Welcome … o m o r i amaw
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PICTURE: David Astley.
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t is my pleasure to welcome you aboard this Our Airline flight and indeed, to welcome you to the Central Pacific. We realise many of you are travelling to our islands for work and we aim to ensure your journey is relaxed and comfortable. As the airline of the Central Pacific, Our Airline gets you to Nauru, Fiji, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands easily and comfortably. We have been increasing services to the Central Pacific over the last 12 months and with a fleet of three aircraft now, also offer short term and permanent charter services throughout the region. Our services have been designed to give our customers same-plane service to get you to Nauru or Kiribati from Brisbane and Nadi, Fiji. We hope our schedules allow business, government and other passengers sufficient time to complete your work and catch our return flight to Australia which offers same day connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Auckland and Asia/Europe. Our fabulous cabin crew are trained to the highest level of service, I’m always thrilled to receive feedback about the team at Our Airline. Please do keep in touch. Thank you for choosing to fly with us, please enjoy our service. – Geoff Bowmaker CEO Our Airline
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Advice on yourhcomfort s s e n t fi t inflig
O
ur Airline cares about your comfort and safety while travelling. While flying, passengers can be seated and inactive for long periods of time and the environment cam be low in humidity and pressurised up to an altitude of 2440 metres above sea level. Moving rapidly across many time zones can disrupt a person’s ‘body clock”. To most passengers, these factors do not pose a health of safety threat, however the following guidelines will improve your level of comfort, both during and after a flight. • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. • Drink plenty of water. • Don’t drink excessive amounts of tea, coffee or alcohol. (These drinks act as diuretics, increasing dehydration).
inflight workout
Using these exercises can provide a safe way to move and stretch various muscle groups that may stiffen as a result of sitting for long periods. The body’s blood circulation may be increased and the muscles massaged by these techniques. For best results these exercises should be done for around three of four minutes every hour. An occasional walk around the aisle will also help. If you feel pain or discomfort and cannot exercise with ease, you should not continue these exercises.
foot pumps (Foot motion in 3 stages) • Begin with both heels flat on the floor then point toes upward as high as possible. • Place both feet flat to the floor. • Raise your heels high, keeping balls of the feet on the floor. • Repeat the three foot pump stages continuously and at 30 second intervals.
ankle circles
• Raise your feet. Draw a circle with your toes, move one foot clockwise and the other counter clockwise. • Reverse feet direction. • Circle feet in each direction for approx 15 seconds. • Repeat as often as required.
knee lifts
• Lift your leg with the knee bent while tensing your thigh muscle. • Change legs and repeat 20-30 times for each leg.
neck roll
• Relax your shoulders and drop your ear to the shoulder and roll your neck gently forward and backwards. • Hold both positions for approx five seconds. • Do this five times.
knee to chest
• Lean slightly forward. • Place hands around the left knee and bring into your chest. • Hold this position for 15 seconds. • Lower knee slowly while still holding • Repeat 10 times, alternating legs.
forward flex
• Place feet on the floor and gently bend forward while holding stomach in. • Walk your hands down your legs to the ankles. • Stay in this position for 15 seconds then sit back up slowly.
shoulder roll
• Roll your shoulders upward, backward, downward then forwards in a gentle circular motion.
how to minimise the effects of jet lag Travelling to a different time zone without giving the body a chance to adjust to new night-day cycles causes jet lag. The more time zones you cross during your flight, the more your body clock is disturbed. As a general rule, it takes approximately one day per time zone crossed for the body to adjust. The common symptoms of jet lag are sleeplessness, tiredness and loss of appetite or appetite at odd hours. To minimise the effects of jet lag: • Have a good night’s rest before your flight • Give yourself a day or two to adjust to the new time zone after arrival if possible. • Minimise the flight time by flying direct when possible – this allows you to relax more upon arrival. • Try light exercise, a brisk walk, or reading if you find sleeping difficult after arrival at your destination.•
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Nauru t n a s a ple
island
There are not too many people who can claim to drive around an entire country in less than 30 minutes. Here we offer some useful information about getting around this pleasant Pacific island.
