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HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 435 : 26 November 2008

Bleak future for those intending to leave the Cook Islands!

If you’re thinking of migrating out of the Cook Islands permanently in the next few months, you may want to reconsider and rethink your options in light of potential policy changes that may impact on Pacific peoples in Australia and New Zealand which might not be as attractive as you had previously thought.
During a recent visit to NZ, the opportunity was taken to talk to a number of Cook Islands people in Auckland, Hastings, Tokoroa and Wellington regarding their economic status and where they, as Cook Islands people stand in terms of their future.
For many, there was a subdued feeling of uncertainty due to the change in political climate. It seems many were happy with “aunty Helen” ( referring to the Labour Government ) but they are not so sure now under National. What was abundantly clear from those interviewed, was the lack of direction Cook Islands people face amongst themselves in NZ. No doubt, the same would probably apply in Australia. There is no clear leadership within our people and each area seems focused on its own development rather than encompass national issues that impact on all Cook Islands people.
Many were of also the view that our people had fallen way behind in terms of leadership and development issues. A number of key leaders who have been real stalwarts within their communities have passed on and there has been little effort undertaken to replace them, their skills and their experience. There is no sense of community spirit anymore and this is evident with fundraising initiatives and church activities. There has also been a drift away from traditional religious groups to a more open and expansive style of religious teachings which is taking our young people away from our church organizations claimed one leader.
Cook Islands people seem to have regressed into their community groupings such as Aitutaki, Pukapuka etc and very seldom come together to discuss national issues unless they are forced to. Communities like the Pukapuka one in Auckland are strong because they know how to work within government systems and the leadership component is there. Other Cook Island groups are not so lucky and tend to struggle to survive amongst themselves.
Unemployment and dependency on welfare benefits are symptomatic of another debilitating disease which is affecting our people and it is only a matter of time before they find themselves trapped in a society that can no longer spoon feed them and this is the area of concern right now. There is growing concern that the National Government intends to tighten up this area of policy because of the high dependency ratio of Pacific peoples on benefits and the welfare state.
In fact, many claimed they were struggling to survive on a daily basis because of the increasing costs of food, goods, commodities and services. In addition, many are renting therefore placing more pressure on families in the lower soci economic bracket of society.
Education and health are no longer affordable and many families are believed to be struggling to make ends meet. In some cases, the only way to survive is to pool resources in order to make ends meet. Transport costs are another problem as people struggle to meet high fuel and energy costs but still, it is an essential component of our daily lives.
Many also looked at the idea of returning to the islands however, because they are second and third generation members, the Cook Islands is not regarded as home and there is of course issues such as land, affordability and employment to consider as well.
In Sydney Australia, reports confirm an increase in mortgagee sales amongst Cook Islands people. The reasons given are varied but one that stands out is that our people tend to live beyond their means. For them, there is no tomorrow, only today and their lifestyle is testimony to the increasing breakdown in family relationships and more and more of our people joining the dole queues resulting increased dependency on the state.
Although our situation in the Cooks is no better, we at least still have some control over our future and our destiny. We still own our lands and we still decide who our Government is irrespective whether they are good or bad. Perhaps what Government ideally should focus on is clear policy directions that are in the best interests of the country rather than based on party political issues.
For those interviewed, the future certainly does not look good. For those of you intending to relocate overseas, please think carefully about your options because before you know it, you may be better off staying here! We have a safer environment on our own doorstep but many of our people prefer to relocate. Naturally, this is a sad indictment on our Government today because of its failure to meet the needs of its people. After talking to those people in NZ, one would have to be insane to still believe that the land of milk and honey is beyond our shores. Wake up before its too late!

Herald Issue 435 26 November
- Discarded HOM to be reappointed?
- Bleak future for those intending to leave the Cook Islands!
- Questions arise over Emergency Services response
- Former Financial Secretary in the witness box
- BCI win judgment against Tepaki