Smoke Signals
Pests didn't come from Cook Islands
Saturday 30 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
While I appreciate what he is saying, may I just remind Mr Passfield from TIS that it was Europeans who introduced various pests to the Cook Islands, including vines that are now choking our bush, ship rats that threaten our birds, and no doubt cats that are also a threat to our birds and probably to our native and endemic moko too.
Roads are busy, so make sure you take care
Friday 29 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
With lots of tourists on the island at present, driving is getting pretty hazardous, what with people who have never ridden a scooter in their lives before, wobbling their merry way around our so-called roads. Take care out there, everyone.
Going electric makes good sense
Thursday 28 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Germany is the latest nation to announce a scheme to subsidise the purchase of all-electric vehicles.
Gallipolli movie a very special event
Wednesday 27 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
A heartfelt meitaki maata to all those responsible for organising the once-only special screening of the animated movie 25 April at the Empire Theatre on Anzac Day.
Will our MPs get double time for Queen's birthday?
Tuesday 26 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
If Parliament has been called for June 6, as Minister Mark Brown was saying on TV, will the staff of Parliament be paid double time for working on a public holiday?
SMOKE SINGALS
Saturday 9 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Looks like they’re out to get ‘the Bishop’
Some questions about Tepaki's 'stolen identity'
Wednesday 6 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Can we please get the “ghost” bank in question to confirm Mr Tepaki’s story that a case of stolen identify occurred 15 years ago and that he only now wants to track down those responsible.
Confused over lagoon
Tuesday 5 April 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I’m bit confused, “a smoke signaller says. “Would someone please enlighten me as to exactly why the Chamber of Commerce has been overseeing the ‘scraping’ of algae from Muri Lagoon.
Time for our PM to throw in the towel
Wednesday 30 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The Prime Minister must resign and hand over the reins to another capable and competent leader,” a smoke signaller says.
A holiday on Raro, with extra discounts
Thursday 24 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I was observing some travel agents at the Punanga Nui market on Saturday and noticed how they expect to get discounts or freebies from the vendors,” a smoke signaller says.
Ministers need to explain their actions
Friday 18 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“There must be something wrong with the perception of Cabinet Ministers, and indeed members of Parliament as to what their role actually is in the Cook Islands Parliament,” a smoke signaller says.
Justice system still failing us
Thursday 17 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“It’s worrying to read our justice system again failing to deliver any sensible sentencing,” a smoke signaller says.
Cannery closure a dangerous sign
Wednesday 16 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Ben Ponia and the Koru Club prime minister should take note of the latest news from American Samoa,” a smoke signaller says.
Looking good
Monday 14 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Congratulations for the work done by public servants during Operation Namu on Friday. The island looks great!
Rain seems a bit choosy as to where it falls
Saturday 5 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
What’s was the story with all that rain? Where did it go? The whole of Ruaau is as dry as.
Respect of a leader
Wednesday 2 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“When New Zealand prime minister, John Key is seen in out in public, people want to take “selfies” with him and place them on Facebook,” a smoke signaller says.
Leave Muri lagoon to the local people
Tuesday 1 March 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
The decision on what to be done to Muri lagoon should be left to the people of Muri, says a smoke signaler. “We don’t want outsiders making decisions for us. It should be the decision of the people of Muri and we want Captain Tama and the DPM to work together and dredge the area soon so we can have tourists back in Muri. Unemployment is becoming an issue, act now.”
Make people clean Muri lagoon before they swim
Saturday 27 February 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Regarding the release of the entire force of public servants attend the Operation Namu on Friday (this was later postponed to another day), this initiative imposed by Cabinet is of national importance and just as important as the removal of algae from Muri lagoon. Why didn’t Cabinet think of the same thing and require the public to clean up Muri lagoon before the can go swimming there? The mess has apparently affected our tourism industry.
Thanks Te Tuhi, but no thanks
Wednesday 24 February 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Thanks for the insight Te Tuhi. Our laws are just fine. We don’t need New Zealand Maori to be instantly recognised as Cook Islanders. The link is too distant, going back too far. Maori have made a mess of their land issues and lost a lot of their land. We’re happy with our lease and occupation right system thank you.
Monday travel diary a blast from the past
Tuesday 23 February 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Readers who did a double take at yesterday’s Cabinet Diary listings in CI News would have been bemused by the inclusion of Teina Bishop and Tom Marsters – neither of whom have been Cabinet Ministers for a long time. The problem occurred during the production process when an old template for Cabinet Diary was inadvertently used.