| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos:
AUPISA) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NEW ZEALAND: Auckland
University Pacific Island Student Association
Inc
Source:
AUPISA Media Release
The Auckland University Pacific Island Students'
Association (AUPISA) has successfully ended
another annual Cultural Week dubbed as one of
the best yet. According to the Association,
Cultural Week is one of their initiatives to
promote, sustain and embrace Pacific Island
students'
cultural heritage in an environment full of
cultural diversity.
"It has been an extremely stressful week but
completely worth it when you see our pacific
island students come together and participate in
showcasing our cultures to the wider student
body.
"While doing so, we are promoting a sense of
community and belonging in an environment that
can be very alien to our Pacific Island
students," says Jordan Kwan, the Auckland
University Students' Association (AUSA) Pacific
Island Student Officer, one of the organizers
for the event.
Cultural Week, or the Tangata Pulotu Festival as
it has been called this year, ran from the 12th
until the 16th of May 2008 with each day
allocated to an island nation.
It is the biggest Pacific Island event on
campus.
For the duration of the week, the university
quad was full of island performances,
demonstrations and acts. The event was well
received with hundreds of students, families and
invited guests turning up to participate and
watch. Free island dishes were served at the
conclusion of each day for everyone in the Lagi
Atea Moana Cultural Space on the university
premises.
Monday kicked off with Tongan Day where the
Tongan students introduced the contemporary
theme for the week, "Crank that cultural, Raise
your roots!" by focusing more on musical
performances by various artists of Tongan
descent.
The Fijian students who have become active in
AUPISA this year hosted Tuesday's Fijian Day
with a traditional Fijian opening and then with
a blend of Bollywood music and dance later on.
Niue Day settled for a simple approach to their
day on Wednesday, with a few performances and
the main act being the demonstration of their
Niue Haircutting and Ear Piercing Ceremonies
with two of the AUPISA executives as their
models.
Thursday were the sounds of the Cook Islands
with the beats of their drums resounding in all
corners of the university quad. The performances
were fast and provocative with students piling
in by the numbers to witness the beauty and
wonder of the dances.
The week ended on a high note as the Samoan
students on campus got together to host Samoan
Day. Some of their demonstrations included Lio
Schmidt who specialises in preserving the "igi"
style of playing the guitar as well as an "umu"
where Samoan boys cooked food outside using hot
rocks and leaves.
The performances were numerous and the
culmination of the day ended with the taualaga
which was especially moving with the Samoan
student Officer, Voga F being the "taupo" for
the day. Amongst the invited guests was the
current Miss Samoa Sherry Natalie Elekana along
with Miss Samoa New Zealand Amily Fleafaga.
"It was an outstanding week and we had a lot of
community participation as well as families of
our students," says Io Aleke, the 2008 President
for AUPISA.
"We are especially thankful to the good Lord for
maintaining the spirit throughout the whole week
and making sure that the weather especially was
good."
AUPISA is a non-profit organization that caters
to social and academic needs of its Pacific
Island students at university. Formed in 1997
and run by Pacific Island students, it is the
only body of Pacific Islands university students
formally recognized within a student's
association constitution
(AUSA) nationally in New Zealand
Photo Captions: A
look at the crowd during the week in the
university quad. AUPISA
President Io Aleke, Vice President Nora Leota
and AUSA Pacific Island
students' Officer Jordan Kwan. Current Miss
Samoa and Miss Samoa New
Zealand. Boys doing the fa'ataupati.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos:
SASNOC) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
SAMOA: Sports
Administration Course
Source:
SASNOC Press Release
From Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st May, SASNOC
hosted a Sports Administration Course, open to
all affiliated Samoa Sporting Associations, in
conjunction with the Oceania National Olympic
Committee, (ONOC).
The course was planned to run in the evenings
from 5pm-7pm so that it would not conflict with
regular working hours.
The topics covered during the course by Mr.
Miller were Olympic Solidarity, (which is the
main source of funding for SASNOC), Marketing
and Sponsorship, Team Preparations, and a
lengthy discussion was also held regarding the
development of Sport in Samoa.
As part of the Tuesday session Mr. Andrew Tone,
and Pinati Tomane from SADA (Samoa's Anti Doping
Association) were invited to present information
to the participants regarding Anti-Doping.
Wednesday night was dedicated solely to Venue
Management, and we were very honoured to have
Mr. Ross Coggan, the General Manager of the
Sydney Olympic Park with us to present and
answer questions regarding this. Mr. Coggan will
be spending the final two days this week with
the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority advising
them on how best to make the most of the
excellent sporting facilities Samoa now proudly
boasts.
Mr. Siaosi G. Salesulu also attended the
Wednesday session and spoke briefly about the
vision of the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority,
strongly encouraging all sporting bodies to make
an appointment to discuss their use of
facilities.
