NEWSPAGE 03 August
2009

(Photo: Māori Television)

NEW ZEALAND: It’s ‘Kool To Kōrero’ - with your mobile phone!

(Photos: New Zealand Defence Force)

SAMOA: Salute across the Pacific
Source: New Zealand Defence Force Press Release

It was with immense pride that the Commanding Officer of Navy Amphibious Support Ship HMNZS CANTERBURY, Commander Jim Gilmour, handed over completely refurbished ceremonial saluting guns to the Samoan Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services - Honourable Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi.

Commander Gilmour said, “The Royal New Zealand Navy and the technical personnel who worked tirelessly to restore the saluting guns hope they will continue to serve Samoa as the ‘harbingers’ of ceremonially important occasions for many years to come”.

HMNZS CANTERBURY was in Apia in Western Samoa to transport No. 3 Squadron RNZAF to conduct a tropical flying exercise - TROPIC ASTRA 09

The ceremonial saluting guns were first presented to Samoa from New Zealand as an independence gift in 1962. They were manufactured in Portsmouth, England in 1892 and, due to their age, have required careful maintenance before each firing.

The guns have been used to fire a 21 Gun Salute annually at the Samoan Independence Day Celebrations up until 1988 when they needed their first refurbishment. The guns were returned to New Zealand in mid 1991 and repaired and reconditioned by naval personnel at the Royal New Zealand Navy Armament Depot in Kauri Point, Auckland. The guns were then returned and handed back to the Samoan Government on 20 May 1992, along with a supply of blank ammunition.

Earlier this year at the request of the Samoan Government, HMNZS CANTERBURY transported more blank ammunition to Samoa for the Independence Day Celebrations on 1 June 2009 where approximately 60 New Zealand Navy, Army and Air Force personnel from HMNZS CANTERBURY took part in the formal parade.

In addition, as part of the preparations for the Samoan Independence Day Celebrations this year, personnel from HMNZS CANTERBURY inspected the guns and made the recommendation that they be refurbished in the near future. The opportunity was then taken to transport the saluting guns onboard CANTERBURY when she returned to New Zealand in late June and have the refurbishment completed well in advance of the 50th Samoan Independence Day Celebrations in 2012.

The Weapons Technicians at the Kauri Point Armament Depot recognised the ceremonial importance of these magnificent, ageing, saluting guns and were determined that they should be restored to an order befitting the occasions for which they’ll be used. The race was on to complete the work in time for HMNZS CANTERBURY’s next visit to Apia - no mean feat when this was just under one month!

With such a short time restriction it was initially intended to only overhaul the guns themselves but as often happens, the pride of the weapons technicians got the better of them and they could not resist the temptation to give that little bit extra. With a bit of kiwi ingenuity and a lot of ‘can do’ attitude, the end result was to overhaul the carriage and source and fit new tyres as well.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - The newly refurbished ceremonial saluting guns are handed over from Commander Jim Gilmour - Commanding Officer of HMNZS CANTERBURY, to the Samoan Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services - Honourable Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi, onboard the ship.

Photo 2 - The refurbished ceremonial saluting guns.
 

(Photo: U.S. Government)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Faleomavaega suggests path for U.S. to help Fiji resolve problems
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, today sent Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a letter outlining his views on a path for the United States to help Fiji’s resolve its longstanding political problems. He also conveyed his thoughts on the situation to Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (America’s top diplomat for the region), at a meeting the two participated in this morning. The Chairman developed his views in close consultation over an extended period of time with key leaders - including those from the opposition - representing all major constituencies involved in the political issues confronting the country.

“Fiji’s problems, which can be traced directly to the country’s unique colonial history, have included four military coups and one civilian coup - under three different constitutions - in the period since 1987. I have visited Fiji three times in the past three months and spoken with leaders from all sides, and I have also consulted other key figures in the region. Fiji, the United States and the Asia Pacific as a whole have an enormous stake in ensuring Fiji’s swift return to stability, democracy and economic growth,” said Faleomavaega.

“I was pleased to learn that Kurt Campbell will be leading a high-level U.S. interagency delegation next week to the Post-Forum Dialogue of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) in Cairns, Australia. Kurt is an old friend, and I look forward to working with him in coming months and years on issues affecting Oceania, as well Northeast and Southeast Asia, three of the four regions over which my Subcommittee has jurisdiction - and the three regions his bureau oversees. The fact that Kurt will be leading such an important group will send precisely the right signal about the Obama Administration’s commitment to engaging the Pacific Island countries and helping Fiji address its problems. The key topic for the upcoming PIF will be the current situation in Fiji, including the country’s suspension from the Forum last May.”

