New Zealand and the Pacific: a shift of attitude
31 March 2008 - Source: Matangi Tonga

UNTIL recently, especially during the Cold War, New Zealand and Australia saw the Pacific pretty much as an area of their own particular interest. Things have changed. Has New Zealand's policy changed in response? Does it need to?

There are now many more - and richer - donors in the Pacific, particularly the EC, the two Chinas and Japan.

In spite of this greater involvement, problems in the Pacific's widely dispersed states continue. Standards of living remain low while economic and environmental forces alone are compelling people who have for centuries lived in viable communities to radically adapt their traditional lifestyles and expectations. Long-term solutions remain elusive but on present projections will require not only a continuation of traditional development assistance but, more importantly, shifts in perspective and attitudes not only from metropolitan powers but from Pacific states themselves.

How do we in New Zealand think, or not think, about our immediate neighbourhood? Over the many years of our contact have we really developed the capacity to listen to the Pacific and to acknowledge their values? Too often Pacific peoples see us as complacent and insensitive.

Perhaps this sort of patchy performance was acceptable during the Cold War. But we no longer live in a stable, predictable international environment able to be understood from a single perspective. The Pacific is not isolated from current shifts in the geopolitical tectonic plates. And our own population is diversifying: 6.1% is of Pacific Island origin - roughly 20% is Polynesian. Inevitably, the reality behind these statistics will lead to pressures to shift our own external priorities as a more empowered Polynesian-Pacific community seeks a more rounded response. It will no longer be sufficient simply to state our Pacific awareness. We must reach a point where the Pacific itself acknowledges our understanding of and engagement with their priorities and values.

Pacific deserves more

That engagement must reflect our view that without the Pacific we cannot be "us", and we cannot be "us" without expressing ourselves as New Zealanders with a full Pacific awareness and not as an extension of an international agency or as a "me too" adjunct to the foreign policy aspirations of our allies. The Pacific deserves more from us than derivative rhetoric.

New Zealand must seek to identify those issues and values, in the troubled areas of the Pacific, that fall within a shared middle range. This means both sides making concessions, with the aim of developing genuine partnership. Unethical compromises would be excluded.

Pacificness

Embracing our Pacificness will not be an easy process. Does Pacificness mean that we give priority to the views of an informed "palangi", of a westernized Pacific Islander or of a parochial and rather ethnocentric Pacific Islander? Or, perhaps, a sort of synthesis of all these? As yet we have not made up our minds.

Let's acknowledge that the transition to real "democracy" takes time. In the Pacific the process will only succeed, and then only slowly, by drawing on creative developments in the already existing cultures.

Fiji

For instance, does a resolution of the upheaval in Fiji really turn on the holding of elections? Demonstrably, the Fiji situation is more complex than that. Have we asked Fijians to identify the critical conditions that produce regular coups? Is it the racist electoral system? Why has the military achieved such dominance in Fijian society?

Further, in Tokelau, was independence the only route available for this distant and sparsely populated community? Is a referendum the only way to find out?

In Solomons, why did such severe rioting break out after the last general elections? Criminal elements may have taken part but they drew on popular and deep discontent. Have we analysed the source of that discontent?

Human Rights

Cultures differ, yet we continue to emphasise the centrality of Human Rights. But can we really expect a full uptake on this issue when dealing with societies, as in the Pacific, that are essentially not "rights" based? There is much discussion to be had here but perhaps a way forward could be to adopt a formula involving "rights", responsibilities and human ethics as complementary terms with the ultimate aim of promoting respect for persons.

There are some encouraging developments. The Law Commission's recent publication "Converging Currents" states that the role of custom must inform Pacific Islands' legal systems. MFAT refers to the value of "soft" knowledge in diplomacy. Whatever the new buzz word, it must be acknowledged that the post Cold War world must accommodate complexity, contradiction and uncertainty.

Changing attitudes will not be easy. Politicians and policymakers have a tendency to shape what they see to their own world view. But it would be a start to acknowledge that experts (particularly consultants) can reach the wrong conclusions if local knowledge and history are not taken into account.

Conflict resolution

New Zealand has some relevant experience. The value of our role in conflict resolution in Bougainville is internationally recognised. At home we have the knowledge developed (particularly in relation to the role of spirituality) and negotiating skills gained through the Treaty of Waitangi process which we could, or should, draw on in developing our relations with Pacific partners.

A recent submission to the Parliamentary Enquiry on the Pacific commented on the need for a meeting, with broad-based representation, to discuss (after the Referendum imbroglios) an accepted and viable way forward for Tokelau. Perhaps the enquiry itself could convene such a meeting. Pockets of expertise exist on Tokelau culture. New Zealand must be prepared to draw on these and have sufficient courage to seek Tokelauan views, as well as to establish checks and balances to ensure that no group hijacks the process. Tokelau deserves the best New Zealand can give, not a programme based on United Nations decolonization rhetoric.

Pain without gain

Similarly, it is time to seek a long term basis to our relations with Fiji. Many Fijians are disappointed with the narrowness and insensitivity of New Zealand's response to the Bainimarama coup. There is a need for a new vocabulary and approach. As a Fijian said to me recently, an election without basic change will mean the prospect of more pain without gain. He also expressed disappointment at New Zealand's lack of initiative in seeking a solution to the present crisis. For its part Fiji must demonstrate that autonomy brings with it an equal measure of responsibility and responsiveness to all members of society.

