New Zealand police filed charges Friday against a 20-year-old Boston University student who drove a minivan in a crash that killed three of his college classmates last week.

Stephen Houseman of Massapequa, N.Y., made his first court appearance Friday afternoon in Auckland wearing a sling on his arm from his own injuries in the crash, the New Zealand Herald reported. The paper said he was remanded without plea until his next appearance in June.

Houseman faces three charges of careless driving causing death against and another four charges of careless driving causing injury. Each of the charges carries a maximum jail term of three months.

Twenty-six Boston University students studying this semester in New Zealand and Australia were traveling in three minivans to a well-known volcanic crater hike May 12 when one of the minivans rolled.

Killed were Austin Brashears, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; Daniela Lekhno, of Manalapan, N.J.; and Roch Jauberty, of Paris, France.

The driver and four other students were injured. One of them, Meg Theriault, remains in critical condition at a local hospital, but the others have been released.

In a statement Friday, police inspector Kevin Taylor said charging the student “is not a decision taken lightly and we understand the tragedy will already have had a significant impact on this young man. However, we are faced with a situation where three people have died and others are seriously injured and we must apply the law in an objective and dispassionate way.”

Police said earlier that the single-vehicle wreck appeared to happen after the minivan drifted to the side of the road. The driver tried to correct his course, and the minivan then rolled several times.

Taylor said police do not believe the driver or any other students involved used alcohol or drugs before the crash. He said he has met with the surviving students and their families to explain New Zealand’s legal process and to return their belongings.

The U.S. Embassy said it was “aware of the situation and monitoring it.”

“As a matter of policy, we do not comment on matters before the court,” David Edginton, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy, said in an statement. “Since the accident, our consular officers have been providing services to the students and families, and will continue to do so as needed.”

Article source: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/zealand-police-charge-driver-boston-crash-16382826

Normally a big decline would set up Wall Street for a technical rebound. But that may not be the case next week, …

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/zealand-dollar-stocks-euro-crisis-053600634.html

A new petition calling for the removal of the references has been filed urging urbandictionary.com to remove the derogatory comments, some which date back as far as 2005 and which more than 1000 people have supported.

The posts linked Maoris to theft, exploitation and a low intelligence.

“Maori have been trying to seek revenge on the white man by selling him crappy tinny’s, taking his shoes, and generally stealing everything that isn’t nailed down,” Stuff.co.nz quoted one post, as saying.

One said Maori were the ‘dumbest people in New Zealand’ and another post said they were ‘the tough people of New Zealand who smash up Pakeha folk’.

About 40 people have signed the petition, which reads: “The Urban Dictionary is a good reference of colloquial slang, but it is also a melting pot of ignorance…. They are not definitions, they are racist views and should be labeled correctly.”

The petition urges the site to remove six posts. There are 32 posts on the word ‘Maori’ and many are positive, and are in response to the negative posts.

“The proud, indigenous people of New Zealand who unfortunately are the victims of the idiotic reasonings of many a misinformed Pakeha,” said one post.

“Maoris are hella cool people who are the pride and joy of New Zealand. Through years of evolution they have gained super human powers,” another post said. (ANI)

Article source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/zealands-maori-community-livid-over-being-labeled-thieves-120056538.html

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HOW MANY?: AAA estimates that 34.8 million Americans will take trips of at least 50 miles over Memorial Day. That’s a half-million more than Memorial Day 2011 but only equal to the number who traveled two years ago.

WHERE TO?: Orlando, home to Disney World, is expected to remain the top U.S. destination this year, according to AAA. AAA also expects tourists to flock to Hawaii, Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., Las Vegas and New York.

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/news-summary-tepid-expectations-summer-travel-191150046--finance.html

This is a discussion on Aloha, Hawaii within the Current Cruise Travel News forums, part of the category; Holland America Blog Has Just Posted the Following:

Special thanks to HAL guest Margalo Willard for sending in these beautiful …

Article source: http://www.cruise-addicts.com/forums/f43/aloha-hawaii-189792-new/

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Gate 1 Travel, a leader in international escorted and independent travel
packages, announced today a new relationship with Norwegian
Cruise Line^®. The new package destinations include
Barcelona, Venice, Rome, Marseille, Copenhagen, Seattle, Miami, and
Honolulu. The packages also feature new ports of call including the
Canary Islands, Hawaii and a tour and cruise featuring France.