Jules on the Deck is a terrific place for sunset drinks in Nauru. Stay on for great steaks and seafood too.
Nauru is situated in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, 60 kilometres to the south of the equator, at latitude 0°55’S and longitude 166°55’E. Six kilometres in length and four kilometres in width, its total area is 21.1 square kilometres, or 5,263 acres. Its nearest neighbour is Banaba (also known as Ocean Island) in the Republic of Kiribati, 330 kilometres to the east. The coast of Papua New Guinea lies 2,150 kilometres to the south-west, Melbourne 4,705 kilometres to the south-west, Honolulu 4,457 kilometres to the north-west, Tokyo 4,797 kilometres to the north-west, Guam 2,827 kilometres to the north-west and Hong Kong 6,189 kilometres to the northwest, while Suva lies 2,324 kilometres to the south-east and Auckland 4,132 kilometres to the south. The island is girdled with a 200 metres wide coral reef exposed at low tide. The coastal belt along the 19 kilometres circumference of the island and the small area surrounding the inland lagoon of Buada are most picturesque and fertile. Cultivation is limited to these areas where coconut palms and pandanus grow in abundance. Bananas and some vegetables are also produced in these areas. The top soil throughout
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Nauru is thin and porous, varying between 5cm and 30cm. Beyond the coastal belt, the coral cliffs rise to heights up to 70 metres above sea level to form a vast plateau, generally referred to as “The Topside”. The area contains the only major land based economic resource of Nauru, the phosphate deposits, which cover nearly four-fifths of the country’s total land area. The phosphate is mined by open-cut method from amongst the tall coral limestone boulders, known as the pinnacles. The deposits vary in depth from eight to twenty-five metres, but they do not run deeper than sea level.
Phosphate rock
In 1900 Sir Albert Ellis, an Australian prospector, was intrigued when he came across a large block of rock used as a door stop. It was originally believed to be petrified wood, known to have come from “Pleasant Island” (Nauru). Intrigued, Sir Albert examined the piece scientifically and believed it was high quality phosphate. It was then taken to London where it was confirmed to be phosphate rock which led to the establishment of the phosphate mining industry in Nauru in 1907. There are three principal theories about the origin of
PICTURES:Tiffany Carroll
General information
of the Republic), the white and black noddies, and the nightingale reed warbler known as the Nauruan canary whose delightful songs form the daily wake up call for Radio Nauru. Nauru has no indigenous animals.
People
Nauruans appear to be racially closer to the Micronesians. The Nauruan language has adopted the Roman script but has little in common with other Pacific languages. Nauruans belong to twelve distinct tribes: 1 Deiboe – black fish 7 Emea – crab 2 Eamwidara – dragon fly 8 Eaoru – crab 3 Eamwidumwit – dragon fly 9 Irutsi – torch-stump 4 Eamwit – eel 10 Iruwa – stranger 5 Eano – fish 11 Iwi – louse 6 Emangum – flotsom & jetsam 12 Ranibok – water drinker The 12 points of the star on the Republic’s national flag represent these 12 matrilineal tribes but sadly the Iwi and Irutsi tribes are now extinct.
Angam
(means “coming home”) On the 26th October 1932 the population touched 1,500 for the first time after the heavy toll influenza took soon after the First World War. Since then this day is celebrated as Angam Day. During the Second World War in June and July 1943, 1201 Nauruans were deported to the island of Truk in Micronesia. When the war ended in 1945 there were only 591 Nauruans on the island. Of the 1,201 Nauruans sent to Truk, 464 died of starvation, disease and bombing; the 737 survivors returned to Nauru on 31st January, 1946. The population again touched the 1,500 mark on 31st March 1949. Nauru now has a population density of 381 per square kilometre. Nauruan phosphate. According to one theory, during the periods of submergence when the corals were building upwards over the volcanic platform, organic matter got entrapped amongst the limestone pinnacles and formed phosphate pellets. Subsequently, due to changes in the sea levels and tectonic uplifts, the island was raised above the sea level. According to a second theory, the phosphate is of igneous origin. The third theory suggests bird droppings formed guano over a long period of time. In the light of evidence from marine organic materials available at Topside, it would appear the theory of marine origin has greater credibility than others. Whatever the origin, the Nauru rock is the purest in the world at 78% to 84% purity.
