Helen Henry of Rarotonga
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  • Welcome
  • About Helen
  • Living and Loving
  • Reflections
    • My Travels
    • Independence Celebrations
    • Current Events
    • My Life
  • Albums
  • Family Hotel
  • Family History
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                                   From Concerns to Action                                   .                Final Climate Change Forum Held at USP

26/2/2015

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Mii Matamaki of the Cook Islands' National Environment Service was the keynote speaker at the final of four forums held in February at the Cook Islands' campus of The University of the South Pacific (USP). The forums celebrated 50 years of independence for the Cook Islands, as well as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of USP Cook Islands.
The forums brought together people from the Pa Enua (outer islands), as well as those living on Rarotonga, to discuss their concerns about climate change as well as to highlight actions already undertaken along with the issues still needing to be addressed.
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As with the other forums, the fourth forum was well attended, with participants engaging actively in the question, answer and discussion session that followed the keynote address and short presentations by four panelists.
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Pat Farr of the Cook Islands' National Disabilities Council described the concerns, opportunities and actions related to disasters and climate change. including the preparation of individualised household assessments that cover residents and their special needs and capacities.
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Imogen Ingram discussed finance, human rights and sustainable landscapes. drawing linkages with earlier presentations as well as with multi-lateral environmental agreements and other instruments.
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John Hay highlighted that a direct hit by a Category 5 cyclone (the strength of Cyclone Meena) is a matter of "not if, but when". Assets on the north coast of Rarotonga can no longer be considered at moderate risk. Such an event would destroy all these assets, causing failures to supply chains and services for Rarotonga and the wider Cook Islands' communities. Many opportunities to manage this risk are being missed. Extreme events do require extreme actions - and BEFORE the event.
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Some of the audience.
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The final speaker was Charles Carson, Director of Emergency Management Cook Islands. He spoke of many initiatives, including those directed at disaster risk reduction, as well as disaster relief and recovery. The former include the recently launched GeoPortal, an initiative than has been developed and implemented with the National Disabilities Council. He also described the recently released teaching resource kit for disaster risk management.

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FROM CONCERN TO ACTIONS                                   .                  Third Forum held at USP Cook Islands

19/2/2015

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Part of the audience of over 50 people.
This Open Forum focussed on the Northern Group, with ten individuals sharing their views and then responding to the questions and comments from the audience, in an active and wide-ranging discussion. The programme is below.
The next Forum, the last of a series of four, will take place on Wednesday February 25. The focus will be on Rarotonga.
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Vaine Wichman delivered the keynote address. She drew on a variety of vulnerability and adaptation assessments, as well as other information, to give a well-informed and clearly delivered overview of the climate-related issues facing the Northern Group, and the actions that need to be undertaken. In some cases climate change impacts are already already being reduced as a result of adaptation and other initiatives.
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Tangi Toka described how climate change is already affecting Manihiki, and shared information on actions being taken to reduce the impacts.
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Rachel Reeves presented some of the key findings of her study of the personal stories around Cyclone Martin, as well as the lessons that are relevant given the likely intensification of cyclone events as a result of global warming.
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Dorothy Solomona spoke about the consequences of weather and climate events for the Manihiki pearl industry during its 60 year history, and the future challenges related to climate change.
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Tini Ford described the climate-related concerns of the people of Penrhyn and how these might be addressed going forward.
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Temu Jnr Tupou from Rakahanga gave examples of climate-change related concerns of the people from that island.
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Romani Katoa provided some insights into the ways in which changes in weather and climate patterns are affecting the natural environment and resources of Pukapuka and Nassau

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Tangi Tereapii updated the audience on progress with the roll out of renewable energy in the Northern Group, as well as for the Southern Group, including Rarotonga
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Hon. Mark Brown described two of the key financial initiatives by Government related to disaster risk reduction and disaster response - the Cook Islands' Disaster Emergency Trust Fund and participation in the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative.
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             DEVELOPMENT AWARDS DINE & DANCE 60s STYLE

12/2/2015

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Six of Sir Albert Henry's grandchildren receive the Decade Award 1965 - 1974 from The Honourable Tom Marsters Queen's Representative
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Sir Albert Henry, Premier of the Cook Islands 1965 - 1978
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Robert Graham proudly wearing CIP colours - green & gold, with Jenny Henry holding certificate and vaka
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Betty Bailey accepted an award on behalf of Te Kainga Mental Health.
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Proud granddaughter, Jenner Davis accepts the lifetime award for Sir Thomas Davis KBE.
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On behalf of Red Cross Cook Islands, Nikki Rattle, Past President for 17 years, and Fine Arnold, the current Secretary General, accepted a Decade Award. .
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Howard for Tupui Ariki Henry: Stuart for Hugh McCrone Henry: Robert for Eikura Louise Graham: Leanne for Teei Mary Whittle.
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Ana Tiraa Passfield accepted a decade Award on behalf of Te Ipukarea Society.
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It was an extremely colourful and happy evening held in the beautifully decorated and recently renovated packing shed.
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                            "MANAMANA" MAGIC SHOW

