Mangere MP Su’a William Sio is warning people to beware of passport scammers in New Zealand charging people more than $500 for fake visas.
“If anyone has paid money over to this rogue group, you have been fooled. It’s a complete and utter sham. Any visa or residency stamps in your passport from this group are worthless and have no legal status whatsoever.
“The New Zealand Immigration Service is the only legitimate body in this country which can issue visas and permanent residency.
Mr Sio received reports of a meeting held last night at a Manurewa marae at which hundreds of Pacific people, mainly Samoans and Tongans, from Auckland and other regions, say they paid over $500 to a group claiming to have the authority to issue visas and permanent residency.
“In return, they received a fake visa or permanent residency stamp on their passport,” says Su’a William Sio.
“The actions of these rascals are despicable. Shame on them for preying on desperate people.”
The Mangere MP says if anyone has heard of these meeting, or paid for the services of these scammers, he’d like them to contact his electorate office.
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
New Zealand
“Keep it to yourself” is the advice from Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs chief executive Dr Colin Tukuitonga to Pacific people with the flu. read more…
Chief Electoral Office
Saturday 13 June 2009
The Chief Electoral Officer has released the preliminary results for the 13 June Parliamentary by-election in the electorate of Mt Albert. read more…
The University of Auckland
Starpath Project
Media Release
02 June 2009
The Starpath Project at The University of Auckland has warned that many Maori and Pacific students may not make it to university because they are making ill-informed NCEA subject choices. read more…
Media Release: Closer Links Between New Zealand and Australian National Emergency Management Agencies
A formal “Administrative Arrangement” between the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and the Attorney-General’s Department of Australia has helped create better links between New Zealand’s and Australia’s national emergency management agencies.
The Ministry’s Director, John Hamilton, said that few, if any, countries in the world can respond on their own to a national disaster. read more…
Where is our Governments support as promised?
EUFA
In a letter given to a victim of the finance crisis, written on joint National and House of Representatives letterhead, the following was written;
“The government will do what it can. We are committed to pursuing relentlessly the people finance companies that are dodging their responsibilities and liabilities by shifting assets to trusts and associated persons. If they have broken the law through dishonesty, incompetence or fraud, we will pursue them as vigorously as possible for whatever restitution is available and for any criminal behaviour.” read more…
The Government must start recognising that the Auckland region’s local governments aren’t just business units to be broken up and put on the auction block for sale, says Labour’s Associate Local Government spokesperson Su’a William Sio.
“Our councils are much more than that, they are also democratic organisations that were charged under the Local Government Act 2000 to look after the wellbeing of the people, namely their: read more…
Media Release: Pacific Presbyterian Deacon and South Auckland Rugby Coach Responds to Melissa Lee Comments
MEDIA RELEASE
Pacific Presbyterian Deacon and South Auckland Rugby coach Nick Bakulich is disappointed at National Party’s Mt Albert By-Election candidate Melissa Lee and her comments regarding Sth Auckland Criminals and the new Waterview Highway proposed by the Government. read more…
Labour MPs for South Auckland are outraged at the comments made by National Party MP Melissa Lee regarding criminals coming from South Auckland.
read more…
We’ve Come A Long Way: Launch of Cook Islands Mind Your Language Website
Held Friday 12 September, last week, at Otara’s Sir Edmund Hilary Collegiate.
You can view the website at http://www.tuatuamai.co.nz
Speech by Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Luamanuvao Winnie Laban
Kia Orana kotou katoatoa e te iti tangata Kuki Airani I teia avatea. Te Ui Ariki, te ui Mataiapo, te ui Rangatira; Te komitiona ngateitei o te Kuki Airani – Tepure Tapaitau;
Te tauturu Mea o Manukau Gary Troup; Te Au Orometua Katoatoa e to kotou au akaperepere; Te aronga mana o te enua e to te ture; Te au Metua, te au tamariki, te’unga ma te potiki; Te Ai Metua o Toku Reo Tupuna Project. read more…
Pacific pioneers Albert Wendt Nathaniel Lees Provide Direction to Up and Coming Artists
It’s a virtual journey…aimed at providing easy access to champions such as Pacific’s father of writing Albert Wendt and talented actor director Nathaniel Lees.
You’ll find them the way to them at www.pacificstarmap.com. It’s a project spearheaded by the Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs. One way to provide more support for Pacific’s blossoming artists, actors, directors…if that’s the industry you’re interested in, go to them. They launched the site this month.
Here’s what they said:
The Pacific island countries are subjected to the impacts of global warming caused by excessive fossil fuel burning, atmospheric pollution, and deforestation of the land hemisphere. Despite a firm commitment at the UNCED in 1992 and subsequent meeting, there has been practically no progress towards reduction of greenhouse gasses. Japan is the only Annex 1 country in the Asia Pacific Region to obligate itself to reduce emissions.
Furthermore:
It will require at least 50 years before any reduction begins to reverse predicted climate change and sea level rise. The longer the metropolitan countries delay, the worse the impacts will become; a situation that frustrates and angers Pacific Island leaders. read more…
Come Home Safely: A Message For Pacific Men and Women; Put On Those Hard Hats and Keep Them On
I’m surrounded by builders in the middle of a construction site (leaky building, long story) in New Zealand as I write so this is timely. One of the chippies ( no names mentioned) says the younger workers, many of them Pacific and Maori young men, are being continually reminded to put their hard hats on. They’re too cool for hard hats apparently. read more…
The mother of Sergeant Don Wilkinson, aged 47, who was killed last week in Mangere while working in the early morning, will be speaking to media for the first time.
Police have called a media conference for Tuesday 16th September, 2:30pm, NZTime.
Sergeant Wilkinson will be buried this Thursday in a combined family and police funeral to be held at:
11 am on Thursday the 18th of September, at the Auckland Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 446 Parnell Road, Auckland.
Business: Cook Islands-based designer showcases at NZ Fashion Week
Mother Recalls the Moment She Heard A Police Officer Had Been Killed
She first heard it on the radio the morning he died, Thursday, September 11th. She says she knew straight away that it was her son. Ten minutes later, she says, there was a knock at her door.
To hear more…
It will be interesting to see how far New Zealand’s Black Power gang gets through the Treaty Tribunal processes. Treaty Negotiations Minister Dr Michael Cullen is not impressed.
The New Zealand Herald has linked Black Power to the drug trade in New Zealand. Reporter Patrick Gower wrote a story in 2006 connecting two gangs, Black Power and the Mongrel Mob, to the cannabis tinnie houses in different parts of the North Island. Gower reported the drug pushers worked with DVD pirates to offer “combo deal”.
LiveLeak.Com features the Ross Kemp documentaries on gangs in New Zealand. The producers signed a deal with Black Power stopping the documentaries from ever being broadcast in New Zealand. It hasn’t, however, stopped it from online viewing.
But I do note, though, that you won’t find Kemp’s New Zealand gangs docos on YouTube.
Samoan secondary students from around the country will gather in Lower Hutt, Thursday 18th September, for the National Samoan Speech Competition, promoting the Samoan language and its continued use in our New Zealand based Pacific communities.
