More Top Stories

Economy

No debt in China deal

8 February 2025

Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
Economy

$541.7m tourism earnings

25 January 2025

Letters to the Editor
Local

Top cop position advertised

7 December 2024

Culture
Church Talk
Court
Economy
Economy

Articles by Utopia Support

Energy commissioner defends new solar deal

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Environment

Energy commissioner Roger de Bray says he agrees with the price being offered to home and business owners who sell solar-generated energy into the local grid. State-owned power authority Te Aponga Uira (TAU) announced a new deal last week designed to increase reliance on renewable energy in the Cook Islands. Anyone with a large solar […]


High honours

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Local

A special ceremony was held recently to introduce five distinguished individuals to the Cook Islands family, giving them honourary PR status. Pictured above is Suzzanne Fisher, Lady Marito Maoate, and Marian Gallagher. Maoate – the wife of the late Sir Terepai Maoate – and the lovely ladies were on hand to see Fisher and Gallagher’s […]


MP Bishop calls for his own suspension

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Local

Aitutaki Member of Parliament Teina Bishop is calling for his own suspension from parliament. Since July, the education and tourism minister has been the subject of allegations of bribery and corruption, and a long-running police investigation into the matter is taking a personal toll and stalling his political career, he said. “It’s too slow,” said […]


Avatea and Nikao schools to merge

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Local

A cabinet submission to merge Apii Avatea and Nikao Maori School has been approved. In a proposal dated December 10, Minister of Education Teina Bishop recommended that Cabinet approve the construction of one new school called ‘Apii Nikao’ to serve the area, accommodating students from both schools. The submission was supported by Cabinet. The proposal […]


Tupapa win Champion of Champions in nail biter

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Features

The build-up couldn’t have been better. The Titans and Tupapa had met twice this season, each recording a win. In some respects the Titans had the upper hand, having beaten Tupapa comprehensively by 80 runs the weekend before in the East versus West final. But Saturday’s match was different – it would determine unequivocally which […]


Jetty causing lower tides?

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Since the completion of the new jetty at Arorangi School, we have noticed a substantial drop in lagoon sea levels at low tide. Before the jetty, there was lots of sea water in the lagoon, with a few coral heads exposed at low tide. Now, all coral heads are exposed and live coral […]


Where is the water?

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I would like to ask the Water Works department why the residents of Turangi Valley (Ngatangiia) have had no water for months, although we must surely be first ’in line’ for it as we are closest to the Turangi water intake (apart from some pig pens further up the valley). We have asked […]


PM rumours are 'utter nonsense'

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am usually thick skinned when it comes to gossip that relates to me, but I think something needs to be said about the latest spate of gossip. There are vicious rumours being spread around the island regarding my relationship with my minister, the Prime Minister Henry Puna. These rumours are totally false […]


'Better understanding and empathy' needed on issue of merging schools

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I applaud some of the Nikao Maori School parents who spoke their mind opposing the merge with Avatea School. Some harsh and degrading comments were made towards Nikao Maori School at the meeting and I guess the outcome of that meeting was not a surprise. So perhaps a better consultation process should have […]


Kata - December 18, 2013

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in Kata

Related article(s): MP Bishop calls for his own suspension


Sweat and grit at Tumuora crossfit challenge

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

First timers and experienced Crossfit athletes sweated out a storm yesterday afternoon showing true grit through two tough workouts and soaring temperatures. Members of Rarotonga’s very own crossfit club – Tumuora Fit Club Cook Islands in Arorangi – along with first timers gathered opposite the Banana Court for a show of mental and physical strength. […]


Fairytale Christmas with Rotaract

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

Members of the Rotaract Club of Rarotonga are calling out to everyone on the island – locals, visiting families from overseas and our tourist friends – to join them today at Punanga Nui market to celebrate Christmas Cook Islands style. Rotaract’s annual ‘Christmas in the Market’ event is scheduled to start at 4.30pm and is […]


Fuel tender announcement delayed

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

Companies competing for a major fuel storage contract in Rarotonga will have to wait a little longer to find out who the winning bidder is. Crown-owned power authority Te Aponga Uira (TAU) was supposed to announce the winning tender yesterday but said it needs more time. “With regards to the fuel hosting tender, the Fuel […]


Christmas lights brighten up the island

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

There were smiles as bright as the Christmas light displays in stores across Rarotonga when ‘Tropical Santa’ dished out prizes for the best lit up window competition. The competition initiated by the Tropical Christmas campaign saw businesses through Avarua light up their windows with colourful Christmas lights, further brightened up with Christmas decorations. The window […]


Five awarded honourary permanent residency

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

Five distinguished individuals were given honourary permanent residency in the Cook Islands during a special ceremony earlier this month. Held at Government House, the event saw Richard Fisher, Shaun Peter Michael Gallagher, couple David Merrilles and Amanda Dawson, and Richard Reid bestowed with the honour by Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters. Richard Fisher and Shaun Gallagher […]


Mangaia school goes high-tech for 2014

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

Minister of Education Teina Bishop recently accompanied ministry head Sharyn Paio to Mangaia to present certificates and awards as part of the school’s 2013 prize giving. Early childhood teachers Judy Ruatoe, Louise Tangatakino, Barbara Harry and Nanny Atetu were also honoured with their USP early childhood certificates at this event. Adding to this event, Bishop […]


Enforcement key for shark sanctuary

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

One year on from the creation of a shark sanctuary in the Cook Islands, questions remain as to how effective it has been in protecting the majestic predators. With much fanfare on December 12, 2012, local citizens celebrated the establishment of the 1.9 million square kilometre zone, which sees a ban on shark fishing and […]

Premium content


Bank issues final call for giving tree gifts

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

Westpac is calling for the stocking-full of presents yet to drop into the bank as part of its ‘giving tree’ programme. The bank began the promotion on November 20 – where tags labelled with the age and gender of an underprivileged child are hung on a Christmas tree for people to pluck, and bring back […]

Premium content


Steer clear of reef passages – MP

Wednesday 18 December 2013 | Published in National

A stern warning is being issued to swimmers to stay well clear of reef passages, especially on an outgoing tide. Titikaveka Member of Parliament Selina Napa said there are clear warning signs erected near the most dangerous passages and people need to take heed of them. “Normally if you walk into the water these things […]

Premium content


Solar deal lacks incentive, says expert

Tuesday 17 December 2013 | Published in Environment

A new deal designed to boost solar energy take-up in Rarotonga has been described as “hopeless” by a local renewable energy expert. State-owned power authority Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has announced that homes and businesses can now connect larger renewable energy systems to the grid and be paid a tariff for energy they supply. Anyone […]


« Previous  1    851  852  853  854  855  856  857  858  859    1,715  Next »