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 Matthew Littlewood
Aitutaki Covid-19 free
Tuesday 29 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
All five cases of Covid-19 on Aitutaki have now recovered, while the number of cases in the Cook Islands has climbed over 1500.
Pa Enua travel set to resume
Tuesday 29 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Tourism
The Cook Islands Government has set a nominal date for travel to return to Pa Enua of April 18 for the Southern Group islands and April 25 for the Northern Group.
Recovering in paradise
Monday 28 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Go Local
He survived a potentially life-threatening spinal injury, but now former rugby player Michael ‘Fats’ Fatialofa is adjusting to Cook Islands time. He and his wife speak to Matthew Littlewood about what they hope for the future.
The challenging tourism dollar
Monday 28 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
People visiting the Cook Islands are coming in fewer numbers, but are staying longer and spending more, says a tourism expert.
Covid restrictions set to ease
Saturday 26 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
As Covid-19 makes its way through the Cook Islands, the Government has announced it will be relaxing some of its restrictions.
Covid requirement to be reviewed
Thursday 24 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
The Cook Islands Government will be making announcements on the future of its Covid-19 requirements, as the island nation’s Covid-19 numbers pass the 1000 mark.
Covid infections cross 1000-mark
Thursday 24 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
The Cook Islands should see its Covid-19 numbers peaking over the next two weeks, according to a public health advisor.
Wage subsidy bill climbs to more than $70 million
Wednesday 23 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Government has extended the wage subsidy to the middle of April, but the initiative has already cost more than $70 million.
Three patients test positive for Covid-19
Tuesday 22 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands Government has confirmed three hospital patients have tested positive for Covid-19, but these were not admitted because of Covid-19.
Final extension to business support
Tuesday 22 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The Cook Islands Government has extended the wage subsidy until the middle of April, but key tourism organisations are concerned it is not long enough.
Covid-19 welfare packages set to increase with cases
Tuesday 22 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
The number of welfare packages delivered to isolating families and individuals is expected to spike over the next week, as Covid-19 numbers increase.
Arorangi Prison inmates and staff members test positive for Omicron
Tuesday 22 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Local, National
Several prisoners at Arorangi Prison and staff members have tested positive for Omicron, Prime Minister Mark Brown announced last night.
Managing Covid-19 outbreak
Saturday 19 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Features, Weekend
Covid-19 is predicted to affect about half the population of Rarotonga over the next few weeks.
Government drops costly pre-departure test
Friday 18 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in National, Tourism
Visitors travelling to the Cook Islands will no longer need to undertake the expensive Covid-19 PCR pre-departure tests costing $250 each.
Covid cases cross 600-mark with 580 close contacts in quarantine
Friday 18 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
There have now been more than 600 recorded cases of Covid-19 in the Cook Islands.
Nikao seawall takes shape
Thursday 17 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Local, National
The team behind a massive sea wall mural in Rarotonga hope it will be complete within the next few months.
Community urged to get tested as Covid numbers down
Thursday 17 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
The number of Covid-19 cases in the Cook Islands has now passed 500, but public health experts are expecting many more to come.
Government to consider relaxing Covid-19 isolating rules for essential workers
Thursday 17 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
Relaxation of Covid-19 isolating rules for essential workers in the Cook Islands could be coming shortly.
Record daily total of Covid-19 cases
Wednesday 16 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands has experienced its single-highest day of Covid-19 cases, as the pandemic makes its way through the island nation.
Bread price hike expected due to pressure on global wheat supply
Wednesday 16 March 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Consumers could face major increases to the price of bread, as bakeries deal with the flow-on effects of supply chain issues from Covid-19 and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
