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In this issue:

 

·         NEVAT Participants return to NZ : Colin Tukuitonga in Niue : Prodigal Daughter on holiday : Niue Health to Build Database : Tahitians to fish in Niue : Perth Niuean Community’s gifts for the Power House : Information from the Niue Pacific Plan Desk : Bird flu/Avian flu Pandemic : Preparedness Workshop : Niue Receiving NZ Media Attention : Niue High School Open Day :

 

From the Premier’s Office

 

 














 

A fresh coconut break at Vaipapahi for Minister Motufoou, HE Dato Sopian Ahmad and Premier Vivian

I am pleased to announce that we are certain to be hosting the 2007 Pacific Islands Forum next year. As you know this is one of the most important events in our Calendar and we have to be ready to receive the leaders from our Forum partners to showcase our nation and our living communities. I will keep you informed through the Niue Ki Mua from time to time or when something important comes up.

I am pleased to see our High Commissioner back ‘in the warm’ for a much needed break. HE Sisilia Talagi has been doing a lot of work in Wellington and I have thanked her on our behalf. More to follow…

 

Dr Colin Tukuitonga has also been here for a week keeping an eye out in what has been happening with our Niue Foou hospital. I am always happy to receive our people who return regularly to check on our progress.

 

I had the pleasure of addressing our Niue High School Students this week during their Open Day. I congratulated them and their teachers in the way that they have maintained academic standards which I am told are better than most of our Pacific neighbours, and including South Auckland schools in New Zealand. The key I told them are three-fold – patriotism: being proud of who they are and in their island, two, to develop healthy body and mind regimes, and three, that whatever they learn for themselves are to be appropriate for their future.

 

We are moving ahead in our economic development projects: the Tahitians are coming with five fishing boats to help fish our EEZ. An increased number of boats will mean up to 40 jobs in the Niue Fish processing, which has to be good in terms of employment for the local people.

 

My thanks to the Government of Malaysia that is willing to assist with training programmes for our various areas in the public services. We will need to work out the specifics for our needs.

 

 

Malaysian Ambassador Visits Niue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malaysian Ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Dato Sopian AHMAD, is currently on tour visiting Niue with members of his family and Second Secretary Mr Mustapha Dzulkefly. 

“The Government of Malaysia would like to e able to do more for under developed countries, particularly in terms of Training,” Ambassador Dato Sopian Ahmad told Premier Vivian when he called into Falefono to present his credentials. “We are thinking of expanding our programmes and focus primarily on Education and manpower training in Malaysia.”

Premier Vivian replied by welcoming the Ambassador to Niue. “I also welcome the initiatives from your Government especially in short and long term training programmes that will benefit our people and our country.”

 

The Premier and the Ambassador went further to discuss other projects, particularly high value agricultural products such as growing mushrooms inside coconut husks and keeping them inside caves where there is warmth, moisture and darkness.


Offers of scholarships to appropriate Universities or other Tertiary Institutions in Malaysia were made by the Ambassador but Niue will need to submit proposals in writing as soon as possible. “Malaysia is a young country and is well equipped to move in concert with the needs of the 21st century,” said Ambassador Dato Sopian Ahmad, “because more and more people are coming to Malaysia. At present there are about 43,000 foreign students studying in my country.”

 

The Premier and Hon Minister Bill Motufoou accompanied the Ambassador and his group on a northern tour of the island on Tuesday afternoon visiting the Niue Young Farmers’ projects and Vaipapahi Farm. A similar tour of the vanilla and nonu farms was planned for later during the week.

 

Malaysia, which gained its Independence in 1957, is a Constitutional Monarchy with a population of 24.4 million. It is a young country [with a population growth rate of 1.78%] Malaysia regards education as one of its most important national goals, [boasting a literacy rate of 88.7%] and rich in natural resources such as timber, copper, petrol, iron, tin, natural gas and bauxite.

 

The Ambassador and his family are spending a week here on Niue and they will want to see more of our country before they return to New Zealand on Friday morning.  
     

NEVAT Participants complete three months of their Niue Experience

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Saying thank you to NEVAT participants [from left] Hon Va’aiga Tukuitonga, Talava, Premier Vivian, Yannik and Ms Moira Enetama [Manager of Taoga Niue.

