Articles by Utopia Support

Tonga's democracy still some way to go

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Regional

Locals in Tonga are hopeful that this year’s elections will further strengthen the establishment of democracy.

Fiji confronts doctor shortage issues

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Regional

The Fiji Medical Association says there is a doctor shortage in the country due to skilled, senior physicians leaving for better opportunities overseas.

Critical doctor shortage in rural PNG

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Regional

A group representing doctors in Papua New Guinea says there is a critical shortage of doctors in rural areas and the situation is becoming dire.

Samoa: PM denies wanting head of state role

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Regional

Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has firmly rejected claims he is setting himself up to be appointed the Head of State.

BCI funding for Cyclone Martin book

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Local

A major project to record Cyclone Martin’s impact on the people of Manihiki has been given a much-appreciated funding boost by the Bank of the Cook Islands.

Officials quiet over fishing negotiations

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Local

Officials are remaining quiet on the current status of ongoing negotiations with the owners of a foreign fishing vessel accused of illegally fishing in Cook Islands waters.

Stats are merely academic

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, With respect, the UN figures you quoted on depopulation are merely academic statistics.

Taxi response has some inaccuracies

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The brain explosion by Robert Skews in his letter to the editor regarding myself and the taxi industry could have been avoided if he had noticed that the article “No clear solution to expensive taxi fares” was written by Ben Chapman-Smith, a disgruntled passenger on a flight who could not get transport to his destination at a price he was prepared to pay.

Kata: Election uncertainty

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Kata

Book to show Aitutaki's growing potential

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Outer Islands

The exotic tropical fruit gardens of Aitutaki resident Bill Tschan are set to come to life through a new book currently in the works.

Rugby scholarship recruiters arrive

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Rugby Union

Rangiora High School rugby coaches touch down on Rarotonga today for five days to search for rugby and academically talented local boys for their next round of scholarships.

Two rounds left in junior soccer

Friday 11 July 2014 | Published in Football

With only two rounds to go in the junior five-a -side football competition, today’s games will be highly competitive as teams jockey for top honours at the CIFA complex in Matavera.

Rugby: Mouth guards compulsory

Thursday 10 July 2014 | Published in League

After an initial grace period at the start of the rugby season the “no mouth guard, no play” rule comes into effect this week.

70th birthday surprise in Raro

Thursday 10 July 2014 | Published in Local

Mereani Tangata received a special 70th birthday celebration yesterday courtesy of fellow members of the Punanga Nui Vainetini Mamas group.

Marurai waltzes into office

Thursday 10 July 2014 | Published in Politics

It was a boring election day for Ivirua Member of Parliament Jim Marurai, who ran uncontested on the island of Mangaia.

Youth vote turnout not looking promising

Thursday 10 July 2014 | Published in Politics

Electoral Officers say they have seen very few young voters heading to the polling booths, suggesting the overall youth vote count could be disappointing.

Bitter-sweet start to whale season

Thursday 10 July 2014 | Published in Local

Whale season has officially kicked off in the Cook Islands and around six humpbacks have already shown up over the past week.

One Cook Islands as kingmaker?

Thursday 10 July 2014 | Published in Politics

The numbers are close, but one thing is certain after yesterday’s general elections: the political landscape in the Cook Islands has changed in dramatic fashion.

Election delays netball finals

Wednesday 9 July 2014 | Published in Netball

Today’s general election has seen the scheduled open one and two netball grand finals tonight pushed back to next Wednesday.

Kata: Election day

Wednesday 9 July 2014 | Published in Kata