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{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid2694351 TRIAD PACIFIC PETROLEUM LIMITED, \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14224026 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid9001335 a duly incorporated company having its}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14224026 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 registered office at Raro}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid9001335 tonga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid9001335 Applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \qc 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Finance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14224026\charrsid6752433 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid6752433 First Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid9001335 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 SHOLAN IVAITI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid11294687 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid9001335 of Rarotonga, Financial}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid2694351 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid9001335 Sec}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 retary pursuant to the MFEM Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid6752433 Second Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351\charrsid6752433 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694351 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid11294687 THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 ,}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid11294687 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 department of State established by the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4205726 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 Ministry of Finance and Economic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid11294687 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 Management Act 1995-6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid6752433 Third Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid11294687 COOK ISLANDS INVESTMENT CORPORATION \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 a statutory corporation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 established by the Cook Islands}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 Investment Corporation Act 1998}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid6752433 Fourth Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694351 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid11294687 JOHN TINI \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11294687 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 of Rarotonga, Chief Executive}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14224026 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid9001335 Officer pursuant to the CIIC Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687\charrsid6752433 Fifth Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11294687 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294687 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433\yts20 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433\charrsid6752433 Hearing: }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 19 February 2009 (NZ time) \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11294687 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433\yts20 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433\charrsid6752433 Appearances: }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 T Arnold for the Applicant \par T Elikana, Solicitor-General \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11294687 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6752433\yts20 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433\charrsid6752433 In attendance: }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 P Allsworth, the Director of the Office of the Public \par Expenditure Review Committee and Audit \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433\charrsid6752433 Date of Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 19 February 2009 (NZ time) \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11294687 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433\charrsid9001335 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5250785 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid5250785 JUDGMENT OF NICHOLSON J \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9001335 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752433 [1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 On 26 January 2009 Triad Pacific Petroleum Limited (Triad) applied for declaratory orders, mandamus and orders pursuant to the Judicature Amendment Act 2008 (the Judicature Amendment Act) in respect of alleged exercise of statutory powers by five respondents as named and d escribed in th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16348429 e entit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5250785 ling of the application.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5250785\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [2]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15996998 The alleged wrongful exercise of statutory powers related particularly to proposed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 purchase by the Government of a petroleum facility from Toa Petroleum Limited (the Toa facility). The applicant owns and runs a petroleum facility in competition with the Toa facility.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5250785\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid14761585 [3] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14761585 On or about 28 January 200}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid14761585 9 the Solicitor-General Mr T Elikana agreed to accept service of the application on behalf of the five respondents and copies of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 the application and statement of c laim were served accordingly. At that time Mr Arnold, Counsel for Triad, invited Mr Elikana's views on timetabling.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5250785\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 On or about 2 February 2009 Triad applied for interim declaratory orders relating to implementation of a Heads of Agreement for the purc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14761585 hase of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 the Toa facility and the borrow}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16348429 ing of $5.5 million from the ANZ}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 Bank for this. This application was supported by a 30 paragraph affidavit sworn on 2 February 2009 by Mr C Vaile, the managing director of Triad.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14761585\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [5]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 On 9 February 2009 Mr Vaile swor e a further affidavit referring to parts of a report on the Government's proposed changes to the Cook Islands fuel supply chain and the proposed purchase of the Toa facility by the Public Expenditure Review Committee (PERCA) which had just been tabled in Parliament. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14761585 \par [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14761585 On }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 12 February 2009 Mr Arnold filed written submissions in support of the application for interim declarat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 ions. In this he said "After def}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 erring consideration of the matter twice, last week, Cabinet earlier this week considered the issue o f the fuel farm proposal and both Parliament and the public have been advised that the decision of Cabinet at that meeting was to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 hold the purchase}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 of Toa Petroleum}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 7]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 Today I held a telephone hearing. No documents had been filed by or on behalf of any of the respondents. Mr Elikana said that he appeared only on a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 watching brie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 as he and the Crown Law Office had not received any}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 instructions in the respect of the substantive or interim applications. Mr Allsworth said that the Audit Offices' investigation of the Toa acquisition had been hindered by refusal by the Government to give it a copy }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 of the Toa }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 Heads of Agreement}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3298914 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 \par [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 The situation is very unsatisfactory. The documents filed by Triad appear to disclose many important, complex and serious i ssues to be tried. The respondents apparently have not even taken the preliminary step of instructing counsel to represent the Crown in the proceeding. In the circum}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 stances I adjourn the hearing of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 the application until 12 noon Thursday 26 February 2009 (11.00 am, Friday 27 February 2009}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3298914 - NZ time}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 ). Before then the respondents should instruct counsel to represent the Crown at that hearing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [9]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 To preserve the status quo with the acquisition being }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 on hold}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 and having regard to the unanswered allegations of Triad, pursuant to s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1923807 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 50F(2)(a) of the Judicature Amendment Act, I declare that the Crown ought not to take any further action that is or would be consequential on the exercise of the statutory powers rel ating to the acquisition of the Toa facility. This interim order can be reviewed at the adjourned hearing or earlier upon application on 24 hours notice by any party. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [10]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 At the adjourned hearing the Court will canvas issues of further pleading, affidavits, the discovery and inspection of documents and an overall timetable for future steps.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 Costs of and incidental to today's hearing are reserved. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533\charrsid9001335 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid9001335 The Registrar is to forthwith give Mr Arnold and Mr Elikana a copy of this Judgment and in turn Mr Elikana is to forthwith give a copy of it to each of the five Respondents. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1923807 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4205726 C}{\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid475533\charrsid4205726 M}{ \b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001335\charrsid4205726 Nicholson J \par }}