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Mars 2011 Published by Daily Post - Tel: 23224 - 5550619 - email: [email protected]

Issue 25

Smile Mobile Networkby Telecom Vanuatu Ltd

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Inside: VTO News - Sports Events -NaGol Legend - Maps & More...

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Land Diving or Nagol

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Australia Vs Vanuatu Beachvolley Tournament

2nd April 2011On 2nd April, Australia and Vanuatu will challenge each other in Beach Volleyball at the

Stade Court at 2pm, followed by Sports Memorabilia Auction and Splash Fashion Parade at Grand Hotel and Casino starts at 6.30pm. The auction will also include Fashion Parade - Splash Swimwear (starting the Australian women team and Vanuatu men beach volleyball team), Tahitian dance group performance, finger food, keg of Tusker, and music. Both events have been organized to help raise much needed funds for the Vanuatu women beach vol-leyball team to be able to attend the 2011 Olympic Qualification events. Please come and support your team! Tickets can be brought for Billabong store in town or call Debbie on +678 5917950.

An exciting Waiters Race scheduled for April 25!

Au Peche Mignon, Alliance Française du Vanuatu and Waiters Race International www.waitersrace.com are working together to organize another great event this year scheduled for Easter Monday 25th April 2011. This will be the 3rd event after 2009’s race.

This year’s race will be in the form of a relay, with the first leg run by the senior category, then the professional waiters, then the junior category, and finally to anyone interested to join in. Interested persons and waiters need to register prior to racing. For further informa-tion and registrations, email Romuald on [email protected]

Vanuatu - Discover what matters

Vanuatu was once again crowned the world’s happiest place in the Lonely Planet’s guide to the world’s happiest places on earth in 2010. In addition, Vanuatu made the Lonely Plan-et’s top ten countries to visit in 2011 in their annual publication titled Best in Travel 2011. Vanuatu is no stranger to accolades and once you have spent a little time on our islands meeting the Ni-Vanuatu people it will be clear why.

Our ‘happy country’ offers fun and interesting experiences to suit every traveller. From kayaking, waterfall abseiling and mud-splash buggy rides, to deserted beach picnics, river canoeing, wreck dives, and custom villages. Vanuatu has it all, and it’s only three hours flight away from Australia, two and half from Auckland, and an hour and a half from Fiji and New Caledonia.

Vanuatu is emerging as the South Pacific’s leading soft adventure capital. Established activities are now complimented by an array of new tours launched in 2010 including hydro zorbing, jet boating, kite surfing and even sand boarding and ash trekking tours at Mt Yasur Volcano.

With 83 islands and 113 dialects, Vanuatu is a culturally diverse country. Life is punctu-ated by rituals and celebrations which pack the destination’s annual events calendar. From traditional cultural festivals such as the Pentecost Land Diving, to sporting events including the ever popular Vanuatu Ocean Swims and more contemporary festivities such as the an-nual Fest Napuan Music Festival, Vanuatu has plenty to offer for visitors looking for authen-tic cultural experiences.

Discover what matters and so much more in Vanuatu. Lukim yu (See you )Sebastien Bador, Acting General Manager, Vanuatu Tourism Office

Vanuatu Tourism Office your Face of Vanuatu.

If you are a visitor to our beautiful shores I would highly recommend that you pay a visit to the lovely ladies that are there to assist you at the Vanuatu Tourism Office. It is located in the main street of town in the Pilioko Building. You wont miss it, look for the pink building with the famous art work on it. The ladies who may be helping you, Auriane, Rachael or Sn Information officer Brenda at the counter are amongst the friendliest most helpful ladies I have ever met. At their office you will find brochures on every tour and activity available. They also have plenty of brochures and information for all types of accommodation, car hire, or services there are to offer in Efate as well as many of the the other Islands, big or small. They are happy to answer any questions you might have and to try and help you with anything a tourist might need to know. Their trading hours are Monday to Friday are 7.30am till 4.30pm, open during the lunch hour, Saturdays normally from 8am till 12pm and closed on Sundays. However if the cruise ship is in over the weekend they do open Saturday and Sunday and are open 8am till 12pm on public holidays. Go and see them to find out what to do and where to go in Vanuatu, they will set you on the right path along with a brilliant smile.

Enjoy your stay,Cheers,

Read Vanuatu's most popular newspaper, the premier source of all news in Vanuatu

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ASIAN ETHNICITY

spend more than 1500vt

LUNCH SETJUST

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BETTER VOLUMEYOU'LL BESATISFIED

EVENT & FEsTiVals CalENDER

APRIL2 Australia Vs Vanuatu Beachvolley Tournament2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Land Diving Festival or Nagol - Pentecost14 Ambrym Rom Dance & Magic Art - Ambrym Every Thrusday till September22 Good Friday, Public Holiday23,24 Easter 6 kg Challenge fishing Tournament - Port Vila25 Waiters Race

May Yam Magic Festival (Ambrym) Tusker 3 Species Challenge Marlin Classic (Efate)

June5 - 12 Vanuatu Marlin Classic - Port Vila Sand Drawing Festival (Malekula)

Vanuatu Post Ltd & Western Union offer “NO TRANSFER FEE” for money transfers

to Japan

The Board and Management of Vanuatu Post Ltd wishes to advise its customers the following.

All of us in the Western Union Family/Vanuatu Post are saddened by the terrible events of the devastating

earthquake and tsunami in Japan and its aftermath.

Vanuatu Post have this opportunity to demonstrate the real meaning of our shared value and our

“Customer First, Customer Care” and use our unmatched global network to

benefit the citizens of Japan at this time of need.

Western Union and Vanuatu Post are offering a “No Transfer Fee” initiative to take place

for a month’s period, from March 17 to April 17, 2011

to allow money to be sent to friends and family in Japan for no transfer fee charged.

This initiative will be available throughout the Vanuatu Post network in Vanuatu.

If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact Vanuatu Post Ltd on 22000

and talk to our friendly staff at our Call Center or Mrs. Glenda Vatoko.

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NAGOL Read Vanuatu's most popular newspaper, the premier source of all news in Vanuatu

Nagol Jump - Land Diving.

Pentecost Island is a very popular island in Vanuatu be-cause of its land diving jump or the Nagol Jump. In the month of April, May, and June in every year is the high time for tourists to actually witness this spectacular event. Bungee Jumping goes back hundreds of thousands of years, where it started on Pentecost Island, Vanuatu, as a ceremony marking the rite of passage from a boy’s youth to manhood. A male would jump from a wooden structure with vines attached to his ankles to prove his masculinity.

On the island of Pentecost in the central group of islands of Vanuatu, one of the most interesting kastoms in all of Vanuatu is practiced. As a precursor to the bungee jump per-formed by extreme sport fanatics elsewhere in the world, the Nagol is an extraordinary kastom that showcases the courage and mystique of the Ni-vanuatu of Pentecost. Far beyond the adrenaline rush bungee jumpers seek, the Nagol ties the Pentecost tribal people to their land in more ways than the obvious.

Based on perhaps a thousand year old incident, Nagol sprung from a legend that describes a man named Tama-lie who mistreated his wife so badly through beatings that she left him and ran away. Determined to bring her home, Tamalie found her hiding in a huge Banyan tree. As Tamalie

climbed up to retrieve her, the wife tied Lianas vines to her ankles. Just as Tamalie grabbed for her, she leaped from his grasp. Thinking she had killed herself, the distraught Tamalie leapt as well... but without the Lianas. Needless to say Tama-lie was killed while his wife's life was spared. The other tribal men became so upset that the wife had tricked Tamalie, that they took precautionary measures and began the land diving themselves, while at the same time, prohibiting the women from doing so.