Saying thank you to NEVAT participants                        Mrs Birtha Lisimoni-Tongahai with her two charges, Talava and Yannik
[from left] Hon Va’aiga Tukuitonga, Talava,
Ms Talava Tuhipa-Turner and Yannik Feilo returned to their respective homes in New Zealand last Friday after spending three months in Niue under the NEVAT [Niue Experience Vaka Atu Toa] programme, a brainchild of Mrs Birtha Lisimoni-Tongahai that simply challenged Niueans living abroad to “Experience Niue first hand because you might like it enough to return here and live.” As they say in the movies, ‘we came, we saw and we were conquered.’ The pair loved Niue so much that they had second thoughts about returning to New Zealand, but for now they will be living advertisements for Niue having been here, and what more cane we ask?

Ms Tuhipa-Turner being more mature with a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning from Auckland University had more to offer Niue during her short stay. Niue Ki Mua and its Publisher have benefited greatly from her contributions while attached to the Public Relations Office and her absence is already felt. Having a spare set of hands and eyes to edit articles before publishing was much appreciated and the PR Officer even got to learn a few more technical skills to add interest to his work.

 

Ms Tuhipa-Turner was more fortunate than young Yannik Feilo at first. “My mother had prepared me well for what I was to expect and what to contribute positively while I was here,” she confided. “I was fortunate too that my family and friends have been very supportive, morally and financially, factors that would have made it extremely difficult since in reality I was practically ‘unemployed’ for three months, but the experience was worth it and I thank NEVAT for this wonderful, once in a lifetime, opportunity.”

 

Mrs Lisimoni-Tongahai was rapt with the way her charges responded. “Yannik had a hard time settling in at first, even to the point taking the next plane out but as he began to make new friends at Niue High School he enjoyed himself immensely. I was fortunate with Talava though because without her financial contributions to my house budget things would have been difficult, but I am glad that they enjoyed their Niue experience.” 

Mrs Lisimoni-Tongahai was housemother, tutor and minder for Talava and Yannik absorbing the costs of looking after both without financial assistance despite official recognition of the long term impact and vision of NEVAT in challenging Niueans Abroad to be more supportive of their homeland.

In a farewell lunch by Premier Vivian and Minister for Taoga Niue, Hon Va’aiga Tukuitonga, Talava and Yannik both admitted to their expectations being overwhelmed by their feelings towards their ancestral homeland. “We will certainly be dined out on our Niue experience and we are both going to be living advertisements for our country. It has been an amazing experience and we have both matured in more ways than one just by being here.” Yannik agreed that indeed he had ‘grown up a lot,’ more composed and confident to make lots of new friends and met members of his family he didn’t even know existed.

 

Whatever they have learnt and remembered only Talava and Yannik will know for sure. That their experiences have been worthwhile will be something they will treasure for the rest of their lives. Both wished through Niue Ki Mua to express their thanks and gratitude to: Taoga Niue for sponsoring their air fares; their families and friends in Niue and in New Zealand for looking after them while they were here, and especially to housemother Mrs Lisimoni-Tongahai for her love and care and her unfailing support for NEVAT.  

From Falefono

Minister and Staff Movements:

 

Premier Vivian and all the Ministers are back on island.

Justin Kamupala [Deputy SOG] will be away for the next week in Australia.

Travelling on Government Business:

 

Approved Travel

 

           

1.       Pacific Power Association Annual Conference 24-28 July

2.       Pacific Power Association Engineering Workshop 24-28 July

3.       Demand Side Management Workshop 31 July-2 August

4.       REP-5 Steering Committee Meeting, 31 Jylu-1 August 

·         The 3rd Stop TB Meeting in the Pacific Islands from 29 July-4 August in Noumea will be attended by Dr Karaponi Okesene-Gafa Director of Health]. Fully funded by SPC

·         The TB and HIV Meeting in Noumea from 3-5 August will be attended by Mr Manila Nosa [Chief Public Health Officer] also fully funded by SPC. 