Tokelau and Fiji are just two states in our very large near abroad. The comments here can provide a start - an underpinning perhaps - to promoting more productive relations with our other Pacific partners. This could include a closer and less agenda-driven relationship with the new government in Canberra on Pacific issues.
 

Tokelau Easter Weekend Festival
23 March 2008 - Source: New Zealand Government Press Release

Malo Ni, te mahutaga tupulaga Tokelau, na malo fakapitoa i matua, temana ma fanau tokelau.

Le mai te pua gagana Tokelau - "Te Uia te ao, Te Uia te po"

Taloha Ni, Talofa Lava, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Gud de tru olgeta, Kia ora tatou and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this evening.

Firstly I wish to thank the organisers from the Tokelau Hutt Valley Sports & Culture Association for inviting me to speak today. It’s an honour to be invited to an event that has its roots firmly in the Easter tradition of gathering.

Thank you our MC's Filipo Lui and Nive Ahelemo for such a wonderful introduction.

I would like to acknowledge our dignitaries and guests - thank you for taking the time to support this wonderful event.

To the elders of the Tokelau Community - I’m sure way back at the first Easter Tournaments in the 1970s, when the first rugby game was played between Tokelau communities, you were on the field showing your prowess. As you sit back now and cheer on your families you can be proud of what’s been achieved.

My great-great-grandfather migrated from Tokelau to Samoa for a better life – that was a giant leap for him I’m sure.

And I’m standing here as testament to his courage – as your children and grandchildren are for you.

TOKELAUANS IN NZ

In New Zealand we have a thriving Tokelauan community – just over 6,800 people. Tokelauans make up New Zealand’s 6th largest Pacific Island community. And around 50 per cent of our Tokelauan community in New Zealand live in the Wellington region.

It is a young population and it is growing.

The population grew by 10 per cent between 2001 and 2006, and the median age of a Tokelauan New Zealander is 19 years – compared with 36 years for the total New Zealand population.
The gathering this Easter reflects the traditional components of fakaTokelau – the core foundation being family – and I know you have adapted this to reflect the rapidly increasing Tokelau youth population of New Zealand.

As Pacific Island Affairs Minister, I know that our young people here today have a very critical role to play in the well-being of our country now and into the future. Our Pacific people are youthful, urban-centred and growing in number.

Your youth are energetic, thriving and full of potential.

Lifting our young' people's participation and achievement in education and training is vital so that they can fully contribute and share in New Zealand's success.

I am excited for our youth by policies like SchoolsPlus. Providing for all young people in school or some form of education or training until the age of eighteen is particularly good news for our Pacific youth and Pacific communities.

Our Labour-led government wants to ensure that our Pacific people are fully equipped to contribute to, and share in, the future economic success of New Zealand. Last year we launched the Pacific Economic Action Plan and the Pacific Women's Economic Development Plan aimed a lifting the economic potential and prosperity of Pacific people in New Zealand over the next decade.

Labour values your contribution, and indeed that which all Pacific communities make to New Zealand’s National Identity.

Last year we launched the Mind your Language project in response to low rates of language retention amongst our Tokelau, Niue and Cook Islands communities in New Zealand.

Today’s event reminds us all that our Pacific languages and Pacific identity are what make our communities special.

EASTER TOURNAMENTS

These festivals have been around for a long time. They began as Easter Tournaments involving rugby games and have blossomed into the first official Easter Tournament in Auckland in 1981. A year later Hutt Valley was the host and included netball in with the rugby.

Now these ‘Easter Tournies’ are world famous in the Hutt Valley.

This is the 14th Festival hosted by the Hutt Valley. I grew up around these parts and know a thing or two about the reputation of the Hutt Valley Tokelauans, they are a force to be reckoned with! Watch out Auckland!

But its not only sport and performances you will celebrate this Easter.

The Tokelau Hutt Valley Sports and Culture Association has made sure that there are activities organised to meet the objectives you have set for yourselves on youth development through sports participation, role modelling of Tokelau leaders, parents and elders.

You are visionary in your approach to spending this important time as not only a celebration, but also as a time to learn, to teach and to join in spirit.

To our young people here today - be proud of your heritage, your values and your traditions.

I know you are eager to get on with the proceedings.

Ke Manuia te mafutaga a tupulaga i te alha o te Atua
 

Pitcairn Island relays most spam per person
15 March 2008 - Source: The Register

Pitcairn Island, the final South Sea island refuge of the Bounty mutineers, relays more spam per capita than any other nation. But with an estimated population of 48, perhaps it's not that surprising.

Small localities including Tokelau, The Faroe Islands, and The Falkland Islands also witnessed a disproportionate amount of junk mail activity in the final quarter of 2007, according to a chart from net security firm Sophos.

When absolute volumes of junk are considered - a more meaningful statistic to most internet users - the United States, Russia, and China top the list, accounting for one in three (33.8 per cent) junk mail messages between them. When these top three spam-relaying countries are considered in terms of population, the United States is in 64th position, Russia in 45th, and China plummets to 132nd.

The UK, ninth in terms of volume, drops to 50th worst spam relaying country on a per capita (head) count.

A separate analysis of spam trends in February 2008 by net security firm MessageLabs reveals that 4.6 per cent of all spam originates from web mail-based services.

The proportion of spam from Gmail increased two-fold from 1.3 per cent in January to 2.6 per cent in February, most of which spamvertised porno websites. Yahoo! Mail was the most abused web mail service, responsible for sending 88.7 per cent of all web mail-based spam.

The increase of web-based spam reflects rising success by ne'er-do-wells in defeating anti-spam CAPTCHAs, mechanisms designed to eliminate automated sign up tools by requiring the user to perform a task that can supposedly only be performed by a human.

After hackers developed an automated method with a 20-30 per cent success rate, they've been able to use their botnets to create unlimited numbers of accounts on compromised services for spamming and phishing. Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail CAPTCHAs were first broken in July 2007. The increase in spam from Gmail last month is indicative of similar success, MessageLabs reports.

"There are several approaches a spammer can take to defeat a CAPTCHA," said Mark Sunner, chief security analyst at MessageLabs. "Whether they do so using an algorithm, a 'mechanical turk', or combination of the two, email providers are feeling the pressure to keep pace but are limited to what a human can realistically solve creating ever more doubt surrounding the long-term effectiveness of the CAPTCHA as a security mechanism for protecting email services from abuse."

Last month also witnessed an increase in targeted Trojan attacks to approximately 30 per day, a rise of about 200 per cent since the end of 2007. These attacks focus on small numbers of targets, keeping malign activity under the radar of the wider security industry.

One particular attack last month involved up to 900 targeted Trojans, primarily directed towards senior business executives worldwide, that made use of multiple attack vectors including drive by downloads from compromised websites. These attacks are often based on prior intelligence gathered about their targets, MessageLabs notes.
 

Decolonization one of "PROUDEST CHAPTERS' in United Nations History 
07 March 2008 - Source: Newswire.com

All over the world, hundreds of millions of people had exercised their right to self-determination and achieved self-government, and facilitating that process was “one of the proudest chapters of our Organization’s history” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said this morning, as he opened the current session of the Special Committee on decolonization.

That chapter was still being written, he said, and until the status of the 16 remaining Non-Self Governing Territories was satisfactorily resolved, the ideals of the General Assembly Declaration on Decolonization would continue to be unfulfilled. As the end of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism approached, he looked to the Committee to advance the process.

Recalling Tokelau’s referendum last year on the question of self-government in free association with New Zealand, its administrating Power, he said, although it had fallen short of the two-thirds majority needed for a change in status, the fact that the people of Tokelau had freely expressed their will marked an important step forward. The referendum stood out for the constructive spirit with which the Government of New Zealand and the people of Tokelau approached the question.

“Tokelau is a commendable example of what can be achieved when there is political will and close cooperation,” he said, expressing his hope that the experience would inspire other administering Powers and Territories to find innovative and practical ways to advance the decolonization process. He commended the Committee’s focus on productive cooperation with the administering Powers, and urged transparent and creative dialogue to ensure the views of the remaining Territories were heard going forward. ( For full text of statement, see Press Release SG/SM/11440. )

In his opening remarks, Chairperson Marty N. Natalegawa ( Indonesia ) said decolonization historically had been among the most challenging mandates of the United Nations. Indeed, since the Organization’s founding, nearly 750 million people had exercised their right to self-determination, and more than 80 once-colonized Territories had gained independence.

Despite those achievements, decolonization remained “unfinished business”, and he urged Members to seek effective ways to accelerate that process, particularly in resolving questions of “permanent” international political status in accordance with General Assembly resolutions. There was an urgent need to establish a compelling basis for the global community’s approach to decolonizing the Territories that would directly involve all concerned.

“We need to approach each case with an open mind,” and build on available options to bring about a results-oriented evolution of positions for moving forward, he said. Progress required considering each Territory on a case-by-case basis, and he urged Members to make genuine efforts to address the concerns –- even passions -– of all relevant stakeholders: the global community, administering Powers and the people of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Commending New Zealand’s example with Tokelau, he encouraged other administering Powers to follow suit in pursuing meaningful collaboration with the Committee. He also urged Members to use the annual regional seminar on decolonization, to be held in May in the Asia and Pacific region, as a forum to explore innovative ideas.

In closing, he recounted Indonesia’s experience of declaring independence from colonial rule, saying that the country’s 1955 hosting of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung “laid a new foundation for the cause of decolonization across the globe”. Indonesia had come a long way since embarking on its path and had kept the Bandung spirit alive.

Taking the floor in general statement, the representative of Papua New Guinea pointed out that the history of the United Nations was underpinned by the decolonization process, and he echoed calls to innovatively resolve outstanding issues around the 16 remaining Territories. Referring to New Zealand’s efforts with Tokelau, he called on other administering Powers to also be engaged in the Committee’s work.

The representative of Dominica stressed that, with only two years remaining until the end of the International Decade, the Committee must stimulate the decolonization process. Thus far, its review had been insufficient, and it was left wanting for analysis on the ground, particularly in small island Territories. He urged taking steps to implement the case-by-case work plan, and encouraged Members to be forward looking in developing indicators of success. “The clock is ticking,” he said.