“The last two years we’ve received a great response from our customers
about our packages featuring Royal Caribbean Cruise Line International^®
and Holland America Line^®,” said Marty Seslow, Vice President
of Marketing and Sales for Gate 1 Travel. “Our customers appreciate the
ease of booking a land and sea
vacation in one place, so adding Norwegian Cruise Line to our roster
was a natural extension for us and our customers. We think the
affordable packages and new destinations will definitely provide
something for everyone.”

Norwegian Cruise Line offers travelers a unique cruise experience known
as Freestyle Cruising^®. Passengers set their own schedule for
the day including what time they eat dinner each night. Select packages
feature cruises on Norwegian Epic, the line’s newest and largest cruise
ship featuring more than 20 different dining options and performances by
The Blue Man Group. All cruise
ships feature numerous restaurants and lounges, a casino, spas,
pools, Broadway-style shows and more.

Bookings are available now and departures begin in August 2012. For more
information on Gate 1 Travel’s Norwegian Cruise Line^{packages,
visit Gate1Travel.com.}

Gate 1 Travel was founded in 1981 to deliver More of the World for
Less — offering fully escorted land tours; sea cruises; independent rail
packages; river cruises; independent fly and drive vacations; and
customized international vacation packages. Discount travel packages and
tour packages are offered throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia,
and North and South America. For information and reservations call:
1-800-682-3333 or 215-572-7676; fax: 215-886-2228; e-mail: info@Gate1travel.com;
or visit the Website: http://www.Gate1travel.com

Vault Communications, Inc.
Lauren Wattie, 610-455-2751
lwattie@vaultcommunications.com

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“Marriott’s ‘All Inclusive Meetings’ package was created by keeping in mind the important needs of meeting planners, to include excellent value and stress free budgeting,” said Bill Countryman, general manager of both Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort Spa Hawaii hotel and Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Spa on Maui.

The package includes:

• Daily breakfast
• Daily lunch
• Open bar from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Daily fitness center access
• Arrival reception
• Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres
• Two group dinners
• One oceanfront luau
• 45-minute farewell cocktail reception including full open bar, standard pours, and tray passed hors d’oeuvres
• Farewell banquet including a three-course dinner, décor and orchid table centerpieces
• All taxes and gratuities for package events
• Complimentary hospitality desk
• All porterage, housekeeping gratuities, and all toll-free 800 and local calls
• In-room safe
• In-room high-speed Internet access

Prices are all inclusive per room, per day based on double occupancy and require a minimum of 50 rooms. Choices in package must be taken for the entire group. Package begins with the arrival reception and ends with the departure breakfast. Based on availability, restrictions may apply.

The “All Inclusive Meetings” offer is valid until December 20, 2012. For more information or to book, please call Scott Obley, Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 (808) 879-1922.

About Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort Spa
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort Spa on Hawaii, the Big Island is located on 15 oceanfront acres overlooking ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay and just 18 miles north of the Kona International Airport at Keahole. The Hawaii Beach hotel offers 555 contemporary guest rooms, suites and cabanas with private lanai and spectacular views, 5,750 square-foot world-renowned Mandara Spa and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment from cardio to free weights, Hawaii Calls Restaurant Lounge with an outdoor lanai for ocean view dining, three pools including the Infinity pool with lava pots, Sunset Luau, nearby Waikoloa Golf Club offering 36 holes of championship golf and shops, restaurants and boutiques at The Kings’ Shops and the newly-opened Queens’ MarketPlace. For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/koamc-waikoloa-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/ or call toll-free at 800 922-5533 or the hotel at 808 886-6789.

About Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Spa
Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Spa offers one of the best oceanfront locations within the luxurious Wailea Resort destination on Maui, Hawaii. The resort offers 544 guest rooms and suites, featuring amenities including high-speed Internet, a 27-inch flat screen TV, cable TV, video games and a private lanai (balcony). The Maui hotel resort offers five swimming pools, including the adult-only Maluhia Serenity Pool, Mandara Spa, Mala Wailea restaurant from world-renowned chef/owner Mark Ellman, the only Starbucks store in Wailea, poolside dining at Kumu’s, “Te Au Moana” luau from the renowned Tihati Productions, Akamai Business Center, HD Video Conferencing capabilities and nearby golf, tennis and the exclusive Shops at Wailea. For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnmmc-wailea-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/ or call 808 879-1922.

Follow Marriott Resorts Hawaii on Twitter @marriotthawaii or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarriottHawaii

About Marriott Hotels Resorts
Marriott Hotels Resorts continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com

Visit Marriott International, Inc. for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/marriott-hawaiis-inclusive-meetings-great-170100576.html

The mid-range Tamanu Beach Resort on Aitutaki. Picture: David May
Source: National Features

The luxurious Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa. Picture: David May
Source: National Features

LITTLE specks in a vast seascape, the Cook Islands are a collection of 15 atolls, cays and volcanic islands, and extravagantly beautiful.

