Pride through success,
Honour through service.
It’s a motto a lot of people I know will have come across on a daily basis.
--
At my old stomping ground, Taita College, there’s a sign with the TC crest and surrounded by the phrase near the entrance of the school as well as near the office building.
While not thinking much of it at the time, it’s almost fitting that I am now trying to adapt it to everything I do, including over herei n Raro.
The stories people tell – be it their fascinating background, a decision that changed their lives or something else – having pride through success and establishing honour through service is something I’m applying to work here.
--
I swear I have met at least 60% of the Cook Islanders here on the island already after just five weeks here!
It’s crazy – in a good way – seeing people within the week and getting to meet them in a non-professional context. Places like the Punanga Nui market is fantastic for stuff like that, as is the local bar - yeow!
--
This week the Constitution celebrations are in full swing. This place goes off annually with people from islands across the Cooks coming and showcasing their cultures.
For a lot of these guys it’s not just about coming and doing some dancing, singing and sampling the local cuisine.
People like Mitiaro elder Kahukura Kaiui see it as a chance to reconnect and showcase everything the Cook Islands has to offer.
“It’s so that all the islands can get together and show our cultures to everybody. Those who don’t know other styles to get to see all of our different styles.”
It’s been a damp affair so far – the float parade on Friday went ahead despite a fair bit of rain! – but the smiles and determination from the participants to carry was outstanding.
--
As always, for @nokoroa, the club rugby wrap. News out is that the Takuvaine Reds have won two in a row, beating Tupapa in the weekend. Arorangi Cowboys lost to Avatiu Eels and the Ngatangiia Dragons got up over the Titikaveka Bulls!
--
I’m thinking of sussing a flatwarming in the next couple of weeks (it’s been three weeks that i’ve been here now) and the only people who aren’t invited are Mr Huntsman Spider who I had the distinct dishonour of meeting on my second night here, and Mr Mouse who I see every night after work at home.
Geckos are more than welcome.
--
As always, keen on feedback and/or suggestions for what you want to know or find out :)
Meitaki maata,
MW
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Wednesday Feature: George Maggie
 |
| From Bible-smoker to a preaching politician - George Maggie's transformation couldn't be greater. Photo Credit: CI News. |
It’s the story known widely throughout Rarotonga, but almost nowhere else.
The story is one of intrigue, sadness and the ability to turn everything around.
This is the remarkable story of George Maggie.
--
The year 1960 brought around many memorable moments, some fond, some bad. The Flintstones was screened on television for the first time, Hugh Hefner opened his first Playboy club in Chicago and some boxer by the name of Cassius Clay was only just breaking into the spotlight.It was also the year George ‘Maggie’ Angene was born.
Having lived with 60-year-old mama Maggie Brown from day one, the young boy knew in the deepest of his hearts that she was his mother. It took 12 years for the young man to find out the truth, before finding out about his six siblings – three brothers and three sisters – who all worked in New Zealand to support him and his non-working grandmother.
Maggie went to school at six-years-old and didn’t learn a thing. Instead he helped his grandmother bottle some home-brewed magic, and was also involved tasting the concoction to ensure the taste was correct.
“Between 14 and 15 I started to drink and show off – I used to get cheeky and all that. I thought, ‘I’m strong, let’s start to see if this works’.
“I damaged a lot of people,” Maggie said, illustrating an element of pride more commonly found in his younger days.
The 1970s were a time of strict enforcement from the police in the Cook Islands. A curfew of eight-o-clock at night was issued to all children to ensure they weren’t out creating mischief.
Maggie didn’t miss the memo, he simply threw it in the bin. While other children were inside, no doubt having family time with mum and dad, Maggie roamed the streets.
Maggie’s maiden pilgrimage to prison came when he was just 15. The legal system of the time did not allow minors under the age of 16 to enter prison, but in an effort to avoid any further dealings with Maggie, they threw him in jail.
It was at the Arorangi Prison where he began to roll pages of the Bible to use as cigarette papers and start to get a grip on what it was like to live in-and-out of jail.
It looked as if sport would be his avenue, his way out of jail. His physical prowess as a result of the many sports he trained in saw 19-year-old halfback represent the Cook Islands.
