NEWSPAGE 27 November
2009

(Photos: New Zealand Defence Force)

NEW ZEALAND: NZ troops arrive home from Solomon Islands

(Photos: British High Commission)

SAMOA: Samoan student's work for Christmas cards
Source: British High Commission Press Release

Three students from Samoa will have their art work on thousands of Christmas Cards that will be sold in Wellington to raise funds for Save the Children and the Samoan Tsunami.

The Christmas cards which will be sold at Saturday’s Save the Children fair at the British High Commissioners residence, Homewood in Karori.

The original artworks , which were chosen after a competition in the Samoan Observer newspaper, will also be auctioned at the fair to raise funds .

The winners were Alaelua Toluono of Fa’atuatua High School, Emily Chamberlin of Vaiala Beach School and Meg Anderson of Vaiala Beach School.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Picture created by Emily Chamberlain, age 8, of Vaiala Beach School, in response to the tsunami of 29 September 2009. Proceeds from sales of the card will go towards projects supported by Save the Children to assist children in Samoa.

Photo 2 - Picture created by Meg Anderson, age 9, of Vaiala Beach School, in response to the tsunami of 29 September 2009. Proceeds from sales of the card will go towards projects supported by Save the Children to assist children in Samoa.

Photo 3 - Picture created by Alaelua Toluono, age 17, of Fa'atuatua High School, in response to the tsunami of 29 September 2009. Proceeds from sales of the card will go towards projects supported by Save the Children to assist children in Samoa.
 

(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC Phi Theta Kappa Honours Society inducts new members
Source: American Samoan Community College Press Release

The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) chapter of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honours Society has inducted its new members for the fall 2009 semester. With chapters at community and junior colleges across the United States and its territories, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship among associate degree students. The Greek words Phi Theta Kappa mean wisdom (Phi), aspiration (Theta) and purity (Kappa). The society bases its programs on its four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

The society provides more than $35 million worth of scholarships annually to students nationwide. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Dean’s List, and is also enrolled in the PTK Transfer Database, which links senior institutions across the nation offering scholarships to PTK members.

At ASCC, PTK nominees must have taken at least 12 credits, passed their English 150, English 151 and Math 90 classes, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Qualifying students receive an invitation to join PTK, and most of those invited readily accept the offer.

While the PTK typically holds its induction ceremony during the evening, during the current semester a number of activities related to tsunami relief have meant additional time commitments on the part of the College’s faculty, staff and students. Therefore, finding a time and location for an evening ceremony proved difficult, and would have meant a delay of at least several weeks. Rather than wait till late in the semester, the PTK members and advisors decided to hold their ceremony during the day. “We regret that some family and friends couldn’t attend the daytime induction,” said social science instructor and PTK advisor Elvis Zodiacal, “but a surprising number of parents and other well wishers did make it that day to support the inductees. By next semester, we should be able to resume holding our ceremony in the evenings.”

Every semester, Zodiacal and his fellow PTK advisors Tafa Tupuola, Mark Mageo, Randall Baker, Evile Feleti and Jim Sutherland review the ASCC Dean’s List and other relevant data to determine which students qualify for the membership in the Society. For fall 2009, the PTK welcomes new members Sophia A’asa, Isaako Amosa, Radhika Anandan, Joyce Auau, Estefania Duterte, Charis Fa’alogo, Tautalatasi Fanolua, Fiamama I’atala, Chrystabel Lin, Judy Matautia, Steven Maez, Farahola Ongosia, Persophine Reid, Evailaufaumalu Sala, Tammie Talalemotu, Gloria Tavita, Johnathan Toma, Natalie Tuiletufuga, Ramiah Vaoali’i and Salome Vole.

The fall inductees join current PTK members Leotina Aetonu, Tikeri N. Afalava, Mac Aveina, Susie Casem, Bodonirina Crook, Talaleu Fanene, Amber Fuaga, Yieje Lee, Tolufale M. Loi-On, Fatuoaiga Lokeni, Latisha Olo, Czarina S. Rogue, Tracy Sene, Fa’agata S. Tagoai, Lysandra K.Thomas, Kenneth E. Thompson and Fa’aloua Fa’aloua. For more information on the Phi Theta Kappa Honors society, visit their webpage at www.ptk.org.

