NEWSROOM: 08 July - 14 July 2007

'Champ of Champs' sees schools vie for national athletics honours
14 July 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

There is one national sporting event on the Samoa secondary schools calendar that is widely anticipated every year. That is the annual Samoa Schools Champion of Champions national athletics meet, more popularly known locally as the 'Champ of Champs'. The Champ of Champs is the final meet which brings together champions from the four zones that Samoa's secondary schools are divided into. This was done by the Schools Athletics Committee to cater for the growth of schools in Samoa. It was also done to improve security because of instances of indiscipline in the past.

However, participation, fellowship and good sportsmanship is promoted now at all times.

With government prioritising and promoting education and a good sports curriculum to go with it, there is no doubting that developing sporting talent starting from the grassroots is encouraged, and well underway. And with the plethora of new sporting facilities cropping up around Samoa because of next month's South Pacific Games and the upgrade of the Apia Park stadium, which hosts the Champ of Champs, this year's event on Friday, 13 July was extra special.

Apia Park was filled to capacity for this year's event. More record times and distances were set on a day of high quality performances.

It was a fun day all round and despite the disqualification of the favorites in the Junior Women's 4 x 100m relay, Amoa College from Savaii, the spirit of the games prevailed.

St Joseph's and Leulumoega Fou Colleges again dominated the Champ of Champs as they did in 2006, while some of the perennial powerhouses like Avele College, St Mary's and Samoa College had their turn in other events.

The results of the 2007 Champ of Champs are as follows:

Junior Boys (St Joseph's & Palalaua College)
Intermediate Boys (St Joseph's College)
Senior Boys (St Joseph's College)

Junior Girls (Leulumoega Fou College)
Intermediate Girls (Maluafou College)
Senior Girls (Leifiifi College)
 

SUNGO hosts NZ Ministerial delegation
13 July 2007 - Source: Samoa Umbrella Non-Government Organisations

A 12-member delegation from New Zealand led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, visited SUNGO (Samoa Umbrella Non-Government Organisations) on 10 July as part of its Ministerial visit to Samoa this week.

The delegation included Cabinet Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, and Associate Minister of Culture/Heritage and Social Development, Mahara Okeroa. They were accompanied by four NGO representatives as well as Academic Representatives. It was an opportunity for the delegation to learn about SUNGO and its roles.

SUNGO shares a close working relationship with the New Zealand Government, through its NGO Support Fund Program, which has been coordinated and implemented by SUNGO since 2005. This NSF Program has allowed for 12 NGOs, including SUNGO, to receive financial support for their developments. This assistance has made a great difference to the services and operations of funded NGOs, so as better provide for the needed services by the community.

The one hour visit was an opportunity for SUNGO to show their appreciation for the assistance from the NSF Program, and to further strengthen its network with NZ's NGO sector.

SUNGO also commended the New Zealand Government for being a role model in the Pacific, of recognising the contributions from NGOs and civil society organisations, as potrayed by the inclusion of its NGO sector, in its ministerial delegation.
 

NZ Pacific Business Council Pacific Mission to Samoa
12 July 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

A trade event (mini-trade fair) was scheduled to be held at Aggie Grey's Hotel in Apia on July 11.

Members of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council will be in Samoa as delegates with the New Zealand Government mission headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, from July 10 to July 13.

The NZPBC members from various New Zealand companies are keen to meet their private sector counterparts in Samoa to discuss issues of mutual interest. The emphasis will be on two-way trade and investment between Samoa and New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC BUSINESS COUNCIL (NZPBC) PACIFIC MISSION DELEGATION:

NZPBC PATRON & NZ GOVERNMENT MINISTER
Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban

The Honourable Luamanuvao Winnie Laban is the patron of the NZ Pacific Business Council, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, and Associate Minister for Economic
Development. (www.beehive.govt.nz)

NZPBC CHAIR & ULLRICH ALUMINIUNM
Gilbert Ullrich

Gilbert is the current Chairman of the NZ Pacific Business Council (NZPBC) and the CEO of Ullrich Aluminium Co, which has a long business association with the Pacific Islands. Ullrich Aluminium exports a wide range of building products, specialized aluminium products for projects where the buyer requires a long life guaranteed product, which will last over 20 years and meets International Building Codes and Standards. Ullrich Aluminium boosts over 3,000 products, ranging from hardware, builders supply/merchant products through to fabrication of sun louvres, trestles, roof claddings plus materials for local fabricators for assembly. It also undertakes project work in setting up rollforming & aluminium fabrication, and also the training of its personnel in either NZ or alternatively through its 44 branches & operations throughout Australia. (www.ullrich-aluminium.co.nz)