But it wasn’t to be and his check-ins at the local prison continued.
--
Further hope for settling down was fuelled when, after living with his girlfriend for three years previously, Maggie welcomed a set of twins to the world.
“When the firstborns were born I was a heavy drinker. I had no hope, no steady job, no income to feed the kids.
“I would break in and get food. I would bef people to get food for the boys.”
Maggie’s life spiralled out of control. He would wake up at 2am and start drinking and finish at 11pm at night while looking for ways to get food or money, legally or illegally.
“I thought about killing myself through drinking, not through hanging or crashing.”
The evil genie in the bottle would not grant him his last wish, instead living through more torture and the torment of not being able to be the father his kids wanted. By 1984, the break-ins – and prison terms - became more frequent as he struggled to put food on the table for his family.
--
It was eight years later when two events would transform his life forever. The year was 1992 when Maggie’s thoughts and perspectives began to change.
“My head was starting to know what’s happening in life around the corruption of the government, so I thought about something.
“I went on the radio and said that the government needs to change or I would burn down the government building. The secretary of justice said ‘Oh, he’s only joking,’ but I wasn’t joking.”
It was Mother’s Day 1982 and after the usual prison stints, Maggie and a friend wandered down to the court house, his friend unaware of what would happen next.
“I told my friend just to wait for me while I got some papers in the justice department. I heaped the paper on a table, lit the fire and then just walked out.”
That fearlessness that had become second nature to Maggie remained as he confidently strolled out aware of what would be happening to the building in an hour’s time.
“Some people are saying the reason why I did it was to burn my criminal record. I told them if it was my criminal record then I would have had to have burned down the police department, law firms, prison, probation and the justice departments.
“It’s not because of my criminal record - it was just because of the corruption of the government in those days.”
--
Maggie was sentenced to prison for 13 years for arson, and he knew something had to change instantly. He woke up on June 18 and said his first prayer asking for one more chance.
“God, if you’re there, can you please help me because I’m scared I’m going to die in prison,” he pleaded.
“I feel sorry for my wife, my kids, can you give me one more chance to straighten up my life.”
Usual help for a Bible initially fell on deaf ears from prison wardens – they knew of his initial use and weren’t ready to supply – but he convinced the warden this was no joke.
At 32-years-old, Maggie learned to read for the first time from one of the other inmates. He also began to write as a result of things he learned from the Bible. Everything – even building – was studied by the Bible.
In 1999, the man who had burned down the courthouse, the man whose gang-leader persona had him feared among many and the outlaw who would smoke cigarettes using pages fromt he Bible, was released from prison.
Reformed, he set about working and helping the people from as early as he could. He helped at churches, with community groups and ended up in the Cook Islands Party (CIP) committee.
His biggest job was looking for a candidate for the Tupapa area in the 2010 election. Having met with 10 people who declined the offer, three pastors on one day – 16 Novermber 2008 - convinced the man himself to run.
Those same 10 people who had declined the offer only weeks earlier came up against him. “I told them, ‘it’s too late – people want me, Tupapa are going to elect me’.
He won the seat with a very good majority and continues to hold that position to this day. Maggie still hasn’t met his birthnmother or father and isn’t really too fussed about it.
While a member of the CIP, he remains very independent and for the people. In fact, he has a phrase he once said to his colleagues in parliament.
“No matter where you go today, I can go there. Where I come from, you can’t get there.”
--
The power to change, the greatest power of them all.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Ramblings and updates from the Cook Islands
It’s almost intrinsic to every single country on Earth – where there are people, there are some fascinating insights, anecdotes or little moments of magic that deserve to be told and appreciated worldwide.
Until Thursday (NZT) you’ll just have to make do with the weekly update – of which there is plenty this week.
--
That in itself has been a useful exercise to see if I ever would want to venture into the area of sports editing. It’s something I was curious about at times but those thoughts of curiosity have been shut more firmly than the Parramatta Eels’ boardroom door.
--
The Olympics are something most athletes dream about. Billions of people watching either in real life or in real time give the respective sports and countries a great profile. Speaking of which, here are a few things about some of the athletes representing the Cook Islands.
