bar at 8:30pm. Tickets for the final showcase of this year’s junior, intermediate and senior sections will be on sale on the night. As the event is sponsored by the Hideaway bar and Bergman and Sons, entry fees on the night will be free of charge. Those interested in taking part in the event can do so by contacting the Ministry of Cultural Development on phone 20725.
Take responsibility says Sir Terepai
The Former Deputy Prime Minister and Former Minister of Finance Sit Terepai Maoate says that the government of today which consists of the Prime Minister, and the five cabinet ministers should take full responsibility of the millions of dollars lost in the Toa Petroleum settlement. In a pre-recorded statement that was aired on Radio CI, Sir Terepai who is understood to be standing as a candidate for the Democratic Party in the upcoming elections says that the agreement was made between the government of the Cook Islands and Toa Petroleum to help reduce the cost of fuel. However, according to an exclusive interview Radio CI had earlier this year with the now Minister of Finance Wilkie Rasmussen, the minister says that the agreement was not with the government of the Cook Islands only between Sir Terepai Maoate, the former Financial Secretary Sholan Ivaiti and the Toa negotiators.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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