(Photos: Antony Paltridge)

NEW ZEALAND: Afioga Tagaloa Nua Su'a investiture
Source: Public Affairs Press Release
 
For services to the Pacific Islands community. Ms Su’a has contributed to the Pacific Islands community in Christchurch for over 20 years.

She established the first National Pacific Advisory Group on Social Welfare and was instrumental in the development of the Child and Youth and Family Pacific Responsiveness Plan.

She has been a member of the department’s Care and Protection Panel for 9 years and is their cultural advisor at the Kingsley Residential Centre.

She established the Tagata Atumotu Trust, a group made up of the Pacific Nurses Association and Pacific Health Professions to provide cultural support services.

Ms Su’a was the first Samoan woman chairperson of the Samoan Advisory Council, the inaugural chairperson of the National Samoan Advisory Council, and is the chairperson of Samoa E Le Caro, a Samoan broadcasting service.

Also, if you're interested, a couple of Derek Lardelli, who while Maori, has some Pacifica links through his ta moko work.

Mr Derek LARDELLI, of Gisborne, received the Insignia of an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit.

For services to Maori arts, in particular ta moko.

Derek Lardelli has contributed to Maori arts nationally and internationally, as a carver, Kapa Haka performer, composer, graphic designer, and researcher of whakapapa, and kaikorero, but especially as one of the finest ta moko artists in the country.

He is considered the pioneer of modern day Ta moko and has conducted exhibitions and workshops here and overseas. In 2004, he was the director of the Ta Moko Delegation to the South Pacific Arts Festival in Palau and led a working exhibition at Te Papa as part of the New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

His work has been exhibited in the New Zealand High Commission Exhibition in Singapore and Kura and in the Contemporary Maori Exhibition in Belfast in 2000.

He composed the new All Black Haka, Kapa o Pango, designed the logo for the 2006 Commonwealth Games Uniform, and has a design included on selected pieces of the Air New Zealand uniform.

He was also commissioned to create a series of sculptures Maui Whaairo, which are regarded as a New Zealand Cultural Icon. Derek Lardelli was made an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate in 2004.

Photo Caption: Afioga Tagaloa Nua SU’A, of Christchurch, received the Queen's Service Medal.
 

(Photos: SRU)

SAMOA: Manu Samoa looks Forward to Future
Source: Samoa Rugby Union Press Release
 
The main contingent of the Manu Samoa team was greeted by family, friends and supporters earlier in the week. Despite the loss to the All Blacks, Samoa Rugby Union (SRU), CEO Su’a Peter Schuster was adamant that the game presented a hard reminder of areas that needed
attention in order to achieve SRU set goals for 2009 and 2011.

]“When we assessed our performance at last year’s Rugby World Cup (RWC), we identified weaknesses, strengths and agreed to the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan that will guide Samoan rugby and the Manu Samoa team to achieve two goals. (1) win the Rugby World Cup Qualifiers in 2009 to qualify for RWC 2011; and (2) be in the top-4 at the end of 2011.

“For us to achieve the two goals, we need to follow our strategic plan and not stray from the path. Granted the game against the All Blacks was not in our original strategy, we took the opportunity to gauge our existing rugby standards against the World's best. As a result, the All Blacks highlighted for us areas in our game and environment we need to focus and develop to meet our 2011 aspirations."

Schuster further adds, “We know that to put all the necessary administrative and infrastructural pathways in place to achieve the goals, there will be a lot of pain, challenges and hurdles to overcome, and this is only one of them. Great things are achieved through sacrifice, pain,
hard work and honesty."

Playing the Pacific Nations Cup against Tonga, Fiji, Australia A, NZ Maoris gives Manu Samoa the chance to introduce and test new methods and game plans. But, it does not provide the playing standards needed to rigorously compete against the top-4 teams in the world.

“This is why the All Blacks opportunity was so important to take”, points Schuster. “The outcomes of the match have told us what we need to do and how far we are from achieving our goals. We are now adding these lessons to our strategic plan implementation process and supporting environment to mature by 2011.”

As for the scoreline, Schuster said, “It’s painful to the pride. But it’s only a statistic albeit a valuable one in the journey to our ultimate goal. The key is to take in the lessons and learn. Just ask England in 2003 when they toured NZ prior to the 2003 World Cup where they got hammered by the All Blacks. They swallowed their pride, took those lessons on board and by the end of the tournament the faith shown by the English supporters saw England and Martin Johnson crowned World Champions.”

The DVD of Wednesday’s game will be keenly watched by Manu Samoa players and coaching staff over the coming months. They will analyse and learn from the lessons gained in the All Blacks game.

