More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘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
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
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Talaia Mika
Atiu cannabis cultivator remanded in custody pending psychiatric assessment
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, National
Chris-Mayne Paiere Mokoroa, the man arrested last week in Atiu for alleged cannabis cultivation, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug utensils, has been remanded into custody following a court appearance on Thursday.
Cook Islander returns home to lead Aitutaki’s Araura College
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
James Kora, the newly appointed principal of Araura College in Aitutaki, is excited to return home to the Cook Islands after spending most of his life and career in New Zealand.
Driver ordered to pay over $11,500 in reparations after crash
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
Terea Ngatokorua Maruaau, who appeared in court yesterday, has been ordered to pay over $3000 in reparations to the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) after falling asleep while driving a rental vehicle and crashing into a power pole in Nikao last month.
Tereora’s induction day and teachers’ conference to commence next week
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
The atmosphere around Rarotonga is buzzing with the back-to-school energy, as parents are spotted shopping for school supplies and uniforms with their children.
High profile suspect named: Sporting executive released on bail
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A high-profile sporting executive charged in connection with the highly publicised property intrusion incident on Boxing Day 2024 has been released on bail and is scheduled to reappear in court next month.
A gust of laughter: Cook Islands Met Service uses humour to brighten up forecasts
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
The Cook Islands Meteorological Service has been adding a dash of humour to its weather updates on Facebook, and the strategy is paying off.
Cool waters and fast movement cause ex-TC Pita to weaken, says Vaiimene
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
As the Cook Islands weathered what was initially anticipated to be a more severe storm, Tropical Cyclone Pita, formerly a Category 1 storm, unexpectedly downgraded and spared the islands from major impacts.
Former Tereora College principal to head revived teacher training centre
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
The Ministry of Education is working to strengthen the local education system by reopening the Teacher Development Centre (TDC), which has lacked a formal teacher training institution since 2005.
Tokoroa Pacific Sharks honour heritage at League Nines in Paradise
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The Tokoroa Pacific Sharks may have finished as runners-up in the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament, but the team’s journey to the final was filled with lessons and pride.
Cook Islands grapples with ‘declining education value’
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National
Cook Islands grapples with declining public value for education as students are increasingly drawn to lucrative but less academically demanding sectors, posing a significant challenge for the Ministry of Education.
Education ministry welcomes new teachers for 2025 school year
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
The Ministry of Education has welcomed a group of new teachers to the Cook Islands ahead of the start of the 2025 school year.
Successful League 9’s in Paradise
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in League, Sports
The much-anticipated 2025 League 9’s in Paradise tournament ended on a high at the national stadium in Nikao on Saturday with Arorangi Bears taking home the victory for this year’s tournament.
ICI begins clean up today
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will begin reactive work, repairing damage from last week’s storms such as pothole repairs and debris clearance.
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.
