FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are you catering for visiting media?

Yes. Accredited Media will have access to a designed Media Centre, media areas at main venues, and on-site access for reporting on events and competition. A Media Pass will also entitle the bearer to a Media Kit on arrival, access to information and officials, transport and meals.

What is the Media Centre?

It will be a designated and secure office space in central Avarua with work stations, some computer terminals, wi-fi access, and information. Details will be provided upon registration. All visiting media are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers.

How spread out are the locations of main venues?

The main stadium and indoor complex are in Tereora, a few kilometres from central Avarua. The National Auditorium is in Avarua. Refer to the event websitepage on Venues for details. The total distance round Rarotonga is just over 30km.

What transportation is available?

Cook Islands Tourism is providing a mini bus and driver for arranged pick-ups and drop-offs, specifically for visiting media. Broadcast teams working with the Host Broadcaster will have separate transport arrangements. All Media Pass holders will have continual free access to Cooks Buses, who run round-the-island services in both directions at least hourly. Some scooters will be available for licensed drivers by arrangement.

What about rental vehicles?

Rental cars and scooters can be arranged on request, at your cost. Please contact the individuals named on the Media Accreditation Form for assistance. Anyone renting or driving a vehicle will be required to first get a Cook Islands Driver’s Licence (about $20). These are available from the Police Station in central Avarua.

What media facilities are available at venues?

There is a media room at the Telecom Sports Arena in Tereora, which is next to the BCI National Stadium at Tereora. The National Auditorium does not have any facilities. At the moment we cannot guarantee internet access at these venues.

Is wi-fi internet available in Rarotonga?

Yes, there are about ten public hot spots right around the island. Telecom Cook Islands will provide a list with locations of hot spots. Wi-fi cards are available.

Can you help with international travel?

No, unless you are planning a destination story or feature which will appeal to Cook Islands Tourism. Some help is available for visiting media who qualify for familiarisation assistance, and they will be required to liaise directly with our national tourism office. Contacts will be provided upon request.

Can you provide background information on teams and athletes?

Information supplied by visiting teams will be available online and electronically. We ask overseas media to send team lists and profiles to our email address (media@2009pacificgames.co.ck), so that this can be added to the database.

Can you supply preview stories and images?

General information is available on the official event website (www.2009pacificgames.co.ck). Specific requests should be directed to local media via Jeanne Matenga and Nick Henry (broadcast) and John Woods (non-broadcast), contact details on the Media Accreditation Form.

Is accommodation available?

Yes, at your cost. We have tentatively booked rooms in some backpacker and low-cost accommodation, for media who have already expressed interest in budget accommodation, but these bookings must be confirmed urgently as space is filling up. Visiting media are encouraged to make own arrangements. Specific requests will be handled on your behalf by our tourism office.

Will meals be supplied?

Yes. Refreshments will be provided at the Media Centre. Main meals will be available for Media Pass holders at various dining halls around the island.