Smoke Signals
Prison warden pay unlikely to attract top people
Monday 20 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
News that the Justice ministry is planning to pay new prison warden recruits even less than previously doesn’t bode well for any positive changes within the prison system, another smoke signaller says. “People who are underpaid, are far less likely to do a good job than those who are paid well and fairly. Commissioner of Police please take note.”
Legwork needed
Wednesday 15 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Regarding the article in CI News about an abandoned car on the main road at Tupapa, police said they failed to reach the relatives of the car owner on number provided,” a smoke signaller says. “This is a small island, so why didn’t they just go and look for that person. Problem solved. I just hate all the silly comments they make in the newspaper.”
McCully's on the move
Tuesday 14 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
Outgoing New Zealand Foreign minister Murray McCully is cramming plenty of travel into his final few months in his long-held position.
Road widening provisions?
Monday 13 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
The seemingly well-laid plans to mount Mike Tavioni’s sculpture at the RSA cemetery may not have considered that, sooner or later, our main road legal width of 10.06 metres must be increased.
'We'd sooner listen to mock parliament'
Friday 10 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
“This week the newspapers and radio announced a mock government for the purpose of women getting a look at how to sit in parliament and as practice to encourage more women to go for careers in politics,” a smoke signaller says.
Mangaia's medical storm
Wednesday 8 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
A “perfect storm” refers to a rare combination of events leading to a tragedy.
Public servants take the cheap way out…
Tuesday 7 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I was at the airport last Friday night to see a relative off and noted the Financial Secretary and Cultural Development secretary checking in at the Virgin Australia counter,” a smoke signaller says.
Women could teach our leader a thing or two about parliament
Monday 6 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
The women’s conference to be held at Parliament later this week, ought to consider extending an invitation to PM Henry Puna, a smoke signaler says.
Same problems and lack of real solutions
Monday 6 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
Complaints about speeding vehicles and bikes, the disregard for road rules and just plain idiotic behaviour on the part of drivers is unlikely to be addressed anytime soon, a smoke signaler reckons.
Write a cheque and let them get going
Thursday 2 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
The failure of government to distribute $500,000 in cash money, sitting in the bank for the benefit of inter-island shipping is astonishing.
Sponsor's jersey cover-up more than a bit embarrassing
Wednesday 1 March 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
“What’s with the cover-up of SuperBrown, the sponsor’s jersey by the Avatiu Eels Premier’s team during last weekend’s grudge match, a smoke signaller wants to know.
Strategic plan for filling potholes must be next on the list
Tuesday 28 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
It was interesting reading that Infrastructure Cook Islands has spent the last year working so hard on a strategic plan for the future.
One (or more) bad apple
Tuesday 28 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
A smoke signaller says that over the weekend he was overcome with a temptation that he reckons even Adam and Eve could not have resisted.
Good pressure? Or luck with rains
Thursday 23 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
Well … just how transparent could the promoters of the $30 million dollar phase one of Te Mato Vai be, but to turn on the new pipes after heavy rain to show us how much pressure we now have?
Smoke signal about banks makes a difference
Tuesday 21 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
Thanks to the person who put a smoke signal in CI News last week highlighting the need for more tellers in our local banks.
Voluntary departure rule used previously
Monday 20 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
REGARDING the option Immigration has given Mark Franklin to leave the country voluntarily, wasn’t there a recent case of the footballer from another Pacific country who was also given the option to ‘voluntarily’ leave the country after claims he allegedly acted in an overly hostile way to a young man?
Bank fees take hour's wage
Friday 17 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
“After withdrawing money from the BSP ATM with my ANZ ATM card because the ANZ machine in Muri doesn’t work,
Courthouse steps never-ending job
Thursday 16 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
The never-ending saga of the courthouse steps never seems to end, a smoke signaller says.
Less haste please!
Wednesday 15 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
“To the lady I spotted driving through Tupapa on Monday morning, please slow down,” a smoke signaller says.
Man on mission – for himself
Monday 13 February 2017 | Published in Smoke Signals
The Prime Minister promised political reform after getting into power. Now after more than five years there’s absolutely nothing to show for it, except broken promises.