Opinion

Dangling nuts a concern

Thursday 9 December 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“Have you noticed as you drive around the island the number of coconut trees, heavily laden with nuts, leaning on the road?” a smoke signaller asks. “Or the kikau (fronds) ready to drop off. This is a time bomb waiting to fall on an unsuspecting pedestrian, a bike rider or smashing on someone’s windscreen and […]

Volunteer firefighters an option

Thursday 9 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the house fire in Matavera and suggest that you might consider the possibility of creating voluntary fire services for the communities of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. As stated on Cook Island News, nearby neighbours were concerned and determined to tackle the blaze to bring it under […]

Commerce commission call

Thursday 9 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Reading Norman George’s defence of himself against attack, you have to recognise the power of the man’s pen and his command of language. He showed the same power during his period in opposition, constantly being the effective opposition and taking the fight up to the Demos, even when it was a lonely experience. […]

South coast speedsters

Tuesday 7 December 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“Surely the police must be aware of the speed track across the island from the Saltwater Caf right through to the Vaima Restaurant where consistently motorbikes exceed 60 km per hour and more?” an annoyed smoke signaller writes. “It’s outrageous. Some of these bikes have very high powered engines and make an awful racket. Sunday […]

Sitting on the back benches

Monday 6 December 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“The supporters of Norman George, Kiriau Turepu and John Henry must be gutted when their MPs didn’t get ministerial posts,” a smoke signaller writes. “George, arguably the most qualified and experienced politician in the nation, appears to be back-benched for good. Henry and Turepu were touted as ministers during the election campaign. Turepu even told […]

Police need to tackle DVD piracy issue

Monday 6 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Why has the DVD piracy business grown here in the Cook Islands and yet a law had been passed to ban these piracy stores, and instant fines implemented to stop businesses from making money off these hardworking directors who make these movies? Do we have some sort of scheme set up to pay […]

Good choice

Saturday 4 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, CIP is back. Congratulations to the people of the Cooks, we’ve got a new government – good to see young blood Mark Brown in to steer the young ones in. Cheers to the main man Mr Teariki Heather. Henry/Masters, you’ve got a choice team there. Good Luck! AJ Taripo

Kata - December 4, 2010

Saturday 4 December 2010 | Published in Kata

Referee replies

Saturday 4 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I refer to the letter by ‘Staunch soccer supporter’, under the heading ‘Disgraceful supporter’ to clarify the issue: 1. The two captains were consulted. 2. The two players involved were dealt with by being sent off. 3. The Match was ended because it was full time therefore no re-match was required. In regards […]

Good team wins

Saturday 4 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Kia Orana te iti tangata. The elections are done, a good team has won. The people have spoken, much more to be done, the players, all assembled, selections to come. I’m no poet, just mortals the team. Give them a chance, things are never as they seem. Yes, te iti tangata, you have […]

Great to see balanced cabinet

Saturday 4 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Firstly I would like to offer my sincere acknowledgement to the Prime Minister for the manner in which he carefully selected his cabinet ministers. One of the most balanced cabinets I have experienced for a long time. Why, they have the theoretical and the practical experience amongst them e.g. Teariki Heather (the action […]

In support of George

Saturday 4 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I write this letter with a very sad and heavy heart. I write in support of my father-in-law and my children’s papa Norman George. I am very disappointed at the CIP for what they have done. I recall the by election in Mangaia where there was a fund raiser at the punanga nui […]

Kata - December 3, 2010

Friday 3 December 2010 | Published in Kata

Disgraceful supporters

Friday 3 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I would like to express my opinion and humiliation about a soccer match that was held on November 27 between Takuvaine and Nikao Premier Men. This was a main match to end the second round of the game, but then this was stopped by the referee due to some players fighting. From the […]

Hold on, what about the basics?

Friday 3 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The chairman of the tourism board seems to think that doubling numbers is the way to go and I am sure that with broad sweeping statements such as that one he will have every single tourism operator and new MP agreeing with him dreaming of fuller bank accounts. After all we all want […]

Maggie's skills needed

Thursday 2 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I want to congratulate George Maggie on his election success. Building quality homes within time and money budgets has no doubt provided Mr Maggie with a skill set much needed in government for the promotion of fiscal responsibility. I hope to see more successful businessmen join government in future. Steve Kurker USA

No to 7

Thursday 2 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Firstly, congratulations to you Henry Puna for being sworn in as Prime Minister for the next four years. Reading this morning’s newspaper (1/12/10) there is a suggestion that an extra minister is to be appointed. My plea to the CIP is to think about it again. We are in a financial chaos and […]

Listen and learn

Thursday 2 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Please look at the numbers of voters that did not vote in every electorate, in some cases the results are clear, people did not want to vote. I wonder why? Let’s hope the CIP does better putting the resources into key areas like infrastructure, transport, education, health and the likes. There is not […]

Leave Norman George alone

Thursday 2 December 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, In yesterday’s (Wednesday) newspaper I see that Norman George is not “encouraged” as he feels that he will miss out on a Cabinet post. I am glad he is not encouraged. I hope he does not get a position in Cabinet. History has so clearly demonstrated that every team in which Norman has […]

Not another minister!

Thursday 2 December 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals