Smoke Signals
Selling our minerals 'for a song'?
Tuesday 10 September 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller texts to 188: “Minister Mark Brown did well in his first public consultation on the proposed setting up of a sovereign wealth fund in the event that deep sea mining begins at some point in the future.
Someone's 'not happy'
Wednesday 4 September 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
An Arorangi Football Club official responds to the weekend smokie ‘Football fun and games’: “Reading about these false smoke signals in Saturday’s paper sounds like someone is not happy with their lot.
When will we have a DPM?
Tuesday 3 September 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“When will the prime minister announce who will be the deputy prime minister?” a smoke signaller asks in a text to 188.
A lot of mess at the deep end
Saturday 31 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Is the position of Clerk of Parliament advertised in the CI News a formality only?” a smoke signaller asks.
Don't judge others on their past'
Friday 30 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller texts to 188: “In the letter to the editor on Saturday [Time to clean up CIFA] regarding Mr Areai being voted in as Arorangi soccer president and talking about his past, why judge people on their past? A perfect example is to look at my MP in Tupapa: his past is not the best, but look what George Maggie has done for my village, which is awesome.
Paata for police chiefs
Thursday 29 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Could we please get it straight that the paata is meant for ariki or very high ranking diplomats,” a smoke signaller texts to 188 in response to Tuesday’s front page photo and article on the opening of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference in Puaikura.
Public, landowner support is needed
Wednesday 28 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“When is the community going to be consulted relating to the grandiose water project?” a smoke signaller asks in a text to 188.
Opposition's duty to question
Monday 26 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “The Prime Minister’s double standards do not stack up at all; here he is defending anti corruption efforts.
Jumping into Lake Baikal
Saturday 24 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“What’s the chance of Lake Baikal in Russia getting onto Prime Minister Henry Puna’s ‘top 100 places to visit in 2014’ list?” quipped a smoke signaller in response to Norman George’s comment that the Cook Islands Party could “go jump in the deepest lake in the world”.
Raro white line fever
Friday 23 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The letter writer of Wednesday who asked why no one paints the white lines on the roads when they fade away must be relatively new to life on Rarotonga,” a smoke signaller writes.
Will women ever lead us?
Wednesday 21 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller texts to 188: “In the On the Street poll on Saturday (The country is about to get a new Deputy Prime Minister.
America's Cup CI connection
Monday 19 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“What possible connection could there be between the America’s Cup – the holy grail of yachting – and the Cook Islands?” a smoke signaller asks.
PM 'doesn't care, never here'
Friday 16 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I agree with comments made by the leader of the Opposition Wilkie Rasmussen on the non-stop travelling by the Prime Minister and his poor leadership of government,” a smoke signaller writes in response to Tuesday’s front page article ‘Call for PM to stand down’.
Northern group solar tenders
Tuesday 13 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes on the northern group solar project: “Word in top public service corridors from the renewable energy division was that all tenders were way above the funds provided.
Leaving on a jet plane
Friday 9 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“It’s a real worry when a local FM radio station starts a text poll asking for opinions on why people are leaving the Cook Islands,” a smoke signaller writes.
Supporting the next generation
Thursday 8 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Since when has it been the case that we can’t even question a policy?” a smoke signaller texts to 188 in response to yesterday’s smokie ‘Food First’ which said the Ministry of Culture had to adhere to its policy after Island Booth was unable to operate its photo booth during Te Maeva Nui night markets last week.
Manihiki's 'joyful celebration'
Wednesday 7 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“What a wonderful time the people of Manihiki seem to have had during their own island Maeva Nui festival,” a smoke signaller texts to 188.
Back home and away again
Tuesday 6 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Where is Finance Minister Mark Brown?” a smoke signaller asks.
ANZ CEO visits Cooks
Tuesday 6 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
ANZ’s chief executive officer is visiting the Cook Islands and other nations in the Pacific.
Kiriau Turepu 'walks the talk'
Thursday 1 August 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller responds to the writer of yesterday’s letter to the editor ‘Based on loyalty rather than merit’ who argued that Avatiu MP John Henry would have been a better choice for promotion to Cabinet: “Get off your high horse and grow up.