On territories that were the subject of sovereignty disputes, he said debate would intensify in the coming year, and he was concerned that such discussion would take attention away from small island Territories. He urged the creation of an open-ended working group for small island Non-Self Governing Territories, which would resume the functions of a former sub-committee on territories. Such a group could be accommodated using existing resources.

Supporting that idea, the representative of Saint Lucia also focused on the fact that most administrating Powers had discontinued their cooperation on the decolonization issue, and the extent of information and analysis in the Territories was not enough for States to offer real solutions to move the process forward. Development of the case-by-case work plan had been “effectively stalled”, and unless implementation efforts were intensified, progress would be elusive.

In other matters, the Committee elected Marty N. Natalegawa ( Indonesia ) as its Chairman, Luc Joseph Okio ( Congo ) and Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz ( Cuba ) as Vice Chairmen, and Bashar Ja’afari ( Syria ) as Rapporteur.

Approving its revised organization of work for the year ( documents A/AC.109/2007/L.1 and 2 ), the Committee deferred its decision on the meeting schedule for its substantive session in June. The Chairman expressed his intention to convene one or two informal meetings to consider issues related to the organization of the next regional seminar, typically held in mid-May, around the Week of Solidarity with peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples ( also known as the Special Committee on Decolonization or the Committee of 24 ) is the focal point for the implementation of the Declaration on Decolonization.

The representatives of Cuba, Congo, Fiji, Syria and Ethiopia also spoke. The representatives of Thailand, Burundi, Lebanon, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia and Argentina participated as observers.

The Committee will reconvene at a date to be announced.
 

Secretary-General says proud UN chapter
28 February 2008 - Source: Presszoom.com

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the opening of the 2008 session of the Special Committee on Decolonization in New York, 28 February:

I am pleased to join all of you today as the Special Committee begins a new session for 2008.

Over the last six decades, decolonization has transformed the membership of the United Nations. All over the world, hundreds of millions of people have exercised their right to self-determination, and achieved self-government. Facilitating this process constitutes one of the proudest chapters of our Organization’s history.

As you know better than anyone, this chapter is still being written. Today, there are 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories remaining on the agenda of the United Nations. Until their status is satisfactorily resolved, the ideals of the General Assembly Declaration on Decolonization will remain unfulfilled. That is why, as we approach the end of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, I look to you, the members of this Special Committee, to continue to advance the decolonization process in the Territories.

Late last year the Pacific territory of Tokelau held a referendum on the question of self-government in free association with New Zealand, its administering Power. While the referendum fell just short of the two-thirds majority needed for a change in status, the fact that the people of Tokelau had the opportunity to freely express their will with regard to their own future was an important step forward.

The referendum stood out for the constructive spirit with which the Government of New Zealand and the people of Tokelau approached the question. And I am confident that the two sides will maintain a constructive dialogue as they chart the road ahead.

Tokelau is a commendable example of what can be achieved when there is political will and close cooperation. I hope it will inspire other administering Powers and the people in the Territories to find innovative and practical ways to advance the decolonization process.

In this context, I applaud your stress on productive cooperation between the Special Committee and the administering Powers, while always bearing in mind the interests of the Territories. And I appeal to all parties to engage in a transparent and creative dialogue to ensure that the views of the peoples of the remaining Territories are heard.

For our part, all of us in the Secretariat will do all we can to fully support your vital work.

I wish the Special Committee every success in the year ahead.

Thank you all very much.
 

Event Polynesia to market and promote Toa Samoa RLWC campaign
20 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Samoa Rugby League has announced the appointment of Event Polynesia to market and promote Toa Samoa for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, to be held in Australia starting in October. The arrangement includes marketing, promotion and fundraising, starting as soon as possible and includes all commercial arrangements from now up to and after the Rugby League World Cup. Details of the partnership are yet to be finalised, but the two parties are keen to work together for the betterment of Toa Samoa’s World Cup Campaign and commercial arrangements going forward.

“We are so delighted to be working with Event Polynesia for the World Cup and going forward" said SRL President Mr Peter Paul.

Toa Samoa RLWC Fundraising will kick-off in mid April with corporate fights pitching rugby league legends against those from other sports. It will also include fights between corporate professionals pitching CEO’s of the public and private sector against one another. This will be the first time for corporate Samoa to enjoy corporate fights, including wining and dining and cheering on a professional partner, while at the same time, contributing to and fundraising for Toa Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup campaign.

“It is such a relief for us to bring in a professional event company to take care of marketing and commercial matters whilst we concentrate on the administration side of things for the World Cup” said SRL Secretary General Fritz Tuiavii.

The local Samoa Rugby League competition kicks-off in early April, with trials set for July and the World Cup squad to be finalised in August. With the high interest and participation of our premier Samoan professional rugby league stars from all over the world, Toa Samoa stands a very positive chance to make the Semi Finals of the World Cup.
 

Tokelau building plans on hold
12 February 2008 - Source: NiuFM

Work on two new schools and a hospital in Tokelau have been put on hold until a meeting between the new head of the island and officials in New Zealand, later this month.

