March 9 2010
The Cyclone Pat Fundraising social to help our people on Aitutaki will be held this Saturday March 13 2010, 7pm-12am at the Star Hotel, corner Great South Road and Atkinson Avenue, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand. $10.00 admission (pay at the door). Cash bar will operate so there's no BYO. A number of our Auckland-based Cook Island musicians are donating their time and expertise to provide the entertainment to help the cause. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Any dance groups or other musicians wanting to contribute to the cause and perform on the night are welcomed - contact Tony on Ph: (09) 832-1980, e-mail: raro@xnet.co.nz . Kia manuia.

March 7 2010
Star, you're the one whinging because never did I whinge about your husband being a papa'a. By the way, in case you didn't know, some of our people did apply for the position as well as other positions, and need I remind you? It was given to a papa'a, not only that one position, but several other positions over the past 12 months. All factual, nothing to do with racism. What part hurt you Star? The facts or the word 'papa'a'? Facts are facts, we cannot change them. I'm sure your husband is a very hard working papa'a but the debate is not about him nor against him. Read my post again analytically, it might help you understand the issue. Cheer up Star. Kia toa. Tony.

March 7 2010
Kia orana, we are returning to the Cook Islands late next January or early February and wish to go further afield this time to Manihiki. We particularly wish to travel in one direction on the supply ship. Can someone please advise me how far in advance Taio Shipping finalises their shipping movements and how we may book passage? I have attempted to make direct contact but have not received any responses. I understand that everything is subject to weather but we need to commence our planning for this once in a lifetime adventure. Kindest regards brent@mailme.ae

March 6 2010
Tony, the only kamakura on this post is you, yes you. My husband, who is a papa'a and has contributed hugely to the Cook Islands, has come back with me to retire here and have more input into the country. What have you done Tony? Nothing but whinge about hardworking papa'as. Where are our people? Why didn't they apply for the position? Answer, there is no-onene suitable or no experience. Look at what our experienced other islanders have done? Wastefully spent our money on Toa-gate etc etc. Stop your whinging about papa'as. They have given our islands heaps and you haven't, so zip up. Empty cans make the most noise. Star.

March 5 2010
I want to get in touch with my aunty on Atiu what is the best way of doing this please? Aunty NaNa it is Sheryl. I want to visit and I need to know that you are there. Sheryl Brown. My contact details are: 72 Fraser Crescent, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, e-mail: brown.family@paradise.net.nz

March 3 2010
Now that Etene has cleared the air for me to proceed, define racism Litutu! You appear hell-bent on singling out anyone who is of mixed bloodlines; including them having European blood. How exactly do you define a Cook Islander of today? Think very carefully now to avoid shoving your foot into your mouth again. Your previous diatribe providing examples of your ethical beliefs, identifies your prejudices. Pray for your salvation. Rongo.

March 3 2010
Who is this idiot pretending to be a Cook Islander? Ea'a tena tuatua na'au, 'te akama nei..e te vareai?' On the contrary, this is an excellent forum for whinging and moaning and constructively ripping people to shreds in a positive way of course! Etene.

March 2 2010
You won't make any difference just whinging and moaning on this page. Stand up and be counted. It's a typical Cook Island trait of pulling anyone down but not doing anything about the problem yourself. Be constructive, contribute positively, move forward and stop dwelling on the past. Aue te akama nei teia anga-anga uru-toe e te vareai.

March 2 2010
Add Rongo to the list of racists. Kuki Boy brought other nationalities into the argument. Who mentioned them? Let's concentrate on employing papa'as. Of course your opinion stated that they served the Cook Islands for years. Lockington CAO of Aitutaki was in New Zealand working in the timber mill for years, returned to Aitutaki and got the job. There are other Aitutakians who served the country and the people of Aitutaki for all their lives, they were left behind. There are Aitutakians who are more qualified for the job, who never got the chance. So where is the logic of appointing people? Let's say politics plays a major role in it. The same old sickness of the Cook Islands, buddy buddy, families. Only a few families are good enough for the high position, if not give to the papa'as. Litutu.

March 1 2010
Add Litutu to that short list also! Litutu, don't you have some compelling cause you could be involved in without nit-picking about matters and discourse you clearly don't understand? At least Etene is witty, although seriously misguided, while Tumeke continues to dig a deeper hole for himself which should accommodate his very needs and more shortly! Rongo.

