CI Times Weekly | Current Issue 256 | 23 June 2008
Sunday flights a concern to Aitutaki residents
The push by Cabinet to override the wishes of the majority of the people of Atitutaki is losing them support on the island. A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister, Jim Marurai from those of the Vaka Tangata of Vaeruarangi Ariki in the Oire of Uireia, to ask him to intervene in the matter of Sunday flights.
The letter says that the people of Aitutaki are unhappy with the decision to allow Sunday flights despite it being well known to Government that the majority of the residents of Aitutaki oppose the move.
They have asked the PM to explain to the iti tangata why their wishes are being disregarded saying the decision shows the people have had their rights taken away by the Government and ask the PM to let them know just what rights the people of Aitutaki do have.
Vaeruarangi Ariki later said that there are 900 people in his Vaka that oppose the Sunday flights and despite being in the majority, their wishes are being overridden by a minority of seven people (referring to he Cabinet Ministers).
Sunday flights to Aitutaki commence on Sunday 22 June 2008.