Pacific Magazine > Magazine > December 1, 2005

Pacific Notes

Pacific Notes

New Caledonia
Building A Common Destiny

Historically September 24 has been a day of mourning for New Caledonia's indigenous Kanaks-the anniversary of France's colonization of the islands. But this year, the day was transformed into a celebration, with the inauguration of the Place du Mwâ Kâ, a park in central Noumea.

Since the 150th anniversary of colonization in 2003, members of the Comité 150 ans have worked to promote Kanak identity and bring together the different ethnic communities that make up New Caledonia's population.

Detail from the Mwa Ka statue in Noumea. (Photo Courtesy: Nic Maclellan)

The centerpiece of their work is the Mwâ Kâ - a carved wooden totem, 12 meters high and weighing three tons. Carved by Kanak sculptors from the eight customary regions of New Caledonia, the statue was erected on September 24th last year. The Mwâ Kâ stands in the midst of a vast concrete canoe, serving as the mast of the vessel. It serves as a symbol of efforts to promote a new identity for New Caledonians - in the language of Djubea-Kapone, Mwâ Kâ means "the big house" that all can belong to.This year, the addition of a second statue - Le Vieux (the Old Man) - became an opportunity for New Caledonians to celebrate efforts to build a "common destiny" after the 1998 Noumea Accord.

September 24 began with a procession around the city center. Young and not-so-young Kanaks hoisted a scaffold carrying Le Vieux. After several hundred meters, the statue was handed to the Association of Pioneers - descendants of the first European soldiers, convicts and settlers. Further on, the sculpture was transferred to members of the Javanese, Vietnamese and Chinese communities. New Caledonia's small Arab community took its turn - descendants of the rebels deported to the South Pacific after the 1871 Kabyle revolt in Algeria. After that, came the Wallisians, who make up over 9 percent of New Caledonia's population. To cries of "Haere Mai," Tahitians finally carried the massive load back to the park for the inauguration.

Political leaders and representatives of each community spoke of a common New Caledonian citizenship. Many talked of the "sweat and blood" that had built the country; some acknowledged Kanak sovereignty and paid respect to the owners of the land. Then the day continued with dancers, music and a concert, well into the night.

For Kanak artisan Narcisse Decoire, who supervised the carving of the statues, "the Mwâ Kâ a sign of our custom - it's the link between the people of the mountains and the people of the sea. The placement of this Old Man, the paddler, in the canoe shows that after 150 years, the Kanak people are still here. What we're saying is that 150 years on, we're asking others to join us in the Mwâ Kâ." -- Nic Maclellan

FIJI
Monasavu Landowners Win Compensation

Fiji's biggest civil compensation claim of F$52.8 million (US$30.5 million) has been won by owners of the land on which the country's hydro-electric dam is built, in a ruling that also highlighted the significance of traditional ceremonies in sealing deals.

A group of 12 landowning units (mataqali) from Monasavu in the central highlands of Viti Levu sued the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) after it reneged on a deal negotiated in 2000 to pay that amount in goodwill for land surrounding the dam catchment area.

In his 27-page judgment on October 31, Justice Gerard Winter also referred to the "significant cultural impact" of traditional ceremonies such as the sharing of yaqona (kava).

FEA's lawyers had argued that the yaqona ceremony performed after the 2000 Deuba Accord was irrelevant as the case was to be "determined by conventional legal principles and not by reference to traditional ceremonies."

"The fact is, however, that such ceremonies are an every day experience in the lives of our citizens and have real meaning," Justice Winter said in his ruling.

The landowners' solicitor Isireli Fa said, "This has been a first-class decision and also well researched judgment seeing how he took the role of traditions into consideration.

"It also gives the message that he realizes the power of landowners."

The landowners claimed they had been stopped from using land surrounding the dam for traditional purposes, agriculture, grazing and logging although the judge found it was not the FEA which had stopped them and that the electrical authority was not obliged to lease the land. In 1998, frustrated landowners seized a power station and burned down an office building, an action that led to a deal that some landowners rejected because they wanted more money.

