Articles by Utopia Support

'Stop using mama, papa for political objectives'

Sunday 14 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,I refer to the letter by Grey Power in the CI Herald of 10 September headed “Don’t call us names, Tim Tepaki”, which went so far as to threaten “We might march to where you live and you will soon find out what “terrorists” do”.

Justice-by-Skype an injustice?

Sunday 14 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Kia Orana from Manihiki, Pae Tokerau. This week, and the conclusion of the Manihiki petition, has certainly been momentous, and disturbing.

Merchant Army veterans say Meitaki maata

Sunday 14 September 2014 | Published in Local

EX-NAVY MERCHANT seaman and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit Merv Martin has shown his gratitude to New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers by presenting her with a merchant naval plaque – handmade by Martin.

Aitutaki petition rolls into day 2

Sunday 14 September 2014 | Published in Politics

Petition hearings concerning the constituency of Vaipae-Tautu in Aitutaki kept court in session late into the day on Friday.

Bishop investigation back to square one?

Sunday 14 September 2014 | Published in Politics

Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop’s lawyer is concerned the ongoing investigation of the politician is back at square one after a recent visit by law enforcement officials from New Zealand.

Matavera football club unveils new gear

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Football

Matavera-Ngatangiia Football Club players will be looking sharper for the rest of the season with their new set of uniforms blessed and ready for action.The brand new club uniforms were unveiled and blessed on Tuesday morning at the club’s home ground at Takitumu School. The uniforms have been sponsored in part by the Dive Shop , Alan Taylor and Family and Ora Moana Ltd.Cook Islands Christian Church deacon Terekia Taura blessed the uniforms for the club and encouraged the youth to make the most of the uniforms that were donated. Club president Raymond Newnham thanked Deacon Taura for the blessing of the uniform, thanked all the sponsors, executive committee members and club members for attending the blessing. “It’s been over six years since Matavera-Ngatangiia Football Club have had the opportunity to replace the uniforms for these teams and we are humbled by the donation and want to thank our sponsors,” said Newnham. Nida from the Dive Shop was present to hand over the new uniforms to the excited players present for the special club ceremony who were very eager to don the gear for club pride. “Football is close to our hearts and the Dive Shop is proud to sponsor the uniforms for the Matavera Football Club,” said Nida.Alan Taylor is a former player of Matavera and former national representative of the Cook Islands and this was an opportunity for him and his family to give back to the village. The Dive Shop is a long time sponsor of football and supporter of sports in Matavera. “Football is an opportunity to give the children something to do, to be active, have fun and we are happy to be a part of this. We live in Matavera and want to give back to our community” continued Nida. Matavera Football Club will be wearing their new uniforms with pride during this football season.

SMOKIES: You are not worth it?

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Smoke Signals

To the parent who dropped off two boys on the seaside of the main road near Nikao Maori and Avatea Schools at 7:52am Thursday, what were you thinking? In the middle of peak traffic-there was an endless flow of traffic at the time-you decided the best thing was to have them cross two lanes of […]

Call the tax man

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,If ‘I want clean ball and feed backs’ letter writer to ring Andrew Haigh at RMD and ask if Dennis Tunui’s name is on their computer list of NZ pensioners in the Cook Islands,

Got me good!

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,May I refer to Les Priest’s letter of 10 September and say, he got me!

Open your heart to God

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,I’m responding to Les Priest letter “ Noah’s Ark codswallop” on Saturday 6th August 2014.

'God is very much involved with our petty politics'

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,The letter in your column by Les Priest on Wednesday 10 September ‘Setting the record straight’ I find the remarks and comments made by Mr Priest, insulting and degrading the person of God and nothing short of a mockery.

God has a purpose for you

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Church Talk

Most people struggle with three issues: The first is the issue of identity – Who am I?

Brown in Brunei for telecom meet

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Technology

Finance Minister Mark Brown visited Brunei this week, where he attended a regional telecommunications meeting.

Naval merchants honoured

Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Local

Ex- Navy merchant seaman and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit Merv Martin was honoured with the task of laying a wreath covered in poppies out at sea to honour fallen navy merchant seamen.

Country clubs start rugby semi finals

Friday 12 September 2014 | Published in Rugby Union

Country rugby clubs Arorangi Cowboys and Titikaveka Bulls open up the do or die semi-finals round with the Senior B clash.

Opinion sought on MMR's 'secret' deal-making

Friday 12 September 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

“Does the Law Society embrace this new, income-maximization approach, to law enforcement?”

3 petitions dismissed, 4 decisions to come

Friday 12 September 2014 | Published in Politics

The Cook Islands Party has survived through three out of seven petitions, keeping them in majority territory with a tight one-seat lead.

Kata: Fisheries fines....

Thursday 11 September 2014 | Published in Kata

Matavera laces up for Puaikura

Thursday 11 September 2014 | Published in Football

Today at the Takitumu School field Matavera football club will play host to Puaikura with the first game kicking off at 4.15pm in the under 14 boy’s division. Matavera will have to reinforce their defence area when they meet up with Puaikura as the match will be crucial for both sides to extend their lead […]

Desperate, exciting semi-finals rugby

Thursday 11 September 2014 | Published in Rugby Union

The Arorangi Cowboys from the wild west are sure to be out in force this weekend to support their teams that will feature in each grade at this weekend’s semi-final games.