“There is ongoing debate among the countries of Oceania on how best to address the problems in Fiji. Two weeks ago, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, which includes the countries of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji, called for the PIF to lift its suspension of Fiji. The Group also recognized Fiji's right to participate in regional trade and economic agreements. On the other side, Australia and New Zealand have sought to sanction Fiji. But their actions have proved notably counterproductive, in my view, resulting only in greater hardship for the people of Fiji. Fortunately, Wellington and Canberra seem to be toning down their rhetoric lately, and appear more willing to engage in constructive dialogue with Suva,” added Faleomavaega.

“On my three trips to Fiji this year, I have held discussions with interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and a couple dozen others. On my most recent trip last week, I presented Prime Minister Bainimarama with a letter outlining my views on how the United States might offer expertise and resources to assist his country in achieving equal suffrage and other political, economic and social reforms targeted under the ‘Strategic Framework for Change.’ Such U.S. assistance would help strengthen bilateral ties, improve regional conditions and speed the sort of reforms that the interim Prime Minister, I believe, sincerely seeks.”

“I am looking forward to continuing my conversation with both Secretary Clinton and Assistant Secretary Campbell and stand willing to assist in any way I can. I firmly believe we should seize the opportunity we have right now to help Fiji move more speedily toward democracy, stability and prosperity,” Faleomavaega concluded.

Photo Caption: Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega and Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

(Photo: Jamaica Observer)

COOK ISLANDS: Rhone uneasy about Cook Islands' readiness for WYNC

Source: Jamaica Observer

With just over a week to go before the start of the World Youth Netball Championship (WYNC) in the Cook Islands, president of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) Molly Rhone is concerned over the South Pacific archipelago's state of readiness for the global event.

The international netball boss' major point of concern is the tournament's main venue which she does not expect to be completed in time for the 20-team championship which gets underway from August 10-20.

She is, however, confident that the Cook Islands organisers will be able to execute a successful tournament
Said Rhone during a recent chat with the Observer, "The building was put up quite late so we have had a few challenges with getting the venue ready. To be honest, based on all the reports that we have had, I am not expecting everything to be 100 per cent when we get there."

The multi-purpose venue, which according to the WYNC homepage on www.sportingpulse.com was scheduled for completion by the middle of last month, is now expected to seat considerably less than it was intended to after the project suffered several setbacks.

Rhone also pointed to the difficulty in getting to the host country poses further challenges for the organisers.

"It's a small country and it has not been easy for them to get support for the facility. There are other challenges such as those relating to the teams getting there. The Cook Islands is quite a way off but most of the problems would be around the venue itself; seating capacity for instance is going to be less than we expected," She said.

Despite the obstacles, Rhone is looking forward to the tournament and once again underlined
her confidence in the tournament's success.

"We have 20 countries eager to perform and we are all still looking forward to going over there. We believe it is going to be an enjoyable tournament, I am excited and I think we are going to see some really good netball," Rhone stated.
She also indicated that the locals are excited about the championship coming to their shores and are already creating a buzz.

Rhone said: "They (locals) are excited. I have been out there before and they are a wonderful set of people and they are very thrilled to be getting this very important event."

Also on the agenda for the IFNA during the championship will be their Congress where among things, member associations will come together to discuss the selection of the next WYNC host, the 2010 World Netball Championship and the approval of new membership.

Photo Caption: President of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA), Molly Rhone.
 

(Photo: TVNZ ONE News)

FIJI: Fiji given September 1st ultimatum
Source: TVNZ ONE News

Fiji will be suspended from the Commonwealth on September 1st if it does not guarantee to hold democratic elections next year.

Commonwealth foreign ministers, including New Zealand's Murray McCully, issued the ultimatum at a meeting in London, where the deteriorating situation in Fiji was debated.

Members agreed Fiji's situation has deteriorated markedly since March and decided that if there is not enough progress toward a return to democracy, the country will be fully suspended from the Commonwealth on September 1.

The Malaysian foreign minister Datuk Anifah Aman issued the ultimatum.

"We're saying that by September 10 if the secretary-general hasn't received a positive response - sorry September 1st then it will be suspended - fully suspended," Aman said.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) warned Fiji four months ago that it would be thrown out unless it made progress towards restoring democracy.

Since then, interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has said he will not hold elections until 2014 and has ditched the constitution.

McCully said that was unacceptable.

"The time-table announced by the commodore 2014 is explicitly rejected by the Commonwealth. Elections next year are the ultimatum of the Commonwealth."