They are a Gauguin palette of handsome Polynesians, craggy mountain peaks, dense jungles, turquoise lagoons fringed by reefs and some of the best white-sand beaches imaginable. 

TripAdvisor has just released its travellers’ choice survey of the top beach destinations for 2012. It ranks three Cook Islands beaches among the best 10 in the South Pacific, up against those of Tahiti and Australia. Judged by fellow travellers, five Australian beaches and one in Fiji made the list. The winner, if you can afford it, was Tahiti’s Bora Bora.

But it was the three lesser-known gems of the Cook Islands that raised many eyebrows.

The beaches around the lagoon on Aitutaki scored second place. On the main island of Rarotonga, Titikaveka Beach ranked No.3 and Arorangi No.10. And there’s a range of affordable accommodation at each. 

Titikaveka stretches around the southeast corner of Rarotonga and is home to out-of-the-way boutique properties such as the elegant Little Polynesian Resort or self-contained villas at Royale Takitumu and Makayla Palms. 

Coconut palms fringe the beach on the edge of the magnificent lagoon, where local fishermen wade waist-deep every day with spears and nets almost to the line of surf breaking on the outer reef. 

Over on the west coast, it’s much the same story at Arorangi, but there are also larger resorts such as the Edgewater, Sunset Resort and Crown Beach Resort, with arguably Rarotonga’s finest dining at its Windjammer Restaurant. 

While spas, sun and sand are reason enough to visit, Rarotonga is more than just a pretty face.

There are enough activities and cultural experiences to keep you entertained for well over a week. Almost every resort has its own island night with electrifying drum and dance routines.

The best cultural shows are at the award-winning Highland Paradise Cultural Centre, set in an ancient mountain village at Arorangi, and the over-water spectacular at Te Vara Nui at Muri Beach, on the east coast. 

For a more intimate cultural experience, join one of the extraordinary progressive dinner tours, which take you into the private homes and lives of ordinary Rarotongans, like the “Coconut Irishman” Danny Kelly and his wife Jayne, who produce entrees that include lime-marinated raw fish, breadfruit, taro and pawpaw.

Main courses, usually based on seafood, pork and chicken, are presented at a hillside mansion owned by empty-nesters Pae and Kafo Tuteru, who are happy to detail how they met and fell in love.

Desserts come courtesy of Tom and Lorraine Marsters, as Tom recounts the womanising antics of his great-grandfather and Cook Islands legend William Marsters. 

Take a walk with the extraordinary Pa Teuruaa, a 72-year-old guide who bounds up mountains steering walkers on half-day treks across the island. The former champion ironman turned alternative herbalist has sun-bleached dreadlocks, wears a red sarong, travels barefoot and swims 2km around the lagoon every day. 

If it’s Saturday, head for the Punanga Nui Markets in Avatiu before the tourist hordes arrive about 9am. You’ll find good coffee, kebabs, freshly baked coconut buns, pawpaw smoothies and other Rarotongan breakfast goodies, clothing, fresh local produce and unusual souvenirs that include some beautiful handmade ukuleles. 

On Sundays, don’t miss church, especially the many Cook Islands Christian churches, where you’ll not only be welcome but you’ll also hear some of the most harmonious singing in the world. 

Aitutaki lies about 200km north of Rarotonga, a gorgeous half-atoll. Air Rarotonga flies there and offers day trips but once you see it, you won’t want to leave.

Accommodation ranges from inexpensive beachfront lodges through the mid-range Tamanu Beach Hotel to the luxurious Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and the mega-luxury Pacific Resort. Doubles range from $50 to $700. 

Don Watt and his son Jason run Aitutaki Fishing Charters and they’ll take you outside the reef into the open sea for a half-day fishing expedition.

If you prefer your seafood on a plate, try Tupuna’s Restaurant for fine dining on a raked coral-sand floor. The mud crab and coconut crab are to die for.

Explore Aitutaki lagoon on a Bishop’s Lagoon Cruise. It includes snorkelling and visiting the outer motus (islets) such as Honeymoon Island, Moturaku, Akaiami and One Foot Island, where lunch is served in their hut on what some reckon is the second-best beach in the South Pacific. 

The writer was a guest of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (see cookislands.travel) and Virgin Australia (ph 13 15 16 or see virginaustralia.com/holidays).