Benefits were not all one-way, the All Blacks gained from the game too. “It was a pleasant gesture by Graham Henry, the All Black coach and his assistants, to visit our changing room shortly after the game to express his gratitude” recalled Schuster. “He commented that the match against us exposed flaws in their defense something South Africa couldn’t do in their
last Tri Nations match.” The Springboks in their last outing were unable to cross the All Blacks tryline, a feat the Samoans would be able to take pride in.

The Samoa Rugby Union with the lessons on board will continue building and enhancing its local player stocks to increase player depth at home.

Schuster added that the European Clubs were not able to release Samoa players because of a directive from 'Premier Rugby Organisation', the governing body that manages the European Professional Rugby Club competition.

“What can we do if we go into the World Cup Qualifiers next year and our overseas players are not available for a variety of reasons?”, says Schuster. “We want to control our own destiny with what we have and that is what we’re actioning now, rather than later.

“In that respect we acknowledge the opportunity to play the All Blacks as it gave us the true baseline. Manu Samoa coaching staff are now in a better position to analyse and plan its future direction to achieve the desired expectation.”

Photo Caption: Manu Samoa Team in Paris last year.
 

(Photos: ITT)

AMERICA SAMOA: ASCC/ITT Instructors Earning Professional Certifications
Source: ITT Press Release

“I would describe certification or professional licensure as the future trend for trades and technology,” says Leusoga “Bill” Emmsley, Dean of the Institute of Trades & Technology (ITT) at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). “Within any industry involving technology, you
notice a preference given to individuals who’ve gone through the process of earning their certification or professional license. which are technical performance-based credentials. ITT plans to follow this trend by requiring that all of our instructors will need this level of qualification to teach within their respective fields.”

As part of the professional development plan (PDP) outlined by Leusoga, four ITT instructors recently earned fresh certification or re-certification in their respective content areas. Michael Lea’u, Communication Information Technology (ICT) Instructor, attended the Cisco Regional Academy at the Honolulu Community College to earn the certification issued by Cisco Computer Repair and Cisco Networking Systems.

Etemani Elisara, instructor in Architectural, Drafting and AutoCAD, became certified in Autodesk for AutoCAD 2009 and Revit Structure, Revit Mechanical, Electrical and Piping by USACAD in Honolulu. Fred Suisala, Automotive, Diesel and Air Condition & Refrigeration (AC&R) instructor,
stayed here in American Samoa, but still got his re-certification issued by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) as a Master Certified Technician, indicating an expertise in all eight areas of automotive and diesel servicing. ITT chairperson Sal Poloai gained his certification for Apprentice Coordinator from the US Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship Training Center in Honolulu.

“This means that students who attend classes in these areas will have the benefit of learning from individuals who have sufficient mastery the content area to fulfill the requirements of professional certification,” explained Leusoga. “If you intend on becoming a professional in any of these fields, you can study under some who’s already made the grade in your area. What better qualifications could you ask for?”

Asked about the difference between certification and professional licensure, Leusoga explained, “In some fields, certification usually takes place on a national level. In other fields, each state issues its own licenses based on the local needs, standards and specifications as determined by the state and local governments and unions. In other words, when a tradesman such as a carpenter from Oregon wants to work in California, he might have to get a California professional license to work there. In other fields like computers, you can earn certification recognized anywhere in the nation. The whole system can be complex, but it still boils down to recognized qualifications as a professional.”

Currently, ITT is an authorized test center for ASE, Autodesk, Cisco, CompITT A+, which are all nationally recognized certifications. In addition, with the inclusion of the Apprenticeship Training Program, its certification will be issued by the United States Department of Labor, and ITT plans to procure certification for all of its trades and technology programs.

“With these instructors certified in their content areas, the level of expertise they are now able to convey to students is current, relevant and credible,” said Leusoga. “Thus, the quality of education and training corresponding increases and the confidence of students will likewise
intensify.” Leusoga added that the ITT plans to have all of its faculty and staff either certified or in possession of a professional license by the end of summer 2009. For more information on the many opportunities offered by the ITT programs, email ITT at itt@amsamoa.edu or visit the
ASCC website (www.amsamoa.edu) and click on Trades & Technology.

Photo Caption: Staff members of the ASCC Institute of Trades & Technology who have recently
completed upgraded or new certifications in their respective fields include (l-r) Fred Suisala, Sal Poloai, Michael Leau and Etemani Elisara.
 

(Photo: GVB)

AROUND THE WORLD: GVB Korea Campaign Wins Gold Award at 2008 Creativity Awards
Source: Guam Visitors Bureau Press Release

GVB’s advertising campaign in Korea was recognized at the 2008 Creativity Annual Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious awards shows. The ad was created and submitted by Leo Burnett Korea, GVB’s creative team in Korea, who elevated Guam’s image with a series of high-end, artistic ads which won the CE Gold Award at the recent competition.

