Opinion

Many issues in wages debate

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, This is in response to the letter from “The Watchman” in your issue of January 29.

Disgusted with health system

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am writing in regards to the passing of our sister and friend Marae Mataroa.

Kata - January 30, 2013

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Kata

Right in my own backyard

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Raro on my mind

I showed up to a Los Angeles church on Saturday, runners on, mobile phone charged, a full tank of petrol in my car, prepared for what I’d later consider one of the most powerful sermons I’ve ever experienced – and it didn’t come from a pulpit.

LOOK WITHIN

Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller texts in response to criticism over the reappointment of the CEO of the National Superannuation Fund: “Perhaps the simple answer is that the reappointed CEO is the best candidate having good experience in banking and management of superannuation in the Cook Islands, not to mention having a lovely smile and personality.

COLA a matter of fairness

Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, For the sake of our younger and more easily influenced readers, can you please put an end to the mis-information and flat out ignorant comments around the cost of living adjustment? It is not, as Richard Neves would have us believe, a reward for productivity by public servants, nor as some “observers” put it, a welfare payment of any sort.

'Less money in their pockets'

Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, There has been a lot of discussion, debate and opinions on the cost of living adjustment (COLA) in the paper recently that raises a lot of issues that need to be clarified so that a more informed analysis and decision can be reached by various stakeholders, including government.

Kata - January 28, 2013

Monday 28 January 2013 | Published in Kata

Advocating COLA merits

Monday 28 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The debate in your newspaper on COLA has been fantastic and I thought was coming to a natural end.

Return to Pukapuka

Monday 28 January 2013 | Published in Return to Pukapuka

When I left Pukapuka last year to return to Hawaii, tears streamed down my hot face. I wore three pandanus hats to shield the sun.

Car misuse a money waster

Saturday 26 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

“The continuation and blatant misuse of government vehicles by some senior officials I believe is theft of government property through the misuse of fuel and transport,” a smoke signaller writes.

Concern over doctor's words

Saturday 26 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am writing with concern with regards to the article ‘Sad death not meningitis, said doctor’.

Big waves, big air!

Saturday 26 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

The recent batch of heavy rain and wind didn’t faze a number of Rarotonga’s best bodyboarders, who all united for a competition earlier this week.

Be a minister, see the world

Friday 25 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes: “The prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues must get the Air New Zealand most travelled award for being the most travelled bunch of government officials on the planet.

COLA designed as safeguard for livelihoods

Friday 25 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Your recent news articles and letters to the editor regarding the elimination of pay increases for public servants perhaps needs further clarifying.

Seabed transparency

Friday 25 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I note in one of your recent regional articles an issue relating to a new initiative for transparency in Pacific mining operations.

Kata - January 25, 2013

Friday 25 January 2013 | Published in Kata

Cooks silenced by American Samoa

Friday 25 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

The Cook Islands’ path to the OFC Under 17 Championship hangs by a thread after a 0-3 defeat to American Samoa on Wednesday.

COLA, it's the real thing

Thursday 24 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

KEEP the smokies rolling in! Smoke Signals and interesting island photos will be accepted by email (smokesignals@cookislandsnews.com), or text to 188 or a phone call to the newsroom on 22-999.

Kata - January 24, 2013

Thursday 24 January 2013 | Published in Kata