12/2/2015

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TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE AT PUNANGA NUI THIS SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2015.
OR HELEN HENRY PH# 25 350
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                          FROM CONCERN TO ACTIONS                                   .              The Second Forum held at USP Cook Islands

12/2/2015

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This Forum focussed on climate-related concerns and actions for the Pa Enua of the Southern Group.
The programme is below.
The keynote speaker was Steve Barrett.
He has lived and worked in the Pa Enua, including as Island Secretary in Mauke.
Steve now works at the New Zealand High Commission in Rarotonga.
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There were five other speakers. Their presentations were followed by a lively discussion.

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Taoi Noora spoke on the actions to address climate change that have been undertaken by the Aronga Mana (traditional leaders) of Mangaia
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Shelley Tavai described the climate change related concerns and actions by the people of Aitutaki.
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Tepuaroa (Pua) Tetava talked about the climate change related concerns in Mitiaro.
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Kelvin Passfield of the Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) shared the findings of a recent study that contributed to understanding of the impact of introduced pine trees in Mangaia, and how the manage the consequences for water availability on the island.
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Paul Moate of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) spoke about climate change and Pa Enua infrastructure, with a focus on the Southern Group.
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The subsequent lively discussion included comments by Nooroa Baker. He discussed options for harvesting the pine trees on a sustainable and economically viable basis.

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                            FROM CONCERN TO ACTIONS                                               The first Open Forum at the USP Cook Islands

5/2/2015

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Ana Tiraa, Office of the Prime Minister
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Forum 1 - Wednesday 04 February 2015
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Professor John Hay - Chair of the Forums
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Professor Martin Parry - Adjunct Professor USP
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Arona Ngari -Meteorological Department
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Fine Tuitupou-Arnold - Sec. Gen - Cook Islands Red Cross
Professor John Hay, welcomed fifty or more interested persons to the first open forum on International Perspectives and the National Overview of climate change in the Cook Islands.
The Keynote Presentation by Ana Tiraa was a clear and well informed summary of international perspectives and the national context. This laid an excellent foundation for the rest of the evening.   A highlight of the evening was a summary of the roll out of Renewable Energy in the Northern Pa Enua, presented by Mr Tangi Tereapii.   Rakahanga and Pukapuka now have 24/7 power after decades of putting up with varied hours ranging from 6 to maybe 18 hours a day.    Can YOU imagine the excitement of the communities to know they can have a hot cup of coffee or tea at any time of the day?
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Tangi Tereapii - Renewable Energy
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Rita Mateara - Cook Islands Tourism Industry
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Patrick Arioka - Cook Islands Agriculture Department
Dr Teina Ronga gave an impressive and enthusiastic presentation to launch his well documented report.
                  "Using Local Knowledge to Understand Climate Variability in the Cook Islands".
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Dr Teina Ronga an impassioned speaker
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The venue for the Forums on the USP Cook Islands campus.
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            DESCRIPTION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO

2/2/2015

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Cook Islands 50th Anniversary Logo

The circle characterises – our shared journey of nationhood. It also depicts unity – the key ingredient which will ensure that our journey is one which will progress all of us as a people and a nation.

The logo symbolises the ‘pito’ – the umbilical cord. This signifies the birth of a person and application to the founding of our nation from its infancy and its growth. It also represents connection - the connection of our people to our God, our land, our ocean, and to
each other.

The 16 ‘manutai’, are the traditional ‘ara matangi’ – the wind directions that have scattered our people across the globe. This serves to remind us that our development should not be restricted to our geographical boundaries and that our people abroad are an important part of our nation. The Cook Islands is made up of its people and our people are global. The ‘manutai’ facing outwards portrays continual growth – our need to continuously strive for progress that will be beneficial for our country and people.

The fifteen ‘mou rima’ in a circle further emphasises the need for unity and the linkages that our islands and peoples share. Only through the holding of hands and togetherness can we find strength as a people and a nation.

In the centre is the ‘Matariki’ constellation of stars. This is referred to by some of our islands as ‘Mata Ariki’ – the eyes of God. This reminds us that our belief in God is the foundation of our nation. Matariki also serves as a principal constellation for traditional navigation and direction, cautioning us that we must always seek God’s guidance, direction and blessing in our nation’s journey. We are all born under the stars of Matariki and we all share the journey of the Cook Islands.
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    50 Years of Independence

    Helen reflects on the events in 2015 that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Cook Islands

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