NEWSROOM: 13 January - 19 January 2007

Vital language link hits 100,000 interpretations
19 January 2007 - Source: Office of Ethnic Affairs Press Release
 
An essential link between official agencies and New Zealanders who speak little or no English has just passed a significant milestone, with more than 100,000 interpretations being made through Language Line.

Language Line is a telephone service managed by the Office of Ethnic Affairs. It provides free interpretations in 39 languages to more than 40 participating organisations, ranging from government departments to councils and health boards, who in turn can offer this free service to their clients.

Language Line manager, Diana Clark says the service is designed to be as instant and user friendly as possible. “Typically, it takes two minutes to set up a conference call with an interpreter, allowing the official and the client to communicate efficiently and in confidence.”

The service was launched as a trial in April 2003 and became permanent in July 2004.

“Last year was an excellent year for Language Line in both growth and consolidation,” said Diana Clark. “The number of participating agencies grew with the addition of the remainder of Inland Revenue and a number of health providers. And we added Portuguese, to help the Brazilian people over here on working holidays, and French, to assist refugees from Central Africa.

“2008 promises to be an even busier year for Language Line, and that means an even better year for clarity in communication for those who speak little or no English.”

Language Line offers interpreting services in the following Pacific languages:
Cook Island Maori,
Māori,
Niuean,
Samoan,
Tokelauan,
Tongan,
Tuvaluan

A full list of language interpretations available and a list of participating agencies can be found at the Office of Ethnic Affairs website: www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz

For more information, please contact:
Diana Clark, Manager, Language Line: (04) 494-0586,
Allen Walley: (04) 495-9472 or (027) 272-4270.
 

Māori and Pacific Islands’ Scholarship applications
18 January 2007 - Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand Press Release
 
The Māori and Pacific Islands’ Scholarship in Economics, Finance and Banking Studies have been developed as part of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's Equal Employment Opportunities programme.

The purpose of the Scholarship is to encourage Māori and Pacific Islands’ students to pursue studies in the field of economics, finance and banking studies. The Reserve Bank’s objective is to increase the number of Māori and Pacific Islands’ students with tertiary qualifications in economics, finance and banking studies to honours level, and thereby increase the numbers of these students employed in policy departments within the Bank.

Eligibility:
The scholarship is open to Māori and Pacific Islands’ university students who have completed economics, finance or banking studies at the 100 level (completed 1st year of university), who attained at least a B+ grade and who intend to continue studying to Honours level.
Applicants must be studying full time at a New Zealand university. The scholarship will be continued for the original holder up to honours level (4th year) providing the holder continues to perform to the required standard.

Value:
The scholarship is valued at $1,500 in the first year, increased to $2,500 in the second year and $3,500 in the final year of study.
The successful applicant will be paired with a Reserve Bank staff member who will act as a mentor. The mentor will make contact regularly during the scholarship programme and can assist with research, advice and provide you with access to some of the resources we hold here at the Bank.

Enrolment:
Evidence of enrolment in a full time degree course and payment of fees will be required with the application.

Scholarship application form:
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, application forms are available in either Word or PDF format from our website: http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/grads/scholarship.html

Alternatively you may obtain one from:
Karyn McDonald, Human Resources Adviser
Email: recruitment@rbnz.govt.nz
Phone: (04) 471 3974

Applications close Wednesday 30 January 2008.
 

Fiji Participation Vital To Pacific Trade Expo
17 January 2007 - Source: New Zealand Pacific Business Council Press Release
 
The presence of Fiji at the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo is essential to the development of trade in the region and with New Zealand.

Fiji is New Zealand’s largest two-way trading partner; Fiji exports over $66.5 million to New Zealand, and imports over $341.9 million of merchandise trade from New Zealand.

The New Zealand Pacific Business Council (NZPBC) is hosting the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium in Auckland on the 5th and 6th of March 2008.

