(Photos: Le-Aufa'amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor)

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand First has done it with 'Gold'
Source: Le-Aufa'amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor
 
There is a saying "cometh the hour, cometh the man". This week the hour came for Winston Peters. The introduction of the 'Gold Card' that brought so much criticism came of age with the introduction of free rides on public transport for all 'Gold Card" holders.

Let every other party know, whether they wish us well or ill, that the NZ First shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any enemy, in order to assure the success of the people of New Zealand.

I have been asked many times, how can I, a member of a small party ever hope to achieve any benefits for my constituents. I am proud to say that through the introduction of the 'Gold Card', NZ First has delivered an absolute example that sound and well thought through policies will find
acceptance in parliament, and now, because of NZ First's perseverance, tens of thousands of New Zealanders will profit. No longer will senior citizens on fixed incomes be confined to their residences because of their financial inability to put petrol in their cars or meet the cost of public
transport fares.

Activity can now play an important role in their lives. Travelling to parks, beaches, city centres and friends will never again be a financial consideration.

Our motto "we deliver real change" are now shown to be words of substance. NZ First has achieved so much over the years and whilst the "Gold Card" might not be considered the parties defining moment it is without doubt a significant achievement.

I am glad that the ARC chairman Mike Lee was able to acknowledge the huge involvement of New Zealand First in bringing about this great initiative.

Our leader Winston Peters has been subjected to a style of negative politics but through all this he has held strong and continued to fight for the people of New Zealand. The "Gold Card" is a testament to his leadership and fortitude.

I am proud to be associated with a party that is led by a genuine statesman.

Photo Caption: Le-Aufa'amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor, NZ First Candidate for Maungakiekie.
 

(Photos: Samoa Broadcasting Corporation)

SAMOA: Tariff Surcharge Reduced for Samoa
Source: Electric Power Corporation Press Release

The Electric Power Corporation is pleased to inform the public that the monthly fuel surcharge applied on the base tariff will be reduced to 39.35% as of 1st October 2008, and will be applied to all electricity meters read from this date and includes consumption in the prior months.

The fuel surcharge also applied to all cash power (prepayment) meters from 1st October 2008.

The public is advised that the monthly changes in diesel prices are not applied immediately on the fuel surcharge but have a 1 month delay in impact.

Therefore this notable reduction of 8.59% from 47.94% to 39.35% is a result of the national wholesale price reduction of diesel effective in the month of September 2008.

From henceforth, the fuel surcharge will vary from month to month based on the change in the national wholesale diesel price of the previous month.

Muaausa Fiu Joseph Walter
General Manager

Photo Captions:

Photo Caption 1 -  General Manager of the Electric Power Corporation, Muaausa Fiu Joseph Walter.

Photo Caption 2 -  Electric Power Corporation workers.
 

(Photos: Jim Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC to host Congressional and Gubernatorial Forums
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

In the interest of helping the public make informed choices during this election season, the Student Government Association (SGA) at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will host a Congressional Forum on Thursday, October 9th, followed a week later by a Gubernatorial Forum on Thursday, October 16th. Both of these forums will take place in the ASCC Gymnasium from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

The Congressional Forum will follow a set format which allows for opening statements by each of the candidates, after which they will each have the opportunity to answer questions from students, which the SGA members and ASCC faculty will gather in advance. The format does not allow for questions directly from the audience, unless time remains after the candidates have addressed all pre-submitted questions. However, in the past the candidates have typically spent time at the conclusion of the forum talking with anyone who wishes to approach them. The Gubernatorial Forum on the 16th will follow the same format.

"Among our student population, we have many 18 and over who will have their first opportunity to vote this year," said ASCC President Dr. Seth Galea'i. "These forums will give the students a chance to hear from the candidates firsthand, as they talk about issues important to young adults
today. I commend SGA for organizing this event on behalf of their fellow students, and extend my thanks to all the candidates for taking the time to participate. We look forward to a stimulating and thought-provoking exchange of ideas as the candidates discuss the future of the Territory."

For more information about the forums, call the College's main exchange at 699-9155 and ask for the Student Services Division or the Student Government Association.

Photo Caption: The ASCC Student Government Association, pictured here, will host a
Congressional Forum at the College on October 9th, followed by a Gubernatorial Forum on October 16th. Both events will feature the respective candidates discussing the future of the Territory for the benefit of ASCC students.
 

FIJI: Digicel Launches in Fiji
Source: Solomon Times

Digicel officially launched in Suva, Fiji, yesterday (October 01, 2008) with massive giveaways and a free concert with international and local artists.

As reported by Fijilive, Digicel broke the '14-year-old Fiji mobile telecommunication monopoly held by Vodafone Fiji' when it launched yesterday where the 'company
revealed it has invested $115 million in Fiji - being its fifth market in the Pacific'.

'"The long wait for the launch of Digicel in Fiji is now over. Since receiving a licence in Fiji in May 2008, Digicel has established a well-trained workforce of more than 170 employees and an estimated 10,000 additional jobs created through its local dealerships and partners," Digicel Fiji's chief executive officer John Delves said'.

'Delves said their investment gave Digicel 95 per cent population coverage throughout Fiji' and that 'Digicel would offer the best value to its Fiji customers, including a first for Fiji - per second billing for all its customers - prepaid and postpaid'.

