Articles by Utopia Support

Maoate threatens walkout

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Local

Aitutaki MP Terepai Maoate Jnr has threatened that he will stand by his father Sir Terepai Maoate and walk out of the Democratic Party if the debacle over the Ngatangiia candidate is not sorted out. Speaking to the CI News on Aitutaki on Tuesday, Maoate Jnr said the Demos will lose both he and his […]

'Repetitive diatribe'

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Smart politicians should look at life after reform Dear Editor, I find it incredible that Norman George continues to take up valuable space in your newspaper by persisting with insulting our intelligence in the way that he has. Regarding political reform, there can be little doubt that on Rarotonga at least, most people are in […]

Reform talks just 'window dressing'

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The PM’s invitation to GPC and Mou Piri for a round table discussion on political reform is nothing more than just a window dressing exercise to give the impression that Government is serious about reforms. We are still run by a minority Democratic Party government so how does the PM expect the reform […]

The case for reform

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Reducing the number of MPs – it should be the people’s vote I think it’s great that Norman George, as a politician, is engaging the media to get his views across on political reform. I find it interesting that as a politician he is neither open, nor receptive to political reform and believes that it […]

GPC represent no one

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Looking at that old photo you published on August 30 of the G.P.C. Group for Political Change (or is it G.S.R? “Group for Seat Reductions!”). They were protesting with the placard, “Norman George, Law Maker or Law Breaker” in 2003. What I find most amusing now is that the protest was not about […]

Questions over Titikaveka contract

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the Titikaveka Beautification Contract has once again been awarded to a private contractor rather than a community group. A proposal was submitted by the sports and community group from Titikaveka for the beautification contract on the understanding that community groups get first preference for beautification contracts. […]

Kata - September 2, 2010

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Kata

Convenient transparency

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

Referring to the smokie about Bim Tou calling the media to be present next week during the Ports Authority bid opening for the Avatiu Harbour Development, a smoke signaller writes: “What happened to the tender for the 15T forklift which is now broken down, and the crane purchased for Aitutaki recently? Transparency all right – […]

Soccer draw for this week

Thursday 2 September 2010 | Published in Football

Thursday 2 Arorangi vs Titikaveka at the CIFA complex in Matavera: 4.15pm Under- 14 Boys, Ref: Supi Arioka, Assist Refs: Anaberth Tetauru and Tuteru Vaireka, 5.00pm Senior Women’s, Ref: Tupou Patia, Assist Refs: Melanie Wilson and Maara Kaukura Friday 3 Arorangi vs Titikaveka at the CIFA complex in Matavera: 4.15pm Under-15 Girls, Ref: Robert Savage, […]

Where does the money go?

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I read your article on the departure tax and a great appreciation goes out to the people voicing their opinions on the $55 departure tax charged to every departing adult. I myself visited the islands and was quite disgusted with your terminal after the huge amount of money spent on it and correct […]

Booze and smokes for sale

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Local

Spirits, wine, beer, cigarettes and tobacco confiscated by customs officers are currently for sale by tender from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM). The goods were confiscated from passengers that exceeded their alcohol and tobacco allowance – travellers are only allowed to carry 200 cigarettes, two litres of liquor or four litres of […]

Sir Terepai meets rival

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Local

Even the location of this week’s meeting between Ngatangiia MP Sir Terepai Maoate and run-off ‘candidate’ Mann Short was a closely guarded secret as the Democratic Party controversy continues over who will be candidate. The meeting was due to take place under the cover of darkness last night at around 10 o’clock at the Hospitality […]

Aitutakians speak up

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Local

Aitutakians themselves claim they are not ones to speak out of turn but a number spoken to by CI News journalists Martin Tiffany and Matariki yesterday certainly had a lot to say. Just talking to random people on the island about the cyclone rebuild effort produced some interesting results. Many were critical about the slow […]

Philatelic bureau 'for sale'

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Local

An American buyer is reported to be buying the Cook Islands Philatelic Bureau. However, the deal does not seem to be clearly understood by many parties, including Government. Solicitor general Tingika Elikana yesterday confirmed that the buyer is being represented by lawyer Tim Arnold and that an agreement of sorts has already been signed. But […]

Road works are 'political'

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Tama Tuavera’s claim that road works currently being carried out around the island especially in Matavera is not linked to politics is a joke given that the elections is only three months away. Does he think that we, the voters are nave and stupid? It is so obvious that the road works has […]

'Unfounded'

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have just returned from an eight-day holiday in Rarotonga and had the pleasure of doing three days of diving with Pacific Divers. I was on the dive trip which received allegations that the dive boat skipper was harassing whales. These allegations are absolutely unfounded. I make the following comments in support of […]

Poor leadership is the problem

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Tere Carr’s comment about GPC’s efforts and comparing it to Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela fighting for civil rights is no comparison. Firstly, GPC is fighting for political change, not civil rights. Secondly, Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela had the support of the people, GPC doesn’t have people support. Thirdly, the GPC reform […]

Kata - September 1, 2010

Wednesday 1 September 2010 | Published in Kata

Williams trial on

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Local

This week, Justice Hugh Williams and 12 jurors will begin hearing the Paul Williams trial. Williams is facing charges of manslaughter, dangerous driving causing death and driving with excess breath alcohol. All charges – to which Williams has pleaded not guilty – were laid in July of last year. The 31-year-old was charged with manslaughter […]

Actor eyes Raro series

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Local

Screen actor Billy ‘Ollie’ Campbell is making a film, but this time he’s not the star. Campbell is sailing through the South Pacific aboard Picton Castle, re-tracing a voyage he did with the same tall ship a few years ago. For ten days he’s been on Rarotonga, a place he feels is “far more my […]