March 1 2010
What comes out of your mouth Kuki Boy shows your true colour. A racist. Why bring other races into the argument while we are talking about papa'as? Litutu.

February 28 2010
I agree entirely. It is tiring. They sound like envious, racist little men. In New Zealand they would be complaining about the Chinese, the Samoans and the Indians. Kuki Boy.

February 28 2010
It is tiring reading posts which appear to be made by people like 'Tumeke' and 'Etene' about issues relating to the employment of papa'as. The 'papa'as' they refer to have contributed a great deal to the country and yes, it is a country they call home too! I for one seriously doubt that either of the two regular posters are highly educated and have the credentials to be as critical as they have been. Furthermore, it is with confidence that one believes the contributions made by the 'papa'as' (of interest in recent discussions) far outweighs the contributions of Tumeke and Etene.

February 28 2010
Here we go again, another top Government position given to a foreigner/papa'a! The Cook Islands Government (Wilkie Rasmussen in particular) seems to think Cook Islanders are not qualified or capable of filling top Government roles. I think Wilkie forgot that the majority of his voters were Cook Islanders not papa'a's that selected him as an MP in the last elections! Mike Mitchell to be the Cook Islands High Commissioner, yes, he will be responsible for all Cook Islanders living in New Zealand! Like Jane mentioned in an earlier post, if you are related to a politician and a foreigner/papa'a you are guaranteed to get a good job in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands does not need educated and qualified Cook Islanders to return home! Tumeke.

February 26 2010
Kia orana e to Tumutevarovaro o teia nei Ao. Nice to know that we have a place where we can voice our opinion about our democratic islands and its beautiful people. To the people of Aitutaki, na teatua te aroa, peace be to you. To those of us that always have something to say, isn't it nice to know we are allowed? Peace. Ka kite. Art.

February 25 2010
I've read a lot of the postings made specially regarding Cook Islands politics, the Sheraton Hotel project and the appointment of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Lots of interesting comments and opinions but also loaded with emotion. Politics in the Cook Islands is alive. Democracy is dead and commonsense is out the door and leadership is lacking. We have a Government run by five people which goes against the principles of democracy - government by majority. This situation has been building up since 2006 and it has finally boiled over. The Democratic Party tried to portray a united front back in '06 and was successful but the situation we have today is a reflection that the people got it wrong and have been fooled. The Sheraton deal was signed and sealed in 2007 by a Demo government. Those involved with the deal were Norman George and Pupuke Ropati. When Government changed in '89, the CIP inherited this shifty deal and had to run with it. Opting out of the deal would have cost the country millions in legal and contract fees, similar to the Toa deal signed again by a Democratic Party Government. Getting the country involved in bad deals seems to be a trend from within the Demo camp. (Abbrev.)

February 25 2010
Star, did you forget to take your medication? You write like someone very bitter about the world. Can you point out where in my post I made, as you put it, a "blatant and racist remark on Jim Gosselin"? Let me quote you my first sentence. "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". What's racist about that? Isn't it facts that papa'as have been appointed to various positions in Government over Cook Islanders? Would you like me to state some recent examples? No, you figure that out yourself. But see your doctor Star, you need some medication to help you relax. Te akaroa, te tuatua ua ra te kamakura ma te kite kore i tana e tuatua ra. Ka kite. Tony.

February 24 2010
Tony, I read your blatant and racist remark on Jim Gosselin with disgust. Let me ask you Tony, if your name is truly Tony, have you ever contributed to the welfare of this little nation as Jim has? I bet your answer is no. Get off your high horse and stop these racist remarks about others. Contribute something more encouraging and positive on this forum or forever shut up. Shame on you and Lord have mercy. Star.

February 24 2010
Brewmaster: Star. No more postings please of this nature.

February 24 2010
Yes Kuki Boy. Tumeke did rattle the cage Rongo was in because it is time for Rongo to eat his bananas! As usual ad nauseam from Rongo!

February 22 2010
You are so right Kuki Boy. I think I've rattled the cages of Etene and Tumeke. Didn't take much to do so either. Ad nauseam from both as usual. Rongo.