The new ulu, Pio Tuia, says they're happy with the $43.1 million dollars that New Zealand is willing to offer them and can't wait for their new projects to begin.

But he says they want the green light from officials here before they go ahead with the building plans.

The meeting is expected to take place in two weeks.
 

Ten Samoan boxing pioneers receive honorary awards
04 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Ten recipients of the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing Honorary Awards were presented their awards at the Pre-fight Cocktail on Friday 1st February 2008.

According to Mr. Puni, “It is fitting that the pioneers of Samoa boxing are honoured at the inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event for their service in boxing. This weekend Samoa will not only host representatives from the four main world boxing bodies, but will make boxing history with local referee and judges officiating the WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title.”

“Contrary to what most think, it is very hard to raise funds in Samoa to promote boxing and especially to stage international fights here. This is the first and very likely to be the last time Event Polynesia Boxing will bring such an international boxing gathering here to Samoa.”

“Event Polynesia Boxing is committed to promoting Samoan boxers. However, the international title fights will have to be in Auckland where we stage our New Zealand fights because of the huge expenses that we incur to bring such events to Samoa.”

Mr. Puni and boxing officials made a courtesy call to personally thank the Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi and to thank the Samoa Government for the financial assistance towards the amateur expenses of this event.

Mr. Reginald Leca, President of Oceania Boxing Association and representative for PABA and WBA at a media conference yesterday, compared Samoa to Cuba as a force in world boxing. But unlike Cuba, Samoa needs to move its amateur boxers to professional boxing earlier rather than very late as is the case with Maselino Masoe.

“This requires amateur boxing to work together with professional boxing in Samoa in association with promoters such as Event Polynesia Boxing, who are helping Samoan professional boxers to get ranking for title fights.”

The 10 recipients of the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing Honorary Awards are:
Hon Peter Paul – Promoter, Hon Sala Ulugia Suivai – Promoter / Coach,
Savaiinaea Malo Slade – Boxer / Trainer / Coach,
Oscar Meredith – Trainer / Coach,
Hon Fa’asootauloa Sam Saili – Promoter,
Galumalemana Afeleti Betham – Trainer / Coach / Promoter,
Hon Polataivao Fosi Schmidt – Boxer / Promoter / Coach,
Lesa Eric Fatupaito – Trainer / Coach,
Maposua Rudolf Keil – Promoter, and
Ulugia Elijah Stanley – Promoter.
 

Special accommodation and rental car deals announced for boxing fans
27 January 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Overseas interest in the upcoming Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event in Apia on Saturday 2nd February 2008 will see up to 200 boxing fans and supporters arriving in Samoa next week.

Many more are expected to book a ticket to Samoa with the announcement over the week end of special accommodation and rental car deals for boxing fans and supporters.

Hotel Kitano Samoa is offering an accommodation special $200 SAT per room per day for up to three people with ELAVA at Vaitele is offering $120 SAT per room per day up to two people with continental breakfast included.

Apia Rental is offering a 15% discount to all their vehicles with DAT Car Rentals is offering a special $165 per day for their Hyundai Tucson fleet.

This was confirmed by Mr. Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia, “For the next two weeks, Hotel Kitano Samoa and ELAVA Resort will be the home of international boxing with Apia Rental and DAT Car Rentals as the preferred rental car service.”

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 to boxing world titles by setting up the needed top international competitions right here in Samoa.

Mr. Puni credits the support from media partners Samoa Observer, Le Samoa Post, SBC, TV3, Vaiala Beach TV and Radio Polynesia in promoting the upcoming fight.

Mr. Puni goes on to say, “Staging international title fights in Samoa is very good for tourism and local businesses and also allows for our people to see the action LIVE and up close.”

WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title contender and current IBF Australasian Cruiserweight champion Mr. Lawrence Tauasa arrived in Samoa on Sunday with his manager Mr. Lincoln Hudson to prepare for the upcoming fight.

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

Tokelau atolls to elect leaders and Fono selections
19 January 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International
 
Elections for the Faipule, or village leaders, of Tokelau’s three atolls are taking place this week.

The pulenuku, or village mayor, will also be elected.

Selections from each atoll for membership in Tokelau’s Fono, or General Assembly, are being made as well.

The elections on the atolls of Nukunonu and Atafu are to take place the day after tomorrow..

The incumbent Faipule of Faka’ofo, Kolouei O’Brien, says their atoll election will take place tomorrow:

“We do that all, the election, tomorrow. So by the afternoon or evening we should know the new faipule, the new pulenuku, and the candidates for the General Fono - it’ll be twenty [members] this year. According to our census last November, it’s seven in Faka’ofo, seven in Atafu and six in Nukunonu.”

The Faipule of Faka’ofo, Kolouei O’Brien.
 

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2008 from Event Polynesia
26 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
At the beginning of this year, we all wondered what 2007 will bring. Just before Christmas, we sit and look back over the year that was. And what a year it has been!!

This year we have been blessed and our lives enriched through meeting and being in touch with so many remarkable people.

The passing away of more great leaders of the Pacific were sad moments we all collectively shared. While we differ in opinion in how to compact the war against "terrorism," least we forget the sons and daughters of the Pacific serving around the world for freedom and peace, in particular the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Through Event Polynesia Multimedia, we have endeavoured to provide a vehicle for our Pacific people to tell their stories and be heard, particularly with our online website portal www.eventpolynesia.com.

