Articles by Utopia Support

Paddling warmup

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Local

Rakahanga dancers Moreen Peter and friend warm up for their stand-up paddleboard races on Saturday a recreational event for teenagers from northern island dance groups. Report, back page. 11081431

Potential buyers still eyeing TMN art

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Features

The second biggest piece of art at the Te Maeva Nui art exhibition has been sold and now organisers are setting their sights on the feature piece. At $30,000 the sale might seem like a daunting task, but Club Bana bistro and gallery owner Tarita Hutchinson said there was some interest in the piece. Tarita […]

Rallying call

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The Prime Ministers song fest on constitution day had a positive ripple effect on the six oclock TV and radio news that evening. It reverberated throughout the national and international airwaves reminding me of the first premier of the country. He too sang Maori songs at every public opportunity, to communicate his government […]

Auditorium criticism answered

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am replying to your Smoke Signallers on July 28 referring to Gospel Day and on July 30 titled Sound Feedback. I thought its time I also answer and share my thoughts in your column to your smoke signallers harsh comments in regards to the use of my name, the Ministry of Cultural […]

Request to PM from Lost Tribe

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It was reported in CINews that during Mr Punas current travels he intends to raise the issue of NZ superannuation portability with John Key in New Zealand. Since I was prevented by some bureaucratic minion in our NZ High Commission Office from personally joining the press conference held with Mr McCully last month, […]

Depopulation remarks clarified

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I want to clarify my comments about Tongareva people leaving the island for overseas. Of those that had come over on board the Lady Naomi to the Maeva Nui celebrations who are going to New Zealand or Australia have all indicated that they will return to the island. One young couple and their […]

Kata - August 15, 2011

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in Kata

Northern dancers on water

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

The fun of stand up paddleboarding will spread to the northern group islands after teenagers from northern group Te Maeva Nui teams had their first experience on paddleboards at the weekend. Judging by the huge grins and non-stop laughter the worlds fastest growing sport was a hit with the teenagers. The teenagers from the northern […]

Over 100 tackle fitness challenge

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

More than 100 people are taking part in the latest Fitness Revolution body and mind challenge. Most of them were at the Te Atukura Grounds in Avarua for the first group challenge of the fitness and weight loss programme last Wednesday. The contenders tackled the Fitness Revolution circuit at the grounds, competing for healthy spot […]

Omoka High School opens doors

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

Omoka High School has opened its doors to the students of Penrhyn. The new school, fully funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, includes three classrooms, one computer lab with air conditioning and an office. The new school was officially opened by the landowners who kindly donated their land to the Ministry of Education. Among […]

Snow White among passing whales

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

Whale expert Nan Hauser says its been an exciting month on the water. Thanks to a tip from local fisherman Pupuke Robati, she sighted her first giant octopus on July 30. Initially she pegged it as a giant squid, but for confirmation she emailed photos to Dr Steve OShea, director of the Earth & Oceanic […]

Youth Day and young people celebrated

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

A week of youth-orientated activities culminated last Friday in a luncheon at the Creative Centre, to coincide with International Youth Day. Every year August 12 marks a celebration of youth and acknowledgement of the issues faced by young people worldwide. In the Cook Islands members of various government ministries, organisations and community groups have gathered […]

Call to all tourism awards entrants

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

Any business that entered the 2011 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards should have received an email from a team of assessors in New Zealand confirming receipt of its application. Those which have not received acknowledgement of receipt should email ross@tourismco.co.nz as soon as possible. The deadline to submit entries has passed, and the […]

Trades Training Centre up to standard

Monday 15 August 2011 | Published in National

The Arorangi Trades Training Centre (TTC) is administering courses that are up to New Zealand standards, according to a team of three assessors. Wintech tutor Pete Shields was on Rarotonga last week to assess the progress of a drainlaying course at the TTC. Fourteen Cook Islanders are about two-thirds of the way through the two-year […]

Police seek Peeping Tom

Saturday 13 August 2011 | Published in Local

Cook Islands Police investigating the burglary of Aitutakis Bank of the Cook Islands branch are searching for a Peeping Tom, seen looking inside the bank on the night it was targeted. Detective Inspector Areumu Ingaua is appealing to the public for any information about the burglary, in which a large amount of cash was stolen. […]

Heavyweight in Rarotonga

Saturday 13 August 2011 | Published in Local

After four days of feasting and relaxing on Rarotonga Kiwi boxer Shane Cameron joked that he was back up to a heavyweight fighter. The Mountain Warrior was on the island for a friends wedding and spent most of his time relaxing. Ive just been roaming around the island on my scooter, swimming and relaxing as […]

Depopulation sponsored

Saturday 13 August 2011 | Published in Local

About one tenth of Penrhyns permanent population is leaving the northern group island, having been transported to Rarotonga for Te Maeva Nui events this month. Tongareva member of parliament Wilkie Rasmussen says of the 63 people who travelled on MV Lady Naomi from Penrhyn to Rarotonga recently, about 20 will not return. Many are leaving […]

Te Korero DVD launch today

Saturday 13 August 2011 | Published in Features

Due to the atrocious weather last weekend, the launching of Te Korero Maori Cultural Groups first ever DVD production at the Punanga Nui Market was postponed to this Saturday August 13. Weather permitting the cultural group will showcase most of the cultural performances featured on the DVD from 10 to 11am also featuring the cultural […]

Concert tickets on sale

Saturday 13 August 2011 | Published in Features

Tickets for Cook Islands On The Rock Fest 2011 go on sale outside Pandanus this weekend. Organised by Lend A Hand Foundation, the concert involves such headliners as J Williams, K-One, Vince Harder, Ben Lummis, Brandon P, DJ Reminise and others. Young Sid of the popular hip-hop group Smashproof and Pieter T are also part […]

No award, but definitely a winner

Saturday 13 August 2011 | Published in Features

Cook Islands music man Taura Mani says the most recent trip home was a proud one for him. Although it is coming months after the fact, Mani has brought home with him his spoils from the 2011 Pacific Music Awards. Mani didnt win his category Best Pacific Language Song but he said it doesnt matter […]