February 22 2010
Rongo, I think you and Kuki Girl have got your heads in the proverbial you know where? Of course Air Raro provides, employment, a vital link to the outer islands, etc but have you noticed there is only one airline monopolising the Cooks airways? Hullo! Sponsorships and promotional activities by Air Raro are nothing more than self gratification to prop up their good name. Don't fool yourselves, these people have been creaming it for years! What our nation needs is another airline and that can't come soon enough. Etene.

February 22 2010
A free course promoting Cook Islands Maori language and culture will be offered at Manukau Institute of Technology, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand, commencing on Monday March 1 2010. The course will be offered on Monday evenings 7-9pm and will cater for different entry levels. Now is your opportunity to take advantage of this free course. For further information contact Maara Maeva on telephone 09 309 0443 ext 762 or e-mail: mmae002@ec.ac.nz

February 22 2010
Yes, Rongo I agree Air Rarotonga has been a sponsor of activities over the years (dance competitions, constitution performances, etc) and does provide local employees jobs, bravo to them, but that has nothing to do (with) suggesting they should make monetary contributions to the people in Aitutaki devastated by cyclone Pat. Rongo, I think you are wrong to say Aitutaki or the outer islands would not survive without Air Raro. As some Aitutakians would say: 'Air Raro flies the tourists to Aitutaki uses their cruise boat "Titiaitonga" for day tours,tourists pee in the lagoon and Air Raro then flies them back to Rarotonga, so what do the Aitutakians get? Pee in the lagoon!' Kuki Boy which part of my suggestion is envious and religious to say Aitutakians need money from Air Raro for the damages done by cyclone Pat? And BTW Kuki Boy its Tumeke not Tumene - read before you post! Tumeke.

February 22 2010
Looking to have an extended stay on Rarotonga. What are the requirements to bring pets to the Cook Islands? Kathy.

February 22 2010
I'm afraid your posting will fall on deaf ears Rongo! People like Etene or Tumene who are driven by envy and religion are immune to logic and reason and, therefore, any form of sensible argument. Kuki Boy.

February 22 2010
Air Rarotonga has been a major sponsor of many, many activities over the years in case this important information has been missed by either Etene or Tumeke. The airline provides vital links to the people of the outer islands through its efficient and consistent services. I doubt the economies of Aitutaki or any other island for that matter would have survived if it hadn't been for Air Raro. Think before you speak in future please! Rongo.

February 20 2010
I am a senior widower homeowner who owns a beach home in Florida and I am seeking to find a native widow homeowner lady in Cook Islands for marriage. E-mail me at: rkgs141@yahoo.com with photo of yourself and your home and I will respond with my photo and photos of my home in USA. Earl Wheby Jnr.

February 20 2010
I agree Etene. Air Raro should be one of the main cash sponsors since they are the ones over the years that have benefited financially from the island. Also, the tourism industry and Telecom. People of Aitutaki, now is the time to know who your true friends are! Tumeke.

February 18 2010
Those who have been living off the fat of the land should make large donations of cash to help the people of Aitutaki. Not the ordinary folk, I mean the big time money rollers, namely Air Raro, the two useless MPs who shall remain nameless but are involved with tourism, resort owners and anyone else who are like fat cows chewing the cud that is Aitutaki! Etene.

February 18 2010
Come on Star, remember what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? It happened after the covernant. Because of the sins of the people, God destroyed them. Today they sit under water. Is this the work of Satan? There are lots and lots of examples in the Bible to show God's wrath because of men's disobidience. It still continues today.

February 17 2010
Etene, the Almighty God called Jehovah didn't cause all the damage there is in the world. He is a loving God and hates violence. After the great flood he promised He would never destroy the earth again with flood. Remember this, He is a God of Love and also remember, Satan can also perform terrible and good miracles and most times to make you and me believe that it is the Almighty. Star.

February 17 2010
A fundraising social with all proceeds going to the Cyclone Pat Relief Fund will be held at the Star Hotel, corner Great South Road and Atkinson Avenue, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday March 13 7pm - 12am. $10.00 admission (pay at the door). Sorry, no BYO as drinks will be sold at the bar. There will be live music as a number of musicians are donating their time and expertise to entertain there in support of the cause. Other musicians and dance groups interested in donating their time to perform there are also welcomed. Contact Tony on telephone (09) 832-1980 or by e-mail: raro@xnet.co.nz. Kia manuia.

