Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National, Technology
Ministry of Justice Secretary Tamatoa Jonassen has addressed ongoing information and communications technology (ICT) issues following a power cut on Rarotonga, but it appears the problem is widespread, with government still to respond to questions.
Thursday 9 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A 24-year-man has escaped conviction on a charge of common assault in light of his age and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A public health nurse with a glowing list of references has been cleared of a common assault charge.
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Crime, National
A question of theft and fraud has been answered in ongoing deliberations involving dishonesty charges against 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.
Tuesday 7 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Outer Islands, Pacific Islands Forum
Aitutaki is gearing up to host Pacific Island leaders taking part in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter says the nation has always been renowned for coming together as a people to successfully host major regional and international events.
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
It’s taken six months to get there as Rarotonga looks set to be spick and span for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Thousands of people are anticipated to converge on the National Auditorium (Are Kariori Nui) over the coming week, with months of planning and preparation behind the scenes.
Friday 3 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Pacific Islands Forum
New Zealand Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon will not attend the Pacific Islands Forum on Rarotonga, while his foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee will be accompanied by outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni at the forum.
Friday 3 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Ministry of Justice staff have had limited to no information and communications technology (ICT) following a power cut on Rarotonga in the early hours of Wednesday, in what is an ongoing problem.
Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
Rarotonga businessman Christopher Denny is still awaiting evidence as he faces charges of possessing cannabis and a utensil.
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man facing assault charges is struggling to get his case heard as he awaits legal aid.
Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National, Politics
Robert Tapaitau has been reinstated as Deputy Prime Minister for the second time after suspension amid criminal charges, but a leader of an Opposition party says the reinstatement is ‘unfair’.
Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islands Christian leader has given thanks following the passing of a founding member of an interdenominational training organisation.
Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A New Zealand DJ (disc jockey) facing multiple drug charges wants his bail conditions changed so he can work on Rarotonga.
Monday 30 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga was bustling on Saturday with a visiting cruise ship and a Rugby World Cup final.
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Politics
Cook Islands Members of Parliament (MPs) have incurred significant travel-related costs in recent months, but no one from the Government or Opposition has yet justified the spending.
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The Office of the Ombudsman has advised the Cook Islands News to lodge a complaint with Parliamentary Services, advising them of concerns in relation to the release of the MPs travel costs between July 1 to September 30, 2023.
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Politics
A breakdown of the spending figures shows the event attended, departure and arrival dates, airfare costs, accommodation costs, meals/incidentals, additional allowances and totals for each of the 14 MPs, for the period July 1 to September 30, 2023.
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Court, National
A man has been convicted and sentenced in a long standing case involving the theft of lemons.