Dear Editor, We like to think that we march to the beat of our own drums when it comes to our lives but do we?

We live in a country that is run by a group of people who apparently have our best interests at heart but do they? Those very people are wanting to change what most of us have known for the best part of our lives and they say they are coming to ask us our thoughts but are they?

In big bold letters, the heading in this paper on Saturday read, Referendum needed to decide UN membership. Then in small letters, it says, the

Cook Islands government has applied for membership with the IMF, a first step on the road to becoming a member of the UN. So, do they want to know what I think or not?

Well, Mr CIP government, why do we really need a seat at that table? The population in Tokoroa, New Zealand, is greater than we have here in the Cook Islands so you really need to put it in simple terms why I would want to give up what I have been comfortable with for the past 60 odd years other than you just wanting to sit with the big boys because I can’t see any other reason that should take precedence over what’s happening here in country right now.

I imagine, if you get your way and get your seat at the UN table, I would now need to get a Cook Islands passport and give up my New Zealand one? You

will be ok travelling to see your rallies overseas because you’re a politician and can travel whenever, but will I get the same privileges? If I get sick, will I be able to be referred to NZ as easily as it is now?

A lot of questions are running through my mind right now probably because, the direction my life is headed is in your hands and it really scares me. I won’t be around for long I know but what about my kids? Will this really benefit them?

Iriti Maoate