Travel savvy visitors from Korea make up the second largest group of tourists to Guam and the new campaign was designed to attract this cosmopolitan audience. The winning ads have eye catching graphics and a young, modern attitude. The concepts are trendier than other GVB marketing campaigns for promoting Guam, but the edgier style is more effective with Korea’s smart, stylish traveler.

“There’s a real up to date energy with this campaign,” said Marketing Manager Pilar Laguaña. “These ads were different for Guam, very modern and fresh. We were really excited when we first saw the campaign. It’s wonderful that Leo Burnett Korea was recognized for this work. GVB is thrilled to add our congratulations to Leo Burnett Korea for winning the CE Gold Award.”

Creativity Annual Awards is one of the longest running international advertising and graphic design competitions. It is judged by a panel of advertising and design professionals who volunteer their time and knowledge without personal agenda or bias. To provide fresh perspectives, new judges are selected from year to year. Unlike newer competitions, Creativity Annual Awards has the tradition, respect and international reach that heightens the impact of winning an award.

The campaign, titled “Guam has Everything,” used suntans and shopping to represent Guam’s attractions as a tropical, yet cosmopolitan, island, comparing the two in a way that is imaginative and effective. The Guam Visitors Bureau is proud that Guam was the focal point of this award
winning campaign and send our warmest regards to Leo Burnett Korea for an excellent performance.

Photo Caption: Leo Burnett Korea in the 2008 Annual Creativity Awards for their Guam
campaign. Congratulations to the Leo Burnett Korea team on an excellent campaign.
 

(Photos: OFC)

FIJI: Fiji mix it with best in the world
Source: OFC Press Release

Flying Arrows Ba from Fiji have completed their participation in the 2008 Danone Nations Cup with some exciting performances against Indonesia, USA, Spain and Ireland.

On Saturday Fiji faced Indonesia in their first match and scored an emphatic 1-0 win which set them up for an afternoon date with the USA. Fiji battled hard and produced a determined competitive performance against the CONCACAF champions but eventually succumbed to a 1-0 loss.

On Sunday Fiji faced Spain in a battle for spots 21-24 in the tournament. Fiji fought hard before going down 3-1 and were drawn against Ireland for their final game of the tournament. Heavy legs and tired bodies got the better of the Fijian side in the final match and they lost 2-0, finishing
a respectable 24th place in the tournament of 40 internationl teams.

Year after year, the Danone Nations Cup goes from strength to strength. With some 40 teams taking part, over 27,000 spectators, 260 accredited journalists from every continent (32 nations represented) and ever greater enthusiasm, the Danone Nations Cup is the world's leading tournament for youngsters in the 10-12 age group. This year, seven new countries made their debut in the tournament - Mauritius, Egypt,Guatemala, India, Qatar, Fiji and the United States. Altogether, 800 young footballers from 40 countries wore their national colours with pride over the three days of the competition.

Besides being a fantastic showcase of sporting talent, the Danone Nations Cup is a real emotional adventure for the youngsters involved, complete with the tears of defeat and the joy of victory. In addition to the competitions, the 640 children spent four days sightseeing in Paris, visiting symbolic French landmarks like the EiffelTower and Trocadero, and taking a boat trip on the Seine. A unique opportunity for all these kids to live their dream to the fullest.

Once again, the Danone Nations Cup has succeeded in its aim: to give children from all over the world an unforgettable experience, under the knowing smile of Zinédine Zidane, an ambassador for ELA, an association to which the proceeds of the competition are donated.

Fiji Results

Friday 5 September

Fiji 0 Netherlands 0 (2-3 pens)

Fiji 2 Qatar 0

Fiji 0 Belgium 0 (4-5 pens)

Saturday 6 September

Fiji 1 Indonesia 0

Fiji 0 USA 1

Sunday 7 September

Fiji 1 Spain 3

Fiji 0 Ireland 2

Photo Caption: Fiji have completed their participation in the 2008 Danone Nations Cup.
 

TAHITI: No shame, Tahiti says
Source: Fiji Times

Tahiti Rugby Union chief executive officer Robin Barnald believes his side's 97-3 loss to Fiji is not a set-back for the developing nation.

Despite fielding a second string team Fiji out played Tahiti in all facets of the game.

According to Barnald the scores didn't matter for his side.

He said Tahiti's focus was on development.

"We are not at all worried about the big loss," Barnald said.

"These boys are on a learning curve. It is all about sharpening our skills.

"These boys we have brought are school students. Right now in Tahiti the university and the tertiary schools have opened. So we couldn't get our best team across. At least the top eight players in the age group have missed this trip.

"The boys loved playing against Fiji. Although we lost, it was a great experience for them. Fiji is the top rugby nation in the region. So it was a privilege for us to meet them."

Tahiti went down to Papua New Guinea 83-0 in the opening game. "Back in Tahiti there are only five clubs in the elite competition," Barnald said. "By that one can judge the standard of rugby in Tahiti."

Tahiti is ranked 88 in the world.