Opinion

Partial to eclipses

Tuesday 13 July 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“People overuse the word ‘awesome’ these days,” a smoke signaller texts to 188, “but Sunday morning’s partial solar eclipse was just that: AWESOME!!” SmokeSignals: Agreed. Adding to the surreal atmosphere was the crowing of a number of island roosters which must have had their body clocks temporarily confused by the sudden darkness! Many viewers watching […]

Toagate audit falls short

Monday 12 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, As expected, the Toagate audit report has again lived up to the audit office’s reputation as an organisation without a sense of direction, fairness, or commonsense. Most of their latest garbage will fall short, should and when it is scrutinised by a proper independent forum i.e the courts. However, after having said that, […]

Really bad reporting

Monday 12 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, We all knew before reading the Audit review into Government’s attempt to nationalise the fuel industry in your newspaper on Friday July 9 that the main architects of the Toagate scandal was Terepai Maoate and Sholan Ivaiti. What was really bad reporting by Cook Islands News was that they were fooled into reporting […]

Give him a fair go

Monday 12 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I read with astonishment the negative comments made against Hugh Graham standing as the Mauke Democratic Party candidate. I support no party having had left the Cook Islands many years ago. This does not mean however that I am not interested in the goings on back home. People like Hugh should be encouraged. […]

Kata - July 12, 2010

Monday 12 July 2010 | Published in Kata

Step down at 60

Monday 12 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I wish to encourage those current Members of Parliament who are over 60 years of age to consider stepping down and let our young people step up and take your places in the highest court of the land. But whatever you do, keep our legislature for Cook Islands Maori people only. Kia manuia […]

I commit to openness

Monday 12 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Nerys Case has got it absolutely RIGHT! (article Saturday July 10, page 8). Politicians in New Zealand, both at central and local government, are more open and transparent, than we are here in the Cook Islands. Being open and transparent MUST be paramount at all times. Without this we will continue to have […]

Kata - July 10, 2010

Saturday 10 July 2010 | Published in Kata

2 great shows

Saturday 10 July 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

Put your alarm clock on for an early rise tomorrow morning to catch two spectacular events, one astronomical and one sporting, shortly after 8 o’clock. Rarotonga residents get to see a partial solar eclipse at 8.19am (see recent editions of CI News for safe viewing guides) when the Moon’s umbral shadow will be just 25km […]

Airlines, take your rubbish home

Friday 9 July 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes in response to what describes as “Joe Ngamata’s weak excuse for pollution” after the Airport Authority’s Chief Executive wrote in yesterday’s CINews that he is required by law to burn all rubbish – including plastics – that comes off international flights, which has concerned a Panama resident who understandably does not […]

Investigation suggestion

Friday 9 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The process for the Allsworth investigation is wrong. Audit should be investigating this first, and where required, the police. The difference between the two basically is this. Audit allows innuendo, insinuations, rumours, mere suspicions and unproven village gossip into their reports. They don’t have to meet a high standard of proof as required […]

What is your business?

Friday 9 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, This will be my last response to Teuira Ka’s letter to your column. Empty vessels like Teuira will always make a lot of noise. Teuira, direct your sweat and views on recent political issues and interests in the constituency you derive from because there are so much happening there. You’re sickening because our […]

Kata - July 9, 2010

Friday 9 July 2010 | Published in Kata

Same old, same old?

Friday 9 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Remember the old saying “marry in haste and repeat at leisure?” – it is the same for politics: vote the same old and you will repeat over the next four years. It is the same old story with everyone trying to be nice (kiss the babies etc) and then forget everything they said […]

Rolling over in credit

Thursday 8 July 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes: “A short while ago, Telecom announced they would appreciate our comments or complaints about their service and they would respond. I’m still waiting…My gripe is this: Why do we have to top up our phone cards monthly when we are still in credit? I currently have $110 and yet still had […]

He could add 'spark' to govt

Thursday 8 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It’s encouraging to see go forward, thoughtful and passionate fresh blood standing in the upcoming elections. There are a number of potentials that I believe could put some spark into government. In our books one such person is Teariki Matenga. Why do we say this? Because a number of years ago when his […]

Go the Cook Islands Stars!

Thursday 8 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, As a New Zealand born Cook Islander I have always supported our national netball squad and I think it’s time for government to come to the rescue of our national team. Can’t you fund for an ANZ championship team? You at least owe it to our apsiring youth. Give them something to look […]

Toxic fumes justified

Thursday 8 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor We live very close to the airport runway in Panama. Every Sunday for the last couple of weeks we’ve been woken up by toxic fumes coming straight into our bedroom and we were forced to inhale them or escape our house. I don’t mind to wake up early Sunday mornings (the air is […]

Kata - July 8, 2010

Thursday 8 July 2010 | Published in Kata

How much worse?

Thursday 8 July 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The performance of the new CEO of tourism must be causing some concern. To have four more resignations since her inception indicates that the strong leadership and executive direction that is required has not materialised, and instead of being a driver of an innovative and forward thinking marketing department she is the lapdog […]