Smoke Signals
Sardines and overnight scientists
Thursday 4 March 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
If 1500 people were gathered on Hospital Hill and cars were crammed up the road like sardines, in a medical emergency how is the ambulance or someone hurrying up to the hospital on their vehicle going to get safe and fast access, asks a reader? “EMCI’s William Tuivaga helps to calm the public’s rattled nerves […]
Tsunami signs
Monday 1 March 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Early on Saturday morning shortly after the first widespread tsunami warning arrived from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, some people texted others to say that Avarua harbour was looking very empty, believing this to be the drawback from the tsunami that was still six hours away from Rarotonga. Instead, the very low water was the […]
Wellington meetings not their job?
Thursday 25 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
One of our readers going by the handle Retired Diplomat writes on the subject of the Crocombe/Mokoroa trip to New Zealand: “How these two fooled Cabinet into agreeing that they hold important talks with some ministerial officials in Wellington, is beyond us. We have a Minister of Foreign Affairs and we have a Secretary of […]
Real appeal accounting
Tuesday 23 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The letter writer (CINews Mon Feb 22) warning of the need to have a real accounting of ALL Aitutaki fund-raising was spot on,” writes a smoke signaller. “Sorry to you folks on the side of the road selling plates of food or watermelons ‘in aid of Aitutaki’ but history suggests a donor would be better […]
Storm batters Tongareva
Monday 22 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
While the Southern Cook Islands was waiting yesterday to see which direction a new storm would take, the atoll of Penrhyn was getting a hammering from gale winds and heavy rain from the intensifying depression, beginning on Saturday night. The Fiji Met Service said Penrhyn, 1365km north of Rarotonga, received 156mm of rain over a […]
We're always asking for it
Monday 15 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller writes: “The policy advisor for the government urges the nation to push for more aid money to combat economic downturns, recessions, global warming, etc (CINews 9 Feb). Workshops and meetings held all over the Pacific, to see where funds can be sourced. Why? There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this economy that […]
Next time send workers
Saturday 13 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Mamas wandering around crying, not knowing what to do…A New Zealand businessman staying at Pacific Resort Aitutaki had that in his mind when he was stumbling over fallen trees on resort paths on Thursday, until he noticed a group of about 12 Cook Islands politicians and bigwigs having lunch, which resort staff had stopped (clearing […]
Incorrect warning causes major panic
Friday 12 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
While Aitutaki started picking up the pieces from the tragic battering of cyclone Pat on Wednesday morning, over in Rarotonga a single e-mail was causing a huge amount of panic among locals and visitors when it incorrectly stated that Rarotonga was going to be hit by the cyclone at 2pm. At 10.22am an e-mail from […]
'No' for a nationally elected PM
Wednesday 10 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
On the subject of political reform, one signaller says in 2006 when prime minister Jim Marurai knew that he did not have the support, he called a snap election. “In 2010 he knows he doesn’t have the support of the MPs in the house but is willing to hold on as long as it takes […]
Power savings to the people
Saturday 6 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
It’s said there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but you can get something for free when you next pay your power account. In a project between the country’s electricity utility Te Aponga Uira and the Asian Development Bank, householders in the Cook Islands get a voucher for three energy-saving light bulbs. The only […]
Dump asbestos our way
Thursday 4 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Neigbouring nation Niue might follow the Cook Islands’ unorthodox method of dumping asbestos roofing at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Niue MP Terry Coe suggests that asbestos roofing from homes damaged during cyclone Heta in 2004 should be loaded on to a ship that is then sunk 2000 to 3000 metres down. He suggests […]
Getting out of this political mess
Tuesday 2 February 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
On the hot topic of political reform, a smoke signaller writes: “Why not pick a suitable number of seats and make them all national seats? Everyone has equal votes, the two parties can run their slate of candidates, and independents have an equal opportunity. We are no longer limited in choice. Even the political parties […]
Be responsible on air
Friday 29 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Yesterday an irate smoke signaller writes: “Listening to 88FM this morning and even Matariki FM, it’s easy to tell that these people haven’t been in ‘service’ during cyclones yet. Nick Henry’s flapping was irresponsible, and caused one Arorangi accommodation operator to evacuate guests at dawn yesterday. These radio people need a lesson in responsible conduct […]
Elected must govern
Thursday 28 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller reckons the suggestion that the Prime Minister be able to appoint cabinet from all registered Cook Islands voters is a dreadful idea. “It looks as though it’s tailor-made for businessmen, lawyers, failed politicians and friends or family of the PM who want political power without having to stand for election. I know […]
Where's my backup parachute?
Tuesday 26 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
One person says he finds the current political situation of the five MPs (four of them Demos) and the others as funny. “The 10 Demos probably expected that when they jumped out of power, the other four to jump with them. That didn’t happen and where does that leave them now?” After reading the article […]
Jobs for the boys?
Monday 25 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
A signaller writes: “The DPM’s defence of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner’s qualifications required conveniently doesn’t extend to explaining why the applicant must have held appointed positions on local boards, held an elected office at some time (??), be a recognized leader (??), and have a background in commercial fishing or diving. Could there be a […]
Why must Dean go?
Wednesday 20 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
“False words of courtesy can be nauseating,” a signaller writes. “After shoving Tourist Corporation’s Dean out the door, Crocombe purred faint praise: ‘The board is grateful for Dean’s contribution towards positive growth’. Positive growth? 2009 was the best year ever for tourism! Then, why must Dean go? Everyone knows that Tata still wants a Cook […]
Step up to the plate
Wednesday 20 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Dear Editor, I do not know how others feel but it concerns me greatly that politicians are allowing Tata Crocombe to have increased influence in the way the country is now governed. This should not be the case. If Tata wants to poke his nose into government affairs and dictate how government should conduct itself […]
Why did he resign?
Wednesday 20 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Dear Editor, It is sad to read that John Dean has resigned for personal reasons. But why so abrupt and without notice? The rumour mill has it that he has been fed up with the tourism chairman’s interference and domination in the internal affairs of the tourism office. If this is the case, then Tata […]
Elect new team the old-fashioned way
Tuesday 19 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The infamous Gang of 19 now want a judge to sack a legal government and hand the power over to them instead,” writes a signaller. “Is this the same lot that was calling for stability? Can someone please remind Henry Puna that September is not that far off. If he and his CIPs want to […]