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 Talaia Mika
Love in paradise: Fijian couple weds in Rarotonga
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Weekend
On December 21, 2024, Rarotonga became the backdrop for a heartfelt celebration of love as Losirene Dasalusalu and her newly wedded husband, Ratu Osea Dasalusalu, tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.
Aitutaki tragedy: Tourist dies after being struck by motorcyclist
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
An elderly tourist died in Aitutaki after being struck by a motorcycle, marking the second road-related fatality on the island within two weeks, prompting calls for increased road safety measures.
Crime spree leaves businesses and government offices counting losses
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The festive season may have brought new hopes for many but the ongoing crime spree continues to hit businesses as well as government offices.
Escaping the summer heat
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism, Weather
Many believe that the temperature this summer has been hotter than in previous years, leading families, including locals and tourists, to seek relief in the ocean.
Ciguatera poisoning cases reported: Williams
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed that three cases of ciguatera poisoning had been recorded in recent weeks.
Diaspora concerns addressed in NZ seabed mining talks, says PM
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands Government’s recent consultation tour in New Zealand was a significant success, effectively addressing numerous concerns held by the diaspora regarding seabed mining, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Wet weekend ahead for Cook Islands
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in
Despite some clear skies earlier this week, a few showers are expected again for the rest of the week with light rain during the weekend, and heavy rain next week.
Disappointing turnout marks New Year and launch of 60th anniversary celebrations
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Local, National
Despite being a significant event for the Cook Islands, the highly anticipated Te Ipukarea Concert, held on Wednesday, New Year’s Day, failed to attract a large crowd.
‘I know who I am, I have a homeland’: PM unveils 60th anniversary theme
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown officially launched the theme for the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance, which will be celebrated with the weeklong Te Maeva Nui festival in July this year.
Cook Islands drops bids for United Nations, Commonwealth membership
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands will not pursue membership in the United Nations and the Commonwealth due to its inability to meet the criteria for UN membership and existing relationship with New Zealand, which fulfils Commonwealth membership requirements.
Families and businesses reflect on 2024, set New Year resolutions
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
As 2024 draws to a close, locals and businesses in the Cook Islands are reflecting on the past year and setting their sights on the future with fresh resolutions and new hopes for the year ahead.
PM Brown calls for debt relief for climate-impacted small island states
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in climate change negotiations, particularly the failure of major emitting countries to meet their carbon emissions targets and financial commitments.
Passport plan ‘not the best of the initiatives by the PM’: Government MP
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government MPs remain uncertain about the proposed Cook Islands passport, intended to celebrate national pride and identity, with one MP stating that it is not among the Prime Minister’s best initiatives.
Twelve months’ probation for man who threatened to kill neighbour
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man convicted of threatening to kill his neighbour and wilfully trespassing on his neighbour’s property has been sentenced to 12 months of probation, with special conditions attached.
PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.
Three little miracles: Christmas babies born in Rarotonga
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A rare and joyful occasion unfolded at the Rarotonga Hospital this Christmas as three babies were born on December 25, bringing extra cheer to the maternity ward.
Amuri School alumni celebrate 60th birthday with reunion
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki played host to a heartfelt reunion from December 20 to 26, 2024, as former pupils of Amuri School gathered to commemorate their 60th birthday and relive cherished memories from their school days.
Heather opposes Cook Islands passport plan, warns of risks
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather has opposed the Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport, stating that what Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team are pursuing for is not important.
Domestic violence accused convicted for multiple assaults
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man was convicted of a series of domestic violence offences, including urinating on the victim, following a judge-alone trial earlier this month at the Cook Islands High Court in Avarua.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