Young sprinter Patrick Tuara isn't going to be one who challenges Usain Bolt for the 100m title. His personal best is 12 seconds, one he hopes to overhaul in London. The most striking thing about Patrick is his commitment to the sport. At 17, Tuara still goes to high school and juggles competition and other sport around it.
Patricia Taea is very much the same. The 17-year-old still attends school - Tereora College, like Tuara - and did so until leaving for London on Monday morning (CIT). They're two of what really is a young team and like Tuara, Taea will compete in the 100m sprint.
Luisa Peters is a gem. A netballer at heart, Peters was encouraged to get into weightlifting by her grandmother, Rosie Blake (who is also the secretary general of the national Olympic body, CISNOC). Sacrificing hopes of a career in the New Zealand Police Force, the 19-year-old is instead off to London to compete in the women's clean and jerk competition.
--
As for other matters, I think I’ve finally gotten used to mokos (geckos) scurrying around the house, but a warning: if you’re not used to them or you don’t like them, you’re not going to have much sleep.
Making a heap of friends here at the moment in a whole range of areas. From the printing room to the NZ High Commission, the people here have been fantastic and the ease of friendships here is something that really stands out to me.
Getting more and more amped about cricket season, which is starting up sooner than I thought. Get the new light blue/dark blue uniform soon. Thanks to captain Glenn ‘Hori’ Miller for hooking it up brother!
Aight, that’s probably enough for now but if you ever want to know about anything here in the Islands, please don’t be afraid to ask. But for now, I’m off to go and meet some friends down at Trader Jacks.
Meitaki maata and kia manuia,
Matiu Workman
 |
| The three Rarotonga-based Cook Islands athletes (centre left-right) are: Patricia Taea, Patrick Tuara and Luisa Peters. |
No matter where you are in the world there are always heaps of interesting stories to tell.
It’s almost intrinsic to every single country on Earth – where there are people, there are some fascinating insights, anecdotes or little moments of magic that deserve to be told and appreciated worldwide.
It’s the reason for a new segment of the blog I’m starting on Wednesday (local time) called the Wednesday Feature.
I have already met some fascinating people in my four weeks here and I’ve decided to share their stories with you, the people in the world of the web, to become just as fascinated with them as me.
--
It has been an unusually busy Sunday here in the office. While approximately 90 percent of workers have Sunday off to go to church, a smattering of people are here in the office to complete Monday’s paper.
Proofreaders, printers, the stand-in editor and myself are in the office at present in a usual rush to get Monday’s edition ready to go.
This is no ordinary week for myself, though.
The editor, John Woods and chief reporter/sports editor Matariki Wilson are in Tahiti and have been since Thursday attending the Te Aito, a massive vaka race encompassing different types of canoes.
Take waka ama, make it a national sport and get other countries from the Pacific together, and you have Te Aito o Tahiti.
Their covering of Te Aito is a pretty exciting prospect for myself. Not because there is more room in the office to put my equipment or anything of that nature.
It means I have been given the duty of covering the sports section of the paper, and after three days of working in this new area it is beginning to dawn just how much work goes into our sports section.
While there has been a bit of feedback in times past about the coverage of sports – we even had a letter to the editor about it – the amount of work done by a single reporter to cover all sports action is pretty phenomenal.
 |
| The village chief, known as a kau-maiti, gives his blessings to chef de mission George George Williamson and the rest of Team CI. |
It's a challenge and it’s one that I am so far enjoying. The feeling of getting a whole section of a page to fill is pretty cool but not one I think I could do for years and years to come. To those who do it, here’s to you guys!
That in itself has been a useful exercise to see if I ever would want to venture into the area of sports editing. It’s something I was curious about at times but those thoughts of curiosity have been shut more firmly than the Parramatta Eels’ boardroom door.
--
The Olympics are something most athletes dream about. Billions of people watching either in real life or in real time give the respective sports and countries a great profile. Speaking of which, here are a few things about some of the athletes representing the Cook Islands.
Young sprinter Patrick Tuara isn't going to be one who challenges Usain Bolt for the 100m title. His personal best is 12 seconds, one he hopes to overhaul in London. The most striking thing about Patrick is his commitment to the sport. At 17, Tuara still goes to high school and juggles competition and other sport around it.
