More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Losirene Lacanivalu
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.
Controversy over water bills- Tourism Industry Council calls for ‘dry run’
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Tourism Industry Council has suggested that the first water bill issued this month be treated as a ‘dry run’ due to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the new water billing system.
Mangaia Science Expo: Island students explore ‘Beyond the Sky’
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Parliament
Mangaia School students and island residents are being treated to a rare opportunity to participate in a science expo titled “Te Rangi Atea – Beyond the Sky,” held on the island this week.
Browne challenges Religious Restrictions Act, proposes ‘immediate comprehensive review’
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National
The comments from the Minister for Justice concerning the registration of religious organisations in the Cook Islands warrant careful legal, constitutional, and human rights consideration, says the Leader of the Opposition.
Driver charged over Kavera crash involving multiple vehicles
Thursday 28 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
The driver who is alleged to have caused a major crash in Kavera on Sunday night has been charged and is expected to appear at the Criminal Court in Avarua today.
Cook Islands scholar joins science academy
Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Environment, National
Cook Islands will benefit from the launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, which promotes the study of natural and social science, indigenous knowledge and technology.
