Articles by Utopia Support

New job for strategic planner

Thursday 16 February 2012 | Published in National

Applications for a new senior strategic planning position at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) are due tomorrow afternoon. The successful applicant will work at the Central Policy and Planning Office (CPPO) and report to its new director – another position being advertised. The OPM is looking to fill its CPPO director position, as […]

Changes to create space at market

Thursday 16 February 2012 | Published in National

Some changes will be introduced to the Punanga Nui Markets this week to help open up the market’s main avenue to more vendors and stall-holders. The main avenue at the market will be divided into two areas for stall-holders, with people wishing to sell produce from the back of their cars set to line one […]

Democratic leadership to be discussed

Thursday 16 February 2012 | Published in National

In light of Titikaveka MP Robert Wigmore’s ongoing illness, there is talk that the future of the Democratic Party looks uncertain. At this stage, though, the party says its leadership structure remains unchanged. At present, Wigmore is still the leader of the party and on medical leave until March. In Parliament last December a motion […]

When will the rot stop at CISNOC?

Thursday 16 February 2012 | Published in Smoke Signals

“The rot at the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee continues,” a smoke signaller writes in response to yesterday’s p7 article ‘Special CISNOC meeting postponed’. “Payments of over $9000 of per diems to Sir Geoff and Rosie in Noumea and over $4000 for Koru Club fees in my opinion is downright daylight robbery. The […]

Just Play soccer heads to Aitutaki

Thursday 16 February 2012 | Published in Football

The popular Just Play football programme spearheaded by project manager Michelle Paiti and assisted by CIFA development officer Tuka Tisam, will be heading to Aitutaki for a week-long workshop to deliver the programme to school teachers and community leaders on the outer island. The workshop is scheduled to take place on Monday and Tuesday February […]

Spreading the love on Valentine's Day

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in Local

It wasn’t just boyfriends and girlfriends getting into the spirit of Valentine’s Day yesterday – there were plenty of chocolates, flowers and wine shared between friends, parents and children too. In fact, there was so much love being shared around that the whole office at Island Craft’s headquarters were told to forget their regular work […]

McCully here this week

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in Local

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully arrives in Rarotonga early tomorrow morning. New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands John Carter has confirmed that McCully and a few of his support staff will be on tomorrow morning’s flight from Auckland. The primary purpose of his visit is to meet with government to discuss […]

Fresh produce exports turn sour

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in Local

A plan to export fresh produce from Aitutaki to New Zealand has wilted for the producers of Aitutaki. While three container loads of produce have made their way south over recent months, only one payment has come back north. And even that was much less than expected. The producers of Aitutaki were expecting to reap […]

Kata - February 15, 2012

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in Kata

CITC stores and staff get into the spirit of Valentine's Day

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in National

Customers at CITC stores across Rarotonga were seeing red yesterday. The company’s staff from the Avarua complex to the Building Centre and Oasis Energy Centre decorated themselves and their surroundings to celebrate Valentine’s Day. There were plenty of flowers, balloons and chocolates used in the displays with a big emphasis placed on the colour of […]

'Engage youth in fight against suicide'

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in National

The Cook Islands should engage its youth population to help in the fight against suicide, according to Tereora College guidance counsellor Thomas Wynne. With teenagers being one of the age groups worst affected by suicide, Wynne said it was vital that youth are central to any efforts put towards combating the issue. “Young people hold […]

24-hour helpline planned

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in National

At least two groups are taking steps to introduce a telephone helpline for Cook Islands youth and people who need advice in their darkest moments. Celebration on the Rock Church and a newly-formed, government-affiliated committee are both examining the possibilities of establishing and introducing a 24-hour helpline in the Cook Islands. Celebration on the Rock’s […]

Food safety workshop for vendors

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in National

Vendors who sell food at the Punanga Nui Markets or markets associated with the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) are being encouraged to attend a food safety workshop in May. BTIB will be hosting the two-day workshop with the ministry of health to help update vendors of the requirements in place in the Cook […]

PIAF offering free legal service

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in National

The Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation (PIAF) encourages Pacific countries to take advantage of its HIV-related legal services to inform the process of drafting HIV laws. PIAF legal and policy analyst Laitia Tamata said the organisation’s legal programme proved useful for some Pacific island countries in 2011, and invites other Pacific island countries to fast-track their […]

Internet speed issues 'perceived'

Wednesday 15 February 2012 | Published in National

Telecom Cook Islands is encouraging its internet users to check their computer set-up if they are experiencing slow internet connections and contact them if problems persist. Telecom says it has not experienced any major problems or cuts to its broadband services for some time, although there was a small reduction to its capacity this month […]

CISNOC finances back on agenda

Tuesday 14 February 2012 | Published in Local

Controversy around the financial state of the national sporting body will get an airing this week. A Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee special general meeting will be held on Wednesday at the CISNOC office at 5.30pm for all national federations. On the agenda for the meeting will be updates on the finances of […]

Youth forum set for March 12

Tuesday 14 February 2012 | Published in Local

Youth under 25 will be brought together to share their views on suicide and discuss the challenges facing their peers as part of a wider programme to try to stem the rate of suicide in the Cook Islands. The one-day forum will include youth from Rarotonga and the outer islands. A newly-formed steering committee is […]

iPad makes mum dance!

Tuesday 14 February 2012 | Published in Local

Anapa Nicholas might only be four but the young fellah knows his way around electronic gadgets including the new iPad he won in the recent ‘back to school’ promotion with CITC. CITC key brands manager George George says he is thrilled the prize was won by Anapa as he knows the young man will put […]

First 2 talents bow out

Tuesday 14 February 2012 | Published in Features

Thomas Webb’s unexpected departure from the H Factor singing competition has seen just one person knocked out of the contest in the first round of eliminations on Saturday. The viewing public voted Webb as one of their top-four favourite singers after the competition’s first round of performances last Saturday. But their love wasn’t enough to […]

Suicide statistics pretty much alarming

Tuesday 14 February 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, What a waste. The statistics on suicide of late are pretty much alarming. Two ministers of the crown contributed their views and concerns about young people at such a delicate age determined to take their own lives without remorse and for no good reasons for doing so. Thanks to the two ministers and […]