February 5 2010
The Vaima'anga hotel project rears its ugly head again? I can't think of a worse place on Raro to build a resort than this site! Etene.

February 4 2010
I guess I missed the point on Dr Jonassen. I said he was qualified Tony, and that's not "garbage". I thought the term in Raro is "rubbish". Don't be bitter folks, it's only an opinion. Aroha. Papa Ruau.

February 4 2010
I recently went to Rarotonga for a week's vacation (Nov 2009). I had been there 40 years prior and I must say that the Maori people and the Cook Islands are still very special! You are so kind and so friendly. It was great to again see your skilled drummers and dancers perform. And I had the best puaka (pig) dinner I've had in 40 years! There's nothing like it in the USA. Thanks for being true to the Maori ways! I have a free website about welding. You're welcome to visit it and learn a trade that is likely not taught there. There is nothing for sale and no costs of any kind. I offer you this as a thanks for the great times you have provided for me! It's at http://www.arc-welding-and-beyond.com . Kia manuia and meitaki maata! Jess Johnston.

February 4 2010
It is very interesting reading all the comments about the position of Secretary of Foreign Affairs. I totally agree that Professor Jonassen would have been an ideal person for the position as he has contributed so much to our small country and he has my utmost respect. The same could be said of Mr Gosselin, he has also contributed to our country. If I can remember correctly, both worked together in the same Ministry some years ago. Comments such as 'well educated Cook Islanders' living overseas, or 'foreigners' etc make interesting reading yet very sad at the same time as we who are educated, choose, amongst other reasons, 'greener pastures' over our desire to serve our country and when we do go back home, we expect salaries/wages equivalent if not more than what we have been receiving either in New Zealand or Australia. Futhermore, the very foreigners we refer to are the ones who have remained behind on our shores while we all migrated to other countries. Yes, we all love our country and want the best for our people. The least we can do is support those who have been successful in their applications, not criticise them for whatever reasons we may have. Dora Poiri.

February 4 2010
In reference to the comment made that Dr Jon Jonassen is the ideal person for the Ministry of Culture is that to suggest he is not suitable for the Foreign Affairs position? Dr Jon Jonassen has a Masters and Doctorate which focussed on Foreign Affairs management (thesis is available at University of Hawaii). Some of Dr Jonassen's job experience includes being the Cook Island High Commisioner in Wellington, Director of Programs and acting Secretary-General for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (which involved running programs for 27 Pacific countries) and he is currently a full Professor of Political Science in Hawaii. I should also mention Dr Jon Jonassen was the first Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs, he helped establish the Ministry. So don't fault him for being multi-talented! In any case you are missing the point, the fact is a non-Cook Islander was hired over a qualified Cook Islander. It would have been okay to hire Mr Gosselin if there were no Cook Islanders qualified for the position. The Government talks about wanting Cook Islanders to return home. What is the point if jobs are by political appointments not based on qualifications and experience? And what is the point of local Cook Islanders seeking higher education and job experience overseas? Tumeke.

February 4 2010
Jon Jonassen would make an excellent HOM for culture but I would not pick him for foreign affairs or High Commissioner to NZ. The person I feel who has the right credentials to be High Commissioner is John Tangi. Tongia, definitely not! Etene.

February 3 2010
If that's the case, then Jon Jonassen would be the ideal person to run the Ministry of Culture.

February 2 2010
Kia orana. I am Johnny from Radio New Zealand International and am trying to source a Wellington-based Cook Islander or otherwise with access to Cook Islands traditional drums which we would like, if possible, to record for use on our broadcasts. Can anyone forward me contact details for such a person or group in the Wellington area who may be able to help and doesn't mind a couple of us coming by in the next day or two to record some traditional beats. Thanks, Johnny. 021 2346286 04-4741439 (if I'm not there, please ask for Linden) blades.johnny@gmail.com

February 2 2010
Papa Ruau, you're talking garbage. If you can't offer a constructive argument on this forum, don't bother posting at all. Tony.

