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
Cook Islands and China go halves in $6 million inter-island vessel purchase
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Government has allocated $3 million in its supplementary budget to co-fund a new shipping vessel from China, aiming to establish a nationalised shipping service and improve inter-island connectivity, a move that has been met with concern from an existing private shipping operator.
Court briefs
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
Two men were sentenced on Tuesday in the Criminal Court in Avarua following separate assaults on women. One of the men was also found guilty on three counts of assaulting a child.
Lack of updates frustrates victims in vehicle incident
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Visitors left with severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Rarotonga in May 2024 is still waiting for answers, with police failing to provide updates despite multiple follow-ups.
Concerns on new Teacher Development Centre raised
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The recent opening of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Teacher Development Centre, housed in an upstairs space of Tereora College’s main building, has sparked concerns from some members of the community questioning the decision to repurpose it. Talaia Mika reports.
PM: Cook Islands passport no longer being pursued
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed that the controversial Cook Islands passport proposal is no longer being pursued and has assured the public that the country’s relationship with New Zealand remains strong.
Students take on real-world challenges in Solve for Tomorrow competition
Wednesday 19 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Technology
The first phase of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Innovation Challenge took place yesterday at Calvary Hall in Arorangi, bringing together young minds from across the Cook Islands to tackle real-world issues through design thinking.
Cook Islanders rally to protect NZ citizenship, protest government decisions
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
As hundreds gathered in protest against the government yesterday at Parliament in Nikao, one of the main concerns for many protesters was the fear of losing their New Zealand citizenship, or “risking” it, due to the government’s decisions.
Climate change top priority as UN strengthens Cook Islands partnership
Monday 17 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Weather
Cook Islands welcomed a partnership with the United Nations, whose representatives visited Rarotonga last week, to address critical issues, particularly climate change.
Rarotonga braces for more rain,flood risk
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
The weekend and the beginning of next week are expected to experience brief showers due to an active cloud band approaching Rarotonga from the east.
Tereora celebrates student excellence at endorsement assembly
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Tereora College yesterday held its annual Endorsement Assembly, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its students.
Apii Avarua inducts 25 prefects
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
A total of 25 students, including 14 girls and 11 boys, were inducted as the 2025 prefects for Apii Avarua yesterday.
Tupapa needs win to advance
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Football, Sports
Tupapa Maraerenga FC faces a do-or-die situation in the final match of the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 Qualifying today at the CIFA Complex in Matavera.
SBMA to engage public on deep-sea exploration findings
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA) says it will be reaching out to the community, especially older generations, to consult with them about their preliminary findings from the ongoing seabed minerals exploration.
Cook Islands’ century-long plan praised by UN as world-leading
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands and its government have been commended for being one of the few nations in the world to craft a century-long strategic vision by the visiting United Nations Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua.
Pageant drama fails to dim Miss Cook Islands’ welcome
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Features
Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate, who was placed fourth runner-up at the 38th Miss Pacific Islands Pageant held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, received a warm welcome from the Cook Islands community in New Zealand.
Bail denied once again for Arorangi fatal hit and run
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
The bail application for the alleged Arorangi fatal hit and run accused has been denied for the third time by the Criminal Court with the Crown emphasising the seriousness of the case.
Prime Minister confident Govt will defeat no confidence motion
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown remains undeterred by the no-confidence motion filed against him and his Cabinet, despite increasing criticism of the government’s decision-making and initiatives.
Cook Islands, UN collaborate on sustainable development priorities
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National
Cook Islands hosted one-day workshop aimed at enhancing the collaboration between the United Nations (UN) and the country which took place yesterday at the Crown Beach Resort.
Young Sea Eagles look to improve after first round loss to Panthers
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in League, Sports
The mostly-newbie team of Sea Eagles from Ngatangiia/Matavera remains optimistic about their next game despite losing to the Tupapa Panthers 28-12 in round one of the Cook Islands Rugby League’s (CIRL) domestic 13s competition.
NZ waits to see China deal before deciding next steps
Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says they will have to assess the proposed agreement between the Cook Islands and China before determining their next course of action.
