Opinion

Arise, sir Robert?

Wednesday 11 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

Did the Suva-based South Pacific Tourism Organisation make a mistake in a press release this week, or has someone jumped the gun and released information about an event that hasn’t happened yet? In an SPTO press release about the World Shanghai Expo celebrating Cook Islands Day on August 4, the first paragraph refers to the […]

Kata - August 10, 2010

Tuesday 10 August 2010 | Published in Kata

Poor decision

Tuesday 10 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor I think it was a very poor decision of the newspaper to publish the letter concerning Teina Bishop in Monday’s Cook Islands News. Regardless of whether the man is a politician or not he is entitled to some understanding and sensitivity regarding his actions at this time. I think your newspaper could have […]

CIIC has done great work

Tuesday 10 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor Despite the adverse information surrounding CIIC, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the positive achievements CIIC has undertaken for the Ministry of Justice. CIIC completed the renovations and refurbishment to the Rarotonga Prison and built another two maximum security cells in record time despite not having sufficient resources […]

Bribery's not real says Henry

Tuesday 10 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor The Letter on Saturday by “Keep them honest” is not real, and just a make-up version of the Finbar Kenny- Albert Henry episode. 1. The Finbar Kenny contract with the Cook Islands Government was made and ongoing. 2. A representative of Albert Henry to make a deal with Kenny did not exist. 3. […]

Concerns over Bishop

Monday 9 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, You ran an article in your paper last week regarding the erratic behavior of the Honourable Teina Bishop in parliament along with innuendos of mental instability. Well, since his return to Aitutaki last week his condition has deteriorated. There have been outbursts of swearing and the use of very unpleasant words in public. […]

Telecom charges queried and answered

Monday 9 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, After bringing to Telecom’s attention a billing error in our recent telephone account (internet), which was dealt with, the process raised other issues in respect of the landline costs charged by Telecom, including dial up internet access charges. The Telecom website clearly states that local calls are charged at a rate of 15 […]

Still roofless after Pat

Monday 9 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“Can your paper ask the Aitutaki Raro community whatever happened to the money raised for the island?” a smoke signaller writes to TXT188. “Cyclone Pat hit in February and months later we have people here living in tents and the purpose of that was for it NOT to sit in the bank. Would be nice […]

Who's the dummy?

Saturday 7 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“I wonder who is the dumb one here in regards to protocol?” asks a smoke signaller in response to yesterday’s smokie that suggested the government had no idea of protocol because the Minister of Culture arrived after the Deputy Prime Minister at the official opening of Te Maeva Nui last week. “Minister of Culture Cassey […]

Bribery's not new

Saturday 7 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Sir Terepai Maoate’s allegations that the director of audit was bribed to produce a report that put the blame on him brings to the fore the question of bribery, backhanders and corruption in general and the question: does it flourish in the Cook Islands? Unfortunately by my own recent observations it does. It […]

Horse lover's plea

Saturday 7 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Our wonderful 10-day break in Rarotonga has drawn to a close. What amazing people, tours and places to explore. The only let down was Aroa Horse Riding. Ponies of poor physical and mental state tethered to ropes. One a nasty biter, another a vicious kicker bullying all within her range. Very inexperienced operators […]

Blacklist irresponsible employers

Friday 6 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I recently wrote a letter headed ‘Treat them fairly’ which pertained to the treatment employers dish out to foreign workers arriving on Rarotonga to fill a much needed gap in the work force, particularly in the hospitality industry. I am surprised that no one replied to the argument, which should prove that by […]

No idea of protocol

Friday 6 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“At the opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui at the Punanga Nui on Saturday, it was so embarrassing that this government has no idea of protocol,” a smoke signaller emails. “In normal situations, everyone will wait for the Prime Minister to be the last guest to arrive to an official function, but instead acting Prime […]

Kata - August 6, 2010

Friday 6 August 2010 | Published in Kata

The big promise on political reform

Thursday 5 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The democratic government will establish a political reform commission within six months after taking office. 1) Consult widely with our people and with political experts to determine the best options for political reform in order to do the following: To establish a formula for the reduction of seats in constituencies where there is […]

Retrospective validating of legislation

Thursday 5 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Firstly let me correct the record. While flattering, please do not refer to me as a constitutional expert. I have never claimed to be one and would not want to. We are all fallible but experts are expected to be less fallible than other mortals and I would find that too onerous. I […]

Kata - August 5, 2010

Thursday 5 August 2010 | Published in Kata

Make way! Make way!

Tuesday 3 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“One does have to wonder why the Minister of Culture requires a police escort to take her to the opening of the Te Maeva Nui,” a smoke signaller writes. “This entourage included two uniformed police officers on motor bikes, lights flashing, a driver driving the Minister, while she sat in the back seat doing her […]

Sea life worry

Tuesday 3 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Your article “sea life declining” was something that I really think needs to be given more attention. Our sea life is dying out and I think that people should know that. I think that more research should be done on this and that more articles should be written to bring this to people’s […]

LA prices high

Tuesday 3 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I saw your article regarding the flights from LA maybe cancelled due to the dropping of numbers, firstly let me say that would be such a shame as the Cook Islands are such a wonderful place to visit. My wife and I visited last year we were lucky as Air NZ was running […]