February 2 2010
I was surprised at Papa Ruau's comments. Obviously he does not know much about Dr Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen who returns to the Cook Islands every year for some three months and often participates in community projects and activities. His annual political review reports about the country have been available online for many years. I understand from news and Cook Islands TV reports that he recently even did a couple of drumming workshops with the Ministry of Education and was in Rarotonga for most of last year. I have read many of Dr Jonassen's Cook Islands books and poetry, and listened to many of his songs, so I know that he loves his Cook Islands homeland. His songs Mou Piri and Mamaeata are wonderful examples of his contributions to our music. It has brought joy to many. If he wants to return home then he should be encouraged to do so and not discouraged instead. The Government should live by its continuous pleads for its people working overseas to return home. I do not know why Professor Jonassen is (would be?) leaving a high paying job in Hawaii for the Cook Islands. If I were him I wouldn't. So it is obvious that he is not returning home for the money. And Papa Ruau, why would not the local folks accept Dr Jonassen back home? Isn't he related to most locals on Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Palmerston? If you read his book on Maori names, you will know more about his back ground and commitment to the Cook Islands and the fact that he even has many family in all of the islands.

February 2 2010
Dr Jon Jonassen is well known internationally and at home. The job is an international role foreign affairs not internal affairs. I live in Raro and see him all the time. His wife Aunty Diya is still on the island. He is related to pretty much everyone in Raro so of course he is accepted. He can come and eat at my house any time. He was the most qualified of the top three and would have really helped us out. Government hire qualified Cook Islands Maori in top jobs. Give us youth the vision you talk about. We should be your future leaders. kukigurl682@yahoo.com.

February 2 2010
Papa Ruau, you don't know what you are talking about. Dr Jon Jonassen returns home to the Cook Islands every year. I see him so I know. He spent over seven months in Raro last year. He has contributed so much to the Cook Islands, his home. Most importantly, he is a Cook Islands Maori. You definitely are not local because we all know him back home. He is born and bred Cook Islands Maori and no matter what will always be accepted. Stop putting down our qualified Cook Islands people. It's not the Cook Islands way. Maire.

February 1 2010
Why would Jon Jonassen want to return to Raro when he has a well paid job in Hawaii? He could retire in Raro when he reaches the retirement age. Qualified, yes. He has been away too long and local folks probably won't accept him at the moment. equator880@yahoo.com Papa Ruau.

February 1 2010
Jim Gosselin - Foreign Affairs position filled. Next appointment will be Mike Mitchell as the Cook Islands High Commissioner. Thank you Wilkie Rasmussen. Saku.

January 31 2010
Nuti purapura! Cook Islands Government now looking for people to fill CEO roles and other high ranking positions. No qualifications required, but you must be white, and no older than 100. Cook Islanders need not apply (you've got no chance so don't bother). Etene.

January 31 2010
No disrespect to Jim as he is married to a Cook Islander and has been living in the Cook Islands for over 20 years, but it certainly appears to be the case that one has to be a papa'a to get a top government position in Rarotonga. Cook Islanders educated overseas appear to be of no worth to those mongrels in Government. Jon Jonassen, for goodness' sake, a Professor of Politics in Hawaii and a former Secretary in Government, is unfortunately not good enough for them. What would it take a Cook Islander to be to succeed in being appointed to one of those positions in Government? A rocket scientist perhaps? No wonder so many of our people leave the country and don't bother returning. Good luck to the next applicant. Tony.

January 31 2010
Congratulations to Jim Gosselin, a Canadian, for being selected as Secretary of Foreign Affairs rather than Jon Jonassen, a Cook Islander. For any Cook Islanders overseas planning on returning to the Cook Islands to work, consider these questions: Are you a foreigner? And are you related to a politician? If yes, you are guaranteed a great job. The Cook Islands does not need educated and qualified Cook Islanders to return home. Perhaps it would be a great idea to replace every politician with foreigners. Jane.

January 31 2010
Megan, you are always welcome to visit the Cook Islands. Obviously, your group wishes to perform your ukelele orchestra sometime in July or August. Possibly best to book in one of the smaller entertainment venues to demonstrate what you have. I loved your most recent video. It seems an excellent contemporary way of using the instrument mixed with different types of songs etc. You or your group might convince the locals that the ukelele may be used in a wide variety of ways, and not always in the customary way it is generally used by the Cookies. Jones.