Photo Caption: Some of the ASCC Phi Theta Kappa honours society members meet with advisor Elvis Zodiacal (centre). The PTK held their fall 2009 induction ceremony for its new members in late October.

FIJI: No time to waste implementing second regional strategy on HIV and other STIs
Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Community Press Release

Key partners in the implementation of the Pacific Regional Strategy on HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) ended their annual two-day planning meeting last Friday (November 20, 2009) with a call to use evidence from the surveillance data collected over the last five years and findings of recent evaluations as a basis for future action.

“We’ve come a long way since 2004,” said Dr Dennie Iniakwala, head of the HIV & STI Section at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). “Now, thanks to the information gathered through ongoing collection of epidemiological data and regular monitoring and evaluation of our programmes, we’re in a far better position to know what works and which areas need more attention.”

The Pacific Regional Strategy on HIV & other STIs was endorsed in 2007 by Pacific Island Forum leaders. Implementation of the five-year strategy began this year, following on from the 2004-2008 Regional Strategy on HIV/AIDS. It aims to reduce the number of new HIV and other STI infections, to improve care and treatment for people living with HIV and to fight stigmatisation, discrimination and other human rights abuses.

“The new regional strategy has many similarities to the first strategy, but it is heavily influenced by evidence of a trend towards increasing levels of other STIs, in particular Chlamydia and gonorrhoea,” said Dr Iniakwala. “The prevalence of these infections is a major concern. In some Pacific countries, the rate of Chlamydia in pregnant women is among the highest in the world.”

Chlamydia can potentially cause eye infections and pneumonia in newborns and if untreated can lead to infertility in women. Chlamydia infection facilitates the spread of HIV and its high incidence indicates that condoms are not being used in multiple partner or high risk situations.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and treatment programmes have now been established in 11 countries in the Pacific, based on the results of data from the second-generation surveillance surveys conducted by SPC and WHO (World Health Organization) since 2004. More epidemiological studies are currently underway to ensure that any new prevention and testing programmes are appropriately targeted and as effective as possible.

The meeting was convened by SPC and UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), which coordinate the implementation of the regional strategy. The implementation plan includes participation by all of SPC’s 22 Pacific Island member countries and territories, development partners such as media and faith-based organisations, people living with HIV, civil society organisations, donors, UN agencies, associations of heath care workers, and others. It is funded through the Pacific Islands HIV & STI Response Fund, which is supported by AusAID and NZAID and other donors and financing mechanisms including the Asian Development Bank and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“This meeting is an opportunity to add value to what we are proposing to do in the next five years and to improve how we carry out our core business in the region to ensure an impact in the countries that we are committed to,” said Stuart Watson, UNAIDS Pacific Programme coordinator.
 

(Photos: Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ)

NIUE: Niue entrepreneurs make impact on historic business mission
Source: Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ Press Release

A group of Niue entrepreneurs broke new ground with a historic business mission to Niue.

The 10 business people embarked upon the Air New Zealand Niue Return to Roots Exploratory Business Mission last week nurturing a new beginning between Niue communities.

The joint project was led by the Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs in association with the Niue Chamber of Commerce and support from the Niue Government from 7-14 November 2009. Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs headed the mission aimed to encourage more investment by overseas Niue business people in Niue.

As a result of the mission, an estimate of $1.1 million in potential business could be generated from the visit. But the mission could also have a deeper impact social and economic impact and may succeed where many foreign investors have faltered on rocky ground.

In the past, Niue has protectively guarded its tiny boarders from outsiders, chasing many including New Zealand discoverer Captain Cook from its shores and proving a difficult proposition for even the sturdiest business.

But the real success of the Air NZ Niue Return to Roots Business Exploratory mission could be Niue’s own entrepreneurs who have a real understanding of their own people and their own lands. The mission objectives to establish opportunities adding value to existing businesses and productively utilising capacity in Niue’s fishing, forestry, tourism, and agriculture resources, overall were achieved.

But it is the reconnections to family heritage and homeland that could have long term deeper meaning for the future of the returning Niue entrepreneurs.

