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
Man pleads guilty to assault charges
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A probation report has been ordered for a man facing a raft of domestic related charges and breaching police safety orders.
In brief: Court News
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Motorcyclist Aisake Fimone was found to have 800 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath when he was stopped and breathalysed on December 3, 2021.
Dream destination wedding turns into horrific nightmare
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
All hopes of a Kiwi tourist couple being married on Rarotonga were dashed after a session of heavy drinking led to assault.
Driving behaviour presenting ‘unnecessary stress’, say Police
Friday 18 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Police are concerned that the driving behaviour on Rarotonga is presenting unnecessary stress on frontline medical efforts, especially as Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health deals with the ongoing pressures of Covid-19 infections and testing.
Uncertainty in tourism sector
Tuesday 15 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism operators are sensing a lot of uncertainty in New Zealand despite children aged under five now being welcome in the Cook Islands from March 1.
New mental health facility to cost $1m
Tuesday 15 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
Rarotonga’s long-awaited mental health facility is set to cost $1 million.
Renowned academic's work to be digitised
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The work of a leading Cook Islands academic who left behind a legacy of research is to be digitised.
Conservation area a balancing act
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
There is plenty of community buy in for a conservation area significantly damaged by storms on Rarotonga, but there is also an uncertain future.
‘Vote with your brains’
Saturday 12 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Former members of Parliament have a blunt message for voters as the nation enters election year.
‘A lot of work to be done to retain people’
Friday 11 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) leaders remain confident despite Covid-19 challenges as they meet for their annual strategy retreat.
Shortcomings of new water system ‘evident in storm’
Friday 11 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A lobbyist is again calling out the group responsible for replacing Rarotonga’s water network with more claims the new $90 million system is not up to scratch.
Cook Islands’ human rights to be measured
Thursday 10 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A New Zealand-based human rights initiative is once again looking for buy in from the Cook Islands to ensure the rights of people are not breached by the state or other people in power or with authority.
Woman with critical injuries flown to NZ
Thursday 10 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands woman Kathy Papatua has been flown to New Zealand where she remains in a critical condition following a crash involving two motorcycles on Rarotonga in the early hours of Monday morning.
Man pleads guilty to careless driving
Wednesday 9 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Ordain Tutakiao has appeared in court on charges of dangerous driving causing injury and possession of a utensil.
Cops to get combat training
Wednesday 9 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Police officers will soon join prison wardens, probation and justice staff in elite close encounter technical combat system classes.
Woman in serious condition following motorcycle crash
Tuesday 8 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National
A woman is in intensive care in a serious condition following a crash involving two motorcycles on Rarotonga in the early hours of Monday morning.
Trees toppled and rare wildlife killed during storms
Tuesday 8 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A conservation area on Rarotonga established more than 30 years ago has been significantly damaged by storms which hit the island last month.
Arson accused to be sentenced
Monday 7 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man facing arson and contempt of court charges is set to enter a guilty plea to the charge of arson following an appearance in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Friday.
Raro woman pleads guilty to selling cannabis
Monday 7 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman with name suppression has entered a guilty plea to selling cannabis for the purpose of dealing.
‘Rugby is what I do, it is not who I am’
Saturday 5 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
He’s given 22 exemplary years to the All Blacks and has great pride in his Cook Islands heritage. Sports psychologist Gilbert Enoka is on Rarotonga this week and chats with senior journalist Al Williams, offering some insight into what it takes to be world beaters.
