News Briefs

Reflections What made news this week...

Belgium Ambassador to the Cook Islands, Patrick Renault, is an impressive fellow - in te reo maori! His Excellency launched into a passage of local language during his speech today at Government House. The occasion was Renault’s ceremonial Presentation of Credentials to the Queen’s Representative. He’s been here for several days enjoying the weather and local hospitality, with his wife. Renault is based in Canberra so you can imagine how appreciative he is to be here in paradise.

On Thursday the Ministry of Internal Affairs held a dialogue on ‘violence against women today’, as part of the universal prep work essential for the accomplishment of a national policy on Gender. The national policy was adopted recently and the time has come to look at how to put things into practice. To help, the department’s Gender Division has received the services of a visiting policy expert from SPC.

Rarotonga’s water woes are continuing (c’mon Adrian do a rain dance). Many residents around the island are feeling the affects of no water. In isolated pockets, people are traveling to other homes and sites (like the beach at the Social Centre) for showers. Water Division Chief Adrian Teotahi says the Northern and Eastern side are the worst with the Avatiu intake at only 17% of the average pressure level. Another five catchments are hovering at around 30%. Only one - Avana - is at 50%. Intermittent rain showers are providing occasional relief.

Good news on the weather front - at least as far as Cyclone Season is concerned. Met Office boss Arona Ngari told us today that the outlook is positive in terms of our level of vulnerability. Arona says we expect to experience a weakened La Nina effect, which means the chances of encountering a cyclone are minimal. It’s not so good news for the Western Pacific though. There is a high risk of cyclones in the region between Fiji and North-east off Australia. Sounds like more dry weather, to us which is probably better than running into a cyclone. Arona says the expectation level is possibly 2 cyclones.

Three overseas Girl Guides are in town. Two of the young women are from Christchurch (Liz Davies and Heidi Moeller) and one (Fiona Miller - left) from Tasmania. The trio is representing the GOLD Project - Guiding Overseas Link with Development. This project links Australia and New Zealand with the Cook Islands, and the girls are happy to be here to share and enjoy the local environment.

Te Aponga Uira linemen were up the Avatiu Valley this week conducting LIVE cable upgrade work on a transformer. The TAU Network boys are now so skilled at this type of upgrade that LIVE wire maintenance is now the ‘standard operating procedure’. Although there is a high degree of danger involved, TAU conducts LIVE cable work so as not to shut down power and inconvenience people. Good job Network team.

Atiu Mayor Taoro (George) Brown has apparently (unconfirmed report so far) been picked to be the Coordinator of Patient Referrals for the Ministry of Health, in Auckland - working out of the Cook Islands Consulate Office in Symonds Street. That role used to be performed by Danny Turia, who was responsible for meeting referred patients and arranging appointments for treatments. There were nine applicants. Five were interviewed. Brown topped the short list of three which included Turia.

Formerly at the Financial Intelligence Unit, Edward Herman has been appointed Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He will develop policies and procedures and act on complaints as well as beef up the Division which has suffered from resource restraints in recent years.

New Consumer Commissioner appointed
Ministry of Internal Affairs Secretary Bredina Drollet has appointed Edward Terei Tamarua Herman as the new Consumer Commissioner on a twelve month contract.
The Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs manages issues relating to consumer protection and rights and monitors competition in the economy.
In the new role Mr Herman will act as a public watchdog with responsibility for promoting the rights of consumers when buying goods and services including monitoring laws and practices affecting consumers, price control, product safety, and also promoting good business practice.
Announcing his appointment, Bredina Drollet said Mr Herman possessed the requisite skills and expertise required of the Commerce Commissioner and had the demonstrated motivation, judgment and responsiveness necessary to deliver results and fulfill the role.
Raised and educated in Rarotonga, Mr Herman completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Auckland University and in 2005 returned to the Cook Islands teaching commerce subjects at Tereora High School.
He then spent two years working at the Audit Office - an experience he describes as being valuable to expanding his knowledge and understanding of government processes and operations.
This was followed by three years as Senior Compliance Officer at the Cook Islands Finance Intelligence Unit in charge of work related to combating money laundering.
He joined the Ministry of Internal Affairs in March this year assuming the role of Senior Consumer Officer.
Mr Herman said he was both honoured and humbled by his appointment.
“This is a significant position and though there is a lot of work ahead, I look forward to the challenges associated with being the Consumer Commissioner. In particular, I welcome the opportunity to promote the consumer rights of all Cook Islanders whilst also building positive relationships with the private sector.”
As Consumer Commissioner Mr Herman will have one officer working with him in Rarotonga and a part time officer working in Aitutaki.

