Editor's Picks
The best things in life are often right under our noses
28 November 2020
Avana coastal protection – it’s in the bag
28 November 2020
‘Agent Tetava’ at your service
28 November 2020
Finance ministry defends tender process
28 November 2020
Opinion
Avana coastal protection – it’s in the bag
Local environment group Te Ipukarea Society is trying to prevent the Avana lagoon claiming back what was taken. By Kelvin Passfield.
Two more Covid-19 fatalities in French Polynesia
French Polynesia has recorded another two deaths from Covid-19 over the past 24 hours.
OPINION ‘Corruption is never bold; it is always subtle’
We should never be silent when those in power abuse that power for their own benefit, writes Thomas Wynne.
LETTERS: Delaying debate on same-sex rights
"The government’s deferral of accepting same sex relationships will make them the laughing stock, so to speak, of the world."
OPINION: The case against PACER Plus - the regional free trade agreement
PACER Plus, the regional free trade agreement, will come into force next month. In this first of a three-article series, Adam Wolfenden of Trade Justice Campaigner for the Pacific Network on Globalisation writes about the case against this trade deal.
LETTER: What are the effects of water treatment on Rarotonga's streams?
"Freshwater streams are not used as drain for water treatment residuals in New Zealand - or in Australia. There is no scientific research on the long-term effects of PACl waste on stream life."
LETTER: Landowner concerns with water treatment
"The landowners who do not oppose government were invited. As an intake landowner, and Takau Rangatira, I was not notified. I was not invited to witness chemicals being added."
OPINION: A move towards safer pesticide alternatives
Ministry of Agriculture’s director of crop research William Wigmore describes the country’s collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and efforts to improve food safety in the country.
The story of MV Taunga Nui
The MV Taunga Nui - owned by Cook Islands General Transport - will arrive in Rarotonga on Thursday after a two-week long delivery voyage from Australia. Derek Fox writes about the vessel and its planned role to support projects in the Pa Enua.
Recognising excellence within the tourism industry
In a year marred by Covid-19, the biennial tourism awards next month will be something for the industry members to celebrate for.
OPINION: Anger from fear and worry
People attack rather than embrace, and they end up with miscommunication and distrust, writes People attack rather than embrace, and they end up with miscommunication and distrust. By Ruta Tangiiau Mavé.
LETTER: Treatment of Rarotonga’s water supply
"Ozone is far more powerful than chlorine and there is no residual foul taste, and while I am certain the authorities would have considered it, it would have been ruled out for no other reason that it would require the electrification of all ten intakes and the impact of that cost on what was already an embarrassment would have been untenable."
OPINION: The perils of political appointments
Political appointments damage not only the integrity of our democracy but also the integrity of whichever Ministry they work in, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.
OPINION: Pictures that speak for themselves
Photography can make a big impact in many ways. Just one photo can expose environmental problems like nothing else, writes Kate McKessar of Te Ipukarea Society.
LETTER: Treating drinking water using ozone
"We have the unique opportunity of not only getting into the 20th century but also the 21st century by using ozone to treat our water"
LETTER: Te Mato Vai - Dealing with ‘shoddy’ pipework
"So tragic and so avoidable ... a water system, especially in a climate where winter frost protection isn’t a problem, is a simple thing. With materials meeting the standards of Canada, the USA, etc., a domestic water distribution system should require little to no significant maintenance for 50 years or more."
OPINION: The true cost of time theft in the public sector
Ordinary staff members are not the only ones that steal time, some heads of ministries are taking longer than normal lunch breaks and morning and afternoon tea breaks. By Te Tuhi Kelly.
Letter: Independence and integrity of Government institutions
"The rental of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance’s private property to the Chamber of Commerce in Tutakimoa borders on a potential and/or direct conflict of interest clouded under the guise of Covid-19 assistance to the community."
Opinion: Art for art’s sake
"Sitting watching Tereora school prize giving, is a far cry from the formal staid prizegiving I attended in Auckland last year for my daughter," writes Ruta Tangiiau Mavé.
Letter: ‘Set the record straight’
The transparent and accountable process which the late prime minister and minister of Police Jim Marurai insisted be used to select a new Police Commissioner should set an example for the government, writes Opposition MP William Heather.
Tanga’eo takes the manu crown in Te Ipukarea Society's Bird of the Year competition
These past two weeks has had everyone in a flap, as Cook Islanders flocked to the online polls to vote for our first ever Bird of the Year Cook Islands competition. Kate McKessar explains.
OPINION: The health vs wealth trade-off
As a potential travel bubble is in the works, Thomas Tarurongo Wynne examines the benefits and consequences of opening the border to tourists.
