Articles by Utopia Support

Ngatangiia decision very important

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The upcoming run-off vote for the Demo candidate in Ngatangiia is the most important that our nation has ever faced. As a born and bred Ngatangiia person, I am hoping the people in our village think of our whole nation first before they vote Sir Terepai Maoate in again. If he wins over […]

Tourism plans the same

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Over the past six months I have read with interest the articles on tourism. They range from the new appointment of staff, the leaving of the old staff members, the arrival of a dog, (Please, how is that front page news?) the media spin on the success of the Australian flight, the spin […]

Announce policies

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Through your column may I request both the Democratic and CIP Parties to publicly announce their policies firstly on import substitution and protection from those trade practices designed to strengthen monopolistic agenda, enhance market power and eliminate competition and, secondly, whether they intend to resist the lobbying which has seen the deferral of […]

What makes a good MP?

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have been reading and hearing with interest the various views expressed on political reform, well, more so only on the numbers of MPs we should be having in Parliament. I see also that there are lot of members of the public willing to put their names forward to make changes to how […]

Kata - September 23, 2010

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Kata

Netballers thank their sponsors

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Netball

Locally based national netballers Curly George and Luciana Matenga made special visits this week to their code’s sponsors to show their gratitude for the support given to them. The pair donned their playing uniforms for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, which starts early next month, and headed to the Air Rarotonga hangar to say meitaki maata […]

Just having a ball

Thursday 23 September 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes in response to the recent article ‘The last waltz looms’ published prior to the Tereora College Ball: “In the articles about the school ball it clearly says that males cannot wear black skinny jeans, but then in the ‘Top Ten Tips’ for the ball it says something clearly different. It suggests […]

Demos wait for run-off

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Local

The governing Democratic Party is waiting for the outcome of the Ngatangiia run-off before releasing its election manifesto. Party president Sean Willis says the executive plans to distribute the manifesto to electorate committees either September 30 or October 3. The run-off for candidacy in Ngatangiia between standing MP Sir Terepai Maoate and Mann Short will […]

MPs suggest sugary food ban

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Local

The rise in obesity in the Cook Islands is going to be discussed at the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) conference in Kuala Lumpur in October. The rapid increase in illnesses caused by lifestyle habits such as overeating, drinking too much and smoking will be discussed, and the Secretary of Health Tupou Faireka has already been […]

Petrol shortage fears persist

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Local

People told not to panic buy as rumours fuel concern Consumers are still being warned against panic-buying fuel following rumour of another petrol shortage. Just a week after the new petrol supply was landed it is still selling faster than usual due to concern that it could run out before the next shipment arrives around […]

Thanks Smiley

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Congratulations and meitaki maata to Minister Smiley and his team for the great work done on the water problem in Tepuka. For donkey’s years, Tepuka has been the lost city of Rarotonga when it comes to water but goodness gracious me, the good Samaritan has arrived and for the first time in the […]

Forum questions to be asked

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Some questions for the next forum on political change. These are in response to repeated comments during the previous two forums. 1. Why SHOULD taxpayers fund a politician’s contribution to funerals, weddings and haircutting’s? Just so we can buy them more votes? The rest of us simply do what we can afford to […]

Gukisuva reacted to 'dirty' play

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, In response to the article in yesterday’s paper regarding Mr Gukisuva and the unfortunate incident in the rugby grand final match. Let me first state that I do not wish to take anything away from Arorangi’s win, as they indeed scored points and took penalty opportunities when it counted, and overall played a […]

Kata - September 22, 2010

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Kata

Survivor Cooks least challenging

Wednesday 22 September 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

After 21 seasons of the reality TV series Survivor, a website has chosen Survivor Cook Islands as the least challenging. BuddyTV.com staff writer Ben Watson writes: “The season that divided tribes up by race didn’t seem to have too many challenges location-wise. There was a significant amount of in-water challenges (including an awesome zip line […]

Young people part of 'upgrade'

Tuesday 21 September 2010 | Published in Local

Independent candidate for Tupapa-Maraerenga Tim Arnold wants to hear the hopes, dreams and wishes of the next generation of Cook Islanders. He is inviting young Cook Islanders, Rarotonga voters and election candidates to a meeting at the Pukapuka Hostel on Thursday at 7pm to brainstorm the big issues – leadership, education and youth. “I’ve decided […]

Question to be decided

Tuesday 21 September 2010 | Published in Local

Cabinet will consider today how the election referendum will be promoted leading up to the November 17 election day. The referendum on whether voters want a reduction in the number of MPs was announced earlier this month. Prime Minister Jim Marurai told CI News yesterday that he wants to confirm the wording of the question […]

Short gets shot at candidacy

Tuesday 21 September 2010 | Published in Local

Ngatangiia MP Sir Terepai Maoate and Mann Short are confirmed as candidates for the run-off for election candidate to be held next Wednesday. Nominations closed at 4pm yesterday but Sir Terepai’s committee couldn’t confirm whether anyone else had put their name forward. Short confirmed yesterday that he was in the race after initially expressing concern […]

Brown in hot water

Tuesday 21 September 2010 | Published in Local

Agriculture secretary asked to explain comments made in Fiji Agriculture secretary Anthony Brown is being called to account this week for speaking out in support of Fiji’s military-led government. Public Service Commissioner Navy Epati has asked Brown to explain the statements which defy government’s position on the political situation in Fiji. The Ministry of Foreign […]

What a pleasant surprise

Tuesday 21 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have not visited the Tupapa Health Clinic for many months now, but I recall the last time I went there. Whilst waiting to be called, I looked around the waiting room and down the corridor and thought “gee, this place looks almost exactly what it was ten years ago and they should […]