Opinion

Kata: International Law

Letter: Leave us alone already

Dear Editor, A large majority of Cook Islanders favour legalising medicinal cannabis, as of 2022, 64 per cent of the formal votes cast in the last election support legislation.

Kata: Cannabis

Pet Talk: ‘Don’t eat reef fish, or feed it to your pets’

Ciguatera poisoning, or as we know it, fish poisoning, occurs all over the world in animals and people. We can’t cure it in animals, all we can do is make them comfortable, writes Dr Michael Baer, Te Are Manu Vet Clinic medical director.

Letter: New Vaimaanga development

I refer to the letter regarding public concerns over the ring road (more of a horseshoe road really) which is being promoted as part of the development of the old Sheraton site.

Letter: Noisy motorbikes a menace

Dear Editor, It was with great delight that I read in Monday’s Cook Islands News (2/10/23), that there are at least two other persons on Rarotonga who share my frustration at the number of “noisy and illegal” motorbikes yahooing around various parts of Rarotonga.

Letter: Why fix something that isn’t broken?

Dear Editor, Please can somebody tell me, why we are fixing something at a huge expense, that isn’t broken?

Kata: Crown Minister

Ruth Mave: Take every opportunity, who knows where it will lead

Wood Allen said 80 per cent of success is turning up.

Letter: ‘Sky high’ air ticket prices

The letter writer Kuki Airani, Starlink Users, thinks that Air New Zealand ticket prices from Auckland to Rarotonga are justified on the grounds that they need to make a profit.

Letter: Their vehicles are not only illegal, but just plain awful

Mr Editor, A recent reader's comment about a motorcyclist driving constantly through the middle of Avarua town requires some support.

Virtues in Paradise: The Virtues effect – Making a difference

I have a friend who makes a profound difference in my life. She’s one of my greatest blessings. I’ve been reflecting on what it is about her that causes me to leave her presence more hopeful, happy, and confident -- ready to tackle life with fresh optimism, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Te Maeva Nui NZ: A showcase and celebration of our uniqueness

More than 1400 performers participated in the world’s largest Cook Islands event in Auckland this weekend as tens of thousands made their way through the gates of the Trust Arena to celebrate who we are, our culture, our Reo and each other, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Kata: Cook Islands Law

Kata: Data

Letter: ‘Zero’ public consultation

Dear Editor, In this paper on 20-5-23, the Ministry of Health Secretary Bob Williams said, “It is essential that public consultation is undertaken to allow for medicinal cannabis to be imported, prescribed and produced in the Cook Islands”.

Kata: Request for Data

What about the poor turtles?

I hear Tourism Cook Island is embarking on another round of safety guidelines and regulation for turtle tour operators at Avaavaroa.

Kata: Meeting Mr President

Letter: Pacific Islands Forum

If it’s costing only $NZ 150,000 for Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting in Rarotonga in November,  then, that’s cheap. Any leaders meeting anywhere tends to hit the million mark these days because they are such bourgeois affairs. Rajend Naidu