Articles by Utopia Support

Payne wins series

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

The final race in the Mareko sponsored cross country series was held over the Tereora course last Thursday with some excellent times posted. While Bryn Payne again won the men’s race by a good margin, and took out the trophy for the overall series, the results of the final race determined the winner in both […]

Toughing it

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

Cook Islands sailor Helema Williams (above) has lifted herself off the bottom of the women’s Laser Radial event in Weymouth. Her first race of the day, and third overall, saw a chilly Williams finish in 39th place. While it was her best result in the opening three races, the Cook Islands sailor was just under […]

Te Maeva Nui a plus for tourists

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

Christchurch couple Graham and Liz Jones have visited the Cooks eight times – and this is the third trip specifically for Te Maeva Nui. The couple, who work in the hospitality industry, love the Cook Islands week-long constitution celebrations so much they ”rave“ about it to friends back home. ”We love meeting the locals and […]

Long journey

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

The pupu shells used to decorate the head eis have certainly come a long way for the Te Maeva Nui celebrations. Able to be worn straight on the head or on a rito hat, the striking head decorations are generally worn for church or for special celebrations. Their journey, however, begins in Mangaia. After landing […]

Pulsating, tingling, passionate

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

Pulsating drums, spine tingling singing and passionate performances shook the Are Karioi on Monday night for the first evening of the Te Maeva Nui cultural competition. The auditorium was again packed to brim with another appreciative crowd who were treated to a cultural extravaganza that is only going to get better through this week of […]

Tavioni issues tourism challenges

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

Dear Editor, I am sure that I am not the only person who is concerned about the welfare of this country and I know there are some who have the balls to voice their opinion but most however seem to just continue to hope for the best, whatever that might be. I personally asked Carmel […]

Preferential treatment alleged for Manihiki

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

The leader of the opposition has accused the government of paying the fares of extra people from the prime minister’s constituency of Manihiki to come to Te Maeva Nui. According to Opposition Leader Wilkie Rasmussen, the government has been ”putting pressure“ on the Cook Islands Pearl Authority to fund the fares of 30 extra people […]

Stand up for what's right says artist

Wednesday 1 August 2012 | Published in National

Local artist Mike Tavioni thinks people here don’t have the ”guts“ to stand up and fight for what’s right – and what’s right is getting former head of tourism Carmel Beattie reinstated. The Rarotongan master carver believes Beattie was wrongly dismissed, and the government should investigate the matter. ”Carmel was forced out and I want […]

George hits back

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Reading the crass Smokey you published yesterday about me and my friend James Beer reflects the fears and panic stricken state of the Leader of the Opposition Wilkie Rasmussen, when he authorised it. No Wilkie, I will not respond in kind, I am a gentleman. Leaders of political parties should not fear challenges […]

Ball less

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am always reluctant to respond to anonymous letters to the editor or to Smoke Signals in your newspaper, but your smoke signaller in yesterday’s paper has to be the epitome of ball less. Personal insulting insinuations are easily this person’s highest virtues, critiquing everyone and every idea that ever surfaced from his […]

Olympic paddler's father defends son

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I read again in Saturday’s paper another fantasy piece on kayaker Josh Utanga from the Bay of Plenty times. For the second time Mr Utanga claims he won a silver medal in the open men’s surf ski event at the Australian titles. As official photographer for Surf Lifesaving Australia for the past 25 […]

CIP = completely incompetent party

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, After noticing that our prime minister was not at the parade to kick off the most important celebrations for the Cook Islands, I thought I had better wake him up to the reality of his reign since he took power. When Henry Puna was sworn in as the PM for Manihiki, the song […]

Kata - July 31, 2012

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in Kata

Options for listeners

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

People unable to secure tickets to the Te Maeva Nui cultural nights will be able to listen to the events on two radio stations in an historic first. Local station Matariki FM has been awarded the rights to broadcast Te Maeva Nui live from the National Auditorium, making it the second radio network behind Radio […]

Tastes and crafts from outer isles

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

Mouth-watering delicacies from the northern group islands of Manihiki and Rakahanga will feature in today’s food and trade day market which will no doubt sell out quick. Korori or pearl meat along with fish from the two island groups and their famous uto pancakes are not to be missed and are always a crowd favourite. […]

Praise and worship stirs crowd

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

In full voice, Te Maeva Nui teams exalted the Lord’s name in te reo Maori in front of a near packed out national auditorium on Sunday night. The combined choir and imene tuki event drew out a huge crowd to watch the free performance which was both a musical and visual spectacle. Dressed in long […]

Dr Mac is back

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

Auckland chiropractor Dr Mac Rastkar is back in Rarotonga by popular demand. Last here earlier this year, Dr Mac will be holding a clinic in Matavera from August 6 to 10. Dr Mac asks for patients to bring any previous x-rays with them to the consultation, and to get in fast for appointments. Interested people […]

Raffle win announced

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

A grandmother who won the Akirata Cultural Dance Troupe’s top prize said it was a ”gift from the gods“. It came after the ticket she had bought, No.3571 with the names ‘Anjoniah and Casonya“, were drawn as the winners of a Toyota Double Cab 4WD Truck. Raffle organiser Rohan Ellis said the nana who bought […]

Deep-sea minerals advisor at mining meet

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

The advisor to the natural resource and minerals minister is currently in China attending a three-week conference on mineral resources development. Paul Lynch, environmental lawyer and Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marster’s advisor on deep-sea minerals, is at the Chinese government-funded seminar held in Nanchang City, Jiangxi. The seminar, from July 18 to August 7, focuses […]

Seabed minerals commission moves ahead

Tuesday 31 July 2012 | Published in National

Government is taking steps to set up a formal seabed minerals commission, more than two years after it was legislated into existence. The Seabed Minerals Act, passed in 2009, allows for the minister of marine resources – who at present is also the deputy prime minister – to appoint a commissioner for the forthcoming seabed […]