Opinion

Kata - June 21, 2013

Friday 21 June 2013 | Published in Kata

White sand for red rock

Friday 21 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

In response to Monday’s front page article ‘Seeing Red’ a smoke signaller writes: “On the National Environment Service and the red soil issue, can I ask what the project was anyway and was there an environmental impact assessment report? The sand mining is less than 30 metres from the high water mark: surely we should have been allowed the chance to object? I believe there is red soil mixed into the fill along with iron and other dump material.” SS: The project is to dig up sand for use in various projects by T&M Heather, such as for making concrete.

More tellers, less wait -- better service

Thursday 20 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes: “The ANZ business training manager Stephen Caunter, who is holding a number of workshops here on Rarotonga and Aitutaki as part of the Cook Islands Tourism Awards, revealed on local TV on Tuesday night the importance of customer care being paramount to the success of business. Perhaps there needs to be a look at the same issues facing customers who, in my experience, are encountering lengthy periods waiting to be served by tellers at the local ANZ branch. Make no mistake, the girls do an excellent job, but are faced with limited staff. This has been an ongoing problem for several months and in my opinion management are failing to address the situation. A visit to the local Westpac branch will show how it is done, with more tellers on hand.”

Kata - June 20, 2013

Thursday 20 June 2013 | Published in Kata

Planting the seed for The Seed

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | Published in Raro on my mind

I think the most beautiful part of The Seed is the story of the person who planted it.

Kata - June 19, 2013

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | Published in Kata

'Imagine the big picture'

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It seems to me that until such time that the Cook Islands can solve and retain the ever increasing flow of emigrants; some positive solutions have to be explored as a stop gap, rather than appearing to do nothing.

Generous support for Rotary projects

Wednesday 19 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

The Rotary Club of Rarotonga has distributed just over 200 illustrated Usborne dictionaries which will be given to each year nine student.

Between a princess and a president

Tuesday 18 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

Some people have a knack for getting valuable free publicity for themselves and the Cook Islands, and Charlotte Piho is one Cook Islander who excels at it.

Kata - June 18, 2013

Tuesday 18 June 2013 | Published in Kata

Fun with food!

Tuesday 18 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Senior students at Arorangi School weren’t short of enthusiasm while manning their food stall yesterday for the school’s first ‘enterprise week’.

Charging for water 'won't work here'

Monday 17 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes in response to Saturday’s smokie ‘Charges would save water’: “To the signaller who said it’s a good idea to pay for water because it prevents wastage from leaky taps, burst pipes, etc – yes, it’s a good idea in a first world country where they have a higher standard of living and can afford it.

Time to print our own money?

Monday 17 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Our local banks have systemic failure and can’t help us with affordable money.

Charges would save water

Saturday 15 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

“As long as water is free, there will ALWAYS be a shortage of water” a smoke signaller writes.

New principal welcomed

Saturday 15 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Apii Te Uki Ou welcomed its new principal and new teacher yesterday.

Prime Minister off to US

Saturday 15 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

With parliament adjourned, the upcoming week will see members of cabinet off to travel to various destinations around the globe, with some remaining in the country to look after government affairs.

Kata - June 14, 2013

Friday 14 June 2013 | Published in Kata

Let justice prevail

Friday 14 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, As I read in Cook Islands News the front page headline of the paper of Wednesday June 12 (MP repeats Colagate inquiry call) about Norman George’s concern about the specific issue of the Colagate scandal -- it hit me smack in the face, that there is something dodgy and fishy about this Colagate scandal.

Budget 2013: What about the rest?

Friday 14 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

“Minister Brown’s glossy budget handout is a sign of desperation,” a smoke signaller writes.

'Borrowed' cash

Friday 14 June 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, On our first night here in Rarotonga we were relieved, between the hours of 3.30am and 7am, of $2500 cash.