Teilweise neu: 2002-02-13
Contents of this issue:
1. Seeking A Common Vision
2. Funding Allocated
3. Banker Goes Flying
4. Advertising Ban
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Old contents were:
1. Funding Allocated
2. Banker Goes Flying
3. Advertising Ban
February 13th 2002
1. Seeking A Common Vision:
The two NZ consultants carrying out detailed research into Niue's future
are at work on the island this week. Stewart Hadfield and Nina Perez of
Lincoln University, Christchurch will spend three weeks on Niue "getting
alongside" residents to try and find what sort of common vision Niueans
have for maintaining a living viable community on the 265 sq km raised
coral atoll 1800 kms north of New Zealand.
The island has been economically depressed for many years and suffers
from continual migration of residents to New Zealand and Australia. In
1974 when Niue attained self government in free association with NZ the
islanders retained NZ citizenship.The population has dropped in 27 years
from 3500 to 1700. Despite many efforts by successive Niue Government's
there has been a reluctance by NZ resident Niueans to return home.
Both Ms Perez and Mr Hadfield say they want to establish the aspirations
of locals and are hoping those interviewed will "speak from the heart."
The pair say they won't be sitting down on the job conducting the
traditional one-on-one interviews. "We'll be out in the villages and
plantations alongside those in everyday situations," they told TV Niue.
After research on Niue the consultants will meet with Niueans living in
the main centres of NZ to ascertain how they see the future of their
homeland. A report is expected to be completed by the end of March.
2. Funding Allocated:
The European Union has given over two billion vatu (US$ 14 million) in
new funding for Vanuatu development projects.
European Union representative Anthony Crassner and Vanuatu Prime
Minister Edward Natapei signed the agreement that covers a
five-year period.
Mr. Crassner said more assistance is expected as the European Union
continues to encourage development projects in Vanuatu. Niue is
waiting to collect its share of EU funding but first it has to
shutdown its offshore finance centre and have its name removed from
the OECD financial action taskforce blacklist. The island's Premier
Sani Lakatani says offshore banking legislation will be repealed
March 7 and discussions are underway to settle the future of an
international business companies registry contracted to a Panamanian
law firm. (PINA Nius).
1. Banker Goes Flying:
The appointment of Ralph Norris to the top job at Air New Zealand has
come completely out of the blue to industry analysts and has been
received with mixed feelings.
Most had expected senior vice-president of strategy and planning
Andrew Miller to get the nod after he was promoted in a management
shakeup in October.
But Forsyth Barr Williams Frater head of research Rob Mercer said
overall the appointment was positive for the airline which had been
without a chief executive for too long.
But another analyst said the appointment left Air New Zealand with a
chairman and chief executive who did not have a single day of airline
operational experience between them.
Air New Zealand was in desperate need of a turnaround specialist,
expertise that Mr Norris also lacked, the analyst said.
Mr Norris has spent almost his entire career with ASB Bank in its
various forms, joining the Auckland Savings Bank in 1969 after two years
as a commercial cadet with Mobil Oil.
He climbed his way up the ladder via a succession of mainly technology
roles to become ASB managing director in 1991 and held the top job for
nine years.
He played a leading role in ASB's nation-wide expansion. He was
appointed head of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's international
financial services division in 2000.
As chairman of corporate lobby group, the Business Round Table, he was
described as the softer face of big business.
He has been described as a complex personality who has the respect of
his staff and encourages a balanced lifestyle between work and family.
Mr Norris is married to Pam and has three children. For relaxation he
enjoys reading, golf, boating, rugby and gardening.
2. Advertising Ban:
The Cook Islands Crown Law Office is preparing a constitutional
amendment that would ban all cigarette and alcohol advertising in
the country.
The office's goal is to implement the plan before the end of this year.
The amendment is needed to circumvent a human rights provision in the
Cook Islands constitution that protects the right of a person to
advocate smoking or drinking.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Terepai Maoate, before losing a vote of
confidence Monday, said he wanted the amendment introduced in Parliament
this month.
A government spokesperson said the government has deliberately moved
slowly on the issue because cigarette and alcohol manufacturers and
retailers were the main sponsors of live television broadcasts of All
black and super 12 rugby matches and other international sports
events.(Radio Australia).
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