Letter to the Editor

Dorothy Vs Yolande Saga

Dear Editor,
Ref: Dorothy Vs Yolande - Cook Islands Herald, 12th May 2007, page 17
Firstly to Dorothy Ngaata, I refer to comments that you have made towards my family, namely Marama Nicholas my father, and my fathers’ cousin Puna Young and her family.
Your free flowing pen which has a ‘mind of its own’ should consider the issue of defaming the name and reputation of established and knowledgeable Kopu. You have brought disrepute to my fathers name with little knowledge of our genealogy and our connections. I demand an apology and retraction for your defamatory remarks against my father Marama Nicholas and the Puna Young (Ngatuaine and John Teariki Families).
I will not tolerate my families names to be dragged through your trench warfare with Yolande, the place to address your grievances are in the courts, not plastered senselessly in newspapers.
Secondly, to Editor of CI Herald, the printing of this article and others without due research and diligence may be classified as ‘freedom of speech’ on your part, but it does not excuse you allowing misrepresentation of facts. I read misrepresentation of the facts in relation to my father Marama Nicholas and Puna Young family because I am well versed in our genealogy and connections. I have the documents, and court papers to verify all. I in due course will expect an apology from you, for allowing this gross falsehood to perpetuate over my family. Freedom of Speech V Responsible Journalism!!!!!!!!!!!! If you stand behind your editorials, I would expect my letter to be printed and highlighted in your next column.

Philip V Nicholas
Komono Manavaroa Mataiapo Tutara
Komono Tupakau Rangatira o Manavaroa Mataiapo
Ngati Kainuku Kopu Enua Rangatira
Nikao Rangatira Toa Tutara o Makea Nui Ariki
Putu Rangatira Toa o Makea Nui Ariki
Ngati Pa Kopu Pa Rangatira Makea Nui Ariki
Komono Taupini Rangatira
Ngati Katu
Etc etc etc!!!!!

Publisher’s Note

The debate over the Makea Title has received a fair airing in the Times and the Herald over the past year and with a decision on the title expected to be reached in the coming months it is an opportune time to close the debate, argument, discussion through the paper and await a decision. In recent weeks the debate between the two main correspondents has widened to include reference to others who have not been directly involved and some offence may have been caused though not intended by the publisher. The publisher’s attention has been drawn to this recent development and apologies are extended to those so aggrieved.

Headlines : Times 201 21 May 2007
- Fast ferry to Aitutaki planned
- Chinese here until March 2008
- Baudinet frustrated with police and juveniles
- Aids Foundation memorial and fundraiser
- Market policy updated
- Skater with Cook Islands connections doing well
- The Chinese are coming.. to the South Pacific
- NEWSBRIEFS by Noeline Browne
- Westpac Cook Islands launches Westpac American Express® Credit Cards
- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR