Teilweise neu: 2001-10-21 Contents of this issue:
1. Industry Confidence 2. On Hold 3. Church Unites 4. On Display ======================================================================== Old contents were: 1. Church Unites 2. On Display October 21st, 2001 1. Industry Confidence: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation board chairman Don Beer says he is confident visitor numbers will remain high till the end of the year, in spite of down spiraling figures worldwide in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States. Speaking before news of Canada 3000's financial woes reached Rarotonga yesterday afternoon, Beer said bookings are "fairly full" and things are looking good for the tourism industry. "We're looking to hold our own in this quarter -- flights are fairly full up to Christmas, and with Canada 3000 flying in, we are on target -- it's pretty much business as usual." While the situation with Air New Zealand has yet to be clarified, Beer says with an increase in passenger loadings on flights over the past 20 months, he hopes the Cook Islands will still be a viable destination for the carrier. "We believe that the Cook Islands destination is a viable, profitable route for Air New Zealand so in that sense we are hoping Air New Zealand will look along these profitable routes as an investment for the airline," says eer.( Cook Island News/PIR) 2. On Hold: Any major decisions about Niue's future constitutional association with New Zealand are likely to be put on hold until after next year's March general election. Premier Sani Lakatani made that clear at a flag day speech in Alofi after he indicated frustration at previous discussions with New Zealand and the Niueans desires to have total control over their own destiny. New Zealand is in the process of selecting a consultant to examine a number of suggestions in a Constitutional Review committee paper which include Niueans having pay parity and welfare benefits to those residents of New Zealand. Political observers on Niue say the island government is under mounting pressure to implement a new form of local governance and step aside from the costly, inefficient 20 member Legislative Assembly. Commentators also say that if Niue wants to have greater independence it needs to develop some realistic economic strategies; stop spending and start saving. The commentators say the general election in March will be a test of the Niue Peoples Party previous record of "sharing the cake" with the people of Niue but failing to resolve the island's air services problems and encourage overseas investment sufficient to stimulate the local economy and provide employment in the private sector. Opposition critics of the NPP say the government has a poor record in law and order, economic development and supporting its own people in skilled employment such as secondary school teaching. Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright and the NZ coalition Alliance deputy leader Sandra Lee, on Niue for the 100 th anniversary of political association with the tiny island state, have both encouraged dialogue between New Zealand and Niue in an effort to reach a decision which will help maintain Niue as a viable living community. Premier Sani Lakatani has said if New Zealand is not willing to support grater autonomy the government may be forced to look elsewhere for assistance. Last week on Radio Australia the Premier blamed New Zealand for the lack of economic development on Niue claiming it was side stepping its constitutional obligations. 3. Church Unites: A historic occasion today for the Ekalesia Niue. The church signed an agreement with the Presbyterian Church and Congregational Union of New Zealand which links the three groups but allows the Ekalesia Niue to retain administrative autonomy on Niue and within its New Zealand congregations. Ekalesia Niue was formerly the London Missionary Society which has over 150 years of association with Niue - its missionaries brought the gospel to the island and trained local pastors. Today's signing of the agreement was witnessed by the Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright before she departed for Wellington after spending three days on Niue celebrating the anniversary of the tiny nation's 100 years association with New Zealand. 4. On Display: Niue went on show for its commemoration celebration visitors today. Niueans displayed their handicrafts, carvings and food while the Niue Growers Association and National Women's Group organised floats depicting inventions and fashions of the past 100 years. The Niue High School Cultural Group with the visiting Taniwharu Maori Cultural Club and the winners of the 2001 Centennial String Band competition entertained the large crowd including visiting dignitaries - the Governor General of NZ and Niue, the president of Kiribati and the Governor of American Samoa. Tonight there is a state dinner Kai Motu which features cultural performances by leading Niue Groups and the visiting Maori Culture Club. __END__
