Opinion

Michael Tavioni: Proposed water charges: A betrayal of the people?

Water is one of the most essential resources we have, required by everyone in order to stay alive. This present Cook Islands Coalition Government thinks that it is their right to charge for water to those who elected them into office, writes Michael Tavioni BEM.

Letter: National flag proposal draws ire

Dear Editor, Re the opinion article on rethinking of the national flag, by Thomas Wynne on 13.7.24.

Kata: Health police

Letter: Accountability, trust in public administration

Dear Editor, Public administration plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of both public servants and the broader community, ensuring trust in the management and delivery of state services.

Ruta Mave: Water tariff public consultations a tick-box exercise?

The Rarotongan public has short memories because they are once again attending these meetings as with other government led consultations with a false expectation of being listened to, writes Ruta Mave.

Kata: Long term rental

Thomas Wynne: Rethinking the national flag for the future

As our 60th anniversary approaches next year as a self-governing country, flags serve as powerful emblems of nationalism and identity. They represent a nation’s values, history and aspirations, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

KATA: PAC Chair

Kata: Health conference

Letter: TTV’s response ‘holds no water’

Dear Editor, The register of stakeholders who participated in April 2024 water tariff meetings includes Te Aponga Uira and Vodafone (Cook Islands organics group challenges incoming water tariffs, calls for meeting, July 10).

Kata: ECNALUBMA

Letter: Stationing ambulances strategically can save lives

Dear Editor, Here’s my comment on “Emergency response time questioned” and Secretary of Health Bob Williams’ reply.

Kata: African Swine Fever

Letter: Emergency response time questioned

Dear Editor, I am an American staying at Te Manava Resort, and was involved with the lifesaving efforts made to help the man who unfortunately passed away at Pacific Resort on Sunday morning (Underlying conditions may have contributed to tourist drowning, Cook Islands News, July 2). Here is my perspective.

Kata: $$$Police

Ruta Mave: ‘When we don’t receive, we feel deceived’

We believe that after they are voted in, we will receive. When we don’t receive, we feel deceived, writes Ruta Mave.

Letter: PM Brown’s departure tax proposal

Dear Editor, I have to say, when I first read Prime Minister Mark Brown offer departure tax as a possible solution to pay for water (PM: Free water for households, June 22, Cook Islands News), because it was linked more directly towards visitors, who are responsible for the extra water consumption, I was more than a little flabbergasted.

Kata: Crash

Thomas Wynne: Tu Tangata: Our identity

As a country, and as Iti Tangata, this week is significant as it heralds two very important events. These events capture the essence and Tu tangata of who we are as a people, who we were, who we want to maintain, and who we hope to become in the future, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.