Flora & fauna
There are now about 200 species of flora, some 30 of which are indigenous including the coconut, banyan and almond trees, but unfortunately about 50 indigenous species appear to have become extinct due to phosphate mining. The fauna include about a dozen species of birds, the most important of which are the frigate bird (which features in the official emblem
Religion
The first Christian Missionaries arrived in Nauru from Kiribati in 1887. After the subsequent visits of missionaries, schools were established and parts of the Holy Bible were translated into Nauruan. It was left to the American-educated late head chief Timothy Detudamo and P.H. Delaporte to help produce a complete Nauruan Bible. The spread of Christianity made Nauruans more enlightened spiritually, but sadly, their traditions and cultural moorings were quickly lost.
Constitution & parliament
The Constitution of Nauru declaring the country as a sovereign Republic was adopted by the people of Nauru in the Constitutional conventional on 29th January, 1968. The country became a sovereign Republic of 31st January, 1968. The Constitution provides for the Parliament to make laws for peace, order and good government of Nauru. The first Parliament came into existence on 31st January, 1968, under the name of Legislative Assembly of Nauru. It started functioning under the name of Parliament from 17th
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Nauru’s coastline is rugged and beautiful.
The government
The Republic of Nauru has a democratic form of government based on the principles of the elected representation of people in Parliament. Cabinet has accountability to Parliament. The Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter of justice and enforcer of the fundamental rights of citizens enshrined in the Constitution. There is no formal political party system and members of Parliament vote on the basis of issues. The Executive branch of Government comprises the President, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet, and five other Members of the Cabinet. The President is elected by Parliament, and he appoints the Members of his Cabinet from among the Members of Parliament.
Public holidays
1st January – New Year’s Day 31st January – Independence Day March/April – Good Friday, Easter Monday & Easter Tuesday 17th May – Constitution Day 1st July – Nauru Phosphate Corporation (NPC) Handover Day (½ day) 26th October – Angam Day 25th December – Christmas Day 26th December – Boxing Day
Districts
Nauru has 14 districts, with no capital nor main town. If turning left from the airport (facing the runway), the districts are: Yaren - home to the government offices and Parliament House
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Menen - Menen Hotel, The Reef Tavern, government departments and churches. Anibare Bay - Swimming beach, main wharf Ijuw - Local housing and small stores Anabar - WW2 Japanese bunkers, Frigate bird cages (taboo for women - you must seek permission before visiting) Anetan - Petrol station, local housing & swimming beach Ewa - Capelle & Partner general store, cafe, rental apartments. Public toilets. Baitsi, Uaboe, Nibok - local housing, Jules on the Deck restaurant, bar and nightclub. Surf beach. Denig - Moon River Chinese Restaurant Aiwo - Power station, wharf, phosphate factory, Odn Hotel, Civic Centre, Supermarket, Post Office, internet cafe, Digicel & local restaurants. Buada - inland lagoon and local housing Boe - airport, Reynaldo’s Chinese restaurant
Annual festivities
31st January – Independence Day Sports Carnival; Island beautification; wrestling 25th March – Nauru Congregational Church Youth Choral Competition 17th May – Women’s Fellowship Arts & Craft Exhibition. Constitution Day Sports Carnival August – Nauru Arts Festival (2nd Saturday) 26th October – District Competitions i.e choral competition; sports; island beautification.
Local customs & traditions
• Walking around in swimming attire is discouraged • When entering someone’s home it is polite to take off your shoes • Tipping is not expected nor is it encouraged. • The head is sacred to the Nauruans, only close family are allowed to touch a person’s head. • Stoop when crossing in front of others especially elders.
