Smoke Signals
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 […]
5 ministers can do it
Monday 18 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Leave the government alone, says one signaller. “It will prove that we only need up to five people to manage the country – good for a political reform trial run.” And on the opposition thinking about jumping into bed with the Demos to form a coalition, the person says, “Fancy that, it’s monstrous and total […]
Ministers, live like us
Friday 15 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
The ministers who have resigned should do the honourable thing and return their perks, cars etc and quit their offices immediately, says one signaller. “Relinquish the right and join us and live like us. By hanging around, you guys are contributing to the fiasco that is going on at the moment.” One of our readers […]
Just get some work done
Wednesday 13 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller lets rip with questions and advice on the current political situation: “Regarding the 19 CIP/Demo coalition. Since when has the CIP and Demo exec been given a mandate to run the country? Does Mac see a trip to Wellington slipping into the mist? Is a saving of 100K not worth having, Nandi? […]
No surprise at all
Saturday 9 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
Dear Editor, Reading Tuesday’s (January 5) Cook Islands News regarding the report on our financial situation – it did not surprise me at all. I know I have mentioned in previous letters that our country is broke and relying on borrowed money to stabilise our economy. The politicians have been alerted to the situation time […]
Are those chicks cool?
Tuesday 5 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
One Rarotonga resident stocking up for the Christmas long weekend had wondered whether some Christmas supermarket specials might have given buyers more than they bargained for. "The specials for cartons of chicken were put on the floor all day so are they waiting for us to get food poisoning?" she asked.
Boom boom!
Saturday 2 January 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals
“The island is awash with vehicles emitting loud bass ‘boom boom’ radio sounds all recording 120 decibels and more,” complains a smoke signaller. “It’s a proven medical fact that 110 decibels listened to for more than a minute risks permanent hearing loss. It might be fun now but “listen up out there” because good hearing […]
'Unable to live at home'
Wednesday 18 November 2009 | Published in Smoke Signals
“On the TV news the other night, New Zealand consumers were reported to be getting hit harder and harder by rising food prices, some of the highest in the world,” a reader says. “If the Cooks buys almost all its food from New Zealand, what does it make our prices? Then compare our lower income […]
Nandi, a refreshing change
Monday 16 November 2009 | Published in Smoke Signals
Our MPs are notoriously well travelled, attending the most obscure and unjustified courses and talkfests the world over, and they take flak for it, but mostly they just arrogantly ignore the cries of ordinary people for feedback, justification, and accountability. CINews has tried several times to request a travel diary or itinerary of cabinet ministers, […]
Thursday 20: FAIR TAXI FARE?
Wednesday 26 August 2009 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I had a great meal in town the other day with a friend from overseas,” one of our readers writes. “We decided we did not want to wait for the next bus, an hour away, so asked the waitress to organise a taxi. ‘Could you tell me roughly how much it would be to go […]
Thursday 20: ADOPTION COSTS
Wednesday 26 August 2009 | Published in Smoke Signals
Great idea and very successful says one of our readers of the adopt-a-country programme for the netball champs. “Indeed the school visits were seen as highlight experiences for just about all the visiting teams. Just one downer in all of this…while a very limited number of t-shirts were sponsored, all the school children had to […]
Thursday 20: OCH AYE
Wednesday 26 August 2009 | Published in Smoke Signals
On the subject of the netballers, judging by the close-up shots in the filler snippets played on CITV, the Scottish lasses sure know how to swing their bums in time to the local drums!