What: National Samoan Speech Competition
Where: Lower Hutt Horticultural Hall, Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Luamanuvao Winnie Laban will open the event.
Now that a date’s been set for the New Zealand General Election 2008, I’ve invited National’s candidate Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and Le-Aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor to take part in an online interview.
Asenati has already responded. She is media savvy this woman. We hope to hear soon from Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga. Sent through an email to his national.org.nz address earlier today. We will publish their responses tomorrow. So watch this space.
Currently the seat is held by retiring Labour MP Vui Mark Gosche who’s held the seat with a 6450 majority. In his place, CTU Secretary Carol Beaumont will campaign heavily to retain the seat under Labour.
SAN’A, Yemen – A series of explosions followed by heavy gunfire went off outside the U.S. embassy in Yemen on Wednesday, and smoke was seen rising from the heavily-fortified compound, witnesses said.
The New York Times is reporting…the 4 reported dead are Yemeni guards.
The attack began when a car raced up to the heavily fortified U.S. embassy compound. Several attackers got out and began firing rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles at the guards who returned the fire, the Yemeni official said.
A second car then drove into the compound’s gate and exploded in what appeared to be a suicide bombing, the official said.
The attack was especially shocking to many Yemenis because it came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
America’s Fox Network Morning Show has just confirmed the latest death toll…now stands at 10.
The first speech is scheduled to kick off just before 10 this morning. The pressure’s on for students competing in the National Samoan Speakers Competition in Lower Hutt. Wellington fielded the largest number of competitors by a long shot with Auckland trailing in second place. Health is the speech topic. read more…
Fifty-ninth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, 22-26 September, 2008, Manila, Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines, 17 September 2008-Candidates from Malaysia,
the Republic of Korea and Tonga are to compete next week for
the post of Regional Director of the Western Pacific Region of
the World Health Organization.
The contenders for the top WHO regional post are Dr Tee Ah Sian
of Malaysia, Dr Shin Young-Soo of the Republic of Korea and
Dr Viliami Ta’u Tangi of Tonga. read more…
If those figures don’t concern, they should. People need to enrol no later than Wednesday 8 October if they want voting to be as easy as possible. General Election day is Saturday 8 November 2008.
In the last election over 16,000 people voted who were not enrolled, and that meant their votes were disallowed. read more…
Statement just released by State Department on behalf of Secretary of State on the bomb attack outside the Yemen Embassy that left at least 10 confirmed dead. Among the dead are four Yemeni guards. read more…
Police have reported a body found in the Avon River near the intersection of Park Terrace and Kilmore Street. The pedestrian walkway along the east side of Hagley Park has been closed. No further details are expected to be released until later this morning.
Samoa’s Government is protesting the arrest of Hans Joachim Keil, 64…Samoa’s Associate Minister of Commerce, Labour and Industry. read more…
I salute the policemen and policewomen of New Zealand. I was proud my son was in the front line. He did for this country. He was a hero.
Words spoken today at the funeral by Beverley Lawrie, the mother of slain police officer Don Wilkinson. He is her only child. read more…
Police have named the two deceased as:
Mataura Lavenia Setefano, female, aged 19 years, a shearing industry worker from Gore.
Stewart Hetaraka Smith, male, aged 20 years, a shearer.
They were among a group of six shearers travelling in a Toyota Previa van this morning between Ophir and Oturehua, on a long straight stretch of road, when the van rolled. read more…
Backgrounder on Maungakiekie Electorate; Q & A with Pacific Candidates; Lotu-Iiga and Lole-Taylor
Auckland’s Maungakiekie electorate includes the suburban communities of Penrose, Ellerslie, One Tree Hill, and the Panmure Basin. It was partly redrawn in 2007 and now also includes Royal Oak, Onehunga, and Point England.
The seat is currently held by Labour MP for Maungakiekie Vui Mark Gosche who’s stepping down from politics to be closer to his family in Auckland. Vui has served as electorate MP for Maungakiekie for 8 year…winning a 6450 voting majority over his nearest rival, National’s Paul Goldsmith. The latter scored less than 10,000 votes. read more…
Christchurch Police say the death of a male found in the Avon River this morning is not being treated as suspicious. The matter will be referred to the Coroner.
Update: Former US Rep David Cohen Reaction To Arrest of Minister Keil
Update: Reaction from David Cohen, United States Former Representative to the Pacific Community on the arrest of Samoa’s Government Minister Hans Joachim Keil.
During his term as the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs, Cohen was reportedly the highest ranking Pacific person in the US Bush Administration. He holds the Malietoa title of Papali’i conferred by Samoa’s late Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II. read more…
Police in Kaitaia are reporting two dead, and a third person on life support…after a vehicle travelling west towards Ahipara on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road lost control and went into a ditch and collided with a power pole.
The crash happened in the early hours of this morning.
Four occupants were in the car. Two died at the scene. A third was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital and is listed as critical. The fourth person fled the scene before police and ambulance services arrived. They suspect speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Next of kin are still being notified.
Samoa Government Minister Released From Custody; Interview with Brother
Radio Australia broadcast an interview this week with the brother of Samoa’s Associate Minister of Trade and Commerce Hans Joachim Keil. He has been released from detention in the United States. Mr Keil was arrested on immigration charges and taken into custody in Missouri while visiting family in US. read more…
CNN International has just interrupted programming with breaking news that China’s state-owned news service Xinhua News Agency is reporting that as many as 13,000 babies have been hospitalised after drinking tainted milk formula.
Four babies have died according to official statements from China, after drinking milk powder contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical.
Manukau Mayor Len Brown is back at work today
almost four months after collapsing of a heart attack at the S Cubed Pacific Music Awards. Manukau City Council say doctors have given the Mayor the “all clear” after recuperating from heart surgeries.
Yesterday, the Mayor’s office was blessed by Manukau kaumatua Haare Williams.
The private blessing ceremony was attended by His Worship the Mayor, his family, Manukau City Council CEO Leigh Auton, Deputy Mayor Gary Troup and Labour List MP Su’a William Sio. read more…
A Salute to Auckland Uni Pacific Graduates Kristian Schmidt & Lama Tone
A Samoan masters student from The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (NICAI) is blending his Pacific heritage with his knowledge of architecture to become one of New Zealand’s—and possibly the world’s — first research-based Pacific Masters of Architecture. read more…
Mr Taufui Aevalu PAEA, of Glenfield, will be awarded the New Zealand Bravery Star this week at Government House.
Official Citation
On the morning of 6 December 2004 in Glenfield, Auckland, Mr Paea’s neighbour was brutally murdered by her estranged partner, who had been on the run from the Police for a number of weeks.
The offender arrived at the woman’s home while she was getting out of her car and helping her two year old daughter out of a car seat. The man approached, and after talking to the woman for a short time, their conversation turned into a heated argument. The man began to assault the woman who managed to break free, but he caught up with her and began stabbing her in the back and shoulders. The victim managed to struggle free again and this time ran to the front door of Mr Paea’s house. read more…
Throughout the week, we will be publishing the citations of all our Pacific men and women receiving honours at Government House this week. If they are members of your family, friends or colleagues, or you simply wish to congratulate them, feel free to add a comment on this post. We’ll let them know it’s been posted so they can read it.
