More Top Stories
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Alana Musselle
Protests halt removal of giant toa trees
Thursday 20 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
The removal of ancient trees from an Avarua church ground was halted yesterday after the church agreed to meet with those opposed to the work.
Local filmmakers ‘Good as Gold’
Wednesday 19 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Features, Go Local
A film made by three local filmmakers has made the top 15 of 437 films submitted in New Zealand’s favourite film making competition ‘48Hours’.
Autism workshop educates, raises awareness
Wednesday 19 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
Autism Cook Islands has held a highly-rated ‘Getting to Know Autism Spectrum Disorder’ workshop in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Here for ‘peace, quiet and warmth’, first visitors say
Tuesday 18 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
The first tourists in 14 months were welcomed at Rarotonga Airport yesterday by cheering locals, many too excited to contain themselves.
Muri lagoon tour operators ready for visitors
Monday 17 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
Once known as ‘tourist central’, Muri Beach became a ghost town during the pandemic with no snorkellers or sun tanners to be seen. That will change in the coming weeks with the travel bubble opening with NZ.
Carving a life in stone
Saturday 15 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Art, Features
Deeply respectful of the richness of Polynesian culture, a Rarotonga-based French stone carver feels his talent is his way of showing respect and adoration for the island which has not only become his new home but has given him a fresh lens on life.
Even with export ban, pa’ua recovery may take decades
Friday 14 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Environment, National
The Cook Islands National Environmental Services have reminded the public once again of the restrictions surrounding the removal of pa’ua (giant clam meat and shells) from the reef and taking the shellfish out of the country.
Rarotonga residents recover from floods
Friday 14 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in National, Weather
Rarotonga residents began dealing with the effects of recent flooding on Thursday after torrential rains hammered down over the whole island this week.
Removal of almond and ironwood trees for safety, government agency says
Wednesday 12 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has started to remove four trees from the Avarua township median strip.
Island murals depict unity, family and community
Monday 10 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local
Driving around the island of Rarotonga one would no doubt have noticed, at least once or twice, the vibrant artwork of stranded artist Gonzalo Aldana.
Farewell for Miss Cook Islands
Monday 10 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local
The Miss Cook Islands Association will host a farewell celebration this Saturday for Miss Cook Islands Tajiya Sahay before she departs to resume her tertiary studies in Australia.
Doctor and firemen on standby at hot chilli eating contest
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
The heat was on recently at Vili’s Burger Joint in Matavera for Paul Lynch’s Chilli Eating Competition and Hot Burger Challenge.
Fashion extravaganza planned for Aitutaki
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aspiring and established fashion designers from Aitutaki and Rarotonga are being encouraged to share their creations in the first Aitutaki Fashion Extravaganza.
Resorts complete $10m in renovation projects
Friday 7 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
Local company Pacific Resort Hotel Group announced the completion of a $10 million renovation project for two of their resort complexes.
Bubble brings sense of excitement for businesses
Wednesday 5 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
After more than a year of remaining open despite no tourists and operating with crushing overheads, restaurants, resorts and hotels in Rarotonga finally have a glimmer of hope to recover with the announcement of the two-way travel bubble between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
Cafes cautiously prepare for visitors
Wednesday 5 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga and its many cafes scattered over the island have been catering to only their local market for over a year now. They are now preparing to serve Kiwi visitors who will be arriving here in little less than two weeks.
Amazing dancers make judges’ work hard
Monday 3 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Culture, National
Nine talented dancers lit up the stage on Friday evening in the intermediate section of the National Dancer of the Year event.
Online learning – no noodles needed
Saturday 1 May 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Features, Weekend
Learning can take many forms – visual, verbal, physical or social. Everyone learns differently and whatever your personality, there is something for everyone.
Talented players eye a rugby career
Thursday 29 April 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby Union is holding a school holiday rugby programme in partnership with New Zealand Rugby, for those aged between 14 and17.
Our firefighters of the future
Thursday 29 April 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Local, National
For their last outing for April, Autism Cook Islands yesterday visited the team of firefighters at the Rarotonga Fire and Aviation Rescue centre.
