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
Demolition makes way for Empire Bridge construction
Monday 23 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Construction workers from Landholdings Ltd on Saturday demolished part of the Vaka Shed to make way for the upcoming construction work on Empire Bridge.
‘We are adaptable... you have to keep a smile on your face and stay positive’
Saturday 21 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, In Depth
Common themes pop up in conversation with business operators on Rarotonga in light of a Covid-19 community outbreak involving the highly infectious Delta variant in New Zealand . . . resilience, adaptability, diversification and strength.
Report supports sludge disposal
Saturday 21 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National
A 300-page report released by Cook Islands National Environment Service supports sludge disposal on Rarotonga, but a lobby group says more thought is needed on cost and impact.
Fundraising efforts aim to improve police officers’ welfare
Saturday 21 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands police are ramping up efforts to raise the welfare of close to 100 staff in raising funds through branded T-shirt sales.
Millions available for business Covid-19 support on standby
Thursday 19 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Island businesses will need financial support in ‘three to four weeks’ given the developing Covid-19 situation in New Zealand.
No hurry to return to New Zealand
Thursday 19 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Tourists Danielle Whitburn and Eamonn Doyle are keen to extend their stay in the Cook Islands as New Zealand enters its third day of lockdown. Unfortunately, they didn’t pack for a prolonged visit.
Tourism industry preparing for ‘massive impact’
Wednesday 18 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Suspension of incoming flights from New Zealand will have a “massive impact” on tourism, authorities say.
Two arrested, injured in drink driving incidents
Tuesday 17 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Two motorists sustained injuries following a crash in which one of them was found to have been drink driving. A police spokesman said just prior to midnight on Sunday, the incident was reported at Arorangi, involving two motorcycles.
Vaimaanga house destroyed in blaze
Tuesday 17 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National
A blaze which completely destroyed a house in Vaimaanga early yesterday has not been ruled out as suspicious.
NZ-born Cook Islands artist finds comfort in art
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Culture, National
New Zealand-born Cook Islands artist Sylvia Marsters has found inspiration in her own experience with depression as she prepares for her latest exhibition – Utopia – on Rarotonga.
15 months’ probation for burglary
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A man who spent ten months in custody before being acquitted of two indecent assault charges against a 15-year-old girl and entering with intent last week – has been convicted and sentenced to 12 months of probation on a joint burglary charge.
Minister's chief executive seeks partial driving licence
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
There was debate as a letter from Cabinet Minister George “Maggie” Angene supporting a man seeking an application for partial removal of disqualification of his driver licence was presented at the Criminal Court.
Covid-19 fallout slices $200k off Constitution Week budget
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Culture, National
Covid-19 has had a significant financial impact on Te Maeva Nui celebrations held last week in Rarotonga.
Government unveils $685 million infrastructure plan
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
More than 100 infrastructure projects with a combined value of $685 million have been tabled in the nation’s updated National Infrastructure Investment Plan.
Accused told to swallow chewing gum in court
Friday 13 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Court briefs for the week of August 13, 2021
Probation officer advises Justice of the Peace in sentencing of thief
Thursday 12 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A Justice of the Peace made last minute changes in sentencing a thief after a probation officer offered her some advice in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Wednesday.
Tourists red faced following red alert
Thursday 12 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Two New Zealand tourists have been left red faced following a missing persons report on Rarotonga.
Visitor projections surge for October
Wednesday 11 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Tourism figures have received an “unprecedented” boost with projected visitor numbers climbing for New Zealand school holidays.
Drink driving remains major police concern
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
A 70-year-old motorist is suspected of drink driving following a crash near The Rarotongan Beach Resort on Saturday evening.
Survey to quantify labour shortage
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands labour shortages are an ongoing concern as authorities struggle to quantify how many workers are needed as the country experiences a boom in tourism .