Coroner’s Report Opens The Way For Compensation Bid for Muliaga Family
The Coroner’s report has found that cutting off the oxygen therapy that Mrs Folole Muliaga was receiving, along with the stress of the power being disconnected, contributed to her death.The 45-year-old mother of four from Mangere died last May after the family’s power was disconnected over an arrears bill of $168.40. read more…
Parliament’s privileges committee has found, in a majority decision, that New Zealand First leader Winston Peters had “some knowledge’ of the $100,000 gift made in December 2005 by businessman Owen Glenn and should have filed a declaration.
In the same week, questions have been asked about National Party Leader John Key’s answers in relation to his shares in Tranzrail. Scoop Columnist Gordon Campbell writes that Key also stands accused of (a) initially concealing the existence and then (b) of lying about the extent of the shares in Tranzrail held by him and his family trust in 2002 and 2003. read more…
Congratulations to Misatauveve Dr Melani Anae.
OFFICIAL CITATION, GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
TO RECEIVE THE INSIGNIA OF A COMPANION OF THE QUEEN’S SERVICE ORDER
Misatauveve Dr Melani ANAE, of Auckland
For services to the Pacific Islands community. Melani Anae is involved in teaching and research in the areas of ethnicity, health, education, Pacific research methodologies, and Pacific approaches to a broad range of social issues. read more…
23 SEPTEMBER 2008 PAGOPAGO (Pacnews) —– Health officials in American Samoa are pleased that the Fono has approved legislation that would ban smoking in certain public places. But it is unclear if Gov. Togiola Tulafono will sign the measure into law. read more…
Outgoing WHO Expert Identifies Climate Change As A Key Health Issue
23 SEPTEMBER 2008 MANILA (Pacnews) – The outgoing head of the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region today identified the need to strengthen health systems and to prepare for climate change as two of the gravest health challenges facing countries in the Asia Pacific region. read more…
New Zealand alongside Denmark and Sweden are the world’s least corrupt nations, according to Transparency International.
All three countries scored 9.3, with zero indicating high levels of corruption and 10, low levels. Last year New Zealand tied with Denmark and Finland for least corrupt country.
Corruption in poor countries has created a humanitarian disaster which threatens to derail the global fight against poverty, Transparency International said. read more…
Media Release: EPMU Telecom haggling will hurt workers, economy
As they start the vote on the outcome of their employment negotiations
the future for more than 1400 Transfield lines workers has become
uncertain due to the major telecommunications contractor’s failure to
secure a contract with Telecom. read more…
With the political season in full swing, much is at stake for America, says the actor. But there is an underlying problem that we as a nation have not addressed, a situation that should concern any American with an eye on the future, regardless of party affiliation. It is the crisis affecting our children. read more…
The Maori Party and Winston Peters: What Do the People Think?; John Key and Tranzrail
There are distinctly opposing world views in Aotearoa New Zealand – indeed a cultural divide, perhaps – on the whole Peters saga, mainstream media coverage, and how the Maori Party are dealing with this.
A quick backgrounder: let’s rewind to 2004 when National’s Don Brash delivered his king hit of a speech in Orewa. The one that talked about one law for all and abolishing so-called Maori privilege. Some Maori (and PI) specific excerpts from Brash’s bold speech: read more…
BREAKING NEWS: Live Press Conference US John McCain Rallies Americans
Press conference just finished with John McCain, US Republican Presidential nominee. He called on Americans to rally together in what he says is the greatest financial crisis for America since World War II. It’s his first press conference in six weeks. Reaction to the $700 billion rescue package for financial firms announced earlier this morning(NZTime) by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
Fiji’s ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has appeared before Magistrate Amani Rokotuinaviti this morning.
The deputy Director for Public Prosecutions, Mr. Anthony Elliot stated that he had looked at the case file but would need more to time to complete assessing the files and discuss with FICAC lawyer, Mr. Paul Madigan.
Mr. Qarase was represented by Ms Peniana Salele. The case has been adjourned to 27th October.
Information from Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
This email landed in my inbox this afternoon and sent to a few Pacific journalists in the region.
From Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption, Maraia Vavaitamana and directed to Fiji Times.
Ms Silaitoga,
I refer to the questions sent to FICAC yesterday and to your article today on the front page titled ‘Sacked – FICAC duo face the music for leaking information’
It is rather unfortunate that you have decided to write a speculative piece rather than waiting for an official response from FICAC. read more…
GOVERNMENT OF THE COOK ISLANDS
TE MARAE ORA
(Ministry of Health)
P.O. Box 109, Rarotonga, Cook Islands * Phone: (682) 29-664 * Fax: (682) 23-109 * Email: m.anguna@health.gov.ck
The Ministry of Health Cook Islands – Te Marae Ora is seeking applications for the following positions: read more…
This week, Parliament will farewell 12 retiring MPs, three from National and nine from Labour. Among them is New Zealand’s first Pacific MP to hold a cabinet portfolio, a few in fact, and that’s Vui Mark Gosche. On Saturday night, Labour’s Pacific Sector farewelled Vui at its fiafia fundraiser with a special performance by operatic tenor Ben Makisi, Tongan and Niuean dance groups. read more…
Alofa Tele Atu: Thank You For The Supportive Emails; Welcome Aboard
I just have to say thank you for the kind and supportive emails about Pacific EyeWitness. If you are one of those who have emailed me in the last few days, alofa tele atu. Please accept this as a personal thank you note.
Also, thank you so much to Jae Stowers, business development manager at ANZ’s Pacific Business Segment. read more…
Awarded today at Government House Investiture Ceremony.
OFFICIAL CITATION
TO RECEIVE THE QUEEN’S SERVICE MEDAL for services to the Pacific Islands Community
Vaoga Lelefua Mary WATTS, of Waitakere
For services to the Pacific Islands community. Mary Watts has contributed to the Pacific Islands community in Auckland for over 20 years. She has been heavily involved with Pacific women’s development and public safety and has worked in the area of family violence prevention and intervention, contributing to a number of programmes and services, including the Child & Neglect Campaign. She is the deputy chairman of the Waitakere Pacific Board and a member of the Pacific Island Drug and Alcohol Service Board. Mary Watts helped to set-up the Pacific Islands Women’s Project Aotearoa, was a founding member of Pacific Health Care and the Falemalu Women’s Refuge.
[Official Citation]
Press conference being broadcast live around America and cable television.
President George W. Bush on America’s financial crisis and US Government’s financial bail out. He says America is in danger.
ANZ Bank Calling For Voluntary Redundancies – No Public Announcement; Union Speaks Out
NZHerald is reporting the ANZ review of jobs
See email below from Council of Trade Unions
CTU MEDIA RELEASE
25 September 2008
ANZ commitment to NZ again in question
“ANZ’s commitment to the New Zealand public and its workforce is in question again today following further restructuring at a bank which made a $1.1 billion profit off New Zealanders last year,” Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today.