The Nagol of today serves more purposes than just celebrating the ancient legend. And it has evolved into a complex ritual that speaks to several aspects of Pentecost tribal life. In addressing the legend directly, today's Nagol is only performed by men and the preparation beforehand is strictly taboo for women to witness. In terms of tribal honor, it allows the men to show their worthiness and courage before the women, as a statement that they will never be tricked again. Some men even discuss their marital difficulties during the traditional pre-jump speech, while the women who are standing below listen.

The scheduling of Nagol is tied to the April-May-June time-frame, so that green Lianas vines, which are more pliable and resilient, can be used in the Land Diving. This happens to coincide with the very important yam harvest, a staple food of the Ni-Vanuatu. As the Land Divers reach the end of their Lianas tethers, they curl their shoulders as they brush the soil in the landing area. This is meant as a tribute to ensure a good harvest of yams for the tribe and is seen as a fertility rite for the basic tribal food source.

The mechanics of the Nagol kastom begin with prepa-ration several weeks in advance. A site is selected where a tall tree serves as the 'core' support for the surrounding stick tower. The core tree is denuded of branches and leaves and is tied to the supporting branch scaffolding that builds its way upward as much as 70-100 ft high. The construction of the tower itself is a collective effort, but the 'sigols', indi-vidual diving platforms that extend outward as perches to leap from, are constructed by the individual divers. They are

designed in such a way as to partially break away when stressed by the taut vines to help disperse the energy of the jolt. The selection of the Liana vines are also left to the indi-vidual but with crucial input dispensed from trusted tribal elders. The size and length of the Lianas chosen are based on the weight of the diver and the height from which they will leap. Obviously this step is crucial to the success of the Nagol and the life of diver. The Lianas vines when green are natu-rally filled with water, fairly pliable and will stretch a good distance when stressed.

As a final token acknowledgement to this kastom's dan-ger, the sloped landing area is dug up with sticks to a depth of about 10 inches in depth and then smoothed over. This provides a more forgiving surface should the vines break or their length and size be miscalculated. And this does happen

from time to time. One or both vines have broken many times but the vines have been able to break the fall sufficiently to pre-vent fatal injury... that is except once. Over the years only one death has occured, that being in a demonstration for Queen Eliza-beth's visit to Vanuatu in 1974. This took place during the wrong season when the Lianas were no longer green, and the dry brittle Lianas failed to properly serve their purpose. In a case where the vines might be too long, a more serious proposition ex-ists. But fortunately that occurs less frequently and the softened earth and sloped soil surface aid

in preventing serious injury.Induction into this ancient kastom begins at an early age

for the young boys of the tribal village. Their first leaps are from atop their father's shoulders, leaping headlong with only their held ankles stopping their fall. From there, pro-gression to model towers 8-10 ft tall complete with platforms provides a transition for them to begin their first leaps from the lower levels of the main Nagol tower by the age of 7 or 8 years old.

The Nagol ceremony begins with the ritual washing of the divers and application of body paint and decorations includ-ing boar tusk necklaces. The women and girls wear newly made fiber skirts as they perform kastom dances, sing and

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stomp the earth, entreating the animistic spirits to provide a generous yam harvest. The men then emerge onto the scene dancing and chanting until the proper level of intensity is reached. Then the diving begins with the youngest boys diving from perhaps the 20 ft. level of the tower.

The stakes are raised as the men begin their diving in earnest from increasingly higher platforms with the highest level reserved for those held of high esteem in the village. Before each dive, they release a gift of Croton leaves to the spirits to ensure a successful dive. Usu-ally a few words are spoken as final thoughts are expressed. Then hands are raised above the head, clapped 3 times and the leap of faith into the arms of their beliefs is done in one smooth dive. And the Nagol ceremony is complete.

While outsiders are not permitted to perform the Nagol except on special occasions, any expectator watch something magnificent that they will not soon forget.

This is where the modern day bungee was inspired. Today the modern bungee attracts thrill seekers from around the globe, these people show courage, strength, and inner power as they cheat death to the invention of the elastic rope invented by New Zealander AJ Hack-ett.

The Nagol jump is not safe for outsiders, one expectator had reported in 2008:“In Pentecost I became a witness to tragedy as the Nagol-tower in the village of Londot

tipped over, fell to the ground, killed one person and injured 3 or 4 others.The accident happened just after one of the last jumpers successfully had completed his

jump. All the victims were up in the tower when it collapsed. The person who died was a cameraman from VBTC who was filming the jump from the top of the tower. (It is said that he actually worked for National Geographic who by using a local film crew could avoid the ban of com-mercial filming of the Nagol)

According to the locals the tower was not build in kastom tradition. The main pillars was not put deep enough into the ground, it was supported by only two ropes (according to kastom it should be 7 or 8) and it was not buildt with a live tree as main support. In addition the jumping had started at least 5 days to early and the cameraman and sound engineer was not dressed in the kastom way.

The accident could put a stop for the many most-ly commercial land-diving seremonies arranged in several South Pentecost villages. (like this one).”

photograph by KAL MULLER

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THE PORT - BAR & RESTAURANT - REGULAR OR LIQUID LUNCH - YOU'LL LIKE IT!!

Inside: NAIO -VTO News -

Restaurants - Maps & More...

Sept / Oct 2010 Published by Daily Post - Tel: 23224 - 5550619 - email: [email protected]

issue 22

What To Do In Vanuatu

ADVERTISING RATESWe publish a popular beach press newspapers for Vanuatu now in colour. What To Do In

Vanuatu comes out every month and 3000 copies are distributed to all visitors at the airport and in hotels & resorts and at arrivals on the ships at the wharf and in town. Discounts are given by taking out a contract for advertising over 3 or 6 issues. For more information please contact: Tel: 23224 - 5550619 - email: [email protected]

Dimensions

Terms and

Conditions

same as Daily Post

SIZE MONO SPOT COLOUR FULL COLOURFull page vt65,000 vt80,000 vt90,000 1/2 page vt40,000 vt48,000 vt55,0001/4 page vt25,000 vt30,000 vt35,0001/6 page vt20,000 vt24,000 vt28,0001/8 page vt15,000 vt18,000 vt21,0001/12 page vt12,000 vt15,000 vt17,0001/16 page vt10,000 vt12,000 vt14,000