Wrap up of fundraising for Andrew Iroa
Early Friday morning the Times spoke to Chris Manu, President of the Tupapa Maraerenga Rugby League of the accumulated funds that were raised for Andrew Iroa by three of the Tupapa Sport codes and also families and friends.
Manu who was also representing Massey Mateariki, President of the Tupapa Maraerenga Rugby and John Wilson, President of the Tupapa Maraerenga Soccer club wanted to thank everyone who helped fundraise for Andrew’s medical needs when he travels to New Zealand on Monday the 24th of October.
“This is a momentous movement of the joining of the three codes, which we have done so because we feel that Andrew, not only being a son of the village, but also being a son of the Tupapa Maraerenga Sport clubs.”
The total amount raised by the three codes amounted to $ 3, 265.90 which will be presented to Andrew and his family before they leave for New Zealand.

Music workshop for local musicians
On Saturday 29 October, local musicians of any age or ability will have an incredible opportunity to participate in a dialogue with established and experienced New Zealand musicians. Motone Productions has taken advantage of the fact that a strong group of musicians are in Rarotonga for the upcoming gig, ‘Divas in Paradise’, and will run a workshop at Are Karioi, Club Raro, the day after the gig itself. Maurice Newport of Motone Productions said the workshops provide an environment for local musicians to “come in and hear these guys talk about their journey and their experience as musicians.” He expects that the musicians playing with both Bella Kalolo and Ladi6 will participate, bringing their experience as musicians who have recorded and toured extensively. Brent Park (aka Parks), who plays with Ladi6, will participate to give more information on the technology-based ‘instruments’ he uses to create music. “They’ll come as individuals, but also do stuff as a band and basically talk about the dynamics in a band, playing music, how it works, listening, looking, how it feels and also answering questions on technique or giving advice on technique.” Newport also hoped the participants could gain insight into what it takes to pursue music professionally and the dedication and focus needed for a career in music. He hoped that youth who are passionate about music might participate, since the opportunity to see and hear live musicians of a high calibre would help to increase their own skill level as musicians, as well as opening up awareness of what exists musically. “Also the older musician – they’ll pick up something as well. They’ll come out of the woodwork – I hope they do, because I think we’ll all learn something.” The workshop will start at 1pm and will cost $10 for each participant. -Ngariki Ngatae

Saint Josephs Rocks a New Haka

Go Blacks Go! Saint Josephs School years 4, 5 and 6 students have been preparing all week for this Saturdays NZ All Blacks versus France match. Practicing their interpretation of the haka they invited the Cook Islands Times down to get a sneek peek at their performance.The young All Black supporters, wanting to keep some element of surprise to their routine decided not to reveal their dress up gears just yet until the actual performance this Saturday evening. The Saint Josephs boys hopeful of winning the haka competition, along with participating students from other schools will be fully kitted out and just as animated to present their performance at the auditorium 5.30pm this Saturday. - Maria Tanner

Jakes new CD release

On Friday Dr Losacker and Jake Numanga held a little ceremony with family and friends to celebrate the release of his third CD production through Dr Losacker’s studio.
The CD named Love Songs Live will be released to outlets around Rarotonga starting next week but is on sale right now down at Dr Losacker’s home in Arorangi.
“ A lot of tourists come here and they say to Jake that they like his music so much that they want to take him home with them, but since Jake has to stay in the Cook Islands with us, people can now take home CD’s of Jake’s songs,” said Dr Losacker.
Jake Numanga’s 3rd CD release with Dr Losacker will also be on sale for $15 at the Aroa Beach Side Inn where Jake performs. -Tiare Ponini

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