·         Mr Pokau Sionetama [Collector of Customs and Taxation] will be attending the 3rd Pacific Islands Tax\Administrators’ Association Annual Conference in Rarotonga from 8-10 August. Fully funded by PFTAC [Pacific Technical Assistance Centre] 

·         For Mr Sioneheke Leolahi to attend the Final and Sharing Workshop of his experiences after the conclusion of the International Waters Programme. Fully funded by SPREP 

·         Cabinet has endorse Mr Ernest Nemaia’s travel for the validation of Niue’s Third National Report to the UNCCD, from 28 July to 4 August to be held in Niue.Hon Bill Motufoou and Mr Ernest Nemaia will represent Niue at the 7th Asia and Pacific Focal Point Meeting in Preparation of the 5th Session of the Committee for the Implementation of the Convention [CRIC 5] to be held in Thailand from 7-11 August. Fully funded by the Secretariat of UNCCD.  

·         For Mr Paotonga Kamutoa of the Civil Aviation Division to attend a Road Traffic Accident course in Malaysia from 10-22 July.  

 

Travel REPORTS [received and noted] 

·         From Hon Motufoou and Mr Ernest Nemaia regarding the Pacific Regional and Sustainable Land Management Project they attended from 26-29 June. [Submitted 06/06/07] 

·         From Sinahemana Hekau on the Development of a Regional Approach to the Management of Intellectual Property for the Pacific Island Countries Workshop in Suva, and a second report on the Pacific Financial Intelligence Units Workshop in Sydney, in June. 

·          From Mr Tom Misikea and Rodney Alec on the Animal Genetics resource Workshop held in Fiji on 25-26 May. 

·         From the DAFF Minister’s Office [no author] a Report of the Regional Meeting for the 5th Pacific Plant Protection Organisation and the 13th National Technical Meeting for Plant Protection that was held in Nadi, from 5-9 June. 

·         Also from the DAFF Minister’s Office [no author] a Report on the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, from 3-7 April. Cabinet noted that this report is well overdue. 

·         Cabinet has endorsed, adopted and approved the July, 2007 Draft National Biosafety Framework from the Niue National Framework Committee.

 Meetings:

Cabinet Meeting [06-17 July 2006]

 

HE Mrs Sisilia Talagi, Niue’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, was welcomed briefly to Niue. HE Talagi and her family are home for a two week break from the cold New Zealand winter. Premier Vivian thanked the High Commissioner for all the work that she had done in her first year in Wellington. [see separate article below] 

Endorsed or Approved. 

·         Government subsidy Makefu’s Church building fund, financial assistance provided under the Community Affairs budget.  

·         The plan to establish a Government Office for the Statistician. 

·         Amendments to allow for adjustments in changes in the following Bills to be tabled at the next Assembly Meeting: 

1.       The Statistics Bill 2006

2.       The Minor Amendment N0 2 Bill 2006

3.       The Civil Aviation Amendment Bill

4.       The Environment Amendment Act

5.       The Bio-safety Regulations  

·               An application from Mr Devinder Gill to open an Indian Restaurant in Niue. Mr Gill’s application which falls in line with Niue’s foreign investment Policy includes further interests in the Nonu and other agricultural products.  

·               A notification from Reef Shipping Ltd to increase its freight charges is noted and endorsed by Cabinet. Recent increase in fuel costs and foreign exchange rates are the reasons for the increases. 

·               Tamakautoga Village Councils Government Grants for the 1005-2006 year, request approved with attached Annual Report. 

·               Approved Community Development Fund  to purchase a brush cutter for Alofi North Village  

·               Approved Community Development Fund to purchase a lawnmower and two brush cutters for Namukulu Village 

·               For Mrs Maryanne Talagi and Mrs Doreen Siataga to complete their respective undergraduate USP courses in Suva in the second semester 2006.  

·               Funds from NZAid  funded Miscellaneous Technical Assistance for the Quarry Blasting Project  

·               Approval for the 2007 Long Term Awards in the following:  

1.       Dental Nurse

2.       Nurse Trainee – to be attached to the Department of Health [DoH]

3.       Lawyer

4.      Dental Chair-side Assistant – o be attached to the DoH in 2007 and Health Studies to be undertaken in 2008 [ TBA - Needs to be addressed by NTDC] 

·         NZAid Budget estimates from the National Training and Development Council

is noted and approved  

·               An application from Hina’s Laundromat for funding assistance under the      Private Sector Development to increase the business capacity of the Laundromat in meeting the demand for its services. 

