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 Al Williams
Security company boss in court for cannabis
Saturday 18 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A high-profile businessman who operates a security company on Rarotonga has been arrested and charged with possession of cannabis leaves and utensils.
Court Briefs 17.02.23
Saturday 18 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in
Disqualified driver told to get a push bike Simione Metekawas told to get a push bike when he appeared on a charge of driving while disqualified on Thursday. Justice of the Peace Georgina Williams reminded him the use of electric powered scooters, such as the ones favoured by government officials, were also not to be […]
What’s up at our borders? Cannabis confusion at the arrivals gate
Saturday 18 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A bungle at the border formed the basis for a defence in which a visiting Kiwi couple with young children escaped cannabis importation and false declaration convictions this week.
Court briefs
Friday 17 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in
There were a multitude of guilty pleas in the Criminal Court at Avarua yesterday. Starting with John Toeta who appeared on a charge of drunkenness in a public place and two charges of wilful damage, his defence lawyer Norman George entered a guilty plea on his behalf and asked for a probation report. “He claims […]
De facto relationship on the rise, reveals Census
Thursday 16 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
An increasing number of Cook Islands residents are swapping wedding vows for de facto relationships, according to the final 2021 Census report released a week ago.
Religion, health and booze
Thursday 16 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in
The 2021 Census question on religion was not compulsory, nevertheless, only 2 per cent or 323 people, refused or did not respond to the question.
Airport Authority marks 49 years since Rarotonga International gained wings
Wednesday 15 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Airport Authority has shouted its staff morning tea as it readies itself for a 50th birthday.
Outbound Air NZ flight returns to Raro in wake of Cyclone Gabrielle
Wednesday 15 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Tourism, Weather
An Auckland bound Air New Zealand flight which left Rarotonga on Monday afternoon was forced to turn around close to midway through its journey due to weather playing havoc in Auckland.
Kiwi visitors escape cannabis convictions
Tuesday 14 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A visiting Kiwi couple with young children escaped cannabis importation and false declaration convictions.
RMD cannot reveal legal costs in Air NZ tax case
Monday 13 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Local, National
New information is still to emerge as the total cost to Cook Islands taxpayers in a multi-million-dollar tax case involving Air New Zealand is yet to be revealed.
In the Criminal Court on Thursday, February 9
Monday 13 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
Name suppression granted in theft case A woman facing a charge of theft was granted named suppression in the Criminal Court on Rarotonga. Defence lawyer Lavi Rokoika made the request during a call over matter on Thursday. Rokoika said the basis of the application was the case was still being processed and she needed disclosure from […]
Red carpet rolled out at the Empire for world premiere
Monday 13 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The red carpet was rolled out on Rarotonga with a packed house for the world premiere of Cook Islands’ film Stranded Pearl.
Drink driving case drags on
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
The case against a man facing reckless and drink driving charges is still before the courts 12 months after he was charged with the offences.
US Coast Guard vessel ‘not involved’ in cocaine bust operation
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The Commanding Officer of visiting United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) vessel William Hart says the ship was not involved with an operation in which 3.2 tonnes of cocaine was hauled from the Pacific Ocean.
Making movies in the Cooks: ‘I’m a glutton for punishment, thousands of hours. . .’
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
The red carpet is set to be rolled out on Rarotonga as a ten-year dream becomes a reality for a local filmmaker. Anand Naidu gives Al Williams a run down on filmmaking in the Cook Islands.
Man taken into custody following car fire
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man was taken into custody late Thursday night following a blaze which engulfed a car on Rarotonga.
Aitutaki stakeholders call for ‘measurable’ priorities amid ongoing challenges
Saturday 11 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Local, National, Outer Islands
Key players in the Aitutaki economy have met with various public and private organisations in an effort to set ‘measurable’ priorities for the island.
Drink driver avoids jail on fourth conviction: ‘It is difficult to ignore persistent offending; your drinking is the issue’
Friday 10 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man with multiple drink driving convictions was nearly seven times over the limit when he lost control of a motorcycle.
Man facing assault charges against female free to travel
Friday 10 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, Crime, National
A Crown prosecutor and defence lawyer have continued a heated argument in court over a Rarotonga man facing multiple assault charges against a female.
Artefacts gifted to King’s Representative
Friday 10 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Local, National
Veteran Kiwi journalist and Cook Islands News publisher John Woods has turned his hand to woodturning and is utilising his new found skills with Cook Islands native timber.
