Articles by Utopia Support

'Political interference' in appointment

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

When the former Cook Islands Investment Corporation board hired John Tini to be chief executive of a government corporation with assets valued at $170 million, it failed to observe principles of good governance. Transparency was also lacking, states the recently tabled Audit report which reviews the selection and appointment of Tini in June 2007. It […]

Report critical of former CIIC board

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s previous board has been accused of intentionally pretending to be transparent in the way it handled applications for chief executive when it had already decided John Tini would get the CEO job. The damning report further accuses the former board of creating a situation of political interference, bias and conflict of […]

Audit investigations open to public

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

The Audit Office First Quarter Report was tabled at last week’s sitting of Parliament making the comprehensive document open to the public. Apart from normal financial and stock take reports, it also contains five performance audits, special reviews and investigations. The special investigations by Audit were conducted into the appointment of former Cook Islands Investment […]

Shocked seek help

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb 25 – As Christchurch medical centres continue to treat those with physical scars following Tuesday’s devastating earthquake an increasing number of people left mentally battered are arriving seeking help. The Ferry Road Medical Centre in Phillipstown has been dealing with patients ranging from the walking wounded on Tuesday to helping those with shock […]

Population dwindling

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

The Cook Islands Statistics Office bulletin for the quarter ending September 2010 reveals an increase in tourist numbers but a decrease in resident population. Statistics for that quarter show a total estimated population of 23,400 – but just 11,400 estimated residents, which is down from the June 2010 quarter, which had residents pegged somewhere around […]

'Local lane' to be reinstated

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

Government officials are looking to reinstate the local lane for international flights after congestion forced its suspension over the last Christmas and New Year period, according to MFEM Treasury director Andrew Haigh. He says the suspension had nothing to do with a shortage of Customs/Immigration personnel due to the lack of money – “funds are […]

PM discusses controversial NZ report

Friday 25 February 2011 | Published in National

Some good things and some bad things. That’s what Prime Minister Henry Puna has told Kiwi MP John Hayes is contained in the controversial New Zealand parliamentary report on NZ’s relationship with the Pacific islands. The Pacific Review was written by the NZ Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee which Hayes chaired. The report has […]

Govt pushes back ceremonial opening

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Local

Parliament staff are expecting the ceremonial opening of the 47th session to be held in April, a month later than originally planned by government. Assistant clerk Tupuna Rakanui says they’re not sure why the opening has been pushed back but staff are happy that government is “trying to get parliament back on track because for […]

Alcohol-related accident policy challenged

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Local

Two serious complaints alleging discrimination and unlawful deprivation of medical treatment have been lodged with the Ombudsman Office and are expected to develop into landmark cases. The complaints will most likely result in the Ministry of Health’s policy on the provision of treatment to victims of road accidents in which health personnel decide are alcohol […]

By-election to cost $30,000

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Local

Finance Minister Mark Brown estimates that the by-election for the Pukapuka-Nassau seat will cost government around $30,000. Last Thursday afternoon, Justice Nicholson delivered a decision after hearing independent candidate Vai Peua’s electoral petition hearing, declaring the Pukapuka-Nassau election void. He has not yet handed down a written decision, which means Prime Minister Henry Puna and […]

Old gowns and patched wigs

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Local

While MPs can wear new suits and ties thanks to their $5000 clothing allowance, spare a thought for parliament staff who must wear the clobber of ancient costumes when parliament is in session. And right now as they prepare for a ceremonial opening, the speaker, clerk and assistant clerk of parliament aren’t looking pretty – […]

Suwarrow the highlight of my voyage

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have just completed my passage across the Pacific. The best place we visited has been Suwarrow in the Cook Islands. Besides being absolutely gorgeous locations, the park hosts, James and Apii, made the stay that much better. They were fantastic and taught us a lot about the island and its ecosystem. These […]

Downsizing details wrong

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I refer to the letter headed ‘Looking back’ written by Teariki Simiona in a recent edition. The downsizing of the public service did happen but it happened in July to November/December 1996, not in 1999. By late June 1996 there were 2904 public servants on the pay roll. By 1st January 1997 the […]

Why wasn't Crown Law held to account?

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It can be argued that the former financial secretary ultimately paid the price for the Toagate botch up by not getting reappointed when his contract expired. Fair enough. The question I would like to know is whether the Crown Law Office was ever held accountable for its involvement in this scandal? Those who […]

Kata - February 24, 2011

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Kata

New format netball begins

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Netball

This year’s netball season, which began last night at the Telecom Sports Arena, will have a big emphasis on development with a number of changes made to the playing divisions. It’s going to be a full on season for all six clubs on Rarotonga taking part with players in the new masters and corporate mixed […]

24 fight it out

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Twenty-four non-elite golf teams will fight it out today for the game of the century in the annual Business House competition. And judging by the teams taking part – Air Rarotonga, Vonnias and Pyramid should be out to win the gross outright prize with outsider FBI lead by the minister Mark Brown to take the […]

Tereora College prefects inducted

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Tereora College prefects, peace ambassadors and student councillors were inducted in a special ceremony at the national college on Friday. Twelve senior students were selected for the prefect role based on their leadership qualities and for their talents in various areas such as culture, art and sports. They will work closely with the college’s teachers. […]

NZ ombuds here to help out

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Senior business advisor Antonia Di Maio of the New Zealand Office of the Ombudsmen is in her third week at the Cook Islands Office of the Ombudsman helping local staff with their workload. Di Maio is on Rarotonga for two months, serving out a short-term placement sponsored by the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance, whereby member countries […]

Electoral people compare practices

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Delegates are entering the final day of a BRIDGE – Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections – Electoral Management Design workshop at Edgewater Resort’s Spaghetti House. A Cook Islands delegation – which consists of Michelle Aisake, Enua Pakitoa, Tinirau Tupa, Vero Papatua and Iti Takaiti – has this week been working with representatives from […]