NZPBC EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Richard Maugueret

NZPBC is a multi-lateral business council, promoting two-way trade with the 26 Pacific Islands. It is a private sector driven organisation and works with government agencies and business organisations both within New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to facilitate ‘two-way trade’. NZPBC represents New Zealand businesses in areas such as building and construction, food and beverage, education, tourism and general services. NZPBC can assist Pacific Island private sector contacts with an avenue for sourcing products, finding exports markets and/or seeking investment. (www.nzpbc.co.nz)

BECA INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS Ltd
Graeme Roberts

Graeme is the General Manager of Beca International Consultants Ltd, one of the constituent companies of the Beca Group.. The Beca Group is an international engineering and related consultancy services provider with almost 2,000 employees worldwide. Its range of services covers engineering, planning, project management, architecture, GIS and surveying, cost estimating, asset management and valuations. Beca has been working in the Pacific for more than 40 years and currently has active projects in RMI, Samoa, American Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands. (www.beca.com)

HARRIER EXPORTS
Athol McQuilkan

Harrier Exports Ltd specialises in the supply of perishable primary produce (beef, lamb, seafood, fruit & vegetable produce) and animal by-products, to the Pacific region.
(http://www.marketnewzealand.com/MNZ/Profiler/0/2257/Harrier-Exports-Ltd.aspx)

MICROBYTE SYSTEMS LTD.
Ruth Sami

Microbyte provides personalised service for ALL corporate, business, personal and URGENT requirements. As a specialist IT, Telco, General Product and Service provider to the Pacific Islands for 19 years, Microbyte meets your requirements rather than promoting specific brands, providing customers with product information, quotes, purchasing, consolidation, and export services, sourcing thousands of product lines from over 500 New Zealand suppliers. As a solutions company we understand your supply issues in the Pacific. Microbyte always finds the right solution to your request for product, We have supplied glass bricks, neon signs, a cruise liner (for conference accommodation), 4WD bikes, game fishing boats, musical instruments, networked PC installations, education supplies and personal effects etc. Name it and Microbyte can quote and supply fast, efficient and cost effective service. (www.microbyte.co.nz)

PRODESIGNERS ARCHITECTS LTD.
Kayhan Khadem

Is a registered Architectural Design Practice specialising in a range of commercial and residential projects in both New Zealand and abroad (particularly the Pacific Islands). Their clients include private companies and organisations such as the World Bank, European Economic Commission, and various educational institutions, government departments and diplomatic missions. (www.prodeisgners.co.nz)

TEGEL FOODS
Paul Hancock

Tegel is New Zealand’s market-leading, poultry producer. The company is involved in the breeding, hatching, processing, marketing and distribution of poultry products. In addition, it operates a feed milling business that produces feed for internal and third party use. Its external feed marketer, NRM, is the leading supplier of animal feed and animal health products in New Zealand. Tegel offers a broad range of poultry products from fresh and frozen whole birds and portions to value-added main meal items. It supplies poultry products to supermarkets and other retail outlets in addition to servicing the needs of foodservice and export customers. Tegel’s operations include three major processing facilities, smaller value-added processing plants, feed mills and breeding & hatching facilities. (www.tegel.co.nz and www.nrm.co.nz)

TURNERS AND GROWERS LIMITED
Bobby Sharma

Turners & Growers Limited (T&G) is New Zealand's leading distributor, marketer and exporter of premium fresh produce. Over the last 100 years the company has transformed from a regional, largely independent market, into an international, integrated marketing company, which strives to meet the ever-changing expectations of suppliers, customers and consumers. Our Diversified Exports team market a wide range of fresh produce items to approximately 30 countries around the world. A large element of the international operation is our ENZA branded pipfruit. Our goal is to provide the highest quality product and most cost efficient, innovative, market driven export service for our suppliers and customers. (www.turnersandgrowers.com and www.enza.co.nz)
 

SPG opens three more venues for Games
11 July 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

The Samoa Government and South Pacific Games Authority have answered the critics that report their preparations are behind schedule by opening three more venues for the XIII South Pacific Games, which kicks off next month.

A state-of-the-art Netball Gymnasium complete with offices and changing rooms, a harbour side Outrigger Canoe Headquarters, and an international standard lawn bowling green with a brand new complex clubhouse were opened by the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, in Apia this week. The South Pacific Games Authority says that the respective sports bodies can now move in and start using these sport facilities for training, along their head offices.

The Netball Gymnasium can house any major indoor event including basketball, netball, boxing or volleyball. It can seat a maximum of 3000 people with seating on all four sides of the gymnasium.

The Samoa Outrigger Canoeing Association were also presented with two new outrigger canoes to help with their team's preparations, with more boats arriving for the Games competition later this month.

Tuilaepa says the Lawn Bowls facility itself cost the government ST$2.2 million.

"There will be a seating capacity of over 600 people that can comfortably view the Bowling with the current grandstands and seating around the facility and greens," he told those gathered at the opening.

According to the SPGA, who were also responsible for landscaping of the greens, "the greens should be ready for use in two weeks."
 

