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
Community groups reach out for fundraising assistance
Monday 27 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Avatiu residents gathered at the Avatiu Tapere Meeting House on Thursday evening to celebrate a boost to their ongoing fundraising efforts.
The Lissette Brito mystery ‘I’m confident about where I stand on it’
Saturday 25 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features
Former Australian police officer and author Rod Henderson has his sights set on finding justice for Lissette Brito who went missing off the yacht Zangano about 40 nautical miles south-west of Rarotonga five years ago.
‘Name suppression is a privilege, not a right’
Saturday 25 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
There was deliberation over name suppression as a man and woman were remanded in custody on drug dealing charges at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday.
Working together for the common good of the community
Friday 24 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
New Rotary Club of Rarotonga president Stephen Lyon will be supported by members as the organisation continues to support the wider community.
Ministry defends Cooks rep
Thursday 23 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Politics
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defended Cook Islands’ ambassador to the United Nations’ shipping body amid conflict of interest allegations.
Raro woman facing trial in PNG receives NZ assistance
Thursday 23 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Papua New Guinea, Regional
A Rarotongan woman arrested and charged in an explosives bust in Papua New Guinea is being assisted by New Zealand authorities.
‘The message is very clear, there is a dog problem on Rarotonga’
Thursday 23 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The local veterinary clinic is continuing its effort to help control the dog population on Rarotonga with a de-sexing operation.
Veteran cop takes a new career turn
Tuesday 21 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Not many professionals crack the 40-year mark of service then take up a new career. John Strickland took that turn on Monday, transitioning from 41 years of serving the community with the Cook Islands Police and onto a new path as the incoming director of Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI).
Court briefs
Monday 20 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Indecent assault charge, Reckless driving guilty plea, Drunk driving fine
‘From the hills to our reef’
Monday 20 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A small meeting house in Ngatangiia hosted a group with a big vision – a community group that emphasises a self-help, proactive approach to village initiatives.
Family eagerly awaits father’s return
Monday 20 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Edmond Tupuna is among 50 Cook Islanders employed at Alliance Group’s Lorneville site near Invercargill at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, unable to return home because of the border closure.
Runway repairs restart following multiple delays
Saturday 18 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Runway repair work at Rarotonga International Airport has picked up again following multiple delays.
Bail denied again for rape accused
Friday 17 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A man accused of rape and other indecent behaviour relating to girls aged 10 and under has been denied bail for the second time in two weeks after two further complainants, both aged under 10, come forward.
Leave to appeal dismissed
Thursday 16 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Politics
A leave to appeal corruption charges brought against Prime Minister Mark Brown and former prime minister Henry Puna has been denied by the High Court.
PM to do 'virtual' check in at climate conference
Wednesday 15 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark will not attend a climate change conference in Scotland later this year, instead hoping to contribute “virtually”.
Gallery owner pays tribute to legendary artist
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Features
Internationally-renowned Kiwi artist Billy Apple had been scheduled to land on Rarotonga today for his second exhibition in the Cook Islands. Apple died after a short illness at his Auckland home on Monday. Rarotonga Bergman Gallery owner Ben Bergman connected with Apple over several years and shares his memories of the artist with Al Williams.
Souber Driver Raro: ‘I wanted to save lives’
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Resident inspired to start a sober driving service on Rarotonga following a spate of fatal accidents on the island in early 2020.
Australia offers Cook Islands a helping hand
Friday 10 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Aussies have reached out to Cook Islanders in the hope small projects will have big benefits for the nation.
Young paddlers dig deep for annual event
Friday 10 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Te Tupu O Te Manava Outrigger Canoe Club juniors are stepping up training as the countdown is on for Vaka Eiva in November.
Bears look to break drought in 15s final
Thursday 9 September 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
Arorangi Bears Senior A grade will be looking to break a 10-year drought this Saturday after rain put a dampener on their grand final against the Tupapa Panthers last weekend.
