Dear Editor, Has anyone tried to get hold of Internal Affairs lately? The office is there to serve the public but I think they have forgotten that.

Their phone is rarely answered (during normal work hours); one usually has to ring about five times (that is ring, ring, ring … about 10 rings then hang up each time and then start again!) Some days you never get an answer. One wonders what they are all doing? Eating an all-day lunch, or having prayer meetings? Staff meetings perhaps?

Begs the question then – why don’t they have a receptionist since the rest of the crew are always away from the phone? Could it be their office is so old and dirty that staff morale is low and they don’t want to work? Spruce up your office people so you can spruce up your minds! Maybe the PM’s office could give some of its interior decorating money to them so we locals don’t have to look at their disgusting offices.

Papa’a visitors aren’t the only ones who deserve nice offices to walk into. Look after your own people first, Cook Islands Government.

Feeling like a local yokel.

(Name and address supplied)

Reply – Sorry to hear of your experience.

We have a PABX system where our phone lines have a hopping line system. The phones are managed by our corporate unit and are never left unattended even when we are having daily devotion and briefing or eating our yummy lunches. However, due to your bad experience – we will arrange a testing of our lines.

Sorry about the external looks of our office. It’s a historical building and we think she has a character. As you allude, the budget only goes so far! We’ve chosen to prioritise the internal workspaces to ensure comfort for our staff and customers and to boost engagement and performance.

We invite you to come inside our office where you will find a pleasant and welcoming environment and be served by some of the friendliest and happiest staff in the service who are well aware for whom they toil.

Meitaki Nui!

Anne Herman, Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs.