More Top Stories
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 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
3000 companies at risk due to Act oversight: Browne
23 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
Helmet safety concerns raised amid enforcement challenges
2 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
STI cases on the rise
2 September 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
Tapaitau appeal dismissed
17 July 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Talaia Mika
Couple turns Covid crisis into organic bounty
Monday 22 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The hardships and challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, particularly with the importation of food, underscored the importance of local food production, especially for a Rarotonga couple who are now thriving with their home organic garden.
Govt urged to take active role in health policy reform
Monday 22 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
The president of the Pacific Medical Association, Dr Kiki Maoate emphasised the critical need for government intervention in health policy making.
Cook Islands to host Oceania Customs meeting
Monday 22 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
The 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference is set to take place in Rarotonga next week, attracting leaders and stakeholders from across the blue Pacific region.
Public backs proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands is establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to secure the nation’s financial future potentially funded by revenue from future seabed mining.
Meals on Wheels delivers hope to senior citizens in need
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in
The harsh realities of life for some elderly people in the country, such as being forgotten by their families or having serious health problems, is the inspiration behind the Meals on Wheels programme.
Chinese province donates equipment to Cook Islands, eyes broader cooperation
Thursday 18 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Cook Islands and China’s Guangdong province strengthened ties through equipment donations and discussions on future collaboration in areas like agriculture, fisheries and cultural exchange.
Minister to make history as first female chair of WHO meeting
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown is set to become the first female to chair the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific meeting in Manila, Philippines, this October.
Training aims to combat plant pests
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
The Plant Health Clinic Training, held for the first time at the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance the skills of the ministry’s extension officers and identify potential plant threats to bolster Cook Islands’ farming sector.
Boost for Aitutaki healthcare
Monday 15 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki’s newly opened oxygen plant is expected to provide a significant boost to the island’s healthcare services, while expert technicians work to ensure its smooth operation.
Cultural revival at heart: Groups gear up for Te Maeva Nui showdown
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With two weeks remaining until the highly anticipated Te Maeva Nui 2024, journalist Talaia Mika talks to two cultural groups who are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the annual national cultural event.
Sibling’s illness fuels passion for healthy living
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
A young Cook Islander, inspired by her sibling’s health struggles, joined Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health to promote healthy living and supports the government’s plan to ban unhealthy substances.
Partnership to boost home healthcare
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
The Rarotonga Home Healthcare Services (RHHS) and Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO) has signed a Health Cooperation Agreement, promising to elevate homecare services in the Cook Islands.
TMO declares war on NCDs
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Government is committed to reducing the number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, with a focus on educating children and implementing healthy lifestyle initiatives within the Ministry of Health.
Charity group brings dental care and training to annual health conference
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in
The Smiles for the Pacific team partaking in the 23rd Cook Islands Annual Health Conference has a mission to provide immediate dental care but also equipping local dental professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to sustain long-term improvements in oral health.
Family reunites to celebrate WWII Coastwatcher
Friday 12 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Local, National, Weekend
A former Coastwatcher who served in World War II, the late Tai-O-Tonga Henry, who passed away in the 1980s, remains an embodiment of unity for his family in Rarotonga.
Cook Islands target oral health, NCDs and workforce at annual conference
Thursday 11 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
The annual Cook Islands health conference kicked off yesterday with the World Health Organization’s new regional director attending and a focus on oral health, non-communicable diseases and strengthening the health workforce.
Over 10,000 taramea removed, Government urged to step in
Wednesday 10 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
After managing to remove over 10,000 taramea or crown-of-thorns starfish from Rarotonga reef, Rarotonga-based NGO Kōrero o te 'Ōrau believes the government should now step in to further protect the reef.
Dinner marks 20 years of Foundation’s fight against breast cancer
Tuesday 9 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Go Local, Health, Local, National
It was all pink dazzling everywhere at the Tamarind House on Sunday as the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) gathered with its supporters to commence the long celebration of the foundation’s 20 years of existence in the country.
Agriculture receives equipment to bolster biosecurity and address wild pig concerns
Tuesday 9 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Ministry of Agriculture received equipment from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to improve biosecurity and address concerns over wild pigs and transboundary diseases.
Insurance provider celebrates nine years in Cooks, pledges continued commitment
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Go Local, National
A regional insurance company celebrated its ninth anniversary in the Cook Islands, highlighting its commitment to the local community and its achievements in providing insurance services.