While Port Vila may not have a shopping mall, shop-aholics will find a multitude of reasons to spend. For local crafts, head to the Port Vila market and along the seawall where traditional hair braiding is a specialty. But remember everything you buy, apart from cloth, will need to be declared at customs when you get home. Steer clear of items containing seeds and shells, and forget leaf products. Wooden artifacts are generally OK, they will just be checked for insects. If you have the time and want to take wooden artefacts home you can call into the quarantine Department on the road to the airport and get your artifacts sprayed and signed for officially which will allow you to take them in through customs back home.Souvenir T-shirts and pareos are everywhere but your best bet for local designed T Shirts of quality is the long established Vila Handprints located in the centre of town

and at Nambatu opposite Au Bon Marche supermarket. As the only duty-free port in the region, stores along the main street – Lini Hwy – stock luxuries such as French fragrances at bargain prices. You can also get cheap knock-off copy watches and designer labels. Many tourists purchase pirated DVD’s, computer software and games from a large number of Chinese stores but quality is hit and miss and you will never know until you play it for the first time. Mega Mall prices on these pirated discs are slightly more expensive but they are pretty good quality. They also have TV series on DVD.While Australian dollars are accepted at many shops, supermarkets and restaurants, the exchange rate isn't great so be sure to swap your Aussie dollars at one of the money exchange outlets in town like Goodies, Global Exchange through Western Union or at the Seven Eleven Sore. Their rates are usually

better than the banks. Exchange rates at resorts will be higher than the banks or money exchange operators. ANZ, Westpac, BRED Bank and National Bank are all open generally from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.Duty Free Shopping in Vanuatu is good and Vanuatu is the only Duty Free port in the region. You can get genuine cheap deals on French perfumes, watches and gifts from one of the official Duty Free outlets such as Sound Centre, Fung Kuei, Prouds, and Paris Shopping.Fung Kuei is the longest established duty free store in Port Vila having a large selection of hand bags, digital cameras, jewellery, electronics and watches. As well as alcohol and tobacco at the cheapest prices. Sound Centre are agents for Sony, Apple, Sanyo and a wide range of international perfumes. They also have black South Sea pearls, designer jewelry, and a wide range of watches, MP3 players, digital cameras and more.

Prouds and Paris Shopping offer a broad range of internationally acclaimed brand names from around the globe. And specialize in perfumes, gifts, crystal, liqueurs, jewellery and more.For local food products, packaged goods are fine to take home, but again declare, just go to the two main supermarkets for these, Au Bon Marche and SPA. Vanilla is top grade in Vanuatu and worth getting some to take home. Local black pepper and chili is of a high quality. Vanuatu organic beef is some of the best quality in the world and is exported to Japan. Vanuatu beef won quarantine clearance for import into Australia so take some delicious prime beef that melts in your mouth back home with you by contacting the abbatoir or one of the butchers but they need time to prepare it. Call the abbatoir on 22961.You can also take some kava to Australia and

NZ. It is 2 kg per person, over the age of 18. There is an array of local arts and crafts and local produces that can work as perfect gifts and souvenirs. Weaved leaf and burao stalk baskets, wood carvings .You can find real bargains in wood works, real jewels that abroad are quite expensive), stone and coral carvings, volcanic sand items, shell necklaces, masks and headresses are some of the crafts that you can buy as souvenirs. Located on Main Street, some of the stores in town to stop by for crafts are: Handikraf Blong Vanuatu, L'Atelier, Center Point Markets, Vanuatu Bijouterie, Vila Handprints, and Golden Butterfly.A couple of shops outside the Duty Free umbrella worth checking out are Deco Vila opposite BRED Bank which has a beautiful collection of furniture and home ornaments from Bali and Michoutochkine's store at Pilioko House which has Russian born designer and artists Nicoli Michoutochkines and Pilioko's unique range of fashion designs.Luganville is the most popular town to buy local crafts. You can always buy souvenirs at the island's resorts and hotels.For visitors you will need your passport and onward ticket to make a purchase, and the shops will deliver the goods to the airport or main wharf for cruise ship passengers.

HappyShopping!

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“Discover what matters – Vanuatu” launching Day

Port Vila, March 2011: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has soft-launched its first ever Brand-ing campaign in 2010, aiming to increase significantly the number of Visitor arrivals into the Country and to encourage its travellers to visit its largely unexplored tropical islands.

Developed by Moon Communications Group after winning the competitive pitch last year, the brand campaign uses the new tagline ‘Discover What Matters’ along with stunning emotive imagery to communicate Vanuatu's distinct offering to the international traveller.

"The Vanuatu Brand creates a strong emotional connection between the audience and Vanuatu’s people, adventurous landscape and traditional way of life that is still very much in tact”, says Liz Youdale, Brand Manager, Vanuatu Tourism Office.

“The use of the vivid colour palette, the visual language that draws inspiration from tradi-tional sand drawings, plus the mixed use of human emotion and landscape photography are all used to stimulate the senses and promote the destination as a place where people can choose to relax completely or explore and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture”, said Ms Youdale.

“Drawing on the genuine facts of the matter, the brand depicts Vanuatu’s uniqueness, demon-strating it as the antidote to the stresses of the modern world.”

Targeting younger couples, families, adventure seekers and empty nesters, the campaign comes to life through a strategic media buy that uses digital and outdoor media, as well as national print to drive brand awareness and tactically motivate travellers to visit Vanuatu.

The Brand includes a rejuvenated logo and a comprehensive tool-kit to complete Vanuatu’s new look and feel. A revamped website and other marketing elements such as co-op adver-tising, a travel-trade site and a social-media campaign will be launched within the next couple of months.

“It’s exciting to achieve this hugely significant milestone for Vanuatu Tourism. We wanted to clearly communicate the true hidden gem that is Vanuatu, and ensure that it is on everyone’s must-see list. Creatively, we wanted to take a different approach to the way tourism-advertis-ing is perceived. Our agency, Moon, has delivered a different way to differentiate and motivate” says Ms Youdale.

The launch of this brand will be officiated locally in Port Vila, Santo, Tanna, as well as in our source markets of New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand. The Official Launches in these source markets will be followed immediately with tours by Vanuatu's new brand road-show.

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Monday to Friday 1.30pm to 5pm Saturday 2pm to 4pmClosed on Sunday

Home studio Galerie. Pango road. Street sign, 2 minutes from Le Lagon round about.

Private Wealth Management ▪Asset Management ▪Alternative Investments ▪Corporate Finance ▪

Ph: +678 24355 [email protected] PO Box 1061, Port-Vila, Vanuatu

Sand DrawingBy: Kristel Tingzon

I take it that art's purpose is to illuminate the world in a new way, provoke a reaction, and somehow alter the consciousness of the observer. Sand art definitely succeeds this purpose. The first time I saw a demonstration of this particular art, I was awed. Its delicate yet intricate execution makes the granular stuff vocal enough to stir a thinking soul.

Sand drawing is a Ni-Vanuatu artistic and ritual tradition and practice recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.

The name sand art succinctly explains the medium but fails to articulate the inspirational wonder that it manages to inspire. It is always in constant motion, evolving every second, sand art involves participation as the observer watches live performance art created before them.

All of the curves, circles, lines and loops are all connected to form a design that tells a story. It is important to complete the design fluidly and continuously, stopping in the middle is considered an imperfection in the drawing. Often a grid is drawn in the sand and then a design is created with the grid as a framework. Sometimes the grid is comprised of straight lines and other times it is created from a pattern of dots. Many of the designs are completed in a continuous line that ends where it begins. Others are composed of a group of symmetri-cally arranged lines.

These geometrical figures were considered one of the most significant cultural findings by Bernard Deacon, an English Anthropologist. In a letter to his fellow Anthropologist he wrote: “I’ve certainly never seen or heard anything like it.” He came across complex designs drawn in the sand and in the dust of volcanic ash plains. He decided to record the drawings and their meanings as he traveled through Malekula, Ambae, Ambrym, Paama, Pentecost, Maewo, Epi, and the Banks Islands.

