Articles by Utopia Support

Rewards for 'CIP loyalists'

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, It is very frustrating and annoying to see what is happening to our country today with all the corruption and personal favours being accorded by the Prime Minister and his ministers for their supporters and vice versa, i.e. supporters for their bosses (PM and ministers).

Call for anti corruption office

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

A smoke signaller writes: “With all the letters and headlines about alleged corruption, there should be a separate office dealing with corruption and unusual practices by officials and members of Parliament, even ministers, similar to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. Our police and audit people are too busy doing their own work. I agree with Big Norm [George, Atiu MP] that the prime minister should start an inquiry. But we all know he won’t do it – he’s never here anyway. The places to start with are the Ministry of Marine Resources and the Business Trade Investment Board for fishing licences, business and permits; the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning for contracts and big projects; and also include overseas travel, perks and under-the-table deals. All this mess shows we have no leadership and a weak prime minister who doesn’t give a hoot about what’s happening at home as he’s on a plane every week, enjoying himself. Thank you Reuben Tylor for your good letters – keep it up.” SS: The World Bank defines corruption as “the abuse of public power for private gain. Bribery, misappropriations of public goods, nepotism (favouring family members for jobs and contracts), and influencing the formulation of laws or regulations for private gain are common examples of corruption.” DANGER: ROAD HUMPS “For goodness sake, do something about the side road next to the HaRTaL Shop in Tupapa,” a smoke signaller texts to 188. “It’s pitted with holes, has no gravel, nor is it sealed. Just as I began to think it could not get any worse, I was almost at the top of the road when suddenly there were two humps and a big dip between, caused by erosion. By then it was too late to turn around and I kept going but almost could not make it over one of the humps to get to the back road. The road is not only a danger it is also a disgrace.”

Quality pearls needed

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, In your article “Pearls of wisdom ignored” (Thursday, July 18) Temu Okotai is reported as saying that the Pearl Authority (CIPA) “has done a terrible job so far” at marketing Cook Islands pearls and therefore farmers have to sell their pearls at the Punanga Nui market to survive. I disagree with Okotai.

'No red flags were raised'

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I wish to provide further information for the record following the publication of Mr Tylor’s letter of Tuesday July 16 (Transparency and corruption) and the related article in the CINews on the same day.

Aere ra Papa Carter

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, A special thank you and Meitaki Ranuinui to our Papa Carter for your great help to the people of the outer islands and the many groups assisted through him. These projects include hall upgrading, coconut graters, agriculture machinery, carving tools, brass bands, hot water urns, gas bottles and many more.

Kata - July 19, 2013

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Kata

Fishing licence for boat KATA JUL 19

Kiwis vs Cooks World Cup warm-up

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in League

New Zealand will play Cook Islands at Doncaster in a World Cup warm-up match this October.

Fridge subsidy for Aitutaki

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Outer Islands

Aitutaki residents will be trading their old fridges for more energy-efficient models from today.

Community projects for Mitiaro

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Outer Islands

Economic projects for Mitiaro were a key topic of a meeting conducted at the Mitiaro Hostel on Tuesday and its purpose was twofold.

August sitting

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Politics

The 47th session of The Cook Islands Parliament is schedule to resume next month.

Improving parliamentary practices

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Politics

An MP and an employee of Parliament recently returned from England where they attended a parliamentary workshop and seminar.

Round 5 club rugby kicks off today

Friday 19 July 2013 | Published in Rugby Union

Round 5 of the club rugby competition kicks off this afternoon with the Titikaveka Bulls taking on the Takuvaine Reds senior B grade at the Titikaveka field.

Gearing up for Lagoon Day

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Environment

‘Biodegradable’ is the word of the day for Lagoon Day 2013.

Pearls of wisdom ignored

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Local

Concerns have been raised about the survival of the pearl industry, following reports that recent advice from NZ dairy giant Fonterra has been ignored.

Yacht donated for marine park

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Local

A yacht has been donated as a research vessel for the Cook Islands Marine Park.

Simple math on tuna catch

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Do the math.

Always time for the right choice

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Firstly, I would like to express my sincere condolences to all families who have lost their young loved ones for various reasons recently and in the past.

Minimise corruption

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I read with interest the letter by Mr Tylor (Transparency and corruption) and the article entitled "Questions raised over Bounty sale" and it would appear that transparency is sadly lacking.

Where is the love and respect?

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Toku ingoa ko Metua e 82 oko mataiti.

Kata - July 18, 2013

Thursday 18 July 2013 | Published in Kata