Dear Editor, the articles ‘Lost in translation’ and ‘Te Karere turns 40’ are examples of people wanting to work to increase the profile and involvement of Maori language in communities outside of the country.

What I don’t understand is if both these people are so invested in identifying with Maori, why they continuously choose to be referred to by their European surnames. Surely with so much passion for bringing back all that is Maori language they would start there? They have a Maori heritage so find it, it’s the maternal line that is being lost and it is important it gets revived and reinstated. This is especially true of Palmerston island descendants who identify with an English polygamist rather than one of the local wives where one was of local royal lineage.

Many of our politicians, heads of state and influencers out of habit or choice sign off European surnames while saying they represent and support the local culture and people.

Unfortunately, some of the few who are using Maori name in senior public roles and Parliament are now in court for their alleged fraudulent offenses. While the remaining line up of leaders sound like a roll call of a British government.

If people want Maori to be seen and accepted, they should walk the talk first by being proud to identify with it as an individual and change their name to Maori by deed poll. I did.

Ruta Tangiiau Mave 

Cannabis law

For over two years now it has been legal to grow, use and sell marijuana in the Cook Islands.

Now that I have your attention, I’ll tell you why.

Any preparation containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects) is illegal according to the Drugs Act, like the hemp products being sold on Rarotonga. Additionally, all of these hemp products, according to Part 2 of the Act, contain high amounts of salt, isomer, esters and ethers of a THC plant, all illegal under the Act.

Now that these former illicit drugs under the Act are being legally sold on Rarotonga, no distinction or no difference can be made for not allowing the cultivation, use and sale of marijuana in the Cook Islands.

The Act is no longer valid, it has been broken and it would be clearly illegal and unjust discrimination to prosecute one and not the other.

The best way now to drive down the high cost of marijuana is to grow your own, it’s easily done given our climate to do so. If you do sell marijuana to those who can’t be bothered, all you have to do is stay within the tax laws.

One other word of caution and this is very important, just like in the sale of alcohol, keep it away from those who are underage.

The authorities now have no choice but to release and discharge everyone brought up on trumped up charges regarding cannabis.

You must stop your mockery of justice or run the risk of being sued.

I want to thank Biosecurity and I’m not being cheeky for opening up the floodgates for our people to greatly benefit from the medicinal and recreational uses of marijuana.

Sincerely,

Steve Boggs

Thank you, Te Kukupa

Thank you, Te Kukupa, and the Cook Islands Police for keeping our small parataito safe and all the other services that you have provided to the people of the Cook Islands. You have served us proud and well.

I am so blessed to have been travelling on the boat to the northern islands, the experience is unforgettable. Words cannot express how grateful I was to your service and the boys again, meitaki maata and God bless. From Perth.

Shang Teremoana Rima Manavaroa

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