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
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.
Families navigate inflation, businesses stock up for festive season
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
As Christmas approaches, local families and businesses in Rarotonga are feeling the seasonal buzz. While the island’s shops are busy preparing for the influx of shoppers, families are making sure they have everything needed for the festive season.
Cousins bring cool treats
Monday 23 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Local, National
Tiki Ice Cream Café, the new ice cream shop located near the airport in Nikao, is offering a refreshing addition to the area’s food scene.
Christmas in the Park brings festive cheer to Rarotonga
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Hundreds of locals, visiting families, and tourists gathered at the National Auditorium and Domes on Thursday evening for the annual Christmas in the Park event, hosted by Rotaract Rarotonga.
Expat ordered to pay $5000 in reparations
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
An expat mother, Salote Rerealoa, who faced two charges of careless driving causing injury following a collision in March, was convicted and ordered to pay $5000 in reparations, with specific conditions on how the sum should be allocated.
Police to increase visibility during holiday season: PM Brown
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Crime, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community policing following a recent attempted burglary in Avarua.
Ombudsman advises to better inform public
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands Ombudsman Niki Rattle is calling for a public consultation to better inform the public following the Special Select Committee’s initiative to seek public views on the religious controversy around the Constitution and the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975.
Government triples Christmas bonus for welfare beneficiaries
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The government has tripled the Christmas bonus this year for all beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, from young to old, which was normally $50.
‘Christmas in the Park’ brings cheer to celebration
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
The National Auditorium was filled with Christmas holiday spirit yesterday as families gathered for the annual Rotaract Christmas in the Park.
Mother jailed for stealing thousands from elderly
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Court, National
A former employee of the Bank of South Pacific has been sentenced to 17 months in prison after admitting to eight charges of theft.
Court finds man guilty of threats and trespass, sentencing pending
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A man was found guilty of threatening to kill and wilful trespass after a confrontation with his neighbour and will be sentenced on Friday.
Shell-ebrating creativity: Pensioner promotes local culture through handicrafts
Thursday 19 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Culture, Local, National
A retired Cook Islander is making use of the abundant resources from the sea to create unique and culturally inspired handicrafts.
Retired man sentenced for careless driving causing injury
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A retired man, Ariiva Setephano, was sentenced for careless driving causing injury this week, following an incident which left a 16-year-old female with injuries, including a broken toe and grazes to her limbs.
Court commutes prison sentence to probation for drunken assault
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 22-year-old first-time offender was sentenced to two years of probation after he pleaded guilty to charges of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and entering a premises with intent.
Heavy rainfall brings relief to water crisis but cleanup efforts underway
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Weather
The week of December 9 to December 15 saw significant rainfall across several islands in the Cook Islands, providing much-needed relief to the ongoing water crisis in Rarotonga.
Mother sentenced to six months in prison for stealing over $90,000
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Court, Crime, National
A former Vodafone Cook Islands employee has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and 12 months’ probation after being convicted of theft as a servant.
A festive fusion of cultures at Nukutere College celebration
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, National
Nukutere in the Evening, the school’s end of the year Christmas programme, was a celebration filled with performances, joy and community spirit.
Festive season security concerns
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
There are growing calls for increased police presence, particularly during the upcoming festive season, but the government’s plan to reintroduce community policing is not expected to be fully implemented until next year.
Strong wind warnings remain in force
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Strong winds and hazardous conditions continue to affect the Cook Islands, as a strong wind warning remains in effect for both the Northern and Southern groups.