Dear Editor, bit sad to read, but understandable that once again there will be a smaller, scaled down version of the annual Constitution celebrations – Te Maeva Nui (Te Maeva Nui ‘scaled down’ due to budget cuts, Cook Islands News, June 10).

Te Maeva Nui is always a priority and thrill for locals and visitors alike, where Islands and villages compete, putting on their absolute A 1 performance in front of their own people.

Consistent with this budget cut, let’s hope that organisers are smart enough NOT to include that annual elitist private half time function, which always goes well over time, while the iti tangata who actually pay for their own entry tickets, and pay for their own half time food and drinks, are made to wait while “the Heavies” guzzle and snuffle free drinks and food. This display is NOT free, but actually costs a fortune for catering and on that basis alone should be scrapped.  And please no insulting response that the function is to thank the sponsors, a handful of sponsors (to whom the public are extremely grateful), and 100 snufflers … yeah right! To quote Mr. (Anthony) Turua (Secretary of Cultural Development) “… we have to live to what the landscape can afford”.

(Name and address supplied)

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Solving dog problem

I will vote for the party who can get their act together and sort out the dog problem now i.e. before the election. The election hasn’t been called so you have at least three months. Strays registered and unregistered wondering and chasing, cars, bikes and each other in packs. Not to mention biting people.

Let’s see who can do it, CIP? Demo? United Party or Independents.

Thanks

Old Dog

(Name and address supplied)