Smoke Signals
Smoke Signals are remarks and observations that range from the serious to the sarcastic. Typically anonymous, these quips capture the community's notes on life and events in the Cooks, or what's echoing over the Coconut Wireless. Smoke Signals and interesting island photos can be sent by email ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or text to 188, or call the newsroom on 22999.
Wise words from an Aussie teacher
Monday January 29, 2018A reader has sent in quote from Eddie Woo, who he says is arguably Australia’s most famous maths teacher: “To all the children out there, I want you to understand from my story … (that) suffering doesn’t define you, what other people say to you or call you doesn’t define you: what you choose to do with the opportunities you’ve got, that’s what defines you.
Dog licences could solve registration problems
Wednesday January 24, 2018Heard people complain their dog tags have been stolen! So easy to slip a friendly dog’s collar off and place it on an unregistered dog.
Good on you, Bill
Monday January 22, 2018Well done to Bill Doherty for repatriating your foreign worker for non-performance.
Build it and they will come again
Thursday January 18, 2018Interesting that China is now committing to fix their shoddy workmanship on the police headquarters, the Ministry of Justice building and the sports arena.
Pineapple thieves deserve punishment
Monday January 08, 2018What’s up with the dismal creatures who stole 100 pineapples from a local gardener recently? Have they no scruples, no conscience at all? Let’s hope they get caught, and soon. The sharp end of a pineapple might make a useful tool with which to exact punishment.
Thumbs down for Jetstar
Friday January 05, 2018Where else in the world but the Cook Islands would a jet loaded with passengers arrive in the middle of the night minus all of their luggage? A big thumbs-down to Jetstar for failing to explain anywhere near adequately why this appalling incident happened – or how it is that the other few airlines seem able to get here with everyone’s bags aboard.
Snake avoidance advice for both political parties
Wednesday December 20, 2017After the debacle in which George Pitt is said to have offered the Demo Party a deal to get them into government with Internal Affairs minister Albert Nicholas as prime minister, Nicholas made a statement in parliament.
‘My hat’s still on my head’
Thursday December 07, 2017“Earlier this year, I said I’d eat my hat if Tim Tepaki’s scheme to develop the outer islands and revive the Sheraton hotel project got off the ground in November this year,” a smoke signaller says.
Ambassador was once women’s mag model
Friday December 01, 2017US Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown, who visited the Cook Islands this week, has an interesting past.