·               The Project Proposal for the Vanilla and Nonu under NZAid funding assistance was approved by Cabinet, based on the current progress, for a further 12 months. 

·               A Project Proposal for the Young Farmers’ also seeking NZAid funding for        another 12 months.  

·               An Infrastructural Development for additional funding to complete the telephone reticulation work. 

·               Cabinet has acknowledged and noted a Summary Update Report of Feral Pig Management from DAFF. 

·               Mr Reuben Wells an experienced Primary School teacher from New Zealand has been approved to teach at Niue High School, replacing Ms Nicola Funaki who is on maternity leave. 

·               Ms Vai Faitala’s temporary appointment as an Administrative Clerk at Community Affairs until January 2007. 

·               Mr Lamosa Sionetuato’ appointment at the Heavy Plant Division as a Tradesman Mechanic is accepted. This is also a temporary appointment. 

·               An e-Government Project requires infrastructure equipment and materials and to be funded by UNDP. 

·               Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding [MOA] between the Government of Australia and the Government of Niue Relating to Tsunami Warning Systems and Climate Monitoring Networks. 

·               Mrs Ettie Asemaga’s application for exemption of import duty on an imported kitset home. 

·               New Computer hardware and a printer for the Customs and Tax Division 

·               The Commodore of the Niue Yacht Club has applied and has receive approval to raise the mooring fees for visiting yachts from $5.00 and day to $10.00 a day. 

·               Mr Dylan Viviani is to have his Correspondence Course Fees reimbursed following successful passes in his studies. 

·               An allocated budget for the Soul on the Rock promotional initiatives for Niue is approved on principle by Cabinet.  

·               Cabinet Ministers are to receive office filing cabinets in order to allow secure and proper storage of their confidential and other information materials. 

·               An appointment of Mr Ropeti Gafa as the Business Advisory  Services [BAS] Facilitator for one year is approved by Cabinet to assist Mr Ben Tanaki with the increased workload of BAS.    

·               A Report by NEVAT participant, Ms Talava Tuhipa-Turner, on the Redevelopment of Aliluki [a residential/industrial area severely damaged by Cyclone Heta in 2004] endorsing provisions for budgetary requirements.  

·               A request from the Niue Council of Churches and Ekalesia Niue to assist Dr Vili Nosa’s costs in facilitating a National Workshop on Alcohol abuse in Niue from July 24-26.  

Other Stories:

 

The Prodigal Daughter returns


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Welcome back, Excellency!”

 Her Excellency, Mrs Sisilia Talagi, Niue’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, is currently on holiday in Niue with her family.

 

“Wellington is so cold I would have done anything just to escape the New Zealand winter and to be somewhere warm, lots of familiar friendly faces, fantastic ambience, beautiful blue sea and fresh unprocessed food – so here we are!” said Mrs Talagi during the Cabinet ministers official welcoming early this week.Text Box: Her Excellency Mrs Sisilia Grace Talagi  

While it was not a special debriefing session Her Excellency described her first year in Wellington basically as a ‘messenger’ with lots of knocking on doors in the capital, saying please and thank you to everyone who helped to make her job productive and successful, especially New Zealand Foreign Affairs and NZAID Offices. “The Pacific Island Embassies and their staff have also been very helpful with assisting me to find my way through a labyrinth of proper and correct political protocols.”

“Cabinet is most grateful for the Niue High Commissioner’s work in Wellington,” reported Premier Vivian to the Ministers. “Thank you for all the courtesies accorded to the official delegations from Niue, and for the maintaining closer relations with other Embassies such as France and China, including others who have important connections with Niue.”
 

Her Excellency has been instrumental in continue to sustain, nurture and build stronger constitutional ties with New Zealand, probably the most important aspect of her mission as Niue’s High Commissioner. “Our High Commissioner has performed up to and beyond our expectations in that department,” lauded Premier Vivian.