January 31 2010
Here we go again, the Stooges are it again, the know-it-all guys who seem to enjoy the limelight. How about all of you Stooges get a broom each and sweep the leaves around your yard, then all of you get together and discuss your garbage among yourselves. Just tired of nonsense, okay? Marama.

January 30 2010
Ben T, I know it's hard for you to accept that your party the demo(nic) party are disintegrating at the seams but I call it as I see it! My feeling is that neither the Demo or CIP are capable of governing our nation into the future. It's time for a fresh approach. Etene.

January 30 2010
The Sheraton's where it's always been - nowhere! Geoffrey Henry's Folly remains a ghost resort - beaten, stripped, decrepit. Numerous developers with grandiose ideas have come and gone trailing promises behind them. Forget it mate, it's never going to happen. Milo.

January 30 2010
Can anyone tell me whatever happened to the old Sheraton Resort that sat uncompleted for so long? I thought they had plans to finish the development. Thanks. Colin.

January 29 2010
What a thoughtful, intelligent fellow Etene is. His grasp of local politics and unerring ability to solve problems surely makes him a candidate for Prime Minister. Come on, Etene, step up now at the next election! You could form the the CICP (Cook Islands Cretins Party). Ben T.

January 29 2010
The head cop was good but can't say much for the head of Tourism. All I can say is good riddance and hopefully the idiots in Government will have the balls to replace them with locals. Etene.

January 29 2010
Kia orana, I have been looking for Pepe and the Rarotongans music. If anyone has it I would like to buy a copy. It would be much appreciated. E-mail: kaveka62@yahoo.com.au

January 26 2010
Kia orana, I seek some advice about bringing over a group of musicians from Aotearoa to Rarotonga this coming July/August. A few years ago, I came to see Te Maeva Nui. What an incredible event! I belong to a music group in Aotearoa called The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra which interprets modern songs and plays them on the ukulele. We are mostly papa'a. We are thinking about coming to Rarotonga, engaging local people and musicians in a modern culture that we are helping to generate for the ukulele. As I understand it every year there is a delegation from New Zealand for Te Maeva Nui? Kapa Haka as well as some contemporary offerings. I was wondering if it would be appropriate to try and come over at this time or whether it would be better to come before/after Te Maeva Nui so that we are not competing with the event (or worse still - trying to fit in!). If anyone can shed light on this for me or has some contacts that might be useful, that would be gratefully received. Kia manuia. Megan Hosking megan@alto.net.nz (Abbrev.)

January 25 2010
They are probably sick of the Cook Islands shonky politics that doesn't have anything for them to invest in our country.

January 20 2010
Because he's a local, with strong family ties and connections! The Pacific-way with island politics? Rongo.

January 20 2010
You're right about Tasker, Rongo, but the tourism chief says he definitely is not retiring and it looks as though the big cheeses on the Tourism Board didn't want him any more. Why doesn't it happen with the guy running finance though? Ben T.

January 19 2010
Ben, I think you'll find that the former Commissioner of Police only wanted a two-year term, enough time to implement the necessary changes, before handing over to a local CoP. Can't comment about the head of tourism, but he may have had other reasons for his departure, not necessarily related to tenure. Ka kite. Rongo.

January 19 2010
It makes you want to weep, doesn't it? Just when we had a crash-hot papa'a chief of police he resigns after a year and goes back to New Zealand. Now, when we had a crash-hot head of tourism (another papa'a) who has enjoyed great success with the largest number of tourists last year, he's resigned to go back to Australia. Why can't we keep these people? Is there some kind of conspiracy going on to drive them away? Ben T.

