Articles by Utopia Support

Kata - January 16, 2012

Monday 16 January 2012 | Published in Kata

Netball coaching on today

Monday 16 January 2012 | Published in Netball

Budding local netball players keen to polish up their game ahead of the 2012 season starting in April have the opportunity to improve their game with Netball Cook Islands netball development officer and national netball player Luciana Matenga. Matenga is running a netball holiday programme this week for players aged between 8 and 12 starting […]

OPSC advisors job advertised

Monday 16 January 2012 | Published in National

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) is advertising its vacancy for the job of performance management advisor. Carmen Temata retired from the position recently, after more than 40 years in the public service. Her leaving party was attended by Prime Minister Henry Puna. The job of performance management advisor is a senior position […]

Local TV applies self-censorship

Monday 16 January 2012 | Published in National

In the small Cook Islands broadcasting industry, television companies are largely self-censoring content. Vaka Television general manager Greg Parker says he is not aware of any legislative restriction or framework for television programming, but he and company chief executive Dave Reuther self-censor their content. When we get our programmes they already come with a rating […]

Changing of maritime officers

Monday 16 January 2012 | Published in National

Incoming maritime surveillance officer Tony Grubb said the Cook Islands maritime protection programmes would benefit from more collaboration with New Zealands navy and airforce in the future. Grubb expected the Cook Islands would see more collaboration between its maritime surveillance and New Zealands regional work in the coming years. Until now, the Australian Defence Force […]

Local produce sales increasing

Monday 16 January 2012 | Published in National

The Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) is recording an increase in the sale of Cook Islands produce at its main supermarkets. The trend is a result of the Go Local campaign, which was implemented throughout the country last year. It encourages tourists and locals alike to purchase or support Cook Islands products, food and business […]

Numa makes his mark

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Local

Artist Numa Mackenzie departs on a six-month voyage aboard Cook Islands vaka Marumaru Atua tonight. Before flying out hes making his mark on Rarotonga with the permission of Kevin and Frances Cook, he tagged a larger-than-life tiki on the bus stop near Super Brown in Tupapa yesterday. And this morning hell be at Fresh Local, […]

Smell survey under wraps

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Local

The Ministry of Health says it is not prepared to release the results of this weeks Muri census until it has completed a follow-up survey of the area next Wednesday. Cook Islands News was told it could publish the findings of the survey, which targeted 52 homes in Muri and aimed to determine whether there […]

Missing skipper on sex charges

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Local

The missing skipper who disappeared off Rarotonga early this month stands accused of committing 27 sex-related offences in New Zealand, with charges levelled against him including rape and unlawful sexual conduct. The Auckland man, who provided the name of Gavin Maitland to officials in the Cook Islands, was due to appear in Auckland District Court […]

Auditions for best singer

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Auditions for talent contest The H Factor will begin next weekend, launching the competitions search for the Cook Islands best singer. The first round of auditions will be held at Hidies Bar from 2pm, giving hopefuls two chances at impressing the competitions judges and being selected for the competitions live shows. Contestants are being asked […]

Nikkis backyard on big screen

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Aitutaki hits Berlins big screen next month. Filmmaker Nikki Siulepa, daughter of Island Hoppers Ronnie Siulepa, will be attending the 62nd Berlinale Film Festival, to which her film Snow in Paradise has been accepted. Snow in Paradise, which was shot on location in Aitutaki last year using a local cast and crew, has been chosen […]

Theres an alligator in me

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

In this week’s Kids Page column we feature more creative writing by Apii Te Uki Ou students published in the school’s 2011 end of year magazine. Schools and teachers are invited to contribute to this page by emailing: matariki@cookislandsnews.com Snappy teeth to chew people. Strong feet to swim. Needs to be big to scare people. […]

Thanks from clinic

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Its been another great year at the Esther Honey Foundation and we want to say meitaki maata to all those who have supported the clinic whether it was in financial support, adopting a new friend, offering your time and so on. We really appreciate all the help we get. When I talk to tourists who […]

Roadhouse donates $1500

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

The housie mamas from Roadhouse in Arorangi have donated $1500 to the Esther Honey Foundation. Volunteer workers are pictured above accepting the donation. Proceeds from Wednesday night Housie games go toward caring for the animals of the Cook Islands this is not a one-off occurrence, says Gregg Young of Esther Honey Foundation. Roadhouse Housie also […]

Disneyland, here I come!

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Eight-year-old Yvette Turua received the Christmas present of her life this December, winning $10,000 through the Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers rugby league clubs major annual fundraiser. Having found out on Christmas Eve that her ticket was the winner, Yvette and her family spent all Christmas Day letting the win from a $20 ticket sink in. The inevitable […]

New salon offers permanent makeup

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Make-up application can be a tedious process, and in the summer months when its hot enough to melt the make-up off many a face can feel hopeless. But Motea Spa & Salon is offering a new service for those who want to look made-up but are tired of doing the making-up. Moteas beauty consultant Irene […]

Climate change is Anas sole focus

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Ana Tiraa was looking for a challenge and she got one directing the new climate change division within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Tiraa began working at the OPM in October last year, and is still in the process of determining exactly how the new climate change unit will be established. Her appointment […]

Tourism wants stories for Australia

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

Tourism operators looking to raise awareness of their products in Australia are being asked to put their cooking hats on, prepare for take-off, ready the spas and think green. Cook Islands Tourism Corporation Australia office is currently searching for tourism industry members who want their story included in the markets trade newsletter. Tourism operators are […]

Atiu weapon could fetch $100,000

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

A Cook Islands artefact is the leading display piece on auction at Bonhams, a private San Francisco auction house, next month. It is part of Bonhams first auction devoted solely to Oceanic art, which launches on February 11. The Cook Islands artefact will join 150 other pieces from Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Indonesia and Australia at […]

First haircut special all over the world

Saturday 14 January 2012 | Published in Features

The first haircut for a child has special significance in certain cultures and religions. It can be considered a rite of passage or a milestone. Here we highlight some of the haircutting rituals by different cultural groups around the world sourced from Wikipedia. A Chinese baby often receives its first haircut at the end of […]