“In April ANZ said that they would be increasing customer representation by investing in new branches and growing the number of customer-facing staff.”
“Today they have backtracked on earlier commitments to staff. And this is an unnecessary move from such a profitable bank.”
“Kiwis quickly tire of large foreign owned banks who make multimillion dollar profits off the back of New Zealand but show scant regard for workers and the domestic economy.”
“Customers should take this into consideration when determining who they bank with,” Helen Kelly said.
[CTU Media Release]
There are apparently at least 180 Maori and Pacific staff working at ANZ. What do you think about ANZ going to India ?

Sarvs Falefitu, 40-year-old West Auckland resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She's undergone radiation, chemotherapy and is fundraising for a 12 month treatment of herceptin
Editor’s Note: This new blog entry is a journal in the life of Sarvs Falefitu. Last year, the brave mother of four was diagnosed with breast cancer. After I set up this website, I asked Sarvs if she would keep a journal online for Pacific Eye Witness, right here. She agreed to do it, if it would help raise the awareness of breast cancer among our Pacific people. Sarvs wants others to avoid what she’s gone through.
This is Sarvs’ story.
Talofa lava. My name is Sarvs Falefitu. I’m married with four teenagers and I am a breast cancer survivor.
The Day I Read About Symptoms
I spotted the list of symptoms of breast cancer in a health magazine I never buy. That was 342 days ago. read more…
Outgoing Labour MP Vui Mark Gosche Delivers Valedictory; Tribute to Brian Donnelly
Wearing the chiefly red ula in the parliamentary debating chamber, MP for Maungakiekie Vui Mark Gosche first paid his respects to his mate Brian Donnelly, former New Zealand First MP and High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, who passed away at midday. read more…
The House has continued to hold session, past the 6pm dinner break, with Speaker of the House Margaret Wilson giving her valedictory speech. Just finished now.
Earlier Labour’s Northland MP Dover Samuels had MPs laughing with an animated farewell. He also spoke out supporting Winston Peters and challenged media to scrutiny all, not just a few. Samuels says Maori aren’t dumb and they know what’s going on and that the MPs will find out when they go to vote.
He delivered a stern attack on National and “that cockatoo over there that’s not here” a reference to Act Leader Rodney Hide.
Tribute to Former NZ High Commissioner to the Cook Islands; NZ First

Former NZ First MP Brian Donnelly passed away Thursday 25th September. Fluent in Cooks Islands Maori, he served briefly as NZ High Commissioner To the Cook Islands before resigning the post due to illness.
NZ First Media Release A Tribute To Hon Brian Donnelly QSO
25 September 2008
A Tribute To Hon Brian Donnelly QSO
New Zealand First has paid tribute to former MP, Brian Donnelly, who died this afternoon at the Mercy Hospice in Ponsonby Auckland, after an illness. read more…
RIP Brian Donnelly: Greens
25 September 2008
RIP Brian Donnelly: Greens
New Zealand has lost a highly principled and respected citizen
with the death of former New Zealand First MP Brian Donnelly
QSO today, the Green Party says. read more…
Supporting our future Pacific apprentices
Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban yesterday launched The
Pacific Apprentice, an awareness campaign promoting the opportunities
available in Modern Apprenticeships to Pacific communities.
“This initiative supports the Modern Apprenticeship programme introduced by
the government in 2000 to provide a work-based industry training pathway
after a decade of declining participation by young people. read more…
Today’s the final investiture ceremony at New Zealand’s Government House. Among the New Zealanders being honoured today are two very special recipients.
One of them is Mr Va’aiga TUIGAMALA, of Henderson, known to the rest of the world as Inga The Winger. read more…
FULL SPEECH EXCERPT DELIVERED BY US PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
THE PRESIDENT:
Good evening. This is an extraordinary period for America’s economy. Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration. We’ve seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending. Credit markets have frozen. And families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money.
We’re in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action. We’ve boosted confidence in money market mutual funds, and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain. read more…
New Zealand’s Pacific Musos Fundraise for Breast Cancer Survivor; Samoan Niuean Mother Sarvs Falefitu
It reads like a who’s who of New Zealand’s leading music scene and they just happen to be chart topping Pacific musos.

Sarvs Falefitu, 40 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She is fundraising for herceptin
Dawn Raid’s crop of Pacific talent will be belting out the songs tonight in an effort to help raise treatment funds for Sarvs Falefitu.
Among them, Nesian Mystik, Mareko, L’il Saints, Legacy, Launch Band, Devolo and Sweet and Irie.
The night’s MC will be Yolande Ah Chong, Radio 531pi’s Radio Host for Talanoa, a talkback programme from 10am to 2pm. read more…
MEDIA RELEASE NZ POLICE
New Zealand Police will join police services throughout Australia and the South Pacific on Monday to remember staff who have been slain or killed on duty as well as staff who have died over the past year.
The New Zealand Police Remembrance Service is being held at The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) on Monday 29 September, 11am-12 noon. read more…
Update: Fight Continues for Release of Samoa’s Minister Hans Joachim Keil; Brother Provides Timeline

Hans Joachim Keil, Samoa's Associate Trade Minister, on the right, co-chairing talks in Germany last year with the European Union on economic partnerships in the Pacific. He is the chief negotiator for the Pacific states with the EU Economic Partnership Agreements. On the left is Germany's Minister for Economic Co-operation and Development. Keil, a former American Airlines pilot, is currently in Missouri awaiting a court hearing after being arrested for alleged US immigration breaches. The Samoan Government has formally protested to the United States Government over what it calls a big mistake.
One of the Samoan media sites has published a timeline reportedly provided by Aukuso Willian Keil, the brother of Samoa’s Minister Hans Joachim Keil, Samoa’s associate minister for trade and commerce.
Clearly this isn’t an easy time for the family with Joe Keil, as he’s known among his friends and family. We did email the Samoan Government and Samoa’s TV3, the latter is owned by Keil, for comments in the early days when the story first broke.
But neither have responded and that isn’t surprising given the sensitivity of this sort of issue for Pacific people, particularly in this case for Samoans.
Meanwhile, Keil’s brother, Aukuso Kiel, has spoken out and provided this timeline to one of the Samoan media outlets. read more…
The following release sent by the United Nations News Service.
In brief, it confirms what many have already suspected, that Bainimarama will not go ahead with free and fair elections by March 2009. Despite not holding fair and free elections as agreed, he insists he is “committed to breaking the cycle of bad and unjust governance which Fiji has suffered.” he appears to take no responsibility for the cancelled elections. Instead, he points the finger at Australia, New Zealand and Australia for sanctions and other restrictions which he says has hampered progress. read more…
MEDIA RELEASE Electoral Enrolment Centre
Sunday 29 September 2008
DEADLINE LOOMING TO ENROL FOR AN EASY VOTE
Almost 36,000 people have enrolled or updated their details since the election date was announced, but a further 235,000 are running out of time to enrol and make voting easy for themselves.
