More Top Stories
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’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
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
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 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
Aussie swimmers soak up local culture at Cook Islands Games opening
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Australia, Regional, Sports, Swimming
A group of Australian swimmers from Bondi Beach, known as the “4 Seasons Swim”, have arrived in Rarotonga just in time for the 2024 Cook Islands Games. Fourteen swimmers from the visiting group arrived with the goal of swimming and experiencing the beautiful oceans of the Cook Islands. Last night, they were at the National […]
Students dig deep into cultural roots
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Features, Food, National
Students of Nukutere College who participated in the traditional umu making and string band competitions this week were grateful for the opportunities to connect more deeply with the lifestyles of their ancestors.
Nukutere College students string together tradition and competition
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Close to 200 Nukutere College students ended this school term on a high note, reviving some traditional practices and celebrating their culture.
Lewis calls for recognition of teachers’ role
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is calling on the public to come together to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, acknowledging the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
Rising bike thefts prompt rental company’s call for return of community policing
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
One of the most affected victims of the trending bike and scooter thefts across the island, who has lost six bikes through thefts, is calling for voluntary community policing to be re-introduced.
Families outraged over scooter and bike thefts
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are investigating recent thefts of scooters and bikes, which they suspect are connected to juveniles, after three separate incidents occurred on the same day this week.
Licensee anticipates delay in seabed exploration research
Wednesday 2 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Delays in the seabed minerals exploration and research are expected due to opposition and the efficiency of the regulatory system, says one of the three deep sea mining companies exploring the Cook Islands seabed.
Mixed reactions as new water tariffs come into effect today
Tuesday 1 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
As water tariffs come into effect from today, business owners and residents say they have no other choice but to pay.
800 students compete in annual Prince of Wales Primary School Athletic Championship
Tuesday 1 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Athletics, Sports
Close to 800 students from 11 primary schools are competing in the annual CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletic Championship.
St Joseph’s Cathedral encourages unity among migrants
Tuesday 1 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features
Cook Islands Catholic Church Bishop Reynaldo Getalado has stressed the message that every migrant and Cook Islanders should be one family regardless of their cultures and languages.
Tourism honours industry favourites
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Tourism
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation celebrated the tourism industry and its hardworking staff through the People’s Choice Awards, recognising individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the sector.
Children electrocuted, MOCD implements safety measures
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Ministry of Cultural Development has investigated and prepared a report on the electrocution of two children who were performing on stage during the opening ceremony of last week’s 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference at the National Auditorium.
Eight locals to undergo micro-credential course on transnational organised crime
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
Eight locals will undertake a micro-credential course on transnational organised crime (TNOC), which will be recognised at an Australian university level.
Judge finds foreign national not guilty of indecent assault
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
A 55-year-old foreign national has been acquitted of an indecent assault charge by the Cook Islands High Court following a judge-alone trial on Thursday.
Dog attacks on the rise again
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Concerns about the rising number of dog attacks are growing after recent incidents in which students fell off their bikes while being chased by dogs and a tourist was bitten on the side of the road.
Crown alleges indecent touching in judge alone trial, defendant denies
Thursday 26 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
The trial of a man accused of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Rarotonga is underway, with the Crown presenting evidence of the defendant’s alleged inappropriate touching of the victim’s thigh during a car ride.
Crew overtime leads to Jetstar flight cancellation
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Tourism
The strictly regulated operating hours for crew members on the Jetstar JQ130 flight from Rarotonga to Auckland, were exceeded leading to the cancellation of flight on Monday night.
Pa Enua leaders seek help to combat transnational crime
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, National
The lack of resources and security in the Pa Enua to tackle transnational crimes were the key factors driving community leaders from the outer islands to participate in the Transnational Organised Crime workshop held in Rarotonga.
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
Monday 23 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Parliament
The Clerk of Parliament has come under fire for his comments on a radio talkback show that the Government will inevitably win the seabed mining battle due to its legal authority, despite protests and concerns from the public.
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, In Depth
As international experts gathered at the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders in Rarotonga this week, some Cook Islanders joined hands in protest against the proposed deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules containing valuable minerals in the Cook Islands seabed.