Opinion

Letter: Raro becoming ‘concrete paradise’

Dear Editor, It’s got to be a joke. “CIIC” and “tree rehabilitation” (Oct 21st Cook Islands News article) in the same sentence? That’s two polar opposites. We don’t care about vehicular traffic, just don’t cut the trees, please.

Kata: Volunteer firefighters

Michael Tavioni: Leave our New Zealand passport alone

There are countries in the world where governments always ask their citizens’ opinion on any major issue before enacting legislation. In these countries, the government will only proceed if the public approves, writes Mitaera Ngatae Teatuakaro Michael Tavioni BEM.

Letter: Call for sustainable waste disposal

Dear Editor, With the climate change COP-29 coming up, I think it is timely to consider what Pacific Small Island Developing States (“SIDS”) can do to help reduce impacts of greenhouse gases. It is also relevant to talk about disposal of plastic wastes, because the 5th International Negotiating Committee for the new global Plastics Treaty will take place next month.

Ruta Mave: Proposed Cook Islands passport and water woes

My nana used to say people got a brown arm from their elbow down from s#*t stirring, and dangerous expert ones were brown up to their armpits, Ruta Mave writes.

Letter: Prioritise people over passport

Dear Editor, Re-Cook Island Passport. Unwanted, full stop. I’m a proud Cook Islander and have a full understanding of the meaning of being a New Zealand citizen. What a privilege.

Kata: Chooks corner

Te Ipukarea Society: Dedicated conservation efforts boost Kākerōri population

The Rarotongan Fly-Catcher, locally known as the Kākerōri, has had quite the history. It was once recognised as one of the 10 rarest birds in the world with 29 individuals recorded in 1989. Rats feasting on Kārerōri nests were the number one threat to the Kākerōri.

Thomas Wynne: The debate over Cook Islands passport

Our identity as Māori is attached to our akapapa and our akapapa is attached to land. Land, that has over time become more fragmented, smaller and occupied by often vacant land owners, but this is not about land tenure and absentee landowners, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Kata: Tourism consultation

Kata: TMO Mammogram

Kata: Minister Mac

Letter: Proposed Cook Islands passport

Dear Editor, The discussion around the introduction of a Cook Islands passport versus retaining the New Zealand passport touches on key issues related to identity, practicality, and global mobility.

Kata: TTV

Kata: Immigration and Customs

Letter: 53rd AGM of the Are Ariki

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the article published on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, titled “PM Proposes Cook Islands Passport at the Ariki Meeting”.

Letter: A plea for a warmer welcome

Dear Editor, I am a small accommodation business operator, and I feel compelled to write in response to a wave of recent complaints from guests.

Kata: Covid variant

Letter: NGOs: We’re the real Davids

Dear Editor, In response to the anonymous letter from “Get Real” (Cook Islands News, October 10), and the suggestion that the NGOs are the Goliath in this seabed mining scenario, this is frankly ridiculous.

Kata: CI Games