Opinion

Letter: ‘We need to hear the truth’

Dear Editor, Good on Minister Mokoroa for coming out straight and saying he wasn’t consulted on the Crypto Bill (‘I was not consulted’: Minister blindsided by crypto bill drafted by private firm, April 16, 2024).

‘Hard Talks’ explore empowerment for Cook Islands LGBTQ+ community

The empowering “Kai Vananga – Hard Talks” panel discussions, exploring empowerment for the Anuanua (LGBTQ+) community, were held yesterday at the Muri Beach Club Hotel in celebration of the Anuanua festival week.

Letter: Treat our Pa Metua with respect and dignity!

I am appalled and annoyed at the treatment, lack of respect and dignity towards our Pa metua who are applying for their NZ pension especially those living in the Pa Enua.

Letter: Questions cloud Cryptocurrency Bill

Dear Editor, Excellent reporting by 1News over the weekend and coverage by your paper (yesterday) on spy type crypto bill the CIP government is trying to pass in Parliament.

Opinion: Decriminalisation of same-sex relations in Cook Islands

Cook Islands decriminalised same-sex relations a year ago, following a long and arduous journey that began around 2010. Valery Wichman and Hilary Gorman examine the origins of the criminalisation and its impact on the Cook Islands Ānuanua community.

Letter: Future of netball at stake

I just found out at the weekend that the Rarotonga club netball season for grades below premier will run for one round.

Letter: Taxpayers already pay, why meters?

Dear Editor, According to Cook Islands News report (12th April, 2024), the consultant Dan Jackson has stated that our entire population is already paying for water through taxes. Indeed, to quote Mr. Jackson “… the reason domestic taxes are higher today is because part of them goes towards funding water services.”

Ruta Mave: Are we ready for the UN high chair?

The American president JF Kennedy said “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what can you do for your country.” Our Prime Minister’s motto appears to be “Ask every country you meet what can they do for our country”, writes Ruta Mave.

Virtues in Paradise: Finding strength through shared stories

One of the most life-changing, nurturing, and delightful women’s gatherings I’ve ever experienced occurred in Rarotonga on April 4th and 5th at The Edgewater Hotel. Piri’anga O’onu Women’s Empowerment Retreat (POWER!) featuring the divine, profane, and inspiring social media celebrity, Nicola “Nix” Adams, who shared her guiding virtues of CWK – Courage, Wisdom, and Knowledge, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Letter: CIFA credibility

As a parent of two young children playing soccer, I was appalled at what I saw on Facebook written by a CIFA staff by the name of Sammy Mataroa.

Letter: Brawl erupts in netball match

Dear Editor, Re: Ngatangiia versus Titikaveka premier grade incident involving players. Last weekend netball games started and what an exciting season it promises for all the clubs.

Thomas Wynne: Responding to my call home

Shaming others who can’t speak the language, who are trying to learn, by maligning them in person or online with cruel and crippling words like ‘plastic’ is wrong, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Kata: Water tariffs

Letter: Is UN seat worth the risk?

Dear Editor, We like to think that we march to the beat of our own drums when it comes to our lives but do we?

Kata: Water tariff

Letter: Don’t touch our New Zealand ties!

Dear Editor, I write with palpable gloom and deep concern about this subject matter (Referendum needed to decide UN membership, says Elikana, Cook Islands News, April 6). We need to sift through the issues carefully and be able to anticipate the full consequences.

Kata: Water tariff

Pet Talk: Making the difficult decision - when euthanasia is the right choice for your pet

For pet owners, the decision to euthanise a beloved companion animal is undoubtedly one of the most agonising choices they may face, writes Te Are Manu’s medical director Dr Rose Hasegawa.

Letter: ‘No to paying for my water’

Dear Editor, Well, aren’t we busy bees on this island coming up with all sorts of ideas and ways to make money. Way to go whoever you are that comes up with these brain waves and of course, always including the people in the decision making as you go. Now it’s water.

Kata: $1.3M charter boat