 

We at Falefono are not sure what the holidaying High Commissioner is up to but we are sure that her privacy is to be respected. We hope that she is enjoying the peace, warmth the quiet and the pleasure of her home with her family. 

 

From the Pacific Plan Officer – Niue’s Desk

 

Fakalofa lahi atu! As Niue’s Pacific Plan Officer, I would like to thank Niue Ki Mua for the opportunity to contribute to this monthly website publication, on the subject of the Pacific Plan. The Pacific Plan is a very broad initiative, the information given here, is but a brief perspective of what the Pacific Plan is about, particularly how Niue can benefit within the period of its implementation.

 

What is the Pacific Plan?

The Pacific Plan was endorsed in 2005 at the Pacific Islands Forum, held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Pacific Plan is a living document that has been endorsed by the Pacific leaders, for strengthening regional cooperation and integration. The Pacific Plan is a Regional initiative founded from the 2005 Pacific Islands Forum vision. This plan focuses on the prosperity of the Pacific region in terms of peace, harmony, security and economic development. The Pacific Plan is built on four pillars; Economic Growth, Sustainable Development, Good Governance and Security (PIFS 2005:3). 

Regionalism is one of the key aspects in terms of the Pacific Plan. Regionalism is defined as ‘countries that are working together for their joint and individual benefit’ It should be noted that whilst the Pacific Plan is based on the concept of regionalism, it does not intend to replace any national programmes, only to support and complement them. In terms of economic gains for Niue, the Pacific Plan works within Niue’s economic capabilities, meaning that it assists Niue in achieving its strategic objectives in relation to its National plan (PIFS 2005:4). 

What is the role of the Pacific Plan Officer?

The role of the Pacific Plan Officer is to work for Niue. The Forum Secretariat employs the Pacific Plan Officer and is accountable to the Deputy Secretary General, through the Development Cooperation Adviser. The Pacific Plan Officer is located in the premises of the Premier’s department in the Office of External Affairs (PIFS 2006). 

The Pacific Plan Officer is to provide advice to the Government of Niue and other key stakeholders in Niue on the Forum’s decisions and Secretariat’s programmes, resources and assistance available from the Forum, and other CROP agencies. The Pacific Plan Officer also liaises with the Government of Niue on the implementation and integration of the Pacific Plan initiatives in to national planning processes and provides assistance as appropriate to ensure that Niue derives the fullest possible benefit from the Pacific Plan (PIFS 2006). 

How will Niue benefit from the Pacific Plan?

There are many aspects of the Pacific Plan that will be beneficial for Niue. However, it is up to the Niue government to determine exactly what it is that they would like to achieve within their National strategic plan. This will be apparent once they determine their key initiatives within that framework. The position of the Pacific Plan Officer as aforementioned is to inform the Government of Niue of regional initiatives and implementations from the Forum Secretariat. The Pacific Plan Officer then reports to the Forum Secretariat of Niue’s decisions – the Forum will address any key issues brought forth from Niue. 

The Pacific Plan is built on the four pillars that are geared towards enhancing: Economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security. The Pacific Plan is in the early stages of their three-year implementation, but has a framework that extends to ten years. As mentioned prior, it is primarily a way in which to assist Pacific Island countries develop within the region. CROP agencies such as SOPAC, SPREP, to name a few, play an important role within the development of the region in terms of providing assistance, whether it be for training and or for specific resources. 

For more information, check out the Pacific Plan Website on: www.pacificplan.org.fj 

References:
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. 2006. Pacific Plan SIS Desk Officer – Niue.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. 2005. The Pacific Plan: For Strengthening Regional
Cooperation and Integration.

Julie Talagi
Pacific Plan SIS Desk Officer
Niue

Health Department to Establish Niue Health Database

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Manukau – Counties Health has begun a long tedious process of assembling a database profiles on our residents so that it will have a fair idea of the state of health of our local citizens. The drive to collect data started last Friday at the market with sugar levels, blood pressure and height measurements to determine the optimum physical frame/weight ratios.

 

Dr … from Manukau Health who was supervising the testing procedures was so far quite impressed with the initial response from the locals. “The database that we are assembling will assist in determining the general health of the people in Niue,” he explained. “I will be pleased if the village communities can continue to respond with the same seriousness because in the long run it will make our job easier.”