January 19 2010
Facts, the earliest record of Christian practices was (CE)155 when they fasted on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and worshipped on Sunday because they corresponded with the days of Jesus' betrayal and burial. Sunday, which became the day of worship, was associated with the resurrection. In (CE)303 as Constantine prepared to face his foe, Maxentius at the Milvian bridge, he saw a vision of a flaming cross emblazoned against the sky. Constantine's victory that day convinced him that the cross symbolised the truth and power of Christianity. In the year (CE)313 he and the ruler of the Eastern Empire reached an agreement later called the Edict of Milan, pronouncing freedom of worship for all religions. He declared Sunday a day of rest. On his deathbed Constantine accepted the rite of baptism, making Christianity the religion of the Empire. The counting of days one to seven originates from Babylonia and was adopted by the world. Litutu. Brewmaster: Sorry, tired of this, that's the last on this subject.

January 17 2010
Kia orana. Over the years I have been able to access Cook Island Educational readers which are surplus to supply and books that have been culled out of school libraries. As I have not been back to the Cooks recently, in which case I would have been able to deliver them myself, I would like to forward these on. Does anyone have any suggestions or contacts? Kia manuia, Sheryl Brown.

January 15 2010
Facts hurt lots of people. I guess some people need to logically have their facts right before spouting out nonsense, specially those protesting Sunday flights. I strongly agree (on) Sunday flights to Aitutaki, more money and more benefit for the people of Aitutaki and small businesses on the island.

January 14 2010
Kia orana to those who found the time to show their views and concerns about the Sunday flights. It's quite interesting to read some of the comments made on this notice board about the Sunday flights but I have just one comment to those who are abusing each other with foul comments. Your foul comments will not solve the problem but will hinder you more with bad feelings to anyone that crosses your path and I just hope and pray it will not be your immediate family. Here is a quote for you "Eiaa e akatau i te pirau i roto i te mata o to taeake, e atupaka atu to roto i toou". Have a great weekend. Tama Avanui.
Brewmaster: We will not publish any more merely abusive postings on this subject which, in any case, is becoming tedious.

January 13 2010
Sunday is politically approved by Government. There are other economic benefits elsewhere but people in these positions are denying citizens to benefit. They are selfish and after their own benefits, eg. agriculture. When you pay for a tractor to do a job you wait until you return overseas before they do the job for you. All these morons who did not study about how different countries differentiate their days, dig deeper, so you get the truth. Me kare koe i kite, eeuia kia kite koe. Litutu.

January 13 2010
The beneficiaries of the Sunday flights are not just the politicians, resorts and Air Raro. We, the average Aitutakians, benefit as well. The money filters down to us for the betterment of our lives and the lives of our families. It's like we're not being allowed to become better. There have been many times when Air Raro has to fly a mercy flight here to Aitutaki (and the rest of the Cook Is) on a Sunday or in the middle of the night to pick up an ailing child, mother etc. No one kicks Air Raro in the guts then. Most of these protestors and their families have been beneficiaries of these flights. This issue is really being used as a political football just because a few people had personal issues with the politicians involved as well as using the issue as a doorway into politics. They should just stand up on their own convictions and not hide behind God. Sundays in Aitutaki is still a beautiful affair, Church in the morning, lunch with the family, then down to the beach in the afternoon. No worries, you don't notice the flights but you do notice people on the road with banners with divine instructions. Willie. (abbrev)

January 13 2010
Be consistent Etene, last year you wrote about having nothing better to do on a Sunday, but get "sloshed" at a bar on Aitutaki! Remember? If the little people, as you describe your relatives, were prepared to earn an income through local employment, they would be part of the trickle down effect that tourism and the hospitality industry brings to the islands. And show me a motorbike or scooter that isn't noiser for its engine capacity compared to a Saab 340. Ka kite. Rongo.

January 13 2010
Hey you religious ignoramuses, the argument is about noisy planes and half naked tourists invading Aitutaki on Sundays, the one day of the week when church-going people like myself are in communication with our God. The Sunday flights will not make one iota of difference to the little people of Aitutaki. The ones who will benefit are the hoteliers, tour operators, airline. Etene.

January 12 2010
Litutu. Nobody cares what day you worship or observe God as long as people like you don't shove out underneath everyone's else throat to stop flying on Sunday simply because of your false religious agenda.

January 12 2010
Litutu dickhead, the Israelites worship on Saturday not Sunday. It's obvious a rusty coconut like you have no knowledge about history and no hard facts to back your arguments up. You are talking from the rear of your end.