'Digicel will also offer rollover minutes, international postpaid and prepaid roaming and bundled voice minutes with Blackberry, all firsts for Fiji'.

'"For the first time in Fiji, customers will be able to buy a prepaid phone and take that phone and travel to over 100 countries across the world. That's not available to Fiji so that's another first for Digicel," Delves said'.

'Delves highlighted three packages - for its prepaid (Digicel Flex), postpaid (Digicel Select) and business customers (Digicel Business)'.

As for free concert to mark the launch, apparently the 'wet weather in the capital failed to dampen enthusiastic music lovers who turned up at Albert Park to watch international star Sean Kingston in concert with NZ reggae band Katchafire and local acts like rappers Sammy G and Mr Grin'.
 

(Photo: Unitec New Zealand)

NIUE: Niue to host its first ever Career and Business Expo
Source: Unitec New Zealand Press Release

Concern over the number of Niueans in tertiary education or succeeding in business has lead to the tiny nation's first ever career and business expo.

The Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua (NFKM) Business and Careers Expo on October 4, is aimed at raising awareness and providing relevant information to Auckland's Niuean community on education and business.

A study of Pasifika students in tertiary education in 2006 showed of the 28,700 enrolments made in 2006, Niueans made up only seven per cent (1,960) of those attending a tertiary institution. This was the second lowest number ahead of Tokelau.

Expo organiser, Mary Aue, says the figures are alarming and there is a genuine concern over the lack of young Niueans who go on and study after secondary level.

"There's been some indication from tertiary institutions that the number of Niuean students studying is considerably low compared to our Pasifika neighbours, so the expo is one way of trying to increase awareness of what study options are available for them," she says.

While there has been no official study on the number of Niueans who run their own business, Ms Aue says there wouldn't be many.

She hopes the Business and Careers Expo at Mangere's Nga Tapuwae Community Hall will go a long way to helping the Niuean community tap into resources they wouldn't otherwise have.

"There are so many options out there that our people are not aware of that doesn't require you to study full time or give up your day job.

"Many institutions offer part time study or short courses to give you a taste of what you can pursue, while many businesses have their own training schemes for their employees." The expo will have a number of exhibitors from various tertiary institutions and businesses including the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Unitec, as well as some local businesses.

Ms Aue also hopes the expo will help break down the perception that going into further education or setting up your own business is only for "smart people". She says the expo will have a real family feel to it with entertainment, foodstalls and giveaways for families to win.

"The last thing we want to do is overload people with too much information so there will be a real community atmosphere around the place where parents can explore the various career options with their older child while the younger ones can participate in the various activities we have organised."

The Career and Business Expo is supported by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and is part of the NFKM initiative set up to help the Niuean community. It is the first of 11 events being organised by the NFKM committee to celebrate and promote Niue arts and culture, language and identity.

The expo is a lead up to the inaugural Niue Constitution Day Ball on Saturday, October 18.

Photo Caption: The Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua (NFKM) Business and Careers Expo is to be held on Saturday, 04 October.
 

(Photos: Victor Thompson)

WORLDWIDE: NPIEN Announces Seventh Annual Education Conference
Source: National Pacific Islander Educator Network Press Release

The National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) announces its seventh annual NPIEN Education Conference, to be held Saturday November 15, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Paramount High School, 14429 Downey Ave., Paramount, California. Registration materials are available at www.npien.com and all ages are invited.

The conference will feature workshops for students grades K-12, parents, teachers, and community members on topics such as Financial Aid, College & Career Guidance, Student Discussion Forums, Innovative Teaching Strategies, Higher Education Forum, Arts, Crafts, Ukulele, & Pacific Islander Dance.

Keynote Speakers are Manny Crisostomo, Photojournalist for the Sacramento Bee, and the only Pulitzer Prize winner from the Pacific Islander community, and James Kawika Riley, McNair Scholar who changed Financial Aid opportunities for all Pacific Islanders. Uncle Henry Kamae is the featured Ukulele instructor.

An awards luncheon will recognize outstanding students, educators, and community members for their contributions to the Pacific Islander community. The VEMMA, Guest House International Hotel, and NT & Associates Student Scholarships will be awarded.

Current sponsors include Majestic Realty, Penske Toyota Scion of Downey, California Credit Union, TEAM Referral Network, Gateway Business Bank, and State Farm Insurance.

Vendors include Pasifik Bridge, California Telephone Access Program, NT & Associates Mortgage Specialists, State Farm Insurance.

Drawing sponsors are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Long Beach Playhouse, OCAPICA, Dr. John Hunt, the Queen Mary, Centennial Museum, VEMMA, Trinity Street Elementary School, Long Beach State Athletics, Magic Mountain, Golf N' Stuff, Bubba Gump, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Acro Printing, Hof's Hut, Orange County Museum of Art, Weight Watchers, Wild Rivers, Cal Bowl, Andazola's Gallery, See's Candy, and Lagniappe Accounting.

Photo Captions:

Photo Caption 1 -  Students from Prarie Vista Middle School in Hawthorne, CA.

Photo Caption 2 -  Linaka Polynesian Dancers, Lakewood, CA.

Photo Caption 3 -  One of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network ukulele classes.