Samoa Seven Training Squad South Pacific Games 2007
10 July 2007 - Source: Samoa Rugby Union Media Release

The Samoa Rugby Union has announced the Samoa 7s Team training squad to prepare for the South Pacific Games to be held in Apia in August. Team manager Rudolf Moors and coach Fuimaono Dickie Tafua made the announcement on behalf of the union.

The Samoa 7s team recently won the Tahiti Nui sevens in Papeete and finished third in the IRB World Sevens Series this year. Samoa is one of the hot favourites for the gold medal with Fiji.

Samoa 7’s Training Squad: Apelu Faaiuga, Simaika Mikaele, Meki Purcell, Falealili Afamasaga, Ruepena Vaeagi, Uale Mai, Roger Warren, Fanuafou Tofi, Sitiveni Siaosi, Siaosi Akerei, Lagolasi Fonoti, Tom Iosefo, Alatasi Tupou, Emile Morgan Salesa, Mikaele Pesamino, Tupu Ulufale, Mussolini Faalupega, Maselino Paulino, Afa Aiono, Mike Gabriel, Pale Toelupe, John Lemisio, Taupo Sefo, Timoteo Iosua, Alafoti Faosiliva, Tauvaga Faafou & Alapasa Cortz.

Manu Samoa team is already in camp in preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2007 in France this year.
 

Business of the Week: Filo Signs and Designs
09 July 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Filo Signs and Designs is a local signage company in hot demand frequently called on to service the government and private sector, including schools and churches.

Filo does signs, banners and also event signage, such as grass signage on sports fields. The professional level attained by Filo signs ensures that the grass does not burn. The company also does engraving for plaques and trophies for sports events and graduation ceremonies. Filo has done engraving for the Samoa Rugby Union and for the Prime Minister's gifts to visiting teams and overseas visitors.

Owner and operator, Filo testified that he was always interested in painting and art design since his school days. He attended Apia Primary then went on to Leifiifi College and St Joseph's College where he graduated.

There were no arts subjects or majors at St Joseph's, but his teachers were always encouraging him to pursue his passion. In his final year at St Joseph's, he entered a Samoa Water Authority sponsored competition and was placed 2nd to one of Samoa's premier artists, Penehuro Papalii.

In 1988, he worked together with Mr John Von Dinklage in his Signs and Designs business doing office signs and car detailing work.

When John decided to move to New Zealand, he offered Filo the business and as much as Filo wanted it, he saw that there was a lot of work involved, plus he did not have the money and capital to run the business.

In 1996, after doing the rounds with relatives, Filo and his wife Jane made the decision to start their own business. It was then they set up Filo Signs and Designs. That year in October, he saw the great need during this month of Lotu o Tamaiti for White Sunday banners and signs to be used in church services. Filo also saw the need for a proper vehicle or truck to use for the business and without a vehicle, it would be difficult to carry out all the daily work needed to run the business.

It was early 1999 that Yazaki Samoa contracted him for a big signage contract which got them the funds to buy the vehicle they needed for the business.

Filo admits that he does not have to walk to clients anymore because of the name that he has now made for himself. Clients are now coming to him.

Most of the big signage jobs for Government departments and the private sector are all contracted to his company. His reputation for professional workmanship has added to his company's success.

Filo admits a lot of his returning clientele do so because he uses top quality paints and up to date machinery.

Filo and Jane's successful business has enabled them to cater for their children's education, and contribute to their family and country in a positive way.
 

Person of the Week: Mrs Faataitaia Afereti Samuelu
08 July 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Fa'ataitaia Afereti Samuelu has been serving as the President of the Au Uso Fealofani Women's Organisation since her husband Reverend Afereti Samuelu became President of the Samoa Methodist Church, last year.

She was the General Secretary of the Au Uso Fealofani for ten years before she and her husband took over the leadership roles both in the women's organisation, and the Church. They are the now the figureheads of the Methodist Church in Samoa, which is the third largest religious denomination in the country.

However, she grew up as a member of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa before switching faiths.

Fa'ataitaia married Reverend Samuelu in 1974 and was ordained as a Reverend Minister that same year at the Piula Theological College of Samoa.

They have spent well over 20 years in the Methodist Church Ministry and have spent most of their lives, either teaching, or as Deans of Piula Theological College.

They also spent three years from 1979 to 1981 at the Methodist Congregation in Tasmania, Australia, before returning again to serve at Piula.

Earlier this week, Fa'ataitaia and the Au Uso Fealofani raised over ST$170,000 at their Tausala Night held at Avoka Hall in Faleula. The Au Uso immediately donated it back through their various church programmes, which include scholarships as well as building projects for schools and the church.

Reverend and Mrs Afereti Samuelu have moved from the Methodist Mulinu'u Residence and are now living at the new church compound in Faleula.
 

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