SASNOC would like to thank the sports and
acknowledge the following 28 participants who
completed the 2008 Sports Administration Course:
Archery; Vaimasenu'u Zita Martel
Athletics; Pauli Lalau Wilie Fong
Baseball; Bill Cable
Boxing; Talima Fa'afouina Milford, John Junior
Fia, Sanele Lotu
Cricket; Peter Poulos
Golf; Tuaifaiva Sam Sesega, Seumanutafa Malaki
Iakopo
Judo; Francois Martel, Silke Volkmann, Frank
Stowers, Sonny James Ah Kui
Lawn Bowls; Seiuli Fiu Peni Asi
Shooting; Caroline Pereira
Softball; Hellen Omeri Levale
Swimming; Palolo Seiuli
Table Tennis; Leasi V. John Galuvao
Tennis; Yvona Carruthers
Touch Rugby; Gabrielle Apelu, Filoi Eneliko,
George Mariner
Volleyball; Sam Kaleopa, Tito Toetu
Weightlifting; Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork
Wrestling; Taafua Iutana Afele
SASNOC; Andrew Minogue, Janita Adams
During the course, people were encouraged to
book one on one sessions with Dennis Miller to
discuss areas of marketing / fundraising, and
athlete development specific to their sports
allowing them to discuss their individual needs,
and many of them made the most of this
opportunity.
SASNOC now looks forward to providing future
courses that will be of use to our affiliated
sports.
Photo Caption:
SASNOC President, Vaeolenofoafia Vui Tapasu
Leung Wai. Participants at
the Sports Administration Course.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos:
Solomona Aoelua) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
AMERICAN SAMOA:
Faleomavaega commends ASG for signing into law
legislation
Source:
Office of Congressman
Faleomavaega Press Release
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he
commends Governor Togiola for signing into law
legislation that would allow military personnel
to register absentee to vote in elections for
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and local
Representatives.
"For years, I have been saying we have got to do
right by our sons and daughters who are serving
in the U.S. Armed Forces," Faleomavaega said,
"and as a result of recent news that Governor
Togiola has come on board and signed into law
legislation that allows our military men and
women to register absentee to vote in local
races finally complements what we have already
done on the federal level."
"I especially thank our local legislature and
our Chief Election Officer for working together
to get this done. On October 20, 2004, President
Bush signed into law H.R. 2010, giving American
Samoa's military men and women the right to
fully participate in federal elections held in
American Samoa, and Governor Togiola and many of
our Fono members ended up supporting this
historic legislation which I introduced in 2001
in response to a Congressional survey conducted
by my office in which more than 85% of those
surveyed in American Samoa agreed that our
military men and women should be allowed to
register as absentee voters, and
participate in local, federal and run-off
elections."
"I sincerely appreciate that the people of
American Samoa are united in support of our
active duty men and women who put their lives on
the line every day for us," Faleomavaega said.
"It is good news that they can now participate
in American Samoa's elections at the local and
federal
level. This legislation is long overdue but I
commend ASG for doing the right thing."
"While I introduced legislation on June 22, 2007
on behalf of our military men and women to allow
them to register and vote absentee for the
office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and our
local Representatives, our local leaders decided
that they would take up the issue and, on
October 31, 2007, I submitted a draft amendment
to our Chief Election Officer, High Chief Soliai."
"I thank High Chief Soliai, Senate President
Lolo Moliga and Senators, Speaker Savali T. Ale
and Representatives, former Representative Ae Ae,
and Governor Togiola for supporting our efforts
and bringing our local laws in line with federal
law so that our men and women in the military
are afforded maximum voting participation. I
also thank CSM Iuni Savusa, CSM Tui Nua, CSM
Ioakimo Falaniko, and Major Tauapa'i Laupola who
have been our strongest advocates. Above all, I
thank our military men and women and their
families for the sacrifices they make to keep
America safe and strong. While our military men
and women are away serving us, I join with you
in praying for their health and happiness and
safe return," Faleomavaega concluded.
Photo Caption:
Governor Togiola Tulafono. Congressman
Faleomavaega.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
AROUND THE WORLD:
Oceania Football Confederation
Source:
Oceania Football
Confederation Press Release
Vanuatu and New Caledonia are set to clash twice
in the space of eight days in two Oceania
Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup/ 2010
FIFA World Cup South Africa TM qualifiers in
June.
Vanuatu will host New Caledonia at Port Vila
Municipal Stadium on June 14 and then face the
return leg at Numa Daly Stadium in Noumea on
June 21.
New Caledonia will head into the match as
favourites based on their impressive form during
the home and away World Cup qualifiers against
Fiji. After securing an encouraging point away
from home with a 3-3 draw in Fiji, New Caledonia
stormed to a 4-0 win in front of their home fans
in
Noumea.
