Articles by Utopia Support

Entire super fund will not be repatriated

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have been asked to comment on the concerns raised by Kevin Carr in regards to governments intentions on the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF). The role of the Economic Task Force was to provide government with recommendations on stimulating and growing the economy. Government will certainly consider the recommendation of the […]

Kata - November 10, 2011

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in Kata

USP and SPC join forces

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the University of the South Pacific and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) which commits the two regional organisations to increased collaboration for the benefit of the Pacific region. Under this agreement, the two regional intergovernmental organisations will work closely to ensure enhanced delivery of services […]

PIPSO empowering women in business

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

The second round of a Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) conference about empowering women in business is taking place in Fiji on November 14 and 15. The Cook Islands was part of the first conference workshop, held in Samoa in August. This coming conference is for the Melanesian countries involved in the initiative, and […]

Upgrade for Mauke doctors residence

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

The 50-year-old doctors residence on Mauke will either be renovated or replaced by the Ministry of Health. Health minister Nandi Glassie and secretary Tupou Faireka travelled to Mauke last week to assess the residence and discuss options in respect of its future. Glassie says at present the residence is occupied by Maukes doctor, but it […]

Monster mangoes?

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

Do big mangoes mean theres going to be more cyclones? That was the question asked by Greg Parker who visited our office yesterday with three monster mangoes. Although he tried to claim they could be the biggest mangoes around, staff at CINews reckon theyve seen bigger already this season. Parker, who lives in Matavera next […]

New baby ward opens

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

The first Cook Islands newborns and their mothers are lapping up the relative luxury within Rarotonga hospitals new maternity ward. An official opening of the ward took place yesterday afternoon and was attended by health minister Nandi Glassie, secretary Tupou Faireka and the hospitals director of services Dr Tikaka Henry. All three made speeches at […]

Export tuna processed in Rarotonga

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

Rarotonga is this week exporting seven tonnes of fish picked up by Yuh Yow fishing vessels stationed in the north. The Taiwanese company is licensed to fish in the Cook Islands and at present has nine fishing vessels operating in the north. Those vessels have consolidated their catch the majority of which is yellowfin and […]

Tourism expo open to all interested

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

Businesses are already receiving a discounted rate for their attendance at the Kia Orana Cook Islands tourism industry showcase, says Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. Chief executive Carmel Beattie said the event, which is considered the largest of its type to be held within the Cook Islands, was being subsidised by the corporation with some help […]

Agriculture expansion for health

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

Health and agriculture minister Nandi Glassie has a vision for the Cook Islands, and it involves greater collaboration related to his two portfolios. Glassie says Cook Islanders need to eat healthier and the countrys economy could do with a major boost. His solution is to have communities nationwide increase agriculture and horticulture production. That will […]

DPM champions seabed minerals

Thursday 10 November 2011 | Published in National

The ministry for minerals and natural resources is pushing forward with its deep sea minerals awareness campaign, last week meeting with the Cook Islands traditional leaders to discuss the topic. Deputy Prime Minister and minerals and natural resources minister Tom Marsters spearheaded a meeting with the House of Ariki last week, his mission to spread […]

Vaka Eiva volunteers needed

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Environment

The National Environment Service (NES) is calling for volunteers to help with green initiatives implemented during the upcoming Vaka Eiva festival. Helpers are needed to supervise and manage recycling bins throughout the event, encouraging people how to recycle and keep the environment clean as well as showing them how. NES expects the level of public […]

Crash may have involved underage driver

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Local

Police are investigating the motor vehicle accident in which Arorangi teenager Mona Taio was injured. It appears Taio (16) was the pillion passenger on a motorbike being driven by a 15-year-old. Police commissioner Maara Tetava says it looks like the underage driver overtook another vehicle and crashed into a turning motorbike. The incident happened on […]

Police investigating death of 10-year-old

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Local

Police are investigating the death of a 10-year-old Takuvaine girl, who passed away in Rarotonga hospital on Sunday. The girl would have celebrated her 11th birthday on Monday. Police commissioner Maara Tetava was asked to comment yesterday on speculation that the child was beaten to death, or died as a result of injuries from a […]

CISNOC meeting heated

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Local

Disgruntled CISNOC members finally had their chance to address concerns in a much-anticipated special general meeting of the organisation last night. Since August, when government urgently had to loan the organisation $126,000 to send Team Cook Islands to the Pacific Games in New Caledonia, debate has circulated about CISNOCs fiscal status and its capability to […]

By-election likely

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Local

There is likely to be a by-election for the Atiu mayoralty, following Taoro Browns appointment to an Auckland-based job with the Ministry of Health. Brown, who was elected as the Atiu mayor almost a year ago, is due to start in his new capacity as a patient transferral officer in the next couple of weeks. […]

Planet Femme photo exhibit opens

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Features

The Planet Femme photography exhibition at the Cook Islands National Museum has officially opened to the public while the competition surrounding the event extends its deadlines for submissions. The museum launched its first photographic exhibition last night and has officially opened to the public today. With a theme of women of the community, about 20 […]

Smells fishy

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, All these trips to China, especially concerning our fishing – whos keeping an eye on Teina Bishop? I have friends who work across South East Asia and China. There are always major business cultural differences in dealing with this part of the world. Dare I say, its well known that under the table […]

Kata - November 9, 2011

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in Kata

Businesses divided over event cost

Wednesday 9 November 2011 | Published in National

Businesses wanting to take part in the Cook Islands largest wholesale tourism event have until the close of business tomorrow to register their interest. The three-day showcase called Kia Orana Cook Islands will bring in 59 people to the Cook Islands representing airlines, tourism wholesalers, online travel agencies, keynote speakers and trade media across nine […]