More Top Stories
Top cop position advertised
7 December 2024
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
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 Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
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
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Al Williams
Nicholas back at work ‘in a week or so’ following medical event
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Acting Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, who was flown to New Zealand following a medical event early last month, says he will be back at work in “a week or so”.
Tears in court as man jailed for cannabis dealing & possession
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A “low level street dealer” convicted of dealing and possession of cannabis has been given 13 months’ jail.
Sentencing date adjourned for man convicted of assaulting ex-partner
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man facing sentencing for assaulting his ex-partner after a jury found him guilty, has had his date in court adjourned.
Careless driver told to pay up within 10 days or be back before the courts
Friday 29 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman who denied the charge of careless driving causing injury and was found guilty by a jury at the High Court in Avarua, has been told by a Judge she must pay fines and reparation totalling $3040 within 10 days, or she will be back before him.
Three jailed following the execution of a large cannabis bust on Aitutaki
Friday 29 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Seven men have now been jailed in relation to the massive cannabis bust on Aitutaki in 2022, with three sentenced in the High Court yesterday.
Official Information Act request
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Dear Editor, Can I just say a few things regarding the Official Information Act request to parliament by your paper (Cook Islands News, 27 September 2023).
Cooks warned to be wary of being ‘star-struck’ under global spotlight
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Geopolitical expert Geoffrey Miller has warned Cook Islands will need to be wary of the potential to be ‘star-struck’ by the attention being bestowed upon it by the world’s superpowers.
Politicians’ travel expenses sought with request under Official Information Act
Thursday 28 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
Cook Islands News has made an Official Information Act request to the government seeking the travel costs of MPs.
Government wants $1000 for requested information on politicians’ travel costs
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Government wants to be paid more than $1000 for a breakdown of what it costs taxpayers to fund the travel of politicians, but it’s decision to charge for the information doesn’t wash with the Ombudsman.
School students get the fire safety message
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Apii Te Uki Ou are among the first Cook Islands students to be involved in a campaign for readiness and preparedness for fires.
United States confirms long-serving diplomat to lead a delegation to Pacific Islands Forum
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will lead the United States Delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Rarotonga on November 10.
Opposition leader sceptical while lobbyist silent on Rarotonga water project accolade
Tuesday 26 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
While the consultancy team behind Te Mato Vai, the project responsible for the collection, treatment and distribution of potable water to Rarotonga, has been named a gold winner at a prestigious engineering awards ceremony in New Zealand, Democratic Party leader Tina Browne is not convinced.
‘We will maintain a vigilant and constructive role’ in the interest of the Cooks: Tina Browne
Tuesday 26 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
As Prime Minister Mark Brown met with United States President Joe Biden in Washington and confirmed closer ties between the nations through formal diplomatic relations, Opposition leader Tina Browne said the Democratic Party would maintain a “vigilant and constructive role in ensuring that this diplomatic recognition serves the best interests of the Cook Islands and contributes to a harmonious and equitable international community”.
Careless driving causing injury conviction comes with $2850 price tag in High Court
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man convicted of careless driving causing injury has been landed with nearly $3000 in costs.
'Concerning events’ in marine areas
Saturday 23 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
Key agencies are stepping up their actions in light of recent ‘concerning events’ involving the interaction of tourist operators and vulnerable marine species.
No specific details available as New Head of State residence concept goes out to tender
Friday 22 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
A new Head of State residence is on the table for Rarotonga, but it’s unclear when, where and what it’s going to cost.
Runners gear up for Rock Relay races
Tuesday 19 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Athletics, Sports
Runners are converging on Rarotonga for a week of events, kicking off today with the Round Rock Relay.
Policy framework in development as regulations on the table for the management of sea turtles
Tuesday 19 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A senior marine ecologist has confirmed the Ministry of Marine Resources is developing a “comprehensive policy framework” to inform the development of regulations for the conservation and management of sea turtles.
Increased reports of ‘inadvertent or inconsiderate actions’ in our waters
Thursday 14 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A warning bell has sounded following the death of an endangered green turtle in Rarotonga waters.
Minister denies involvement with South Korean cult Grace Rd Church
Wednesday 13 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has been quick to dismiss suggestions that members of the controversial South Korean cult Grace Road Church have recently visited the Cook Islands, while others remain silent.