Pictures: Tiffany Carroll
May,1968, now called Constitution Day. The Parliament of Nauru consists of 18 Members elected from eight constituencies for three-year terms from the date of the first sitting of Parliament. Members of Parliament are directly elected by the people of Nauru.
Frequently Asked Questions u r u a N t abou Visa requirements
Visitors are required to have ‘sponsors’ before applying for a visa. Firm accommodation bookings can be used as sponsor endorsements to meet visa requirements. Passports must be valid past the proposed date of departure from the island. For more information and current rules, visit visa@naurugov.nr or nauru.consulate@brisbane.gov.nr
The Nauru Game Fishing Club has seven registered boats, three of which are available for charter. AFL is very popular in Nauru, join the locals for a game during the season. Frigate birding is considered the national sport - do check it out.
Accommodation
Money
There are a couple of hotels in Nauru, but due to the fly-in, fly-out workers at the processing centre, both are difficult to secure a room at. LINKS AND ONE FOR ONE HOUSING Fully-furnished houses and townhouses available for short or long term rental. Most include all the comforts of home. Email: 141rentals@gmail.com Phone: (674) 557-0141
Getting around
There is now a taxi service on Nauru, however, airport pickups can be arranged with your hotel, and quite often the locals will give you a lift or even lend you a bike. One for One have a car-rental service; phone 557 1001. It takes about three hours to walk around the island and 30 minutes to drive around at the speed limit of 40kmh. International drivers’ licences are accepted. With only one round-island road, even if you turn the wrong way leaving the airport, you will eventually get to your destination.
Dining and entertainment
The sleepy hollow of Nauru is starting to wake up, with new restaurants and bars opening. Jules on the Deck offers air-freighted fresh seafood and steaks at their ocean-front restaurant at Nibok and The Reef Tavern, located at the Menen Hotel has quickly become the expat and visitor hangout. The Bay restaurant offers western and Indian meals, sunset drinks and weekly pizza nights. There are several Chinese restaurants on the island. Try Moon River in Denig District or Reynaldo’s next door to the airport. The Nauruan branch of the Hash House Harriers meets every Monday at The Bay Restaurant.
Sport
The Nauru Surf Club has boards available for hire and offers advice on where to catch the best waves. Nippers classes offered for kids.
The only ATM currently on the island is at the Menen Hotel (the Odn Aiwo Hotel has plans to install one soon). The ATM charges a flat commission fee of $4.50, with most cards accepted. The currency used in Nauru is the Australian dollar.
Time
The local time is 12 hours ahead of GMT, two hours ahead of Australia’s East Coast Standard Time.
Post office
The Post Office is located near the Civic Centre in Aiwo district. Open 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.
Internet
There is an internet café located at the Civic Centre and The Menen Hotel has computers available in the reception area for a small fee. Digicel has data SIM cards available for smartphones and sells WiFi units.
Telephones
Digicel is the only Carrier in Nauru. SIM cards can be purchased from their store at Aiwo Civic Centre. Be aware that roaming charges from overseas carriers are very expensive so do get a local SIM.
Hospital
The RON (Republic of Nauru) Hospital is located in Denig district.
Contacts
Nauru Surf Club Contact John Short 5573256 Nauru Game Fishing Club Andrew Pitcher - apitcher12@optusnet.com.au Australian High Commission Aiwo District Republic of Nauru Phone: (+674) 557 3380. •
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s d Kiribati n a l s i e r u t n e v ad Surfing, SCUBA diving, sailing, game fishing or simply relaxing on a quiet beach, Kiribati has something for everyone. Surrounded by stunning water, Kiribati’s atolls offer fun in the sun, or simple relaxation.