“The enrolment cut off time to be sent an EasyVote card in the mail and be on the printed electoral roll used on election day is looming large with just ten days to go,” says Murray Wicks, National Manager of the Electoral Enrolment Centre. “And there are still tens of thousands of people not enrolled. read more…
A key Government figure for decades, and one who played a role in drafting the Constitution of Samoa, Tofa Lauofo Meti Meredith has passed away in the weekend. read more…
Development Bank Outlines Effects of Financial Storm for Island Nations
Source: pacnews
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says while Pacific Island economies are largely isolated from the short-term impact of instability in global financial markets, there will be negative impacts over time.
Former U.S. Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan is calling it a “once-in-a-century” financial crisis. However, the Regional Director of ADB’s Sydney office, Eugene Zhukov, says credit exposures to US-based financial institutions under scrutiny or threat, are generally low across the Pacific. read more…
Full Text: Speech delivered by Pacific Affairs Minister at Today’s Melanesia Symposium
Full text. Speech delivered this morning by Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of Pacific Islands Affairs (NZ) to the Melanesian Symposium in Wellington.
Organised by the Pacific Co-operation Foundation.
SPEECH
Talofa Lava, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Bonjour, Gud de tru olgeta, Halo olketa, Gud dei long yufala evriwan, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Namaste, Kia Orana, la Orana, Taloha ni, Talofa, Kia ora tatou and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this morning. read more…
Fiji: NZ Prime Minister Reflects On The Way Forward; Forum Statement; 2006 Fiji Coup
First, an opinion column released by NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark. She reflects on the way forward in Fiji following the discussions among Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in Niue last month.
Following that, the full text of the statement of the Pacific Leaders Forum Meeting in NIue.
Finally, looking back to December 2006, Fiji Coup in Pictures.
A Way Forward For Fiji
Public commentary on Fiji since the Niue Forum has focused on the warning Leaders gave to the Interim Government about Fiji’s future participation in the regional body in the event the Interim Government continues down its current path. Much less attention has been paid, especially within Fiji, to the framework Forum Leaders provided in their communiqué to help resolve the current situation in Fiji.
Forum Leaders explicitly acknowledged that there are long-term issues that need to be addressed in Fiji. They recognised that an independent and inclusive political dialogue process could assist in developing understandings among Fiji’s key stakeholders. Leaders considered that the framework for this political dialogue already exists in the Commonwealth-led process of consultations with stakeholders. In the view of Forum Leaders, this could create a more conducive environment for an election to be held under Fiji’s current Constitution by March 2009, and provide a basis for all stakeholders to commit to work with the newly-elected government to advance a framework for reform and broader national reconciliation. read more…
Here’s the reality: the tax cuts are now here, they’re real and they are protected under legislation. This is the first cut, with more to come in 2010. Whether any other party can do better than this, says those familiar with the budget figures, is certainly questionable without heavy borrrowing. Do we want that in this financial climate?
Media Release Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Tax Cuts Strengthen Economy, Promote Fairness
The first phase of the government’s personal tax cut package will deliver tax cuts of between $12 and $28 a week for full-time workers, delivering some relief for households hurt by skyrocketing global commodity prices this year, says Finance Minister Michael Cullen.
“The Labour-led government’s three year tax cut programme, which starts to take effect from today, was designed to both strengthen the economy while promoting fairness in society,” Dr Cullen said.
“The three phase tax cut package is locked into place by law which means that people have certainty not only for the tax cuts that take effect from today, but also read more…
The dissolution of Parliament, according to the schedule provided by the Electoral Office.
Last day for registration of parties/logos with the Electoral Commission.
Governor General issues formal direction to the Chief Electoral Officer to hold the election.
Electoral Rolls close for printing
Voters enrolled after this date cast special declaration votes.
Candidate and party television and radio advertising may start.
Nominations called for by Public Notice
Source: Electoral Office read more…
Monday 13 October
Noon
Bulk Nominations
Deadline for registered political parties to bulk nominate their electorate candidates to the Chief Electoral Officer.
Tuesday 14 October Noon Party Lists read more…
Thursday 16 October
2.00pm target
Polling Place and Advance Polling Place details available
Last day for listing third parties with the Electoral Commission.
Advance Voting starts in New Zealand.
Overseas voting starts.
Source: Electoral Office, NZ.
How to make an advance vote
You can cast an advance vote if, for example, you’re going to be away on election day, voting on Saturday is against your religion or would cause hardship or serious inconvenience.
Who?
If you can’t get to a polling place on election day you can cast a vote in advance if:
- you will be outside the electorate or overseas on election day
- an illness or other reason prevents you from going to a polling place
- your religion does not allow you to vote on a Saturday
- you can satisfy the returning officer or issuing officer that going to a polling place would cause you hardship or serious inconvenience.
When
You can vote in advance from Wednesday 22 October. Advance voting closes at 6pm Friday 7 November.
Where
Advance voting places will be available in your electorate. A list of these will be available on this website three weeks before election day and in your EasyVote information pack.
How it works
There are a number of options for voting in advance:
- you can vote at an advance voting place in person
- ballot papers can be collected for you by someone else
- ballot papers can be sent to you in the mail
Contact the returning officer for your electorate if you would like ballot papers to be sent to you in the mail or collected for you by someone else. Ballot papers are available from Wednesday, 22 October.
Source: Electoral Office, NZ.
How to vote from overseas
If you will be overseas at the time of the general election you can still vote by casting a special declaration vote.
Who can vote from overseas?
You can vote if you are enrolled and:
- you are a New Zealand citizen and have visited New Zealand within the last three years, or
- you are a permanent resident of New Zealand and have visited New Zealand in the last 12 months.
You can enrol or update your enrolment details online.
How do I vote?
Overseas voting opens on Wednesday 22 October.
Voting papers are not automatically sent to voters who are overseas. You cannot vote by email or return your voting papers electronically. If you are overseas at the time of this year’s general election then there are four options open to you. You can:
1. Cast an advance vote
If you will be in New Zealand from Wednesday 22 October, you can cast an advance vote at any advance voting place.
2. Download voting papers
If you are overseas and enrolled you will be able to download your voting papers from Wednesday 22 October. This is the quickest and easiest way to obtain your ballot paper. Please note this option is not available for people on the unpublished electoral roll.
3. Apply for a postal vote
You can apply to have voting papers posted to you. These are normally sent from New Zealand approximately three weeks before election day.
4. Vote in person
You will be able to vote in person at a number of overseas posts, including New Zealand diplomatic posts.
How can I check my enrolment details or enrol?
You can enrol or check and update your details online.
You can also:
- pick up an enrolment form from any New Zealand diplomatic post
- ask a friend or family member to complete an enrolment form for you.
If you would like a friend or family member in New Zealand to complete an enrolment form for you then they will need to be a registered elector and will need to print “Elector overseas – signed by their direction” on the form next to their signature.
