Smoke Signals
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.
COLA, it's the real thing
Thursday 24 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
KEEP the smokies rolling in! Smoke Signals and interesting island photos will be accepted by email (smokesignals@cookislandsnews.com), or text to 188 or a phone call to the newsroom on 22-999.
Dig deep for a good cause
Tuesday 22 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “There is a noticeable trend for sports teams and such like to travel around the island on a Saturday morning holding up traffic and begging for a donation, so they can travel to some far off land to play a game or whatever.
Sunday flights: Would Jesus mind?
Monday 21 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals
‘Would Jesus Christ Mind If You Flew to Paradise on a Sunday?’ is the provocative heading of a new article in The Atlantic, a well known publication based in Washington and New York.