February 16 2010
When the Almighty shows his awesome power it is unfortunate there will be collateral damage! Etene.

February 16 2010
Tumeke, one does not have to be employed by the Government to be able to share their wealth of knowledge, experience, skills, intelligence etc. The private sector is just as great an employer as a Government agency. Yes, I agree that there are some specialised areas such as radiographers, physiotherapists and the like where employement is only available through the Government. However, for the majority of the jobs such as accountants, administrators, even teaching, these are available in the private sector as well. You say that educated Cook Islanders return home for the love of their country, then why would one leave just because they are not able to obtain a Government job? If one is so passionate about 'helping their people' then one must accept the challenges that come their way whatever those challenges may be, political or otherwise. If I can ask a question, have you been one of the unsuccessful ones that have applied for a job in the Government? You sound quite bitter about the whole situation. I understand your frustrations but, at the end of the day, a person has been appointed to the position of Secretary of Foreign Affairs and there is nothing we can do about it we can go on and on about it but the deed is done. Dora Poiri. (Brewmaster: This correspondence is now closed.)

February 15 2010
Dora what does the 'political appointment' in the position of Foreign Affairs have to do with who remained in the Cook Islands during the recession? Is this one of the qualifications for top Government positions? You are incorrect to suggest that some would not give up their higher paying salaries overseas to be paid 'peanuts' back home. Believe it or not some Cook Islanders return home for the love of their country and some Cook Islanders after completing their education overseas instead of remaining overseas to work return to the Cook Islands. Many Cook Islanders want to go home and contribute in the area they are trained for. Also, on the point of salaries when you apply for a job you are ready to accept the salary being offered. Government policy is to encourage Cook Islanders to return home. It is freedom of choice to return home, the point is you are a 'highly educated and qualified Cook Islander' with job skills and want to return home to contribute to your country, therefore apply for a position and are unsuccessful due to politics. What does this say about Government? It is not just Jonassen but many Cook Islanders who have returned home and been unsuccessful in obtaining jobs and therefore have left. Tumeke. (Abbrev.)

February 15 2010
On Monday February 22 2010 at 7pm, a meeting for all Aitutakians will be held on the Aitutaki land on Porchester Rd, Takanini, Auckland, New Zealand. This is concerning the cyclone that devastated our ipukarea. If you are parapara or full Aitutaki, please come to the meeting. Litutu.

February 15 2010
Let's be positive and sort out what we all can do for cyclone Pat relief. This afternoon at 4:30pm there is a meeting at the Aitutaki Hostel in Rarotonga. All are asked to attend. Also a radiothon on 88FM/ Radio Cook Islands Wed 17th Feb 1-5pm. All money raised will go immediate support. Directly to Mayor and Island Council. Many homeless people are in the Hospital and Halls. Please help. Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal WESTPAC Swift Code: WPACCKCR, Branch 009038 Account number: 2000256368. If you have some way of contributing or of raising funds please let us know here.

February 15 2010
Jane, Dr. Jonassen 'abandoning' his country are your words, not mine. If Jim was the advisor to the Government prior to the recession, at least he remained in the country to face the music and face it he did from parliamentarians, business sector, practically everyone who had something to say. The fact is, he saw it through. No disrespect Jane or Tumeke, but you both seem to know quite a lot about what is happening at home, you also seem to have a lot to say, positive or otherwise. Good on you for taking such great interest. You can make changes if you are on the job so I'd like to suggest how about you throw some of that energy, intelligence, skills etc into actually applying for top Government jobs. You might just be lucky; you never know until you try. 'If at first you don't succeed, try and try again'. Just a suggestion. Dora Poiri.

February 14 2010
Kia orana to all reading this notice. You have heard about the devastating Cyclone Pat that demolished our island last Thursday. It is sad to read and see the photos on the net. We, the Aitutaki people, will be having a prayer service on Wednesday February 17 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Birmingham Avenue, Otara, Auckland, New Zealand, at 6pm. You are all most welcome to the service as we come together as one to pray for our loved ones at home. Araura Enua taku ipukarea.

