Articles by Utopia Support

She deserves an apology

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I was totally blown away by the disgraceful letter from Ellena Tavioni regarding Ms Pick. Is Ms Pick supposed to run in long track pants and a sweatshirt? Get off your high horse Ellena and stop judging someone because of what they wear who are you to judge? Look around you, are you […]

Dont blame the victim

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Its a shame to see the victim of sexual harassment being blamed, instead of denouncing the negative behaviour of the perpetrator (and offering him appropriate help and support). It is sad to see the victims responses being dissected and critiqued. Women respond to harassment in a different way, in their own time. It […]

Kata - November 18, 2011

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in Kata

Officer finishes attachment

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in National

Niuean administration officer Sufane Touna has been with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) for two weeks on an attachment programme sponsored by the Australian government. Touna requested to be attached to the Cook Islands Public Service to review and have a better understanding of a countrys guidelines for handling and managing public […]

Mauke harbour project behind schedule

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in National

Work to redevelop Maukes harbour is almost two months behind schedule due to disruptive weather conditions and machinery breakdowns. At the moment construction is expected to be finished in February. Labourers are hoping to complete the harbour slipway and walls in December, leaving the quay area. That should be done in January and if work […]

Foreign expert offers energy opinion

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in National

One of the Pacifics largest power product suppliers has called on the Cook Islands to keep both the public and private sectors involved in renewable investments if it wants to conquer its reliance on fossil fuel. Rodney Krempaszky is the renewables product manager for a company called M-Power, which supplies a variety of power products […]

Charity writes in support of Pick

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in National

Leaders of the Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service have backed Kelly Pick as a dedicated volunteer to their service and a person committed to the Cook Islands. Pastor Eliu Eliu, president of Te Vaerua, felt compelled to write to Cook Islands News yesterday in support of Pick after she had been subjected to a torrent […]

Last day to apply for travel documents

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in National

Today is the final day for people who are looking to travel over the coming holiday period to apply for passports and visa through the New Zealand High Commission. Anyone who waits beyond today to submit their passport or visa applications to the high commission will not be guaranteed to have requests processed in time […]

Two cabinet ministers visit Atiu

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in National

Atiu will receive some high level visitors next week. Teariki Heather, whose portfolios include infrastructure and planning, will depart Rarotonga for Atiu on Monday to assess the islands water infrastructure. Heather and a couple of water engineers plan to get a feel for Atius water supply strengths and weaknesses, determining whether upgrades or improvements need […]

The costumes are the same

Friday 18 November 2011 | Published in Smoke Signals

Responding to Ellena Tavionis letter to the editor yesterday in which she said a triathletes training costume almost looks like an eyesore two-piece swimsuit that showed a near naked body, a smoke signaller texts: I feel for Ellena. Have a look at your TV Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Pacific Games all triathletes wear exactly what Kelly […]

TAU policy change dismays Solar Bob

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Environment

Changes to Te Aponga Uiras policies on renewable energy systems appear as though the company is trying to block the private sector out of the industry, according to a Cook Islands solar system provider. Solar Bob Riley was dismayed when he yesterday heard that within weeks TAU would not be accepting any new grid-tied solar […]

Spike in thefts and burglaries

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Local

Cook Islands Police are warning people to keep proper watch over their goods and money following a spike in reports of petty thefts and burglaries late last week. A number of people have been the victim of thieves during the last week, with money and mobile phones appearing to be the most sought after items […]

Solar power policy pulled

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Local

The state-owned energy operator Te Aponga Uira estimates it will reach its optimum level of grid-tied renewable installations on Rarotonga within the next two months. Once the grid reaches that capacity, people looking to invest in solar panels will not be able to tie their systems to the grid to store excess energy. Storage will […]

Accept his apology

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I was peeved to hear on the TV last night Kelly Picks comment that shes seeking compensation from Zac for his verbal abuse on her. Get over it, Kelly, that is not the Cook Islands way of doing things, to seek monetary compensation for oneself and your so-called charity organisation. I dont mind […]

Get on with real news

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, You have sold papers, the lot from TVNZ and TV3 scored themselves a nice junket, Ms Pick got her five minutes of fame (well, 10 minutes, I believe Barb dragged it all out again on One News last night?). Sigh, so will you now please get on with some real news? Look around […]

Great place for bullies

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Our newspapers and talkback in NZ are rife at the moment with stories of young Zac Guildfords misdemeanours on your beautiful island. I think generally we all agree that this young man with so much potential needs help to continue to realise his career as a professional sportsperson he is going to need […]

Isnt it time we left him alone?

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Sorry Zac, didnt you know you came to a country where we dont make mistakes? No one has ever gotten drunk and walked around naked in a public place, wait no actually Ive seen that happen a couple of times. No one has ever punched anyone unprovoked, oh wait Ive seen that happen […]

Police image tarnished worldwide

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor I am totally disappointed that the Cook Islands Police chose not to take any criminal action against Zac Guildford. If this scenario would have occurred where I am in charge of the police department, and I chose to do nothing, I would be sacked and rightfully so. Granted Zac Guildford apologised for hitting […]

Pastoral message to Zac Guildford

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Kia Orana in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. I write to help and support Zac Guildford in his ordeal here in Rarotonga and in what he does now. John 10.10 declares, The Thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have […]

Where was the real harm done?

Thursday 17 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have read with, initially, horror and disgust, then amusement, to disinterest and boredom, to eventually not reading at all, about Zac Guildford. No one condones his actions, and time will tell just what price he has to pay, or whether his debt will ever be paid off in some eyes. I certainly […]