Some of these drawings describe the strength and personalities of mythic heroes. Others tell of the world of spirits. There are some sand drawings that are images of plants or animals. Others are used for purposes of communication and take the place of numbers or phrases. In other sand drawings an important theme is the natural world that surrounds us.

There is certainly spirituality to the work and its temporary nature speaks volume.

UNESCO describes sand drawing as a “rich and dynamic graphic tradition which has devel-oped as a means of communication among the members of some 80 different language groups inhabiting the central and northern islands of Vanuatu. The drawings also function as mnemonic devices to record and transmit rituals, mythological lore and a wealth of oral infor-mation about local histories, cosmologies, kinship systems, song cycles, farming techniques, architectural and craft design, and choreographic patterns. Most sand drawings posses sever-al functions and layers of meaning: they can be ‘read’ as artistic works, repositories of infor-mation, illustration for stories, signatures, or simply messages and objects of contemplation.”

The Vanuatu Cultural Center has noted sand drawing’s “content and deep sense is tending to disappear.” Nowadays, only few practitioners master still master sand drawing and its associated knowledge. The practice has tended to become focused on the graphic aspect, for advertising or tourism, to the loss of its original meaning and function.” Consequently, a national action plan for safeguarding of sand drawing has been initiated by the centre, togeth-er with the Save Sand Drawing Action Committee program sponsored by UNESCO. The project notably led to a sand drawing festival as of 2004.

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AGARI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

lauched in Port VilaThursday night at the Grand Hotel’s

Hemisphere Bar saw many of Vanuatu’s VIP’s attending AGARI Capital Management Ltd’s inaugural, invitation-only annual cocktail party. Amongst the guests were a number of

dignitaries including the Honorable MP Ralph Regenvanu, His Excellency Mr. Bill Dobbie – the New Zealand High Commissioner and the Charge d’Affaires for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Tong Wu.

The night opened with entertainment provided by local singer 14 year-old Jeanette Barako who wowed the audience with her angelic voice through a variety of light jazz

and blues numbers. (Contact Jenny 5377329)

AGARI’s CEO, Mr. Fabrice Queguineur, hosted the evening and presented the guests with an overview of the company’s services and expertise.

PROFESSIONAL MONEY MANAGEMENT expertise is now a reality in Vanuatu. AGARI Capital Management Ltd has been opera-tional in Vanuatu since 2006, however, until recently, AGARI concentrated on investment activities with its high-net-worth clients in Europe and the USA.

Fortunately, the company has decided to expand its Vanuatu presence with the appointment of additional people experi-enced in the financial services sector. AGARI’s range of services includes high-performance Managed Accounts for high-net-worth individuals, Corporate, Family & Government Trusts and of course - Private Companies. The

company also offers a user-friendly, on-line, low-cost trading platform for those who like to exercise their own stock market trading experience.

PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT is another featured service of the company. AGARI has already facilitated the provision of invest-ment capital for various Vanuatu ventures including the formation of a new media venture company creating South Pacific film and television content for international distribution. A number of other exciting and potentially highly profitable ventures are currently under consideration by AGARI with the expectation of investing in multiple enter-prises that offer significant export revenue opportunities.

A unique feature of AGARI’S approach to advising investors is a holistic focus for those wishing to ensure that they have the right mechanisms in place for successful, stress-free business succession planning and estate planning. This includes providing financial literacy education for the children of qualify-ing high-net-worth individuals.

AGARI’s Vanuatu office is located on the first floor of the Vila Mall in Rue Pierre Lamy, Port Vila. They can be contacted by phone on 24355 or by email at: [email protected].

What's neW

in Vanuatu

Phil Manhire, Fabrice Queguineur, MP Ralph Reganvanu & Troy Neel

Jeanette and her Brother

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AIRLINES

Reconfirmation of your flights is necessary. Air Vanua-tu’s office - Tel: 23878 is in town between Club Vanuatu and the Police Station and handles reconfirmation of flights for themselves, Qantas and Solomon Airlines. Pacific Blue, Virgin are on Tel: 22836. Air Caledonie - Tel: 22895 in the Rossi Ocean Walk repre-sents AOM and Air France. South Pacific Travel - Tel: 22836 next to the Waterfront Bar & Grill handles Air Niugini and Air Pacific. Surata Tamaso Travel Tel: 22666 next to Sharper Image on Lini Highway handles Air New Zealand, Ansett, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways.

For internal flights to 30 destinations please contact Air Vanuatu Domestic - Tel: 23848 or Unity Airlines - Tel: 24475.

ALCOHOL

There are two local beers in Vanuatu. The oldest is Tusker from Vanuatu Brewing. There is also Nambawan Beer produced by Seven Seas Brewery.

Local beer is cheapest when purchased from one of the big supermarkets. It is far more expensive in resorts. Imported beer andf wine can be expen-sive, particularly in resorts.

There are five outlets in the town area where you can purchase ‘Duty Free’ at cheaper rates to take home. At Dockside Wines & Spirits, Vanuatu Wines and Spirits, Vila Bottleshop, Fung Kuei, Paris Shopping, and The Sound Centre. Drinking in public places is banned. Alcohol cannot be purchased after 11.00am Saturdays through to Monday except in black market bottle shops.

ART/ ARTIFACTS

Artefacts can be bought from Handikraf blong Vanuatu opposite of General Store in town (Tel: 23228), Goodie’s South Pacif ic Art ifacts & Money Exchange (Tel: 23445) and L'Atelier, There are also artefacts for sale in the museum shop. You can view good collec-tions of artefacts at the Catho-lic Church museum centre in No2 next to Motor Traders, also at Michoutochkines and Pilioko House on the Pango Road which has a large collection of Pacif-ic artefacts. Diana Tam has a popular art gallery next to her home off the Pango Rd. (Tel: 23038)

BANKS /MONEY

You can change your travel-lers cheques in the airport at the National Bank office, which is open for all International flights, or at any of the banks in town, open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 3:30pm. ANZ Bank, Banque ANZ Pacifique Ltd

& Westpac Bank are in the Main Street, BRED Bank next to Fung Kuei and The National Bank of Vanuatu next to Air Vanuatu. All four banks are represented in Santo and are open the same hours. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can usually be exchanged at your hotel and in some stores when purchasing goods but the exchange rate is usually lower. Goodie’s & Seven Eleven Money Exchange also have competitive exchange rates and now have a money transfer facility.

ANZ and BRED Bank have ATM machines in a large number of locations. Ask at your hotel where the nearest one is located.

BEAUTY CENTRES

Heath and beauty treatment available at the Healing Centre Spa on Pango road by appoint-ment Tel: 7771684. Oasis Spa at Le Lagon Tel: 22313 ext 260.Natacha Beauty Tel: 25751, Erakor Day Spa Tel: 50983, Spa Frangipani Tel: 23254, Lotus Health & Beauty Tel: 2811. Beauty & Island Spa at the Melanesian Hotel Tel: 25035. Fringe Hair & Beauty at Chantil-lys Tel: 25486, Beauty Starfish Tel: 24143. There is a French beauty salon on Picardie Rd, Paris Beauté Tel: 25486.

CAR HIRE

Driving around the island is easy with the new bitumen around island road completed. There are a number of car rental outlets. Make sure you check on insurance as some of the cheap-er less established rentals don't offer inesurance and if you have an accident, it is horribly expen-sive. World Car Rental next to Daily Post Tel: 26515, AVIS at Asco Motors Tel: 25457. Budget Tel: 23170 is located in Namba-tu, opposite Parliment House. Discount Rentals Tel: 23242 is beside Motor Traders. There are others who offer cheaper rates.