If you would like the form completed by someone who holds a Power of Attorney for you then they must print “Elector overseas – Power of Attorney” next to their signature.
How can I find out more?
For questions about voting from overseas email overseas@elections.org.nz.
For questions about enrolling email enrol@elections.org.nz.
From within New Zealand call 0800 36 76 56
From overseas call +64 4 913 1346.
EasyVote Information Packs available
Enrolments cease
Last day to enrol for the election
Advance voting ceases at 6.00pm
All political advertising ceases and election signs taken down by midnight.
Election Day
Polling places open from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
Election Night
Preliminary results released progressively from 7.00pm on www.electionresults.govt.nz
Targets for release:
by 8.30pm all advance vote results
by 10.00pm results from 50% of polling places
by 11.30pm results from 100% of polling places.
[Electoral Office, NZ]
If you are an eligible elector and believe that having your details recorded on the published electoral roll could threaten your personal safety, or that of your family, you may request that your details be included only on the unpublished roll.
Who can view the unpublished roll?
The unpublished electoral roll is confidential and can only be viewed by the registrar of electors.
How do I apply to go on the unpublished roll? read more…
MEDIA STATEMENT 1 OCT 2008
Making A Difference For Pacific People on 1st October
Labour-led government initiatives coming into effect today will make a real difference to Pacific peoples, Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said.
“Our Pacific workers, families and superannuitants will have more money in their pockets thanks to personal tax cuts and boosts to Working for Families kicking in today.
“This will ease the pressure off household budgets, and help Pacific families meet some of the increased costs associated with the current global economic uncertainty. read more…
Call For Papers: Critiquing Pasifika Education (NZ); Explores Pacific Language And Cultural Loss
Please note: Deadline for submission of abstracts is Friday 31 October, 2008
Critiquing Pasifika Education @ the University 2009 Biannual Conference
Ngā Horotiu marae, Auckland University of Technology, 1-3 July 2009
Theme: “What can WE do?”
Exploring how researchers, students, and language community organisations can work together to address the challenges of language and cultural loss by the Cook Islands Māori, Niue, and Tokelau; Tahiti, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands people in Aotearoa-New Zealand. read more…
Auckland University’s Pacific Postgraduates Seminar. Open to the public.
The Samoan culture defers to the old people; the old people are not to be made useless or incompetent or superfluous, because they always provide the links, in history and traditions of the Aiga and Nu’u – just as the linking cord or afa flow from their aged and sometimes trembling fingers
(Aiono Fanaafi Le Tagaloa 1996)
Presenter: Maiava Carmel Peteru
When: Wednesday, 8th October, 4.00 to 5.30pm read more…
In light of the recent annoucement that Fiji will not be holding free and fair elections next March, as initially agreed, this post revisits the events of 2006 in pictures. Fiji’s last coup brought in the current interim government. It’s an issue that has, at times, deeply divided New Zealand’s Fijian communities. It’s a story full of paradox and contradictions. read more…
Record-breaking performer Rob Guest, who played the Wizard in the sell-out musical Wicked, has died in hospital after suffering a stroke at his home on Tuesday night.
Wicked’s Australian producer, John Frost, told the cast about Guest’s illness on stage at the Regent Theatre after yesterday’s matinee performance. read more…
Our Pacific communities owe Austin Hemmings an eternal debt a gratitude for saving the life of one of our Pacific daughters.
He was her protector on his last day on earth. read more…
Press conference at Capitol Hill being held right now. Senate has today passed $700 Financial Bailout package Bill 74-25. Five weeks out from presidential elections.
Media Release: Pacific Affairs Minister – Labour Delivering For the Good People of Mana
MEDIA RELEASE LABOUR DELIVERING FOR THE GOOD PEOPLE OF MANA
Mana MP Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said she is extremely surprised by comments made by National Party candidate Hekia Parata today about Labour not delivering for the good people of Mana.
“Perhaps she is out of touch with the good people of Mana and the enormous achievements that our local community has made under the Labour-led government. read more…
Media Release. US Department of the Interior.
Interior Secretary Kempthorne Convenes Insular Areas Health Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced today that he is bringing together senior-level federal health officials and the leaders of the U.S. territories and freely associated states to find ways to improve health care for those communities.
Joining Kempthorne at the Sept. 29-30, 2008 Insular Areas Health Summit will be Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake; Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu; Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Joxel Garcia, M.D.; Gov. Togiola Tulafono of American Samoa; Gov. Felix Camacho of Guam; Gov. Ben Fitial of the Northern Mariana Islands; U.S. Virgin Islands Health Commissioner Vivian Ebbesen Fludd; Lt. Gov. James Aiona of Hawaii; President Manny Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia; President Litokwa Tomeing of the Marshall Islands; and Vice President Elias Chin of Palau. Also participating are USVI Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen, M.D., and American Samoa’s Delegate to Congress Eni F.H. Faleomavaega.
“The federal government has a responsibility to help our territories and freely associated states meet the challenges they face in providing quality health care for their people,” Kempthorne said. “Whether the challenge is education, funding, equipment, personnel, training or facilities, we must work to build partnerships and expand programs, leverage resources and develop strategies to help island leaders improve and expand their public health services.”
“The Future of Health Care in the Insular Areas: A Leaders’ Summit” will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. Summit participants will also include federal, state and island officials responsible for health care in the Insular Areas as well as private health care professionals and private organizations.
On Sept. 29, the opening session begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Kona Moku Ballroom; a news conference will be held in the Oahu Room at 12:15 p.m. and a working lunch will be held in the Waikiki Ballroom.
Discussion topics and presentations will include the challenges and opportunities in
▪ Serving Island Communities: Island Health Officials;
▪ Telehealth in Insular Areas: Remote Communication with Health Care Professionals for Services and Information;
▪ Addressing Critical Shortages (Personnel, Equipment and Infrastructure): Capacity Building and Quality Assurance Programs, Partnerships, Engaging Volunteers;
▪ Caring for America’s Military Heroes and Public Services: The Role of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Addressing Military and Veterans Health Care in the U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States; Partnerships for Services to Civilians.
I haven’t seen this reported elsewhere. I keep seeing stories that fail to mention the successes of the programme so this provides some much-needed balance.
Media Release Family Violence It’s Not Okay
A two week campaign by the Wanganui Chronicle, working in partnership with the campaign team, has been a huge success.
The paper ran a full page of stories about family violence every day for two weeks during their Living without Violence campaign. The reporters worked with local people involved in family violence prevention work and used It’s not OK campaign branding and messaging.
A senior reporter at the paper said the campaign generated more interest and feedback than any other campaign they have organised and that it was the most rewarding campaign he had worked on. read more…
MEDIA RELEASE FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER
Encouraging our communities to learn Tokelauan
Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban today launched Tau Gagana Tokelau, an interactive website designed to encourage increased learning of the Tokelauan language.
Tau Gagana Tokelau is an accessible, easy-to-follow, engaging and compelling language guide, encouraging our families young and old to take part in the process of reviving a language recently on a downward spiral. read more…
Releases sent by Samoa’s Government on Hans Joachim Keil, Samoa’s Associate Minister. I contacted Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister for an update. He kindly sent me the Samoa’s government’s official communications. I publish them below, unedited.
