Neu: 2001-12-30 Contents of this issue:
1. Weather Update 2. Where To Look 3. New Year Honours ======================================================================== December 30th, 2001 1. Weather Update: Niue is bracing for an onslaught from Cyclone Waka which is growing in intensity. Extreme weather conditions are expected in Samoa, Tonga and Niue as the cyclone which spawned in an area north of Wallis and Funtuna two days ago gains intensity on its southwards/south-east track. Winds up to up to 90 knots are predicted near the centre of the cyclone which is on a south- east path travelling at about 8 knots. Parts of Samoa and all islands in the Kingdom of Tonga are likely to feel the full force of the cyclone from later today . At present on Niue (0900 Sunday local) its raining heavily with thunderstorms predicted. The seas has a slight north-east swell but is predicted to become rough tonight. Residents have been warned of impending high winds and rough seas from this evening.. Weather officials on Niue are monitoring cyclone updates and Radio Sunshine remains on air all day breaking the Sunday tradition. Many people are starting to erect shutters over windows and doors. Those exposed are buildings on the western side of the island - motels, the Niue Hotel and the Matavai Resort. It is likely that telecommunications on the island will cease as the winds become gale force so telephone and e mail and internet services to the island may be disrupted at any time. 1. Where To Look: For cyclone trackers all the information you require with immediate updates on Cyclone Waka is located at <a href="http://kauai.nrlmry.navy- .mil/sat-bin/tc_home">http://kauai.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat-bin/tc_home</a> 2. New Year Honours: Taonefoou Ogotau Falesima of Auckland has been awarded Member of the NZ Order of Merit in the New Year's Honours List for services to the Niuean community in Auckland. Other Pacific islanders honoured as Members were: Michael John Lynch, Carterton. For services to community health in the South Pacific; Annie Tito-Nekeare, JP, Waitakere City for services to the Pacific Island community; Gwen Chadwin Wichman, Manukau City, for services to the community. Erenora Puketapu-Hetet, JP, Lower Hutt was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for her services to weaving. Recipients of the Queens Service Medal included: Iolesina Faigame Tagoilelagi, Auckland. __END__
