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 Rashneel Kumar
TTV recommends drastic cut to proposed free water allocation
Monday 26 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Rarotonga water agency has slashed the Government’s proposed free water allocation by 75 per cent, recommending a daily limit of just 100 litres per person.
Pacific’s first: A doctorate and a deeper connection to home
Saturday 24 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
When Cook Islander Dr Antony Vavia walked off the stage earlier this month with a piece of paper he had worked hard for six years, he achieved more than just becoming the first Pacific Islander to earn a doctoral degree in marine biology from Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Parliament
The annual travel and allowances for Cook Islands Members of Parliament exceeded $650,000 in the last financial year, a significant increase of approximately 51 per cent from the previous year. Losirene Lacanivalu and Rashneel Kumar reports.
Multi-agency approach proposed for trek safety after recent incident
Monday 12 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National
A recent rescue of a tourist who slipped off the Needle has reignited debate over safety measures for trekkers in Rarotonga, with authorities considering potential solutions including increased awareness and guided hikes.
Wheel woes ground Air New Zealand’s Rarotonga-Auckland flight
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Air New Zealand’s flight from Rarotonga to Auckland was cancelled Tuesday afternoon due to a wheel defect.
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) has denied allegations of being a haven for Russian-linked tankers, stating that the registry complies with international sanctions and that many of the vessels in question were previously registered with other major flag states.
Thousands sign petition against incoming Rarotonga water tariffs
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
The petition opposing the planned water tariffs in Rarotonga, which has garnered one of the highest numbers of signatures, will be handed to Parliament this morning.
‘Dark oxygen’ discovery sparks call for independent seabed mining research
Monday 29 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
The recent discovery of oxygen production by deep-sea nodules has intensified concerns over the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands.
Construction company faces fines after cutting trees without consent
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Local, National
A recent cutting down of several ironwood (toa) trees at the Fruits of Rarotonga waterfront is in breach of the Environment Act 2003, says the Cook Islands environment agency.
Water petition gains momentum, organising committee meets House of Ariki
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Local, National
The petition opposing the planned water tariffs in Rarotonga is gaining momentum with over 1500 signatures so far including support from the Pa Enua and Cook Islanders residing overseas.
Residents coach Nicholas builds for future with young guns for Cook Islands Tri-Series
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Sports
Cook Islands Residents coach Clive Nicholas has named a youthful squad for the 2024 Cook Islands Rugby League Tri-Series to be held on the Gold Coast, Australia, in September.
Ambulance officer sounds alarm on ‘surging’ dog crashes
Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is experiencing a rise in emergency department cases resulting from dog-related road crashes.
Town Whites hold off Country Blacks to claim Conan’s Cup
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports
After two unsuccessful attempts, the Town Whites finally managed to lift the Conan’s Cup women’s title in the second leg of the Cook Islands Rugby League State of Origin Series held on Saturday.
Evans earns Masters and Honorary Doctorate
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, Environment, Features, National, Weekend
Renowned Cook Islands marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans had a double celebration recently – graduating from her year-long studies at Harvard University and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
Fishermen rescue yacht from Penrhyn lagoon
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
A French yacht visiting Penrhyn this week escaped serious damage after grounding on a sea coral mount inside the island lagoon.
TTV to introduce water tariffs in Jan 2025 due to budget shortfall
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National
Due to budget shortfalls, Rarotonga’s water authority will introduce water tariffs starting in January next year with a phased implementation.
Town Whites take first step towards Conan’s Cup glory
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League, Sports
The Town Whites, who have never hoisted the prestigious Conan’s Cup women’s rugby league series trophy, took a step closer to glory on Saturday by beating Country Blacks in the opening match.
Weekend burglaries target businesses and government agencies
Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, National
A string of burglaries has caused a major concern for Cook Islands Police, adding pressure to their staffing capacity, a spokesperson said.
Hawaiian carvers defend protocols, Tavioni says ‘It is a Pacific Festival and not Hawaiian only’
Monday 17 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Features, Local, National, Regional
A group of Hawaiian carvers responded to accusations that a respected female Cook Islands carver was barred from the official carving area at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Honolulu due to a kapu on women carvers.
‘Love our little paradise’ : Cook Islands unites for World Oceans Day
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Environment, Features, National
A local non-government organisation nears harvesting a milestone 10,000 crown-of-thorns starfish from Rarotonga reefs since launching Operation Taramea in 2020.