The breakaway faction's lawyer Fa then filed suit against the FEA and the state. Prolonged talks culminated in the Deuba Accord in August 2000, in which the FEA negotiators agreed to settle the Monasavu grievances "for all time" for US$30.5 million.

The FEA later reneged on the accord saying its negotiators had no authority to seal the deal. But Justice Winter ordered it live up to the promises made in the Deuba Accord.

First payment of F$5 million (US$2.86 million) and outstanding capital and interest of F$4,404,751 (US$2.5 million) was ordered to be paid by November 30, 2005. The landowners will get F$1 million (US$572,000) for the next five years and, after that, F$460,000 (US$263,000) annually for the next 93 years.

Justice Winter said he the staggered payments to ensure the children and future generation of the landowners shared in the wealth.

FEA board chairman Josaia Mar said the authority's legal team was studying the judgment but he indicated they may not appeal. "We're going to the pay the landowners the money so that we can go ahead with providing energy for the country's electricity," he told the Daily Post newspaper. -- Ricardo Morris

Region
Pacific Ups The Ante On HIV/AIDS Threat

A Pan Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS Conference held in Auckland in October has highlighted just how social, cultural, economic and religious barriers have collaborated to hamper efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Pacific region.

New Zealand Aids Foundation Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said the conference "could not have come at a better time. It will be a clarion call to political, community, traditional and church leaders throughout the Pacific to unite in the fight against this most deadly of epidemics which is threatening us all."

The focus of the four day conference was to seek solutions to break down these barriers. The conference was attended by over 450 delegates, including international scientists, researchers, community activists, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups and health promoters, along with Pacific region leaders, and Pacific people living with HIV.

Some shocking statistics helped to get the message across that an HIV and AIDS epidemic was on the brink of sweeping across the region. Complacency, apathy and ignorance were the main culprits identified.

Papua New Guinea is already feeling the impact. United Nations agencies estimate about 40,000 people live with the virus in PNG. Outside of PNG, some 1028 HIV cases had been reported in Pacific Island countries. Tuvalu and Kiribati have the highest rates in the Pacific. The number of unreported cases is said to be a lot more. The World Health Organization recommends multiplying the total number of reported cases of HIV and Aids by between 10 and 30 to get a clearer picture.

One of the biggest problems highlighted during the conference was the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. Many churches and religious leaders still shun the epidemic and those suffering from it. These attitudes result in unreported cases and a lack of action to promote prevention in the community through the use of condoms and other methods.

The lack of access to medication and the non-inclusion of sufferers in decision making processes were also seen as catalysts to the region's worsening condition. Combined with social mobility patterns, western influences, gender discrimination and the increase in substance abuse and sex tourism, the region is being described as a ticking time bomb.

"The impact of an accelerated HIV infection rate in the South Pacific could annihilate all the development achievements in the last 30 years and it will be children and young people who suffer the greatest impact," says UNICEF New Zealand Executive Director Dennis McKinlay. He says while a great deal of discussion had focused on the impact of the disease in Africa, not much attention had been paid to small island nations like those in the South Pacific.

"The good news is that the South Pacific is one of the last places on Earth where we can have a positive impact in slowing the spread of AIDS, but that window is closing fast," McKinlay says.

Pacific Island Aids Foundation CEO Marie Bopp Dupont told the gathering that while some progress had been made, medication and treatment needed to be more readily available across the Pacific. Dupont also made a call for fully funded testing and counselling, emphasizing testing should be voluntary. These points were taken on board when the conclusions were read out at the close of the conference.

Addressing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS was also discussed in length, focusing on misconceptions that HIV/AIDS was mainly a homosexual virus or limited to high-risk groups like prostitutes. According to Gillian Mellsop, head of the regional body for UNICEF, the predominant mode of transmission to date had been heterosexual, and unprotected sex represented the primary risk.

There was healthy debate on the issue of religious barriers. While the conference met in Auckland, an anti-gay march was being planned by the Methodist Church in Fiji. The church discourages the use of condoms. Blame has also been unfairly apportioned to the gay community there. Similar sentiments were shared by other church groups across the Pacific.

Regional Director for UNAIDS Asia Pacific Prasada Rao described such actions and thinking, as "unhelpful" in the fight against AIDS.

Pacific churches were called on to change their attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and those suffering from it. At the conference there was no stronger voice on the issue than the Speaker of Fiji's House of Representatives, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who challenged churches to change their attitudes to homosexuality and condoms, the front line in HIV infection prevention.

"Before our churches can save souls they must save lives," he stated, alluding to the threat HIV/AIDS was to Pacific cultures and that prior to colonization, homosexuals were regarded in some Pacific nations as accepted members of society. -- Peter Rees

New Zealand
Idol Winner Unfazed By Weight Claims

Obesity in New Zealand-particularly among Pacific Islanders-is a controversial issue often highlighted by the local media. Newly crowned New Zealand Idol winner Rosita Vai found herself at the centre of this debate when she won the title in October.

2005 New Zealand Idol Winner Rosita Vai. (Courtesy New Zealand Idol)

The 'Idol' music television phenomenon has taken the world by storm but the concept has often been criticized because of its preoccupation with image over singing ability. The weight issue tarnished the young careers of Australian idol winner Casey Donavan and past American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. Vai, a New Zealand born Samoan is now under the same spotlight.

She became the second person of Pacific Island ancestry to win the honor following Tongan Ben Lummis, who was the inaugural idol winner in 2004. But her achievement was tarnished by comments over her weight.

The classically trained 24-year-old hailing from Ponsonby, Auckland was voted the winner amidst claims she was too "overweight" to become a successful music artist. Veteran New Zealand entertainer Sir Howard Morrison was the main critic. Though Vai's soulful voice drew comparisons with popular recording artists such as Whitney Houston and Beyonce, Sir Howard did not rate her at all. He was reportedly sickened after seeing images of junk food at the house of Vai when the show was profiling her. His views supported the notion that to be successful in the music industry today, image was important.

Sir Howard later apologized after Vai won and a public backlash against him, but not before Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni wrote an open letter to a New Zealand newspaper slamming the respected Maori icon. Misa called Sir Howard's comments "mean-spirited and negative." Not everyone shared his view however.

One newspaper editorial seemed to side with Sir Howard saying Misa's letter "shows a head-in-the-sand reluctance to face up to the realities of the world, both in the entertainment sphere and the links between health and obesity, and the costs both socially and for our society."

Ironically, Sir Howard is a regular visitor to Pacific Islands and is usually invited by the Samoan government to entertain at festivals and other special occasions in Apia. Despite the media storm caused by Sir Howard's comments, Vai admitted to being "disappointed" but avoided getting into a slanging match.

Many have warmed to her glow and confidence on stage. Her performances demonstrated she was comfortable with her image and confident in her own ability. Vai has already released her first album with recording label Sony. --Peter Rees

New Zealand
Laban Promoted To Minister Post-Elections

Third term parliamentarian Luamanuvao Winnie Laban of Wellington was the big winner following the formation of a third successive Labour led coalition government in New Zealand in October.

Representing the Mana electorate, which contains a substantial Pacific Island population in Porirua, the MP of Samoan ancestry was the first woman of Pacific Islander descent when first elected in 1999. She is now the first to get a Ministerial portfolio.

In making her first cabinet appointments, Prime Minister Helen Clark, announced Luamanuvao as the new Minister of the Community and Voluntary Sector, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment and Associate Minister for Economic Development.

But it was Clark's decision to hand her the portfolio of Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, supporting Phil Goff, which raised eyebrows. It was thought Clark was prepared to hand over the Ministerial role to a Pacific Islander but appeared to bow to public pressure by appointing Goff in the main role.

Luamanuvao replaces the popular Taito Philip Field who had been embroiled in several public scandals which put pressure on Clark.

