Articles by Utopia Support

Minerals taskforce set up

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Local

New body to provide advice on national seabed minerals policy A Seabed Minerals Policy Taskforce has been set up by government to provide advice on the national seabed minerals policy and guidelines on the set up of the Seabed Minerals Authority. The taskforce, headed by Marine Resources Secretary Ben Ponia, was appointed about two months […]

Where's the commonsense?

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Recently, Uncle Bob alluded to the airport security people in Rarotonga as having no commonsense. Sir Geoff was right on the money when he mentioned that commonsense had gone missing in NZ as well. It was not that long ago, the equally non commonsense airport security people in Aus, subjected Sir Michael Somare […]

Eaa ta korua I rave?

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Ki Te Editor, Inangaro au i te ui atu kia Teuira Ka, e Piri Nicholls e, koai raua e akariro nei e, na raua e akaapa atu i ta Akatokamanava ikianga ia Hugh Graham ei candidate no te Demo i Mauke? Eaa ta korua i rave ana no teia Enua? Te karanga nei te autara […]

Chuffed with Japanese offer

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, We were chuffed to see in the newspaper that Japan is offering aid for solar systems to be set up in the Cook Islands. Reading Garth Henderson’s comment that Japan is a world leader in this area confirms our own experience that we thought might be worth sharing with those looking into alternative […]

Kata - August 31, 2010

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Kata

Harbouring no secrets

Tuesday 31 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

A big congrats goes out to Bim Tou and the Ports Authority for being at the forefront of a new era of transparency in our small country. They’ve invited the media to attend the bid opening for the Avatiu Harbour Development at 2.30pm next Monday, with the deadline for bids being half an hour beforehand […]

Indecent photos taken by student

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Local

A college student was suspended from school on Friday for taking indecent photos of a female student. Police said that the male student took indecent pictures of his female classmate and forwarded to all his male friends on his mobile phone. Police would not say which college he was from. Police are also looking for […]

CISNOC funds concern

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Local

Questions asked over the use of PMG money Minutes of the May annual meeting of the Cook Islands Sport and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) show concerns raised over the accounts. Geoff Stoddard, representing the triathlon federation, pointed out that money paid to CISNOC for the Pacific Mini Games (PMG) was being used to shore up […]

Ngatangiia numbers game

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, “Johnny come too late” did not complete their mathematical exercise in their letter because combined, Mann Short, Iaveta Short and Stephen Peyroux have 20 per cent of the voters who cast their vote – despite the intimidation by the Maoate committee who pressured many voters not to attend the voting. How many voted […]

Thanks for petition support

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I’d like to acknowledge Mr Ka’s letter (‘Support for Rule’s call’, Aug 19), in which he mentions support of a much needed reciprocal child support agreement between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. Indeed, there are many aspects of our community where positive contributions can be made to help our people, and our […]

Why the young leave

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I agree with Norman George’s comments that you can’t deny the right of young people to leave for an overseas experience, and who will be stupid enough to get in the way of our youth. Okay, that said, let’s try and look at some of the reasons for leaving. First of all they […]

Research helps protection

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, As a Cook Islands resident living in Rarotonga, I am currently involved with the Cook Islands Whale Research Project. It is a pleasure working alongside Nan Hauser. Up until now, I didn’t know anything about whales and working with Nan on the project has taught me about migration, behaviour patterns, genetics, whale song […]

Uncle's balancing act

Monday 30 August 2010 | Published in Smoke Signals

“Would the anonymous smoke signaller whinging about Uncle Bob in last Wednesday’s paper, at least have a pen name,” suggests ‘Uncle Bob’. “Maybe that signaller had a point to make and the reason for not putting a name to paper is to ensure that it is not misunderstood to be a personal attack. If the […]

Changeover at market

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Local

The Punanga Nui Market will change hands next week. The market currently falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, but will be handed over to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) from September 1. In addition to the market, CIIC will be responsible for looking after the adjacent playground. The market generates stallholder […]

Cannabis at college

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Local

Police and teachers alike are becoming increasingly concerned about narcotics use among young students. A recent arrest of a young Tereora student prompted police to call a special meeting with school administration that will take place next week. “It’s a grave concern for principal Parima and his staff,” constable Alan Rua said. “We’re setting up […]

GPC is back

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Local

Group for Political Change founders Tere Carr (left) and Lyndsay Francis say their lobby group is back to finish what it started. “/> Group for Political Change founders Tere Carr (left) and Lyndsay Francis say their lobby group is back to finish what it started. “/> Group for Political Change returns to lobby for reform […]

Bodybuilding back in the day

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Features

Bodybuilding as a sport has been dormant in the Cook Islands for some years. In fact, nothing has happened within the sport since the passing of easily the island’s most recognised bodybuilder the late Felix Enoka in 1999. The sport locally began in 1981 with Tony Hole the major instigator of getting islanders involved in […]

Open Mic Nite to go bananas

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Features

After another successful Open Mic Nite at Coco Putt last month, the OM Nite crew is ready to showcase some new musical talent for you at Banana Court on Monday. Several new faces hit the mic last month – tourist and sultry songstress Terry Eggie delivered a unique brand of music, accompanied by accomplished acoustic […]

Casino fun on offer

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Features

The Ngatangiia/Matavera Rugby Union is holding the Flying Dragons Las Vegas Casino Night tonight at 7.30pm at the club house. Some of the great games on offer include Texas hold’em poker, roulette, king of the pool table, spin the wheel, racing and bulls-eye darts. Tickets are available at Flying Dragons games or at the door […]

Shapeshifter tickets disappear

Saturday 28 August 2010 | Published in Features

The upcoming Shapeshifter show was all but sold out the minute tickets went on sale. One of New Zealand’s most popular bands, Shapeshifter is taking the island by storm, arriving on a specially-chartered flight on Monday. Nick Henry of 88FM said that as of press time yesterday, he had 50 tickets left. He had ordered […]