Smoke Signals
Compulsory reading
Monday 11 July 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
REGARDING THOMAS WYNNE’S article in Friday’s paper, I wonder if the PM or MPs or HOMs in all of their travels all over the world have ever had to eat a “wind burger.” It was a heart-wrenching article and all the Members of Parliament should be ashamed that it had to have been written.
Body tells the story
Friday 8 July 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“AFTER LISTENING TO an interview with Finance minister Mark Brown on radio and the question posed with regards to the body language displayed by the PM at Ui Ariki Day, I agree with William,” a smoke signaller says.
MP's self-assessment right on the nail
Wednesday 6 July 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“WHEN ALBERT NICHOLAS used the word ‘naïve’ to describe himself, I thought he couldn’t have said it better - and I couldn’t have agreed more,” a smoke signaller says. “And when he said ‘dabble,’ again he took the words right out of my mouth. A naive dabbler…that pretty much sums it up.”
Remarks about Bishop case 'disturbing'
Tuesday 5 July 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“I WAS REALLY petrified by Mark Brown’s nasty and disturbing remarks about Teina Bishop’s court case and Rose Brown’s political choice over the past two weeks,” a smoke signaller says.
Traditional functions encourage over-eating
Monday 4 July 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“IN KEEPING WITH native custom it was interesting to see the Ngatangiia paramount chief fly in for the event. In view of her concerns regarding overweight and diabetic Polynesians,” a smoke signaller says.
Burning questions about MP Albert Nicholas
Thursday 30 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
Burning questions about MP Albert Nicholas
An example for Puna to follow
Tuesday 28 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“IN THE UNITED Kingdom PM David Cameron announced his resignation when his referendum to stay with the European Union failed,” a smoke signaller says.
Quick return to Raro tells the real story
Monday 27 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
NO JOB THREAT in the caucus - is that right? Why did the PM cut his trip short? First time I’ve known the PM to do that.
Political crisis more like a political circus
Thursday 23 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“SOMEONE ON THE radio on Monday evening was saying the Cook Islands was in the midst of a political crisis,” a smoke signaller says. “We rather think he meant political circus, different clowns, same circus. Or should that be same trough, different snouts?”
More to poisoning case than meets the eye
Tuesday 21 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“IN THE CRICKET news on Monday of last week it said a number of players from one team were missing due to food poisoning,” a smoke signaller says.
Justice delayed is justice denied
Monday 20 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
IT’S NEARLY 18 months now since the Chief Justice found MP Mona Ioane guilty of electoral bribery.
Still no answers about guilty MP
Friday 17 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
It's nearly 18 months now since the Chief Justice found MP Mona Ioane guilty of electoral bribery. The recommendation then was for the police to complete their investigation and report back to the courts if possible criminal charges could be laid.
CAN SOMEONE please tell me what is so interesting about the BBC news?
Tuesday 14 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
And what was wrong with the One News? I was disappointed to turn the television on to watch the One News to see that the BBC News was on. Can the Cook Islands not afford to pay the One News to be broadcast? Come paa kotou!!
First session of parliament off to boring start
Friday 10 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
PARLIAMENT sure has got off to an unexciting start. In fact, the first day was downright boring and the second wasn’t any better.
Counting the cost of private schools
Thursday 9 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“SENDING our kids to a private school especially has become way too expensive these days,” a smoke signaller says.
Another view on Punanga Nui wall
Tuesday 7 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
After hearing the Punanga Nui vendors on radio being questioned on why they had the new wall built alongside the road, it is clear she meant well.
Hitch-hiking tourists travel on the cheap
Saturday 4 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“IF the Finance Minister is saying tourism will get a boost in the annual budget I am wondering why we are getting “cheap-as” tourists visiting our shores?” a smoke signaller says.
Move over John, James is coming
Friday 3 June 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“AFTER reading James Thomson’s letter in Thursday’s Cook Islands News, it seems to me that it would be nice if he took over the job of Clerk of Parliament from John Tangi,” a smoke signaller says.
One hazard leads to another
Monday 30 May 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
A NOTE and a photo from smoke signaller Kevin Cook:
Some questions about leaf-blowing MP
Friday 27 May 2016 | Published in Smoke Signals
“Can someone please explain to the public what right MP George Maggie has to be holding motorists up on their way to work at 8.00am and at 4.00pm and why he can’t do his ‘blow-waving’ at a more appropriate time of day?” a smoke signaller asks.