It names American Samoa’s congressman Eni Faleomavaega as one of those helping behind the scenes, and of course, Samoa’s Ambassador to the United States. You can be certain that the highest ranked Samoan public official in the United States Bush Administration will also be part of these efforts. That, in another post read more…
Okay, don’t be alarmed, I’ve temporarily changed the web front to experiment with a different design to see how it works. The content remains the same. Just that I was finding the other design too cramped at times for what I wanted to do. Let me know what you think.
I’d like to turn the picture header into a revolving platform ideally. The photo which I’ve cropped is a non-identifying shot of: guess who? Email or write a comment. I doubt anyone will correctly identity all the individuals in it, if at all. It’s a toughie.
Prize for guessing? Online publicity.
But if you want to remain anonymous, email editor@pacificeyewitness.org and write NOT FOR PUBLICATION in subject line.
Your wish will be my command.
The jury reached the verdict 13 years to the day after O.J. Simpson was acquitted of two murders. He faces the possibility of a life sentence.
[CNN]
For more, scroll down to the the news feed on the right sidebar of this website.
Official launch scheduled for this afternoon, almost two hours ago, at Waipuna Lodge Mt Wellington.
Winston Peters, obviously, is speaking to party faithful.
You thought I’d say NiuFM or 531pi. Nope. They aren’t there yet in terms of panel interviewing the candidates of one electorate in one go.
Instead, Radio Samoa, a Samoan language station on 1593AM broadcast the first radio debates for this election campaign on Sunday evening.
Panel interview with Mangere’s Pacific candidates.
I note Mua Strickson-Pua, wasn’t part of the panel…he represents Greens. There may well be other Pacific candidates standing as Independent as well.
Radio Samoa is a Samoan language station, so English is not usually spoken on the station, from my listening experience.
But since two of the Mangere candidates can’t speak Samoan fluently – one from Family First and the other from United Future – the questions were asked in both Samoan and English.
Candidates on the panel debate who were all in the studio:
- Taito Philip Field, NZ Pacific Party, Independent MP for Mangere. Former Labour MP for Mangere.
- Su’a William Sio, Labour. Currently Labour List MP. Former Deputy Mayor for Manukau. Former Otara Councillor.
- Galumalemana Jerry Filipaina, Family First. Newcomer. Has never served in local or central government. Community work? unknown.
- Poluto Selio Solomon, United Future. Former Chair of Mangere Community Board. His father is reportedly Taito’s former campaign manager but it doesn’t look like there’s much love lost there now.
Radio Samoa… I was in South Auckland during the debate…and we had an impossible task trying to tune into the debate.
The radio, all three of them, didn’t like that particular AM frequency. In the end, the car radio was the most reliable.
HOST
Seuili, the announcer, did a superb job controlling the interview and setting clear parameters with his guests. He stuck to the durations and controlled the panel interview from the start. His professionalism was refreshing to hear. He could teach those much needed skill to some of the other radio stations catering to Pacific audiences, particularly on political debates like this.
Seuli, who is related to Taito, knows that listeners want to hear what our candidates are standing for, what their track record is, and what their solutions are to some of our challenges. Seuili was fair in dealing with all of the candidates. He was blunt with all of them.
There were some tense moments among his guests…but that’s what makes it interesting for listeners.
Although two of them are experienced speakers, the newcomers…well, you could hear the nerves and the inexperience in the voices of Filipaina and Solomon. Good on them for giving it a go. Some one said it sounded like Filipaina and Solomon were reading from a script or notes.
For many of us who enjoy political debates, it was great to hear them…all in the same room. Election campaigning is in full swing with more debates planned from now until election.
If you are interested in knowing where the next debate will be, I would suggest subscribing to pacificeyewitness.org via email.
If you listened to the debate, what did you think?
MEDIA RELEASE
Electoral Enrolment Centre
Sunday 5 October 2008
LAST PLEA TO ENROL BY WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER
Wednesday is the cut off date to enrol and make it on to the printed electoral roll used on Election Day, 8 November.
“There are just three days left to enrol to guarantee being on the election day printed electoral roll and to get an EasyVote card and information pack in the mail,” says Murray Wicks, National Manager of the Electoral Enrolment Centre.
“The election day rolls close on Wednesday 8 October. This is a key step in the election process. Anyone enrolled after then will have to make a special declaration vote.”
More than 31,000 people have acted on the message in the last week to enrol or update their details – compared to 21,000 for the previous week.
A total of 2,916,019 people or 93.0 percent of voters are now enrolled.
222,000 people are still to enrol. The worst enrolled areas are:
- Auckland Central – 43,400 people or 78.4 percent enrolled
- Dunedin North – 41,025 people or 81.7 percent enrolled
- Christchurch Central – 42,580 people or 82.2 percent enrolled
Enrolment forms can be obtained by calling 0800 36 76 56, Freetexting your name and address to 3676, visiting a PostShop or going online to www.elections.org.nz.
Other enrolment statistics:
- 93,670 18-24 year olds are still to enrol
- 392,340 voters of Maori descent have enrolled.
- 222,350 voters are on the Maori roll
- 51,850 voters are enrolled at overseas postal address
[Electoral Office]
Police Communications: 5:32am.
Manukau Police are investigating the robbery of a Service station. Shortly before 9pm (Monday 6th Sept) police were called to the Challenge service station, Station Road Papatoetoe. Several males with their face disguised, alarmed with weapons entered the service station and left with a quantity of money and cigarettes.
It is thought that up to five males could have been involved. They left the scene in a Dark coloured four wheel drive vehicle. Police are seeking information from anyone having seen this vehicle or suspicious activity leading up to or after the incident.
The First Anniversary
Next week will mark the first anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. I have counted many blessings this year such as… witnessing another birthday of each of my teenagers, nieces, nephew
….my parents, celebrated my 2oth wedding anniversary.
I forged new friendships. I managed to literally live another year!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that brings mixed emotions. read more…
CNN is reporting this as an unprecedent move…an economic crisis across the world.
The UK government has announced details of a rescue package for the banking system worth up to £50bn ($88bn).
[BBC News] read more…
Webcast: IMF Global Financial Stability Report Press Conference
Oct 2008: IMF World Economic Outlook, Financial Stress, Downturns, Recoveries.
By Peter Dattels and Laura Kodres
IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department
- Credit deterioration spreading to more sectors, countries
- Emerging markets appear increasingly at risk as well
- IMF presses three-part solution to crisis
With financial markets worldwide facing growing turmoil, internationally coherent and decisive policy measures are required to restore confidence in the global financial system, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says in a new report. read more…
The following report from Fiji’s local media and its news wire PACNEWS.
Suva, Fiji, October 8th, 2008 – Seven months on, the much-awaited court ruling on the legality or otherwise of the 2006 coup in Fiji will be delivered by the High Court tomorrow. Lawyers in the case were notified of the latest development this morning. read more…
Report from Pacnews:
Air Vanuatu Manager Australia, Malcolm Pryor, confirmed that a second weekly flight direct from Melbourne to Port Vila, will begin in December.
