Opinion

Thomas Wynne: Preserving our Māori identity

An older brother is always an older brother, no matter where they live or in what country they reside, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Kata: TTV board

Letter: Vape law enforcement

This week you have reported on the Cook Islander jailed for months for smuggling cannabis into the Cook Islands. And you have reported that there is an ongoing investigation into the possibility that vapes are being offered on-line.

Letter: More storage

One of the justifications of the water upgrade was that 60-70 per cent of the water collected via the intakes was lost to leaks in the ring main. Can anyone on the island recall great fountains gushing out?

Letter: TTV ‘pleading corporate poverty’

Dear Editor, As chair of the To Tatou Vai Board of Directors, Brian Mason is in the habit of justifying water charges by pleading corporate poverty: “The implementation of the tariff will not be delayed because to do so would compromise the supply of water essential to all who live, reside and visit Rarotonga.” (Cook Islands News, 12 August 2024)

Letter: Ancient custom vs. western law

Dear Editor, The recent court case that declared Tangaroa was the rightful Tamatoa Ariki in Aitutaki has implications for the people (Tangaroa declared rightful Tamatoa Ariki after three-year legal battle, August 7,2024).

Kata: Stop Vaping

Kata: Pa Enua Council

Pet Talk: Desexing - key to controlling Rarotonga’s dog population

Desexing, or spaying and neutering, is a crucial practice in the management of dog populations, particularly in our island settings where resources are limited, and uncontrolled breeding can lead to serious problems, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Letter: ‘Focus on local issues, PM’

Dear Editor, PM Mark Brown has decided to visit New Caledonia to try and bring peace to the warring factions. Well, how about staying home and meet the petitioners for the soon to be introduced water tax and tariff charges.

Kata: TTV

Michael Tavioni: Water charges will ‘restrict our farmers’ ability to produce food’

I am prompted to write about water once more after hearing the Prime Minister referring to these issues again in his Constitution Day speech, writes Michael Tavioni BEM.

Letter: Atiu Harbour Project 1974-75

Dear Editor, Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the completion and opening of the Atiu Harbour by Sir Albert and Lady Henry in July 1975.

Ruta Mave: The reality of women’s leadership in the Cook Islands

We have come a long way from a women’s place being barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, writes Ruta Mave.

Kata: Paris Olympics

Thomas Wynne: Embracing protest and disagreement

In our ever-connected world, it’s easy to find ourselves nestled within the warm embrace of those who share our views, beliefs and convictions. This comfort, while reassuring, can also become a prison — a self-imposed echo chamber where dissenting voices are drowned out, shunned, even publicly ridiculed, and the richness of diverse perspectives is lost, Thomas Tarurongo Wynne writes.

Letter: Costume controversy

Dear Editor, It was interesting that Ministry of Cultural Development (MOCD) confirmed on CITV that Tupapa won first place for the drum dance costume as per the rules.

Kata: Maeva Nui 2024

Letter: ‘You’re missing the point, PM’

So the Prime Minister is now comparing the petition of 3400 signatures to tell his Government that his people are not happy with the water situation. How to belittle your own people.