The first controversy involved a Thai over-stayer who he sent to Samoa to do renovations on his property in Apia. The other scandal caused frictions in the Pacific Island community in Auckland when he was alleged to have bought a house from a Tongan family below the property value and sold it to another party for a profit.

Taito is currently being investigated on the former of these matters. He remains an MP for the Mangere electorate after being returned by a substantial majority after the election. The Pacific Island community has lent its support to Taito throughout the crisis.

The appointment of Luamanuvao away from the traditional Pacific Island powerbase in South Auckland is a brave move by Clark. Luamanuvao has worthy credentials though with her heavy involvement in the Pacific communities dating back over twenty years to the 1980's. She was modest in her acceptance of her new roles.

"I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve the people of Mana, and New Zealand, in these new roles", she said. "It has been many years since Porirua had a Minister of the Crown, and my promotion is an acknowledgement of the importance of our communities. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Porirua City and communities up the Kapiti Coast."

Winnie Laban was bestowed her Samoan chiefly title of Luamanuvao, from her home village of Vaiala, Vaimauga in 1992.

Goff, the former Foreign Minister, is now in charge of the Pacific Island Affairs, Trade and Defense portfolios.

Controversial New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, known for his anti-immigration views is now the new Foreign Minister, outside of cabinet. This was done in a deal which secured New Zealand First's support which allowed the Labour Party to cobble together the numbers it needed to form a government.

Labour had garnered 50% of the votes after the official count following the general election with the main opposition National Party gaining 48%. Under the MMP (Mixed Majority Proportion) system in place in New Zealand, both Labour and National needed to ally with the minor parties to get the required majority which Labour was successful in doing.

Apart from Taito and Luamanuvao, the only other MP of Pacific ancestry elected was Mark Gosche, representing the Auckland central electorate of Maungakiekie. He is a former Transport Minister in the last Labour led government. He relinquished his portfolio to spend more time with his ill wife. -- Peter Rees

Region
Island Talent Recruited To Bolster Wallabies

It's enough for New Zealand rugby officials to quake in fear and Pacific union bosses to fly the white flag.

Australian rugby has shown it is not content with being the most successful nation in the history of the Rugby World Cup, winning titles in 1991 and 1999. New Zealand rugby has benefited handsomely for years due to its close association with the Pacific Islands. Australia seems prepared now to head down that same road.

The Australia Rugby Union (ARU) is taking a leaf from their Kiwi counterparts as it seeks to reverse the poor form of their national team.

The Wallabies embarked on their tour of Europe in November with a revolutionary new squad laden with Pacific talent mirroring the unprecedented eighteen players of Pacific Island ancestry named to the New Zealand All Blacks 'grand slam' tour of the UK.

Hopes were placed on the young shoulders of rookies like Tatafu Polata-Nau (Tongan) and Digby Ioane (Samoan), that they would herald in a new era of Wallaby rugby.

The lack of player depth has been cause for concern. In the past, the ARU had been forced to recruit players from the rugby league code, with players of New Zealand origin also called on.

The focus is now on the talent rich Pacific Islands to supply future Wallabies.

It is now reported the ARU is prepared to relax its policies on foreign players to allow Pacific Islanders to move freely to Australia to play for one its four Super 14 franchises. If approved, there would be a stand-down period before islanders were allowed to play for the Wallabies.

Such a move could sour relations with the Pacific unions. Australia reportedly opposed a move to relax International Rugby Board (IRB) eligibility rules last year which would have helped Pacific rugby. Australia is also doubtful for next year's inaugural IRB Pacific Six Nations as the ARU has yet to confirm its place. -- By Peter Rees

Region
Preparing For Avian Flu

As Australia's Prime Minister John Howard announced his government will spend A$8 million (US$5.86 million) over the next four years assisting regional organizations to fight the threat posed by Avian Influenza and other infectious diseases, individual island nations were already attempting to defend their borders.

