More Top Stories
‘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
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
Articles by Talaia Mika
Titikaveka College installs 14 new student leaders
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Titikaveka College has elected 14 new leaders to head the school this year with the goal of not just leading but assisting, inspiring and being good role models to their fellow students.
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament this week.
Mangaia runway needs urgent repairs
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Mangaia’s airport runway is in dire need of government funding for improvements due to weather-related flight cancellations and deterioration, according to a Member of Parliament from the southern group island.
‘A piece of me’: Titikaveka residents grieve centuries-old tree’s removal
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Despite its deep historical and cultural significance and the emotional distress of many residents, a 200-year-old Utu tree in Titikaveka was removed due to safety concerns from its deteriorated condition, sparking a debate about balancing tradition and public safety.
Decline in reo Māori speakers addressed in Parliament
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Parliament
Minister for Education, Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa has acknowledged that while language is important in the classrooms, it is also vital to remember that speaking reo Maori starts from home.
Govt reviews future of Auckland consulate office
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The future of the Cook Islands Consulate office in Auckland remains uncertain as the government reviews its international diplomatic presence.
Historic 200 year old tree removed
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
One of the oldest trees in front of the Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) which survived for over 200 years was taken down yesterday as it posed safety risks and alleged damages to its surrounding.
Government to seek update on China’s naval exercises
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
As concerns continue to emerge over China’s ‘unusual’ naval exercises in the Tasman Sea raising eyebrows from New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands government was questioned for an update in parliament yesterday.
New national security agency to combat transnational crimes
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that the newly formed National Security Agency is part of the nation’s development and growth in part of the regional network of nations that are working together to combat transnational crimes.
Govt explores China’s advanced tech: Potential solutions to aging battery systems in the Pa Enua
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Technology
The Cook Islands government is looking to China for potential solutions to the aging battery systems as part of its effort to maintain renewable energy in the Pa Enua.
PM Brown writes to NZ PM Luxon: Time to sit and discuss matters through diplomatic channels
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown says it is time for the New Zealand and Cook Islands government to sit together and discuss matters through their diplomatic channels.
PM Brown and Cabinet survive vote of no confidence
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Prime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed the democratic process that took place in Parliament yesterday after he and his Cabinet successfully defeated a vote of no confidence by 13 votes to nine.
Aircraft back in air after repair
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
The Hawaiian airline’s Airbus A321, which was grounded for almost two weeks, is finally back in the air and has returned to service after undergoing repairs.
PM accuses NZ media, experts of thinking ‘we are too dumb’
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
Cook Islands Prime Minister has hit out at the New Zealand media and experts for their ‘ludicrous’ and ‘ignorant’ perspectives on the Cook Islands’ recent deals with China, implying they view the island nation as ‘too dumb’ to understand the implications of its own decisions.
‘Not enough’: Opposition MPs call for more police funding
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Opposition MPs have strongly criticised allocations in the $68 million Supplementary Budget, calling for greater prioritisation of the police force and less spending on government travel.
Protesters rally for new leadership amid no-confidence delay
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
A small group of women protesters, who supported last week’s rally against the government and its decision-making on key national issues, were out again with their placards, calling for new leadership.
Hunter seeks shorter term as PSC head
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Public Service Commissioner, Carl Sean Hunter, recently reappointed to his position, has confirmed that he requested a two-year term.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms to persist: Met
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
The ongoing heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting both the Northern and Southern Cook Islands are expected to continue, warned the Cook Islands Meteorological Service.
Decades-old Cook Islands ID cards invalid, says Minister
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The decades-old Cook Islands identification card, once used for travel before Cook Islanders gained access to New Zealand passports, are now invalid, confirmed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
Hunter reappointed Public Service Commissioner
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Sean Hunter has been reappointed to the role for another two years by the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters.