Dear Editor, how are Fijian/foreign workers able to ‘live’ in the Cooks with a job that pays minimum wage and ‘still’ send money back to their families?

Do they live rent free in Raro? Do they get fed by their employers? How do they get to and from work? Why do a lot of them stay on and become residents instead of returning?

It can’t be all that bad even if it may seem like exploitation. But if their home situation is worse, then it all makes sense. I guess if you’re desperate enough and you ‘need and are willing’ to work and do your job well to keep it in order to feed your family, then the opportunity to work in the Cooks, in a safe environment is gold. Different circumstances determine different needs.

I’m going to watch this space as I’m sure the hotel operators/government are doing their best to keep the wheels turning.

Leilani D Brown

(Facebook)

Tourism needs to step up and start pouring heaps of money into hospitality training for our local people. I’m not a xenophobe, but honestly, how can we be promoting our culture when every cocktail on the Island is served by non-Cook Islanders.

In the long run this is not investing in our people. We should be developing a robust training programme that offers our people the highest international standard.

Pare Albert

(Facebook)

Why can’t the Cook Islands government teach our people and educate them first than bringing Fijian/foreign nationals into our country to work. Our Cook Islands people need that job rather than giving it away, you don’t have to be a scientist to understand that. I wonder why our young generation turning to crime.

Monday Adam Marsters Poaiti

(Facebook)

I think it’s well worth celebrating how well Cook Islanders and our Fijian workers have had a proud history of working together so harmoniously over the years in Rarotonga and the fact that this is now able to continue! Great outcome.

Dion Paul

(Facebook)

It’s the wages people here are tired of – $8-$10 an hour, that was the min wage in NZ over 30 years ago. I work three jobs so I can live but I’m lucky it’s just me and I don’t mind too much. I feel for those with families, mortgages, rent, etc.

We announced to the world that we are developed. Increase the wages. No offence but frontline staff should be locals. I guarantee none of these resorts will ensure they learn anything about our people, culture and islands. And all of those workers will be sending wages off shore does nothing for our economy.

Chelsie Napa

(Facebook)