But the Commonwealth ministers are believed to be split over Fiji's immediate suspension.

The group met for over eight hours. That is the longest the CMAG has ever taken to reach a decision over a communiqué and shows there's still some disharmony over how to deal with Fiji.

McCully says Fiji's leader must commit to elections, open a proper dialogue with other political groups, and accept supervision by the United Nations.

"I think today what we've seen is a very thorough discussion and I'm happy that we've had a thorough discussion."

McCully says while the ultimatum gives the Fijian regime time to think about the path they are on, he's not holding out much hope of a positive response from Suva. But he says it's important for an international organisation such as the Commonwealth to act in good faith and signal its intentions clearly.

"It's in the commodore's hands and I hope he thinks very carefully about the decision that he makes," McCully said.

Full suspension will mean Fiji stops receiving aid from the 53 member nations and will be banned from next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

McCully says he will continue to pressure the UN over the use of Fijian troops as peacekeepers.

He says Fiji is paid handsomely for the work and he wonders if it's appropriate for the military to be peacekeeping abroad when they have overthrown their own government.

McCully says the United Nations has to accept that its role as a good international citizen should require it to bring those deployments to a conclusion.

He says he will continue to push the issue with the United Nations and with the leaders of others key players in peacekeeping operations like the US and EU.

Photo Caption: Malaysian foreign minister, Datuk Anifah Aman.
 

(Photo: AFP File Photo)

TOKELAU: Tough voyage for Tokelau to get new boat
Source: ABC News

The New Zealand territory of Tokelau, made up of three tiny tropical coral atolls, is one of the hardest places in the world to get to.

It is battered continuously by waves and wind whipping across the South Pacific, and there's no airport or airstrip.

The only way in and out of Tokelau is by boat, and the trip takes 26 hours on a good day.

Tokelau is 500 kilometres north of Samoa, and its 1,200 or so residents are totally reliant on the boat the MV Tokelau, which was given to them by the New Zealand government in the 1970s.

The vessel takes them to and from Samoa and brings in essential supplies.

Tokelau's leader, Foua Toloa, says in fine weather the trip to Samoa usually takes about a day but once in a storm he spent 48 hours on the boat and feared for his life the whole way.

"You know sometimes when it's really rough ... you just bow your head and pray that you will get home," he said.

Despite the very real risk of the boat sinking, Mr Toloa says more Tokelauans than ever before want to make the perilous journey to Samoa.

In 2005 the MV Tokelau made 13 trips; last year it made about 40.

"We have one boat, it's not in good condition," he said.

"Ten years ago it was at the end of its life, but we're maintaining the boat for that service.

"There have been cases, many cases, whereby sick people are put on fishing boats fishing in the area to come down and bring the patients to Apia.

Mr Toloa is convinced Tokelauans living in Australia and New Zealand aren't travelling home because they're scared about dying on the boat trip.

"It's our lifeline, it's like our umbilical cord," he said.

"Our life orients around transportation; our infrastructure development, our economic development, our culture our custom because it's reuniting of our people and families all over the world with the motherland."

'Terrifying trip'

Tokelau is a New Zealand administered territory; its people are New Zealand citizens.

New Zealand's Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples took his family on the MV Tokelau in the 70s and admits he was terrified.

"You see the waves are so big they're like paddocks, and you can see at night the lights on the boat shining out to see and all you see is a really big green wall," he said.

"Then suddenly it's black and you look way down and you see ... way down there, that's how big the waves are.

"I got sick, my wife got sick and our kids got sick. We were all... never mind the bucket, we just let it go wherever we could.

"It was such a bad trip. It is a heck of a trip going across to Tokelau and so you need a good boat."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says he is well aware the boat needs to be replaced, he has just got to find the money.

He estimates a 25-year lease on a new vessel will cost more than $140 million.

"We understand absolutely the issues. Plane access doesn't really look like it would be available option; certainly wouldn't cover all of their issues," he said.

"At the moment it's costing round about $2 million a year to support the MV Tokelau. It would be multiples of that for a new boat."

Tokelau's leader has invited Mr Key to visit, but he admits he wouldn't be too keen to catch the MV Tokelau.

"I think it's unlikely they'd put me on the MV Tokelau, but maybe the HMS Canterbury," he said.

Mr Toloa says they might not have a large population but New Zealand has an obligation to protect them.

"It's our heritage. So although we have families around the world ... there is no place like home.

He says his country's future depends on a new boat.

Photo Caption: Tokelau locals get all essential supplies brought from Samoa by boat.