 

So far in the village communities diabetes management classes are already in progress for people who have been found to have high levels of sugar. “If we can prevent these levels before they escalate into something more serious then we might be able to avoid health complications later in life,” said a senior staff from the Team.

 

The Tahitians are coming!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately not to build more houses but to fish in our EEZ.

 

“We are a private company, here at the invitation of Niue Fish Processing [NFP], to help catch all that fish that is out there in your EEZ,” said the interpreter who came with the two representatives of the Tahitian fishing company.

 

By the end of August there will be five Tahitian fishing vessels [smaller than the Jacqui M but larger than the Belinda Jay] plying our EEZ for tuna. The vessels are barely three years old, 23m LOA each having five crew members, and they can stay out for a month if they have to, this being particularly advantageous if the landing conditions are unfavourable. There will be some members of the Tahitian team living on land as support group for the fishermen.        

 

There will be social and economic implications resulting from the enlarged fishing fleet. “The economic spin offs will be advantageous to Niue’s economy,” explained Reef Group boss Mr Phillip McNicholl who is acting on behalf of the NFP Board of Directors. “This will be a fantastic opportunity for Niue and a perfect scenario from NFP’s point of view because increased catches will mean more jobs for the local population [about 30-40] and Reef Air will be operating daily if the expected tonnage of fish is brought in.”

 

Getting our neighbours to participate in ventures such as fishing is a working example of Regional Co-operation, more notable perhaps with Niue’s warm and amicable relationship with Tahiti that developed since the aftermath of Cyclone Heta.

 

Mr Leo Pita Calls it a day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brendon Pasisi [Director of DAFF] and Leo Pita
When one of the Niue Public Servants who has been working for over 30 years for the Government of Niue decides that enough is enough, retirement is the only way to go. Mr Pita’s popularity was obvious last Saturday night when Clayton’s Bar was literally flooded with colleagues, friends, relations and well wishers who went to celebrate the occasion and stayed longer for the after event.


For Mr Pita, a senior Fisheries Officer for the Department of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, his retirement was not an easy decision to make, despite his Minister’s remark that ‘it was his choice.’

 

“I have got plans which I have come to accept now that I have made a decision,” he said on Saturday night. “I need to do something for myself and this is probably the best thing that I could think of. But I have enjoyed what I have done with my life and my career with my work colleagues. They have been very supportive and I am sure I will be able to see more of them now that I am out of the office.”

 

Mr Pita’s retirement, in terms of manpower resources is probably ill-timed, considering that Niue is woefully short of conscientious and reliable workers, and he is really too young to be ‘out on the pasture’ one of his co-workers said.    

 

Bird flu Pandemic Preparedness Workshop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier Vivian, Minister for Health, opened the Avian Influenza A[H5N1] Workshop this morning at the Millennium Hall.

 

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza [flu], is a very serious threat to human populations over a wide geographical area [pandemic] the carriers over which we have little control, and if the H5N1 virus were to gain the capacity to spread easily from one person to another there will be a world wide disaster on immeasurable proportions.

 

The workshop participants from all sectors of the community in Niue will discuss how we are going to respond to this threat.

 

“This is a very scary scenario,” explained Premier Vivian in opening the workshop. “I have been told that it is only a matter of time before Niue will have to face the inevitability of the disease reaching here.”

 

Dr S Kupu, representing the Secretary General of the Noumea-based South Pacific Community, confirmed the seriousness of the probability of the influenza should it gets to Niue. “Fortunately Niue’s population is small enough for everyone to be vaccinated if necessary.” 

 

Niue Receiving New Zealand Media Attention

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Stefan Lowe, Barbara Dreaver and Premier Vivian

This week on Niue we are pleased to be visited by Ms Barbara Dreaver [reporter] and Cameraman Mr Stefan Lowe from NZTV One, and a freelance reporter who writes for the New Zealand Herald, Mr John Andrews. The trio arrived from Samoa on Tuesday afternoon having spent a week ‘updating that country’s progress’ and will spend the next two days looking and doing the same for Niue.

