NEWSROOM: 08 October - 14 October 2006

New advocate for Pacific Island students at Waikato
14 October 2006 - Source: Waikato University

Pacific Island students at the University of Waikato have a new advocate on campus. Fred Rohorua has been appointed to the newly established position of Pacific Student Liaison Coordinator.

An experienced teacher and university lecturer, Rohorua is to oversee the academic success of the roughly 400 Pacific Island students at the University. His office is the first to be a centralized place of support for Pacific Islanders.

"For me, the important thing is the physical presence of this office for Pacific Island students," he said. "It's up to me now to bring awareness to students that I am here."

Originally from the Samoan Islands, Rohorua lived with his family in Fiji before moving to Hamilton in 2001. The father of five teenagers, Rohorua has spent the past four years working on his doctoral dissertation in development studies in the School of Maori & Pacific Development. His wife, Hala, is a senior teacher in Waikato University's Foundation Studies Centre.

Rohorua's position is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission to promote and improve the success of Pacific Islanders at the tertiary level, he said. And not just Pacific Island students coming here to study, but specifically young Pacific Islanders who have grown up in New Zealand.

"The objective of the funding is to help Pacific Island students enrol in and complete their degree programs," Rohorua said.

Pacific Island student mentors exist in each academic school at Waikato, Rohorua said. His job is to centralize and coordinate those mentoring services. He wants to be someone Pacific Island students turn to with questions, problems or concerns.

"I see my role as a coordinator," he said. "If a student needs academic, financial or counselling help, I'll know where to refer them."
 

Nats unleash new Field accusations
13 October 2006 - Source: Newstalk ZB/One News

National is laying fresh accusations against suspended Labour MP Taito Phillip Field about his immigration activities.

The MP for Mangere is currently on extended leave from parliament as police investigate concerns arising from the Noel Ingram Report, but that has not stopped new allegations coming to light.

National now claims it has more evidence that Field abused his position as an MP and minister.

MP Lockwood Smith claims Field told someone seeking help on an immigration matter that money would have to be paid for his assistance, and the more that was paid, the greater the chance of success on the application.

In parliament on Wednesday, Smith read out a declaration from the man that sought assistance from Field in 1993. "He told me it would have to be done in the Samoan way...he then told me the more money I could find, the better the outcome would be in the long run. On the basis of what Mr Field said to me, I believe he intended to keep some of the cash himself."

Smith says the man never paid up and as a result Field refused to help. He says he knows of other cases where money was handed over, but those involved have been frightened to speak out.

But Associate Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove says if Smith has fresh information he should take it to police.

Smith says he will be doing exactly that are more. He has also revealed Thai overstayer Sunan Siriwan, who is at the centre of the saga, not only tiled Field's house in Samoa in return for immigration assistance, but carried out work for free on businesses owned by Field's stepson and daughter in law.

Field has denied any wrongdoing and says he will co-operate with the police inquiry.
 

Kiwis named for Tri Nations opener
12 October 2006 - Source: NZRL

Warriors centre Simon Mannering and Melbourne Storm forward Adam Blair will make their debuts for the Kiwis this Saturday night.

Try-scoring sensation Mannering has been called up to play at lock while Blair has been named on the bench for the opening game of the Gillette Tri-Nations series against the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has also named two new faces in the backline for the clash.

Manly hardman Steve Matai will link up with Sydney Roosters flyer Iosia Soliola in the centres, Tame Tupou and Manu Vatuvei start on the wing while Brent Webb will once again take his spot at fullback.

Nigel Vagana will again play in the influential standoff position alongside star halfback Stacey Jones.

Skipper Ruben Wiki is joined in the front row by Roy Asotasi while young Wests Tigers utility Dene Halatau has been named at hooker.

Veterans David Kidwell and Tony Puletua will once again pair up second row.

McClennan has named an impressive bench with former captain Nathan Cayless joining Blair, Warrior Jerome Ropati and Penrith's Frank Pritchard.

The Kiwis side to play the Kangaroos is:

1. Brent Webb
2. Tame Tupou
3. Iosia Soliola
4. Steve Matai
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Nigel Vagana
7. Stacey Jones
8. Ruben Wiki (C)
9. Dene Halatau
10. Roy Asotasi
11. David Kidwell
12. Tony Puletua
13. Simon Mannering
14. Jerome Ropati
15. Nathan Cayless
16. Adam Blair
17. Frank Pritchard

Kick-off for Saturday night's clash between the Kiwis and Kangaroos is at 8pm.
 

German ends Sefo's K-1 world title dreams
11 October 2006 - Source: K1/eventpolynesia.com

New Zealand kickboxer Ray Sefo's dream of becoming K-1 world champion appears to have faded after he lost to German Stefan Leko at the K-1 World GP Final Elimination (top 16) tournament in Osaka, Japan earlier this month.

The fight was judged a draw and it went into an extension fourth round, which was won by Leko.

The loss was a shock for Sefo who will now miss out on the K-1 World GP Grand Finals (top 8) in Tokyo this December. Sefo has featured in the six of the past seven grand finals which pits the world's top eight fighters in a knock out tournament to decide the world champion.