Patricia Taea is very much the same. The 17-year-old still attends school - Tereora College, like Tuara - and did so until leaving for London on Monday morning (CIT). They're two of what really is a young team and like Tuara, Taea will compete in the 100m sprint.
Luisa Peters is a gem. A netballer at heart, Peters was encouraged to get into weightlifting by her grandmother, Rosie Blake (who is also the secretary general of the national Olympic body, CISNOC). Sacrificing hopes of a career in the New Zealand Police Force, the 19-year-old is instead off to London to compete in the women's clean and jerk competition.
--
As for other matters, I think I’ve finally gotten used to mokos (geckos) scurrying around the house, but a warning: if you’re not used to them or you don’t like them, you’re not going to have much sleep.
Making a heap of friends here at the moment in a whole range of areas. From the printing room to the NZ High Commission, the people here have been fantastic and the ease of friendships here is something that really stands out to me.
Getting more and more amped about cricket season, which is starting up sooner than I thought. Get the new light blue/dark blue uniform soon. Thanks to captain Glenn ‘Hori’ Miller for hooking it up brother!
Aight, that’s probably enough for now but if you ever want to know about anything here in the Islands, please don’t be afraid to ask. But for now, I’m off to go and meet some friends down at Trader Jacks.
Meitaki maata and kia manuia,
Matiu Workman
 |
| A traditional warrior stands next to a taunga (village priest), who invites George George Williamson (chef de mission, Team CI) into the sacred marae. |
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Boom.
And just like that, it hit home.
--
After 21 days on this beautiful island, fuelled often by the countless minutes of soul searching and questionable song choices on local radio station 88FM, I think life in Rarotonga is starting to sink in.
It certainly feels like I've been here a lot longer - I think that's a good thing - and I'm sure as the time continues to roll on more confidence and local knowledge will help get me through.
The local cuisine here is spectacular. Raw fish, known as 'ika mata', is raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lemon juice. The acidity of the citrus gets right into the fish and gives it the most outstanding taste. Get into it if you have it available wherever you are :)
The people here in the country are awesome. Have had nothing but a positive experience with people here. And given the size of the place - approx. 12,000 is the last estimate I heard - the fact everyone's nice and interconnected only bodes well for the future I reckon.
Workmates are all pretty classic. Had a pretty good time here in the newsroom meeting, greeting and in some cases eating with these folks and I'm hoping it continues to grow and grow while I'm here.
I make no mistake of my outspoken adoration for my family ha. Miss them all like bonkers and keep in contact with them at least two-to-three times a week. You can call me anything you want, I don't care, whanau is whanau and that's the main thing.
Had some pretty naff weather this weekend. While Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights have all been pretty wet, Saturday was especially fantastic: Heavy, heavy rain and more thunder and lightning than you could poke a fork at.
Managed to catch up with a few wonderful visitors. Hung with Lydia from Yahoo.co.nz, who I went to journo school with, and my vicar from St James in Lower Hutt, Peter Benge, and his wonderful family.
Those sorts of catch ups are pretty gold - there's nothing really like seeing familiar faces in a new environment. Thanks to you fullas for making the time to see me, really appreciate it!
Hey @nukuroa, for the record the Avatiu Eels beat Tupapa this weekend. There the rugby wrap up for you.
Finally, I'd just like to emphasise something that has been on my mind for a bit now.
I was having a discussion with a friend of mine who said I was very lucky to be living in Paradise and getting paid for it. While I don't deny that at all - the drive into work is all I need to know how fortunate I am to be working here - to simply say that this has all come down to luck is a bit far-fetched, I reckon.
This whole decision to travel to a country I had never been to before and where I knew nobody wasn't simply 'luck'. It was about more than that, of rekindling a personal fire and to learn, discover and realise just how beautiful the world is.
While there was an element of luck in there being a job available in Rarotonga, of all places, it's about creating your own luck and ensuring you get the most out of your own luck.
Getting a great job is luck, but leaving behind friends, family, extended family and a comfortable life for the unknown
It's all a bit too much to call luck, isn't it?