Go2

COOK ISLANDS

Getting there

Packages include five nights in Rarotonga from $1059 a person, twin share, ex Sydney. See cookislands.travel or virginaustralia.com

Article source: http://www.news.com.au/travel/holiday-ideas/cook-islands-shimering-gems/story-e6frfqei-1226360539257?from=public_rss

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A group of intrepid Maori explorers are about to embark on an epic journey – a waka trip to Easter Island, using the stars to guide them.

The two waka that will make the voyage don’t have any modern-day navigation equipment, or even cabins.

Built by hand, sailed by hand, seven tonnes of kauri will soon be heading for Easter Island.

There are no pulleys, no big winches; everything is done by hand.

The voyage will retrace the path of Polynesian ancestors, using two waka.

They’ll set off in August up through French Polynesia, before reaching Easter Island 10 weeks later.

The return journey will see them heading back via Tahiti and Rarotonga.

“We can’t sit around and say ‘it’s going to be a trip of calm waters and easy sailing’,” says waka captain Stanley Conrad. “It is a daunting trip.”

That’s because swells will reach 5m, and winds at times will be gale force.

What makes this journey even more remarkable is that out on the ocean not one piece of modern day navigational equipment will be used. It will be up to Mother Nature, just like their ancestors.

“We’ll be basically using the sun in the morning and afternoon, when he’s no good to us wind and wave,” says navigator Jack Thatcher. “In the evening we’ll use the stars.”

The waka has no mod cons. It will be 10 weeks of hard graft.

But where is there to sleep?

“The bunks are, if I kick this open, down there,” says Mr Conrad. “It’s a bit wet, but that will be sorted out.”

With little shelter, the crew will be exposed to the elements.

3 News

Article source: http://www.3news.co.nz/Waka-trip-to-Easter-Island-with-no-mod-cons/tabid/423/articleID/254858/Default.aspx

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The Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior kicked off at Playa de la Cicer in La Cicer, Gran Canaria, on May 16, 2012 with modest swell. For those not familiar with it, it is an ASP 3-Star event that is scheduled to run through May 20, 2012. The swell became more abysmal on May 17, 2012, so a lay day was called. Personally, I don’t mind waiting. In my opinion, stronger swell makes for a more exciting event. Here’s a quick rundown on the latest results and a look at what heats are on the horizon:

Round 80 Results

Round 80 started off with Great Britain‘s George Picking surfing against Spain’s Marcos Carmona and China’s Javier Ascanio Ferna. It was a good heat and Picking emerged victorious. The highest score of Round 80 went to Spain’s Vincente Romero in Heat 4. In my opinion, his reverse air was amazing and his carves were well executed too. He finished the surf heat with a score of 13.60. The 2^nd highest score of the round went to French Polynesia’s Mateia Hiquily in Heat 8. He completed the heat with 10.33 points. The 3^rd best score of the day went to Great Britain’s Harry Timson in Heat 2. He managed to finish the heat with 9.93 points.

Surf Heats on the Horizon

Mother Nature willing, the Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior will resume on May 18, 2012 with Round of 64. Once it does, surf fans will be able to catch all the action via the event’s website. Personally, I am looking forward to the first heat. It is slated to feature Frenchmen William Aliotti and Charly Termeau as well as Great Britain’s Tom Good and George Picking.

The goofy-footed Aliotti is known to bust out his fair share of stellar air reverses, so I hope that the swell cooperates. I’d really like to see the surfers take to the air. As for Termeau, what else can be about the young Frenchman other than he is a true force to be reckoned with? I believe that he has great speed and that he will undoubtedly give the other surfers something to think about. Of course, Tom Good and George Picking are no slouches either. As such, I predict that it will be a thrilling heat to watch.

Heat 2 should also prove to be exciting because it will feature Frenchman Gaspard Larsonneur. If you ask me, he is quite the aerial master too. Larsonneur will be matching quivers in the heat against China’s Javier Ascanio Ferna and Luis Diaz as well as Great Britain’s Toby Donachie. I’d also recommend that fans of high-flying aerials keep their eyes on France’s Tom Cloarec in Heat 7 and Portugal’s Vasco Ribeiro in Heat 9.

Killeen Gonzalez enjoys water sports with her family. She also has a history of interviewing pro surfers.

More from this contributor:

Interview with Pro Surfer Jesse Billauer

John John Florence Wins the Billabong Rio Pro: Fan View

Summer Crafts: How to Make a Sand Cast Beach Lamp

Swatch Girls Pro France Promises Thrills for Surf Fans in May 2012

Article source: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/gran-canaria-santa-pro-jr-surfers-await-better-211300689--spt.html