Dear Editor, I concur with the writer of "Perplexed with the Fuzzy Logic" in regards to the PR rules applied to non -New Zealand spouses.

There is no logic at all or for that matter, (or) any humanity in this policy setting.

Alarmingly, during the submissions phase on the new immigration act in 2020, this critical fact (ten years consecutive wait for non NZ spouses before they can apply for PR) was never disclosed.

I only found out after I inquired with the MFAI office while there on some other matter.

Surely such a crucial prescription would be included for public comment, but it wasn't there.

It would seem Cook Islanders that live overseas are punished for marrying a foreigner because the pathway to PR is so arduous and smacks of discrimination.

How do you distinguish an NZ spouse from other nationalities, apart from their passport, they are still the wife/husband and/or the mother/father of a Cook Islander.

It's appalling that for ten long years these "permit holders" have no legal rights despite their great personal sacrifice to live here with a Cook Islands partner.

They raise children, start businesses, perhaps have to buy land because they can't get any family land, and then have to put up with derogatory remarks.

It's a hugely stressful issue for families in this predicament given the uncertainty.

We espouse our Christian values as a nation and yet we marginalise even those that arrive here with Cook Island children in their hands because of their passport.

It's insulting, unfair and unnecessary.

Details supplied

---

What’s happening with our vaccine passports?

Dear Editor,

Would you please ask TMO (or the appropriate authority) for an update on the availability of a digital version of our vaccine passports, and whether such a digital version will be accepted by major international airlines. If our digital vaccine passport is not accepted internationally, perhaps they could advise how can we get one that is accepted internationally?

Phil Evans

---

Reply - The Cook Islands Vaccination Certificate is accepted internationally as proof of vaccination.

The Digital Covid Vaccination Certificate, which Te Marae Ora has been working on with the NZ Ministry of Health is progressing and will also be accepted internationally.

This piece of work is complicated and we are reluctant to give another date for completion.

Jaewynn McKay

Spokesperson, Te Marae Ora

---

‘Welcoming news’

Oh what exciting and welcoming news that must have been for the Avatiu Valley western end residents, a long awaited and much dreaded rough stretch of road, in fact.

Rarotonga’s busiest across the island road for our tourists and local hikers, Hash Harriers and Round Rarotonga Marathon Competitors; at long last, coming like breaking news, a new road tarsealing project soon to begin from the Te Nira (The Needle) Heather’s Rd end and all the way to the main Avatiu backroad taro patch intersection. Thanks to the announcement made by his Honourable Member of Parliament Albert Nicholas of RAPPA on behalf of government and the people of Avatiu Valley in particular. A long time coming but at least a glimmer of hope is in sight, a sure sigh of relief as all who have frequented that road would exhale. I know how my good friend Gumby Sharka (Sam Crocombe) would gladly say, “Take your time boys but for goodness sake, hurry up, Albert!”. Still long queues awaiting their turn.

Bishop Tutai Pere