CHEMIST

There are four main chemists in town. The two popular English pharmacies are the Drug Store, near the Post Office, opposite Westpac - opens Monday to Friday 7.30am - 6pm, Saturdays 7.30am - 12pm and on Sundays and public holidays 8.30am - 12pm. Healthwise Pharmacy is locat-ed opposite Olympic Takeaway and is also poular for its prices. There are French pharma-cies opposite BRED Bank and Pharmacie Du Vila is located next to the stairs up to Immigra-tion department. (Tel: 22446)

CHURCHES

Anglican Church, Tagabe Tel: 22683 Sunday service 7.30am. Assembly of God, Tebakor Tel: 22603 Daily service 7.30pm.

Catholic Church, Paray Tel: 24440 English service Saturday 6.00pm. Sacred Heart Cathe-dral Tel: 22618 French service Saturdays 6.00am and 8.30 am Sunday. Family Worship Centre Tel: 23092 English service Sunday 10am. Morman Church Tel: 25307 Bislama service Sunday 8.00am. Presbyteri-an Church Tel: 22722 English service Sunday 10.00 am. Seventh Day Adventist Mission Tel: 22157

CLIMATE

Vanuatu's climate is hot and sunny all year round (day/night average temperature is Jan 24/30; July 20/27) with higher rainfall and humidi-ty from December to April and consequently more mosqui-toes and cooler temperatures in the winter months from June to October when a light jumper may be required. Cyclone season in Vanuatu is from December to April.

CREDIT CARDS

Most hotels, restaurants, shops and car rental firms accept AMEX, VISA, Diners Club, JCB and Mastercard but check first. Some outlets charge higher reates for using certain credit cards. Outer islands prefer cash - small notes please!

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Vatu. The exchange rate is set against a basket of currencies. Check rates at any of the banks. Most shops, restaurants & bars will accept Australian, New Zealand and US Dollars as well as Fijian & Solomon currency - but change is given in Vatu.

DENTISTS

Three dentists in town. South Pacific Smiles located on the Pango Rd Tel: 24995 or the emergency no 7744726. Hervé Collard Tel: 22306 Ken Hutton Tel: 22604.

ELECTRICITY

Common voltage 220 - 240 volt, 50 cycles (2 or 3 prongs plugs). Standard adaptors are available at many outlets in town.

EMBASSIES AND HIGH COMMISSIONS

Australian High Commis-sion Tel: 22777, located near Central School. French Embassy Tel: 22353, opposite La Terrace. New Zealand High Commission Tel: 22933, is located above Surata Tamaso Tours opposite Moorings. The NZ High Comm also looks after British passport holders who have problems. Embassy of the People’s Repub-lic of China Tel: 23598, in Nambatu. Europeran Union Office located in the Surata Tamaso building Tel: 22501.

There are a number of Honoury Consuls in Vila. Papua New Guinea Consul, Eileen Nganga Tel: 22439, Swedish Consul K. Waldebäck Tel: 22944. Remem-ber! they are all closed between 11.30am - 1.30pm & some are closed on Wednesday after-noons, so ring & check.

EXPORT PERMITS

If you are purchasing shells (normally coral and clam shells cannot be imported into your country) or tree fern carvings in Vanuatu to take home you may need an export permit. Check with the Department of Environment Tel: 25302. Customs in your own country may require a fumigation certif-icate on items such as mats, grass skirts & wooden carvings otherwise they may confiscate these goods. Contact Quaran-tine at the Department of Agriculture for information Tel: 23130.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire - Vila Tel: 22333, Santo Tel: 36333, Police - Vila Tel: 22222, Santo Tel: 36222, Pro Medical Ambulance -25556, Hospital ambulance Vila Tel: 22100 and Santo Tel: 36345

FILM PROCESSING

Top Shots, and Fung Kuei in town, are ther main two companies for any process-ing or film requirements. One hour processing, enlargements, slides, visa photos and laminat-ing is available. DIY digital processing is also now available at Top Shots & The Drugstore.

FITNESS CENTRES

Vanuatu Muscle & Fitness Gym, at the Tennis Club, Stade area has aerobics (Monday to Saturday) & weightlifting facili-ties Tel: 22437. Classes of Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga are run by Françoise, an I.Y.T.A. qualified teacher, Monday to Saturday, Rue de Bretagne Tel : 22 952.

GAMBLING

Jupiters Casino Tel: 27344 located at the Grand Hotel, Club 21 at The Melanesian Hotel Tel: 25703 and Palms Casino at Le Meridien Tel: 24308, are the three main casinos in town all have slots, poker, roulette, baccarat and Blackjack. Club Vanuatu behind the Post Office have machines.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

Vaccinations are not required to visit Vanuatu but antimalari-al precautions are recommend-ed for visits to outer islands. Malaria is endemic and visitors should take precautions. Denge fever is also prevalent so take insect repellant everywhere. There are no dangerous animals in Vanuatu

INTERNET

You can get free wireless internat at a few restaurants and cafes in town if you purchase food and drink. Try La Tentation, Nambawan Cafe behind Health-wise on the Seafront, Chantillys, all are wireless hotspots. There are a few internet cafes in town. Naviti Internet, opposite the Market. Connect Cafe, next to the Waterfront.

MARKET DAYS

The main market opens on Monday midday through till Saturday at 1pm and are closed on Sundays. There are also market vendors at Centre Market which opens on Monday mornings to Saturday 1.00pm. Some may open on Sunday if there is a cruise ship. There is also an Arts & Crafts market at the other end of the seafront behind Healthwise which sells local goods and handicrafts.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Try one of the pharmacies for advice on minor ailments. For more serious problems or accidents, we recommend contacting a private doctor who will help to get things done quickly at the hospital. Keep insect repellent handy at all times, particularly during the wet season. Be sure to treat coral cuts promptly to avoid an infection which could spoil your holiday!

Port Vila Medical Centre

Tel: 22826, Dr Bador Home Tel: 22925, Dr Spooner Home Tel: 22350 and Dr Tulimanu Home Tel: 25860.

Vila Bay Health Centre Tel: 27777 and Emergency 7744777.

MUSEUM-CULTURAL CENTRES

Discover the wonders of Vanuatu’s diverse cultures and customs in the Museum Cultural Centre opposite Parlia-ment House Tel: 22129, has an excellent collection of histor-ical data and artefacts, black and white photos and memen-tos. Open Mon - Fri from 9 am to 4.30pm; Sat from 9 am to 12:00 noon and on “cruise ship” Sundays - ring and check if you are not sure. Entry fee 500 vt. The Secret Gardens and Cultur-al Centre at Mele Tel: 26222 is an informative tour. Information on Vanuatu history, custom and culture plus gift shop and snack bar. Open 7 days until 5pm. Entry V800 for adults, Vt400 for children.

NEWSAGENTS

A wide range of paper-backs, overseas newspapers & magazines are available at Stop Press, and second hand books for sale at Jills Cafe to raise funds for Pro Med ambulance. The main local newspaper is the

Vanuatu Daily Post published in English, six times a week. Week days s VT100 Saturday is VT150.

