Smoke Signals
Crime 'hard line' needed
Tuesday 2 July 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
‘“I wasn’t sure if your Monday front page story ‘Burglary accused wants out of prison’ was a joke, but it’s July 1st not April 1st,” a smoke signaller writes.
Leave EIAs, decisions online
Friday 28 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
Responding to the Wednesday smoke signal ‘Blackrock EIA’ which sought information about a recent environmental impact assessment, a smoke signaller asks: “Why does the National Environment Service remove EIAs from its website after the public viewing and comment period of one month? It would be a great public resource if all EIAs and the subsequent decisions of the Environment Authority on each remained permanently online at environment.gov.ck.
What's going on there?
Thursday 27 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
In response to media coverage on the issue of the composition of fill that was used to replace sand mined on the beachside at Blackrock, a smoke signaller writes: “It seems amazing about all the fuss at Blackrock, yet nothing is said about concrete, steel etc being pushed into Muri Lagoon near the Cook Islands Christian Church.” SS: We spoke with a nearby resident who said they have no knowledge at all of such activity taking place.
Burglars 'bigger problem than chooks'
Saturday 22 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“There’s more coverage and complaints now to Cook Islands Tourism about the ‘stinky chicken farm’, a smoke signaller texts to 188.
White sand for red rock
Friday 21 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
In response to Monday’s front page article ‘Seeing Red’ a smoke signaller writes: “On the National Environment Service and the red soil issue, can I ask what the project was anyway and was there an environmental impact assessment report? The sand mining is less than 30 metres from the high water mark: surely we should have been allowed the chance to object? I believe there is red soil mixed into the fill along with iron and other dump material.” SS: The project is to dig up sand for use in various projects by T&M Heather, such as for making concrete.
More tellers, less wait -- better service
Thursday 20 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “The ANZ business training manager Stephen Caunter, who is holding a number of workshops here on Rarotonga and Aitutaki as part of the Cook Islands Tourism Awards, revealed on local TV on Tuesday night the importance of customer care being paramount to the success of business. Perhaps there needs to be a look at the same issues facing customers who, in my experience, are encountering lengthy periods waiting to be served by tellers at the local ANZ branch. Make no mistake, the girls do an excellent job, but are faced with limited staff. This has been an ongoing problem for several months and in my opinion management are failing to address the situation. A visit to the local Westpac branch will show how it is done, with more tellers on hand.”
Between a princess and a president
Tuesday 18 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
Some people have a knack for getting valuable free publicity for themselves and the Cook Islands, and Charlotte Piho is one Cook Islander who excels at it.
Charging for water 'won't work here'
Monday 17 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes in response to Saturday’s smokie ‘Charges would save water’: “To the signaller who said it’s a good idea to pay for water because it prevents wastage from leaky taps, burst pipes, etc – yes, it’s a good idea in a first world country where they have a higher standard of living and can afford it.
Charges would save water
Saturday 15 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“As long as water is free, there will ALWAYS be a shortage of water” a smoke signaller writes.
Prime Minister off to US
Saturday 15 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
With parliament adjourned, the upcoming week will see members of cabinet off to travel to various destinations around the globe, with some remaining in the country to look after government affairs.
Budget 2013: What about the rest?
Friday 14 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Minister Brown’s glossy budget handout is a sign of desperation,” a smoke signaller writes.
Should water be free?
Thursday 13 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “Regarding the water meters being installed on the sly by the government: by all means charge the hotels and motels in this country that are draining our water supplies, but don’t charge the little people who have little enough as it is.
'Hoodwinked' with water meters?
Tuesday 11 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Why doesn’t the government come clean?” a smoke signaller asks.
Cough medicine before catering
Monday 10 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The health conference soon to be held here in Aitutaki next month is a waste of taxpayers’ money,” a smoke signaller writes.
Worried about 'exposing corruption'
Thursday 6 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
In response to yesterday’s smokie ‘NZ influence a real worry’, a smoke signaller writes: "The real worry for the smoke signaller denigrating James Beer’s letter is not that New Zealand does anything by stealth; quite the contrary, they are quite open about their offers of assistance.
NZ influence 'a real worry'
Wednesday 5 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“James Beer’s tirade published on May 27 is a load of codswallop,” a smoke signaller writes.
Czars better for business, environment
Tuesday 4 June 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Brian Baudinet has some very valid points on cleaning up our national act, including cutting back the public sector,” a smoke signaller writes in response to his page 8 commentary in Saturday’s paper ‘The road to repopulation’.
'No after hours' Govt wheels
Thursday 30 May 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Isn’t it a policy not to drive government vehicles after hours?” asks a smoke signaller.
'Road rage' in Govt car
Monday 27 May 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“If you have a small blue car that was parked behind Joe Vak’s Palace on Saturday night and it was damaged, contact GA451,” a smoke signaller writes about an incident they witnessed behind Joseph Vakatini Ariki’s home in Tupapa, where some vehicles were parked while their occupants attended the packed-out premiere of Film Raro at the national auditorium.
Surprised at purse seine support
Saturday 25 May 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
On the issue of purse seine fishing in Cook Islands waters, a smoke signaller writes: “The purse seine method of fishing is to draw an enormous purse around an entire school of tuna and slowly draw the purse on the ship.