Smoke Signals
How prepared are we?
Thursday 7 March 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I found it quite incredible that during the power outage in Rarotonga on Monday, the national radio service (630am) was not on air,” a smoke signaller writes.
Cut travel, fix the country
Wednesday 6 March 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Oh my gosh, the Prime Minister goes golfing in New Zealand after his meeting while his country is struggling with many social and economic problems,” a smoke signaller writes.
Travel honesty needed
Saturday 2 March 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “Big Norm [George] is always saying that government has blown its travel budget, but Minister Brown won’t come clean.
Where are the fire hydrants?
Friday 1 March 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Government has done well with their planning and execution with Land Holdings in the laying of the new water line,” a smoke signaller writes.
Treating Cook Islanders 'badly'
Thursday 28 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I think this government has been the worse ever in sacking top qualified Cook Islanders in senior positions,” a smoke signaller writes.
In the news
Wednesday 27 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller wrote last week: “Very unusual to note Norman is not on the front page of CI News of this week as he always does after every trip to Atiu, in this instance last week.
Customers 'expect more'
Saturday 23 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller who read a business article on the BBC’s website feels there are some good lessons to learn from a tax issue that has been making headlines in the United Kingdom.
House gets to the point
Thursday 21 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
Matariki FM breakfast show host William ‘The Don’ Framhein had an interesting question for Finance Minister Mark Brown yesterday.
Punu puakaoa
Tuesday 19 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “While government is running for cover and denying any plans at all for a major fish processing plant to be built on the reclaimed land in Avarua, perhaps government instead could announce plans for a canine processing plant on the same site? The madly-copulating dog population, in spite of the heroic and much appreciated kindness of the Esther Honey Foundation, continues to grow.
Aiming high
Friday 15 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
In response to a couple of unsolicited mobile messages, or text spam, from TCI yesterday morning and afternoon to advertise a Valentine’s Day special top up bonus, a smoke signaller writes: “Dear Telecom, Valentine’s gifts should not come with conditions! We know you are on TOP; it is very easy to be, when you are a monopoly.”
BLACKROCK CRASH LOOK WITHIN
Thursday 14 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller texts to 188: “I think it’s time to review the law relating to motor vehicle licensing.
RUBBER STAMPS READY?
Wednesday 13 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “I have just received my child’s bank statement from the Bank of the Cook Islands and note a strange looking debit, the description for which reads SAVINGS ADMIN FEE or ADMIN FEE of $5.
It's a dripping waste
Tuesday 12 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “I conducted an experiment at the weekend by placing a 10 litre bucket under a tap with what appeared to be a small yet constant drip.
E-waste 'shame'
Monday 11 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes on the issue of the dumping of electronic waste in a hole on the beach in front of Apii Te Uki Ou at Turangi: “I believe a hefty fine would be in order, plus its removal [the waste has been removed].
Top players sidelined?
Thursday 7 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller going by the name Disappointed Fan writes: “As a Cookie living in New Zealand I was excited that there was a cricket tournament on with the best players from back home.
Making our roads safer
Friday 1 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Does anybody in authority really care about the state of our roads and the increasingly bad driving behaviour?” a smoke signaller asks.
Bowled over with $100K donation
Thursday 31 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “I watched the sports news on Friday night and could not believe that the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is now funding to the tune of $100,000 the new green for the Rarotonga Bowling club and that this will bring in more tourists to the country.
LOOK WITHIN
Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller texts in response to criticism over the reappointment of the CEO of the National Superannuation Fund: “Perhaps the simple answer is that the reappointed CEO is the best candidate having good experience in banking and management of superannuation in the Cook Islands, not to mention having a lovely smile and personality.
Car misuse a money waster
Saturday 26 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The continuation and blatant misuse of government vehicles by some senior officials I believe is theft of government property through the misuse of fuel and transport,” a smoke signaller writes.
Be a minister, see the world
Friday 25 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “The prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues must get the Air New Zealand most travelled award for being the most travelled bunch of government officials on the planet.