Mr Pryor said the new flights will operate every Sunday, commencing 07 December 2008.
The Sunday flight from Melbourne will operate to Vanuatu via Sydney without change of aircraft, offering a non-stop return Port Vila to Melbourne.Thursday’s non-stop flight Melbourne to Port Vila, which commenced in June this year returns via Sydney without the need to change aircraft.
Mr Pryor said that the introduction of direct Melbourne services earlier this year has delivered encouraging results.
“Customers from Victoria and other southern states have enjoyed being able to visit the Pacific paradise of Vanuatu without the need to change planes in another Australian city. The additional flight offers short break options or stays longer than a week. Vanuatu has always been excellent value, with plenty to see and do and our ‘Super Special’ fares and some great offers from Hotels and Resorts make Vanuatu holidays more affordable than ever”.
Flying new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, Air Vanuatu is a full service airline offering complimentary meals and beverages.
[Pacnews]
Report from PACNEWS
PNG immigration officials face bribery allegations
08 OCTOBER 2008 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) —– Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) intelligence organisation is investigating a possible visa racket that links senior immigration officials to immigrants who are trying to get to Australia illegally. PNG Intelligence officers say they are supposed to screen people entering PNG from ‘high risk’ countries like Pakistan, China and the Middle East. read more…
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Chief Electoral Office
Ministry of Justice
GOVERNOR-GENERAL GIVES FORMAL GO-AHEAD FOR
ELECTION CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS TO OPEN TOMORROW read more…
Pasifika Medical Association Conference, Auckland 2008
Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities (OPIC) Project
One day free symposium on interventions, research findings and lessons learnt
RENDEZVOUS HOTEL, AUCKLAND, WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2008
Pasifika Medical Association Conference, Auckland 2008 read more…
Media Release
City Vision-Labour Councillors – Auckland City Council
For Immediate Release
Thursday 9 October 2008
C&R Confirm Additional $34m Rugby World Cup Spend-Up
A Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) decision at the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee has recommended that Auckland City Council fund a ‘world class’ programme of activities around Rugby World Cup 2011. The additional $34 million of ‘discretionary spending’ is being described by City Vision Eden-Albert Ward Councillors Cathy Casey and Glenda Fryer as a total misuse of ratepayer’s money. read more…
Quick Analysis Report -CTU Economist: Peter Conway
New Zealand Council of Trade Union
Te Kauae Kaimahi
National Party KiwiSaver and Tax Cut Policy
Introduction
The National Party have announced their long-awaited tax proposals. They propose to take money out of research and development, slash the popular KiwiSaver scheme, and exclude hundreds of thousands of families from their plan in order to deliver another $10 a week next year for some workers.
What is in the Policy? read more…
Christchurch Police are appealing for information on the disappearance of the young woman pictured here. If you know, please pass the information on.
Police Alert: TISHA LOWRY
Tisha Lowry has now been missing for over two weeks.
The last confirmed sighting of her was on Thursday 25 September 2008 at 10.43am at the Bower Tavern.
Tisha’s whereabouts remains a mystery.
To date there have been no confirmed sightings of Tisha, nor has she had any contact with her family or known associates/friends.
The investigation team are following up all possibilities that may lead to Tisha’s whereabouts.
The investigation team encourages members of the public to bring forward any information they might have that could assist in Tisha’s location.
The investigation team will be working over the weekend and thank the public for their response to date.
Information should be forwarded to the Operation Lowry investigation team via the Christchurch Central Police Station, phone (03) 363 7400.
An initial incident report from NZPolice today, Saturday 11th October, 2008.
At about 3:15am there was a fatal crash on Terry Street, Blockhouse Bay.
A vehicle driving along that road lost control and collided with a tree. The driver of the vehicle was killed on impact, the passenger suffered serious injuries. The deceased was Natasha Ann EVANS aged 20 years from Blockhouse Bay.
Email campaign sent by AVAAZ
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means “voice” in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Sydney and Geneva.
EMAIL BELOW
Dear friends,
|
Over the next 48 hours, the world’s leading finance ministers are meeting to thrash out our response to the financial crisis. Instead of bailing out reckless financiers again, we need a buy-in that gives us public ownership and strict new regulations to fix this broken system for good! – |
Watching the markets freefall, we know this crisis will utterly change our daily lives — we’re not just spectators any more, and we’re seeing something new — people and governments directly intervening in the chaos that until now was controlled by reckless and greedy financiers.
Today and all weekend, extraordinary choices will be made by the world’s most powerful finance ministers, meeting to decide our response to the financial crisis. Together, we must make sure that governments don’t just use our money to bail out the banks, but claim a share of public ownership in these institutions for our future, and oversight powers to fundamentally fix the wider system. read more…
Media Release
Shigeyuki Kihara photography on show at New York Museum
In an outstanding career move, Auckland-based artist Shigeyuki Kihara will encounter one of the world’s foremost art institutions, The Metropolitan Museum of Art when her solo exhibition opens in October.
The exhibition ‘Shigeyuki Kihara: Living Photographs‘ is an early survey of her dynamic career and will feature selections from four of her photographic series: ‘Black Sunday’, ‘Fa’a Fafine: In a Manner of a Woman’, ‘Fale Aitu: House of Spirits’ and ‘Vavau: Tales from Ancient Samoa’. read more…
Alaska’s Anchorage News newspaper reports:
A legislative investigation has concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power in pushing for the firing of an Alaska state trooper who was once married to her sister, or by failing to prevent her husband Todd from doing so.
The report by investigator Steve Branchflower was made public late this afternoon by a bipartisan 12-0 vote of the Legislative Council, which authorized the investigation.
Branchflower’s report contains four findings…
By all media accounts, the former brother-in-law is far from a redeeming character…one you never want in the family…let alone around children.
Access the original documents here and what the report says or doesn’t say.
Governor Sarah Palin’s spokesperson responds to report. Her statement below give a detailed explanation along with links for the public to see. read more…
“MY JOURNEY” on being awarded QSO: Implications for Pacific Postgraduates and a career at the University of Auckland”
Presenter: Dr. Melani Anae
Date: Wednesday 15th October, 2008
Time: 4.00 pm
Place: Centre for Pacific Studies, Fale Pasifika









Oprah Winfrey – The Next Black Presidential Candidate?
Media Release: Garrett should now apologise to Tongan Community
22 June 2009 Media release
Garrett should now apologise to Tongan community
Act MP David Garrett’s apology for inappropriate comments should now be followed by an apology to the Tongan community, says Labour List MP Carmel Sepuloni.
Carmel Sepuloni, who is of Tongan descent, said today it was deeply disappointing that Mr Garrett had sought to try to defend his behaviour, involving lewd comments about a parliamentary staffer, by suggesting ‘the kind of thing that might have been okay in a law firm in Tonga is not okay in Parliament’. read more…
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