Articles by Utopia Support

Tree cutting: 'Who is responsible?'

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Recently I read in CINews (“Beachfront ‘annihilation’ leaves locals fuming”, December 10) about ironwood trees being cut down without the approval of the National Environment Service (NES). How could this happen? Who is responsible for looking out for the interests of these valuable assets if the NES is not following through with their […]

Spreading the cheer, one patient at a time

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

Carollers raised the roof and the spirits of patients at Tuesday’s Carols by Candlelight evening at the Rarotonga Hospital. Organised by the lovely ladies from the Rarotonga Hospital Comforts Committee, the night was full of Christmas songs and delicious treats with new faces among the regular carol goers. Led by the jolly man in red, […]

All in a year's work

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

It was a bittersweet day for St Joseph senior students as they were farewelled by teachers and their efforts throughout the year were celebrated at the school’s prize giving ceremony on Friday last week. Mass set the tone for the day’s events with the church alive with song and the smell of beautiful ei’s lingering […]

Air Raro considers an aircraft upgrade

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

Air Rarotonga is thinking of upgrading its 34-seater Saab aircraft – but only if more people start travelling to Aitutaki. Managing director Ewan Smith said Air Rarotonga is currently carrying out a five-to-ten-year strategic plan and part of that involves reviewing its aircraft. The airline’s only Saab 340A provides the backbone of services between Rarotonga […]

New resort launches hiring drive

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

A major recruitment drive is underway to fill dozens of job vacancies at a new luxury resort opening in Muri next year. The Nautilus Resort is still months from being fully completed but its beachfront restaurant and bar is on track to open at the end of January. General manager Erika Bult said she is […]

PM assaulted?

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

In parliament yesterday, Atiu Member of Parliament Norman George said he had reason to believe that Prime Minister Henry Puna may have recently been the victim of an assault. The MP from Teenui-Mapumai said the alleged incident may have taken place last month and involved an unidentified man. George, who had levelled his question under […]

Government introduces tax bill

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

The government introduced a bill yesterday that begins a series of changes that aim to drastically alter the way tax revenue is collected in the Cook Islands. Titled the Income Tax Amendment Bill, the prospective legislation is the first of two bills that introduce the changes, with the second bill expected in a proposed February […]

Prized dishes ripe for the tasting

Thursday 12 December 2013 | Published in National

Diners were treated to award-winning food featuring local ingredients during a series of dinners this week. After bringing home two silver medals from the Pacific Culinary Challenge held in Guam in September, president of the Cook Islands Chefs Association Sam Timoko and Little Polynesian chef Teraitua Cuthers-Boxhoorn hosted an eight-course degustation menu for the public, […]

5 honoured with NZ citizenship

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Local

Five Cook Islands residents placed a hand on the Bible, swore an oath and officially became New Zealand citizens yesterday. In a warm, upbeat ceremony, High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers presented certificates to Motufaga Tifare Finiasi, Viliame Gukisuva, Teurihei Kainuku, Taniora Lowry and Ariimanu Jean-Marc Shan Sei Fan. About 30 family members and friends gathered for […]

Oriental fruit flies persist in Aitutaki

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Local

Efforts to eradicate the Oriental Fruit Fly are proving challenging in Aitutaki, despite an elimination programme showing good results in Rarotonga. The Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to achieve zero catches of the pest in baited traps have continued successfully in Rarotonga over the past four months, but eradication efforts in Aitutaki have shown mixed results. […]

'Fast track' to success

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Local

Mum Takau Moeka’a was beaming with pride as daughter Rima received her teaching diploma at yesterday’s Ministry of Education Certificate and Special Awards Presentation. Rima was one of nine recipients of diplomas as part of the ministry’s Fast Track Teacher Trainees programme. The training certificate programme looks to encourage locals who have a passion for […]

NCEA exams all completed

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Senior students across the country will be breathing a sigh of relief this week, with the completion of NCEA examinations. The last annual examinations to take place were Horticultural Science Level Three on Sunday afternoon, ending three weeks of study and assessment for year 11-13 students. “It went very well,” said Bali Haque, principal of […]

Smooth journeys ahead

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Teurihei Kainuku stands proudly with son Hiro Kainuku and daughter-in-law Lynnette Karati after receiving her New Zealand citizenship yesterday. “I’m so happy today. I’ve been waiting for a long time. My children are New Zealand citizens and now I’m there with my kids,” she said. Kainuku moved to the Cook Islands from Tahiti in 1974 […]

Grey Power Xmas wish

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, We, the Grey Power groups, are having a Christmas break BBQ at 4pm on Saturday December 14. One of the Grey Power group, staunch mama, came up with a brilliant idea: how about all Grey Power members buy a $5 Christmas gift and put it into a basket, in order to exchange gifts […]

By-election laws 'not worthless' - Beer

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The standard of evidence required by our courts is quite high. In other words, you can’t make frivolous claims … but any schoolboy can stand on a coconut stump and shout. Claims of legality and validity made before a sitting judge who has read sworn affidavits and considered the evidence; those mean something. […]

Kata - December 11, 2013

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in Kata

Avana set for tamariki fishing comp

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in National

E tamariki ma – grab your fishing rods and bait and get along to the Avana coast for the popular Coca Cola Junior Fishing competition this Saturday. CITC and Coca Cola along with Captain Moko (Stephen Kavana), Avana Fishing Club and The Mooring Caf have come together again to run the popular junior fishing competition, […]

'Go Blue' with ANZ for Christmas!

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in National

The Tropical Christmas in Rarotonga movement is amplifying the Christmas spirit around the island as local businesses and community groups show their support. Not one to miss out on spreading the joy, ANZ is getting behind the initiative and is encouraging everyone to wear blue and get into the spirit of the season. The bank […]

Tertiary scholarship applications close

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in National

A number of scholarships available to Cook Islanders undertaking tertiary study closed last week, with students racing to get their applications in. “We’ve had quite a few applications,” said Anna Roi, scholarships co-ordinator at the Ministry of Education. With the official closing date of Thursday 5 December at 12pm, Roi said that they had received […]

Pukapuka embraces tertiary education

Wednesday 11 December 2013 | Published in National

Pukapuka and other Pa Enua have been running community education and youth-based programmes for the tertiary sector under the Ministry of Education, as part of the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI). As part of a fundraising effort to construct a school building, the tertiary programme in Pukapuka is selling “University of Pukapuka” T-shirts at […]