NIGHTLIFE

Vila has a number of night clubs & bars. that close late. Rumours along from Chantil-lys, The Voodoo Bar next to El Gecko Restaurant, The Port opposite the Grand Hotel, The Office Pub, The Anchor Inn, The Waterfront, Club Vanuatu and Electroroque.

POST OFFICE

O p e n M o n - F r i f ro m 7.30am - 4.30pm, Sat 7.30am - 11.30am. Luganville Post Office opens Mon - Fri 7.30am - 11.30am and 1.15pm - 4.30pm, and Sat 7.30am - 11.30am. On cruise ship days on weekends they extend the opening hours. For stamps, parcels, postcards, packaging, Express mail service, facsimiles and phone cards.

TELEPHONE

There are two telephone companies in town where you can purchase sim cards, and get your phone connected. Telecom Vanuatu and Digicel. Look out for refil cards sold all over town.

Most hotels have direct dial facilities but surcharge up to 50%. The Post Office in town is cheaper. Payment by cash in vatu after every call. Credit cards not accepted.

TIPPING

As a general rule tipping is not a Melanesian custom and not encouragd. Some cafes and restaurants have jars to put money in for staff.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The helpful staff at Vanuatu Visitor’s Bureau Tel: 22685 / 22515 in the VTO office, Ground floor Pilioko Building, will be happy to answer your questions and provide an array of brochures & maps.

VISITORS ENTRY PERMITS

You can extend permits up to a maximum of four months. Contact the Department of Immigration lnext to Sound Centre. Enquiries on Tel: 22354. For stays not exceeding 30 days, nationals of the follow-ing countries do not require a visa: Nationals of common-wealth countries, EU countries, Fiji, Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland & USA.

WATER

The tap water in Vila is regularly tested and its purifica-tion is guaranteed by UNELCO. Local and imported bottled mineral water is available at the shops.

P11 CMYK PLATE

Good lagoonfor swimming and Watersports

FRESH WOTA

+

Pango Pointgood beach

Elluk Rd

Wha

rf Ro

adRue D

u Dauphine

Rue D’AnjouRue D

’Auvergne

Rue Du Languedoc

Rue De Bretagne

Lini Highway

Rue Cornwall

R. Pi

card

ie

+

Market

RedLight

SunsetNakamal

PKFHouse

CentralHospital

Pango Road

IRIRIKIIS. RESORT

Rue D’Artois

Winston Churchill

This way to airport

GreatViews from up on the hill

Greatscenicpoint

PresbyterianChurch

Chiefs'Nakamal

IndependencePark

Le MéridienPalms Casino Tennis/Golf

This way toRound the Island

TASSIRIKI

this way toMontmatre

Dialy Post Office

C

Cemetary

ParliamentHouse

FinanceDept

Cultural Centre

StateHouse

Post

Office

Memorial

ReserveBank

Cathedral

North

Rue Du General De Gaulle

Ave Edmond Colardeau

Main wharf for allCruise Ships

Nakamal

Free Ferry to Iririki Island

AnchorHouse

Le Lagon VanuatuGolf course &Tennis courts

PrimeMinisters Office

Town Hall

NBV

Centre Sportif(Tennis/Squash)Muscle & Fitness

MainStadium

OldCourtHouse

University of the South Pacific

Ex FOLCultural Centre

Institute of Technology

Ministry ofEducation

41

Arts & Crafts

ClubVanuatu

Lini Highway

Free Ferry to Erakor Is. Resort

✷Cattle grids ! DANGERDive sites - refer Dive

✷

✷

✷ ✷

✷

✷

✷✷

✷✷

✷

✷

✷

✷

✷

Kakula IslandTurtle breeding ground.

(Resort Planned)

Nguna IslandHas an extinct volcanobut permission neededto visit. Ask at EmoaWharf or Paonangisu

Emao IslandExtinct volcano

PeleIsland

Undine Bayplantation

Moso Island

Lelepa IslandAncient cave on island,

cave drawings. Chief RoyMata died here

Hat Island'Eretoka island' Chief

Roymata's burial ground.Good snorkelling

Devils PointGood snorkelling

Rough seas. Closestpoint to Australia

Samoa PointOne of the islands best

beaches. Seekpermission.

Lelepa Landing'canoe carpark'

CascadesWaterfall Bauerfield

InternationalAirport

HideawayIsland

Snorkelling, divingwatersports

MELEBAY

IririkiIsland Resort

Free ferry

Bukura

Erakorvillage

Erakor Village

MalapoaPoint

Paradise CoveResort

Restaurant & goodsnorkelling spot

Montmatre CatholicTraining School

waterfall and pool

Shark BayOld whalingstation and

popular beach.

Club Hippiquehorse riding ranch

PORT VILA

White SandsCountry Club

Golf Course,restaurant & bar.

Pool & fares. Swimwith caution! on

'Blue holes'located offshoregreat snorkellingspot but watch

rips!

Eton Village

Eton BeachPublic beach.Good swimming

& river. Entry fee

Manuro ResortResort closed but nice

white sand beach

Disused ForariManganese Mine

Ruins of old mininginstallations. Popular fishing

spot off wharf

Disused AmericanWW2 air strip

Siviri VillageInteresting caves. Small

Entry charge. Getpermission first! Slippery

Abandoned USwater resevoir

EmuaVillage

Paonangisu

Quoin Hill

Bauvatu

Forari Village

Old wharf

Ebau Village

VatusaleTraditional

village

Matarisu Village

River EpuleCanoe trip to

Custom village

RiverEwai

River Forari

River Rentabau

RiverTeouma

CastawayIsland

Adam & Eve BeachDeserted beach paradise.

River La Colle

MOUNTBERNIER

479m

Creek

River La Marona

MOUNTMCDONALD

647m

MOUNTERSKINE

392m

Bitumenroad

Beachcomber ResortHot mineral spa,

Restaurant / bar/ pool

Nagar RestaurantRestaurant and beach cabins

Port HavannahHarbour

Hilliard Channel

Tanaliu

SURVIVORSFILMEDHERE!

Bitumenroad

Epule Village

Wharf

BreakasResortSurfing

Golf

Michoutouchkine -Pilioko Art Gallery

FoundationTapestries, paintings and

sculptures from the PacificFree entrance

RentabauCattle Ranch

Iriuiti island.White sandy beach

MOUNTPUTUET

465m

Pang PangVillage

TukuTukuPoint

Underwater caves,snorkelling,

diving

Blue WaterIsland Resort

Hand feed sharks, pool

Banana BayGreat swimming.