But now he has to re-qualify for next year's Final Eliminations by going through the Oceania qualifying rounds, something he has not had to do for many years. Whether the 35 year-old will return for another year is uncertain with retirement talk on the cards. A multi-millionaire and part time actor in his own right, Sefo has amassed a substantial fortune and attracts God-like status in Asia where the sport is huge.

The veteran fighter of Samoan descent is regarded as the world's best kickboxer never to win the world crown. He made the grand final last two but lost to Dutchman Ernesto Hoost just missing out on the crown. The only New Zealander or Oceania fighter to have ever won the K-1 world crown is another Samoan Mark Hunt, who achieved this feat in 2001. He has now moved on and is now fighting mixed martial arts (MMA) in Japan.

Sefo was last in New Zealand earlier this year in March fighting in the main event of the K-1 World GP Oceania in Auckland. He fought South African Francois Botha, a former World champion boxer, in a superfight and won a points decision. He has since gone undefeated this year including two KO wins over Russian Ruslav Karaev who is one of the eight fighters remaining to fight in December's finals.
 

Air NZ Cup semi-finalists found
10 October 2006 - Source: eventpolynesia.com/Xtra

Wellington, Auckland, Otago and Waikato will contest the Air New Zealand Cup semi-finals this weekend after a thrilling round of quarterfinals action which kick-started the inaugural national provincial rugby competition to life.

Wellington provided the biggest thrill by thrashing Canterbury 36-23 in an unexpected result last Friday. Led by All Black hardman Jerry Collins who scored two tries, the Wellington forwards set the platform for victory which allowed the likes of Ma'a Nonu to break loose in the backline.

Wellington now plays Auckland in the first semi this Friday at Eden Park. Wellington beat Auckland in the round robin at home, but it will be a different story with a finals berth at stake.

Auckland has been hit by injuries to their key All Blacks Doug Howlett and Ali Williams who were the main casualties from Auckland's easy 46-14 romp over Bay of Plenty on Saturday.

The big upset was Otago thumping North Harbour in Albany, 56-21 on Sunday. Otago had not won a game in over a month, but saved their best for the quarterfinals unleashing a dominant display of running rugby, forwards and backs combining to beat Harbour at their own game. The return of All Black strongman Carl Hayman gave the Otago scrum the edge.

And in Hamilton, Waikato as expected beat Southland 24-12, but it was not the convincing victory first thought out to be even though their glamous backline had too much class with Samoan speedsters Sosene Anesi and Mils Muliaina both scoring. Waikato will have to lift their efforts when they host an in-form Otago outfit in Hamilton this Saturday.

Air New Zealand Cup Quarterfinals - RESULTS:

Wellington 36: Jerry Collins 2, Conrad Smith, Neemia Tialata, Mo Schwalger tries; Jimmy Gopperth 4 con dg Canterbury 23: Michael Paterson, Dan Carter tries; Carter 3 pen 2 con. Ht: 17-9.

North Harbour 21: Rudi Wulf, Rua Tipoki, Anthony Tuitavake tries; Tusi Pisi 3 con.
Otago 56: Toby Morland, Karne Hesketh, Adam Thomson, Callum Bruce, Matt Saunders,
Craig Clare, James Ryan tries; Nick Evans pen 4 con, Callum Bruce 2 pen, 2 con. HT: 0-36.

Waikato 24: Mils Muliaina, Aled de Malmanche, Sosene Anesi tries; David Hill 3 con, pen.
Southland 12: James Wilson 2 tries, con. HT: 10-nil.

Auckland 46: Doug Howlett, Jerome Kaino, Brad Mika, Joe Rokocoko, Chris Heard, Kurtis Haiu tries; Ben Atiga 2 pen, 3 con, Isa Nacewa 2 con
Bay of Plenty 14: Cory Aporo, Jamie Nutbrown tries; Murray Williams 2 con. HT: 15-14

Semi-finals Draw:

Wellington vs Auckland, at Eden Park, Friday 13 October
Waikato vs Otago, at Hamilton, Saturday 14 October.
 

Immigration information for Porirua community
09 October 2006 - Source: Department of Labour

The first of three immigration clinics for the Porirua community will be held this week, Department of Labour Service International Group Manager Tofilau Kerupi Tavita said last week.

"The aim of the three clinics is to make immigration assistance more accessible to people in Porirua.

"Clinics will involve one-on-one meetings with Department staff to answer immigration questions and help complete application forms.

"Assistance with Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category applications will be available, as well as other kinds of immigration applications.

"People will not be able to lodge applications at the clinic - they still need to contact the nearest Department of Labour branch to do this.

"This initiative was discussed at a community meeting in August hosted by the MP of Mana, Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban.

"The Department has worked closely with community members to organise the clinics.

"These clinics are being trialled and we will review and discuss with community representatives the effect of these to determine if they will be ongoing" she said.