The Expo aims to achieve market growth for both New Zealand and Pacific Island businesses by way of reciprocal ‘two-way’ trade and investment.

Since the coup in December 2006, Fiji has expressed serious concern about their drop in tourism and trade.

Recognising the significance of a large number of Fijian buyers and visitors attending the Expo, the NZPBC sent two representatives to Fiji in December 2007 to meet with influential Fijian political and commercial representatives to attend the Expo.

The response from the visit was very positive; with major entities such as the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau, Fiji Tourism/Air Pacific and Punjas all confirming their attendance at the Expo.

The Expo is the ideal venue to discuss trade opportunities, projects for possible investment and joint ventures; with participation already confirmed from a number of Polynesian and Melanesian countries.

NZPBC Chairman, Gilbert Ullrich has declared: “The Pacific Trade Expo is a great opportunity to reinforce our long-established trade links with Fiji, as Fiji is the natural hub of the Pacific.”
 

Rumble in Apia for the WBO Oriental Cruiserweight Title
16 January 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Mr. Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia this week confirmed receipt of Certification Letter from World Boxing Organisation Asia Pacific Chairman Mr. Leon Panoncillo.

In his letter Mr. Panoncillo wrote “Herewith, is the letter to confirm that World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific have certify that the boxing match on Saturday, February 02, 2008, at Apia, Samoa between Lawrence Tauasa vs. Charles Baou for the WBO Oriental vacant Cruiserweight title has been officially sanctioned and recognized by the WBO.”

According to Mr. Puni, “This is history in the making and the start of great things for Samoa boxing going forward. WBO is one of the four major organizations including WBA, WBC and IBF which sanction world championship boxing bouts.”

Mr. Puni also confirmed that Mr. Lon Panoncillo will be in Samoa for the upcoming fight night.

“Samoa’s success in the recent South Pacific Games and the Oceania Tournament 2007 is a welcome sign and comes as no surprise with Samoa being strong in amateur boxing over many years. Unfortunately, Samoa is not able to capitalize on this local talent in the transition to international professional boxing,” Mr Puni said.

The inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing is an initiative of Event Polynesia Boxing in association with SPBI and SABA to provide our Samoan boxers both amateur and professional a pathway forward by setting up the needed top international competitions right here in Samoa.

Mr. Puni however goes on to say,” Unfortunately we are finding it very hard to raise the funds required to bring such international bouts to Samoa.”

Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o credits the determination and commitment of both the Samoa Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) and the South Pacific Boxing Incorporated (SPBI) in keeping boxing alive in Samoa despite of the lack of financial resources, especially with professional boxing.

The main under card is also a title fight of twelve rounds by three minutes between the rugged Walter Pupu’a of Tonga up against Lupematasila Bob Gasio of Samoa for the South Seas Cruiserweight title fight. Other bouts include the ‘Prime Minister Challenge Cup’ between a top New Zealand Amateur Invitation Team verses a top Samoa Amateur Invitational Team.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com.
 

Mihi to Sir Edmund from King Tuheitia
15 January 2007 - Source: Office of King Tuheitia Press Release
 
Kua tau te kapua pouri ki runga i o maungatapu o te Ao
Kua mahue mai e tū mokemoke kau ana, e Koro
Ka rongo te ao, ka rongo te pō
Takoto mai rā i roto i ngā ringaringa o te Te Ariki

Your sacred mountains of the world are shrouded in clouds of sadness
Left standing alone in sorrow,
Your great loss will be felt throughout the world
Rest in peace in the hands of the Lord

Today all New Zealanders will mourn the sad loss of Sir Edmund Hillary who lived to serve humanity with the greatest taonga he could bestow upon us all, the gifts of humility, generosity and aroha to his people inspiring so many young people throughout the world to higher achievement.

I wasn’t born on that eventful day he and his Sherpa friend Tenzing conquered Mt Everest but I grew up like so many young people in the wake of the event learning to admire his generosity and aroha, not just to his beloved people in the Himalayas but to mankind. On behalf of my wife and family I extend my deepest condolences to Lady Hillary, the whānau and many friends he touched throughout the world.