Weekend beach houses

✈

Popular beach &snorkeling spotblue Hole . Rip

current

sunkenplanes

dive sights

cavedive

Split leveldive site

Pauls RockDive/fish

Diving andsnorkeling in

Mele Bay

Largecave

Crashed planeand WW2

submarine net

HotSprings

Erakor IslandResort

Small Island Paradise

MountMorou593m

Lake Otasgood fishing

MangaliliuNature walk

Onesua Secondary School

Disusedsawmill

Roadmarkets

coconutplantations

shell, coralroad markets

WW2relics

wild horses

Ranc

LeMéridien

MeleMaat

TranquillityIsland Resort

excellent divingbeach cabins

SEEKPERMISSIONBEFOREENTERINGBEACHES ANDVILLAGES

Tamanu Beach

N

S

EW

Klems HillGreat view

Sea HorseRanch

Horse Riding

Vila Chaumiers

Le LagonResort

UtanglangDivesiteLava Tubes

The Secret GardensOutdoor cultural Centre

Benjor Resort

Goodview

Ifira

Prawnfarm

USP

Korman Stadium

protectedmarine

sanctuary

• Seek approval from chiefs before entering any villagesAROUND

EFATE MAPDesigned byMarc Neil - Jones

PLEASEDRIVECAREFULLYONUNSEALEDROADS

Pango Point

1. Air Vanuatu2. Anchors Inn3. Australian High Commission4. Budget Rentals5. Cafe des arts6. Coconut Palms Resort7. Club 21

8. Club Hippique9. Coongoola Day Cruise10. Daily Post Newspaper11. Diana Tam12. Duchesse13. Evergreen14. GS Cellars

15. Head Hunter16. Hidaway Island17. Kayaking Vanuatu19. Le Lagon Resort & Spa20. Moorings Restaurant21. NZ High Comm22. Palms Resort & Casino

23. Piha Bar & Restaurant24. Port Vila Golf Club25. Port Vila Parasailing26. Rumours Nightclub27. Sebel Hotel & Jupiters Casino28. Secret Garden30. The Mall

31. Tranquillity Dive Eco Tour32. TVL33. Vanuatu Brewering34. Vanuatu Tourism Office35. Vila Bay Health Centre36. Vila Bottleshop37. Vila Handprints

38. Waterfront Bar & Grill Waterfront Quays apartements39 The War Horse Saloon

1

10

931

8

7

6

6

4

12

3

2

To Club Hippique

9

10

31

2625

22

22

21

19

15

5

13 39

11

22

12

16

17

19

20

23

24

37

36

35

34

3230

20

To EvergreenHidaway Is.Kayaking VanuatuPort Vila Golf ClubSecret GardenVanuatu BreweringThe War Horse Saloon

241716 3328

27

28

29

33

38

23

14

39

P12 CMYK PLATE

The Great ANZ

Vanuatu Duck Race

Take a gander at this! Back by popular demand its on again!

Those tricky duckies are back for The Great ANZ Vanuatu Duck Race to raise funds for women’s health initiatives in Vanuatu.

Australians Helping Abroad and ANZ are sponsoring another fun day on Sat 26th March at The Beach Bar Mele.

At 10am sharp 5000 numbered bonnie wee yellow rubber ducks will be released into the wild from a pontoon out in Mele bay. They will be racing neck and neck on the tide to the shores at Mele Beach.

The first 100 ducks that come in will win prizes which include 200,000vt in cash, Gold Coast and Noosa Holidays, fashion items, spa treatments, Air Vanuatu flights, champagne, sewing machines, dinners and accommoda-tion.

Then at 12pm is the Celebrity Duck race. Local luminaries will race on large plastic ducks in a battle of skill, balance and lots duck paddling in their efforts to reach the finish line first. Friends are invited to nominate and chip in the entry fee to see their favourite local person make like a duck (unruffled up top but paddling like fury underneath!).

The winners from the first celebrity duck race are invited back to defend their title again this year. There is sure to be a fierce battle with feathers flying. It will be hard to beat the PVIS Duck meister Steve Ling who won by a duck bill from NZ High Commission-er Jeff Langley last time. His head down tail under style was a winning strategy.

Tickets , which are sold both here and Australia, are for sale out front of the ANZ Bank or can be bought on line at the Hope for Health Website. All proceeds go to The Hope for Health Vanuatu charity set up after the last duck race to manage funds in a coordinat-ed way from fundraisers in Vanuatu so as to achieve maximum health outcomes. (www.HopeforHealthVanuatu.com).

ANZ Bank rep Linda Kalpoi, local lawyer David Hudson, Ex Anz bank manager and local business woman Gayle Stapleton, Helen Politis event organiser, Ministry of Health rep Len Tarivonda and rep from Australi-ans Helping Abroad Margaret McAdam are the current committee members. Australi-ans Helping Abroad is an Australian Charity active in Vanuatu and initiators of the cervical screening program now continued by Minis-try of Health with Ausaid funding. They are

continuing with other projects in Vanuatu eg palliative care and the HPV cervical cancer vaccination program in conjunction with Ministry of Health next year. (www.Australi-ansHelpingAbroad.org.au)

The goal of this new “Hope for Health Vanuatu” charity is to seek out new health innovations for Vanuatu, investigate possi-bilities of bringing increased health options, treatments and facilities to Vanuatu and to seek local and international funds to further this cause.

Current focus is on cervical cancer and then the next challenge is breast cancer. A breast surgeon will be brought over courte-sy of funds donated by Kiwanis and the Melbourne Cup Committee to investigate what can be done in Vanuatu for breast cancer.

ANZ, its staff and the organising commit-tee hope to see everyone down at Mele Beach Bar for the race. Last year, ANZ staff have spent more than 79,000 hours global-ly in community work and initiatives and plan to continue this commitment towards our communities in the years to come.

Established in 1971, ANZ is the largest bank in Vanuatu with branches in Port Vila and Luganville including a Rural Banking service on Efate, 17 ATMs, and the widest electronic banking network maintaining more than 260 card terminals.

C o n t a c t H e l e n P o l i t i s t o e n t e r the celebrity duck race or donate a prize. Phone 7741971 or email: [email protected]

Main Winners are called out on the day and the complete Prize winners list will be published in the Daily Post and The Independ-ent newspaper in the week after the duck race. All prizes can be picked up at the ANZ. Winners don’t have to be present to win. We hope there will be some tickets left for sale on the day but there has been increased demand for tickets this year so be quick to get yours so you are not disappointed.

So don’t be a silly goose – be a lucky duck and duck on down for a Quacker of a day !

When: Sat 26th March

Where: The Beach Bar Mele. Food and drinks on site. Free giveaways for the kids. Loads of entertainment for the whole family. Little rubber ducks for sale as a memora-bilia of the day (racing ducks may not be removed).

Time: Duck race starts 10am sharp to catch the tide!

Auctions 11am --- Charity Auctions include Great beach, Ski and Mountain top Holidays in Oz ,NZ and Canada, Jewellery (tahitian pearl earrings and necklace)

Celebrity Duck race: 12:00 midday

Close 2pm

Good Luck!!

Hope all your ducks come home to roost!

Ad Sponsored by Daily Post

P13 CMYK PLATE

ANZ celebrates 40-years in

VanuatuANZ celebrated 40 years of banking in

Vanuatu with hundreds of customers and staff with a cake cutting ceremony, competitions, a cocktail reception and a charity week to raise money for local communities.

ANZ Vanuatu CEO, Shane Freeman said: "Since we started our business 40 years ago, we’ve been the first bank to introduce ATMs and today we have the widest electronic banking network in the country. We're also proud to provide Vanuatu's only mobile rural banking service for people living in remote areas on the main island of Efate.

“We’re positive about the outlook for Vanuatu’s long term growth prospects, particularly in relation to the increasing trade relationship with Asia as well as our close geographical and historical links with Austral-ia and New Zealand.”

ANZ CEO Michael Rowland and leaders of ANZ’s business across the Pacific joined customers and staff to celebrate with a cocktail reception attended by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister and a performance by inter-national award-winning singer Vanessa Quai.