February 13 2010
Dora Poiri are you implying Dr Jonassen 'abandoned' his country during the Cook Islands 'recession'? Although he works overseas I see him in the Cook Islands every year for three months at least. In any case, wasn't Jim Gosselin the Prime Minister's advisor before and after the Cook Islands recession? Jane.

February 12 2010
Kia orana again to all of us who have so much to say about the appointment for the position of Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In response to Tumeke, yes, I do know where Mr Gosselin is, but it shouldn't matter as both applied for the position from overseas. Tumeke, you say that my referring to the foreigners who remained behind while we migrated is nonsense - perhaps I should have been clearer about this as I was referring to those who remained behind even during the recession of 1996 - I trust you were there when the country went down, because Jim and I were. And for you to even say that my name should be Mata Poiri, at least I have the decency to sign my full name and not hide behind some made up name. With regards to salaries/wages you say this is rubbish, Would you give up your high paying job (assuming you are working) in New Zealand or Australia to go back home and be paid 'peanuts' as some would say, I think not. Honestly, I don't see the relevance in the Government encouraging educated 'Native Cook Islanders' to return home and share our knowledge, skills and experience. If one really was passionate about 'helping their people', then one should not wait on the Government to lure them back. Take the initiative, make the move back home, show what you are capable of doing and let the people back home be the judges after all 'action speaks louder than words'. Just one thing though, be prepared to accept the salary/wage range back home. Dora Poiri.

February 12 2010
Warning had been given, still the unbelievers who don't know what they are writing wouldn't lower themselves to God. You people are like Pharaoh who wouldn't let the people of Israel go. Do you want death to happen before you do? Look and study the signs before this happened. Lucky there are believers on Aitutaki. Good and bad fall on all persons. Litutu.

February 12 2010
An Etene is a heathen, uncivilised or savage, so you're a blasphemer are you? Get your story straight. Did God actually tell you he showed his hand or are you an oracle? Man, stop putting words in God's mouth, I'm sure you wouldn't like it!

February 12 2010
Etene, tell me why the Orometua's house lost its roof then? You're an idiot.

February 12 2010
Well, you were right Kuki Boy. Look at the latest drivel and smug comments from both Etene and Litutu! Have either of you any compassion and understanding for the people of Aitutaki? Are you suggesting that only the homes and livelihoods of non-Christians, agnostics and/or Saturday worshippers have been affected by cyclone Pat? Or do you accept that the storm ravaged the entire island of Aitutaki, in the absence of selectivity? Where is your logic at this time for your own people too? Rongo.

February 12 2010
God has shown his hand to the blasphemers, the heathens and greedy merchants for disrespecting the Sabbath. Amen Lord. Etene.

February 12 2010
The islands may be pure and beautiful but the people today aren't, Dan. So let it be. Litutu.

February 12 2010
Dan, what terrible comments are you talking about? I agree the Cook Islands are among the purest, most beautiful places on earth. If only there were more honest politicians it would make the country even more beautiful. Politics are not nonsense, Cook Island politicians are! Comments on this BBD are great insights to issues affecting the country and voices of our people. Change for the better usually comes from criticism, perhaps if politicians would pay attention to this BBD we might see more positive change in the Cook Islands! Tumeke.

February 12 2010
Hiring the best qualified Cook Islander for the job is not racist, Ben T., why did you pick on Obama as an example - are you racist? We should indeed worry about where you are born when looking at applicants for Government positions, just like the USA where you have to be an 'American citizen' to be hired for Federal Government jobs, in fact to be president of the USA (like Obama) you must be a natural born USA citizen. Yes, let's have the best man for the job and choose a qualified Cook Islander! Jane.

February 11 2010
What terrible comments on this BBD. The islands are among the purest, most beautiful places on earth and posters on this BBD bother themselves with such mindless nonsense as politics? Keep things in perspective! Dan.

February 10 2010
I can't wait to hear some god-bothering loony write in to say that Cyclone Pat is God's punishment for Aitutaki for allowing Sunday flights! Kuki Boy.

February 10 2010
What a disaster and how fast nature can rip away what you have achived for years! Aitutaki is a disaster zone. Is it worthwhile to fight against God? I'm happy that no-one was killed. Litutu.

Revised: March 9 2010
URL: http://www.ck/tumunu.htm