Information on Department of Labour clinics:

Clinics will run from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Monday 9 October, Monday 6 November and Monday 4 December.

To make an appointment to speak to a Department of Labour representative, please contact the Whanau Centre on (04) 237-7749.

Manukau City Councillor Su'a William Sio, Minister of Social Development,
Hon. David Benson-Pope at the Otara 274 Launch.
Auckland, New Zealand (Photo: Su'a William Sio)

A Perspective on Violence in South Auckland: Future Leaders
08 October 2006 - Source: Su'a William Sio

Though crime is prevalent and on the rise throughout New Zealand cities and in other countries, there's no denying that South Auckland has a serious problem with violence and anti-social behaviour.

The mindless bashings and senseless murders on the streets have engulfed many families with shock and disbelief. We're all asking, 'what is going on here?'

For those families and friends who have lost loved ones, their pain and suffering is immense and we all feel their anguish.

It's a natural tendency to point the finger when this happens. We blame the young offenders for their blatant disrespect for life. We blame the police force for not being there when you need them the most. We blame the media for glamorising gangster lifestyles and giving them fame. We blame government departments, politicians, churches, community groups, we even blame ourselves for not doing enough.

It doesn't help when some parents give up on their responsibility to teach, instruct, and discipline their kids. They allow the streets to do that. It doesn't help that youth disconnected from families and school are so determined to be rebellious, tough and be gangster. The problems might begin in families and schools but they don't end there.

It doesn't help that there are at least 30 tinnie houses that police know about in Otara, and the drug dealers tell me selling hard drugs and P is their 'bread & butter'. It doesn't help that drug users become crazed and commit murders & robberies to satisfy their habit.

I'm angry at all this, and I do my share of blaming. I've pointed my finger at how socio-economic policies by past governments under Rogernomics in the late 80s and Ruthanasia in the early 90s, have sown the seeds for the social challenges we face today.

I'm angry that thousands of South Auckland men & women lost their jobs and thousands more, without skills, were left unemployed as the manufacturing industry were forced to close during that era. Many of the unemployed sought solace in the pubs. Some caught addictions which had to be fed one way or another, irrespective of the consequences to themselves and their loved ones.

However, the greater number of families in Otara and South Auckland, survived this period, despite all these challenges, and continue to be law abiding citizens who work tirelessly for their families.

I'm angry too that the most significant contributor to our current problems came from when liquor laws were freely loosened up to benefit the liquor industry by allowing alcohol to be sold from stores located in suburban streets where schools and neighbourhoods exist.

That has been a social disaster for communities like Otara and other similar suburbs, reaping severe and tragic consequences. Today, Manukau City liquor outlets have fluctuated between 300-500 across the city. In Otara, there are 50 liquor outlets alone, many strategically located next door to neighbourhood dairies.

Some retailers are unscrupulous and sell alcohol to kids as young as 12 & 13 years old. Yes, it happens.

Some night clubs continue to flout these laws by serving children under the age of 18 and those already intoxicated. And yes there have been uncontrollable brawls afterwards. Yet the process for getting their license suspended or revoked is so frustratingly taxing on people's time and energy.

With all of this in the background of their lives, the vast majority of our young people are focused, studying, participating in culture groups, arts, and sports activities, and doing part-time jobs. They have irrepressible goals and dreams for the future.

I regularly talk to young people in my neighbourhood and I ask them how they have managed to stay out of trouble and still achieve so much considering the environment they live in.

Without hesitation, they respond with praises to God, to their parents, their families and friends. The answer given by these future leaders is so simple and so basic.

The template offered by these young people is a proven remedy; they are living evidence of it.

The simple message of having a belief in God, loving parents, caring family and supportive friends, is responsible for the successes of many families and young people in all our communities. These are the fundamental elements essential for this country and any democracy, irrespective of cultural backgrounds, economic situations, social status, and political influences.

When I was asked recently what advice I would give to those who insist that being tough in South Auckland means getting drunk or high on drugs, or ganging up with weapons against anyone, or robbing and vandalising property, let me say this to those individuals:

Show me how tough you really are by doing the right thing even when it means losing so-called friends and being excluded from the 'cool" wannabe-gangster crowd.

Show me how tough you really are by getting an education and graduating from university with a double degree or finishing a trade certificate even when your friends drop out and it gets hard and stressful.

Show me how tough you really are by working hard to buy a first home for your family even though you have to work long hours, at two jobs, with little break, just to make ends meet.

Show me how tough you really are by writing a novel, writing a feature film, running for public office, starting your own legitimate business, playing for the All Blacks or the Warriors, serving a mission for your church, creating a work of art that the world would buy, or producing music albums before graduating from high school, or forming a dance group that wins medals internationally.

That's true toughness and something that families and the community can be proud of.And that's the other side of South Auckland that most people, outside of Otara, don't get to see.

NOTE: Su'a William Sio is the political & community sponsor of the Otara Youth Action Group - 274 Youth project. He is also a Manukau City Councillor representing the Otara Ward. Email: sw.sio@xtra.co.nz Mobile: 027 257 8855.

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