--
And just like that, it hit home. Life in Rarotonga. Let's do this.
--
After 21 days on this beautiful island, fuelled often by the countless minutes of soul searching and questionable song choices on local radio station 88FM, I think life in Rarotonga is starting to sink in.
It certainly feels like I've been here a lot longer - I think that's a good thing - and I'm sure as the time continues to roll on more confidence and local knowledge will help get me through.
The local cuisine here is spectacular. Raw fish, known as 'ika mata', is raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lemon juice. The acidity of the citrus gets right into the fish and gives it the most outstanding taste. Get into it if you have it available wherever you are :)
The people here in the country are awesome. Have had nothing but a positive experience with people here. And given the size of the place - approx. 12,000 is the last estimate I heard - the fact everyone's nice and interconnected only bodes well for the future I reckon.
Workmates are all pretty classic. Had a pretty good time here in the newsroom meeting, greeting and in some cases eating with these folks and I'm hoping it continues to grow and grow while I'm here.
I make no mistake of my outspoken adoration for my family ha. Miss them all like bonkers and keep in contact with them at least two-to-three times a week. You can call me anything you want, I don't care, whanau is whanau and that's the main thing.
Had some pretty naff weather this weekend. While Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights have all been pretty wet, Saturday was especially fantastic: Heavy, heavy rain and more thunder and lightning than you could poke a fork at.
Managed to catch up with a few wonderful visitors. Hung with Lydia from Yahoo.co.nz, who I went to journo school with, and my vicar from St James in Lower Hutt, Peter Benge, and his wonderful family.
Those sorts of catch ups are pretty gold - there's nothing really like seeing familiar faces in a new environment. Thanks to you fullas for making the time to see me, really appreciate it!
Hey @nukuroa, for the record the Avatiu Eels beat Tupapa this weekend. There the rugby wrap up for you.
Finally, I'd just like to emphasise something that has been on my mind for a bit now.
I was having a discussion with a friend of mine who said I was very lucky to be living in Paradise and getting paid for it. While I don't deny that at all - the drive into work is all I need to know how fortunate I am to be working here - to simply say that this has all come down to luck is a bit far-fetched, I reckon.
This whole decision to travel to a country I had never been to before and where I knew nobody wasn't simply 'luck'. It was about more than that, of rekindling a personal fire and to learn, discover and realise just how beautiful the world is.
While there was an element of luck in there being a job available in Rarotonga, of all places, it's about creating your own luck and ensuring you get the most out of your own luck.
Getting a great job is luck, but leaving behind friends, family, extended family and a comfortable life for the unknown
It's all a bit too much to call luck, isn't it?
--
And just like that, it hit home. Life in Rarotonga. Let's do this.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
New flat, new scooter, new scary encounters
This post, in theory, shouldn't have been written.
Not through a lack of desire or passion or motivation - more that I shouldn't be in the office today.
But putting in extra hours on days off is almost becoming a specialty of mine. Things like understanding projects here in the islands and getting a few quick fillers in the can early mean every hour at work is time well spent, in my opinion.
Before I decide to check-in to Overworkers Anonymous, I thought I'd give you a little update since my last post.
When we last spoke I was at the Central Motel in downtown Avarua accompanied by a few wasps and a couple of geckos. Well, I have since moved to an A-frame 'chalet' as part of a village of budget accomadation called Tiare Village. Feel free to Google Image them :P It's the A-Frame one.
We'll get to the use of the word 'chalet' in a minute, but first onto more improtant matters.
I now have a scooter to zip me around town! This place is filled with them so finding one wasn't necessarily the issue. The main problem was ensuring I didn't get as raw a deal as my workmate, Calida. While they paid approx $250 less than I did, their bike chain has since snapped, making the bike about as useful as the world's largest paperweight.
Thankfully I haven't encountered any bike-breaking scenarios yet and here's to a long future with the bike.
