Two years ago I arrived back in Rarotonga, back to my dream place where I had spent years loving school, sailing, playing and making lifelong friends.

Letters to the Editor

No need for us to surrender NZ citizenship

Thursday 19 October 2017 | Published in Letters to the Editor

I have researched the requirements for UN membership and there is no need for the Cook Islands to surrender our New Zealand citizenship and become independent as part of our membership application.

Letters to the Editor

UN membership has heavy price for our people

Tuesday 17 October 2017 | Published in Letters to the Editor

If our government still wishes to pursue its United Nations ambitions, it is clear that Cook Islanders will have to forfeit their New Zealand citizenship.

Letters to the Editor

More on 'developed nation' issue

Tuesday 17 October 2017 | Published in Letters to the Editor

So far, the most disappointing aspect of the debate on the Cook Islands graduating to developed nation status is that there has been no examination through your columns of the issue.

Letters to the Editor

Calling govt to task on spending

Tuesday 17 October 2017 | Published in Opinion

Often announcements by the government are met with scepticism.

Opinion

Time for reality check on independence

Monday 16 October 2017 | Published in Letters to the Editor

It’s time for our politicians to take a reality check on the enormous risks of the relentless push for “independence”.

Letters to the Editor

Your rights when it comes to opinion

Monday 16 October 2017 | Published in Opinion

Have you noticed how uptight people get when someone or an organisation has an opinion published in the public arena asking questions about them that they don’t want discussed or exposed to the light of day regarding something to do with their behaviour?

Opinion

How you can triumph over 'the fight inside'

Monday 16 October 2017 | Published in Opinion

A Native American story tells of a Cherokee grandfather speaking with his grandson: “Son, inside me are two wolves having a terrible fight. One is evil. He is anger, envy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, charity, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” This story has great meaning for those of us on a spiritual path, open to the continual learning and growth for which we were created. It also speaks to parents and teachers, who have the power to shape the lives of children by the way we see them, speak to them, and treat them. For our own sake and that of our children, we need to realise that there is another version of the two wolves story, one that tells us to acknowledge both wolves. I believe we must have compassion for our human frailties, because to ignore our humanness or fight too hard against it merely increases its pressure to be in control. It will hide behind every corner waiting for a moment of weakness, to pounce, sink its teeth into us, and drag us down. So, if we are on a new health regime, choosing to eat healthy, and a longing overcomes us for that greasy burger (with cheese and chips) or that ice cream covered in chocolate sauce, ignoring it will force it to dominate our dreams. Best we indulge occasionally, using moderation as the tiller of our boat. In this way we can eat anything and still lose weight, as long as it is controlled and not gone wild from deprivation. Greed, one of the worst qualities of the evil wolf, begins early. I’ve noticed that when I give my young grandchildren a special treat, such as a lagoon cruise or dessert at a restaurant, they immediately ask when it will happen again. The key is not to blame their greed, or even to name it, but to focus on their gratitude. Telling them, “This was special, and you need to show your gratitude,” calls on the good wolf to take the lead. If I were to say, “Don’t be so greedy,” I would be giving too much attention and power to the bad wolf. Shaming disables inner strength. Naming a virtue empowers it. Even addicts, such as alcoholics, who find they must avoid drinking altogether in order to heal, need to have compassion for themselves. Guilt alone destroys the will to change. One reason it is terribly harmful to spoil and indulge children to expect treats and cheap toys every time they enter a shop is that you are feeding the worst kind of entitlement, teaching them: “If I whine enough, I get whatever I want.” That is feeding the greed, rather than making gifts a special experience to be savoured and enjoyed. I believe that this early learned behaviour leads to binge drinking, a scourge of greed in these islands; as well is infidelity – the pursuit of pleasure at the cost of faithfulness, love and loyalty, qualities of the good wolf that are harder to practice. Moderation, self-discipline, contentment, and gratitude are the soul food we need. Our health improves, our mood lifts, joy increases, and love thrives. We also need to have compassion for our self-pity, our weaknesses, even our greed, and decide if and when to feed it every now and then. I hope you will join the Rarotonga Baha’i community celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s birthday, with an all-day “open house” on Sunday October 22, starting at 10am at the Baha’i Centre, with presentations by local Baha’is, children’s activities, a film at 4pm and kaikai. At 3pm I will present “My Baha’i Faith”, about my own faith journey. www.lindakavelinpopov.com

Opinion

Youth problems, and some solutions

Monday 16 October 2017 | Published in Opinion

I found the article in CINews on Wednesday October 11 relating to a visit to Atiu by Rebecca Buchanan and Mereana Taikoko very interesting.

Opinion

Issues of national consciousness

Monday 16 October 2017 | Published in Opinion

I am a dual citizen, in that I have both a New Zealand and an Irish passport.

Opinion

Writer incorrect on Vaikai Mataiapo title

Friday 13 October 2017 | Published in Letters to the Editor

As the Pare of Ngati-Vaikai I would like to correct a statement made by letter-writer “Disillusioned Disciple” in CINews on October 2.

Letters to the Editor

Helmet law 'selective and discriminatory'

Friday 13 October 2017 | Published in Letters to the Editor

While I applaud the Cook Islands finally passing a law which requires helmets to be worn when riding motorbikes and scooters, the law is inadequate, selective and discriminatory in its current form.

Letters to the Editor

Domestic violence: The sad facts

Thursday 12 October 2017 | Published in Opinion

CI News contributor “Unionist” this week turns his attention to a social problem that sadly, has become a major issue in the Cook Islands – that of domestic violence. He says the statistics paint a grim picture of intergenerational abuse in this country.

Opinion