Articles by Utopia Support

Treated water relieves shortage in Atiu

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Local

A plan of action has been implemented on Atiu as the island’s water supply, like that of many of the southern group islands, becomes critically low. A Nomad water treatment plant, which treats water by UV (ultra violet) and filter, was shipped to Atiu last week to produce clean drinking water for the 466 residents […]

Nikao Maori say 'no' to merging schools

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Currently there has been talk about a new school to be built and two schools to merge, which is Nikao and Avatea. Now I know Nikao Maori School have had their meeting with parents and committee members and the outcome was Nikao have said "No". What about the sweats from parents and grandparents […]

Constitutional intervention should be avoided - Toagate

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I refer to the recent revival in your columns of the Toagate issue (14 and 15 November 2013) and again today and wish to remind your readers that your paper threw an invitation out there (December 22, 2012) for ideas on how the Toagate problem could be solved. I responded to this invitation […]

Tax law has 'caught up' with pensioner - Stoddart

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The story by Don Reid reported by CINews on November 28 is hearsay. Reid’s recollection of his questions to me and my answers are quite different to mine. First, it was not seven years ago he approached me. It was around three years ago when he interrupted one of my morning runs roadside […]

'Issue a new writ' for parliament

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have no wish to frustrate the workings of parliament but they have to get it right! If we cannot have faith in parliament doing things properly, what chance is there of government functioning properly – after all, the functions of parliament are mostly a reflection of government initiatives. The calling together of […]

Kata - December 4, 2013

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Kata

Netball in Paradise action continues apopo

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Netball

Telecom Netball in Paradise teams take a break from the court today to enjoy the island and recover from two days of intense and action packed games at the Telecom Sports Arena. Round two of the weeklong netball festival yesterday saw some tight battles in the open mixed division with body-on-the-line action providing plenty of […]

Giving tree promo needs more takers

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

People are encouraged to get into the giving spirit this Christmas and purchase a gift for a child in need. Since Westpac started its ‘giving tree’ promotion on November 20, 120 out of 193 tags are left hanging. “Ten gifts are already under the tree. Some of our customers decided to get their gifts in […]

Travellers lack awareness of Cook Islands – experts

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

Many travellers in offshore markets are not aware of the differences between the Cook Islands and other Pacific nations, say international tourism experts. About 65 travel wholesalers from 15 different countries are in the Cook Islands this week to meet with local resort owners and other tourism operators. On the opening day of the Kia […]

Wharf cracks at Avatiu discussed in parliament

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

The discovery of cracks in the redeveloped Avatiu wharf was discussed in parliament yesterday. The topic was raised by Titikaveka member of parliament Sel Napa during discussion of Te Mato Vai – the $60 million water infrastructure project currently getting underway. Napa was calling for greater public consultation and input for the project, which would […]

Overseas travel reps to taste Cook Islands

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

Cook Islands tourism operators will be hoping for a long-term boost in business by meeting this week with travel wholesalers from more than 17 countries. Now into its fourth year, Kia Orana Cook Islands is an annual event giving local suppliers the chance to showcase their hotels, resorts and various tourism activities to invited wholesalers. […]

UK taxi campaign showcases Cook Islanders

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

Winter-weary Brits in the city of Bristol are sliding into taxis right now and being greeted by the smiling face of Pa Teuruaa, of Pa’s Nature Walks. As part of a new tourism campaign, 10 taxis in the city have been branded inside and outside with a series of artworks designed to project a sense […]

Police appeal against assault

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

An assault on a female case has been reopened, and the decision by a Justice of the Peace to dismiss the case has been quashed. High Court judge Justice Christine Grice granted an appeal by police against a decision by Justice of the Peace John Kenning to dismiss a charge of assault on a female […]

Avatea proposes brand new school

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

A proposal by Apii Avatea to build a new primary school in Nikao will be considered by the Ministry of Education, alongside some opposition from the Nikao Maori School community. The proposed idea is to replace the two schools, which are situated next door to each other, with a single new school. This follows extensive […]

Govt proposes at least 12c rise to minimum wage

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

A government proposal which may see the minimum wage raised by only 12 cents has been labelled “ridiculous” by the head of the Cook Islands Workers Association. Minister of Internal Affairs Nandi Glassie announced last month that a panel is being formed to consider increasing the $5 minimum wage. Workers at the bottom of the […]

Public imput at TMV meeting

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

The public may have an opportunity to provide input for the $60million Te Mato Vai water infrastructure project before the end of the year. Te Mato Vai communications advisor Jaewynn McKay said she is hopeful public consultations will begin by the end of 2013. She said project officials are working on the summary of the […]

Chamber raises Te Mato Vai concerns

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with the business community regarding the $60 million Te Mato Vai project. The organisation, which represents private business owners, has published an open letter to Finance Minister Mark Brown expressing their “immediate concerns … with respect to the planning, design and […]

Opposition questions Te Mato Vai salaries

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in National

Debate on the $60 million Te Mato Vai water infrastructure project dominated question period during the second day of the current sitting of parliament yesterday. Discussion on the large-scale infrastructure undertaking began with a question by opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen, who asked the government about the rates of pay for those currently involved with the […]

Semi-final time in soccer comp

Wednesday 4 December 2013 | Published in Football

Today’s soccer semi-finals will kick off at 4.15pm with the under 11 mixed divisions followed by the under 17 men’s division at 4.50pm at the CIFA Complex in Matavera. In the under 11 mixed division – Tupapa takes on Matavera while Titikaveka will go head to head with Nikao Sokattak. In the under 17 men’s […]

Open letter stirs up fuel debate

Tuesday 3 December 2013 | Published in Local

A long-running feud between two local fuel companies has been stirred up again by an open letter of warning written to the public. Triad Pacific Petroleum and Toa Petroleum are both competing for a contract to store fuel for Crown-owned power authority Te Aponga Uira (TAU), which supplies 90 per cent of the country’s electricity […]