I'd love to send photos and videos through, but my camera is still unable to be used because of a lack of the right SD card here in the Cook Islands. Still waiting for the card to be shipped here so at the moment there are no photos to speak of :/
Back to the chalet. It's pretty awesome but is almost made for shorter people than myself (and I'm no giant). Two of the three rooms are rather small but one manages to fit two single foam mattresses. The master bedroom is pretty cool and gets a good view of the airport and neighbouring houses :)
There was one issue that gave me a minor heart attack. AFter Googling Cook Islands centipedes I woke up this morning to go to town and at my front door was a massive spider. This wasn't a 2mm one or a 2cm one - this was almost the size of my palm. Google Huntsman Spider. Yuck. Anyway he gapped it and I don't know where he went. There'll be a health update in the next post for sure.
As for work, there are still days where there are struggles and mental questioning, but they're a lot less frequent than at the start of my time here. I'm slowly getting into the swing of things (rather slowly to be fair - island time) and am working on getting to know the island well enough to be your tiki tour guide if needed!
Missing all family and friends back home. One thing I've found a bit hard is making new friends. While I did sort of expect this to happen (it's your classic new school syndrome) it's just a bit annoying and a bit demoralising haha - if you have Raro friends, help me out!
Finally, I've signed up to my first sports team, the Titikaveka Titans! They're the defending cricket champs here on the island and I was rapt for them to be keen on having a hit with them, so if anyone's keen to ship over my cricket gear I'd be mega happy! Ha.
From here it's getting into a proper routine with groceries and signing up to the gym. From there, I'll be moving onwards and upwards!
Talk soon guys, would love to hear any feedback or ideas for future posts haha!
Kia manuia,
Matiu Workman
Not through a lack of desire or passion or motivation - more that I shouldn't be in the office today.
But putting in extra hours on days off is almost becoming a specialty of mine. Things like understanding projects here in the islands and getting a few quick fillers in the can early mean every hour at work is time well spent, in my opinion.
Before I decide to check-in to Overworkers Anonymous, I thought I'd give you a little update since my last post.
When we last spoke I was at the Central Motel in downtown Avarua accompanied by a few wasps and a couple of geckos. Well, I have since moved to an A-frame 'chalet' as part of a village of budget accomadation called Tiare Village. Feel free to Google Image them :P It's the A-Frame one.
We'll get to the use of the word 'chalet' in a minute, but first onto more improtant matters.
I now have a scooter to zip me around town! This place is filled with them so finding one wasn't necessarily the issue. The main problem was ensuring I didn't get as raw a deal as my workmate, Calida. While they paid approx $250 less than I did, their bike chain has since snapped, making the bike about as useful as the world's largest paperweight.
Thankfully I haven't encountered any bike-breaking scenarios yet and here's to a long future with the bike.
I'd love to send photos and videos through, but my camera is still unable to be used because of a lack of the right SD card here in the Cook Islands. Still waiting for the card to be shipped here so at the moment there are no photos to speak of :/
Back to the chalet. It's pretty awesome but is almost made for shorter people than myself (and I'm no giant). Two of the three rooms are rather small but one manages to fit two single foam mattresses. The master bedroom is pretty cool and gets a good view of the airport and neighbouring houses :)
There was one issue that gave me a minor heart attack. AFter Googling Cook Islands centipedes I woke up this morning to go to town and at my front door was a massive spider. This wasn't a 2mm one or a 2cm one - this was almost the size of my palm. Google Huntsman Spider. Yuck. Anyway he gapped it and I don't know where he went. There'll be a health update in the next post for sure.
As for work, there are still days where there are struggles and mental questioning, but they're a lot less frequent than at the start of my time here. I'm slowly getting into the swing of things (rather slowly to be fair - island time) and am working on getting to know the island well enough to be your tiki tour guide if needed!
Missing all family and friends back home. One thing I've found a bit hard is making new friends. While I did sort of expect this to happen (it's your classic new school syndrome) it's just a bit annoying and a bit demoralising haha - if you have Raro friends, help me out!
Finally, I've signed up to my first sports team, the Titikaveka Titans! They're the defending cricket champs here on the island and I was rapt for them to be keen on having a hit with them, so if anyone's keen to ship over my cricket gear I'd be mega happy! Ha.
From here it's getting into a proper routine with groceries and signing up to the gym. From there, I'll be moving onwards and upwards!
Talk soon guys, would love to hear any feedback or ideas for future posts haha!
Kia manuia,
Matiu Workman
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