Articles by Utopia Support

Drummers show innovation

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

The expert drumming techniques and sounds of Te Fuinga O Niva saw the Manihiki team retain their title as the best Te Maeva Nui drummers. The team was joined by five other enthusiastic drumming teams Vaka Puaikura, Mitiaro, Oire Avarua, Mangaia and Aitutaki. The people who packed out the national auditorium swayed, jiggled and danced […]

New format, good vibes

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

All Te Maeva NuI cultural teams that performed on stage over the past week have ensured that the vibrant culture and strong language of the Cook Islands will continue for generations to come. All teams came together as one on Saturday for the Tangi Kaara competition and prizegiving of Te Maeva Nui 2011 which marked […]

Cook Islands Party elects new executive

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

The Cook Islands Party has elected its new executive, which will drive the party forward for the next two years. A CIP conference was held at the Assembly of God (AOG) church hall in Takuvaine on Friday. About 50 party members and supporters, including a good number from outer islands, attended the conference. Many pa […]

Govt worried at shipping problems

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

Cook Islands lack of domestic shipping is a major concern of Prime Minister Henry Puna. He says one more day without an adequate solution is one day too long. Punas concern has been festering in past months although until now there has been hope that new vessels will start operating in the country. Tapi Taios […]

Close encounters of the bird kind

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

A Rarotongan dive company had a group of New Zealand customers crying fowl recently as it picked up an unexpected guest for a trip. Unusually for the divers, the close encounters with wild animals did not occur below the waterline during a trip to reefs off Rarotongas north coast. This time they were finding friends […]

Wastewater options probed

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

Wastewater treatment systems are being trialled by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning (MOIP) with a view to identifying best systems for each environment throughout the Cook Islands. A meeting was held on Friday at MOIPs site office in Muri where some systems are already in place. Biolytix general manager Karl Geiseler, of New Zealand, […]

CI student home to lend a hand

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in National

People who took advantage of the free chiropractic services on Rarotonga last week may have recognised a familiar face among the crowd. Formerly from Tupapa, Meagan Hoskin returned to the Cook Islands, now aged 25, with 45 other third year students from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. Meagan has lived off the island since […]

Govt travel eating tax

Monday 8 August 2011 | Published in Smoke Signals

Robin Hood was well-known for taking from the rich and giving to the poor, a smoke signaller writes. Its a shame that all we have is a robbing hood who takes from the poor pensioners and gives to the rich Toa and Air New Zealand. The prime ministers journey to San Francisco has nothing to […]

ON THE STREET

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in National

How did you celebrate Constitution Day?

Puna to meet Key

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in National

Prime Minister Henry Puna is preparing for a one-on-one discussion with New Zealands Prime Minister John Key, in what is described as an urgency meeting before the Pacific Forum. On August 14 Puna travels to Auckland with his chief executive Edwin Pittman. Both fly to Wellington to meet Key briefly, and will be joined by […]

Tax amendments will not affect residents

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Local

Amendments to the governments withholding tax will not affect Cook Islands residents. Finance minister Mark Brown says the relevant legislation passed by parliament last month will be amended to ensure non-residents with Cook Islands bank accounts are also subject to the 15 percent tax on interest earned on deposits in the country. Brown says non-residents […]

Joint China-NZ projects likely

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Local

Cook Islanders may soon be receiving electricity through Chinese solar panels funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme. Prime Minister Henry Puna has discussed the possibility with Chinas ambassador to New Zealand, Niue and the Cook Islands Xu Jianguo. The ambassador was in Rarotonga this week and Puna sat with him for half an hour […]

Drummers show what theyve got

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Local

Traditional and contemporary drumbeats of the Cook Islands will thunder through the village of Tupapa-Maraerenga today when Te Maeva Nui teams flex their drumming muscles at the Tangi Kaara (drumming) competition. A total of eight teams will compete for the best drummers title currently held by Te Fuinga O Niva the Manihiki team who have […]

Te Korero launch DVD

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Features

Te Korero Maori Cultural Performing Arts group will be launching their first DVD production to the general public today at the Punanga Nui Market. The cultural team, under the guidance of Vaitoti Tupa, was first established in 2001 with three main intentions to sustain our cultural performing arts through our younger generation, to educate the […]

Kids get interactive with culture

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Features

Cook Islands culture is being celebrated through education and last month pupils from all 14 Avatea Primary School classes visited Te Vara Nui Village in Muri through the initiative. During seven visits to the village and tourist attraction last month, the Avatea pupils challenged Te Vara Nuis tour guides, performers, drummers and singers to best […]

Tapping into Madrids tapas scene

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Features

A taste of Spain has made its way to Rarotonga, and it can be yours in bite-sized servings at the islands newest eatery. Crown Beach Resort and Spa this week launched another dining option to its arsenal, taking inspiration from the tapas bars of Madrid while keeping an island touch to the serving sizes. Crown […]

Get the know-how on ploughs

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Features

The Cook Islands Motor Centre is holding its second field day today, sharing all they know on ploughing, spraying, slicing and servicing your way through home and garden care. The field day will be held in front of the Motor Centre showroom at Panama from about 10am, with demonstrations, presentations and information available from the […]

More brilliant performances

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Features

An even larger crowd flocked to the national auditorium on Thursday night to enjoy another night of wonderful Cook Islands dancing. Those in the crowd who had been lucky enough to watch the show every night commented that the items and songs performed each night got better as the week went on. And those who […]

Kata - August 6, 2011

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in Kata

Araara i te reo Maori

Saturday 6 August 2011 | Published in National

In todays kids page we feature a Maori speech written by Avatea Primary School student Rachel Scheel.Through her speech the room 5 student talks about the importance of retaining our language and culture and being proud of it.Toku reo, Taku peu was the theme of this years primary school speech competition where Scheel shared her […]