Articles by Utopia Support

New JP sworn in at Auckland

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Auckland’s Pacific community are fortunate to see hardworking leaders giving their time to serve our diverse community for free. Nana Kamo Mataroa was one of 22 newly appointed Ministerial Justices of the Peace sworn in on Friday February 18 at the Auckland District Courthouse. In her allegiance speech to the District Court Judge Gittos who […]

7 seek cabinet job

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Seven applications have been received for the post of cabinet secretary, regarded by the Commonwealth Secretariat as one of the most important in a government. Office of the Public Service Commission CEO (now acting Financial Secretary) Priscilla Maruariki says the applicants, all local, are of good calibre. A selection committee, which has yet to be […]

Brewers let off tax on beer

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Cook Islands-based brewers are now exempt from paying an excise tax on beer under amended regulations adopted by the previous government. As a result Matutu Brewing Company and Rekareka Brewery owners and operators are collectively saving about $33,600 each year – based on modest sale figures. Excise tax for the local companies was previously 40 […]

Pastors contacting Cook Islanders

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

Cook Islanders in Christchurch are banding together where possible, despite travel limitations across the earthquake-ravaged city. At least three Cook Islands families, with elderly members and young children, have travelled south to Ashburton where a strong Cook Islands community exists. Hornby residents Sharon and Joseph Maea are staying at their home, which still has power […]

Web plays crucial role in earthquake recovery

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in National

At a time when communication in and around earthquake-ravaged Christchurch is difficult, the internet is playing a crucial role in helping victims recover, uniting people, and enabling aid efforts. A 10,000-strong army of student volunteers has been established through social networking website Facebook, which is helping New Zealand’s civil defence operation. “At this very early […]

Island meeting talks over our heads

Thursday 24 February 2011 | Published in Smoke Signals

Has anyone noticed the irony and parody – or indeed does anyone care – behind the two obscure regional training workshops underway in Rarotonga this week? It says something about the dysfunction within our own public sector. First there’s the gathering of cabinet secretariat and public service commission heads, talkfesting to themselves about good governance […]

Fancy gear for lagoon tests

Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Environment

Muri lagoon will host some magnificent machines and expensive equipment in its waters over the next 40 days. SOPAC, the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific, is lending the gear to the Cook Islands as part of the Muri Water and Sanitation Project – a water quality monitoring programme that […]

Man drowns while kayaking

Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local

The tragic passing of Eugene Tutaka-George has left a void in the hearts of many on Rarotonga. Eugene, who drowned this week in what police say was an accident, will be sorely missed by those who knew him. Eugene is believed to have been kayaking alone on Sunday afternoon. Police received a call on Monday […]

Cook Islands doctor works 24-hour emergency

Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local

Cook Islands paediatric surgeon Dr Kiki Maoate who is based at Christchurch hospital says he hasn’t heard yet of any Cook Islanders being registered as missing persons. Dr Maoate says he’s been texting and receiving calls from Cook Islanders in Christchurch and “it sounds like everyone is fine.” Speaking from his mobile phone at 2.45pm […]

Flood and quake appeals combined

Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local

An appeal to raise money for victims of Australian flooding caused by the recent cyclone Yasi has been postponed, so that it can be combined with a drive to help people affected by this week’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch. The Ministry of Culture is organising the fundraising initiative, and secretary Sonny Williams says Prime Minister […]

Flags at half-mast for victims

Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Local

Cook Islands flags will fly at half mast today as the country mourns with New Zealand the loss of lives and catastrophic destruction caused by the 6.4 richter scale earthquake that struck Christchurch. At time of going to press, 75 people had been confirmed dead and a further 300 were still missing. A letter of […]

Kata - February 23, 2011

Wednesday 23 February 2011 | Published in Kata

'Uru i toou nio'

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local

Inanai, te ra no Te Reo Tumu, kua aao te tamariki apii Iotepha Peata (St Joseph’s) i to ratou kakau pareu manea ei turu te ra. I te tae anga te nuti peapa ki te apii – kua kite ia mai teia au tamariki uki ou e uru ara i to ratou nio e te […]

Concern for quake victims

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local

The government is working with the New Zealand High Commission to determine the welfare of Cook Islanders living in Christchurch after it was struck yesterday by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the richter scale. Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Marsters issued a statement yesterday that they are aware there are a large […]

Body found in sea near Avatiu

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local

The body of a man believed to be in his early 40s was retrieved from the sea near Avatiu Harbour yesterday. At press time, police had not yet notified next of kin and refused to release the man’s name. Just after 7am yesterday, police received a call about a missing person. Officers conducted a search […]

Tax increase not on

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Local

Finance Minister Mark Brown said at a press conference on Friday that there is “no truth at all” to recent speculation that government has plans to increase taxes. “In fact, what we’re looking at doing is trying to provide an environment for business to actually thrive and adding taxes to the equation definitely doesn’t do […]

'A slap in the face'

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, When I first read the rumour that Sir Geoff was being considered to be the next speaker of Parliament, I thought this is only a sick and cruel joke by someone who has nothing better to do than spread harmful rumours. Surely Henry Puna would never consider Geoff Henry for the position of […]

Kata - February 22, 2011

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Kata

Speeding sign in an accident

Tuesday 22 February 2011 | Published in Smoke Signals

“I noticed on Monday morning that the speeding warning sign in Matavera was crashed into and totally smashed to pieces over the weekend,” a smoke signaller writes. “I see that event as both a little funny but also dumb and dumber. That accident is what you call an ‘ironic juxtaposition of events’, meaning the road […]

Big returns

Monday 21 February 2011 | Published in Local

It is estimated Aitutaki’s economy will benefit from an additional $2.35 million each year, as a result of the Ministry of Marine Resources’ new bonefish management scheme for the island’s lagoon. MMR regulations aimed at preserving the species in Aitutaki and Manuae were formally adopted in October and will begin to be enforced at the […]