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 Losirene Lacanivalu
Trust industry booms in Cook Islands
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The trust industry has proven to be resilient, robust and growing over the past four years from 2020 to 2023, according to the Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority Report 2023-2024.
Ombudsman slams police for negligence in fatal crash probe
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Ombudsman’s office handled 52 complaints and inquiries between 2022 and 2024, highlighting issues with police investigations and noise pollution.
Court news
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
December 16, 2024
Bill to fix company re-registration loophole referred to NZ Parliament Counsel Office
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Companies Amendment Bill 2024, aimed at rectifying a legal loophole hindering company re-registrations, has been recommended for review by the New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office to identify potential unintended consequences before proceeding.
Court briefs
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
A man who is accused of indecently assaulting a victim over the age of 16 has denied the charges and his case has been transferred to the High Court.
Cook Islands aims to future-proof tourism with legislative overhaul
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is undertaking a legislative review to modernise the tourism framework, aligning it with sustainable tourism practices and addressing challenges like workforce development and destination management.
Aitutaki community gets creative with climate change solutions
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
The Climate Change Cook Islands is holding a workshop focusing on climate change proposal writing for stakeholders in Aitutaki.
Cook Islands sees surge in suspicious activity reports
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, National, Parliament
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received 72 suspected activity reports (SARs) in the 2023-2024 financial year, the majority of which were domestic.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Parliament
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill 2024 that has been referred to the Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is a culmination of many years of hard work of the current and previous heads of the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands, says Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.
Judge alone trial begins for man accused of violent domestic abuse
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The judge-alone trial of a man who faces eight counts of assault on a female by punching her began at the Cook Islands High Court yesterday.
Government fends off cyberattacks, passes Bill to strengthen financial transparency
Tuesday 10 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Technology
Significant attempts were made from overseas to hack into the government’s central network a few weeks ago, revealed Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Police need numbers and bigger budget
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Cook Islands Police Services media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt says police have not suffered from a leadership vacuum or mismanagement but the issues they face are the inadequate appropriation of their annual budget and staff shortages.
Parliament briefs:
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Government has not made any considerations to re-establish the Vaka Council, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Top cop position advertised
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
Opposition Leader Tina Browne says it is a relief to see a critical position in the police service finally advertised despite the delay—months after the previous Police Commissioner’s resignation left a leadership vacuum that has undermined the effectiveness of the Police Services and compromised public safety.
Utilities Bill to ensure efficient services: PM
Saturday 7 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says that the Utilities Regulations (Electricity, Water and Sewerage Services) Bill 2024 will ensure that electricity and water services are provided efficiently, safely, and reliably, while also being offered at fair prices for the long-term benefit of customers.
Possible health workforce collaboration with Philippines government
Friday 6 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
A delegation from the Cook Islands government recently met the Philippines health secretary to discuss a possible health workforce collaboration such as addressing critical gaps in Cook Islands’ primary healthcare system.
Committee reviewing water petition: Vainerere
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
The Bills, Petitions and Papers Committee is still working on its final report on the Keep Our Water Free Petition.
Parliament to set 2025 sitting days amidst 2024 shortfall
Monday 2 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The final Parliamentary sitting of the year will begin today with the presentation of several reports and public bills.
‘Rogue’ operator puts lives at risk
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
A group of tourists were put at risk by a turtle tour operator who took them out to Avaavaroa Passage in adverse weather conditions, prompted calls from stakeholders for stricter regulations on ‘rogue operators’.
Survey reveals shocking domestic violence figures in Cook Islands
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The 2014 Cook Islands Family Health and Safety Survey, re-opened by Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW), reveals alarmingly high rates of domestic violence against women across the islands, with physical and sexual violence being prevalent, particularly in the Southern Group Islands.