Brother and sister, Monique and Edward Nee Nee are successful New Zealand born business entrepreneurs within their own rights. Monique the director of sPacific Landscapes and Gardening Ltd and Edward, the owner of several companies including One Degree Pure (NZ) Ltd who recently bought Rekareka brewery in the Cook Islands. He has also owned a well established drainage business ‘Draintech’ since 1991. The business mission was also a personal journey of reconnection to their family heritage in Niue.

Business entrepreneur Dahlia Naepi has made a commitment to Niue’s health and economy by pledging to help train Niue health workers on an ongoing basis at her medical centres, Pasifika Integrated Healthcare Limited and the Family Care Medical Centres on the North Shore.

Mrs Naepi has offered to help pay the workers wages during training in New Zealand on short term training exercises and support their learning auditing practices to bring the Niue health workers up to date with New Zealand practices.

Being the director of her own company, Mrs Naepi says she can make decisions quicker and cut short the process compared to approaching a training agency who could take longer to make the same decision.

Successful business entrepreneur, Alesana ‘Alex’ Talopau of Glendene, accountant and owner of Pacific Foodtown, Glendene has also made the commitment to a local village in Niue to import fresh produce such as taro, coconuts and other items.

Alex and his Niue wife Alva also own Breakthrough Accounting Ltd and have also undertaken to act as the Auckland agent for the Bank of the South Pacific and also supply valuable accounting services to the island. Niue is a cash economy without major New Zealand banks or ATMs currently available.

Delegate Simon Jackson, registered a new company during the RTR mission and formed a business partnership to build tourism accommodation units on his family land in Alofi.

Meanwhile, representative from HJ Cooper Ltd, Managing Director Ivan Ramsey was very pleased with the outcome of his visit and has been asked to quote on several projects.

Overall, delegates commented on the easy access and availability of key contacts on the
Mission, including two visits with Premier Toke Talagi and other government heads of departments and also private sector entrepreneurs facilitating their decision making processes.

The delegates were also special guests at the Niue Chamber of Commerce, Niue Business Awards 2009 on 7 November held at the Matavai Hotel. The awards were revived after several years and recognised local Niue business entrepreneurship.

But it was the physical act of planting trees and shrubs that left a big impression at the close of the mission. Delegates worked together with locals to plant small trees and shrubs landscaping the Alofi green. The area, beside the new Millennium Hall - facing the horizon in front of the Reverend Hawea Jackson’s home was near perfect. Framed by a powder blue sky and the hazy yellow of a setting sun, the symbolism in the tree planting and Reverend Hawea’s blessing, was so emotionally moving that it brought tears to the eyes and closed the mission on a satisfying note.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Air NZ RTR delegation pictured with Niue Premier Toke Talagi at the Niue Fale Fono in Alofi, 9 Nov 2009; Left to right - Edward Nee Nee, Simon Ikiua, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Monique Nee Nee, Kemp Mizziebo, Simon Jackson, Niue Premier Toke Talagi, Susana Hukui, John Kaulima (behind), Dahlia Naepi, Alex Talopau, Manuel Valdez (PITIC NZ), Ivan Ramsey, Loine Pakieto, Eleanor Ikinofo (PITIC NZ).

Photo 2 - Manuel Valdez and Dahlia Naepi at the Reef Noni Farm, Vaiea, Niue.

Photo 3 - Gaylene Tasmania of Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Niue explains to the delegation about vanilla cultivation at the Vaipapahi Farm, Niue.

Photo 4 - Delegates Tree planting at the mission close; Front row (l-r) Ivan Ramsey (HJ Cooper Ltd) Simon Ikiua (Hire a Hubby Franchisee) Manuel Valdez (PITIC NZ), Dahlia Naepi (Pasifika Integrated Healthcare Ltd), Roslyn Hipa (Niue) Susana Hukui (Pacific Media Network); back row (l-r) Edward Nee Nee (One Degree Pure Ltd), Reverend Hawea Jackson, Simon Jackson, Alex Talopau (Breakthrough Accounting/Pacific Foodtown), John Kaulima (Kaulima Jewellers).
 

(Photos: National Pacific Islander Educator Network)

WORLDWIDE: Three hundred attend 8th annual NPIEN Conference
Source: National Pacific Islander Educator Network Press Release

Over three hundred students, parents, teachers, and community members attended the 8th Annual National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Conference at Paramount High School, Paramount, CA. Keynote Speakers included Oceanside High School Principal (San Diego, CA) Kimo Marquardt and Dr. Mafutaga S. Tagaloa Tulifau, Podiatrist, Lakewood, CA.

Students and teachers from the following schools attended the conference: Compton: Davis Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School; Long Beach: Cabrillo High School. Jackie Robinson Academy, Poly High School, Lakewood High School, CAMS, Hughes Middle School; Costa Mesa High School; Arcadia High School, Lennox Middle School, Prarie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne, Will Rogers Middle School, Lawndale, Chapman University, Long Beach City College, UCLA, Cal State University, Long Beach, Mt. San Antonio College. Workshops were provided by Chapman University Hawaiian Club,"Student Networking", Uncle Henry Kamae, Ukulele Artist, Rita Scanlan, NPIEN Board Member "Arts and Crafts", Olympia Tuliaupupu, Westmont College Counselor,"Parent Networking," Paramount High School "Dance Workshop", and Albert Wilmovsky, Cerritos College, "Study Skills," and Fernando Alvarado, Prudential, "Financial Planning for College."

Troop 1200, Boy Scouts of America, Bellflower, CA, presented the flags of the Island Nations, and a Moment of Silence was held in memory of Tsunami victims in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga, and for Wilson High School student Melody Ross.

Twenty Five students were recognized as Christina Diaz Student Scholars, and scholarships were awarded to Fa'aputu Va'afuti, Poly High School, Maile Tauai, Paramount High School, Cherrae Tedtaotao, Paramount High School, and Natalia Cerilyn Su'a, Roosevelt Middle School. Aileen Tanimoto Matsuura, Paramount High School, and Stephanie Carter, Stanford Middle School, Long Beach USD, were recognized with the Sevia Ma'ae Educator of the Year Award. Jin Lee, Ohana Hawaiian Barbeque, was awarded the Dr. Alofa Tanuvasa Community Award.

NPIEN thanks the generous sponsors and vendors listed below:

Major Sponsors: Silver Level: Majestic Realty, Cookie Lee, AXA Financial; Bronze Level: California Credit Union, Gateway Business Bank, TEAM Referral Network

Awards & Drawing Sponsors: The Ice House Comedy Club, Vemma, In-N-Out Burger, Orange County Museum of Art, CSU Long Beach Athletics, Cerritos Center for Performing Arts, Starbucks, Los Alamitos Race Course, Golf N Stuff, Hofs Hut, Heritage Museum, Santa Ana Zoo, National Pen Company, Ray Diaz Hawaiian Gourds, Glacial Gardens, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mary Kay, Los Angeles Clippers

Scholarship Sponsors: TM & Irene Mulholland, Linaka Polynesian School of Dance, Vemma, Hotel Current

Ukulele Sponsors: Rynette Labostrie-Barr, Lagniappe Accounting, Lorraine Telles, Cookie Lee

Vendors and Exhibitors: Ray Diaz Hawaiian Gourds, State Farm Insurance, NT & Associates, California Telephone Access Program, Cookie Lee, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Vemma, 21st Century Computing Services, ACRO Printing, US Bank, Lagniappe Accounting, Census Bureau

NPIEN Board and Staff: Falanai Ala, President, Eugene Mafi, Secretary, Martha Gusukuma Donnenfield, Treasurer, Rita Scanlan, Member, Aileen Tanimoto Matsuura, Member, Soledad Santos, Member and Northern California Chapter President, Dr. Victor C. Thompson, Executive Director Staff: Tino Andres, Chief of Staff, Myra McGinnis, Executive Assistant, Qb Keju, David Brown, Bruce Lee, Jenny Chomori, Lopaka Faria, Judy Ann Sanchez, Femila Ervin, Nikki Wood-Perkins, Rachel Puaina, Dani Boepple.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Roosevelt Middle School students.

Photo 2 - Paramount High School students performing.

Photo 3 - Dr Tulifau & Ala.