Articles by Utopia Support

Fiji: PM to face protests

Friday 8 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Fiji’s interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is set to face protests during his visit to New Zealand this weekend to campaign for the upcoming elections.

Pacific a hub for organised crime

Friday 8 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Australian law enforcement agencies are concerned that criminal networks are increasingly targeting Pacific nations.

Thailand hosts forum on Pacific aid

Friday 8 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Pacific countries will gather for the first ever development cooperation forum with Thailand this weekend.

Hawaii: Islands brace for double punch

Friday 8 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Hawai’i is hunkering down as two serious and potentially disastrous weather systems take aim at the holiday paradise, with the first expected to make landfall late Thursday local time.

Tonga travel advisory challenged

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Tonga’s deputy prime minister is challenging New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully over why a controversial travel advisory for Tonga remains in place.

Vanuatu: Broken deal may cost millions

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Regional

The Vanuatu government says it’s seeking advice as to whether a Singapore-based company which lost a deal to develop an international airport can claim compensation.

Tackling obesity issues

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Regional

A senior Pacific official says it might be time for a rethink on how the world tackles the global obesity epidemic.

Hawaii: Waiting for the storm

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Hawai’i is playing the approaching disaster waiting game – bracing to be hit by a rare duo of storms, with local residents rushing to stock up on water and flashlights.

PNG: Sorcery used in power game

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Regional

Young men in Papua New Guinea are using sorcery-related violence to gain status and power in their local communities, according to the head of PNG’s Institute of National Affairs.

Refugee treatment likened to torture

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Regional

The psychiatrist who had ultimate responsibility for mental health services in immigration detention has likened the Australian government’s treatment of asylum seekers in detention to torture.

Kata: Water leaks

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Kata

Bigeye stocks at 'dangerous levels'

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Environment

An assessment of Bigeye tuna stocks has been described by Greenpeace as “shocking”, and the group says a year-long ban on fish aggregating devices (FADs) is now an “absolute necessity”.

College sevens highlights bright rugby future

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in League

More college rugby action drew a vocal crowd to the Avatiu field for the second day of the CIPS college sevens tournament.

Dragons set to challenge Bulls

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in League

The Titikaveka Bulls under-19 rugby team has assumed the title of ‘holder’ of the Powerade trophy, and will meet their first challengers today in the form of the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons.

Recommendations made to Govt

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Local

A team of peer reviewers which visited the Cook Islands late last year has put forward a wide range of recommendations to the Government.

Positive Demo campaign… yeah right

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, If the Demos call their campaigning positive and refreshing, I wonder what they would consider negative and irresponsible campaigning.

Couple rescued from yacht

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Local

An elderly Swedish couple had to be rescued from a yacht after their mast broke in four-metre swells near the Cook Islands.

July drier than last year

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Weather

Many people have been calling last month one of the wettest Julys in years but a report from the Met Service suggests otherwise.

Nightmare trip made easier by travel agent

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Local

A local travel agent is being praised for going above and beyond to help a young medical student during his nightmare journey home from Cuba.

New fire truck for Rarotonga Airport

Thursday 7 August 2014 | Published in Local

A new rescue firefighting vehicle is being purchased for Rarotonga International Airport in anticipation of future changes to safety requirements.