Other events to mark the milestone include:

• Blue Week charity event (March 21-25) - Working with the TAFEA & TORBA Disaster Relief Committee, proceeds from food sales and staff donations will support communities in cyclone impacted Tafea and Torba provinc-es, the Lenakel Hospital and the Vulesebe Dispensary in the south of Santo.

• Colouring competition for Primary School children with 10 Fast Saver account prizes totaling 100,000VT.

• The Great ANZ Vanuatu Duck Race (March 26) - Held at Mele Beach with proceeds to go towards supporting cervical cancer patients and research.

ANZ’s services in Vanuatu include branch-es in Port Vila and Luganville, an agency in the Wilco store, the widest electronic banking network in Vanuatu with 17 ATMs and more than 260 Point of Sale machines installed in Vila, Santo and Tanna and a Mobile Rural Banking service which currently provides regular banking services for more than 16 villages on Efate.

Milestones for ANZ Vanuatu’s business include:

• Opened first branch in Port Vila – 1971

• First bank to open 'major' bank offices in

Luganville, Espiritu Santo - August 1990

• First bank in Vanuatu to offer Point of Sale machines - May 1997

• First bank in Vanuatu to offer ATM - 1999

• Long term sponsor (10 years) of the country’s most significant tourism expo, Toktok Vanuatu.

• Appointed a new Tourism Specialist in ANZ’s business team.

• Appointment of the first Ni-Vanuatu, Wilma Vocor, to the position of Chief Operating Officer for ANZ Vanuatu – March 2011.

ANZ employs more than 2,000 staff across 12 Pacific countries, including almost 150 staff in Vanuatu.

<Picture: ANZ Port Vila Staff Celebrating 40 Year Anniversary.>

Roaming Flyer copy.pdf 1 10-11-02 9:19 AM

P14 CMYK PLATE

Peter dives in to set up festival at 'happy place'

Source www.thenorthernecho.co.uk,

A DIVING enthusiast has been working from his home near Darlington to organise a festival on the other side of the world. Peter Cooper, 52, from Hurworth, had the idea for the World's Greatest Shore Dive Festival while visiting the island of Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, in 2008.

Since then the publisher, who is a qualified rescue diver and has been diving for about 12 years, has worked alongside the island's tourism board and local businesses to turn the idea into a reality. The festival will take place from October 20 to 26 on the island called "the happi-est place on earth" by the Lonely Planet travel guide.

Mr Cooper said: "It's been a long process. Planning a festival that will take place on the other side of the world has been a very difficult task. "It was during a holiday in 2008 that the idea first came to me. "Since then, I've been working with the tourism board and local businesses, who have been very supportive.

Now it's finally on the cards, it really is a great feeling. "I've dived all over the world and this spot is one of the best around. It's certainly unique." Vanuatu, which was charted by Captain James Cook and named the New Hebrides in 1774, lies in the South Pacific 1,750km from Australia. Mr Cooper added: "I haven't been over there since I had the idea, but I'll be going in March to meet a few people and really get the wheels in motion.

"We've mainly done the organising over emails and telephone, but that can only get you so far." He has come a long way since his first dive in a hotel pool in Majorca 12 years ago. "They were offering a trial dive in the swimming pool so I just jumped in and got on with it, " he said. "I may have started late, but it's better late than never I reckon."

Take out an advertising contract over 1,3,6.9 or 12 months and you can save

up to 15% off your advertising costs as well as receive editorial support in

the paper. Call 23111 for details.

Photo by Richard Harris.

P15 CMYK PLATE

Cape QuirosNamed after the famousPortugese Discoverer

Sakau Is.

Big BayBlack Sand

Matantas Village

ScenicLookout

Port OlryOne of Santo’s best swimmingbeaches. See village and WW2

plane ruins

Dolphin Is.Elephant Is.

Coconut crabs! Good picnic

Champagne BeachOne of the worlds finest beaches.

Great snorkelling by the jettycrowded on cruise ship visits.

ScenicLookout

Unusedww2

airstrip

Shark BayLarge plantation

The Blue HolesAmazingly clear azure blue

freshwater pool formed by anunderground spring.

Mavea Is.

Ais Is.

Oyster Island

Million $ Pointsnorkel & dive spotwhere the US army

dumped everything after

Tutuba Is.

President CoolidgeOne of the worldsbest wreck dives

Golf Club

River Sarakataww2 airstrip & bomber wreck

Malo Is.

Tangoa Is.First expat settlement.Strong Presbyterian

Mission in 1887

Araki Is.

Numerousnatural rivercrossings

Cape Lisburn

Dwarf coconutpalms growing

Wousi Village

Road ends here

ToramaoriKereambu

Kerevinumeu

SHEERCLIFF FACENo road access

Santo Pass1704 m - 5590 ft

River Navako

Greatlookoutpoints!

Mt. TabwermasanaHighest peak in

Santo is 1879m 6165 ft high

Large underground cave accessible with guides.

Frequented by bats

Nogugu

LajmoliAirport

Oursasoule

Hotel & restaurant

LUGANVILLE

Road finishes

I.R.H.O.Hybrid CoconutResearch Centre

Wild DuckColony

SHEERCLIFF FACE

No road access

Cape Cumberland

Wunpuku

Olpoi

Enormouskauri pines

Valpei

Petani

River Jordan

3 hr trek

CrashedDouglas plane

Penaoru

Pesena

TBush rackElia

Coral Quays

Fanafo Village

Vanuatu’s only traditional pottery

making village. 3000 year old tradition.

Ratua Island Resort

Resort & restaurant

Entry fee

. TB

ushrack

Full

Day

Har

d Tr

ek

BelMol Cattle Plantation

Belmol Cattle

ww2 strip

Turtle Bay Resort

Aore Island

Airport

Design by Marc Neil - Jones - Copyright What To Do In Vanuatu

TB

ushrack

Discovered & named byDe Queiros in 1606

Vanuatu's peanutgrowing area

South Santo RoadTo Belmol CattleTAR SEAL ROAD ENDS

Saint Michel School Santo Meat

Packers

College De Luganville

American ww2 camp

WW2 bomber airstrip

Au BonMarche

BeachfrontHotel

MarketLuganville

MunicipalitySANMAChiefs

nakamalNorthern

Meat SuppliesUNITY PARK

MOTEL

UNITY PARK

Allan Power Dive

Sub Police Station

Heath CentreSanto Island Dive

Santo Pharmacy

Natangora CafeCaillard & Kaddour

ANZ Bank

Luganville StationaryWHARF

Aore LandingAquamarine Dive

Chinese Restaurant

YACHTANCHORAGE

ImmigrationVMA Office

MAIN WHARF

Simosen’s WharfROTARY PARK

To: Pekoa Airport, PalekulaMillion Dollar PointPresident Coolidge Dive

STADIUM

SANMACouncil of Chiefs

nakamal

SANMAProvincial

SANMA Women’s Centre

HOSPITALEX Prison

Dentist

EL NIMO MOTEL

DECO STOP LODGE

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AIR VANUATU

Westpac

HOTEL SANTO

Santo 4WD, TropicoolMothers Handicraft

Historical Cinema

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Vanuatu 2nd Hand Clothes

Anglican Church

Sarakata Primary School

SDA Church

Bougainville St.

Cook St.

La Perouse St.

D’Enrecasteau St.

Dumon D’urville St.

Gen De Gaulle Blvd.

Gauguin St.

Win

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n C

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hill B

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POLICE

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