Howard has told his Pacific Island counterparts that Australia's assistance will be coordinated through the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network which is a part of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Australian Prime Minister John Howard (left) pledged A$8 million to fight infectious diseases at the Pacific Islands Forum. (Photo: Pifs Media)

"Australian funds will strengthen regional and national capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging diseases. This will be achieved through the strengthening of national and regional quarantine systems, infection prevention and control programmes, and animal health surveillance systems," he said.

Avian flu emerged as an issue of concern at this year's gathering of leaders with the Small Island States grouping asking Australia and New Zealand to help, and calling for "the immediate development and implementation of national and regional influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plans."

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Affairs Minister Rabbie Namaliu has also raised the avian flu as one of his country's many security concerns.

Meanwhile in Kiribati, Director of Public Health Dr. Kabwea Tiban has set up a task force as part of a plan to stop the bird flu virus reaching the country. The prime target of the multi-agency task force is those traveling abroad to countries having the bird flu. They will be advised not to visit animal farms and eat poultry. Those coming back from such countries will also be screened.

The Fiji government has banned the import of poultry and live birds from all countries except New Zealand as fears grew that bird flu may spread to Fiji.

Director of Quarantine Hiangi Foraete said the ban was enforced as a precaution against the potentially fatal virus, passed from birds to humans, which has spread across Asia and into Europe. Authorities have stepped up border control, concerned that seagoing vessels may bring the virus to Fiji.

And the government of Samoa has set aside T$2 million (US$731,000) to prepare the country against bird flu. The money is to stock up on vaccines to cover every single person, and for public awareness programs. Samoa lost a third of its population during the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic.-- Batiri Bataua, Ricardo Morris, Afamasaga Toleafoa

Hawaii Pacific
Presence at Hawaii International Film Festival

From the turtles of Vanuatu to the literary brilliance of Samoan writer Albert Wendt, the creative talents of Pacific Islanders filled the screens of the Hawaii International Film Festival's 25th anniversary year in late October. Recognized as one of the top 10 film festivals in the world and focusing on Asian and Pacific films, this year's event attracted audiences in record numbers.

The Disappearing of Tuvalu by Christopher Horner spoke for Pacific islanders whose fragile lands are threatened by inundation due to global warming. Vanuatu's One Small Bag players dramatized the plight of sea turtles and how to protect them in Vanua-Tai …of Land and Sea by Jan Cattonio. From Hawaii, Wahine O Ke Kai by Vince Keala Lucero documents Donna Kahakui's grueling kayak trip to promote caring for the ocean.

Three powerful Hawaiian women: historian Mary Kawena Pukui, chanter Edith Kanakaole, and dancer Iolani Luahine featured in Eddie and Myrna Kamae's Keepers of the Flame, winner of the Audience Choice award.

From the new Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii came a number of well done short films with various topics relating to life in contemporary Hawaii. Polynesian Power is expressed in Te Toa Ahniwaniwa which chronicles the surprising election of Oscar Temaru in Tahiti. Director Robert Pouwhare also showed Tuhoe - A History of Resistance. And River Queen by Vincent Ward with actor Temuera Morrison, depicts Maori resistance in 1880's New Zealand and a young woman torn between both worlds.

A less violent aspect of Maori life-dance-is presented in the film Dances of Life by Catherine Tatge which also includes performances by the Wetr Company of Lifou, New Caledonia. Palauan and Samoan traditional dances are other components of this program.

Aloha Live On the Road: Willie K and Amy, directed by Heather Giugni is a road movie that follows Hawaiian musicians.

Samoan identity and cultural heritage are subjects of Shane Seggar's The Fire Is Burning. For another Samoan, writer Albert Wendt, these are also issues he believes can be incorporated in The New Oceania a phrase taken from his writing and the title of Shirley Horrock's film about Wendt's life. A novelist, poet and dramatist, Albert Wendt has built an international reputation while supporting and encouraging other Pacific artists in all fields.

A goal of the Hawaii International Film Festival is always to recognize and celebrate cultural diversity. These films, by and about Pacific Islanders, fulfill that mandate to the enjoyment of all. -- Caroline Yacoe