Opinion

Letter: Democracy in action!

Dear Editor, Kia Orana. Once upon a time, democratic principles meant that the people told their elected Members of Parliament what they wanted and this actually worked. Recently the “people” presented a petition to Parliament, signed by many individuals, telling the Government that they do not wish to see the imposition of water meters and charges … Simple! Democracy in action!

Kata: Water tarrifs

Letter: Bring back real competition!

Dear Editor, Re: Aug 7th 2024 article, pg 3, Te Maeva Nui prize awards night.

Kata: Vape

Ruta Mave: A costly leak in government trust

Government’s inadequacy to collect and store water is costing shareholders millions in lost returns, but these costs are now being passed on to them as water tax. Are we paying for infrastructure or directors $100,000 plus salaries? Ruta Mave writes.

Letter: Anyone in the office?

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.

Kata: Maire Nui

Thomas Wynne: Celebrating our heritage

Nothing is more important to identity and a sense of who one is than being able to celebrate who you are, what you are, and your special place in the world, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Virtues in Paradise: Virtues are our superpowers

There is a silver thread of unity amongst all faiths and cultures that is the foundation of our beliefs and the key to our wellbeing.

Kata: Monitor vapers

Kata: Water free allocation

Kata: Warm up beat

Pet Talk: Recognising pain in pets and livestock

Pain in animals, whether pets like cats and dogs or livestock, can be challenging to identify, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Kata: Water petition

Michael Tavioni: Why are you trying to put a tax on water?

I feel the need to continue addressing the issue of government charging tax on water, especially on the local people and the food producers of Rarotonga, writes Michael Tavioni BEM.

Ruta Mave: Is banning vapes and raising smoking age enough?

Is the imminent total ban on vaping for locals in the Cook Islands on the first of August a little like our health ministry jumping out of the pot and into the fire? Ruta Mave writes.

Kata: Seafloor

Kata: NCD