Articles by Utopia Support

The Avarua reef . . . a major 'junkyard'

Monday 7 January 2013 | Published in Local

The tragic death of Stanley Heather Senior while trying to save family members on the “Agnes Bell” during the Hurricane of 18 December 1883, brings to mind the greatest maritime tragedy ever recorded in the waters of the Cook Islands.

Direct your complaints to the right people

Monday 7 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It is a concern when the prime minister announces that he “is satisfied with the integrity of due process” (CINews, 29/12/2012) in relation to the termination of my employment.

Lack of staff contracts a worry

Monday 7 January 2013 | Published in Politics

A number of audits of government agencies have found the absence of contracts between employers and employees.

The year in...politics

Monday 7 January 2013 | Published in Politics

January To start the year on a high note, a two-day meeting was held in Rarotonga between Cook Islands government and officials from its development partners in New Zealand, Australia, China, India, the European Union and the Pacific.

Lots of turtles but few nests

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Environment

The Aitutaki expedition being conducted by the Cook Islands Turtle Project (CITP), has revealed a mixed message for the island’s revered sea turtles.

Kaina's Manihiki-made MBE

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Local

Helping promote the public and community on the island of Manihiki has seen Jane Kimi Kaina acknowledged in the New Year’s honour list.

Growing up island style

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Local

Life as a child, particularly one growing up in a small community, is a busy one full of freedom, fun and responsibility.

Born with a rake in hand

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Local

Holding a rake in your hands could well be a first memory.

Next Akanoa reunion set for 2014

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Local

Akanoa family members can mark December 26, 2014, to January 1, 2015, in their diaries for the next reunion.

Valoa's valour honoured

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Local

Acknowledging retired parliamentary clerk Nga Valoa’s 40 years of service to Cook Islands parliament was behind a function organised by the local Pukapuka community on Thursday night.

Tutaka-George paddles to Youth Olympics

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Local

Top junior paddler Andre Tutaka-George will be the first Cook Islands representative to compete at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) in Sydney later this month.

Taking exception to misguided opinion

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I must take exception to the misguided opinion by smoke signaler ‘Fly in experts’ on January 3 unless you can explain which part of our cultural sensitivity has to do with, engineering, logistics, project design and finance when you are spending someone else’s aid money? Especially when on the opposite page our auditor reports – $45,000 unaccounted for in constituency fund; only one school provided audited statements from the eight schools requested; CIIC did not return $ 79,000 of unspent funds; MFEM over funded the environment fund by $62,000 etc, and we still cannot balance the country’s books from 2009.

A new tax income threshold?

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Most public servants take home pay well below $37,000 and struggle to feed and clothe an average household of three adults and three children.

Kata - January 5, 2013

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Kata

Mitiaro mama Mii stays active

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Outer Islands

She might have travelled to Mitiaro to retire, but the work never stops for New Year honour recipient Mii O’Bryan.

Akai's rise yields honour

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Outer Islands

For baker Terae Akai, the new year honour caps a 54-year connection to the outer island of Atiu.

Charlie surprised by honour

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Outer Islands

An 85-year-old who spent over 30 years serving the people of Aitutaki admits he is surprised with his New Year honour.

Corporation ponders over Tepuka land warrant

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Politics

The Cook Islands Government Property Corporation is considering its legal options over the warrant which acquired the land where the Telecom Sports Arena at Tepuka is standing.

Audit commends OPSC, FSC a benchmark

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Politics

The office of the Public Service Commissioner has been commended by the auditor for making improvements to the “general control environment”.

Howorth appointed as new chairman of ISA

Saturday 5 January 2013 | Published in Politics

The Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority has a new chairman.