Through Event Polynesia Boxing and Event Polynesia Entertainment, we hope to provide a platform to showcase the talents of the Pacific.

Next year we will launch Event Polynesia Tours as an extension of our service. Keep watching this space.

And so before we sign off for 2007, we would like to thank each and every one of our readers, supporters and contributors and do appreciate all the advertisers who recognize our readership, coverage and brand strength.

A special acknowledgment goes out to our business associates and event partners as we strive to provide a robust marketing vehicle to promote your services and products.

From the Event Polynesia Team, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
 

Reinventing the domain registry business
18 December 2007 - Source: DomainesInfo

Tokelau isn't the first small country to entrust the management of its Internet extension to an outside firm. But the unusual business model chosen for .TK by registry Dot TK has seemingly yielded impressive results.

Tokelau may be a small group of islands off New-Zealand, its Internet extension is very much based in Europe. Dot TK BV is the Dutch company involved in a joint venture with the government of Tokelau to manage .TK.

The way Dot TK has gone about that task is said to have done wonders for the local economy. "Dot TK operates a unique business model which makes it very distinct in the domain name market," Dot TK Business Development Manager Matt Kelly told Domaines.Info during an exclusive interview. "We have over 1.8 million registered domains in active use, and we register 10,000 new ones daily. To put this in perspective: that is more than .IT or .FR, and means .TK is in the top ten most successful ccTLDs in the world (in fact, according to Domaines.Info's own statistics, that total puts .TK just outside the world top ten –ed.)! What is unique about this is that about 1.7 million of these domains are registered free of charge, with Dot TK retaining rights and generating revenue through targeted advertising."

The way it works is that anyone can request a .TK domain free of charge. If the domain is still available, the applicant doesn't actually become its owner. Rather, he is granted a "right of use" by Dot TK and can use the domain to point to an active website, where Dot TK will add its own advertising.

"The effect of this in the market has been to massively raise the profile of the .TK extension," says Kelly. "This in turn has led to a huge increase in our paid domain portfolio, which contains no Dot TK advertising, and carries full rights, functioning in exactly the same way as .COM, .NET, .AU or any other extension. The increased visibility of the .TK extension has led to an increased awareness among Fortune 500 and other large corporations that protecting their trademarks and brands with .TK domains is a wise investment as the usage of .TK domains continues to grow."

So just like any other extension, .TK recently organised a Sunrise period to relaunch itself properly. That Sunrise ran from October 26 to December 3, 2007. "Starting today, everyone can register any domain they want," said Dot TK CEO Joost Zuurbier on the day the Sunrise ended. "If any trademark issues arise, we will guide the registrant and the trademark owner to our WIPO-based domain name dispute policy, which is enforced on all paid domain name registrations."

Now that the Sunrise is over, Dot TK is working on making its two distinct business models complement each other to boost sales and increase .TK's global footprint. "We're set to grow yet further in 2008 with many exciting innovations entering our free domain offering, which in turn will again increase awareness of - and demand for - paid .TK domains," Kelly concludes.
 

Samoa and Tokelau next on Cyclone's hit list
10 December 2007 - Source: Pacific Radio News

It's cyclone season in the Pacific and Samoa and Tokelau could be the next ones to brave the bad weather.

Fiji felt the wrath of Cyclone Daman on Friday.

The cyclone left 17 families on the island of Cikobia homeless.

Senior forecaster at the Fiji weather office, Matt Boterhoven, says Daman was initially headed for Tonga after Fiji, but is expected to fizzle out, today.

He says they're now keeping their eyes on two other Pacific nation.
 

Gagana Tokelau important to New Zealand
02 December 2007 - Source: Scoop

Race Relations Commissioner: New Zealand needs to go multilingual

A concerted effort is needed to increase knowledge and use of a diverse range of languages in New Zealand says Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.

Mr de Bres will be presenting a two-page draft national languages policy to an international conference on Language, Education and Diversity at Waikato University this weekend.

The policy establishes a framework for developing or renewing specific strategies in a range of key areas: English for speakers of other languages, Te Reo Maori, New Zealand Sign Language, Pacific languages, community and heritage languages and foreign languages.

It also calls for a focus on languages in the home, the community, education, public services, broadcasting and business.

The policy notes that English is the most widely used language in New Zealand, and the ability to communicate in English is important for all New Zealanders.

It points out that a majority of New Zealanders currently speak only one language. There are however significant communities who have a heritage language other than English. Maori, Pacific and Asian communities alone make up nearly a third of the population. The most common community languages other than English are Te Reo Maori, Chinese languages, Samoan, and Hindi.

Mr de Bres said that New Zealand has a particular responsibility under the Treaty of Waitangi and international law to protect and promote Te Reo Maori as the indigenous language of New Zealand. It also has a special responsibility to protect and promote other languages that are indigenous to the New Zealand realm: Vagahau Niue, Gagana Tokelau, Cook Island Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language. It has a regional responsibility, as a Pacific nation, to promote and protect other Pacific languages, particularly where significant proportions of their communities live in New Zealand.

He said that a significant and growing proportion of New Zealand’s trade is with Asia, and learning the languages of our key trading partners is an economic imperative.

Priorities in the implementation of a national languages policy are to:

Establish an appropriate coordinating and monitoring mechanism for language policy, and identify lead organisations for specific language and sector strategies Develop and maintain strategies for the identified languages and sectors Promote cooperation and sharing between agencies and communities in the development of strategies, resources and services Promote positive public attitudes to language diversity and increase the number of people learning languages Train and support more teachers of languages Develop resources to support language learning and use.
 

Changes for Tokelau in new year
24 November 2007 - Source: Pacific Radio News

Plans are underway to rebuild schools on the atolls of Atafu and Fakaofo and to upgrade the hospital on Nukunonu.

The money's coming out of New Zealand's four million dollar assistance package to Tokelau.

Administrator, David Payton, says the faipules of the three atolls told him at a recent meeting that they want to move on from the failed referendum and start building for the future.
 

Future of Tokelau to be discussed at fono
16 November 2007 - Source: Pacific Radio News

The Administrator of Tokelau David Payton is heading to Apia this week for a meeting to discuss the future of Tokelau.

Payton says there's been disappointment over the recent referendum which failed to get the two thirds majority to allow it to be self-governing.

The meeting will be attended by the council of Tokelau which includes the faipules of the three atolls in Tokelau.

Payton says it's important to discuss where Tokelau goes to from here.

Other issues like improving education and economic development on Tokelau will also be discussed.
 

Further fall-out over Tokelau vote outcome
08 November 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Tokelau’s leader, Kuresa Nasau, has attracted criticism over his blaming of one atoll for the rejection of greater self determination.

He said in a New Zealand radio interview that the atoll of Fakaofo failed to support the proposal in a recent referendum.

But the Fakaofo Faipule, or local leader, believes the problem was on the Ulu’s home atoll of Atafu where the community is split over the return of a church minister.

The pastor was granted forgiveness by the local leaders after earlier confessing to sexually abusing his step daughter.

Tokelau’s New Zealand Administrator, David Payton, says further discussions with Tokelau’s leadership will now be held in Samoa this weekend .

“You can be certain that the issue on Atafu, which is dividing the population there, is something I and my predecessor have been working very very closely with the leadership. But at the end of the day the authority to deal with this has been left in the hands of Tokelau because that is the way authority has shifted.”

But Mr Payton says he expects the issue with the Pastor will be discussed at the meeting in Apia.
 

South Pacific islands cling to their colonial status
31 October 2007 - Source: The Independent

The UN wants tiny, remote Tokelau in the South Pacific to be independent, and so does New Zealand, its colonial ruler. But Tokelauans cannot quite bring themselves to sever the link and become one of the world's smallest nations.

Fewer than 1,500 people inhabit the three minuscule atolls, mid-way between New Zealand and Hawaii, that constitute Tokelau. In two referendums in the past 21 months, its 700 voters have narrowly failed to achieve the required two-thirds majority in favour of self-government.

A former British colony in Polynesia, Tokelau has been administered by New Zealand since 1926. It has no airport or harbour, and is a 28-hour ferry ride from Samoa, its nearest neighbour, 300 miles to the south.

In a place with such a tiny population, every vote counts, and the losing margin in last week's plebiscite was just 16 votes. With a clear majority wishing to go it alone, another UN-supervised referendum is expected before long.

New Zealand, keen to divest itself of its last colonial possession, has promised Tokelauans that they will retain their right to citizenship of that country if they opt for self-rule. Wellington has also pledged to maintain its financial support.

Tokelau is one of 16 remaining colonial territories around the world, which the UN periodically and gently presses to achieve independence. Others include Pitcairn Island and Gibraltar, both British possessions. East Timor, formerly controlled by Indonesia, was the last to take over its own destiny.

When it follows suit, Tokelau will be the world's smallest nation after the Vatican City by population, and after the Vatican City and Monaco by land area. Its three coral atolls – Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo - cover just four square miles. They are also pancake-flat and, like other places in the South Pacific, threatened by rising sea levels.

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, said after last week's referendum that she respected Tokelauans' wishes. "New Zealand governments have long taken the view that it is for the people of Tokelau to decide both the direction and the pace of their political development," she said, pledging her country's continuing support.

Tokelau, regardless of its colonial status, will remain dependent on New Zealand, which provides 80 per cent of its budget. Other sources of income include fishing licence fees, exports of copra (dried coconut meat), and sales of handicrafts, stamps and coins. It also earns money from its .tk internet domain address.

New Zealand is already home to 8,000 Tokelau expatriates. While they no longer have a vote in their birthplace, they are believed to have played a key role in persuading relatives on the islands against opting for self-government "in free association with New Zealand", as the referendum phrased it.

Even so, 64 per cent of people voted for independence, up from 60 per cent in the previous plebiscite in February last year.

Connected to the outside world only by ferry, telephone and – as of recently – the internet, it remains a tropical backwater.

Just six or so people own cars, and the islands do not even have a capital. The public service is based in Apia, the Samoan capital. In practice, Tokelau already runs its own affairs with New Zealand support.

