Opinion

Unlocking doors to Cook Islands’ UN membership

The United States’ intention to establish diplomatic ties and recognise the Cook Islands as a sovereign state will open doors to United Nations membership, writes Rarotonga writer and historian Howard Henry.

What the story of Mātini teaches

Twenty-five years ago, Cyclone Martin hit Manihiki. Rachel Reeves, the author of ‘Mātini: The story of Cyclone Martin’ writes about why we should remember.

LETTER: Access to proper water system

Dear Editor, Further to the letter to the editor (Where’s the promised potable water? Cook Islands News 20/10/22), regarding all that incredible waste of taxpayers’ money on the ongoing Te Mato Vai/To Tatou Vai fiasco – both local taxpayers’ contribution as well as from our generous New Zealand cousins – and nothing to show for it!

CHURCH TALK: The family is ordained of God

I am grateful for the opportunities we have to learn more about our Saviour Jesus Christ, his gospel, and how we can actively participate in the work of salvation and exaltation both for ourselves and our families, writes Tamatoa Jonassen of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

LETTER: ‘Christianity’ and homosexuality

Dear Editor, Kia Orana in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. My topic to share to the people of the Cook Islands this week. “Auraka E Tau’ati I Taku Ipukarea - Rape not my paradise Cook Islands.” 1. Mr Editor my bible says – “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverb 14:34 2. God hates sin but he loves man to come to repentance because God got no respect for any person. 3. Repentance is the most appropriate situation for any person who hates God and Christianity

Where’s the promised potable water?

Dear Editor, So, the Government has walked away from legal claims against the Te Mato Vai contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (“CCECC”) for substandard work.

The name Avaiki Nui

Dear Editor, God save us from another insecure Cook Islander born overseas (Te Kaveinga ki ‘Avaiki Nui, Oct 18) who needs to remind us who live here how useless we are.

Te Kaveinga ki ʻAvaiki Nui

Many people, places and items continue to sail through life comfortably with two or more names, with some names taking prominence over others depending on the time and context. The question is, could we also sail our nation under two different names? By Liam Kokaua.

Ruta Mave: Homecoming

I did not feel welcomed as similar, related or one people growing up in South Auckland. We were referred to as coons, bunga’s or coconuts by others including Maori and we in reply called them hori’s and kumara’s. Maybe Minister Nanaia Mahuta is right, the mana of the Cook Islands has matured. We hope it has for them too.

Sea sponges as an organic industry

Much of the world we live in today is made of plastic. This western influenced product that we have come to rely so heavily on is the polar opposite of our traditional organic rito crafts and raurau plates that naturally break down over time.

LETTER: ‘I don’t want to die’

Dear Editor, I did break the law, yes, I did deserve to go to jail, and when I got sentenced my lawyer put to Crown Law, all my medical records stating my condition and asking for my sentence to be reduced, and Crown Law said no, and that Corrections can cater for me and look after people in my condition.

Kata: Education summit

Kata: Prison facility

LETTER: Prison abuse allegations dismissed

Dear Editor, I wish to respond to recent allegations levelled against the corrections department by a current inmate who is on medical referral in New Zealand.

‘Hat off for focusing on the plight of this poor man’

Dear Editor, Too frequently we read and hear about the egregious behaviour meted out by the Crown, or its servants but, consistent with those in positions to do something about it, nothing happens, and the perpetrators continue their merry way, abusing the rule of law with impunity.

PET TALK: ‘There is a far better way, the animals could have been desexed’

They weren’t sure where the noise was coming from, or what it was. High pitched and loud, yes, but not something they could place. It wasn’t a mechanical noise, something alive was definitely responsible. Dr Michael Baer of Te Are Manu Veterinary Clinic reports.

RUTA MAVE: ‘We ask others what we as nation are not prepared to do ourselves’

We may be small and unremarkable but we know how to punch it out to the big guns to stand up and call the large nations of the world to attention, to take heed and stock of themselves and look at us small minions.

Letter: Time to review our legal system

Dear Editor, I write in support of the plight of inmate Teina Simiona Ataera and his young family (‘They put me in this situation’: Authorities mum on claims of inhumane treatment at prison, Cook Islands News, October 7).

Plastic waste is growing at an unhealthy rate

In efforts to smash out plastic waste, Te Ipukarea Society partnered up with Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) to run a month-long “Plastic Battle competition”.

Kata: Cook Islands Games