It’s just been a little over a year since we lost our Mum and today I remember her fond memories of Sir Edmund as they were both honoured with the Order of New Zealand on Waitangi Day 1987 along with other great New Zealand leaders. As with my mother’s tangi, we are once again all united in the sad loss of this truly remarkable rangatira.

However, it’s also a time to reflect and celebrate the life and achievements of this great New Zealander who showed us all that leadership is about having the boundless courage to go where no man has been before. Sir Edmund wore his deserved acknowledgement with grace and humility. He will be sadly missed by us all.

King Tuheitia
Turongo House
TURANGAWAEWAE
 

K’aute Pasifika at Wintec
14 January 2007 - Source: Wintec Press Release
 
K'aute Pasifika is a Pacific Island initiative Community owned, highly mobile, providing Primary healthcare and social services for Pacific Island people.

From January 21, K’aute Pasifika will be located on the Wintec (Waikato Institute of technology) City Campus in Hamilton.

K’aute Pasifika CEO Peta Karalus said the organisation was delighted to have confirmed the arrangement saying “united we will achieve”, a sentiment echoed by Wintec CEO Mark Flowers.

“This unique co-location and collaboration is a first of its type and heralds an extremely positive outcome for the community”, Wintec CEO Mark Flowers said.

“We are delighted to support and develop ongoing synergies with this organisation whose skilled and trained Pacific Island people deliver to their own Pacific communities. They have a broad range of networks with other community organisations, mainstream providers, and government agencies. Their board members are Pacific Island community leaders who communities can go to for assistance.

K'aute provides support, education and facilitation for all our Pacific Island communities. These include Health & Disability Services such as health promotion/ education by Pacific Island health workers, diabetes clinics and asthma and respiratory education and a range of Social Services including Advocacy/ support in areas of: Immigration, education, housing, justice, employment, budgeting, and culturally appropriate support.
Every Pacific Island community is involved in helping their own people in need.

K’aute Pasifika’s Education Unit provides the NZQA Certificate in Employment Skills, a homework support centre for young people attending primary to high schools and assistance in accessing training at other Educational establishments.

Mark Flowers said the institute was actively promoting a range of collaborations with private training organisations, business and community groups in the region.
 

Museum hands over Niuean skull
13 January 2007 - Source: TVNZ ONE News
 
A row has erupted over the ownership of a sacred skull has after the remains were given away by the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Gagau Punimata Faleti's lounge is a shrine to her family's future but it is what the museum has done with her past that is tearing her apart.

"Mum's pretty irate with that and pretty upset," her son Winston Faleti says.

The conflict is over a Niuean skull stored in Auckland War Memorial Museum for the past 70 years. It took less than a week for the museum to decide to give it to Niuean community leader Reverend Laga Talagi.

The problem is Mrs Faleti believes the skull could be that of her ancestor Punimata - the third king of Niue - and she wants it back.

"If the Niueans know that is the Punimata skull, bring to us," she says.

The Niuean community cannot understand why the museum handed over the skull without public consultation.

The museum's Maori director Paul Tapsell authorised Reverend Talagi to uplift it from the museum and he says such actions are often highly emotional with a lot at stake.

The museum usually has strict guidelines on returning human remains but director Roger Neich says this should have been done more slowly and with wider consultation.

The family agrees.

"It just leaves us quite frustrated," says Winston Faleti.

Reverend Talagi has gone to ground with the skull. He has confirmed to ONE News that he has the skull and says it's under lock and key to stop any family conflict.

He says he intends to return it to Niue as soon as he can but the village of Hakupu does not want it.

"The village is very reluctant at the moment because they are not sure where the skull comes from," says Niuean community worker Meke Ikinipule.

The museum say there is no way of identifying the person and it could be anyone from Niue. But it is hopeful the row can be resolved.
 

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