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
Pukapuka ferry trip for diaspora costs $640,000
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands, Regional, Samoa
A Samoan passenger ferry chartered by the Cook Islands government for $640,000 is scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga today and take 160 New Zealand and Australia based people of Pukapuka descent to the northern island. Al Williams reports.
Cooks warms to cannabis debate
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Politics
‘Hemp could have a commercial benefit for Cook Islands’
Jury reaches verdict in Aitutaki cannabis case
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men have found an Aitutaki man guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Defendant denies supplying cannabis,
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A jury of nine women and two men will decide if an Aitutaki man is guilty of supplying cannabis following a two-day trial on Rarotonga.
Aitutaki drug trial delayed over witness incrimination
Thursday 7 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of an Aitutaki man facing a supply of cannabis charge has been hampered by multiple delays on its first day, including a call by the Judge to adjourn on the grounds of a witness incriminating themselves.
‘It’s all down to the attitude’: Rarotonga motorists still not getting the message
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
Police say motorists are missing the point in displaying attitudes that are ‘overly casual’, following another disappointing weekend on Rarotonga roads.
Jury trial thrown out following two days of delays
Tuesday 5 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The jury trial of a man facing charges of threatening to kill and threatening to cause grievous bodily harm has been thrown out following two days of hold ups.
Electric vehicles hit the road for WCPFC20 meeting on Rarotonga
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in
Half a dozen cars bought by Cook Islands Government for $1.7 million, and used during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held last month, will be again used to transport dignitaries at next week’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20) meeting on Rarotonga.
Former staffer makes claim of sexual assault at TMO
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
A former staffer has jumped in with claims of sexual assault following allegations of a toxic workplace culture at Te Marae Ora.
National Environment Service staffers travel to Aitutaki for causeway inspection at Lagoon Private Island Resort
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
National Environment Service staffers head to Aitutaki this week to assess the state of a temporary causeway at the redevelopment of upmarket Lagoon Private Island Resort.
Cook Islands national dies in traffic incident in Honiara
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National
A Cook Islands national has died in a traffic incident in Honiara. Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) and the Pacific Games organising committee both released statements over the weekend.
Disqualified driver considers Australia return to continue supporting family
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A convicted drink driver is considering leaving the Cook Islands because losing his driver’s licence for 12 months renders him unable to work to support his grandparents.
Curfew imposed on woman for violating probation terms
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A woman who has been repeatedly warned she will go to jail, has been now given a curfew, as authorities struggle to keep track of her whereabouts.
Teen spared conviction for careless driving fined for cannabis offences
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A teen motorist who had an epileptic fit, leading to a crash, has escaped a conviction for careless driving, but picked up convictions for possessing a bong and cannabis.
Man fined for parole breaches
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 20-year-old man has been fined $80 for breaching his parole conditions by entering a licensed premises and consuming alcohol.
‘Careless driver’ retains licence, picks up $3395 in fines and costs
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man charged with careless driving causing injury has avoided losing his driver licence, but has been landed with more than $3000 in fines and reparation costs.
Kiwi vaka crew rescued during choppy conditions in lead up to canoeing comp
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Paddling, Sports
Choppy conditions on the water led to a spill for six members of a Kiwi Vaka Eiva team, who had to be assisted by diver operators and Police, yesterday morning.
Date set for ‘final submissions’ in high profile trial
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
The ongoing dishonesty charges faced by recently reinstated Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, former National Environment Service (NES) director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Diane Charlie-Puna will again be heard in court.
Nightclub brawl accused told to remain in the Cook Islands
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of eight visitors from Australia allegedly involved in a brawl at a Rarotonga nightclub has been told to remain in the Cook Islands.
Nightclub brawler fined $2250
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
One of 11 men involved in a brawl on Rarotonga has been convicted and fined more than $2000 for his part in the incident.