Articles by Utopia Support

Tonga raises drinking age

Tuesday 29 July 2014 | Published in Regional

The Tongan parliament this week passed a law raising the alcoholic drinking age from 18 to 21 years old.

Fiji: Call for sustainable sea transport

Tuesday 29 July 2014 | Published in Regional

There’s been a call for international donors to adjust their priorities and invest in sustainable sea transport to reduce the Pacific’s reliance on expensive and high-polluting fossil fuels.

New school a 'waste of money'

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Building a new school at Nikao to accommodate the present Nikao and Avatea Schools is sheer waste of public money.

Time for Puna to go

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am not one that writes about politics or high-horse politicians that run the country.

Leaders should support environment

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to your recent articles on the Lagoon Day, and educating our country on the importance of looking after our natural environment.

Pride and joy at milestone birthday

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Local

Twenty-first birthdays in the Cook Islands are hugely special occasions, and Tschan Kevin Tschan's celebration pulled together his family from New Zealand, Aitutaki and across Rarotonga.

Smokies: Funding election petitions

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Smoke Signals

Did you know the losing Demo candidates in Atiu have apparently called on the people of Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua and Teenui-Mapumai to front up with $10,000 from each constituency to pay for the candidate’s petitions?

Eels strangle Bulls at the Swamp

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Rugby Union

It was a game of missed opportunities for the Titikaveka Bulls senior A grade rugby team, who were downed by hosts the Avatiu Eels 24-12 in Saturday’s main rugby match at the Avatiu Swamp.

Concern over purse seine negotiations

Monday 28 July 2014 | Published in Local

Ministry of Marine Resources Secretary Ben Ponia has expressed concern with the state of negotiations between Pacific Island nations and the United States over American access to the Pacific tuna fishery.

$38,000 on post-election flights

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics

Parliament paid $38,000 on charter flights to return candidates from the Northern Group islands to Rarotonga after this month’s general elections.

Puna accused of election bribery

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics

Prime Minister Henry Puna has been formally accused of bribing Manihiki voters with outboard motors and free flights in the lead-up to the general election.

Gideons sets up camp in Cook Islands

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Local

An association of Christians dedicated to distributing Bibles around the world has established a branch in the Cook Islands.

Plane crash near Pago Pago

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Regional

A plane carrying an American father and son attempting to fly around the world for charity crashed in the Pacific Ocean Tuesday night near the Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa.

Pacific flags fly at start of Games

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Regional

Pacific athletes have taken their place at the colourful opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Top 5 online: PM's flight a 'waste of money'

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Local

Missed anything in the news this week? Stay up to date with this list of stories that sparked the most interest online.

World membership for Cook Islands Guides

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Local

Girl Guides Association Cook Islands (GGACI) has been made a full member of World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts at the 35th World Conference held, for the first time, in Hong Kong in the Asia Pacific Region from July 5-9.

Political reform: Drop foreign voters

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, May I respond to your article of July 23 headed “Final results highlight need for electoral reform” by saying that the wonderful thing about being an armchair political commentator is one can see the wood from the trees that political animals can’t.

Meitaki for a great Lagoon Day

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I'd love to say meitaki ra to everyone who helped to make Lagoon Day an awesome success.

Kata: Dog control

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Kata

Mitiaro recount done, petition filed

Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics

Mitiaro voters could be heading back to the polling booths for a by-election after an official recount yesterday produced an unchanged spilt result.