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
Police probe serious rape allegation
Wednesday 28 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are investigating a rape allegation and inappropriate sexual contact during the weekend labelling it as “serious incidents”.
Patient referrals on the rise
Wednesday 28 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Health, National, New Zealand, Regional
There has been a steady increase in patient referrals, primarily due to rising healthcare needs and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, according to a Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health report.
TMO issues travel advisory amid global mpox outbreak
Tuesday 27 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has issued a travel advisory for residents travelling to African countries affected by mpox outbreak, while assuring the public that the risk to the Cook Islands remains low.
Two-year case concludes in guilty verdict
Tuesday 27 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
After more than two years, the excess breath alcohol case against Steven Kavana concluded with Justice of the Peace John Whitta finding him guilty and imposing a 12-month mandatory disqualification from driving.
Cook Islands enhances climate transparency with training
Monday 26 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Climate Change Cook Islands staff participated in a weeklong Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency – Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) training workshop at the New Hope Church last week.
Cook Islands MPs claim $200,000 in allowances during overseas trips
Saturday 24 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Members of Parliament claimed over $200,000 in allowances while representing the country at international meetings and events during the 2023/24 financial year.
Avarua burglary duo remanded, potential for additional charges
Friday 23 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The two men alleged to have been accomplices in the recent break-ins reported around Avarua have been remanded in custody and are likely to face more charges.
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
Friday 23 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has defended the over $650,000 spent on MPs travel and allowance and responded to Opposition leader Tina Browne’s criticism by accusing her of preferring to ‘hog all the trips for herself’.
Rugby rivals set for epic showdown
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby Union, Sports
Defending champions Tupapa Panthers are planning to execute all their moves from their trainings when they meet Avatiu Nikao Eels in what they expect to be a tough battle in Rarotonga Club 15s competition final this Saturday.
Man hit with hefty fines for drink driving and assault
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced and ordered to pay reparations of $4259.12 to electricity company Te Aponga Uira and around $700 in court fines and court costs for three separate charges.
Constitution Review Committee gathers feedback from Pa Enua
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Outer Islands, Parliament
The Constitutional Review Special Select Committee will be conducting public consultations in Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke, all in a single day.
Government to upgrade security after recent break-ins
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The National Security Directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has secured funding to engage a local contractor who will work directly with key frontline agencies to assess and upgrade their security needs.
SPC supports Cook Islands in implementing effective education strategies
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
The Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) team from the Pacific Community (SPC) conducted a mission in the country, which included school visits and understanding the teaching practices.
Manpower shortage hinders burglary investigations, clothing store targeted
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police are scrambling for manpower to investigate the rising number of burglary cases hitting Rarotonga, with a renowned clothing store as the latest victim.
Drier weather forecast, Meteorological Service warns of potential water crisis
Tuesday 20 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, Weather
Drier conditions for most of the Cook Islands are forecast over the next three months, with potential for low water pressure, rationing and reduced water levels.
Crime spree hits Govt Buildings, Police investigate break-ins at PM’s Office and Crown Law
Tuesday 20 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
A series of burglaries into government buildings, including the Office of the Prime Minister, has been reported to police and CCTV footage showing at least two masked suspects is under investigation.
JCPC re-established to address growing juvenile crime concerns
Monday 19 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
Cabinet has supported the re-establishment of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC), paving the way for the appointment of a new Committee.
‘Only in the Cooks’: Retiring judge shares fond memories of Cook Islands
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Features, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
After 12 years of dedicated service to the Cook Islands justice system, High Court Judge Dame Judith Potter is hanging up her robes, leaving a legacy of legal expertise, and taking with her some ‘only in the Cooks’ memories.
High Court halts Te Puka land dispute pending cost payment
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The proceedings for the Nikao land – Te Puka against the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) have been halted after High Court Justice Dame Judith Potter ordered a ‘stay order’ against applicant Ellena Tavioni and others, who are to pay $12,523.45 with a 10 per cent interest for previously dismissed matters.
Drug trial adjourned due to absent defence lawyer
Friday 16 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, National
The application filed by Crown Law to admit hearsay for accused Christopher Denny, Charles Tuakana Katu and Tui Mantangaro Tupa, who are facing drug-related charges, has been adjourned due to the absence of defence lawyer Mark Short.