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
Bears claim League 9s in Paradise title
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Arorangi Bears have claimed the 2025 League 9s in Paradise tournament as they defeated Tokoroa Pacific Sharks 15-11 at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Tropical Cyclone Pita downgraded to a low pressure, strong winds and heavy rain continue
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service has confirmed this morning that Tropical Cyclone Pita has now been downgraded to a low pressure.
Aitutaki streetlight installation delayed due to aviation safety concerns: Airport
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands
The installation of streetlights along the road parallel to the Aitutaki Runway requires approval from the Director of Civil Aviation due to potential aviation safety concerns.
No charges laid in Aitutaki fatal crash
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
No charges have yet been laid in a fatal crash in Aitutaki that occurred over a week ago, resulting in the death of an elderly visitor.
Cook Islands National Council of Women welcomes NZ High Commissioner
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
The Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) welcomed New Zealand’s new high commissioner to the Cook Islands, Catherine Graham, at their office in Takuvaine yesterday.
Rough seas and high winds take a toll on Rarotonga businesses
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Businesses across Rarotonga are continuing to feel the impact of severe weather as strong winds, rough seas and periods of heavy rain persisted yesterday.
‘A blessing’: NZ passport climbs in world rankings
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The New Zealand passport is the fifth best in the world, offering significant travel benefits to its holders, including Cook Islanders, who largely welcome this despite some advocating for a separate Cook Islands passport as a symbol of national identity.
Annual water safety training offers key skills for marine operators
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) will host its upcoming Annual Water Safety Training, a programme aimed at enhancing the safety skills of water-based operators.
PM Brown confident in Pacific Islands Forum leadership despite political change in Tonga
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Regional, Tonga
The sudden resignation of Tonga’s former prime minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni had left a temporary gap in the leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), but Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown remains confident that the situation will soon stabilise.
Seabed mining must be ‘commercially viable’ in order to proceed: PM Brown
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has acknowledged economic concerns about seabed mining, emphasising that the government will only proceed with projects that are both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.
‘Low chance’ of tropical disturbance becoming a cyclone, says Met Office
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Despite strong winds and heavy swells, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service has downplayed the likelihood of the current weather disturbance developing into a tropical cyclone.
Shutters up, spirits high despite the gusts
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
As strong winds continued to batter Rarotonga yesterday, families and businesses faced ongoing impacts from the extreme weather arising from a passing tropical disturbance.
Public urged to avoid swimming amid high seas and strong winds
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Director of the Cook Islands Meteorological Office, Maara Vaiimene, is urging the public, especially children, to stay out of the water due to the dangerous ocean conditions brought on by Tropical Disturbance TD03F.
TTV welcomes rainfall, urges for water conservation
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The recent rainfall across the Cook Islands has been a blessing for water supply levels, particularly in Rarotonga, as it provided much-needed relief during the festive period.
Govt proceeds with filling top cop position
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown says they have outlined the key competencies required for the new police commissioner and whether it would be an overseas or a local applicant, it will depend on what skills they have for the role.
Clean-up effort in Avarua gardens underway
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
A Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) contractor has expressed disappointment over the amount of rubbish left behind in the town gardens during the holiday period.
Church groups request to amend constitution: PM
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that there have been requests from church groups to amend the constitution that will recognise the Cook Islands as a Christian nation.
Survey highlights local women’s contraceptive use and challenges
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
A recent survey on contraception use and access among women aged 15 to 49 in the Cook Islands has revealed crucial insights into their contraceptive practices and the barriers they encounter in accessing these essential health services.
‘How many more lives will be lost’: MP demands action after latest road death
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Aitutaki is reeling after the recent death of an elderly Australian tourist in a motorcycle accident, marking the third motor vehicle-related fatality on the island in just two years.
Govt neglecting domestic priorities and Parliament duties, says Heather
Monday 6 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The leader of the Cook Islands United Party has voiced concerns over the Government’s recent focus on international matters, claiming it is spending more time abroad than in Parliament.