Articles by Utopia Support

Praise for conservation work

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Environment

The conservation work at Atiu is something the whole of the Cook Islands should be proud of, according a visiting representative from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. A number of projects surrounding conservation efforts and species propagation at Atiu have been under the spotlight this week as the Cook Islands hosts Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund […]

Government posts travel plans online

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Local

Government is providing further travel disclosure about ministerial movements via the internet. The approach by government to disclose information about travel undertaken by members of parliament and cabinet ministers in part satisfies a request from the public for greater transparency and accountability. Up until recently it has been difficult extracting such information from government. This […]

Submissions for budget document close

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Local

Government has received just six submissions on its budget consultation document, which outlines proposals for spending in the next fiscal year. Submissions closed on October 31, although two received on November 1 have been accepted. The six submissions include those from the Cook Islands Workers Association (CIWA), businessman Scott Arlander, and the Cook Islands Development […]

$43,000 from tax

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Local

To date government has received $43,000 in revenue from the newly-implemented withholding tax. The controversial tax sees government take 15 percent of the interest awarded by banks for all deposits in the Cook Islands. Government introduced the tax to generate about $1.3 million annually in additional revenue to pay for unexpected overspends from the last […]

Divas deliver best show on Rarotonga

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

Most of those who made it to Divas in Paradise last weekend are calling it the best show theyve seen on Rarotonga. Local musicians Tara Kauvai and Kura Happ set the stage for a blowout performance by three of New Zealands leading ladies. Julia Deans brought a bit of indie-country flavour the girl and her […]

Magnificent things happen in Mauke

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

Magnificent things happen in Mauke Awesome people are so kind and friendly Use your knowledge to acquire new friends Key to a successful bonding experience is to think about other peoples feelings Encourage applies to all team activities Mauke is just like Mangaia, but better All the people are friendly Under the makatea are caves […]

All eyes on new optics shop

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

All eyes are on the brand-name sunnies on offer at Eyes of Rarotonga, the new optics shop that opened in Avarua this week. Eyes of Rarotonga formerly Cook Islands Optics has relocated from Ingram House into the space left vacant by Moana Gems. Qualified optometrist Annie Duncan moved from New Zealand four weeks ago to […]

Cafe brings French flair to Muri

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

Te Vara Nui Villages newest venture brings a bit of Western Europe to Muri. Les Palmiers Cafe and Grill, which opened about two weeks ago, offers such iconic French foods as crepes both savoury (salmon and sour cream) and sweet and Italian gelato. Its name simply means The Palms, which summons images of the tropical […]

Calling all Pacific artists

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

Pacific Islands Trade & Invest is inviting all Pacific Islands artists to submit a piece for the Maketi Ples, the most prestigious event put on by Australias Creative Arts. Held at Global Gallery in New South Wales from February 22 to March 11, the event is a means for Pacific artists to target Australian consumers, […]

Strokes on silk at The Art Studio

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

A new collection of clothes, wall hangings and art have been brought into The Art Studio in Arorangi, breathing new life into the collection on show. But for people wanting to check out the one-off pieces and wearable art, youd better get in quick artist and Art Studio owner Kay George said once theyre gone, […]

The house of Halls

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Features

In the peaceful Takuvaine valley behind Avarua on the island of Rarotonga, surrounded by lush foliage and soaring peaks, sits one cool house. This is the recently completed home of Susan and Neil Hall a stylish container house designed by Susan Hall and Nigel Rees from RDA Design. Its the second such house to be […]

Muri speed zone a waste

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, What a great waste of our taxpayers money for the police to station four traffic cops next to the new 30km/h speed signs in Muri. Its crazy. How can anything over 30km/h be speeding or dangerous? There must be a better way. What was this small know it all group of Muri people […]

Just ask the Fiji Fund members

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I was interested in the comment by Mr Kevin Carr in CI News (November 4) in respect of the Fiji economy and the Fiji National Provident Fund which is equally applicable to the CINSF. In 2008, the FNPF under the management installed by the Bainimarama interim government credited 6.5 % to the accounts […]

Nom de plume being abused

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I feel compelled to comment on the number of nom de plume letters published recently in your newspaper against CISNOCs leader Sir Geoffrey Henry. I fail to understand how the writers of those letters can feel so strongly about issues and him to put pen to paper and submit them to you for […]

Kata - November 5, 2011

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Kata

Air Raro supports netball

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in Netball

Air Rarotonga and Netball Cook Islands have formed an alliance through the signing of a sponsorship agreement to facilitate netball development in the outer islands. The sponsorship deal between the domestic airline and Netball Cook Islands will allow coaches, umpires and technical officials to travel to the outer islands for ongoing training and development programmes […]

Help Shannon reach her goal

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in National

CITC pharmacist Shannon Saunders swapped her togs for runners this year in an effort to raise money for local non-profit Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service. She set out to run around Rarotonga during the Round Raro Race last month, and in the process asked her supporters to make donations to Te Vaerua. Her goal was […]

Prevention better than punishment

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in National

Australian psychologist Meg Perkins says her research proves that when it comes to cutting down on crime in the Cook Islands, prevention is more effective than punishment. (It) is difficult not to conclude that prevention of crime would be better than correction. Punishment does not seem to do very much for young people who are […]

Mitiaro craft showcased

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in National

Tivaivai, cushions, pillow cases and various styles of pandanus mats have been on display in Mitiaro at the annual Nukuroa Vaine Tini Katorika craft and tivaivai show. Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) president Vaine Wichman travelled from Rarotonga to Mitiaro for the exhibition as an invited guest. More than 11 women displayed their […]

Quiz to support Uirangi

Saturday 5 November 2011 | Published in National

Miss South Pacific contender Uirangi Bishop has just one month to prepare for the Apia beauty pageant. In support of her big day, the Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association (MCIPA) is putting on a quiz night fundraiser next Tuesday. Emceed by MCIPA president Clee Marsters, the quiz night will kick off from 6pm at Hidies […]