New Caledonia sits five points behind table
leaders New Zealand with one game in hand.
Vanuatu will be desperate for their first points
of the qualification tournament after losing
their two opening games 1-2 (home) and 4-1
(away) to New Zealand in matches late last year.
Two wins against New Caledonia are essential for
Vanuatu if they are to keep their World Cup
dream alive. The winner of the 2008 Oceania
Nations Cup/FIFA World Cup qualifiers will
compete in a two-leg home and away playoff
against the 5th placed team from the Asian
Football Confederation’s (AFC) 2010 World Cup
qualification process.
Date: 14 June 2008
Match: Vanuatu vs. New Caledonia
Venue: Port Vila
Kick-off: 14H00 Local Time
Stadium: Port Vila Municipal Stadium
Referee: VARMAN Rakesh Chand, (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 1: ACHARI Andrew Anand, (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 2: LOCHRIE Glen, (NZL)
Fourth Official: MOLI Andrew Didimae, (SOL)
Referee Assessor: RAVEINO Massimo, (TAH)
Comissioner: HARMON Lee, (COK)
Date: 21 June
Match: New Caledonia vs. Vanuatu
Venue: Noumea
Kick off: 15H00 Local Time
Stadium: Numa Daly
Referee: HESTER Michael (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: MAKASINI Tevita (TON)
Assistant Referee 2: MOUAURI Michael (COK)
Fourth Official: O’LEARY Peter (NZL)
Referee Assessor: SEGRAN Chandra (FIJ)
Comissioner: ALUFURAI Martin (SOL).
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
COOK ISLANDS:
CEDAW Legislative Compliance Report for the Cook
Islands
Source:
UNDP Press Release
A new publication; "Translating CEDAW into Law:
CEDAW Legislative Compliance in the Cook
Islands" will be launched in Rarotonga by the
Cook Islands Minister for Internal Affairs Hon
Ngamau Munokoa on May 27 from 6pm at the
Edgewater Resort.
This joint UNDP Pacific Centre and UNIFEM
Pacific Regional Office publication reviews the
Constitution and national law of the Cook
Islands against 113 indicators developed to
measure legislative compliance with each of the
16 articles of the Convention on the Elimination
of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The indicators used to measure legislative
compliance with CEDAW include legal guarantees
of fundamental rights and freedoms to men and
women equally, including in political, economic,
social, cultural, civil or any other field.
The indicators reflect CEDAW's examination of
the guarantee of equality between men and women
and include both direct and indirect
discrimination, the requirement to legislate
special measures provisions; and the importance
of anti-discrimination provisions. CEDAW and the
legislative compliance indicators cover a wide
range of equality issues including: sexual
assault issues, the exploitation of women,
direct and indirect discrimination in
employment, equality before, during, and upon
the breakdown of relationships, including de
facto relationships, and many more.
The new Cook Islands report is a companion to a
publication launched by the UNDP Pacific Centre
and UNIFEM Pacific in 2007 entitled Translating
CEDAW Into Law: CEDAW Legislative Compliance in
Nine Pacific Island Countries which examined the
legislative compliance with CEDAW of 9 Pacific
Island countries; FSM, Fiji, Kiribati, the
Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The completed Cook Islands compliance review
provides an important road map for the
Government to use in developing its short term
and longer term national plan for CEDAW
implementation. It can be used by civil society,
gender/human rights advocates, and all
development partners.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
FIJI:
Fiji Goes Down To Samoa
Source:
fijivillage.com
The Digicel Fiji 7s team were denied a last
minute try by Nasoni Roko, as they went down
14-19 to Samoa in the final of the London 7s
tournament in the last hour.
The referee for the Cup final disallowed the try
under controversial circumstances when Setefano
Cakau tackled one of the Samoan players before
the try was scored.
But it was Samoa's Lolo Lui who grabbed a hat
trick of tries in the first half which saw Samoa
win the London 7s title. Fiji's Timoci Matanavou
scored the only try in the first spell as they
trailed 19-7.
In the second half Fiji came strongly with
Sailosi Rabonaqica crossing the try line but it
was not enough, as they remain winless in the
2007-2008 IRB World 7s Series.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has won this season's IRB
World 7s Series for the 8th time in 9 years.
Gordon Tietjen's side won the Plate final at the
London 7s beating South Africa 17 points to 12.
Fiji advanced into the final after beating
Argentina 21-17 in the semifinal. Nasoni Roko
scored the last minute try to put Fiji into the
final. Samoa advanced into the final after they
defeated England 14-12 in the first semifinal.
New Zealand lost to England 17-12 in the Cup
quarterfinals but second placed South Africa
also lost in the last eight to Argentina 12-0
that saw New Zealand clinch the Series title
this season.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
