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
Over $267,000 spent on unemployment benefit
Monday 9 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Government reveals spending just over a quarter of a million dollars on unemployment benefit as local businesses grapple with labour shortage following the opening of the travel bubble with New Zealand.
Nicholas family reconnect through history
Saturday 7 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Memory Lane
The Nicholas family has a long and rich history across the Cook Islands, throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and the world. Al Williams met a member of the extended family who is making connections across the globe.
Trade Days event offers hope for drum maker
Friday 6 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Nooroa Ngametua Iu and his daughter Tarita have been resilient during a challenging two years and are back in business.
Jetstar delays Rarotonga service to March 2022
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Budget airline Jetstar has cancelled Rarotonga flights through to the end of March, 2022, but has provided customers a range of options including a credit voucher or a full refund.
Pille heading back to NZ
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Acting Infrastructure Cook Islands secretary Willem Pille has ruled himself out of contention for the top job after announcing his intention to return to New Zealand.
Rarotonga drenched with half the average August rainfall
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Weather
A number of local events including the opening of the BCI Trade Days yesterday was postponed due to continuous rain on Rarotonga.
Beddoes sets new national 800m record
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Sports, Tokyo Olympics
Cook Islands 2020 Sportsman of the Year Alex Beddoes has achieved a personal best and set a new national record at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
A day in the life at sea
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Weekend
It’s a big family to feed and keep happy aboard the New Zealand Royal Navy protector-fleet offshore patrol ship HMZS Wellington which visited Rarotonga this week. Al Williams caught up with some of the crew and had a look around the vessel.
Cook Islands economy ‘looking good’
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands is in a strong economic position on the back of New Zealand’s continuing Covid-19 recovery, but there is still risk, a visiting senior economist says.
Drink driving lands Kiwi couple in jail
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A drink driving Kiwi couple landed in jail for a night and are at least $800 out of pocket following an incident in Rarotonga on Wednesday.
EU purse seine fishing deal extended
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The European Union (EU) and the Cook Islands have extended a “sustainable” fisheries partnership by three years.
Cooks beat NZ Navy in friendly
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Other Sports, Sports
The New Zealand Royal Navy have taken a beating from their Cook Islands counterparts at an inaugural sports event in Rarotonga.
Aitutaki ranked one of the world’s best islands
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki tourism operators are welcoming guests again in growing numbers and have been given all the more reason to smile after landing a place on a prestigious list naming the best islands in the world.
Katoa recalls ‘unique’ Tokyo medal moments
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands Aquatic president Romani Katoa has described the moment he presented medals in Tokyo as “very unique”.
Government sounds the alarm on employee poaching
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
A warning bell has sounded for Cook Islands businesses and employees amid changing immigration policies and labour shortages.
Cook Islands determined to send squads to World Cup
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) is determined to send squads to the Rugby League World Cup to be held in England later in the year despite a decision by New Zealand and Australia to pull out.
‘It’s not a casual dawdle’ - misadventure causing a mountain of problems for police
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Authorities are weighing up options including possible penalties after an elderly couple had to be rescued on Saturday evening when they slipped off the Cross-Island Trek in Rarotonga.
Opportunity of a lifetime
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
A New Zealand Royal Navy protector-fleet offshore patrol ship is taking a week long break in Rarotonga as its crew of about 80 get out and about to look at the island.
New ‘secret agent’ to ‘protect country and people’
Monday 26 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands’ newest “secret agent” will keep threats at bay and protect the nation.
New education options to retain Cook Islanders
Monday 26 July 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Cook Islanders are being offered another tertiary education option to help fill a growth market in communications.
