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
Pacific drug highway threatens Cook Islands, cops on high alert
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
Police say they are actively combating the growing drug trafficking threat in the region, following new reports of drug cartels trafficking crystal meth through the ‘Pacific drug highway’, including Cook Islands waters.
New council president pledges to drive tourism development
Saturday 7 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Tourism
The newly appointed president of the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council aims to further develop the tourism sector in the Cook Islands, building upon the progress made since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Water conference opens door to solutions
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Cook Islands, hosting the 15th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo, has opened the door to various opportunities and solutions, which have proven timely given its current water crisis.
Tourism calls for fair water tariffs
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands tourism industry has raised concerns about the incoming water tariffs for commercial users and has emphasised the importance of fair and equitable pricing for both businesses and residents.
Local gas supplier considers legal action against regional competitor
Thursday 5 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islands LPG supplier is considering legal action against a regional company based in Rarotonga, which refused to sell them gas, leading to supply shortages due to delays in shipping services.
DPM seeks regional support for water, wastewater issues
Wednesday 4 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Cook Islands’ growing water crisis during dry spells, alongside other countries’ needs, are being addressed at the Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference, held this week Rarotonga.
Apii Avarua students dive into diverse cultures during Literacy Week
Wednesday 4 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The heavy downpour on Tuesday did not dampen the spirits of over 300 students and 23 staff at Apii Avarua Primary School, who are celebrating Literacy Week with uniqueness and fun while acknowledging and celebrating the linguistic and cultural diversity among the students.
Pacific ministers gather to discuss water and wastewater challenges
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Twenty Pacific islands ministers have gathered in Rarotonga this week to discuss solutions and ideas to combat water and wastewater threats.
Govt denies muzzling workers, despite environmentalist claims
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
The Public Service Commissioner denies any government protocol restricting public servants from speaking publicly against seabed mining, after claims made by an environmental campaigner.
‘A fair game for all’: No return to ranking at Te Maeva Nui, says Culture
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development has ruled out the possibility of reintroducing the ranking system for Te Maeva Nui unless all participating teams agree, citing concerns about fairness and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Carr elected new president of Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has elected Tere Carr, owner of Lagoon Breeze Villas, as its new president for 2024-2025 financial year.
Inflation eases but concerns remain
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The inflation rate in the Cook Islands has begun to ease, currently at 2.8 per cent annually, but concerns persist over the ongoing increase in prices, albeit at a slower pace.
Living off the land and sea
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
A 69-year-old father, Nato Temu Junior, and his 80-year-old sister, Fever Teira Tana, who live alone at their family home in Tupapa, are living happily and unbothered by the ongoing rise in inflation, which has increased by 2.8 per cent this year.
NES reviews national biodiversity strategy
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) will be seeking the public’s, government agencies and non-governmental organisations’ perspectives on plans to update the Cook Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
A father’s wish: Naea’s unfulfilled dream
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.
Tararo’s commitment to God and family
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A 29-year-old father of two, Bernard Tararo, is setting an example for all young fathers in the Cook Islands that commitment and faith are key to building a successful family.
The General’s greatest gift
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, Memory Lane, National, Weekend
A former Cook Islands rugby star and grandfather of 11, reflects on his journey as a father and husband, emphasising the importance of love, support and equality in family relationships
PM Brown pushes for more funding for Pacific Resilience Facility
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) which was initiated under Prime Minister Mark Brown’s leadership as the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, is currently sitting at approximately US$200 million (NZ$317.84m), only 13 per cent of the initial US$1.5 billion target.
Cook Islands named the world’s fastest-shrinking nation by CIA
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands has been named as the fastest-shrinking nation among 40 countries globally with a 2.24 per cent annual population decline, according to the data collected by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Renowned artist celebrates Cook Islands legacy with new exhibition
Tuesday 27 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Features, National
The “Godfather” of the Pacific contemporary art, Fatu Feu’u, has returned to the Cook Islands to work alongside a local artist and express his gratitude for the place that helped him launch his artistic career.
