Dear Editor, I write to salute and acknowledge the opinion article by Thomas Wynne in the Cook Islands News on 12 October 2024.

For the first time, my nephew Thomas has proven the right to earn Atiu warrior status. Thomas, I am pleased that you are working closely with NZ Member of Parliament Teanau Tuiono. We are all part of Ngati Paerangi, the warrior tribe of Mokoero, Atiu. We gained our Mataiapo Tutara title from our success in tribal warfares in ancient days. We as a tribe are not under any Ui Ariki, but we serve all our three Arikis with loyalty and respect.

Also read: Thomas Wynne: Time for a moratorium on travel?

What stood out in Mr Wynne’s article is about the 12 sitting days a year our Parliament sits, at 2 hours per sitting, compared to the hours, days, weeks, and months per year that the NZ Parliament sits. True, it is a gigantic developed state with 5 million people versus a micro developing state with about 20,000 people. But the principles are the same, we are an educated and well-informed society. To introduce voting in absentia by proxy votes of travelling MPs adds all time insult to injury! This is all happening under the leadership of PM Mark Brown and the CIP (Cook Islands Party). Once upon a time we led the Pacific, especially our close cousins Niue, in setting the best examples and precedents.   Now Niue is leaving us behind. 

We have now reached ground zero, PM Brown. This is blindingly shameful, neglectful and irresponsible. Our legal system is falling apart not because of the judicial and legal profession, but Government’s failure to pass new laws to change outdated laws. We are about 50 years behind New Zealand. In our time we managed to keep up with New Zealand. I list the following laws which require urgent changes, The Crimes Act 1969, Transport Act 1966, Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act 2004, Electoral Act 2004, Evidence Act, Criminal Procedures Act 1980-81, Judicature Act 1980-81 etc….

I volunteer with no pay to sit on a Select Committee to review and renew our statutes. Lawyers with experience should be considered. That includes former MPs. Like Tupou Faireka, Junior Maoate, Cassey Eggelton, and Selina Napa.

I cannot speak about fees for the lawyers and allowances for the ex-MPs. I don’t hold much chance of being selected as I never get invited to any government function, despite 31 years in Parliament. My reputation as a regular government critic and litigator, is like being surrounded by hungry alligators flashing their teeth each time I catch their eyes. 

Do I care? Do I miss it? Nah!

So PM Brown and the Cook Islands Party, the ball is in your court.

Yours sincerely,

Norman George

Lawyer and former MP