Tokelau became part of Britain's Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1889, and was bequeathed to New Zealand in 1926. One of its claims to fame is a population of pigs that live by the sea and have learnt to catch fish in shallow water.
 

Tokelau leader denies designs on Swain’s
23 October 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Tokelau’s Ulu, or leader, does not want to pursue any claim to Swain’s Island, or Olohega, for the time being, if the referendum currently underway makes his nation self-governing.

Tokelau’s traditional claim to the island, which is under the control of American Samoa, is mentioned in the preamble to Tokelau’s draft constitution.

But Ulu Kuresa Nasau says there are other more pressing needs:

“I would like to concentrate on developing Tokelau more as a country. I have always believed there are more priorities than focusing on Olohega.”

Ulu Kuresa Nasau.
 

Tokelau to vote on self-rule
15 October 2007 - Source: ABC Radio Australia

Tokelau's finance minister, Galway O'Brien, says he is confident his country's upcoming referendum on self-rule will be successful.

Tokelau residents will soon vote on whether they want to become self-governing in free association of New Zealand.

The same question went to the vote last year, and failed by a small margin to reach the two-thirds of votes needed to pass.

Mr O'Brien has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program a lack of public awareness defeated the vote last year.

"Seems to be less questions now, [less] misunderstanding," he said.

"I think people start to realise what it means. Because the last time when we went round after the vote, we find out that most people, they say they didn't understand."

Editorial support

An editorial in the New Zealand Herald today it is the right time for Tokelau to become self-ruling.

The Herald says Tokelau is never likely to be in a position to support itself, and New Zealand aid has underpinned the people's wellbeing.

But it says with its own administrative framework and public service, the island already runs itself in most respects.
 

Tokelau leader claims there is resistance to fresh referendum
07 October 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

A Tokelau community leader in New Zealand says many expatriate Tokelauans are opposed to the second vote on self determination to be held later this month.

Ioane Teao says political leaders seem motivated by the prospects of the money the territory may receive from aid donors if it becomes independent in free association with New Zealand.

He says many Tokelauans are unhappy that the result of the previous referendum in February last year, in which the people decided it should remain a New Zealand colony, was unilaterally dismissed.

“This is no good for democracy in Tokelau. The people have spoken. They didn’t get the 66 percent that was needed for a mandate and yet they overturned that decision and started a month later to have another referendum.”

Ioane Teao says there are also concerns within the community that around 30 percent of eligible voters did not participate in the first referendum.

He says there’s a prediction that the level of non-participation could be even higher this time.
 

Young Tokelauans urged to Mind Your Language
29 September 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Innovative family and community based language learning resources are being made available to young people across New Zealand interested in learning Gagana Tokelau – the Tokelau Langauge.

The Mind Your Language Tokelau Resources have been developed by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs in partnership with the Mind Your Language Tokelau Executive Board, a group of Tokelauan people passionate about supporting the retention of the language amongst young Tokelauans.

The first phase of the Mind Your Language Tokelau release sees visual aids that will be able to take pride of place in the home and encourage every day discussions amongst family members in the Tokelau language.

Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive, Dr Colin Tukuitonga says Mind Your Language is designed to get more New Zealand born Pacific people speaking the language of their forebears. “Our communities in New Zealand outnumber those living in Tokelau, and sadly our young New Zealand born people can’t speak these languages. Mind Your Language aims to change that.”

Dr Tukuitonga is calling on communities to collectively support language learners. “Mind Your Language helps our communities to strengthen their sense of cultural identity. We hope every member of the Tokelau community supports the people who make use of this valuable resource.”
 

NZ officials will monitor Tokelau referendum next month
21 September 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

New Zealand officials will head to the Pacific territory of Tokelau next month to monitor a referendum on its future.

The people of Tokelau will decide whether it should become a nation of self-government, in free association with New Zealand.

At the moment, Tokelau is administered by New Zealand.

A referendum in February last year failed to meet the required two-thirds majority to change the status of the territory.

The new referendum is set down for four days starting on October the 20th.
 

Samoa is helping Tokelau deal with waste management
13 September 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

The Tokelau Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to allow the small New Zealand territory to dump its recyclable rubbish in Samoa.

Tokelau’s Director of Environment, Mose Pelasio says the status of waste management in Tokelau is in a very critical situation.

He says the atolls had limited land with very few dumping sites that can barely cope with the excess rubbish.

He says there are recyclable materials that Tokelau needs to ship out.

The waste is to be shipped on the Samoa Government vessel that serves Tokelau.
 

Tokelau wins gold in lawn bowls
05 September 2007 - Source: ABC Radio Australia

One of the tiniest countries in the world is celebrating its first success on the international sporting stage.

Tokelau has won a gold medal in lawn bowls at the South Pacific Games in Samoa

Our reporter New Zealand Peter Lewis says that by any measure Tokelau is one of the smallest places on the planet, a population of just under 1500 spread over just 12 square kilometres on three coral atolls near Western Samoa.

But their team is the toast of the South pacific games winning its first ever gold medals in lawn bowls, then scoring an upset win over the Cook Islands in the plate final of the sevens rugby .

At the halfway mark of the competitions in the Samoan capital Apia, New Caledonia heads the medal tally ahead of Papua New Guinea and the hosts , whose prime minister picked up a silver medal in archery.