General information
Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) is an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, located in the central Pacific Ocean, about 4,000 km (about 2,500 miles) southwest of Hawaii. It is part of the division of the Pacific islands that is known as Micronesia. Kiribati consists of 33 coral islands divided among three island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. All of the islands are atolls (ring-shaped islands with central lagoons) except for the island of Banaba in the Gilbert Islands which is a raised limestone Island. Of the 33 islands of Kiribati, 21 are inhabited. Most of the population is concentrated in the Gilbert Islands and only one of the islands in the Phoenix Group (Kanton Island) is inhabited along with three of the Line Islands which are permanently inhabited. The capital of Kiribati is Tarawa, an atoll in the Gilbert Islands. Bairiki, an islet of Tarawa, serves as an administrative center. Kiribati has a total land area of 811 sq km (313 sq miles). The islands extend about 3,900 km (about 2,400 miles) from east to west. From north to south they extend about 2,100 km (about 1,300 miles), straddling the equator. The majority of the atolls are barely more than six metres above sea level and surrounded by barrier reefs creating picturesque lagoons for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and other water sports. Professional scuba diving guides are available on Christmas Island, Fanning Island and Tarawa. Record-breaking game fishing is available around Kiritimati and the Gilbert Islands.
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Climate & temperature
Temperature varies between 25° and 33°C, with annual sunshine of 4135 hours. The wet season extends from December to May and rainfall variation is high in most of the islands. A gentle breeze from the easterly quarter is predominant, and a sea breeze cools everyone down all year round. The tropical climate and hot temperature encourage cool, cotton, loose fitting outfits for men and women.
Language
The main language is I-Kiribati - however English has been taught over many years and is widely understood; you will have no problem accessing services, getting by or just having a chat.
Money
Kiribati uses the Australian dollar (AUD). The ANZ Bank is the only International banking company in Kiribati with operating branches on South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. On South Tarawa, ATMs are accessible at Betio, Bairiki, Bikenibeu ANZ Bank branches and at the gate of Tungaru Central Hospital in Nawerewere. On Kiritimati Island you can access the ATM at Ronton An amount of $5000 cash is permitted to be carried by a visitor when traveling to Kiribati. Credit Cards: VISA & Mastercards are currently the only major credit cards accepted in Kiribati but there is limited acceptance where there are no credit card facilities. Credit cards are not accepted in the outer islands so ensure you take enough cash with you. •
island escape
Peaceful paradise ll Islands a h s r a M e Th
Stunning beaches, spectacular scuba diving, calm waters and thriving, gorgeous reefs - the Marshall Islands as one of only
T
he Republic of the Marshall Islands covers nearly a million square miles of picturesque islands, thriving coral atolls, and crystal clear blue waters ‌. undoubtedly one of the most interesting places in the world to visit. The Marshall Islands is one of only four atoll nations in the world and one of the world’s youngest, independent since 1986. There are 29 atolls in the country, each made up of many islets and five islands. The atolls and islands are situated in two almost parallel chain-like formations known as the Ratak (Sunrise or Eastern) group and Ralik (Sunset or Western) group. The total number of islands and islets in the whole Republic is approximately 1,225 spreading across a sea area of over 750,000 square miles. The total land area is about 70 square miles (181 square kilometres). The mean height of the land is about 7 feet above sea level (2 metres). Marshall Islanders are known throughout the Pacific and the world for their friendly and peaceful nature.
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Sharing with family and friends, a warm welcome for the stranger and caring consideration for others are values inherent to the Marshallese culture. The people have nurtured these values over the centuries. Cooperation and caring are necessary elements of survival on these small islands, surrounded by the sea. The concept of family and community thus remain inextricably intertwined in Marshallese society. People still consider grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and far-flung relatives among their closest family. The strong family ties contribute to close-knit communities rooted in the values of caring, kindness and respect. Time has also introduced new elements into the culture. While the local population is mostly indigenous, there are many mixed German, Japanese and American Marshallese. Cultural values and customs, or manit, make Marshallese society unique. Enjoy your stay •
four atoll nations in the world is a water lover’s paradise with 750,000 square miles of ocean.