“I am pleased,” Premier Vivian told NKM after an interview with Ms Dreaver, “that the New Zealand public will get a first hand account of our country and how the New Zealand taxpayers’ money is being spent. I hope that both reporters will tell our story the way they will see what progress we have made in our economic projects.”

 

It is the logging issue that will draw the most interest. “This is an emotional issue and we are walking with New Zealand on this project,” he told Ms Dreaver. “It has taken three years of negotiations to get this far and we intend to learn more of whom we are dealing with [the Malaysian logging company] before we do anything. Who knows, it might even never happen” 

Premier Vivian refers to the possibility that the local landowners may not want to sell timber under any circumstances in which case the logging issue will just become another project that is shelved for reconsideration in the future.

 

Both Ms Dreaver and Mr Andrews are eager to get the real story on logging and are eager to talk to anyone who may be interested in selling native timber to the loggers.

 

Niue High School Open Day 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Days in our three educational institutions provide opportunities for celebrating progress and achievements of our students, and for educators, parents, caregivers and supporters to share these special events.

 

“Today the emphasis is on sharing and having fun,” said Principal of Niue High School, Mrs Jieni Mitimeti. “We, the teachers and the pupils of the school, would like you to take this opportunity to enjoy the day with your children and to talk to their teachers about their progress.”

 

Progress was measured in the way students have been responding to their learning programmes that have changed with the advent of NCEA. “The results so far,” reported the Director of Education, Mrs Lose Siakimotu, “are encouraging in the way our students have adapted to the curriculum. Our students are achieving better results than most of our neighbours in the region, and I might add, including most of the schools in South Auckland. That is something for all of us to be proud of.”

 

The school’s academic record continues to improve despite the high staff turnover in the past five years and having to cope with a curriculum that was designed for highly industrialised urban societies has not been an easy task. To maintain a high standard of success was indeed an appropriate reason for celebrating.

 

Special guest speaker, Premier Vivian asked the students of only three things to be mindful of: to be patriotic about themselves and their island nation; to develop healthy practises of body and mind, and finally to ensure that their learning process is to be appropriate for their futures. “These are the building blocks for yourselves, for your families and for your country,” he told the students.

 

Minister of Education, Hon Va’aiga Tukuitonga, began her speech with a song that she had taught her students when she was a teacher. The song is about ‘perseverance’ which she said to be the key to success, not only at school but to life in general. “It is not about how many times you fall down on your journey,” she told the students, “rather it is how many times you get up and keep going that counts.” 

The Minister went on to remind the students to remember Taoga Niue as a guiding principle for their future. “Only by knowing where you have been that you will know where you are going,” she said. With that statement the Minister declared the Day ‘Open.’

Following the entertainment and speeches the students, parents and caregivers were given the opportunity to discuss progress with their children’s’ respective teachers, and in the afternoon an organised sports programme for anyone with the courage to show his or prowess on the sports field.   

 

Niuean Community in Perth have gifts for our Powerhouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hon Minister Fisa Pihigia was pleasantly surprised to receive personally from Mrs Olga Wilson and her son a box of gifts to help with our burnt out powerhouse.

This small community of Niueans [and other families from Australia] has managed to donate more per capita of financial and other assistance to Niue since Cyclone Heta in 2004 than our 20,000 New Zealand based Niueans.

 

The box that was received by Hon Pihigia contained essential equipment that will make a big difference to the workers who are still in the process of repairing the damage to the diesel power generators.

 

“I thank Mrs Olga Wilson and her community for these gifts,” said Hon Pihigia. “They have been very supportive of Niue when we are in times of difficulty. They have made cash donations towards the cyclone relief funds and have made substantial contributions to the home of the Aged at Niue Foou Hospital. I would like you to convey to your community of our gratitude and in your continued support of Niue in our times of need.”

 

Mrs Olga Wilson, daughter of Makapoe and Miliama Kamupala of Avatele, is a regular visitor to Niue, and more often than not always comes with gifts of one form or another to help where assistance is needed.

 

Publisher: Public Relations Office 

Editor in Chief: Niu Tauevihi 

Premiers Department 

Falefono, NIUE 

July Issue 14, 2006  

www.niuegov.com

UP : Niue Ki Mua Online