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
In brief: Court news
Friday 4 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man who has multiple disqualified driving convictions has been told he will only hurt himself and his family if he continues to offend.
Domestic violence figures still a concern, Police say
Thursday 3 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Police are reporting ongoing concerns about domestic violence only one month into 2022.
Volunteers celebrate World Wetlands Day
Thursday 3 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A group dedicated to preserving the Muri Lagoon and surrounding area has taken advantage of World Wetlands Day to push forward with one of its multiple projects.
Inflation forecast to soar
Wednesday 2 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is feeling the Covid-19 crunch as inflation is forecast to hit 4 per cent in the 2023/24 year. It follows reports New Zealand’s annual inflation has hit a 30-year high of 5.9 per cent while the impacts are being felt across the Pacific and the rest of the world.
‘Wet and wild’ January
Tuesday 1 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Weather
Rarotonga has received nearly twice the average rainfall since the island was hammered by heavy downpours last month.
Muri Night Market back after Covid break
Tuesday 1 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Entertainment, National
The popular Muri Night Market was revived on Sunday following a long break and the initial response has exceeded expectations.
Defendant ready to enter plea this month
Tuesday 1 February 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman who worked under the former director of the National Environment Service (NES), Nga Puna and facing multiple counts of theft as a servant is set to enter a plea this month.
Expanding horizons
Monday 31 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Olivia Eyles has swapped the shores of Otago for the shores of Rarotonga in seeking to enlighten the education of others.
In brief: Court news
Monday 31 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man facing multiple charges has questioned his bail conditions in choosing to defend himself.
Aitutaki cannabis accused arrested for breaching bail
Saturday 29 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Eight people arrested and charged following the bust of a commercial sized cannabis operation on Aitutaki have made a second appearance in court.
Travellers advised to be vigilant
Saturday 29 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Tourism
Travellers heading to the Cook Islands, including returning residents, are being reminded to check the details on their Covid-19 test certificates to ensure they fall within the required 48-hour pre-departure window.
Govt approves ‘pandemic leave’
Friday 28 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Public servants are in line for pandemic leave as the Omicron variant, when it arrives here, could force many out of the workplace.
Feb ‘volatile’ weather month
Thursday 27 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands is being warned to be prepared as the nation nears the height of cyclone season following a week of challenging weather conditions.
Govt spends $55m on wage subsidies
Thursday 27 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
More than 50 per cent of Economic Response Plan expenditure totalling $55 million was spent on wage subsidies prior to the last border closure.
Government to provide KF94 masks to residents
Wednesday 26 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
Dr Tukuitonga said: “Upgraded masks and limits on gatherings is good, and boosters for adults is very important. I note that only 70 per cent of the (eligible) population have had their boosters and it is critical that the boosters are promoted as soon as possible. I’m not sure where you are with vaccinations for 5 to 11-year-olds but children are susceptible to Omicron.
Hackers target local bank
Wednesday 26 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, National
Bank of the Cook Islands customers have been left out of pocket as hackers have been at work making illegal transactions on their accounts.
Travel bubble ‘risky’
Wednesday 26 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Tourism
A leading Pacific health expert has called Cook Islands Government’s decision to keep its borders open to visitors ‘risky’ but welcomed additional measures as the country ramps up preparation to face Omicron.
Man remanded in custody on unregistered firearms charges
Tuesday 25 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Ordain Tutakiao appeared on two charges of having unregistered firearms in the Criminal Court on Thursday last week.
Eel behind recent ciguatera cases
Tuesday 25 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
There have been two recent cases of ciguatera in Rarotonga – both diagnosed after people consumed eel.
Omicron threat looms
Tuesday 25 January 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
A recent closed-door meeting between Te Marae Ora and leading agencies reveal the government will not be able to control Omicron when it hits the Cook Islands.