January 12 2010
Hi there. My name is Jay Khagram. I am currently working on a British talk show and we are looking for any residents from Palmerston Island to possibly be involved via telephone or web cam for this new show. If anyone has any details on Palmerston Island residents that might be interested, please e-mail me on jaykhagram@tigeraspect.co.uk Many thanks. Jay K.

January 11 2010
Are you sure that God chose the seventh day. Israel never had the days counted from one to seven. The only country that count the days from one to seven is Babylonia. Israel follows the moon. Check on their holy days and Sabbaths and when they were observed. The Bible also tells us not to judge them on their holy days, Sabbaths and what they eat, for they are only shadows of things to come. I would rather observe Sunday, for Jesus rose again on Sunday. Victory was won on Sunday. Litutu.

January 11 2010
You are so ignorant Litutu! Obviously you don't know that Jews all over the wolrd treat our Saturday as THEIR sabbath. Where do you think they got that from? Kuki Boy.

January 11 2010
Are you sure that God chose the seventh day? Israel never had the days counted from one to seven. Litutu.

January 11 2010
God chose the seventh day to rest and worship and that is Saturday not Sunday. Sunday is the first day of the week. Get that right. So there is no problem why flights can't fly on Sunday. If I were you I would do thorough research about the days of the week which are accurately quoted by the germanics (sic). Sunday means the first day of the week.

January 10 2010
Come on guys, enough already! Prior to the papa'a coming to the CIs you knew of no bible, there was a god for the sea, skies, land etc, and we gave thanks for whatever we were provided with, the night, day, rain, water and so on. Of course there is a creator, but to dwell on flights for goodness sakes flying in and out on Sunday, I don't believe that that has absolutely any effect on coming together to worship. Put your thoughts to more positive and proactive ways of keeping the CIs healthy, lush and financial for the people.

January 9 2010
The "sad state of affairs" as you describe the situation of employing non-Cook Islanders within our nation, Etene, is due to people like you, Litutu and others who are content to sit on the sidelines and make critical comments, yet aren't prepared to get stuck in and actually do the real work where and when it counts most; locally. Many of our people are very vocal when it comes to talking, but don't have the requisite experience, skills, or attitude to make a difference where it really counts. This scenario certainly applies to the Aitutaki protestors. They appear to be an unhappy little lot who find it easier to make a silly statement about matters they apparently know little about, including basic economics. All the while, they believe they are true Christians! I can't understand where they gain their energy to protest, or is it because it is easier to yell and scream obscenities and to wave unfriendly placards (on a Sunday even), rather than practise what they preach and seek guidance from God to spread peace and happiness among their fellow men. One would hope this is the real reason for attending church anyway, for their salvation. I agree with the poster who says these same protestors should surely be in church or remaining faithful to the Sabbath if they were loyal followers of the Christian faith. Oh, and I love our foreign workers who bring diversity and pride to our concept of island hospitality. Bula. Rongo.

January 9 2010
Hi guys.I'm an Australian and have visited the Cook Islands a couple of times and loved it. Hang on to your culture and be proud of it. Can anyone tell us if or when the Rarotonga Dance Festival will be held in April 2010? robertandmyrene@bigpond.com.au . Would like to time our holiday to coincide with the dance. Regards from Australia.

January 8 2010
Sunday is a day of rest and worship for Christians and should be respected without the intrusion of Sunday flights to Aitutaki. Someone said earlier that Seventh Day Adventists haven't complained about trading on their sabbath, well my answer to that silly arguement is boo hoo! It's a sad state of affairs when our beautiful country is inundated with foreign workers from Fiji, Filipinos and elsewhere! Etene.

January 6 2010
For all those who protest against Sunday flights landing on Aitutaki, three words: Big Fat Hypocrites. I would say they should start carving their own canoe. Seventh Day Adventists don't come out protesting like your typical moron who protests against Sunday flights simply because the plane is flying on the day they observe their sabbath which is so-called Sunday. Shouldn't you be inside the church worshipping God rather than creating unnecessary trouble?

Revised: February 5 2010
URL: http://www.ck/tumunu.htm