Dear Editor, I’m truly perplexed by some of the fuzzy logic ascribed to recent government policies.

Of concern is the matter of applying for PRs, specifically for those in the category ‘spouse of a Cook Islander’.

Some conditions include a $1000 fee, a Kia Orana Values course, and five consecutive years of residence for New Zealand passport holders, while wait for it - 10 consecutive years of residence for other passport holders.

Can MFAI please explain the logic and fairness here?

As a member of the second group, I’m insulted and feel even more disenfranchised than I did the previous day.

Please don’t discriminate; you are causing needless stress on families who have made huge personal sacrifices and make both tangible and intangible contributions that enhance the lives of our local spouses.

I always hated that word papa’a, the degrading way it is used, and now I wonder if prejudice, intended or not, might just be fully steeped into the culture.

Details supplied

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What does the future hold for my children?

Do our youth have a future in this nation? Do I jump on the plane and follow everyone else looking for greener pastures beyond our moana nui o kiva? When will this cycle end?

I thought the future is here now but kare, our future is leaving on a jet plane while we continue to run our country into debt for them to come back and pay one day - if they come back!

We can't rely only on tourism. We can't rely on exporting veggies because no one has given us the assistance for sustainable development. We definitely can't rely on the government. So, what future do our children have again?

Inangaro Adrienne Blenkarn

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