Opinion

Virtues: A New Year change of heart

It’s only the first week of January, and already I have a confession to make about my New Year’s resolutions, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Kata: Security

Letter: Can seabed mining fund a better future?

Dear Editor, More detail is required on where the marine mining windfall money will be spent.

Pet Talk: Recognising the mental health of veterinary teams

The veterinary profession is one of deep compassion, requiring a blend of medical expertise, emotional resilience and a profound commitment to animal welfare, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Kata: US, Asia, EU sanctions

Letter: What are we celebrating?

Dear Editor, In January 2024, a year ago now, on a beach at Mauke, two older teenaged girls kicked and bashed a younger teenaged girl with intellectual disabilities, while the third girl (friend of the other two) filmed it and put it on the internet.

Kata: Maritime

Ruta Mave: Passport plan leaves Cook Islands vulnerable and isolated

Prime Minister Mark Brown’s passport proposal presents as more personal than from the people. He sounds like a spoilt teenager who has graduated from his ‘L’ plate to a full driver’s licence, declaring to his parents that he is all grown up now, and wants to be independent, writes Ruta Mave.

Letter: Leave the Blackrock Preschool where it is!

Dear Editor, Kia Orana. Why is CIIC (Cook Islands Investment Corporation) evicting Apii Potiki from their really fit for purpose premises where they have been for so long, and moving them to House #52 on the corner of the main road?

Letter: Focusing on ‘growth’ in 2025

Dear Editor Good on the Prime Minister for focusing on “growth” in 2025. May this writer humbly suggest that the government begins with truly aggressive growth in the number of vehicles on our uncrowded and under-utilised roads?

Kata: Santa in Cook Islands

Thomas Wynne: Leave the ancient mountain where it is

For this current government to potentially threaten our ability to hold a New Zealand passport is a concern not just to those at home but to all of us who hold this passport and have akapapa or genealogical ties back to our beautiful Ipukarea, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

TIS: Deep sea mining threatens our ocean and our way of life

Today’s article is contributed by Te Ipukarea Society president, and Ocean Ancestors advocate, June Hosking, currently living in Mauke.

Kata: Christmas feast

Kata: Cooks passport

Kata: Towel and sunscreen for Santa

Letter: Passport and stamp

Dear Editor, If the passport is primarily about identity, here’s an idea that avoids political and emotional upheaval: run a competition to design a new Cook Islands heritage immigration stamp.

Letter: Cultural and sports passport?

Dear Editor, Do we really need to be insulted any further? I am now sick and tired of Prime Minister Mark Brown’s continuous arrogance. (New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan, Cook Islands News, December 23, 2024)

PM Mark Brown’s Christmas message: A time for reflection and joy

Kia Orana tatou katoatoa e te iti tangata tapu na Te Atua.

Christmas message from Opposition leader Tina Browne: Unity and hope

Kia orana tatou katoatoa ite aroa rahi e te humaria o to tatou Atu. Koia i akatae mai ia tatou ki teia openga mataiti.